Brief History of the Czechoslovak National Council of America

During the First World War, two Czech-American groups and one Slovak-American group had similar goals: a nation of Czechs and Slovaks independent of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The CNCA was established in 1918 to coordinate the fundraising efforts and political advocacy of these groups. After the war, the CNCA focussed more on cultural activities but was reconstituted upon the Nazi dismemberment of Czechoslovakia. During the Second World War, the CNCA established a press bureau and published a weekly bulletin , News Flashes from Czechoslovakia Under Nazi Domination , as well as a number of books about the Nazi occupation. The CNCA also worked closely with the exiled Czechoslovak government in London. The CNCA raised nearly $2.3 million and donated 3 million pounds of clothing for war relief.

The CNCA took a strong anti-Communist stance throughout the existence of the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia. Through its Czech- and English-language publications, political lobbying, and public protests, the CNCA took the opportunity to inform Americans about the political, social and economic realities in Communist Czechoslovakia. The CNCA also provided aid to Czechoslovak political refugees, especially after the Communist coup in 1948 and the Soviet invasion in 1968.

With the fall of the Communist regime in 1989, the CNCA shifted its focus from an anti-Communist stance to one in support of a free and democratic Czechoslovakia, and its successor states, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The CNCA also gave a total of $25,000 in support of the NCSML's capital campaign.

HISTORY OF THE CZECHOSLOVAK NATIONAL COUNCIL OF AMERICA

From Panorama: A Historical Review of Czechs and Slovaks in the United States of America. Cicero, Illinois: Czechoslovak National Council of America, 1970.

In the new land, Czech and Slovak immigrants felt a desperate need to meet other countrymen. There was the great language handicap, a nostalgic longing for friends and old ties, and the feeling of being "greenhorns," discriminated against and unprotected in a strange land. Thus they sought out one another, helped one another, grouped together, established fraternal societies, singing choirs, theatrical clubs, Sokol units, libraries; they built churches, schools and national halls. That they could accomplish so much, in so short a time, out of their meager wages, is a marvelous testimony to their diligence, native intelligence, sense of responsibility, and desire for

a better life. In Chicago alone there were several hundred small and large clubs and organizations at one time. Being strong individualists and differing in their religious beliefs (Catholics, freethinkers, Protestants) they lacked a national supra-organization, although several attempts had been made at establishing an organization which could represent all. In 1865, a convention was called of Slovanská lípa, the educational society fashioned after the patriotic organization founded in Bohemia, which was first established in the United States in Detroit in 1857, followed by a second chapter in St. Louis, Mo. in 1859. Soon there were 35 chapters of Lípa in Czech communities. The convention met in Chicago and was presided over by Charles Jonáš, editor of Slavic of Racine, Wis. (who later became Lt. Governor of the state of Wisconsin). At this meeting Národní jednota (National Unity) was founded, but soon ceased to exist. Some of the local organizations joined the first fraternal organization Cesko-Slovanská podporující spoleccnost, known as CSPS, founded in St. Louis, Mo., which finally evolved into the present Ceskoslovenské spolky v Americe CSA (Czechoslovak Society of America).

A second attempt at national unity was initiated by Lev J. Palda, the first organizer of the Czech workingmen's labor movement in America. The foremost propagators of the idea of unity were Jan Rosický, future founder of the strong Western Bohemian Fraternal Assn. and Professor Bohumil Šimek, American-born, who became an effective secretary. Although the National Committee was active only five years and went under in the economic depression of 1896, it nevertheless performed outstanding service. In 1892, the Committee sponsored impressive celebrations of Jan Amos Komenský (Comenius), commemorating the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great educator and humanitarian of all nations, and managed to publish articles in the American press, quite an achievement for immigrants at that time; it published the first History of Bohemia in English by Robert H. Vickers: furthermore, it started publishing the first Czech newspaper in English about Bohemia and the Czech issue for the American public. It was called The Bohemian Voice and its first editor was Thomas Capek, the author of several important studies on Czech immigrants. Its second editor was Prof. J. J. Král. It was the first publication to approach the Slovaks in the United States, whose leading representative Petr A. Rovnianek became a member of the Committee. Among its achievements was Czech Day at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, a glorious event for the Czech immigrants who for the first time had the opportunity of presenting their culture on a high level to the American public. The famous composer Antonín Dvorák conducted a Czech program. The Committee also organized a tour to the Ethnographic Exposition in Prague in 1895 and brought to the Náprstek Museum valuable Americana pertaining to the life of the Czechs in the United States.

The Slovaks organized similarly in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1907. The chief organizers were Rev. Štefán Furdek, a pastor at a Czech parish in Cleveland, and Petr A. Rovnianek, who had been working with the Czechs for many years. The idea which prompted the Slovaks to get together for joint action in the Slovenská líga (Slovak League) was the propaganda tour of Grof Apponyi to the United States. In Hungary, Magyar oppression was so great that Slovaks were threatened with national extinction and Count Apponyi was a dangerous enemy. Slovak Catholics and Protestants joined in presenting a memorandum demanding autonomy for Slovakia.

Another attempt at a representative national organization was the Cesko-americká národní rada (Czech-American National Council), founded in Chicago in 1910 by E. St. Vráz, explorer, writer and lecturer. He was active all over the United States and visited probably every known Czech settlement, lecturing and spreading the Czech idea. In Chicago, the Council's cause was promoted by editor R. J. Pšenka of Svornost, Jarka Košar, the well-known Sokol leader, Joseph Triner, Sr., Charles Vopicka (who later became Minister Plenipotentiary to the Balkans), Prof. Jaroslav J. Zmrhal, who handled English publicity, and Dr. Ludvík Fisher, who was to play an important part in the Czech National Alliance during the war.

During its existence, the Council was instrumental in placing the teaching of Czech on the curriculum of Chicago public schools. Altogether there were 2,000 students taking Czech, an unsurpassed record. Prof. Zmrhal and E. St. Vráz, who had a fine collection of colored slides of Bohemia, lectured in large school auditoriums.

The Council lasted until 1915, when the world war necessitated a reorganization of Czech and Slovak participation in the movement for independence.

Beside the Czech-American National Council there was the Cesko-americká tisková kancelár (Bohemian American Press Association) established in 1909 and financed by František Korbel and directed by Dr. Jaroslav S. Vojan. As a young university law student in Prague, Korbel had taken part in the short-lived revolution of 1848, fled to America, and finally settled near San Francisco where he transformed virgin land into vineyards and established the well-known firm of Korbel wines. The press bureau had a twofold purpose: to inform its Czech readers in Czech about cultural and political events and to inform the American public about Czech aspirations, The Czechs had to make known their national identity; until then, if they were not classified as former Austrians by an uninformed public, they were thought of vaguely as "Bohemians" coming from somewhere, and the fact that Webster's dictionary defined a Bohemian as a gypsy, did not help. There was strong German influence in public life, for instance in the Chicago City Hall, where the Irish because of their anti-British sentiments sided with the Germans. To offset the German influence, the Bureau arranged for a lecture tour of Count Francis Lützow, statesman and historian, author of the history of Bohemia, published by Everyman's Library in 1896 in London. It was hoped that the Count's prestige, high social standing and erudition would impress the American public. Count Lützow lectured on the history of Bohemia in many American universities and even addressed the Congress of the United States. Also successful, on another level, were the popular lectures on Bohemia and the Bohemians by Burton Holmes.

Czech patriotic fervor flared into action the day Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia at a great rally at Pilsen Park in Chicago. Many Czech patriots understood that this was the long-awaited opportunity to defeat the Hapsburg monarchy and to strike out for independence. Immediately relief committees were organized to help Serbia; the first collection for political action was initiated already on August 12. 1914, by editor Jan Janák in Omaha, Nebraska. On September 2, a joint meeting was called for united action by Vráz in the name of the Council, Vojan for the Bureau, and J. F. Štepina of the Relief Committee (Štepina of American State Bank was to be known as "the banker of the revolution" in the days to come). It was decided that these organizations must merge; others joined, the fraternal societies, Sokols, and the socialists; out of the merger there came into being the Ceské národní sdružení (Czech National Alliance), which was to play such an important part in the cause of Czechoslovak independence. Dr. L. Fisher was elected president; Karel Vinklárek, secretary, soon replaced by Dr. Vojan and Josef Tvrzický. When Vojta Beneš (whose brother Dr. Edvard Beneš was one of Professor Masaryk's disciples and helpers in Europe) arrived from Bohemia, chapters were organized throughout the United States wherever there were communities of Czechs. By the end of the war there were 16 regional districts and 320 chapters. In the first war years, the Alliance was Masaryk's chief financial supporter.

