Verhovayak Lapja, 1949 (32. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1949 / Verhovay Journal
PAGE 6 Verhovay Journal November 16, 1949 New Brunswick Commissioner Honored By Americans Of Hungarian Descent (New Brunswick Home News.) Mere than 500 townsmen paid tribute to Luke J. Horvath, Director of the Department of the Parks and Public Buildings, youngest Commissioner of New Brunswick, N. J., a member of Branch 518, at a testimonial dinner sponsored by the American citizens of Hungarian origin, on October 16, 1949. On the above picture, smiling Commissioner Luke J. Horvath, who is 30 years of age, is shown seated between his mother, Mrs. Anna Horvath and the Rev. John Capistran Body, pastor of St. Ladislaus church, while Mayor Chester W. Paulus sits on Mrs. Horvath's right hand side. TRIBUTE PAID TO THREE AT DINNER IN COLUMBUS — Gifts, Presented to Dr. Joseph Fodor, Service Awards to Andrew Dobos and Anton Tankovits at Branch 129 Testimonial Dinner. — Under the headline “MAT OR PRAISES LUKE J. HORVATH,” the October 17th issue of the New Brunswick Home News described the memorable affair as ‘‘one of the finest tributes paid to a young man, a novice in politics, a veteran who was in the invasions of Guam, Leyte. Kerama Rhetto and Okinawa and was a member of the occupation forces in Japan. In a four-hour program, Horvath was toasted and‘roasted’ by the speakers headed by Mayor Chester W. Paulus and the Rev. John Capistran Body, pastor of St. Ladislaus church of which the youthful commissioner is a trustee.” “We not only honor him because he was appointed a commissioner of the City of New Brunswick,” said the Mayor, “but through him we can do honor to the other young Americans who have laid aside the implements of war and have turned their zeal and efforts toward making America, and in particular this city of ours, a better place to live.” “It was not easy for Luke and his colleagues of the Armed Services to reorganize their lives into a meaningful way of life,” continued the Mayor. “It took courage and stamina to accomplish the great changeover. The going was not always easy and comfortable. It was trial and tribulation all the way, but in the end American courage triumphed.” Referring in the humorous vein to the ambitions of Commissioner Horváth, the Mayor said: “After returning from World War II., Luke had an eye on the White House, being a haberdasher himself, like our President. He thought, however, the first step would be to start from the bottom by becoming a commissioner of the City of New Brunswick. The qualification that Luke lacks in becoming a President is the fact that he is not a piano player.” SUCCEEDS ANOTHER VERHOVAYAN “It is interesting to note,” remarked the Mayor, “that Luke’s predecessor on the commission, Thomas Radies, has become the city’s postmaster.” (Mr. Radies also is a member of the Verhovay, at Branch 618.) “The filling of Tommy’s shoes was not an easy task and his successor would really have to extend himself to a great degree. Luke has done that. He has demonstrated his capacity and his worth to all who have come in contact with him. My colleagues and I are proud of the way he has grasped the situation and worked with us for the mutual benefit of the citizens of the city. His smiling countenance has become well known throughout the entire community. His ambition and willingness to do things has become a by-word in the commission. Luke is the type of fellow who, when asked to do something, if at all possible, you may consider it done.” PAYS TRIBUTE TO MOTHER Mayor Paulus observed that all of these traits were not acquired either in his military service or his civilian experience, but rather were inherited from his parents of whom he said: “Where you find an outstanding man or woman, you can always look back and: give credit to a good mother. Having known Mrs: Horvath personally, I can say that he has a grand, grand mother. . ‘Tonight there is one person missing, who no doubt is viewing tonight’s affair with joy, that is Luke’s father who could not live to see today. But here are his brothers and sisters who feel so proud of the accomplishments of their brother Luke.” “Common sense, loyalty, ambition, tolerance and respect for his fellowman were all instilled in our guest of honor by the influences of his own family. He was taught, to love God, his country and family. Therefore, it is not astounding that he has projected this philosophy into his public life. His respect for the opinions of others even though differing from his own is worthy of imitation by us all. His desire to do right has had a healthy effect on all who have known him.” MEN THIS COUNTRY NEEDS “Luke is still a young man and all of us expect to hear of him for a very long time to come. The very existence of our community and country depends upon men like our friend Luke, and all the others just like him who stand on the threshold of public life, tried, tested and found Sunday, October 9th, was a redletter day at Branch 129 of Columbus, Ohio. A large gathering of local members, augmented by representatives of various churches, organizations, and many out-of-town guests, attended the day’s double event, a dinner at noon and a dance in the evening, sponsored by Branch 129 in honor of three outstanding Verhovayans. The banquet in the Croation Hall was an outstanding success. Grace was offered by the Rev. Nicholas Szüle, pastor of the