Verhovayak Lapja, 1940. január-június (23. évfolyam, 1-26. szám)

1940-05-09 / 19. szám

• ■ - i .f -'age 2

i My Travel.« Abroad I wit It the Verhovay

Verhovayak Lapja__________

Dearborn Highlights

Having had our supper at the Metropole, we were ready to tour Budapest at night. Since this was our first night in the city called the “Queen of the Danube,” we were “besieged” by throngs of curious spectators, all eager to get a glimpse of real Americans, and inquire about conditions in the wonderland from which we came. Finally, at 7:30 p. m., the huge bus pulled away from the doors of the Metropole, fully loaded with eager and enthusiastic Verhovays.

It was a warm summer night, and as the top of the bus could be rolled back, we took advantage of the pleasant evening air and starlit skies to feast our eyes from the earth to the heavens. A pleasing sight it was as we slowly drove along the wide and well lighted streets and boulevards towards the famous Elizabeth Bridge. Upon reaching the bridge, we marveled at the unexcelled beauty of its surroundings. Crossing the bridge at the approach to Mount St. Gellert, we were face to face with the immense statute of St. Gellért, lighted with bright spotlights. Our eyes wandered to the white walls of the Cittadella at the peak of the hill, and which is so illuminated that it is quite discernible from any part of the city. In corkscrew fashion our bus slowly climbed the hill, passing wooded sections and quaint street lights at not too frequent intervals. When we reached the top and alighted from the bus we were surprised to hear the strains from gypsy violins. Gypsy children in tatters were serenading us and selling small bouquets of violets and roses.

How could a young fellow resist such beautiful temptations? Here and there were park benches romantically set so that a view of the city could be seen at all times. We were dumbfounded. A magnificent panorama of Buda and the winding Danube with a myriad of lighted reflections on her quiet waters was before us, while on the Pest side the great white way of Budapest could be seen ... moving automobiles, the brightly lighted Corso, famous hotels, neon signs, street cars, night clubs and cafes, and the stately Hungarian Parliament building silhouetted

By Alexander J. Goydan

against the cool blue of a summer evening. Along the white way of Pest is centered the gay life of the capital city; the finest hotels and night clubs and the fiery music of millennial Hungary. I can truthfully say that the view which we witnessed that summer evening left an impression with us that will remain forever. We were enchanted by the incomparable beauty of the surroundings.

Next we went to the Ostende Cafe. Tables were reserved for our group and when we arrived we were tendered a grand reception. The orchestra was playing for our benefit. Special requests in English or Hungarian were played equally well by the clever “gypsy kids,” better known as “Rajkós.” Here was a group of talented youngsters ranging in age from eight to eightteen, who played the nation al anthem of Hungary, the most complicated concert and symphony numbers as well. Their music was perfect. They sang solos and duets—natural born musicians indeed. The head waiter saw to it that we had plenty of “fagylalt”—ice cream—and black coffee. Having received our souvenirs of “Árvalány haj,” we took leave of the Ostende to prepare ourselves for the treat of the evening.

Our next stop was at the “Öreg Diófa” inn, or the “Old Walnut Tree.” Set in a quaint atmosphere in the hills of Buda, we could not help but make comparison with our own night clubs in America. Instead of the usually noisy night club, we found a haven with the beautiful Hungarian music of gypsy violins, in an open air terraced garden with overhanging walnut tree branches of a hue brightly illuminated with a myriad of colored lights. We sat in wicker chairs in groups of four drinking wine. The gypsy “primás” lost no time making his rounds, asking for requests and playing them in the fashion that reminded one of the gay carefree days of old Hungary. Verhovay stood this treat and there was no bill to be paid. However, as we left we placed a handful of change into a dish at the exit to compensate the gypsies for the fine music that they had played for us.

We reached the Jardin de Paris at about 11 p. m. and

After writing for the Journal for the last four years—(this month—I feel it is time to change the name of our column—sort of a birthday present. Everyone should know that Dearborn is the birthplace of Henry Ford and that it is in Michigan, so the new title should be sufficient.

* * *

Comes now a brand new idea in the way of social activities—a dance to be known as an “Ibolya Dance” or “Violets Dance,” to be held

found the floor show at its peak. Special boxes were reserved for us, and upon arrival we were escorted to cur seats. We had a splendid view of the show. Our diversion at this third stop was champagne—two different kinds—and black coffee served in very small cups. While sipping champagne we were engrossed by the very entertaining and exciting floor show. As this club catered to an international audience, the mistress of ceremonies announced each number in Hungarian, English, German, French and Italian. On the program was a Cuban dance team doing the famous apache dance; a modern dance team, an acrobatic pair, a male dance team, international trio, and numerous other picturesque numbers which held our interests. During the course of the evening a brief intermission was given at which time the spectators of the revue danced to an excellent jazz band. The intermission was very short. Once again the revue was in full swing. A high light of the evening was the singing of “Szép vagy gyönyörű vagy Magyarország” by the well known Hungarian, Szántó Mária. The Verhovays joined in and sang to the delight of the entertainer and the audience. All the night clubs and coffee houses advertise their places of business as having music from ten at night until five in the morning. The Jardin was no exception. Reluctantly we took leave of the place at 2 a. m. in preparation for another exciting day on the morrow. Two young fellows decided to stay to see more of the floor show, much to their sorrow. During the course of the morning hours they consumed approximately fifteen bottles of champagne (they had company). Their bill amounted to about four hundred pengoes! This cured them—and broke them, too, and they decided to go home with the group after their little escapade.