Cooperation between the Czechs and Slovaks was achieved through the Slovak League. At the first conference in Cleveland on September 23, 1915, Albert Mamatey was elected president; Štepán Osuský (later Czechoslovak Ambassador to Paris) was Slovak secretary and Joseph Martinek, Czech secretary.

The Czech Catholics established the Cyril-Methodius Relief Fund, but for the most part did not participate in the liberation movement, except as individuals, until 1917, when on May 16 they founded their own war organization, Národní svaz ceských katolíku (National Alliance of Czech Catholics). Great credit is due to the tireless efforts of Rev. Oldrich Zlamal of Cleveland who succeeded in bringing the Catholics into the fold with the Czech National Alliance and the Slovak League. Thus the Czechoslovak National Council finally came into being in February 1918. For a time the alliance operated rather loosely and it was not until on October 17, 1918, in

Cleveland, that a joint board was finally elected: Professor Bohumil Šimek, president; Albert Mamatey (Slovak League) and Rev. Innocent Kesti (Czech Catholics), vice-presidents; Vojta Beneš, secretary; Andrej Shustek (Slovak League), treasurer. The Council actually consisted of two component parts: the Czech, represented by the Czech National Alliance and National Alliance of Czech Catholics, and the Slovak, represented by the Slovak League.

Their most successful joint action was the great rally to welcome Professor Thomas Masaryk to Chicago in May, 1918, attended by some 150,000 people. The Slav Press Bureau in New York was established with Charles Pergler as director, and a delegation was sent in 1919 to the Czechoslovak Legionnaires fighting the Bolsheviks in Siberia. Members of the delegation were: Joseph Martinek (Czech Alliance), Jozef Žák-Marušiák (Slovak League) and Jan Straka (Czech Catholics).

Most of the publications during the war were financed by the Czech National Alliance. In 1917, the Bohemian Review came into being, edited by Dr. Jaroslav Smetánka a (who later became Czechoslovak Consul General in Chicago). After the war its name was changed to the Czechoslovak Review.

October 28, 1918, was a day of great rejoicing: the centuries-old dream had at long last become a reality: the Czechs and Slovaks had won their independence. Despite the rough post-war beginning, the Czechoslovak Republic, under the guidance of Thomas Masaryk, was gaining world recognition for its achievements in establishing a progressive democracy, just to its minorities, peace-minded in dealing with its neighbors. The Czech and Slovak Americans were satisfied and proud that they had contributed to Czechoslovakia's liberation.

In the United States, the impulse for joint action was gone, however, and the Czechoslovak National Council underwent difficult times. It was kept alive by the Czech National Alliance and the National Alliance of Czech Catholics. For a number of years John Cervenka served as president, Václav Cipra as secretary. Concentrating its efforts on promoting Czech and Slovak culture, it sponsored exchange visits of students to and from Czechoslovakia, concert tours of opera stars of the Prague National Theater and the noted Prague Teachers Singing Society. It published an excellent grammar book "Progressive Czech" by Prof. Bohumil Mikula of J. Sterling Morton High School, Cicero, Illinois. It commissioned Albín Polášek, sculptor at the Art Institute of Chicago, to create a statue of Woodrow Wilson, which was ceremoniously presented to the city of Prague and erected in a park across the street from the main railroad station named in honor of the American President. The statue was removed by the Nazis during the war and was not put back in its place of honor as the Communists are hostile to anything that has to do with the United States and the part Czech and Slovak Americans played in helping to win Czechoslovak independence.

When the Czechoslovak Army was first mobilized in May 1938 to meet Hitler's threat of invasion, Americans again rallied by organizing Fund committees. Prof. Jaroslav Mican, teaching Czech at Farragut High School, was busy in reactivating the Czech National Alliance. Its president was John Cervenka; its secretary, Vincenc Vrdský. Jan Kubíciek in Chicago was instrumental in organizing Slovenské národní sdružení (Slovak National Alliance), consisting mostly of Protestant members. A Czechoslovak-American press bureau, Ceskoslovenská-americká tisková kancelár, was established with Jan Hilgert as editor and manager.

The Munich sell-out of Czechoslovakia by her allies stunned the Czech and Slovak Americans to a state of despair and hopelessness, which changed however overnight to anger and a fighting resolution when Hitler appeared in occupied Prague and by his presence desecrated Hradcany. On the same day the Alliance called a public manifestation. Jan Masaryk, the son of President Masaryk, read President Beneš' answer to Hitler, and the war was on.

Czechoslovak National Council was reorganized and consisted of these component parts: Czech National Alliance, Slovak National Alliance and the National Alliance of Czech Catholics. Charles Prchal, long-time president of the American Sokols, was president of the Czech Alliance and Vincenc Vrdský was secretary. Rev. Jaroslav Pelikán, Sr. was president of the Slovak Alliance and Jozef Žák-Marušiák, secretary; Jan Straka was president of the National Alliance of Czech Catholics, Prof. Julius Kuchynka, secretary. Later, the Sdružení amerických Cechoslovaku v Texasu (Alliance of American Czechoslovaks in Texas) joined the Council's Executive Committee. Officers of this National Committee were: Professor Jaroslav J. Zmrhal, president; Rev. Jaroslav Pelikán and Jan Voller (after the death of Jan Straka) vice-presidents; Joseph Martinek, executive secretary; Marie Král (Catholics), treasurer.

The Council was more united and ready for joint action in the Second World War, except for the Slovak Separatists and the Czech and Slovak Communists.

The Separatists sympathized with Jozef Tiso and his Slovak People's Party, although he made common cause with Hitler for the price of dismemberment of Czechoslovakia and Hitler's recognition of a puppet Slovak State. Despite the fact that the Slovak State behaved toward the United States as toward an enemy country and was nothing more than a German Protectorate; that it willingly carried out the Nuremberg Laws which exterminated the great majority of Slovak Jews; that it invited German army intervention to put down the Slovak national uprising in 1944; despite these sins against humanity, the Slovak Separatists in America to this day commemorate the founding of the so-called Slovak State.

As to the Communists, they were violently opposed to President Beneš and the other democratic exiled leaders and to the liberation movement so long as the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany were partners in ravaging Poland; of course it became "a holy war" when the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union. Even then the Czech and Slovak Communists in America continued to be a destructive element throughout the war.

The Czechoslovak National Council became a unifying force not only between Czech and Slovak Americans but also between countrymen wherever they were to be found: in Europe, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Australia, Africa and Asia. It had a well functioning information bureau and published a weekly bulletin "News Flashes from Czechoslovakia Under Nazi Domination"; 100,000 copies were mailed out every month. It also published a Spanish edition "Nuevas llegados desse Checoslovakia" and 20 books in English by various authors; furthermore, it subsidized 15 publications in Czech and 3 in Spanish. It cooperated closely with the Czechoslovak exiled government in London.

Publicly, its largest rally during the war years was at Lidice, Illinois, the subdivision near Joliet, named for the town in Czechoslovakia razed by the Nazis. It was attended by 50,000 people and one of the guest speakers was Wendell Willkie. Czechoslovak Day at Randall Island in New York was another great day. The maintenance of the Czechoslovak pavilions at the New York World's Fair and the San Francisco World's Fair, after Hitler seized Czechoslovakia, was another important function of the Council. There were public protests against the massacre of Czech students at Charles University in Prague, and on other national days, such as October 28, Czechoslovakia's "Fourth of July," proclaimed by governors of our states in recognition of Czechoslovakia's struggle for the defeat of Nazi Germany. The visits of ex-President Edvard Beneš from London and especially of Foreign Minister Jan Masaryk inspired the Czechs and Slovaks in America to greater effort. As in World War I, many Americans of Czech and Slovak descent enlisted in the United States armed forces (see chapters on Sokol and Legionnaires).

