Verhovayak Lapja, 1937. július-december (20. évfolyam, 27-53. szám)
1937-09-30 / 40. szám
September SO, 1937 PAGE ». VSrhovoy Journal ARRIVAL OF VERHOVAY DELEGATES AT DEBRECEN The Excursion of the Verhovay Group to Debrecen anb Hortobágy Another Excursion: On August 7th, a group of about thirty went to Debrecen on the morning express train. When the train reached there,' about noon, a very enthusiastic crowd awaited the American guests. The Arrival: At the head of the group selected to receive the visitors was the assistant mayor of Debrecen Mr. Zold. — He received the guests and greeted them with a speech of welcome, the nature of which was such that it created the best impression with the visitors, making them feel quite at home. The ladies of the visiting group again received boquets of flowers, the gift of the city of Debrecen, to them. The warm and kind reception of the group by the City was thanked by Supreme Secretary John Bencze. When the preliminary greetings were all over the company returned to the Golden Bull Hotel. Still Another Banquet: The City of Debrecen gave the visitors a banquet here, during which several speeches were made. Mr. Zold, the Assistant-Mayor emphasized in his speech how very happy they were to be able to receive as guests the Verhovay group as well as the members of the second generation in the group. He begged the Verhovay leaders to develop this idea further and to continue this commendable movement so that during next year, even more members of the Second Generation of Hungarians in A- merica, will be able to visit Hungary. But in that case, he requested that they include the City of Debrecen in their program and itinerary because the gates of the city and the hearts of its citizens are ever opened wide to receive them, and they await them affectionately. There were more speeches. These were thanked by Mr. Bencze not with a pretty speech but by a half-hour talk on the most fundamental elements in American- Hungarian life, acquainting the hosts and the people present with the movement of Hungarian churches, societies, press, and colonies, their patriotic power, their willingness to build for the future, and the tenacity with which they cling to this land, Hungary. He corroborated his statements with the indubitable proof of numbers. He said, among other things that some people try to picture to the people in Hungary the life of the American-Hungarians merely by trying to catch a glimpse of it from the sheltered veranda of a New York hotel or some other large city. This is not possible. The piture of Hungarian-American life which they secure in this manner is not true to life. It is false, as the “experience” is false which these people try to interpret to those at home. This short word-picture was listened to very enthusiastically and with undivided attention. John Korosfoy: the Vice- President of the Association arose next to thank the people for their warm-hearted welcome. Though his words were rather hesitant and broken now and again, it was apparent that they came from his heart, for their colorfullness was further enhanced by manly tears. He spoke of not only the old country, and the new country but evien of the third place — where his heart draws him alike: Transylvania, torn from the living body of Hungary. It is true, that this deeply effected voice brought the tears to every listener’s eyes. The speeches were brought to a close by Daddy Pálinkás. Swimming in Debrecen: After the dinner and speeches, the company took their way to the justly famous strand swimming pool of the Great Forest of Debrecen. Here in the enlivening waters of the pool and in the shade of the arbors everyone was refreshed. The young people enjoyed themselves immensely with swimming. August 8th: The city of Debrecen furnished the group with an official foreign guide, for their convenience. Under his guidance they visited the Crematorium. Though this not in use as yet, cremation not being permitted by law as yet in our Country, nevertheless it was a point of interest. Later they wrere taken to visit the Déri Museum, to view the marvelously beautiful September 19, 1937 5880 West Jefferson Detroit, Michigan Verhovay F. I. Ass’n:— I can’t possibly express my gratefulnes to the Verhovay F. I. Association for giving the young Second Generation of Hungarian- Americans an opportunity to visit Hungary. This summer’s Verhovay excursion will remain an unforgettable event in my memory for I found Hungary beautiful and hospitable. To me, the trip was especially worthwhile. I was able to visit the hospitals in Budapest and Debrecen, and as a medical student, it was very interesting and important to me. I became acquainted with many of the professors and medical students. I also saw a great number of interesting operations. From my observations I realize that the Budapest University has much to offer in the line of studies objects collected there: then the library and the university there, as well. Naturally, the “piece de resistance” of Debrecen could not be omitted from the program, the great Reformed Church of this “Calvinist Rome”. A Hungarian movie: Sunday forenoon, the Hungarian film, which had already been seen by American-Hungarians under the title “ízen az óhaza” — “Message from the Old Country” was showm for the benefit of the visitors, being run especially for them. Hortobágy: In the afternoon the group went out to the Hortobágy, by autobusses. Here in the midst of an immense crowd, disand famous professors, and I am only sorry that I had not begun my studies there. Therefore, besides enjoying a most pleasant vacation, I also gathered knowledge which will be of use in my future work. It was very difficult to say good-bye to Hungary because I met so many interesting people and made a number of close friendships. I carefully observed every interesting sight, became acquainted with Hungarian customs and traditions só that if I could never see it again, I will be able to carry the memory of this summer’s experiences in my memory forever. I can truthfully say that the hospitality and friendliness of the Hungarian people cannot be matched anywhere in the whole world. Again, I express my sineerest gratitude to the Verhovay for a most enjoyable and worthwhile summer vacation. Sincerely, Charlotte Mersky playing their irrepressible curiosity and enthusiasm, cowboy — csikós — feats were performed, specialties, herding, horse-racing, driving, etc., for the especial benefit of the visitors. Intermittently there was a radio broadcast with gypsy music in which the leaders of the American - Hungarians a s well as the members of the second generation, were given roles. Kossuth's granddaughter: A very interesting and touching little incident occured during the excursion. A young girl of .about fifteen or sixteen years of age, coming from one of the occupied territories of Hungary, requested the city administration that she be permitted to travel with the visitors. When, to her great delight this permission was given her, it became known that she was a grand-daughter of the great emancipator Loius Kossuth. Everyone had to give her an autograph and a very warm friendship sprang up between her and her A- merican born brothers and sisters. Other visits: At noon, the train from Budapest pulled into the station at Pécs. A- gain an immense festive crowd awaited the group, as everywhere else. During their travels the travellers visited the city of Pécs and spent very pleasant and memorable hours there also, visiting the cathedral, the minaret, and the artificial wave pool. The visitors were registered at the Pannonia Hotel. In the evening, they were the guests of the City. While at Pécs, they availed themselves of the opportunity to visit the national banner, expressing their respect and esteem , by placing a wreath thereon. When the ceremonies and festivities at Pécs were over, the travellers again boarded the train, leaving Pécs for the city of Szeged. THE VERHOVAY EXCURSION WILL REMAIN AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENT ft**i — : i
