William Penn Life, 2011 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2011-02-01 / 2. szám
Branching Out A brief history of William Penn Association Mark your calendars for these fraternal Part One: From Hazleton to Pittsburgh events in 201 I: by Endre Csornán The Association was formally organized as the Verhovay Segély Egylet (Verhovay Aid Association) on Feb. 21,1886, in Hazleton, Pa. The aim was to provide financial help or assistance to those Hungarian coal miners who became sick or disabled. The Association's founding members included 28 Hungarian miners from the three Pennsylvania anthracite communities of Mt. Pleasant (14), Frenchtown (11) and Hazleton (3). They collected among themselves the sum of $17.25, which they used to obtain the Association's charter. Only 13 of the 28 signed the application to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Consequently, they are the ones who came to be known as the 'Founders." They were: Michael Pálinkás, Stephen Arnoczky, Joseph Debrössy, John Eckbauer, Matthew Galátha, Joseph Hornyák, Charles Juhász, Frank Kriszt, George Mikó, Stephen Mészáros, Andrew Ráski, Andrew Spisák and Joseph Uhlyár. The charter was granted in December 1886. Originally, the Association was founded to pay sick benefits only; however, at the annual meeting of 1887, a $30 death benefit was also provided. The name of the society was changed in 1907 to Verhovay Sick Benefit and Death Benefit Society. The leadership of the society until 1909 remained in the hands of the Founders. At the 1909 annual meeting held in Pittsburgh, Pa., new leadership was elected from various branches, namely, Johnstown, Pa., Homestead, Pa., Lorain, Ohio, and New York, N.Y. This change in leadership also raised the question of the Home Office transfer from Hazleton to Pittsburgh, which came about on April 22,1926. By that time, more than 300 branches were in existence in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, Kentucky, Nebraska and 12 other states. The membership increased from 28 to more than 20,000, and assets rose from $17.25 to $1,636,054. The Verhovay would undoubtedly have gone bankrupt after World War I (1918) had it not concluded a reinsurance agreement with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. The reason for this was that the returning soldiers from the European front brought with them the Spanish flu, which killed nearly 500 members. A big change occurred again at the 1923 Convention in Pittsburgh. It was established that premiums were to be based on age and the actuarial mortality tables, a change which drove many disenchanted older members out of the Association. This temporary decline in membership, however, actually strengthened the Verhovay's financial stability as it eliminated those who failed to pay their fair share of the premiums. To be continued next month. Join Hands Day May 7 (Saturday) This day of service offers members a chance to make a difference in their communities through helpful projects that connect youths and adults. 28th Annual WPA Golf Tournament and Scholarship Days July 15-16 (Friday-Saturday) The tournament will be played at Quicksilver Golf Club in Midway, Pa. Accommodations will be at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott, which will also be the site of the pre-tournament reception on Friday evening. Hungarian Heritage Experience July 31 - Aug. 6 (Sunday-Saturday) The experience will again be held at Scenic View in Rockwood, Pa. Instruction in the Hungarian language will be offered at either a beginner or intermediate level. The cost for the week, including lodging, all meals, instruction and class materials, is $275 for WPA members and $325 for non-members. WPA Youth Camp Aug. 9-11 (Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday) Our first Youth Camp will be held at Scenic View. We will offer sports, dancing, Hungarian history, outings and more to girls and boys ages 12 to 18. Registration is $25 for WPA members and $50 for non-members. The cost includes lodging, meals and activities. 125th Anniversary Gala Sept. 3 (Saturday) The Gala will be held at the Marriott Pittsburgh North in Cranberry Township, Pa. The dinner-dance will feature an outstanding Hungarian gypsy orchestra from Budapest. We promise you that this will be one of the grandest weekends of your life, so plan on being there. Ilth Annual WPA Picnic-A Great Fraternal Fest Sept. 17 (Saturday) Our Great Fraternal Fest will again be held at beautiful Scenic View. This year we will be entertained by the worldwide famous Rajkó Ensemble from Budapest. WPA Tour 2011 Sept. 20 - Oct. 4 Again we are planning an unforgettable trip to the Land of the Magyars. Departures will be from Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. For more information on these events, call the Home Office at 1-800-848-7366, ext. 136. William Penn Life 0 February 2011 ° 5
