Page:The Czechs of Cleveland (1919).pdf/34

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

THE CZECHS OF CLEVELAND


Similar women’s societies are the “Sesterska Podporujici Jednota” (Benevolent Sisterhood Union), and the “Jednota Ceskych Dam” (Union of Czech women) which was organized in Cleveland in 1870. These are usually spoken of by their initials. “J. C. D.” has in the United States 144 branches, and about 23,000 members; of these 21 branches, with a membership of between 2,000 and 3,000 are in Cleveland. Mrs. K. Huspaska, 4236 East 128th street, is president of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, Mrs. Anna Baloun, 4315 Trowbridge avenue, secretary. Mrs. Caroline Rychlik, who was one of the organizers and has always been a very active member is affectionately called “the mother of the Bohemian lodges.” “S. P. J.” has 72 branches with over 15,000 members, 22 branches and more than one-fifth of the members being in Cleveland.

Other women’s societies are the “Jednota Cesky Vlastenek” (United Bohemian Women Patriots) and the local society “Vlasta,” which was the first of the ladies’ lodges and celebrates its fiftieth anniversary on Feb. 1st, 1920.

Catholic organizations are the “First Czech Roman Catholic Union”, of which the Supreme President is Vincent Kolda, 4352 Martin avenue, and the secretary is F. J. Adam, 1436 West 18th street, Chicago. The sister society of Czech Roman Catholic Ladies has among its officers two Cleveland women: Mrs. Karolina Tuhacek and Mrs. Marie Kapl.

The “Czech Roman Catholic Benefit Society of St. John Nepomucene” is a state organization, having Frankisek Vodrazka ,2477 East 89th street as president, and Frantisek Jarousek, 3423 East 54th street, as secretary.

A local organization is the Union of Czech Roman Catholic women of Cleveland, of which the president is Mrs. A. Hlavin, 13022 Miles avenue, and the secretary is Mrs. Marie Ineman, 5652 Hamlet avenue.

Other Lodges.

A fraternal organization of a more familiar type is Palacky Lodge, No. 317 of the Knights of Pythias, which was organized in 1889, and now with 750 members is the largest K. P. lodge in Ohio. Its name is in honor of the great historian, who is fondly called “Father Palacky.” Lodge Prokop the Great, No. 708 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is named for that Prokop upon whom fell Zizka’s mantle in Bohemia’s 17th century struggle for liberty.

Business Associations.

The Mt. Pleasant Improvement Club, Frank Mares, president, is devoted to the development, improvement, and commercial interests of that district. Similarly the Buckeye Road Improvement Club seeks the interests of its neighborhood. Its president is Joseph Skalnick, 11414 Parkview avenue.

Outdoor Clubs.

Sport clubs are a natural development of the Czech fondness for outdoor life and recreation. The Czech Sport Club has as its president James Kadlec, 4927 Broadway. The Karlina Hunting Club bears the name by which the Fleet avenue Bohemian settlement is known among the Czechs. The Ohio Fishing Club meets in the National Hall on Broadway, where it plans outings and swaps fish stories. The Rabbit Breeders’ Club attempts to reduce the high cost of meat by furnishing a home grown variety.

32