EVENTS-MUSIC-SPORTS
Adam S.
Eterovich
Croatian Mariners off the
Coast of California
1565 California: Croatian mariners were in the Pacific Fleets of Spain
in the 1500’s and participated in the colonization and discovery of the
Philippines. Miguel de Aragoces or de
Ragusa (Dubrovnik) was a mariner in South America, 1535, New Spain in 1537,
and in the Philippines in 1565; Lucas
Aragoces was a Marine Guardian to the Capitana de Legazpi a Filipinas in
1565; Nicola Aragoces was a mariner
with Villalobos a Filipinas in 1542. All galleons leaving the west coast of
Mexico would travel along the California coast and at times stop for water on
their way, coming and going, in trade and commerce with the Philippines.
Indian Chief Hahamovic
1775 Pasadina: A History of Pasadina, California
mentions an Indian chief Hahamovic at the San Gabriel Catholic Mission in 1775.
Could he have said “Dobro Nam Dosli” to the Spanish explorers?
Founded San Francisco
1775 San Francisco: Alfred F. Malovos was member of a pioneer
Alviso family. He was born in Alviso on
the family ranch, known at the time as Lighthouse Farm. His mother was the late Maria J. Malovos, who
was a granddaughter of Ignacio Alviso,
and infant member of the historic DeAnza
Party which came to California in 1775 to found the City of San Francisco. His father was the late Andrew J. Malovos,
a ship captain from Island of Sipan, Dalmatia.
Mariners in Mexican
California
1800-1847 Mariners Blas Limcank and Blas Yame
were put ashore off the ship Peacock in California in 1806 as prisoners. Blas
or Vlaho is a common Croatian name. In 1822 an Austrian named Juan Bonifacio
landed from the ship John Begg as indicated by the historian Bancroft. He
married Carmen Pinto in 1827 and had three children and died in Santa Cruz,
California in 1834. In 1845 three foreigners were put ashore at Santa Cruz:
William Franec, Chris Vich and William Wanec. Francisco Rodenich, mariner on
the bark John Guipuzcoana, was charged with refusal to do duty at San Francisco
in 1847. He was also in Hawaii.
Captains and Ships in
Mexican California
1800-1848: Captain Livorich on the Schooner
Margarita and Captain Carlos Baric on the brig Primavera flying the Mexican
flag in Los Angeles in the 1830’s, could be Croatians. Austrian ships were
trading and visiting Pacific ports such as the Imperial Eagle of the Austrian
East India Company. This fur trader stopped at Hawaii in 1787. Captain Jakov
Levi out of Dubrovnik rounded Cape Horn in 1834 on the brig Re de Ungeria;
captains Ivan Kopatich, Stephan Splivalo, C. Constantine, C. Jurkovich, Antonio
Milatovich and Ivan Visin were in San Francisco in 1849-1850. Captain Visin’s
crew of Dalmatians deserted and went to seek gold. The ships Themis, Novara,
and Dandolo of Austria were in the Mexican trade during Maximilian’s rule in
Mexico during the 1860’s.
First Croatian in Los
Angeles
1834 Los Angeles: The first Croatian pioneer was Mattias
Sabich, coming from Mexico to Los Angeles in 1834. He had a son, Matias, in
1841 and a son, Francisco, in 1842 in Los Angeles. Matias was a trader and
merchant. He planted the first orange groves.
Discovery of Gold
1848 Coloma: John Ivankovich landed at San
Francisco in 1842 with a broken leg and his brother Mathew, also a mariner,
came in 1847. They worked for John Sutter on ship repairs in San Francisco.
Mathew was called the “Sailor Man” by John Sutter and was at the discovery of gold at Sutter’s
Mill.
First and Oldest
Restaurant in San Francisco
1849 San Francisco: “Tadich
Grill,” There are still landmarks in San Francisco, in spite of the fire of
1906, but they are mostly human landmarks, instead of buildings and monuments,
and very few are left at that. Such a
one is John V. Tadich, of the original ‘Cold
Day Restaurant,’ at 545 Clay Street. A talk with Mr. Tadich is like turning
back the leaves of historical San Francisco; he can tell you of the little tent
operating on the northwest corner of Leidesdorff and Commercial Streets, prior
to 1849, where coffee was served to goldminers, sailors and their kind; of the
small coffee house tent being transformed
into a corrugated iron house, which stood in this spot until Mr. Tadich
turned it into a real restaurant.
Croatian Prince Consort
1849 San Francisco: John Dominis, son of Captain
Dominis-Gospodnetich, grew up in Hawaii in the 1840's and I850's. His father
John Dominis is from the village of Pucisce, Island of Brac, in Dalmatia, or to
have originated from there. Upon hearing of the discovery of gold in
California, young John traveled to San Francisco and became an original
"Forty Niner". He returned to Honolulu in 1850. On September 16, 1862
he married Miss Lydia K. P. who became the last Queen of Hawaii, Queen
Liluiokalani. John Dominis of Croatian origin became the Prince Consort.
Shooting at Hotel Deville
1851 San Francisco: A shooting was reported by the San
Francisco Daily Alta on May 4, 1851 at the Hotel De Ville owned by Antonio
Milatovich.
Slavonic Illyric and
Benevolent Society of 1857
1857 San Francisco: On November 17, 1857, at 56 Government
House, near the present waterfront of San Francisco, a group of Dalmatians and
Istrians organized the Slavonic Illyric & Benevolent Society. Without their
knowing, they became the first Croatian organization in the world to be
established overseas. In 1874, the Slavonic Illyric Mutual & Benevolent
Society of San Francisco built the first Croatian building to be found in
America at Sutter Creek, Amador County. They organized the first Croatian
cemetery called the "Slavonic Terra" in 1861 in San Francisco. This Society
was incorporated in 1873 with the assistance of a well known member and lawyer,
Augustus D. Splivalo, from Viganj, Dalmatia. The Society is still in existence
and recently celebrated their 143rd continuous "Slavenska Vecera" in
San Francisco with the help of proud members and descendents from Croatia.
