ZajednicÌŒar = Fraternalist. [volume] (Allegheny, Pa.) 1894-current, 1956-08-29
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2s, 1856
A CFU Museum


IN recent issue of the "Z'', my colleague,
! the editor of the Croatian Section of our
publication, presented most interesting
and significant suggestion pertaining to the
creation of CF.U. Museum. He reitera-
ted his recommendation at the last meeting
of the Executive Board. We understand
that the Board agreed in principle with the
idea as offered by brother Vukelich, and
the question will be presented to the Su-
preme Board at it's next semi-annual meet
ing to be held in September.
We Americans point with justifiabe
pride to our many and varied colec-
tions of cultural wealth; we take pride in
our great libraries, museums, and historical
landmarks Unfortunately, no American of
Croatian, or on a broader scale Of Yugoslav
descent, can point to a single museum, IL
brary, or educational institution which can
be said to contain information dealing with
the culture and history of his people in
particular Such a rich and colorful heri-
tage must not be lost.
If MEANS of creating a C.F.U. Mu-
scum are available, two-fold purpose can
be served. 1t would be possible to make far
more effective use of the facilities at the
Childrens Home in Des Plaines Illinois. At
the present time, number of the buildings
at the Home stand completely idle, while
all signs point to a continuing decrease of
their future use as originally intended. The
time of most crucial need for these facili-
ties has, in our opinion passed. While these
structures stand vacant, their monetary
value diminishes.
Let it be noted that this is not a propo-
sal to discard the Childrens' Home; it is
q plan which may bring about the realiza-
ton of complete and more valuable use Of
these facilities. AS times change, values
change; we must face the future with plans
flexible enough to cope with these changes.
The rich historical and cultural contri-
buttons of our people stand in peril of be-
ing lost to future generations simply be-
cause significant knowledge is passing from
the scene with our aged folk. The Croatian
Fraternal Union is on the threshold of it's
great and meaningful history; from it's first
days of Muzina and Ljubic, along the ar
duous road of the years to the present day.
Here would be a glorious document of
democratic determination to display in our
library or museum
WE HAVE many fine books and refer
ences here at the Home Office, which
should be made available to our students
and scholars However, this is not possible
now, because we lack proper catalog and
library systems. AS result, the true value
of this material has never been fully real
lied nor has it been of any use to our stu
dents.
With proper catologing and other or
ganizational devices, any and all such ma
terial would be made available Immediately
to those who have need of it.
1t may be said that this idea is of little
or no consequence, but, in doing SO, it would
be made to appear that our history, folk
lore folk music, and entire culture is insig-
nificant. This is hardly conceivable. To what
more valuable use could the buildings of
the Childrens Home be put than to house
for posterity the record of truly noble
people.
If investigation shows that such cul-
tural and historical material can be collect
ed and organized economically, then posi-
tive action should be taken.
In paSSinr