Verhovayak Lapja, 1954 (37. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1954 / Verhovay Journal
Verhovay Journal November 17, 1954. CHICAGO CELEBRATION Pictured here is a quartet of veteran Verhovay branch officers with the Verhovay officials who car.ie to honor them at a Branch 50 event. Left to right are: Alexander Korodi, John Matanyi, Joseph Rohaly, Vice President Julius Macker, Frank Tinich, District Manager Frank Kajdi, Field Assistant to the National President Elmer Charles, National Treasurer Jbhn Szalanezy, Field Supervisor Frank Wukovits. The deluging rains which began in Chicago on October 9 and for days caused millions of dollars worth of damage disrupted communication and curtailed all activity — almost all. The torrential rains threatened the fulfillment of the celebration by Branch 50 of Chicago to pay honors to four long-time branch officers, an affair planned for the following day, October 10. But the stout-hearted Verhovayans struggled against this onslaught of nature in fury and somehow, with pitted determination, won victory over the battering elements as they came, more than four hundred strong, to honor four veteran branch officers and key workers at 3:00 P.M., in the Liberty Lounge, 817— 92d Street, Chicago, Illinois. Sunday October 10, 1954 will long be remembered by these members who braved the savage weather to give honor to whom honor was due. Recepients of the Illustrious Citation and Gold Medal were Alexander Korodi, John Matanyi. Joseph Rohaly and Frank Tinich, who happily accepted Verhovay’s token of appreciation for jobs well done and expressed their gratitude for the awards. The banquet event was opened with the singing of our National Anthem followed by the Magyar National Anthem. This collective singing was led by John Matanyi, one of the four honored Verhovay veterans, accompanied on the piano by Adalbert Harmati. Greetings to the well numbered assemblage of the Chicago Verhovayans and their guests were extended by Julius Prokop. Next appearing was Elmer Piszar whose violin selections satisfied his appreciative audience. National Treasurer John Szalanezy, principal speaker, was hailed after his fine address.,It was the unanimous desire of Branch 50 that Mr. Szalanezy, a Chicagoan before his coming to the Home Office, be present at this grand affair. His Verhovay activities in Chicago are fondly remembered to this day and his personal contacts among our members and the Hungarians in Chi cago were very many when he lived there. Next speakers were the Rev. George Thegze and the Rev. William Tatter, Catholic and Baptist clergymen, respectively, the former speaking in Hungarian and the latter in English. The priest and the minister received splendid applause from their listeners. Continuing the interspersion of entertainment with speeches, the singing of Hungarian numbers by Alexander Fritta followed. His vocalization was so vigorously applauded that later in the program Fritta was literally obliged to sing again. Now Elmer Charles, Field Assistant to the National President, who because of the nature of his work, which entails much traveling in the Verhovay field, is no stranger to the Chicago Verhovayans, addressed the audience. The sincere expression of Mr. Charles commanded the respect of the assemblage. Hermina Turner, young and pretty violinist, played so well that she was encored by her appreciative listeners. Next spojie Field Supervisor Frank Wukovits under whose jurisdiction Chicago lies. His were the words of an enthusiastic fraternalist. Chicago District Manager Ernest Taylor and East Chicago District Manager Michael Tothfalussy succeeded to extend their best wishes and greetings. As Vice President Julius Macker, the next speaker, addressed the beautiful gathering he painted a lovely verbal picture of Verhovay, present and future. He spoke with deep emotion in endorsing the union of Verhovay and Rákóczi, a joining which he said would produce major results for the combined membership. Aallressing the feted veteran branch officers in glowing tribute, he then distributed to them their well-earned awards. District Manager Frank Kajdi followed to present additional gifts to the honored guests. Branch 50 itself added these symbols of esteem and thankfulness to Messrs. Korodi, Matanyi, Rohaly and Tinich. In the name of the Hungarian press, Dr. Julius Hovanyi, editor of the Hungarian publication, “Chicago és Környéke,” spoke. It was a pleasure for Dr. Hovanyi next to introduce those members of Branch 50 who have forty or more years membership, their names being: Mrs. John Polovics, Mrs. Denis Gyerko, Stephen Rozgonyi, Mrs. Frank Szabó, Blasius Tolnay, Samuel Bozsvai, Andrew Fejes, Mrs. Andrew' Havacs, to whom corsages were presented by Mrs. Frank Kajdi. District Manager Frank Kajdi, who is manager of Branch 50, deserves hsart.y congratulations for having worked so hard to assure the success of this grand occasion sponsored by Branch 50. Pearl Demeter and Adalbert Harmati are credited for the piano accompaniment for the singing. The Szepessy