Perth Amboy evening news., 1908-06-01
BY
CITY OFFICIALS
Convention Of Ladies' Auxiliary
TO SIOYak GymnastIC Union
SOkOI Is Ushered in.
FINE sYMNAsrIC EXHIBITION

The Slovak population of this city,
together with hundreds of visitors
from other places, held a gala time
in this city on Decoration day and
yesterday when the Ladies' Auxiliary
to the Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol
opened its convention at Pulaski
Park. The ladies are still in session
today and will continue, most likely,
until Wednesday.
The parade, which was to have
been one of the greatest this city ever
saw, was to have been held Saturday
afternoon, but 1t was marred by the
rain and the paraders, headed by a
platoon of eight policemen, marched
only to Bacha's hall In Watson ave-
nue..
A gymnastic contest, In which two
local teams and eight visiting bodies
composed of men from different
cities, opened at o'clock Saturday
morning in Pulaski Park. 1t consist
ed of all sorts Of gymnastic exercises,
including parallel and horizontal bar
work, pole and high jumping. 1t was
divided into the high and second
class contest, the winners receiving
prizes. The first prize in the high
class contest, wreath, went to one
of the three bodies from upper New
York. Second high class prize, GER
tfficate, was awarded to the Pittsburg
team, The first second class prize, a
wreath, was given another New York
team. The second second class prize
went to local team, who won GER
ttficate. Third second class prize
went to Newark, who received a GER
tificate. Fourth prize, a certificate,
went to Boonton, and fifth, also a
certificate, was awarded to the team
from Fords. Two members of the
high class team of New York won
gold and silver medals. The ladies'
gymnastic tournament followed, In
which the New York team won and
received a wreath. Perth Amboy was
second and received certificate.
The paraders, led by the police,
marched to Bacha's hall Saturday af-
ternoon. There the convention of
the ladies' auxiliary as opened at 3
o'clock by Mayor Bollschweiler
Other local speakers were Aldermen
Dalton, Cannon and Schultz, Alder
man-at-Large Voorhees,, Excise Com
missioner John Seaman and Lawyer
s. F. Somogyi. A reply to the mayors
opening address was made by Mrs.
q. Gavatcan, the financial secretary,
OF Makeyes Rock, Pa, Hon. Supreme
President Charles Rehak, of the
mems organization, gave an address.
Chairman of the General Committee
and Financial Secretary Frank Stass,
of this city, addressed the gathering
in the name of the Slovaks, of this
city, and Mrs. J. Bacha in the name
of the local Slovak women. After
the opening session of the convention
the national officers, some of the del
egates and city officials were taken
in coaches to Pulaski park, where
picnic was held until IL o'clock. An
exhibition of moving pictures was
given as well as colored slides of
notable men.
Yesterday afternoon a gymnastic
exhibition was given by about $50
visiting and local delegates in Pulas-
XII hall. Prof. Prohaska's orchestra |
furnished music for the occasion.
This assemblage was also addressed |
by Mayor Bollschweiler, who spoke |
favorably of the Slovaks In this coun-
try. Hon: Supreme President Charles
Rehak replied. During the afternoon |
a concert followed. In one of the
selections the mayor played a brass
instrument.
The Ladies' Auxiliary is in con-
vention today at Bacha's hall. They |
went into session at o'clock this
morning and the committee voted its
thanks to the city officials for their
kind participation in the great event |
and also to Contractor Martin Han
sen, who opened street for their
parade.
All Of the gymnastic teams were
photographed.