Czechoslovak Red Cross, established in Chicago already in 1939 by Dr. Alice Masaryk, Mrs. Betka Papánek and Vlasta Vráz, expanded into war work for the American Red Cross on a large scale. There were 2,000 women in Chicago alone, mostly members of the Czech and Slovak Alliance, making bandages, hospital supplies, etc. In other cities, Americans of Czech and Slovak descent were organized similarly and were recognized for their leading participation in blood bank, bond, and other patriotic drives.

The strongest organization by far in the Council was the Czech National Alliance with its 14 regional districts, 213 chapters and some 30,000 direct members. It carried also the heaviest financial burden in raising the necessary funds and contributed most to the Council. Besides its regular support of the Council, the Czech National Alliance gave an additional $322,101 to President Beneš for post-war relief.

The United States Government was giving considerable thought to relief to its war-torn allies as soon as the war would end, and established a National War Fund. As a member agency of the National War Fund, American Relief for Czechoslovakia was registered with the President's War Relief Control Board, and went into operation before the close of war. The Czechoslovak share of the War Fund was $2,293,000.00 and 3 million pounds of clothing. To ascertain the need of the country, to supervise distribution, and to keep Americans informed about the conditions, two representatives were sent to Prague in August 1945: Dr. Waitstill Sharp and Vlasta Vráz.

The end of the war also meant the end to unity of purpose within the Council. The trouble started already during the war when Adolph Kacer seized the presidency of the Czech National Alliance, a post held by Charles Prchal, and created tension from then on, which came to a head at the first post-war convention. The Czech National Alliance was pulled out of the Council dictatorially; since the majority of the membership disagreed with Kacer's leadership, the organization that had accomplished so much during the war, fell apart; only 40 of its 213 chapters continued for a short time and finally the number petered out to 3 chapters. However, more trouble was ahead; when Communists seized power in Czechoslovakia in 1948, it became clear that Adolph Kacer and his sympathizers were siding with the Communist usurpers. This became even more apparent, when Mr. Kacer returned from a visit to Prague.

Having lost its main partner, the Czech National Alliance, the Council's structure was undermined. During these difficult times, John Cervenka was president; later he was replaced by Charles Prchal. Ladislav Janík and Mrs. Blanche Cihak were secretaries. As Czechoslovak refugees were crowding into camps in Germany and Austria, it became necessary to give aid to the escapees from communism and to support the American Fund for Czechoslovak Refugees, established by Dr. Jan Papánek and the friends of Czechoslovakia.

The mysterious, tragic death of Jan Masaryk, the most popular figure of the Czechoslovak liberation movement, stirred the weary and bitterly disillusioned membership to renewed action. On June 3, 1948, a delegation presented a memorandum to President Harry Truman at the White House, raising for the first time the issue of "free elections" for Czechoslovakia under United Nations supervision; such an election would clearly show the anti-Communist feeling of the great majority of the Czechoslovak population. Members of the delegation were: Jan Gološinec, the Council's legal counselor and active in the Slovak National Alliance; Václav Hovorka, generous supporter of the Alliance and Council; Fr. Saladiak, Jan Drahoš, a legionnaire from New York, Andrew Valushek, editor of the New Yorský Dennik and prominent representative of the Czechs and Slovaks in New York, Emilie Weld, and Jos. Triner.

In 1950, Col. Joseph Triner was elected president and served till 1958; Jan Gološinec was elected secretary and Joseph Žák-Marušiák served as office manager.

The Council had to be reorganized on a different basis and now includes not only national organizations as members but also has its own districts, chapters, and direct members. As of today its national membership consists of the Czechoslovak Society of America, Slovak Sokol, Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences, Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, known as SPJST; total membership is over 70,000. It is divided regionally into New York, Michigan, Cleveland, Chicago, and Pacific districts, which in turn have as members local clubs and organizations, units of Sokol, fraternal societies, etc. Its local chapters are located in New York, Washington, D. C., St. Petersburg, Fla., Detroit, New Buffalo and Owosso, Michigan, Cleveland, Ohio, Chicago, Southern Wisconsin, Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, and Portland, Oregon. New York has 2 chapters: Long Island and Manhattan-Yorkville. Chicago has 8 chapters: Jan Hus, Ceská Kalifornie (named after a Czech neighborhood), Dr. Milada Horáková (the heroic social worker executed by the Communists), Western Suburbs, October 28, Jan Masaryk, Jan Kollar, General Štefánik.

One of the highlights of the Council's activity was the issuance of the U.S. 4 cent and 8 cent postage stamp honoring Thomas Masaryk in the series "Champions of Liberty." By letter campaigning, meetings, appeals, and many press releases the Council aroused the interest of thousands of individuals, American friends, and organizations who requested the Masaryk stamp. The move was supported by a number of U.S. senators, first among them Senator Paul H. Douglas, Roman Hruska and others, congressmen, such organizations as B'nai B'rith, etc. On March 7, 1960, U.S. Postmaster Arthur E. Summerfield presented the stamp at a ceremony in Washington. The sale that day of first-day-covers and the stamp exceeded all previous similar occasions. The Communist government in Czechoslovakia responded by returning as undeliverable all U.S. mail bearing the Masaryk stamp, tens of thousands of letters and postcards.

Every opportunity has been used to inform the American public about events behind the Iron Curtain inasmuch as these developments concern directly the United States. The danger of communism, its infiltration of our society, its influence on various movements now plaguing the United States, has been a source of concern to Czech and Slovak Americans, many of whom have reason to fear communism having experienced the Communist take-over in Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in the world. The Council presents memoranda to the Department of State and other government representatives, even to the White House, on certain aspects of United States policy, which in the Council's judgment are not beneficial. For instance, the Council has protested against cultural exchange with Communist countries unless it is on a reciprocal basis (it seldom is); it protests against the invasion and continued occupation of Czechoslovakia and the strengthening of the Soviet stranglehold on Central and Eastern Europe. The week of the invasion the Council immediately called a mass meeting held at Civic Center in Chicago, which was attended by the other Captive Nations. In other cities, Council chapters also organized public protests. The Council keeps alive the demand for "free elections" in Czechoslovakia.

The biggest representative manifestation was held in Washington, D. C., on October 18-20, 1968, at the Statler Hilton Hotel. It marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic but, above all, it was an occasion to protest jointly the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia. Almost a thousand representatives of national organizations and many other societies met for a three-day session and an outstanding program. Among the speakers was Senator Roman Hruska of Nebraska. James V. Krákora was chairman of the convention. It was the most impressive and representative gathering of Czech and Slovak Americans since the war.

The Council participates with the Captive Nations Committee wherever Captive Nations Day is held in the various cities; in Chicago there is a parade down State Street, through the heart of the city, under the auspices of Mayor Richard Daley. The Council also takes part in Holiday Folk Fair at Navy Pier, Chicago.

Until its recent demolition, Pilsen Park in Chicago was the rallying ground for public manifestations. The Council held an annual Czechoslovak Day and invited such prominent speakers as the Governor of Illinois Otto Kerner, high government officials, members of the Congress, and the best friend the Czechoslovaks ever had, former Senator Paul H. Douglas of Illinois.

The Council has always promoted Czech and Slovak culture, the teaching of Czech and Slovak, etc. and its board members are active also on other executive committees to advance these aims. Thus it supports the creation of a permanent Chair of Czech and Slovak Studies at the University of Chicago; it distributes Czech literature (for instance the memoirs of Dr. Alice Masaryk "Detství a mládí"). It publishes a Czech and Slovak monthly Vestník for its members and a monthly newsletter The American Bulletin (editor Vlasta Vráz). Through the courtesy of thewidow of Professor B. Mikula, the fifth revised edition of Progressive Czech was published in 1965.

