William Penn Life, 2013 (48. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2013-08-01 / 8. szám
Branch News Branch 10 Barton, OH Branch 40 Martins Ferry, OH Branch 248 Monaville, WV Branch 349 Weirton, WV Branch 8164 Steubenville, OH by Teresa Toth Hello from the WPA branches in Barton, Martins Ferry, Weirton, Steubenville and Monaville! I would like to pay a short visit to yesteryear and showcase a little of our Hungarian immigrant history, culture and heritage. Martins Ferry, home to Branch 40, is also home to Jacob's Meat Market, where I often purchase my Hungarian meats. The Jacob family (of Hungarian descent and WPA branch members) is preserving a small piece of the area's Hungarian history. Beneath their business sign is an engraved stone they salvaged from the vestiges of the old Hungarian Home~or Magyar Otthon—which was built in 1916 on Center Street, very near their market. The home was made possible through the combined efforts of the Hungarian Reformed Federation, the Verhovay Aid Association and a group of Hungarians living nearby. These three groups got together to purchase the property and erected a three-story, red brick building. The third floor of the Hungarian Home had rooms where new Hungarian immigrants could stay until they found employment. The second floor was for dancing; local and tristate area musicians came to play on weekends. Strains of music wafted from the windows where one could hear Steve Molnár, Julius Toth or Val Konahay playing familiar tunes. In the fall, there was a Szüreti Bal. The first floor had meeting rooms, a bar and a small restaurant. There were many Hungarians in this small community, and they really pulled together. A Hungarian The Hungarien Home [sic]—or "Magyar Othon" [sicj-locoted in Martins Ferry, Ohio, was opened in 1916 on Center Street It served as a gathering place for the town's thriving Hungarian community and provided temporary housing for new immigrants looking for work. was mayor for 24 years. The chief of police, head of the water department and other town officials were all of Hungarian descent. Just as WPA is interested in encouraging our young people to value their heritage, these people sponsored a youth baseball team called "The Verhovays." The building and the city thrived. However, years later, a steel company took over the home, and it was demolished in 2011. The engraved stone above the main entrance was then moved across the street to Jacob's Meat Market. Many of those who visited the home or their descendents are now WPA members. We are thankful for the founders of the Magyar Otthon who, like William Penn Association, endeavor to keep the Hungarian heritage alive and growing. Our next branch meeting will be held Aug. 25 at 4:00 p.m. at 63 Meadow Lane, Wintersville. We will be discussing upcoming holiday plans. Over the Independence holiday weekend, two of our members visited the Folklife Festival presented by the Smithsonian: Emily and Joyce Nicholson. They said it was very hot, but they had a great time watching the many performances, exhibits, workshops and demonstrations that were presented. For information about branch activities, please call Joyce Nicholson at 740-264-6238. Branch 14 Cleveland, OH by Richard E. Sarosi As I look back, June was a busy time at WPA. On June 8, the Hungarian Heritage Night took place at Classic Park with the Lake Erie Captains playing against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Unfortunately the Captains lost, but everyone still had a wonderful night. WPA had a table and display filled with promotional items, including the light wand which was a big hit with the kids. You could easily spot the wands in the stadium when the lights were turned down as the fireworks began. It was a colorful fireworks show. Thank you to Branch 14 President Caroline Lanzara, National Vice President-Fraternal Endre Csornán and National Director Kathy Novak from Branch 28 Youngstown for assisting at the WPA table. Another big hit was the face painting that was done by members of the Hungarian Heritage Museum. Thank you to Andrea Mészáros 16 0 August 2013 0 William Penn Life
