Verhovayak Lapja, 1953 (36. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1953 / Verhovay Journal
PAGE 2 Verhovay Journal _________________________________________^”'5^ Common Council for American Unitv (LETTERS FROM AMERICA) DIRECTOR LOUIS VIZI RETIRES FROM COAL MINES Abraham Lincoln and Carl Sandburg It has often been said that the character of a nation is revealed in the character of its heroes. Two celebrations — one which took place recently, the other coming shortly — show the world what kind of men have captured the imagination of the American people. February 12 th marks the 144th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln whose life, perhaps more 1 han anyone else’s has become a symbol of the American dream. The story of Lincoln’s rise to the Presidency from the log cabin of his birth, and his greatness as a leader of a nation in crisis is well-known \to every school boy in America. This awkward, earnest man has fired the imagination of such American poets as Walt Whitman, Edgar Lee Masters, annd James Russell Lowell. But perhaps the most majestic of the biographies of Lincoln was written with loving care by another American poet, the son of immigrant parents, Carl Sandburg, who himself recently received the acclaim of his -countrymen on his 75th birthday on January 6th. Sandburg, son of Swedish parents who settled in Illinois, and Lincoln have much in common. Both, honest as a Mid-West morning, lacked formal education. Lincoln said: “There was nothing to excite ambition for education. Of course when I came of age I did not know much. Still «omehow I could read, write and cipher to the rule of three, but that was all.” Sandburg never went to high school. His family needed whatever money he could earn. Both, were interested in sports — Lincoln wrestled and Sandburg played baseball. Both dedicated their lives to the ordinary man, one in government service, the other as poet find historian. Lincoln’s government was ‘ of the people, by the people, for the people.” Sandburg’s poetry was “The People, Yes.” It was the came people that they both believed in — "the farmers, the miners, the railroad hands. Lincoln’s speeches were often poetic. Sandburg’s poetry often catches the living prose of common speech. Both men were excited by life; both were touched by its sadness. Today Americans and the American way of life are under attack. Communist propaganda call America a materialistic nation, her (people uncultured. In these two birthday celebrations, one of the poet, the other of the statesman, is an answer to these charges. Can we find a place in our letters abroad for some mention of Lincoln, whose life reflected the American creed that all men are created equal, or of Carl Sandburg, who has become one of America’s most typical and honored poets. If you can, you will help put Ame-^ rica in truer perspective against the misrepresentations of Communist propaganda. IT’S THEIR SILVER WEDDING «• Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kamensky recently observed their 25th wedding (anniversary with a reception and dinner at their home on 819 Brook Street, Scranton, Pa. The .feted couple were married December 28, 1927 in Our Lady of Victory Church, Gary, W. Va. by the Reverend Francis Dycykowski. Mrs. Kamensky, the former Mary Lutian, is employed by Scranton Talk, and Mr. Kamensky works for DL & W Railroad. Three children were born of this union, one of whom is living. Eleanor is a student at Technical High School in Scranton. The dinner party was given by daughter Eleanor who was assisted by her girl friends. Guests included Mr. and Mrs. Frank Malinchak Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Malinchak Jr., Mr. and Mrs. John Kraynak, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Remish, Mr. and Mrs. John Vallish, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Woelkers, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bartko, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kopko, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Kamensky, Mr. and Mrs. John Kamensky, Mrs. E. Benovitz and Joseph Hayes. The Kamenskys — all three — are Branch 174, Scranton, members. It’s a wintry scene here as our intrepid Director Louis Vizi of Scalp Level, Pennsylvania rests his foot on the front bumper of the new car presented to him by a son both as a retirement and Christmas present. Mr. Vizi worked for 44 years in 'the coal mines. We who personally know the director from the Pennsylvania coal regions know that he is of retirement age, but a glance at this picture by a stranger might evoke astonishment at the youthful appearance and powerful physique of Director Vizi. Well, the good direclor is just one of the fortunate few who are seemingly ‘ equipped” with “built in” fountains of youth. No doubt Mr. Vizi’s high regard for the laws of nature has much to do for his very excellent physical condition. There is no need to rehash Director Vizi’s many Verhovay accomplish ments here for those the entire membership well knows. The simple fact that he has been director so many times, and leader of the Scalp Level and area branches, is strong evidence that he is recognized for the stuff that’s in him. In his article on Louis Vizi, Glenn Sease, Johnstown Tribune-Democrat Mining Editor, incorporates very interesting facts which indeed make the experiences and career of Director Vizi quite colorful. Most revealing unusual facts in Mr. Sease’s very excellent article on Mr. Vizi are the detailed paragraphs dealing with the days when our popular director was a top European jockey who was toasted from London to Moscow. The young jockey rode for a prince. His ward robe was full, and many eagér eyes, some filled with admiration some tainted with envy, gazed upon it. The daring (jockey left his thrilling profession Ito come to America when a foreign power was about to impress him into its service. In Europe Vizi would serve none other than the land of his ancestors — HUNGARY. When Vizi came to America he joined his father, who had crossed the Atlantic before him, in the coal mines. For the next 44 years this versatile gentleman worked in the .mines without suffering a lost time accident. But Mr. Vizi’s thrilling career was not left behind in Europe. As chief of police and constable in Scalp Level for some 20 years, this rugged man several times faced death in the apprehension of desperate criminals. Only the great agility ■—• and the grace of God — saved the life of Mr. Vizi on more than one occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Vizi are blessed with eight children, six sons and two daughters. Four sons served in World War II. Son Edward is in Korea today while Robert is with the Air Force after a stretch in the war zone. Yes, once upon a time Louis Vizi rode to fame on four legs. Now he rides in comfort on four wheels. Good luck to Director Louis Vizi, Rock — of — Gibraltar Magyar! ----------------------------GIVE BLOOD NOW CALL YOUR RED CROSS TODAY! * NATIONAL BLOOD PROGRAM * CONTRIBUTED AS A PU3LIC SERVICE (Courtesy The Tribune — Democrat — Johnstown, Pa.)