The Council also published the following in the last two decades: The First Czech Society in America by Thomas Capek, 1950; Masaryk and the Idea of European and World Federation by Peter Zenki, 1955; Masarykova ("Ceskoslovenska Republika by Peter Zenkl, 1955; Pruvodce Prahou by Vlasta Vráz, 1956; Ten Years—The Czechoslovak Question in the United Nations (English and Slovak) by Jan Papánek, 1958; Masaryk a Slovensko (Slovak) by Juraj Slávik, 1960; Ceskoslovenská narodní rada americká (Czech) by Josef Martinek, 1962; Czechoslovak Prize Pastry Recipes (5 printings); Progressive Czech (5th printing) by Prof. Bohumil Mikula, 1965; The Birth of Czechoslovakia by Cestmír Ješina, Washington Chapter, 1968; Panorama, editor Vlasta Vráz, 1970; brochures "In the Heart of Europe."

Twice within the last two decades the Council has organized aid to Czechoslovak refugees. Members signed affidavits for many hundred escapees. The ones who fled to the United States after the 1948 Communist seizure of Czechoslovakia are practically all American citizens; many are well established and cases of poor adjustment are very rare. It is interesting to note, for instance, that the Czechoslovak Society for Arts and Sciences, organized under the protective wing of the Council, now has a membership of over a thousand and that very many of these former escapees are on the teaching staffs of American colleges and universities, in scientific laboratories; others are in various professions; many are doctors of medicine, etc.

It can truthfully be said, that as a whole, this wave of immigrants has already made a remarkable contribution to the United States.

The second wave of refugees started after the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968. From the start the Czechoslovak National Council has been cooperating closely with the American Fund for Czechoslovak Refugees. Most of the Council's chapters in the various cities give aid locally to the newcomers. Chicago headquarters of the Council has assisted in finding housing and employment to 500 in 6 months. As most are young or middle-aged, skilled and educated, they soon find employment despite the language handicap. It is amazing how well adjusted they become within a year.

At one time the Council sponsored English classes for the newcomers. In numerous ways the Council assists the newcomers to understand life in the United States, the duties and privileges of future American citizens, to "realize the promise of America."

In conclusion, something should be said about the men and women who have "held the fort" the past two decades, who have weathered the storm of historic disasters in Czechoslovakia and the complexities of the changing times in the United States.

CHAPTER HISTORIES - CZECHOSLOVAK NATIONAL COUNCIL OF AMERICA

From Panorama: A Historical Review of Czechs and Slovaks in the United States of America. Cicero, Illinois: Czechoslovak National Council of America, 1970.

WASHINGTON, D.C. CHAPTER

From its very beginning in 1956, the Washington Chapter of CNCA attracted the interest and support of the entire Czechoslovak community. Its first officers were: Jaroslav Nemec, president; Matej Neuman, vice president; Joseph Kucera, secretary; Milada Barcal, treasurer. The succeeding president was Albert J. Maserick, followed by Dr. Joseph Hašek, then for a number of years Dr. Juraj Slávik (last ambassador of a free Czechoslovakia in Washington, D.C.) and finally for three succeeding terms once again Dr. Joseph Hašek. The office of secretary was held successfully for a number of years by Joseph Kucera and for the last three terms by Mrs. Anna M. Faltus.

The success of the first social undertaking – dance - prompted the officers to make it an annual event. These "spring dances" were held originally on the premises of the Catholic Daughters of America, in the building of the former German Embassy. Later they were held at Hotel 2400 (16th Street, NW, where T. G. Masaryk lived in 1918 before he became President of Czechoslovakia) and then at the Statler Hilton, International Inn and the Shoreham Hotel. These annual spring dances are known as "MAJALES BALLS" and have become very popular and successful. Proceeds from the 1967 MAJALES BALL were used to secure a "MASARYK CHAIR" at the proposed Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The 1968 MAJALES BALL was held for the benefit of the American Fund for Czechoslovak Refugees, headed by Dr. Jan Papánek, last Ambassador of a free Czechoslovakia to the United Nations. Because of the brutal Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, the dance was canceled in 1969 and the Chapter organized instead a large-scale drive for funds to alleviate the hardships of the thousands of Czechoslovak refugees in European camps. The 1970 MAJALES BALL served the same cause.

A number of chapter members founded the "Dvorák Singing Society" and performed successfully not only locally but in New York, Pittsburgh, Trenton, Baltimore, and other Czechoslovak communities as well.

From its very inception several special groups were established; one of them, as a study group, originated local programs of such significance that they served as a framework for the establishment of the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Jaroslav Nemec, the Chapter president of CNCA, was the organizer and cofounder of this body known as SVU, "Spolecnost pro vedy a umení," and became its first secretary. The local Washington Chapter of CNCA assumed sponsorship of SVU prior to its incorporation, and can justly be proud of the role it played in developing SVU, which has become unique among the Czech and Slovak organizations in the United States.

The executive committee of CNCA in Chicago welcomed the founding of the Washington Chapter and showed its appreciation by holding its convention at Hotel Willard in Washington in the spring of 1957. Aware of the responsibility thrust upon its youngest chapter, the Council authorized the publication of a mimeographed bulletin, "The News Reporter." Under the editorship of chapter secretary Joseph Kucera it has become the news medium for other Czechoslovak organizations in Washington and vicinity, including Sokol, CSA, and SVU. It is still being issued 6 or 7 times a year and keeps the Czechoslovak community informed of the important events in the local area.

From the beginning the Washington Chapter realized that as the representative of the Czech and Slovak community in the capital of the United States, it would be "host" at many events and to many visitors, such as the Council tour to Washington. The most outstanding event took place on March 7, 1960, the day the United States Post Office issued the Masaryk postage stamp in the series "Champions of Liberty," commemorating the 110th anniversary of the birth of the President Liberator. Thirteen hundred guests from many states attended the U.S. Post Office ceremony given by Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield at the Interdepartmental Auditorium, Constitution Ave., Washington, D. C., and participated in the record breaking sale of $250,000 worth of the 4 and 8 cent Masaryk stamps on the first day of issue. The commemorative envelopes bore Masaryk's motto "Truth Prevails" (Pravda Vítezí).

In addition to its participation in local cultural and social affairs the Washington Chapter has played an important role in calling the attention of the American public to the tragic fate of Czechoslovakia under communist serfdom. It protested against the visit of Khrushchev and of other representatives of Communist rule, against the imprisonment of American citizens in Czechoslovakia, and commemorated the 10 th anniversary of the martyrdom of Milada Horáková, social worker and Member of Parliament. Not all manifestations were protest; a tribute was paid to President Woodrow Wilson and others. Chapter officers are in touch with members of the Congress and the Department of State, in many instances as authorized representatives of the CNCA executive board.

The Chapter's activity in 1968 was outstanding in preparing and participating in the 50th anniversary of the birth of the Czechoslovak Republic. At the CNC.A convention, attended by delegates of many national organizations of Czechoslovak Americans and held at the Statler Hilton, the Washington Chapter took part in the actual work and heavy schedule. It was largely responsible for the memorial service at the grave of President Woodrow Wilson in the Cathedral; moreover, the Chapter prepared an exhibition of historical documents and mementos pertaining to the Czechoslovak Republic, held at Woodrow Wilson House. Finally, the Chapter prepared and published a well-documented historical treatise "The Birth of Czechoslovakia," which has met with deserved success as an aid to the study of the historical events pertaining to the creation of the Republic. It was compiled by Cestmír Ješina, assisted by Anna Faltus.

A protest meeting, initiated by the Chapter, was held at the Statler Hotel, August 20, 1969, against the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, appropriately termed the "Soviet Day of Shame." These and similar protests held locally and in other cities have played an important role, expressed in a resolution calling upon the free world, especially the United States and the United Nations, to exert their influence on the Soviets and to insist on the withdrawal of Soviet armies from Czechoslovakia. The Washington protest committee was headed by Dr. Joseph Hašek, who carried out the presentation of the resolution and other pertinent material to representatives of the United States, the United Nations and to many foreign embassies.