Hungarian Reformed Church and by the Rev. Father Rhiel of the Roman Catholic Church. Frank Papay, youthful President of Branch 129 greeted the assembled guests and introduced Mr. John Csider as the master of ceremonies. An excellent dinner was served, during which Peter Kocsis, musician of the Verhovay Home, entertained the guests. Following the dinner, the master of ceremonies introduced the representatives of the Hungarian organizations of Columbus: Martin LŐ- csös and Joseph Benyi of the local Reformed Society, Louis Molnár, Jr., John Komjves Jr., of the local chapter of the Hungarian Reformed Federation, Stephen Pirik and Frank László of Chapter 130, Rákóczi Aid Association, Alex Király and Mr. Gönczöl of the Hungarian Reformed Church, Mrs. Charles Marton and Mrs. Coloman Heredovszky of the Susanne Lorantffy Society, Mrs. Alexander Kristóf and Mrs. Andrew Komives of the Séwing Circle of the church, Mary Horvath of the Hungarian Stage Amateurs, Stephen Boros.of the Columbus Grand Committee and Mrs. Michael Olah of the Hungarian Democratic Club. Andrew Fiileky, President of the Columbus Grand Committee conveyed the respects of the local churches and organizations to the Verhovay branch and its three honored members. Peter Kocsis followed with an excellent piano solo which was1, warmly applauded. National Secretary Coloman Révész spoke of the important services rendered to Branch 129 as well as the Association by Dr. Joseph Fodor, Attorney, former Assistant Attorney General of Ohio, Andrew Dobos, former member of the Board of Dito he good American citizens, who ] face the future difficulties as they | may be, with clear vision, courage and with real determination to do and render the best in them.” GIFTS PRESENTED On behalf of the City Commission, | Mayor Paulus presented Commission- j er Horvath with a wrist watch. Public Works Director Herbert D. Daily presented him with a silver cigarette j lighter in behalf of the City Club, Í while Acting Postmaster Radies presented him with a fountain pen and j -pencil set in behalf of the committee. TO WORK FOR ALL After thanking the committee and his.friends for the tribute paid him, j Commissioner Horvath declared he j was proud to have the opportunity of being associated with the City j Commission and promised his friends | to work for- the benefit of all the citizens of New Brunswick, regardless of nationality, race or creed. The other speakers were City At- 1 rectors, and Anton Tankovits, an outstanding officer of the branch. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr. Revesz presented Dr. Fodor with the gold ring of the Verhovay and Mr. Dobos and Mr. Tankovits each with the Diploma of the Degree of Illustrious Member with the gold service emblem. Mrs. Stephen Paul, Manager of Branch 129 presented a beautiful set of silver to Mrs. Dr. Fodor as a token of the sirtcere appreciation of the Branch 129 membership of her husband’s many services and his valuable assistance to the branch in acquiring their Verhovay Home. She appealed to Mrs. Fodor for her continued favor of her husband’s activities on behalf of the Hungarians in the City of Columbus. The Rev. Father Rhiel, the Rev. Pastor Szüle, Mrs. Michael Olah, local representative of the Szabadság Daily, John P. Kelemen, editor of the Dayton Hungarian Herald, former director of the Association. Alexander Gondos, Hungarian newspaper columnist, William Horvath, noted painter from Dayton, 0., John J. Joseph, Vice-President of the Bell Telephone Co., a close friend of Dr. Fodor, and John MeConner followed, each with a stirring address. A congratulatory letter to Andrew Dobos from Louis Vizi, director, Scalp Level, Pa., \yas read and, then, the greetings of the Hungarian miners from the southern coal fields to their former director were conveyed by Joseph Magyar, Manager of Branch 32, Gary, W. Va. Stephen Pirik, Vice-President of Branch 129, delivered the closing address. A very successful dance followed in the evening and the day was concluded in high spirits and enjoyable fellowship. Thanks to the commendable efforts of the committee in charge of the arrangements, this affair will be remembered for a long time by the Columbus membership as a splendid demonstration of the gratitude inspired by the services of men like Dr. Fodor, Andrew Dobos and Anton Tankovits. On behalf of the membership of the Association we join Branch 129 in extending to these outstanding fellow-members our sincere congratulations and best’ wishes. torney Paul W. Ewing, James Kosa of the Middlesex County Election Board, Assemblyman Edward Snediker, County Clerk Edward J. Patten and the Rev. Stephen Horvath, formerly of St. Ladislaus parish. Joseph Kopenczey, chairman of the committee was toastmaster, and Steve Csonka master of ceremonies of the entertainment featuring orchestra selections by the Kara Brothers’ orchestra, Joseph Kovács, concert violinist, Margaret Paulk, soloist, Mickey Kertesz, piano accordion, and John Gross, baritone. Serving with the committee were Steve Resko, co-chairman, William Horvath, treasurer and Paul Merbach,, secretary. The membership of our Association is proud to congratulate fellowmember Luke J. Horvath, Commissioner of New Brunswick, one of Verhovay’s six thousand veterans, who to his splendid war record now adds the promise of a great future in the highly auspicious beginnings of his public career. MICHAEL PUSKAS, Manager, Br. 518
