Magyar News, 2002. szeptember-2003. augusztus (13. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2003-06-01 / 10. szám
In 1960 the Cafe \ i Budapest was held at the | Stratfield Hotel on April 23. The chairman of the ball was Vicki Koltsi (X). Eros Bandi Bácsi (0): ' , Cafe Budapest Debutant Bail as it began fifty years ago Back in the late 40’s some of the members of the recently formed Pannónia Club attended the formal Ball’s in New York City , The Magyar Katholikus Liga Bál, The Piarista Bál, The Magyar Cserkész Bál, The Református Bál and the Magyar Jogász Bál and others were carrying on the traditions and heritage of many happy years prior to WWII.in Hungary. These fancy dress Balls were held during the Pre-Lenten season between New Years and Ash Wednesday all for some worthy benefit. It was at one of these Balls that some of the above mentioned Pannónia club members decided that we too in Bridgeport should sponsor such a Ball for the benefit of a scholarship fund for our youth. Also it was then decided that because of the number of formal affairs being held during the Pre-Lenten season ours would be held the first Saturday after Easter. So a committee was formed with Mr. Andor Erőss , Mr. George Eyszrick, Mr. Kálmán Antal, and Mrs. John Horváth (nee Bette Márky) as the nucleus.. Most of the credits for organizing the Ball Committee should go to Mr. Andor Erőss known more affectionately as BANDI BÁCSI. He became the "fireball" of the organization having much experience in chairing such affairs in Pre-War Hungary. But because his knowledge of English was limited as was that of the Ball committee’s first members they relied on Mrs. Bette Horváth’s bilingual abilities for help. Fortunately she also had some experience in organizing and managing such affairs in the past. So many a meeting was held in our apartment at which time smaller more specific committees were formed. Believe me, the first Café Budapest was no "picnic" as to where, how, when and at what cost the affair will be held. Adverse criticism abound mainly from the American bom Hungarians who had never been to nor seen a formal affair! Why must it be held outside of our Hungarian community, etc ? But Erőss Bandi Bácsi was determined. It will be held! And thanks to the Pannónia Club members (too numerous to mention) it was held 50 years ago in the now demolished Fairfield Inn on the Circle. Needless to say it was a tremendous success!!! Every member of the Ball Committee and Pannónia Club members fulfilled their assignments 100 %. It was truly a memoable evening for all who attended. Proclamations were read from both the First Selectman of Fairfield Connecticut and the Mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut making this date a Hungarian day to remember. The die had been cast and here we are enjoying our debutants being introduced to Society of Fairfield County and also the Hungarian Community at large! The Pannónia Club was able to give deserving Hungarian scholars a bit of a lift in their further studies. In 50 years the proceeds from this Ball have helped such people as Probate Judge Paul Kurimay of Stratford Conn. And numerous others whose names escape me at the moment. None of the mentioned original Committee members ever hoped or dreamed that this Ball would continue for 50 years and still be going strong with its original thought of aiding worthy Hungarian students reach their goals and that the lovely young Hungarian ladies of our area be introduced to Society at large! I do not wish to omit the heroics of the young men who participated as aides to the Ladies in Waiting. The escorts some of whom had waltzed for the first time, and today’s Committee all of whom have played such an important part of keeping alive our Hungarian Tradition.! Jo mulatast! John S. Horvath Sadly Johnny Horváth passed away a few days after he gave this speach at the 50th Anniversary of the Cafe Budapest. We will always remember him and have him in our hearts. Page 3