“MASARYK” BRANCH, DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Early in 1948, when the Communists took over Czechoslovakia, many Americans of Czech and Slovak origin united to help unhappy Czechoslovak citizens who were fleeing their country and to take their Stand with our United States government against the despotic regime. In May 1948 a preliminary committee was formed to organize the new body and on June 9, at the constitutional meeting, the new organization, the American Masaryk Alliance of Detroit, came into being and joined the Czechoslovak National Council as its new chapter. Martin Kovarík was elected president; Rudolph Herman, vice president; Anton Benesh, secretary; Fred Herman, financial secretary. These remained in office for several years: Mr. Kovarík as president till 1960 (he died in September 1961); Rudolph Herman as either secretary, vice-president, president or financial secretary through to 1964 (he died in December 1964); A. Benesh as secretary to 1965, with some years in other offices; Fred Herman off and on through the years as financial secretary, vice president to 1962. He died in an airplane crash in May 1962. Members grieved over their loss. Other officers were Joseph Krivánek, vice president; Joseph Malý, financial secretary; August Zemene, vice president, later financial secretary; Charles Mareš, financial secretary 1960, through 1963. In 1958 Jan B. Sklenár was elected vice president and in 1960, due to the grave illness of Martin Kovarík, was elected president, an office he has held most of the years since. Martin Kovarík was elected lifelong honorary president. Also active was L. Št'astný as vice president and as a delegate; Magda Herman as financial secretary from 1965; Elsa Zemene as vice president 1968; Emma Zemcík as temporary president in 1968; Vladimír Bezdek as vice president from 1965; Jaroslav Rozum, secretary through 1967 (died in August 1967 after serious illness). From 1968 Karel Lípa is secretary.

There was always an active program committee. Members at various times: Frances Kovarík, Marie Repka, Anna Weiss, Marie Kopecký, Josefa Stekl, Anna Newberg, Jarmila Jandasek, Zdenka Chrástek, Helen Kroll, Olga Benesh, Anna Francovic, Mildred Tursic, Elsa Zemene, Magda Herman. The elected officers were also part of this important activity, which gave financial help to the needy and support to the Czechoslovak National Council. Other members of the committee were: Robert Horák, Vlasta Fucík, Otto Turchan, Henry Versnick, Jaroslav Kraus, B. Jandasek, Peter Vlcko, Slavek Barta, George Versnick, and others.

In its first years, Branch Masaryk had close to a hundred members. From its founding, it was also very active in cultural work, presenting many outstanding stage plays in cooperation with the Drama Club of Western Bohemian Fraternal Association of Detroit. Remembered with appropriate programs were outstanding dates in Czechoslovak and United States history. The Branch participated with its delegates in the Federation of Czech Progressive Societies in Detroit, delegates from 1949 through 1956 being Joseph Krivánek and Charles Matoušek. There were many fund raising drives during the years, among them the annual Christmas collection for refugee families in Europe. The money was sent through the American Fund for Czechoslovak Refugees. Support was also sent regularly to the Chicago headquarters of the Council; its conventions and Executive Committee meetings were attended by elected delegates. Since its founding, its delegates were A. Benesh, George Versnick, from 1958 J. Sklenár.

The Michigan District Committee of the Council was organized in 1950, with 14 organizations participating. This took place in Owosso in July of that year. The Committee has met since in various locations and worked for coordinated, patriotic, cultural and charitable causes. Delegates to this state body through the years were: Martin Kovarík, Rudolph Herman, Fred Herman, Anton Benesh, Joseph Hájek, Joseph Krivánek, Joseph Malý, Anna Weiss, Peter Vlcko, Božena Eisner, Slavek Barta, Karel Mareš, Magda Herman, Elsa Zemene, Vladimír Bezdek, Jan B. Sklenár.

Masaryk Branch was also active in citywide organizations and institutions. Delegates were elected to the Nationality Committee of Metropolitan Detroit, Captive Nations Committee, the Committee on Immigration, Freedom Festival Committee, and others. Women members were also active in the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit, in the Historical Museum where they arranged exhibits of Czech and Slovak culture and folklore; with the men they served practically on all committees.

Besides stage plays of Czechoslovak life, there were many outstanding films, programs of song, music and recitals; celebrations of Masaryk's birthday and Oct. 28 were observed. Other outstanding activities included parties for the benefit of the treasury, participation in the annual Harvest Festival of the Drama Club of WBFA, appearances for various causes on radio and television.

Officers in 1970 are president: Jan B. Sklenár; vice-president: E. Zemene; secretary: Karel Lípa; treasurer: Augustin Zemene. Committee members: Dr. Bezdek, Magda Herman, O. Horácek.

ST. PETERSBURG BRANCH, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

Following World War II the State of Florida witnessed an influx of tourists from the north, who came in winter to enjoy the warm climate. But a more important change took place with the arrival of permanent settlers, individuals who came to Florida for their retirement. St. Petersburg soon became the goal of many Czechs and Slovaks who retired to the city of sunshine, bringing with them many of their interests and special activities.

Earlier, in the twenties, Slovaks from the north had settled near Tampa and established there Masaryktown, known now as the "egg and chicken capital" of the south.

Inspired by James Hovorka, a group of twenty-one enthusiasts met Feb. 16, 1951, at Chimnery Lodge in St. Petersburg and organized a branch of the Czechoslovak National Council. The original number included the families of Hovorka, Kalabza, Vincentu, Skrivánek, Šebek, Kavan, Dvorský, Hák, Pihert and Cervinka, as well as Mrs. Ironecek-Bohm. At the first meeting they embarked upon their activities, in full cooperation with Council headquarters and in accord with its patriotic and other activities.

Fr. Skrivánek was elected first president; Helen Hovorka, treasurer. In the following terms, the office passed into the capable hands of John Bohm, James Hovorka, Vlasta Brož, Helen Hovorka, Alex Konecný, James Novotný and Charles Hájek.

As an annual feature the Branch observes the birthday anniversary of Thomas Masaryk. The observance usually takes the form of a concert presenting the works of Czech and Slovak composers, and is staged at Williams Stadium, On Feb. 22, 1968, the Branch commemorated two great men: George Washington and Thomas Masaryk; 6,000 guests attended this significant event.

The program committee for these affairs always invites an outstanding speaker to give proper meaning to the occasion. They are usually men well acquainted with the history and culture of Czechoslovakia: Dr. Stephen Sporones, professor at Tampa University; Dr. Albert Gessman, University of South Florida; U.S. Senator Roman Hruska of Nebraska; James Krákora, executive secretary of CSA and chairman of the committee for the observance of the 50th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia. This observance, open to the general public, was held at William Park, Oct. 28, 1968. At the many affairs the musical program is usually presented by the

Sunshine Band of the Army Air Force Band. When the 50th anniversary of Czechoslovakia was observed in Washington, D.C., St. Petersburg sent a delegation in two busses; Miami joined with one bus.

Following the brutal invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet army, the St. Petersburg Branch sent resolutions to the American press and to 40 members of the U.S. Congress, asking them to condemn the unjustified occupation of Czechoslovakia.

From its very beginning, the St. Petersburg Branch has sponsored social evenings twice a month during the high tourist season, and once a month in the summer. Originally, music for the dances was limited to recordings but for the past 8 years Louis Janácek officiates with his piano accordion. The affairs under Branch sponsorship require much time and energy on the part of committees and individuals, most of whom are retired men and women, who deserve praise. The majority of the "Floridians" were active in the resistance movement in both world wars.

The work of these devoted members has been crowned with financial success; the funds are then turned over to wherever the need is greatest. The first consideration is the work of the Czechoslovak National Council, whose efforts on behalf of the Czechoslovak people in America and in the old country are fully recognized. During the past years the Branch has donated approximately $15,000 to this worthy cause.

The Branch, mindful of the plight of the refugees, has contributed to their aid; it has given its support to such worthwhile endeavors as Radio Free Europe, Captive Nations, Religion in Communist Dominated Areas, Czech and Slovak publications, Czech and Slovak schools in America, American Cancer Society, Christmas Seal Campaign, All Children's Hospital, Heart Association, Police Athletic League, and others. From its very inception in 1951 to this day, the Branch is adhering to its original aims and hopes to continue for years to come.

