Magyar News, 1994. szeptember-1995. augusztus (5. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1994-09-01 / 1. szám

HUNGARIAN MISTAKE MAKES AMERICAN GLASS A SUCCESS

It so happened that my wife, Claudia, included the library on the list of chores for the day. Since my son, Justin, was homcon summer vacation, I considered that the long list of chores arc not just for me. With some arm-twisting, Justin gave in—toapoint. He said that he would come with me. This is how we got to the library.

We were supposed to find books on some antique glass. We went to the computer, to that fantastic invention that knows everything. Here Justin took over impersonating a computer wizard. I could only tell him that we have to find some kind of an antique glass. I forgot what my wife told me. Justin with self-confidence ran his fingers on the keyboard. Seeing such skill I was sure that we are going to accomplish everything in a short time. Strangely enough, every time he hit a certain button the same words appeared on the screen. It was “Russian Literature.” We looked at the screen from the left, then from the right, nothing mattered. It was always Russian Literature. The lady in charge silting at the desk noticed that we might need some help. She came over to the computer. Answering her questions, I told her that we were looking for books on antique glass. The name of the glass starts with a C or a K, but it could be a G. I sort of turned my head away because I knew how she would look at me. Then I mumbled that I am sure that the glass is Hungarian. Maybe this helped her because the Russian Literature didn’t pop up any more, and on the screen there was a list of antique glasses. And there was the one I was looking for, “Carnival Glass.”

To save face I explained that the name really started with a C that sounds like a K, and the G was for glass. How could a Hungarian be wrong?

In the early 1900’s the iridescent, metallic-like pressed glass became the mostpopular inexpensive luxury item in America. Then, it conquered Europe and other countries. Four big factories were pouring it into the market place by the tons and shiploads. Over 3,500 patterns were created. It was a great success.

Thumbing through the books, my trained eye came across a familiar word. The word was HUNG ARI AN. I don’t have to emphasize the earth-shaking feeling I had at that moment. This is to prove that a Hungarian just can’t be wrong. The book read: “An accident in a glass-making factory in Hungary about 1858 is said to have re-introduccd iridescent glass to the modern picture.” Now isn’t that nice?

In the second half of the 19th century the Hungarians were looking for a metallic type glaze to use on ceramics. They were trying to recreate a glaze that was typical in ancient China. Vilmos Zsolnay in Pecs developed a tile factory into a famous ceramic producing establishment. Zsolnay asked Professor Vince Wartha, a chemist, to help make an iridescent glaze. By the end page 6

of the century the Zsolnay products came out with the most exciting and beautiful glaze that Zsolnay named “eozin.” Experiments of this sort were going on in many places and since the material of the glaze and the glass arc just about the same, it

The newly renovated Hungarian Cultural Club in Wallingford was the setting for a musical event that warmed any Hungarian’s soul. Six musicians from Budapest, two violins, two violas, a double bass, and cimbalom gave a performance on old and new style Hungarian Folk music. A large variety of regions were represented. The list contained Szabolcs, Szalmar, Kalotaszeg, Dravakoz and many others. We learned that in Bonchid the landowners hired teachers to help the local musicians play the way big city orchestras did. This style was carried on to the local folk music and mixed together.

The members of this “Ökrös Zenekar” studied at the List Ference Academy of Music in Budapest and then researched the folk music in the villages. Not only did they collect songs, but they analyzed and learned the method of music making and also the

DRIP, DRIP, DRIP

The day for the Annual Szalonna Sütés was luckily chosen. In the midst of extreme heat, high humidity and thunderstorms, there was this one Sunday afternoon when it wasn’t hot, humid or stormy. A nice breeze swept along in the comforting shade and the flaming hot fire didn’t feel offensive.

The fire-masters were Béla Margitay, Joe Stiber and Joseph Balogh, Giziké Toth supplied the delicious fresh vegetables, and the ladies were offering their outstanding pastries. Helen Szabó, chairman, took charge of the food and also of the raffle. She donated the prizes, Hungarian ceramics and embroidery, and generously gave the raised money towards the Magyar News.

All-in-all everybody had a good time. Joe Stiber, president of the American Hungarian Heritage Association, thanked the people for coming, but they would ’ ve come anyway. Who would want to miss out on a Szalonna Sütés.

didn’t lake much to stumble onto the iridescent glass.

What is the conclusion? You may not know what you arc looking for, but you could be sure that it is going to be Hungarian. Joseph F. Balogh

special techniques that makes it sound authentic. There were many songs that were known to the audience, and the people hummed along with the music.

The guest musician was Kalman Balogh, Hungary’s foremost cimbalom player. He mastered this unusual instrument with such skill and virtuosity that the audience was totally overtaken.

We should acknowledge Kalman Magyar from New Jersey for organizing the orchestra’s tour in America, also Dr. Balász Somogyi, president of the Hungarian Cultural Society, and Rudi Krizsan, president of the host Hungarian Community Club in Wallingford.

ANOTHER?

Whenever I go on a trip, I always look up the telephone book upon my arrival. I look for a namesake, for somebody who has the Balogh name. I don’t count how many there arc in the book, like my friend Julius Varga docs, I just want to know if any at all arc listed. Well, for the many years I have been doing it, I only found a few that didn’t have my name.

This summer I found a George in Atlanta, a John in Savannah and Dr. István in Jckyll Island. It is satisfying to know that members of the clan—related or not—arc all over the “world.” I also keep a keen eye on Hungarians who are in the public domain.

We were at the famous Jekyll Island. It wasn’t famous for treasures of nature or of historical events. It had its reputation from people who used to live there. At one time, towards the end of the 19lh century, a hundred tycoons purchased the island. It wasn’t a big deal for them since they already owned one-sixth of America. On the list were Morgan, Rockefeller, Vanderbuilt and on-and-on. They formed a club, built mansions, what they called “cottages,” and everything was just for them. Would anybody with a normal mind look for a Hungarian there? The answer is no. I didn’t look. But what has fate in store? I was walking through thehumungus former clubhouse when I noticed a sign on one of the doors. It was a name: Pulitzer. As it turned out, Joseph Pulitzer used to live there before he built his “cottage.” This Hungarian was a member of this wealthy club and spent many years visiting there. He was on his last trip to Jekyll Island when he died on the yacht he was sailing.

As a conclusion: Never give up looking for a Hungarian even in the most unthinkable place. Joseph F. Balogh

MASTERS OF HUNGARIAN FOLK MUSIC