Magyar News, 1993. szeptember-1994. augusztus (4. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1993-12-01 / 4. szám
SUMMER FUN PICNIC AT CALVIN UNITED CHURCH Magdalene Havadtoy Summer’s heat can be relaxing in Fairfield if taken in stride. Most citizens head for the beaches and cool waters of the Sound, but not the Hungarians. They seek the shady groves, and under the trees enjoy good food, refreshing drinks, and pleasant company. Picnics during the summer months are our favorite pastime. So we gathered again this year in the church yard of the Calvin United Church for a most enjoyable get together, sponsored by the ladies and men of the church one July Sunday afternoon. The pleasant aroma of Hungarian “gulyás,” cooking over an outdoor fire, tempted even the laziest to get up and join in the fun. This delicious thick soup composed of beef cubes, green peppers, carrots, celery and potatoes, seasoned with paprika, was served with fresh rye bread. It tasted even better than the original “gulyás” prepared by the Hungarian cowboys on the plains of the Old Country who also cooked this meal in acast iron pan over an open fire. The festivities continued all afternoon with games and dancing. The lively music was provided by the most modem amplified instruments, which vaguely resembled the old fashioned Hungarian orchestras consisting of a violinist, bass fiddle and czimbalist. However, what was missing in reality, we substituted with old memories. Besides the “gulyás” and the dancing we should also mention the glow of the iron grills roasting the smoked “kolbász” and the bacon. What could be more delicious than the melted fat from the bacon brushed on slices of rye bread smothered with onion rings and green pepper. Towards late afternoon as the fires slowly flickered away, the singing of the beautiful age old folk songs, vibrating from the soul, could be heard. Carl Sandburg, the great American poet was so right when he defined “Happiness” in one of his most beautiful poems: "I asked professors who teach the meaning of life to tell me what is happiness. And I went to famous executives who boss the work of thousands of men. They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though I was trying to fool with them. And then on Sunday afternoon I wandered out along the Desplains River Andi saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women and children and a keg of beer and an accordion.” American Hungarian Heritage Association Page 6