“MASARYK” BRANCH, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

The Masaryk branch was founded by a handful of enthusiastic workers, first among them Mrs. Emma Smead, who was president for 5 consecutive years beginning in 1950. The next 6 years the branch was headed by Ladislav Erban, one of the political refugees, who is now honorary president. In addition to these two credit must be given to Mr. and Mrs. Kubác and Professor Knížek, who contributed greatly to its growth. The membership for the most part consisted of oldtimers "starokrajani," who performed miracles for escapees living in refugee camps, who preferred to risk the unknown rather than to approve the new Communist leadership at home. The branch worked tirelessly, sending clothing as well as medicine to the refugee camps and soliciting funds to support schools for the refugee children. In this they worked hand in hand with other Los Angeles organizations: Sokol, CSA, the organization of Czechoslovak women "Pilná ruka" (Diligent Hands) and later with the Catholic Mission of Cyril and Methodius, as well as with the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences SVU.

The first political refugees arriving in Southern California were received somewhat cautiously. There were differences in education and social status, which had to be bridged; many of the newcomers had been successful in industry and the professions; some arrived from various parts of the world. We had to learn to know each other and to trust each other. In Los Angeles, we succeeded in creating a friendly atmosphere, showing the old settlers that we respected their pioneer accomplishments. The elected officers all contributed to the growth of the branch. Their names are given alphabetically rather than chronologically, or according to merit. The president's office was held by Jaroslav Cadek (the present president), Ladislav Erban, Adolf Lešovský, Viktor Ružicka, Emma Smead, the founder of the branch, and Vladimír Svidenský.

They were assisted by these capable secretaries: Vladimír Balejka, a Slovak, František Bednár, Ladislav Erban, Václav Louda, Jerry Miki, Miloš Nágl and Bohumil Smutník, who has served for several terms and again since 1967.

The other officers who worked with the above mentioned were the following: Antonie Bíla, Beatrice Donát, Mrs. Králícek-Teplá, Dagmar Lewin, Rudolf Lnenícek, Marie Lidner, Emil and Louise Nekuda, Josef Pokorný, Helen and František Vykydal, and others.

We were fortunate to have in our midst recognized artists, including actor Karel Hradilák, Jirí Perina, Antonín Šúra, Pavla Vrbenská-Rehková; composers Eduard Ingriš and Josef Stelibský, whose music was played by Professor Robert Korec and his group; singers Jirí and lvanka Dostál, concert singer Adéla Gébr, Nina Karpuškinová-Ingrišová, Ruženka Pajdar; such men of the stage as Karel Fink, Borek Knobloch, Joe Šeda and Zdenek Vybíral, and others before my time; painters, artists Jaroslav Gébr, Jirí Karger, Adolf Lešovský and more recently Jirí Zavrel. The Czech broadcast was ably directed by Otilie Princ, and with her from 1962-1963, and again in 1969 by Bohumil Smutník, together with Karel Fišer.

The branch was also visited by well known speakers who attended various affairs among whom were the following: Jan Jarkovský, Josef Josten, Ivan Herben, Josef Martínek, J. Pejskar, Professor Francis Schwarzenberg, Professor Ivan Táborský, Vlasta Vráz, and others. There were plays, social evenings, dances, cabarets, picnics, concerts, public affairs, the largest being organized under the presidency of Emma Smead, and the hoisting of the flag of a free Czechoslovakia in a ceremony outside the City Hall of Los Angeles.

Currently our activity is channeled according to our varied interests: Sokol serves the members interested in physical culture; the members interested in art and sciences are attracted by the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences; the preservation of our religious tradition is within the sphere of the Mission of St. Cyril and Methodius. Our women are still active in "Pilná ruka," while the fraternal Czechoslovak Society of America CSA includes members from the many levels of our Czechoslovak community. The problem of enslaved Czechoslovakia and the struggle for the rebirth of her national independence is the culminating goal of the Czechoslovak National Council, Thomas Masaryk branch. This task which will not be surrendered until our goal is reached.

CHAPTER “CESKA KALIFORNIE,” CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

The history of Chapter Ceská Kalifornie goes back to 1915 when it was founded as a branch of the war-time organization Czech National Alliance. It functioned in the area known as Lawndale District, compromising for the most part Americans of Czech origin. Members were very busy in raising funds for the war effort by assessments, plays, bazaars, etc. The activity centered around Sokol halls and Pilsen Park on Albany Ave. and 26th Street where the largest public meetings were held. Here in the heart of the Czech district Czech Americans flocked when Austria

declared war on Serbia and again at the time of the Munich crisis.

During World War I officers of Ceská Kalifornie were: V. Stromajer, president; Dr. Ladislav Becvár, vice-president; Frána Klepal, secretary; Josef Tlapa, treasurer; J. Ružek, financial secretary.

In World War II membership increased to 1,000 and the Chapter had to be divided into two. The Chapter was one of the most active and had several outstanding members: Josef Martínek, secretary general of the Czechoslovak National Council, Anton Kubat and his wife Antonia who assisted financially most generously for years. Office of president was held successively by L. Divina, Josef Jelínek, Otto Marecek, Charles Glaser, who served until his death in 1966. Secretarial and other offices were held by: Václav and Julia Špiroch, Josef and Rose Brodecký, Ann; Vavruška, Rose Townsend, Frances Synek, Frank Stojaník.

In peace time the Chapter supported financially several Czech schools, especially the two in the neighborhood: Vojta Náprstek and Jan Neruda School.

After World War II, the split in the Czech National Alliance forced the loyal members to abandon the organization that had done so much for Czechoslovakia's independence but was now misled by its leftist sympathizers. Czech National Alliance was shattered and consequently Czechoslovak National Council of America, representing the leading national organizations (including the Czech National Alliance), had to be reorganized. Chapter Ceská Kalifornie became a direct member of the Council and continued to function as before, with its program unchanged, dedicated to the cause of freedom.

But time has brought great changes to the neighborhood; the Czechs have been moving steadily westward into new suburbs and strangers have moved into the territory. The dismantling of Pilsen Park, the historic spot of many mass meetings, was a blow not only to the local community, for Czech Americans have no other meeting grounds to take its place.

CHAPTER “MISTR JAN HUS,” CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

The Chapter came into being at a stormy time with the Czech National Alliance split into two belligerent camps: following the Communist take-over in Czechoslovakia, the leftists, influenced by Adolph Kacer, sympathized with the Communists while the others remained steadfastly faithful to the Masaryk ideals of the first Czechoslovak Republic. It became necessary to reorganize the Czechoslovak National Council. One of its new loyal branches adopted the name of Jan Hus.

At its founding the branch elected James Chlupácek, president; Marka Radvanovská, vice-president; Františka Synek, secretary; Karel Erba, treasurer. In the following years the office of president was held successively by: Josef Janecka (1953-1963); Frank Kourím (1963); Vlasta Matelová (1965-). Office of vice-president: Frances Synek, Jaromíra ŽAcková (1960-1961); Frank Škopek (1962-1965): Jan Tesar (1967-). Secretary: Frances Synek, Anna Pavelec, Frank Pavelec, Karel Burzinský (1964-). Following the footsteps of Karel Erba, Stanislav Pakosta became treasurer, then Martha MarIk (1968-).

Meetings are now held in Sokol Havlicek-Tyrš Hall; part of meeting is always set aside for lectures and other educational programs, of which Mrs. Žacek was originally in charge. This function was taken over first by Karel Burzinský, now by Mrs. Blažena Tesar.

The branch participated in every project of the Czechoslovak National Council. A number of volunteers have over the years helped in the Council office with mailing, etc., especially Frank Ružicka, Frank Pavelec and Frank Škopek. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kourím and Mrs. Zdenka Pikal gave generous financial assistance.

Of the original members the following deceased are gratefully remembered: Frank and Barbara Pavelec, Frank Kourím, Frank Škopek, Stanislav Pakosta, Zdenka Hladík.