(To Be Continued.)

on Saturday, May 25th, at the Sugar Bowl, Salina Street, corner of Lowrey, opposite the Salina School in Dearborn. It will be a combination Hungarian-Ameri can Dance so both the young and older members will be satisfied. There will be good food for the hungry ones and the usual fine liquid refreshments for the dry ones. As you knew, Branch 429 is noted for its fine refreshments. We extend an invitation to all Verhovay branches in this vicinity and all the friends that you can bring. Admission will be 25c. Everyone welcome!

* * *

At the same time the above dance was being planned, ideas were submitted for an Ice Cream Social to be held in the yard of 2441 Holly Street some time in June, or as soon as the weather can be depended on. As you members know, we have a very nice back yard here with lots of lawn and shrubbery, keeping it well secluded from prying eyes. Lights (probably Japanese Lanterns! will be strung throughout the place and bunco or cards, with prizes at each table, will be the high light of the evening. Of course, the basement will .hold the usual liquid refreshments and a good time is looked for. More of this will be discussed at the next meeting, which, by the way, will be held at the above address on SUNDAY, MAY 19 at 2:30 P. M.

* * *

Despite the fact that it has been some time since the death of Mr. Joseph László, the family if the deceased wish to thank the Supreme Office for its promptness in settling the claims of the deceased. The family also wish to thank Branch 36 for the use of their flag and all the Verhovay members who attended the funeral. Mr. László was transferred from Branch 36 at the time Branch 429 was formed.

* * *

The members of Branch 429 extend their deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs. Sophia Danes who passed away on April 14th. Mrs. Danes had been a member of the Branch since May, 1935. May she rest in peace!

* * *

Mrs. Samuel Toth and Mrs. Theresa László represented Br.

429 at the Banquet which was held Sunday, April 28th by the St. John and St Stephen Sick Benefit Society.

* * *

The dance that was given by the Democratic Club in Detroit at the Verhovay Home was so well represented by Verhovay members that there wasn't enough room

to go back to get a glass of beer. In all the history of the new Verhovay Home I have never seen so many people. I know how sardines* must feel now— packed so tight one couldn’t

wriggle. About one or two affairs a year like that would increase the coffers of any branch.

May 9, 1940.

With summer just around the corner, picnics are in the air. The members of 429 still feel that the members of 366 should get together at Put-In-Bay. I believe that with the proper coaxing, all the Verhovay branches in Detroit and vicinity would get together for an outing. We could have games, races, and everything that makes for a good time. I like the picnics that have to be leached by a boat trip much better than the picnics in the old woods, with the same old stuff, and the same old boredom. How about it? If Joseph J. Horvath of Branch 366, Mr. Stephen Lutz of Branch 356, Mr. Julius Macker of Branch 36, Mr. Joseph Szabó of Branch 443, Mrs. Joseph Demeter of Branch 388, Mr. Leslie Nyiri of Branch 500, and all the others got together, I think a very nice affair for the summer could be planned where the young folks would also be present. I know from my own experience when the usual picnics at some wooded grove are men tioned I turn up my nose and resign myself to a dull time, while mention of a boat ride with one's whole crowd always makes my toes wriggle with joy. How about it?

* * *

Looking over the last few issues of the Journal, I was very much surprised at the lack of old friends turning out. After all, the experiment of our editors must show itself up as a failure, since so few of our own members leally contributed. There were enough articles in said issues, but not written by Verhovay members. The members of 429 feel that they would rather read news of Verhovay people and affairs rather than something that does not pertain to ourselves, and that if we wish to read about the wars in Europe or about some of the other things that have found their way into the Journal lately, we can pick up our daily newspapers and the hundreds of magazines and books that are published daily. When a Verhovay member picks up his Journal, he wants to see what his other fraternal brothers are doing, and why. I realize that some of the columns that were written were not up to standard, but the majority were just what was needed to spice up the paper. It took us four years to get to the point where looking for the Journal each month was something of a thrill to see who did what and where, and it takes just about one month of experimenting to do away with any interest in our paper. The sole reviving feature was the page called "The Humorous Vein.” That’s what we want, laughs and interest In other people’s affairs. Why does Winchell’s column have more readers than news about the old war in Europe? Because it’s about people we all know.

Columns like the ones written by friend “Dirk” with his humorous outlook on life, and columns like Joseph J. Horvath’s in Cleveland about his fellow members who are always doing something we would like to do have more drawing power than speeches by people we don’t know and about something we can’t understand or don’t care about.

We haven't gotten Hungarian folk tales, especially in installment form. That should just about give ye ed something to think about.

Until the May 30th issue.

—THE FERRET.