ZajednicÌŒar = Fraternalist. [volume] (Allegheny, Pa.) 1894-current, 1954-12-22
Omaha Croafians
Recap Centennial
Pioneer CrOatS
Settled In 1888

drawing to a close, but before
it becomes just memory, we
would like to recap the role
enacted by the Croatian PEOPLE
of Omaha in their Centennial
Celebration.
Historically, our Croatian
people first migrated to Omaha
in 1888 and formed the present
SITS. Peter and Paul Ps rish in
1917. In 1925, they built the
Parish School, which at pres
ent has an enrolment of 430
pupils. Citywide, they number
about 600 families.
Honor Famous Cardinal
The first centennial event in
which our fine people partici-
pated was the Centennial Pa
rade, held in August and wit
messed by $4,000 spectators.
This parade featured floats of
various nationalities and
groups of this city.
The Croatian float paid trib-
ute to his eminence Cardinal
Stepinac. Bedecked with a car
pet of green, the float to the
rear featured large portrait
of Cardinal Stepinac, beneath
a cross. with the theme "Bul-
wark of Christianity" atop.
Roses bordered the portrait
and miniature flowered crosses
were strewn below. Streamers
of red, white and blue extended
from the portrait to the deck
of the float.
The Croatian national colors
were evident in two flags which
wavered in the breeze as the
parade progressed. Men and
women dressed in the native
costumes were seen upon the
float along with our musical
instruments.
Just as the Cardinal was
silenced, our Croatian music
was absent in like manner.
Flowers covered the sides of
the float and placards reading
"CROATIANS" were visible on
three sides.
Croats Get Big Hand
The second event for our
people was the Electrical Night
Parade viewed by 100000 peo-
pie.
Floats, electrically lit and re-
presenting Omaha firms, were
featured in this parade. Our
people, attired in their native
dress, marched with other ma
Ionality- groups in section,
entitled Builders of Omaha"
This parade was held in Sep
tember.
In the month of October, the
Festival of Nations" was held
at Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum before
5000 enthusiastic and culture
loving people.
The local contingent again
participated with their native
songs and dances accompanied
by the "Croatian Sons" Tam
buritza Orchestra, under the
direction of Mr.. Steve Galovich.
The Croatian group was re-
ceived with a wonderful ova-
ton.
Display Cultural Side
During the month of Novem-
ber, an exhibition of Croatian
cultural life was present during
the Folk Arts Exhibit at the
Joslyn Memorial.
Croatian costumes, imported
linens and other handwork,
portfolios, dolls garbed in ma
tive dress and other household
articles were displayed. Croa-
tan recordings we're featured
at the exhibit.
Cooperation Paid Off
Our most sincere thanks and
appreciation are extended to
all those who helped make
these affairs a success.
Special thanks 60 to Father
Golik and Messrs. Charles Har-
nett and John Varga for their
time and effort in preparing
the float; to the dancers and
musicians for the splendid per-
Torrance during the festival;
to Msgr. Juricek, Mrs. Anna
Stance, Mrs. Mary Dozelencic,
Mrs. Matilda Degmecic and
Messrs. Paul Mindjik and Ted
Udovicic, who so graciously
loaned their treasured posses
sions for the exhibit.
To all our Croatian people
here, we say "zivila Hrvatskaw
Seasons Greetings to all.
Iooonh n C,,psnh