Verhovayak Lapja, 1947 (30. évfolyam, 1-24. szám)

1947 / Verhovay Journal

Scalp Level, Pa., Miners Celebrate Verhovay Anniversary

Portrait Presentation At 40th Anniversary Of Branch 59

Branch 59 was founded forty years ago in Scalp Level, near Johnstown, Pa., by immigrant Hungarian miners. The 40th anniversary of this branch, observed on Saturday, June 22nd, at the Firemen’s Hall, would have been a happy occasion had it not been combined with memorial ceremonies. In this instance, however, there was a special reason for this arrangement, for the portrait presented at that time was that of the son of the only living founder of Branch 59, John Nihoff, former secretary. Two members of Branch 59 had made the supreme sacrifice and both were the sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Nihoff, who received the portrait of their second son, Stephen, on this occasion. It was only fitting that the members of Br. 59 pay a tribute of brotherly sympathy to the sorrowing father and mother when celebrating the anniversary of the branch which they helped create 40 years ago . . .

The above picture shows the concluding scene of the portrait presentation ceremony. Mr. and Mrs. John Nihoff are seen standing behind the portrait of their son Stephen. To the left stand editor Andrew Fay-Fisher, District Manager Louis Cincel, branch-treasurer Joseph Müller, Sr., and to their right, Louis Vizi, director, branch-president, Earl Faust,-Commander of V.F.W. Post 795. branch-manager Martin Leber and Vice-commander Paul Brumbaugh. The service flag appears to the right with ‘58’ indicating the number of members having served with the armed forces while the figure 2 above the star stands'for the two Nihoff boys who had made the supreme sacrifice. The names of the 58 soldier members of Branch 59 appear on the Honor Roll to the

left. Veterans of Branch 59 served as guard of honor standing in front of the stage. They are Paul Toth Jr., Arthur Szarka, Stephen J. Toth, Frank Magdalenic Jr., Anton Geiger, Joseph Zeglin, John Horvath Jr., Stephen E. Toth, Stephen Stevens, William Knecht and John Orris.

The impressive program opened with the posting of colors by Post 795 of the V.F.W., under commander Earl Faust. Louis Vizi Director delivered the opening address and introduced District Manager Louis Cincel as Master of Ceremonies. The National Anthem was sung and prayer was offered by chaplain Joseph Fletcher. Commander Earl Faust, after paying a moving tribute to the memory of the late Stephen Nihoff, placed a bouquet of flowers beneath his portrait. Editor Andrew Fay-Fisher spoke with deep sympathy of the parents’ losses and reminded the audience of how much fraternal fellowship means to the suffering and bereaved.

Director Louis Vizi, speaking in English and Hungarian, extended his deepest sympathy to the twice bereaved parents assuring them of the sincere compassion of all of their fellow-members. In behalf of the 60,000 members of the Verhovay he presented the portrait of Stephen Nihoff, unveiled by vice-commander Paul Brumbaugh, to the father, and the flowers to the weeping mother.

Then, John Nihoff arose to convey his and his wife’s thanks to the officers and members of the Verhovay, but after a few words he was overcome by tears . . . And the audience wept with him While Director Vizi, himself deeply moved, promised him to convey his thanks to the membership of the Association.

"Flap pier“ events followed the heartrending scene. The names of Branch 59’s veterans were called by Director Vizi and branchmanager Martin Leber presented each of them with a gift of five dollars and free tickets for the evening.

District Manager Louis Cincel, then, introduced the representatives of the sister-branches and local societies who extended their anniversary greetings, and some of them their gifts, to the Branch. Stephen Lengyel, President of Branch 8, Johnstown, Pa., congratulated Branch 59 and presented it with $5 in behalf of his I j branch. Sigmund Raki of Lodge ) 52 of the Rakoczy Aid Associa- j tion had warm greetings and a | gift of $10 for the celebrating j branch. Stephen Turóczy of Branch 318 of the American Sick J Benefit and Life Ins. Ass’n of I Bridgeport, Conn., brought $5,

I Stephen Papp of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Windber, Pa., $10, George Modok of Verhovay Branch 33, Windber, Pa., $5. Representatives of chapters 1120 and 1155 of the I.W.O., also were introduced.

A dance given in honor of the veterans of Branch 59, concluded the program. Music was furnished by the popular Saginaw orchestra whose happy tunes kept the guests well entertained until the late hours.

For forty years Branch 59 practiced that brand of fraternalism which was so convincingly ^demonstrated at the anniversary celebrations. Driven by the spirit of brotherliness, this branch has grown from humble beginnings to a membership of more than 400, and, under the able leadership of its inspired officers, will continue growing as one of the strongholds of Verhovay fraternalism.

The Supreme President Verhovay Fraternal Insurance Association

ANNOUNCEMENT

I, the undersigned, President of the Verhovay Fraternal Insurance Association, in accordance with Section 6 of our By-laws do hereby announce that the

XXI REGULAR CONVENTION

of the

VERHOVAY FRATERNAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION will be held at the

FORT PITT HOTEL

(Corner of 10th and Penn Avenues) PITTSBURGH, PA.,

Beginning Monday, September 8, 1947

at 9:00 A.M., Daylight Saving Time,

and I hereby request that the duly elected delegates to the National Convention of the Association appear at the above named place and time and bring with them their certificates of election.

Fraternally

COLOMAN REVESZ JOHN BENCZE

Supreme Secretary Supreme President

Next Bowling Tournament Open To All Verhovayans

Directors’ Bowling Committee Announces Rules And Regulations Of The Verhovay Ten Pin 5th Annual National Bowling Tournament To Be Held May 14-16, 1948, In Cleveland, Ohio.

The Bowling Tournament Committee of the Board of Directors, Messrs. Ari, Dr. Prince, Phillips and Smith, met on Friday, July 18th, at the Verhovay Building in Pittsburgh, to set the date and formulate the rules for the next Verhovay National Bowling Tournament. Pending ctfnfirmation by Branch 14, Cleveland, O., the Tournament Committee decided to accept the gracious invitation of this branch and to hold the 5th National Verhovay Tournament in Cleveland, O.

Three days, May 14-15-16, have been reserved for the Tournament on the assumption that at least 100 teams will plan to participate in this great event. This assumption is based on the extremely liberalized rules and regulations which make it possible for every bowler of the Association to enter the tourney. The Tournament Committee has generously acceded to the requests of the participants of the South Bend Tournament and has lifted all restrictions which have prevented many of our fellow-members from attending the last national match games.

The Rules and Regulations of the 5th National Tournament will be received with unreserved enthusiasm by all bowlers of the Verhovay.

' The following is the official release of the Bowling Tournament Committee of the Board of Directors of the Verhovay F. I. Association.

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE 5TH ANNUAL VERHOVAY TEN PIN NATIONAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT

1.) Each Verhovay bowling team shall consist of no more than 7 (seven) members, and entries will be accepted only from teams and individuals who are policyholders of the Verhovay F. I. Association with certificates dated prior to January 1, 1948. New mem(Continued on page 2.)