William Penn Life, 1987 (22. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1987-06-01 / 6. szám
Page 6, William Penn Life, June 1987 By Elizabeth Szabó,Fraternal Director Chicago, Illinois Over the last several months, National President Gay B. Banes and Fraternal Director Elizabeth Szabó have traveled thousands of miles across the northeast and midwest, visiting our branches in many cities and getting acquainted with Hungarian organizations in those cities. It is part of the William Penn’s effort to strengthen the ties between our branches and to forge new bonds with other organizations in the Hungarian community. In its recent travels, the Association met many people who are devoted to preserving and promoting Hungarian culture here in America. Everywhere we went — Chicago, Toledo, Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, New Brunswick, Youngstown, Milwaukee, Boston and Bridgeport — we discovered overwhelming amounts of ethnic pride. We also came across some wonderful and interesting stones. These stories tell of how various members of the Hungarian community and our Association have come to be so devoted to the cause of Hungarian cultural preservation and the marvelous work they have done towards that goal. The Dancers Hungária of Detroit celebrated their anniversary May 17. In Chicago, President Banes and I met with members of Branch 15 as they assembled to make plans for the national bowling tournament in Toledo. President Banes explained some of the new branch programs being developed by the William Penn and encouraged the branch to expand its activities in service and in promoting cultural and educational activities. As we talked with the members there, we heard a wonderful story about Arpad Laczina and his arrival in the big city of Chicago. Having originally come to Barberton, Ohio, Mr. Laczina was a member of Holy Trinity Church there and was acquainted with many people. Father Nicholas Dengl was pastor of the church at that time, and Arpad told us some wonderful stories about the bell ringer at the church, Marias Bácsi. The best story he told was about himself and Frank Balogh and how he got help when he arrived in Chicago. When Arpad found himself without a job in Barberton, he decided to move to Chicago even though he knew no one in that city. On the day he arrived, he started looking in the Chicago phone book for Hungarian names. He decided to call the first Hungarian name he found and ask for help. The first Hungarian name he found was that of Branch 15 President Frank Balogh. Mr. Balogh welcomed Arpad with open arms and did everything he could in the true spirit of fraternalism to help his fellow Hungarian. An evening spent with Mr. and Mrs. Karoly Nemeth gave us a better idea of what the Rabai Hungarian Folk Dance Group is doing in the Chicago area. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nemeth are professional dancers. We talked about the William Penn, a national organization for Hungarian dance groups and the Pontozo. The Nemeths offered several good suggestions. Milwaukee, Wisconsin Hungarians in Milwaukee are involved in one of the largest folk festivals in the country. They are also heavily involved in soccer and are looking forward to the establishment of a Hungarian Center. President Banes met Branch 705 President John Lippert and Branch 275 President Gyula Farkas. Mr. Farkas helps operate a half-way house in Milwaukee. Although the home is for residents, it is filled with Hungarian embroidery, books and wall hangings and, of course, the warm hospitality so evident in Hungarian homes. Mr. Farkas was kind enough to share a very old song book with us so that we could copy it for our historical collection. We also met Mr. László Tarjan, secretary/treasurer of Branch 275. Our meeting was tinged with a little sadness as Mr. Tarjan was resigning due to ill health. He asked to be relieved of the early records of the branches since he is quite restricted in his activities. I presented The American-Hungarian Culture Center in Detroit President Banes joins László Lukacs (right), president of the Hungarian-American Culture Center, and Dr. and Mrs. Edward Szabó at a Detroit affair. Mr. Tarjan with the Hungarian tape, O Jézus Emlékezni Rad. After hearing a part of it, Mr. Tarjan suggested that, we review his record collection and perhaps preserve some of them. We found an interesting record set, Hungarian Catholic Songs, originally distributed by priests in Roebling, N.J. Quite a treasure! Although time did not permit us to review all the records, we assured Mr. Tarjan that we would be back. Later that same day we met Joe Ludan, who is actively working among Hungarians all the time. He is the mainstay of support for coordination of the Hungarian booth at the folk festival. He is also very active in working with local soccer teams. A special banquet honoring soccer players was to be held in May. We also toured the International Institute Building and became acquainted with the director of the International Folk Dance Group which performs at the folk festival representing the Hungarian community. Toledo, Ohio We already mentioned our wonderful visit to the home of National Director Stephen Ivancso and his wife Mary (WPL, March 1987). But, we didn’t have an opportunity to include the photo of the "butchering of the pig.” This is a well-known custom in many Hungarian families. We asked Steve for the photos since there is little collected information on this activity. Of course, while we were there, we got a sample of their excellent home-made kolbász! The Hungarian Culture Club of Toledo and the Hungarian dance group there are also working in the area of Hungarian cultural preservation. The Club owns a facility on Paine Avenue. Their close working ties with the university and granting agencies have produced several film documentaries of the Birmingham area of Toledo. The William Penn helped to support the latest film, Urban Turf, Ethnic Soul, which was developed through a grant from the Ohio Humanities Council. Perth Amboy, New Jersey Once in New Jersey and fairly close to Mike and Ann Hrabar’s house, we wanted to pay a visit. A lovely dinner and a warm fraternal spirit welcomed President Banes and me. But there is always something "extra” that you learn about people when you visit their home. The Hrabars were no exception, only that the collection of items to do with a fireman, a firehouse and all things related which we found in Mike’s house was unbelievable. Needless to say, Mike was a fireman and the house is filled with little treasures and momentos of his Association officers join the Hungarian Scouts for an outing at Mount St. George At the future site of the Hungarian Heritage Center in New Jersey: National Director Joseph Arvay, American Hungarian Foundation President August Molnár and President Banes. Reaching Out The Association learns that Hungarian fraternalism is alive and well
