Fraternity-Testvériség, 1951 (29. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1951-09-01 / 9. szám

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TESTVÉRISÉG

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I IN PLAIN AMERICAN I

A monthly page conducted by Edmund Vasvary

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LABOR DAY brought a glorious occasion for us: the 30th anniversary and the dedication of two new buildings at the Bethlen Home. Hundreds of people gathered there to share the festive spirit, not a few of whom had participated in the opening ceremonies 30 years ago. Members of three and four generations mingled in the crowd — from the dear old lady, from Mrs. George Balia, who 60 years ago already was a charter member of our Pittsburgh, Pa., church, to babies, great-grandchildren of the nioneer Hungarians in America. The weather could not have been more pleasant, nor the large crowd more congenial. Everyone left with the feeling that a new and promising era is beginning at this “show-place” ' of Hungarian-Americans.

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I WAS THERE 30 years ago on that memorable 4th of July in 1921 when we officially opened the doors of the Home, so I could not help noticing some of the changes these three decades have wrought.

What did we have then which we still have? The old main buildng on the hill, a little weatherbeaten but still attractive and usable, a good example of those almost indestructible old structures which seem to laugh in the face of time, — and eight acres of land. That is all. The 8 acres grew to 220, and the number of buildings to six or seven.

What do we miss today which we had 30 years ago? We miss those stately poplars which were so conspicuous and pretty in front of the old building on the hill with their constantly shaking leaves and mysterious murmurings. With pride we pointed them out from far away when approaching the town on the little train. Age killed them hut the hillside is still green and attractive.

We could not help missing the kindly faces of the first pioneers of our charity work: the Rev. and Mrs. Alexander Kalassay who from that day on for many years became real father and mother to children and aged alike. Their graves are almost visible on the other green hillside, opposite “our hill”, — small green spots which would have deserved a few simple flowers on this day.

And we missed a lot of other faces which faded into eternity during those three decades. Kind souls, faithful friends, true Christians all, — may they rest in the assurance that the good work they started is going on with undiminished energy and goodwill in the name of God and humanity! -IWE SINCERELY HOPE that all our members have read in the last issue of “Testvériség” the appeal of our Supreme Council in connection with the rapidly approaching Kossuth centennial festivities which will keep busy every Hungarian colony in this country for several months. We requested donations from our members which our Supreme Council will turn over to the American-Hungarian Federation under the auspices of which the nationwide celebrations will be arranged. Don’t forget this duty and send your contribution to our Treasurer!

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MUCH PREPARATION, expense and official delay preceded the realization of putting our new Hospitalization insurance plan in effect, — but we are selling them now at a rapid pace. You will be amazed by the almost unbelievable advantages this plan offers, — hurry to secure it while you can, if you are under 55! For details consult your branch secretary or District Manager, or the present issue of our monthly wehere in separate articles we discuss in English and Hungarian everything that you have to know. You can write also to our Home Office which will he glad to furnish all information about the plan.

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ONE OF OUR NEWLY ARRIVED D. P.

brothers when asked to join our Federation announced that according to his informations the sick benefit plans of the American fraternals provide even an all-expense trip to Florida and back to sick members, — and he wanted exactly this and nothing less. (The story is true.) '

To our sincere regret our Sick Benefit Department is not THAT modern, probably the only reason for this backwardness being that Florida was not much in vogue at the time when our By-Laws were compiled, — but our Hospitalization plan is so up date that it ALMOST guarantees even the above mentioned D.

P. requirement besides its other numerous attractions.