CHAPTER “GENERAL STEFANIK,” CHICAGO DISTRICT

The chapter was organized by Edward Dellin of Northbrook, in 1964, for the purpose of uniting Czechoslovak residents of Chicagoland's North Shore and their relatives and friends to promote the cause of a free and democratic Czechoslovakia.

Members living in the northern vicinity of Chicago and in seventeen communities, including Evanston and Antioch, meet every third Wednesday of the month in the homes of members, who take turns as hosts. In the summer, at least one picnic is held. Following business meetings a program of timely interest is presented, and invited speakers address a responsive audience. Discussion and a social hour with refreshments conclude the evening.

The chapter seizes every opportunity of calling to the attention of lawmakers the plight of Czechs and Slovaks under the inhuman and reactionary Communist system. Active part is taken in opinion polls initiated by legislators, and letters of approval or dissent are sent to news media in answer to articles or editorials touching on issues of major political interest. Cultural and social events sponsored by the Czechoslovak National Council are duly supported and promoted. Thus our chapter organized full participation of its members at the annual Czechoslovak Day held at Pilsen Park; at Czechoslovak Independence Day: at Ravinia Park concert of the Chicago Philharmonic under the baton of the world famous conductor Rafael Kubelík; and at a commemoration of the 90th birthday of Dr. Milan Hodža, a great Slovak statesman, Premier of Czechoslovakia at the time of Munich, who died during the war in the United States and was buried in Bohemian National Cemetery, Chicago.

The chapter took the name of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik, one of the founders of Czechoslovakia after World War 1. It was Štefánik who introduced Professor T. G. Masaryk to leading personalities in France and in the West who were instrumental in the shaping of Europe after World War I. As an astronomer and soldier-statesman of highest caliber, young Štefánik became a symbol of unity between the Czechs and Slovaks in the war effort. As early as 1918 and 1919 he warned against the evils of Bolshevism: "the flames of which were threatening Bohemia as well as the entire world." His life was brought to an untimely, tragic end, when the plane bringing him home for a hero's welcome crashed near Bratislava in May 1919. He did not live to see his words to the Czechoslovak Legions in Siberia confirmed by future historic events. "You understand," he said, "that we must remain the invincible enemies of communism. Bolshevism is the negation of democracy. . . . Bolshevism brings out the lowest instincts; democracy appeals to conscience and honor . . ."

Even today, as we enjoy the benefits of a political philosophy embraced by Štefánik and practiced by America, we are witnessing a dramatic, world-wide struggle to save democracy. The chapter is gratified by the undaunted spirit of the great majority of Czechs and Slovaks behind the Iron Curtain, determined to insure final victory and self-determination under the most trying circumstances of Bolshevik Soviet domination.

Faithful to the spirit of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik we believe that democracy and unity will prevail among us. Our chapter will do its best to be worthy of his name.

“JAN MASARYK” BRANCH, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Jan Masaryk Chapter of the Czechoslovak National Council of America was founded in 1963; first president Jirí Lippert; secretary Anna Faltusová. Created to bring together Czechs and Slovaks in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago, who left their country of origin because of Communist oppression and lack of freedom. The Chapter has participated in all activities of the Council maintaining a membership of thirty to fifty persons. Present president V. Chalupa, secretary Karel Kríž.

CHAPTER “OCTOBER 28,” CHICAGO DISTRICT

The Chapter was organized in 1964 by members from other branches, mainly Chapter Horáková and Western Suburbs, and by newcomers who felt the need of increased activity. The Chapter holds meetings at Lincoln Federal Savings Bank, sponsors lectures and films on Czechoslovakia, such as 'Seven Days to Remember," "We the Czechs," etc.

First president was Jaromír Horák and acting vice president František Kalkus, who later became president; secretary, Jan Juna, Sr.; recording secretary, Otto Mrázek; treasurer, Božena Riedl. From the start, active organizers were Cenek Torn, Marcela Švehlík, Mirko Valenta, Josef Bárta, Václav Nedbal, Leopold Riedl, Roger Dvorák, Jaromír Zástera, Julius Lettrich, Oscar Pejša.

Present officers are: Emil Svatoš, president; František Kalkus and Oscar Pejša, vice presidents; Milena Juna, secretary; Karel Šámal, treasurer; Alena Kubícek, rec. secretary; Jaromír Zástera, cultural committee; Bartoš, Svatoš and Kalkus, delegates to convention.

Four of the officers are former political prisoners of Czechoslovakia, who finally managed to leave their homeland to continue the anti-Communist struggle in the United States: František Kalkus, Jaromír Zástera, Emil Svatoš, Karel Šámal.

CHAPTER “MILADA HORÁKOVÁ,” CHICAGO DISTRICT

Chicago Czech Americans from the old ranks joined with the newly arrived refugees to organize the first chapter on Oof. II, 1950. The group met at Vojta Náprstek school and elected Lád'a Matouš, president; Karel Tománek, secretary; Rose Sterk, treasurer. Cenek Torn, active vice president, later assumed the duties of president. Delegates to the Chicago District were Dr. Antonín Hrebík, Jim Wolf, Dr. Mikuláš Ferjencík and A. Hlubecký.

The Chapter was named in honor of martyred Dr. Milada Horáková, lawyer, social worker, member of Parliament, who was executed by the Communists in Prague because of her uncompromising brave stand against communism.

In 1952, the following officers served: John Brezina, president; Emilie Welcl, vice president; Jan Hilgert, secretary. In 1953, Frank Kratochvil became secretary; since 1957, he has held the office of president. Present officers: Frank Kratochvil, president; Betty Janouš, vice president; Ludmila Kos, secretary; Bretislav Vanek, treasurer.

The chapter was especially interested in refugees and by 1951 had sent a ton of clothing to refugee camps; members secured many affidavits for those hoping to reach the United States; they remembered children at Christmas, sent vitamins and medicines to Camp Válka in Germany.

Officers and members have always participated in District activities.

CHAPTER “WESTERN SUBURBS,” CHICAGO DISTRICT

In the first organizational drive of the Chicago District, Chapter "Western Suburbs" was founded, with Alois Kostka as first president. Old timers and refugees joined forces to form one of the strongest branches. To raise funds the Chapter sponsored theatrical performances of "Malá scéna," a refugee group which put on a number of plays for a Czech audience. Joseph Rimnác served as president for a number of years, Jirina Hackel as secretary.

The Chapter has participated in every Chicago project, such as Czechoslovak Day, Lidice, Captive Nations, Holiday Folk Fair. At Pilsen Park, it had its own booth and found many other ways of raising funds. In 1956, Vlasta Vráz took office as president; Marie Kittnar was secretary, an office later held for many years by Anton Vlcek, and by Marie Lang since 1969. Vice presidents were, in turn, Vincent Pleva, Louis Májovský, and Marie Kostka. Pavia Bicián Janecka has held the office of treasurer for over twelve years. Almost from the beginning, Kristina Pleva and Stella Vlcek have been in charge of "hospitality" at the Chapter's meetings.

CHICAGO DISTRICT

The Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia and the dissension in the membership of the Czech National Alliance necessitated a reorganization of the Czechoslovak National Council, which had until then relied mostly on the financial support of the Alliance. The pro-Communist sympathies of the remaining leadership in the Alliance made cooperation impossible and from then, a bitter war was waged between the two factions. Refugees fleeing Communist terror helped to organize the new chapters, which together with some 24 clubs and societies formed the Chicago District. Delegates of the chapters and the member societies met monthly. Chairman for ten years was Alois Kopecký; secretary Jarmila Svitavská; later on Bretislav Vanek held the office of chairman until 1968. Present officers are Stephen Papanek, president; St. Brym, secretary; Miroslav Mejzr, treasurer.

The District has cooperated fully with the central office. In 1953, Czechoslovak Day was observed at Pilsen Park and every year thereafter until the dismantling of this historic gathering place. Important speakers were heard, guests and government officials from Washington, D.C., New York, and other centers. Masaryk's birthday and October 28 are observed. To raise funds, an annual dance is given in February.

