Verhovayak Lapja, 1949 (32. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1949 / Verhovay Journal
/ March 16, 1949 Verhovay Journal PAGE 5 Verhovay Watchtower By JOS. J. HORVATH Cleveland, O The Tenth Anniversary of Chicago Br. 503 — Banquet In Northwest Hall Attended By Large Crowd. — The 10th Anniversary Banquet of Branch 503 on January 22nd, in the Northwest Hall, was well attended. The members of the branch, the former “Ifjúsági Kör", expressed their loyalty to their splendid organization by attending in a body. Friends of the branch and representatives of several other Verhovay branches augmented the crowd. The anniversary committee, headed by chairman' Ernest Stefely and Manager Frank Balogh did an outstanding job in handling the arrangements and, as a result, everybody had a grand time. Music was furnished by the Kovaes-Suto orchestra. Excellent speakers paid tribute to the officers and members of the branch for their contributions to the causes to which they had lent their support since this organization became a part of the Verhovay. The history of Branch 503, as reviewed by Stephen Huzianyi in the splendid Anniversary booklet published for this occasion, is presented in the following: “A ten year anniversary by a fraternal organization might seem to mark just a short time to most people. However, such ten years represent honestto-goodness hard work and daily toil on the parts of its leaders, and cooperation from its members. And so we come to pay tribute, first, to the charter members of our Branch 503, the eight members who, as previously Ifjúsági Kör members decided- to join with the Verhovay family, in 1938. The charter members were: Frank Balogh, industrious and energetic Secretary; Mrs. F. Kirilla, Rudolph Petrákovics (owner of the Mutual Bottling Company); Joseph Szenassy; Geza Horvath; Mrs. Frank Balogh; Mrs. Maria E. Horvath and Louis Horvath. It might be well to dwell a little on the accomplishments of the Ifjúsági Kör, prior to its incorporation under the Verhovay banner. Frank Balogh, Sr., the leading spirit today, as he was then, was President of the Ifjúsági Kör for many years. That started back in 1931. There was a dancing group organized, directed by the famous John Petid, former member of various opera companies. In 1933 and in 1934 the Ifjúsági Kör dancing groups, attired in Magyar costumes, performed many a Csárdás and toborzó to the thrilling delight of many thousands 'at the Chicago World Fair. These dancing groups, ' numbering 30 couples, also performed at Chicago’s famous International Amphitheatre, at the La Salle Hotel, at the National Folk Dance Festival held in Soldiers’ Field, under the auspices of the Chicago Park District. Finally, the Ifjúsági Kör dancers also performed for various local Magyar societies — all this from 1931 to 1938. This took much hard work and Mr. Balogh was not found wanting. It was my privilege to be a member of the Ifjúsági Kör and to handle its publicity matters and to partake of other duties in order to assist Mr. Balogh. I can truthfully say that, in my opinion, no one worked as hard as did Frank Balogh, Sr., so that he could bring credit to Americans of Magyar descent and to the name of Magyar. In the late 1930’s were held the Chicago Automobile Shows. Time and space does not permit going into a little of the history of these excellent auto shows and the participation of the various nationalities. It can be said that several of the members of the Ifjúság Kör were selected and crowned as “Miss Hungary” by the Chicago officials of the Chicago Automobile Show, which held its great shows at the International Amphitheatre. Various photographs were taken of “Miss Hungary” by the Chicago Auto Show official photographers and sent to the MAGYAROK VILÁGSZÖVETSÉGE in Budapest, Hungary. Incidentally, the costume in which “Miss Hungary” was attired was ordered from famous Mezőkövesd, Hungary. The March 15th and October 6th national Hungarian holidays were also held in remembrance by the Ifjúsági Kör, with appropriate plays to commemorate the March 15th Magyar Day of Independence and also October 