William Penn Life, 2014 (49. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2014-06-01 / 6. szám
Magyar Matters Etched in stone Monument honors immigrants & revolution by Erika Papp Faber, Editor, Magyar News Online WALLINGFORD, CT -- Hungarians have a long history in Wallingford, CT, where they began to settle in the 1880's, working mostly in the silver-works of that city. The first documented Hungarian wedding took place in 1883, and this is the date carved into the 7-foot tall granite monument unveiled on Oct. 27, 2013, celebrating the Hungarian heritage of the community and commemorating the Revolution of 1956. Located at the corner of Ward and Clifton Streets, the monument is easily visible to those driving by. Of an unusual shape, one facet on the granite block features several versions of the Hungarian coat of arms, while the other pa] homage to the Hungarian immigrants to Wallingford and the Revolution and Freedom Fight of 1956. It was designed by Csilla Somogyi and her brother Árpád Makay, the latter also being responsible for dealings with the supplier, Rock of Ages, of Vermont. Following the singing of the National Anthem and an invocation by Rev. Attila Tóbiás, Pastor of UCC Church, Wallingford, the new monument was unveiled by Consul General Károly Dán from New York; Barbara Kapi, a past president of the Wallingford Hungarian Club; and Dr. Balázs Somogyi, president of the Hungarian Cultural Society of Connecticut, who came up with the original idea for the monument. Ms. Kapi explained that the memorial is dedicated "to the people who came before us--[the immigrants who] had to be the strongest and bravest people." Mr. Dán spoke of Hungarians making their contribution to the communities where they settled, leaving their footprints. The Mayor of Wallingford, William W. Dickinson Jr. also attended, saying Hungarians give the American melting pot "a distinct flavor." Also offering congratulations was U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who said she, too, was of immigrant stock and appreciated the Wallingford Hungarians' efforts to pass on their heritage. The names of major donors are carved into the side of the monument, while others are memorialized in a circle of bricks surrounding the base. Although originally intended to be placed in a city park, the Club did not receive permission to do so. Perhaps it is even better this way, because it has greater exposure at its current location on the corner of busy Ward Street, a reminder to everyone who goes or drives by. Had it been erected in a park, it would not be seen by as many people. (c) 2014 Magyar News Online, www.magyarnews.org Recently visiting the monument outside the Hungarian Community Hall in Wallingford, Conn., were (l-r): Kata Dobri, a former Körösi Csorna Sándor intern now living in Wallingford and teaching Hungarian dance at the hall; Dr. Balázs Somogyi, president of the Hungarian Cultural Society of Connecticut; and WPA Vice Chair of the Board William J. Bern. U^Ortuiourllíí[SSí,a,i IN ♦OUTlUt tnimrrJMSfWWr Tflt CKUUM UlVt «PT um is« Tt*Pi inrí 1s„?LVstl mwapy 12 ° June 2014 0 William Penn Life