A Lidice Committee, of which Alois Kopecký is honorary chairman, takes care of the monument and the land which has been deeded to the Council by the original owner, Mr. Dominik Romano. The anniversary of the Lidice massacre is observed annually; in 1967, local organizations of Lidice-Cresthill, Illinois, together with the Council, remembered the 25th anniversary with an outstanding program, in which local schools, boy and girl scouts, veterans, school bands, singing societies and the Cresthill Women's Civic Club took part.

The Chicago District also helped to finance Josef Falta's anti-Communist radio hour.

AMERICAN MASARYK ALLIANCE, OWOSSO, MICHIGAN

The first meeting was held in February, 1950, in the old YMCA building in Owosso, with director Charles S. Lamb acting as host to 33 men and women of Czechoslovak origin. Mr. Lamb had been active in Czechoslovakia after the first World War, establishing the YMCA in Pilsen; he remained a true friend in times of adversity and became one of the co-founders of the Alliance in Owosso. The first officers were Frank Kolarík, president; Marie Petlach and Antonín Cech , vice-president; Louise Schuiz, secretary; K. Turecek, corresponding secretary; Štepánka Cech, treasurer; committee members F. Sarnik, Ant. Petlach, M. Turecek; delegates to the Michigan District of the Czechoslovak National Council: C. Neterda, F. Zemla, F. Sarnik, Ant. Cech.

Realizing fully the tragic situation in Czechoslovakia, members voted to cooperate closely with the Czechoslovak National Council as one of its chapters. The first public affair was a program honoring Thomas Masaryk, held at YMCA Hall. Its main project was aid to the escapees, who had fled after the Communist take-over of Czechoslovakia in 1948 and were now living in refugee camps in Europe. Antonín and Štepánka Cech had spent 18 months in a refugee camp and knew the hardships suffered by the homeless. The Alliance entered into close contact with

refugees, wrote many letters to individuals, secured many affidavits for camp inmates waiting for admission to the United States, and sent 93 packages of clothing weighing over 2 tons. In this effort, the Alliance worked through the American Fund for Czechoslovak Refugees.

In 1951, new officers were elected: Antonín Cech, president; C. Lamb, vice-president; Štepánka Cech, treasurer; L. Schulz, secretary. Of the first officers elected 20 years ago, Antonín and Štepánka Cech still remain at their posts. Membership in the next few years, 1951 to 1954, numbered 93, including members from the farm community. In 1951, Mrs. Cech organized and trained a dance group of children and teenagers, mostly American born, of the second and third generation, whom she taught Moravian and Czech dances and songs. The dance group, in beautiful authentic costumes, rejuvenated by younger members over the years, has performed many times before American audiences, on local and state level. One of its outstanding performances was in Washington, D.C. at the 50th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia.

An annual event is the traditional Festival of St. Anthony, held in June in the ZCBJ garden.

The Alliance has contributed not only to refugees but also to the United Way and other American charities and worthy causes.

Present officers are: Antonín Cech, president; Marie Resatka, vice-president; Anton Benesh, secretary; Štepánka Cech, treasurer. Delegates to the District Council: Antonín Cech and Anton Benesh.

The twentieth anniversary will be commemorated this fall, when fieldwork on farms is done, and members and friends will rededicate their efforts to the cause of the Czechoslovak National Council.

MASARYK AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF NEW BUFFALO, MICHIGAN

Fifteen enthusiasts, who met in the Fairview Hotel in New Buffalo, Michigan, on Jan. 23, 1950, laid the foundation for a local branch of the Czechoslovak National Council of America so as to unite Czechoslovak families living in the vicinity. The meeting was called at the suggestion of Mirko Sedlák, then CNCA organizer, and his assistant James Janota. Adopting the official name of Masaryk American Alliance, they approved the by-laws and elected their first officers: John Škrdlant, president; Václav Legner, vice-president; Václav Janota, secretary, and Jan Kopic, treasurer. At the next meeting, attended by 32 members, it was decided to commemorate the

birth of President Masaryk and a fitting observance was held April 30, 1950. Participants and guests included the CSA Singing Society, the 1st Post of Czechoslovak Legionnaires, Vlasta Vráz and Anthony Vosyka of Chicago, as well as Mr. Clinton Fair, legislative secretary, who extended official greetings from Governor Williams of Michigan.

Its success encouraged the young organization to plan other ventures. The first large-scale drive was the collection of cash funds and clothing for the displaced Czechoslovaks living in various camps in Europe after their escape from Communist rule. Four tons of clothing and cash were delivered to CNCA headquarters in Chicago.

Throughout the years, the organization has retained its platform. Rudolf Janda held the office of president from 1950 to 1960, and upon his retirement, Frank Adamec took his place. John Škrdlant, Václav Kurz, Václav Janota, Cecilia Pihera and Anna Kalivoda are among the officers who worked with president Janda. Present officers are: Caroline Berounský, president; Antonie Švejda, vice-president; Anna Kalivoda, secretary; Emilie Welcl-Ružicka, treasurer.

From its very beginning the Alliance has financed its many social and cultural activities attended by visitors from Chicago and nearby communities. Thanks to untiring women members, funds have been raised to carry on the activities.

SOUTH WISCONSIN CHAPTER

Recognizing the need of supporting the work of the Czechoslovak National Council, the South Wisconsin Chapter was founded March 12, 1966, with the assistance of Dr. Vlastimil Chalupa and Eduard E. Dellin. The charter members are as follows: Jirí Pokorný, president, Zdenka Novak, first vice-president, Miloš Bezdek, first secretary, Josef Mikuláš, first treasurer, Mr. František Novak, Mrs. Jaroslav Sperl, Mr. Jaroslav Rek, Mr. Richard O. Bondy-Charvat, and Mr. Josef G. Št'astný.

SAN FRANCISCO CHAPTER

The Chapter was organized until in 1966, as the Czech and Slovak colony is comparatively small and scattered. Most of the activities are centered around Sokol. However, there was an evident need for a Council branch on the Pacific coast, to publicize the dangers of communism. With the coming of George Špánek, member of the Chicago Executive Board of CNCA, and Vladimír Balejko to San Francisco, it finally became feasible to organize a branch with the assistance of Anton Juliš, Josef Necas, František Klátil, Karel Šámal, Marie Konopleva, and Anna Špánek.

The branch takes part in Captive Nations and similar activities, in detecting and opposing Communist propaganda, and participates in programs and festivals of other organizations.

Officers for 1970: George Špánek, president; Joseph Libor, vice-president; William Buršík, secretary; Joseph Necas, treasurer; Jan Turek, recording secretary. The Chapter meets at Sokol Hall, 847 N. San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, California.

CHAPTER “SLOVAK NATIONAL UPRISING,” PORTLAND, OREGON

"Slovenské národní povstání," a branch of the Czechoslovak National Council of America, was organized on October 28, 1964, to preserve the language, traditions and awareness of the Czech free spirit. Dr. Leopold Pospíšil and Mr. and Mrs. John Martin finally succeeded in getting together a group of Czech and Slovak origin. First meetings were held in the home of the Martins, but as the meetings became popular and attendance increased, a new location became necessary. The Portland Federal Savings Bank Friendship Room was chosen.

The first officers were Dr. Leopold Pospíšil, president; Jan Bauer, vice-presidernt; John Martin, secretary-treasurer. After years of devoted work, the President, who traveled 220 miles to preside at the meetings, and the Secretary-Treasurer withdrew from their leadership, and new officers were elected in April 1969: Giny Vachal (Mrs. Charles), president; Jan Bauer, vice-president; Camille Bain, secretary; Emily Looney, treasurer. These officers were re-elected in April 1970. Both Dr. Pospíšil and Mr. John Martin still serve in an advisory capacity.

The activities of the group vary from month to month, according to suggestions made by members and to circumstances. Thus when the Catholic Charity of the Archdiocese of Portland informed our officers that five Czechoslovak refugee families would need assistance, the Chapter immediately accepted the task of awaiting and transporting the refugees, supplying them with clothing, finding them lodging and employment. It was inspiring to watch individual families take interest in the newcomers. At Christmas, the Chapter will send gifts to the children in refugee camps to make their Christmas a little brighter.