6th, 1849 — when 13 Magyar generals were executed by orders of Haynau, the Habsburgh Field-Marshall responsible for countless atrocities committed against the freedom-loving Magyar people. In the field of Magyar plays, the Ifjúsági Kör presented such good Magyar SZÍNDARABOK as “Túl a Királyhágón,” “Falu Rossza,” “Bottal Csinált Doktor,” “Kék Vérüek,” etc. William Feifar, Sr., old Verhovay member, and the late Joseph Kaszas, were directors of these plays. Practically every year the Ifjúsági Kör has held a Szüreti Mulatság, and it can be stated that, judging from the attendances, great enjoyment was found at these affairs. After its incorporation in the Verhovay organization the Ifjúsági Kör, as Branch 503, also held various social affairs. In 1945, notably, was held a banquet and dance for the veterans of our branch. A special booklet, with cover design by Artist-Member Paul Szabady, was printed showing the picture and brief narrative of each of our veterans who served Old Glory. In 1947, Branch 503 for the first time went to the National Bowling Tournament and, among 75 contestants, our boys took 11th place. This is a commendable showing. The present officers are: Joseph “Doc” Hodits, President, Ernest Stefely (recently inducted into the military services), Vice-President: Frank Balogh, Sr., Senior Secretary; Helen Csontos, Junior Secretary; Social Committee Members: Alex Nagy, Louis Stefely, and Felix Horvath; the Bowling Group is headed by its captains: Joseph “Doc” Hodits; Steve Herczegh; Joseph Varga, Jr., and Louis Henczel. These are today’s leaders of the Verhovay Branch 503. We feel that they will follow the traditions of the other years, and that they will bring justified credit to our fraternal organization — the GREAT VERHOVAY Fraternal Insurance Association. New Year’s Eve /This year we had plenty of workers on New Year’s eve at Branch 14, but the paying guests stayed away. Last year we had the best Hungarian orchestra, but this year’s band was mediocre. Yep, times are a little tough and people stayed home to celebrate, or they overspent their Christmas budget and, as a result, couldn’t celebrate. Another thing to take into consideration here in Cleveland is that there are about 7 lodges that have homes, some five churches that have halls, - and no less than forty taverns, and — all had New Year’s Eve parties . . . The kitchen was attended to by the ladies of Branch 14. We saw Mrs. Betty Kadar and Mrs. Joseph Bodnar serving the guests and they really kept moving fast and efficiently. Mr. Papp and Mr. Szendrey handled the lunch ticket sales and Joseph Oralick was in charge of the bar. He recruited such able assistants as Geo Kontur, Sigmund Kadar, Emery Gal, Joseph Szalay, Joseph M. Toth. Ticket takers were Messrs. Hegedűs and Kleri. Admission tickets were so/d by Nick Yuhasz and comptroller Z. Balogh. Mr. Gyuran and son manned the checkroom. , Prominent guests were Mr. Michael Simo, Field Supervisor, with his wife and daughter, Mr. Coloman Kolozsváry Verhovay director, Mr. Frank Oravis and wife, of the Buckeye Cleaning Co., Mr. and Mrs. Kastan, Mr. Joseph Lizer and wife, Frank Rakoczy and bis family, and many others. (fuiet Meeting The January meeting was quiet and there was little excitement except when Mr. Sigmund Kadar resigned as entertainment committee chairman. The regisnation was accepted and an eight man committee was elected, who, in turn, will elect a chairman. Governor’s Inauguration Several Verhovay members went to Columbus, O., for the inauguration of the Hon. Frank J. Lausche, Governor of Ohio. He is personally acquainted with Joseph Szalay, President of Branch 14, Frank J. Pokorny, former House members, Joseph M. Toth, District Manager, of Cleveland East Side, John Elk, Joseph Krupansky and Sigmund Kadar. Also Frank Rákóczi, Manager of the Cleveland Home, Steve Koren businessman, Mrs. Stephen Szabó, editor Louis Tárcái and his wife, and many others. Following the inauguration on January 10th, the Cleveland delegation visited the Verhovay Home of Branch 129 at 1501 Parsons Ave., Columbus, O., where they were grandly entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Daniel George, managers of the home. The Clevelanders really had a good time and they wish to convey their sincere thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel George for their kind hospitality. Thanks, Columbus, Ohio! 6’3” District Mgr. We met Elmer Mille, District Manager of the Cleveland West Side. Director Andrew Kovács M.D., made the introductions. Yep, Elmer is a big boy, about 6’ 3” and must weigh at least 250 lbs. He has an excellent disposition. Small wonder he bowled the enemy over at West High (Doc’s Alma Mater, too!) in football. His last name reminds me of an island, or atoll, in the South Pacific Ocean, among the Carolines which we acquired in the recent war with Japan. It’s located south of the Majuro atoll and is called Jalait and Mille atoll. Why not Rakoczy March? What is characteristic of our heritage? Well, I for one would say the “Rákóczy Induló”. Why not use it then? Let us resolve this year to enter any and all parades throughout the land, where Hungarians unite in marching, to call America’s attention to the plight of the Hungarian people, by marching to the fiery tunes of the Rákóczy Induló. House Committee Meets The old and new members of the House Committee met in January. Directors Dr. A. Kovács and K. Kolozsvary attended. The recommendations of the Board of Directors of the Verhovay were discussed at great length. r Shortly afterwards another meeting was held, attended by Director Kolozsvary. After two hours of wrangling the new House Committee decided to let the officers vote on all issues. Ahem, we can even make a motion now! Bowling Committee Meets The meeting held on Sunday, January 30th, was called to order by District Manager Joseph M. Toth. A letter from the Home Office was read and a general discussion followed. Various questions were ashed and brought to the attention of the Home Office. (All of the questions will be fully answered as soon as final information is available. Ed.) Approximately^ eleven men’s and three women’s teams intend to go to the 1949 Tournament in Detroit, Mich. There may be more, or less. Ho-hum . . . only two and a half months till the Tournament. Shares were taken by Anthony Pinter, Mrs. Gene Toth and Mrs. Geo Kontur. Congratulations were offered to Mr. Bela Balogh and Mrs. Balogh, the former Stevie Senyak. What I’d like to know is how the secretary’s job was wished on me when I thought our affable office clerk, Miss Mary Bodnar, was to be the Secretary? Yep, someone pulled a fast one. Mrs. Mary Toth wanted to know why her name appeared in the Journal under the Entertainment Committee for the 6th Verhovay National Bowling Tournament. We informed her that it was honorary and that all the work would be done by the folks in Detroit and vicinity. Sports Club Launched A Verhovay Sports Club was organized at this meeting, upon the instigation of Joseph M. Toth. President Joseph Szalay of Branch 14 acted as pro tern, chairman and Joseph J. Horvath as pro tem. secretary. Director Coloman Kolozsvary, who attended from the beginning to the end, spoke in favor of the Sports Club. Elections were held with the following results: Joseph J. Horvath President, Bela Balogh vice-president, Mrs. Mary Toth secretary, Tony Pjjiter treasurer, Joseph Oralick and Sigmund Kadar auditors, Paul Bolesic and Oscar Federau Sergeant-at-Arms. The Club has great confidence in Joe M. Toth, because he breathes confidence in the Verhovay. He is honest and sincere and with him the Verhovay is always first. Tidbits . . . Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Toth Jr., are the proud parents of a son and this makes District Manager Joseph M. Toth a grandfather for the second time. Oscar Federau makes good clam bakes and we intend to make use of his talent this fall for the benefit of the Verhovay Sports Club. Louis Városi, son of Mrs. Emery Gal, Manager of Branch 361, is a very good bowler and he hopes to be placed on the Verhovay team going to Detroit. If I had empathy, I would be great. Ex Animo, Joseph J. Horvath c/o Verhovay Home 8637 Buckeye Road Cleveland 4, Ohio
