Magyar News, 1991. szeptember-1992. augusztus (2. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1991-09-01 / 1. szám
HUNGARIAN STREETS IN FAIRFIELD Around the turn of the century Hungary was celebrating the 1000 year anniversary of its statehood. But things were not rosy for the peasants and farmers in the Hungarian plains. The incredible productivity of the American farmland just about destroyed the agricultural market in Europe. The peasants left the Hungarian villages by the thousands. ‘Teetered to America a million and half of our men” wrote Attila József, one of the country’s most influential poets. They were looking for work and a brighter future in the New World. Word was passed around to friends and relatives that work could be found in Bridgeport, Connecticut Soon the women and girls were following the men from Hungary. Entire villages started to emigrate, leaving behind only the old people and children. Thus, in the early 1900’s, Fairfield County had the second largest settlement of Hungarians in the United States. Initially the immigrants worked in the factories and foundries and their women found jobs on the sewing machines. They lived in the gray and dull green tenement houses close to the factories. But as they saved some money, they were looking for a place where they could take roots close to the soil, similar to that of their old country. Fairfield, which had remained largely unpopulated since colonial times, began to grow amazingly fast as the Hungarian immigrants from Bridgeport spilled into the area. Three Hungarians, Dezső, Renchy and Greenbaum owned a large tract of land in Fairfield. The story of these is very much that of all the immigrants here in the new world. John Renchy worked in a Pennsylvania mine, Samuel Greenbaum started as a peddler, John Dezső started to work for the West End Coal Company, later became its president, a real estate broker as well as Vice President of the West Side Bank. Together these three men developed their land and called it “KAROLYI PARK” in honor of Count Michael Karolyi, the first president of the Hungarian Republic. The streets in this area were named after Hungarian national heroes, ANDRASSY, APPONYI, BAROS, HUNYADI and RAKOCZY. 25' x 100' lots were sold for about $250, each with one dollar monthly payments. Other streets in Fairfield were named for prominent Hungarians. KATONA Drive after George Katona, an early farmer who started as a shopkeeper in Bridgeport, then purchased land in 1933 in the Black Rock Turnpike section. Stephen FIGLAR had an apple orchard, Andrew VERES owned a farm near the center of town off Reef Road, where he raised animals and planted vegetables. Andrew DUKA was a Hungarian druggist “Uncle Andy” had his drugstore at the comer of Hancock Avenue and Spruce Street Frank TIMKO purchased and subdivided land at several sections of the town. Géza VECSEY also acquired several parcels of land and developed them in the Wheeler Park and Vecsey Park areas. He is widely remembered by the Hungarians in the community for the famous “mézes kalács” or honey cookies which he baked and sold in his bakery shop on Jennings Road. These were cut in the shapes of hearts, soldiers, ladies and saints and then decorated with a hard vanilla frosting. They sold for ten cents in the store, and on holidays and feast days were for sale in front of the Hungarian churches. László Papp EUROPEAN NAIL SALON Judith Racz 16 Fiske St. Fairfield, CT 06430 Tel: 333-1468 MANY THANKS to all our advertisers and those who with donations make it possible to print this publication. I also want to single out a person, Joseph Stibert, who, in a most reliable way takes care of the distribution in the Bridgeport area. He has a long title: “Chief director of the Magyar News collating and distribution department.” Continued A NATION WITH HISTORY ENTERED THE FREE-WAY Hungary is free. This means freedom of worship. That is to build the nation and family on a moral and spiritual foundation. Freedom of speech, that is self-development which is only curtailed by respect and responsibility. Freedom of economic growth, which is taking pride in private ownership and fostering the free market economy. Freedom of cultural pursuits, which is to enhance our unique Hungarian self-expression. And, finally, we are free to be part of the global community. Hungary can pursue its own self-determination. Hungary is rising from the ashes of foreign devastation. There are problems and seemingly insurmountable difficulties. But there is Hungarian ingenuity, intellect and an indestructible spirit. We are people of history and the people are strong and resolute. Now left to its own, it can design and carry out its own destiny. We are not to criticize them for the inherited and current failures of the previous government. It is not the people’s fault that diey have been robbed, beaten, and left by the roadside bleeding. Now is the time for compassion, support and prayers. It is our duty to make sure that the Hungarian heroism and sacrifice will receive its just place in history. TIMKO st TO THE READER As you know the Magyar News is free and you can pick it up at the Hungarian churches at the end of every month. If you wish to receive it to your home send 5-6 or more self addressed, stamped envelopes at a time. We can’t do the addressing. We asked for some token contribution if you so desire but you still have to send the envelopes. /Editor/.