Orchestra furnished the musical interlude. As for the dinner, the following were responsible for the delicious fried breaded chicken prepared: Mrs. Paul Kajdi, Mrs. John Tatar, Mrs. Nicholas Bertok, Mrs. Charles Kardalas, Mrs. Stephen Sera, Mrs. Andrew Havacs, Mrs. Joseph Farkas, Mrs. Frank Kovács, Mrs. Joseph Rohaly, Mrs. Margaret Livak, Mrs. Stephen Kun; and served by: Mrs. Mary Szabó, Mrs. Frank Kajdi, Irene Orbán, Rose Orbán, Elsie Bacsó, Rose Balazs, Gloria Fajkuty, Irene Bogyo, Dorothy Szabó. At the bar were Stephen Kun, Louis Szabó and John Tatar. CONGRATULATIONS, ILLUSTRIOUS MEMBERS Alexander Korodi, John Matanyi, Joseph Rohaly and Frank Tinich! Success Greets Greater Pittsburgh American Hungarian Federation Chapter Evening A fine program and a sizable group of district Hungarians contributed to a favorable cultural and educational event held by the Greater Pittsburgh American Hungarian Federation Chapter the evening of November 6, 1954 in the auditorium of the American Hungarian Social Club in Hazelwood, Pittsburgh, Pa. This initial public endeavor of a newly formed group within the parent American Hungarian Federation had as its main attraction a Hungarian priest recently escaped from behind the Iron Curtain.-The program opened at eight thirty with the singing of the National Anthem led by Margaret Bársony who was dressed in Hungarian costume. She was accompanied on the piano by Ethel Halas. Greetings to the audience were extended in Hungarian and in English by the President of the new Greater Pittsburgh American Hungarian Federation Chapter, John Sabo, National Auditor of the Verhovay Fraternal Insurance Association. Mr. Sabo urged membership in the American Hungarian Federation and the giving of financial aid thereto. Next to speak was the master of ceremonies of the evening, Stephen Nagy, Vice President of the recently formed chapter. Mr. Nag;y pleaded for reinforcement of the American. Hungarian Federation. This was followed by two beautiful Hungarian numbers sung by Margaret Bársony, Pittsburgh recording artist, who was aecompained by Miss Halas.'" The master of ceremonies then ‘introduced the Rev. Dr. Joseph Medgyes, former chaplain of the University of Budapest who experienced the terror of Stalin Dungeon in Budapest. The good priest, speaking for about an hour, humbly avoided too much reference to his own personal suffering at the hands of the Reds but detailed the horribly unwanted political, religious and cultural changes which have been forced on the Hungarian people. He received a resounding applause at the conclusion of his sad story. Further entertainment was the clarinet-played Kurucz (the name of the ancient Hungarian liberation forces) plaintive notes by Francis Silagy and Paul Shigo. Stepping forward again, master of ceremonies Nagy announced and described the 1954 beautiful Rákóczi Christmas Seals, which were offered for sale at the door. This was followed by a group of young Hungarian dancers, Pearl Fides, Deborah Molnár and Grace Drienka, taught by dance master Stephen Babnigg, who danced lively Hungarian folk numbers. These and the following dances were given accompaniment by the elaborate amplifier-recorder of Joseph Fabian, who operated the apparatus. A duet dance by Carol Ann Markovits and Carol Molnár earned the applause also of the audience. Next two deeply sentimental recitations were given by Mrs. Stephen Babnigg. Margaret Bársony and pianist "Ethel Halas returned for several more Hungarian folk songs. The audience showed its appreciation by much applauding. At this point Bela Bachkai, Secretary of the American Hungarian Federation, addressed the guests. He congratulated the new chapter and spoke at length on the meaning and purpose of the organization of which he is the secretary. ✓ Again Pearl Fides and Carol Molnár danced to the cheerful airs of Magyar music, followed by an individual rendition by Deborah Molnár. Finale of the entertainment was the quartet csárdás dancing of dancing instructor Babnigg with Grace Drienka, and Nicholas Zerinvary with Dorothy Nagy, a thoroughly lively round of dancing. The master of ceremonies ended the program by thanking all who helped make it a success, especially the ladies who volunteered the delicious pastries and the serving of the refreshments. A Hungarian cake, baked by Joseph Bársony, husband of singer Margaret Bársony, was won by Stephen B. Nagy, of Munhall, Pa. The program was ended with the singing of the Hungarian Anthem. Refreshments followed and conviviality lasted until after midnight. Here public regret is expressed to Miss Helen Stipkovits, McKeesport Hungarian singer, who was listed on the program. A change was necessitated in the schedule of the program and, as an unfortunate result, the lovely voice of Miss Stipkovits was inadvertently overlooked in the sudden program change. Miss Stipkovits, and her many friends, we feel sure, will accept this unhappy omission with charitable understanding. GIVE BLOOD CALL YOUR RED CROSS TODAY! * NATIONAL BLOOD PROGRAM * CONTRIBUTED AS A PUBLIC SERVICE