Virginia City’s First
Saloon
1859 Virginia City: Martin Grossetta from Dubrovnik,
Dalmatia, Croatia was proprietor of the Virginia Saloon in Virginia City,
Nevada in 1860. This was the first saloon
and one of the first of approximately fifty businesses in Virginia City
at the time. The Virginia Saloon was included in a prominent panorama of
Virginia City. Martin had been in Mobile, Alabama in 1849 and had voted in that
city prior to coming to the Pacific Coast to seek his fortune. In 1859 Martin
had a coffee saloon in San Francisco at the corner of Sacramento and East
Streets. Martin was a citizen in 1849 at
Mobile, Alabama.
Croatian Flag in
Sacramento
1859 Sacramento: On November 26, 1860, a delegation
consisting of Nikola Barovich born in Janjina, Peljesac; John Ucovich born in
Dubrovnik; and President Dr. Vincent Gelcich born on the Island of Hvar arrived
on the morning barge from San Francisco to present to their Croatian brothers
in Sacramento the Croatian Red, White and Blue Flag and Banner to celebrate
their first anniversary as the Croatian
Slavonic Illyric Society of Sacramento organized in 1859. This being the second oldest Croatian
organization in the Americas.
Union Navy
1860 San Francisco: Jakov Mikulich, better known as
Charlie from Senjska Rijeka, Croatia was an employee of Nicholas Buja. He was a young boy when he came to America
on a sailing vessel, and as a young man he enlisted in the United States Navy,
year 1860, during the Civil War. He
was real American. He enjoyed life to the utmost, was a stylish
dresser and a great lover of race horses.
Union Army
1863 San Jose: Dionicio Covacevich enlisted in the
Union Army in 1863 and was mustered out as a Corporal at Drumm Barracks in
1866.
1864 San Francisco: Doctor Vincent Gelcich enlisted in the
4th Infantry California Volunteers as a surgeon and mustered out as a Colonel
in 1865.
1865 Oroville: John Marcovich enlisted in the Union
Army as a Private in the Union Army. He was mustered out at Presidio of San
Francisco in 1866.
Hanging
1866 San Francisco: Basilio Vlahovich, age 29, was killed
by Antonio Sassovich, age 26. Antonio was hanged after a fair and quick trial
for murder; both were buried in the Croatian Cemetery by the Slavonian Society.
They were mariners from Dalmatia and not members of the Slavonian Society.
Life in San Francisco
1867 San Francisco: The people are mostly Americans by
birth, but there are also many English, Irish, French, Germans, Italians,
Spanish-Americans, Scandinavians, Dalmatians
and Chinese as reported in a book about San Francisco by Neville.
Taxes
1868 San Francisco: John Herzo was taxed $30,500. on his
buildings for the year in San Francisco. A Croatian millionaire.
Grand Opera House-Bella Union
Theatre
1868 San Francisco: The Mazzanovich family were musicians
upon coming to San Francisco in 1868. Lorenzo and Lena Mazzanovich listed on
the United States Census of population in 1870 in Los Angeles with four
children. Anton,1860; John,1856; Paul, 1858; and Lena, 1869. All were born on
the Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia except Lena. One son John, was employed
at the Grand Opera House and the famed
Bella Union Theatre in San Francisco. They were members of the Slavonic Illyric
Mutual and Benevolent Society of San Francisco, organized for less than a year,
the family moved to Los Angeles. They are considered Croatian Pioneers of that
city and amongst its earliest residents. The Mazzanovich family was the first
Dalmatian family to settle in Los Angeles,
although other Croatian pioneers did come earlier with families, having married
women other than Croatian nationality. L. Mazzanovich was a volunteer musician
in the Slavonian Rifles, 1st Company, Louisiana Volunteers, Confederate Army of 1861. The name is
Macanovich.
Slavonian Library
1869 San Francisco:
The Slavenska Citaonica or the Slavonian LIbrary was incorporated in the
State of California with the objects to establish a Library and Reading Room
for the use of persons belonging to the Slavonic Race, and others who may be
permitted to enjoy the benefits of the same.
Number of members twenty. Rooms,
619 Montgomery Street. Officers were S.
Martinovich, S. Milich, John Franeta, John Ivankovich, N. Dabovich.
Austrian Benevolent
Society Picnic
1873 Alameda: First Annual Picnic of the Austrian
Benevolent Society was held at Schuetzen Park, Alameda on April 20, 1873 as
reported in the Figaro Newspaper of San Francisco on April 19, 1873.
Selling Whiskey to
Indians
1873 Amador: George Dujmovich up in the Amador
goldmining region was arrested by the sheriff for selling whiskey to Indians at
his saloon. This was reported in the Amador Independent News in 1873. George
was from the Island of Brac. George stated “business is business”.
Opera Singer-The Croatian
Canary
1875 San Francisco: Then there was the eccentric Ilma de Murska, who when she came to
town in the 1870’s was hailed as the Croatian
Canary. This cookie traveled with a
veritable menagerie, including parrots, cockatoos and magpies (to which
she gave singing lessons) plus a monkey or two and Pluto, a mannerly, if
mammoth, Newfoundland. The latter always dined with his mistress at the table!
Ilma
De Murska, maiden name Ema Puksec, was born in Ogulin, Croatia in 1834. She
studied singing in Zagreb under Ruzicka who was a member of the orchestra, and
afterwards at the music institute under Lichtenegger. She married Eder in 1851,
but she left him with two children and went to the Music Academy in Vienna. In
1861 she went with Matilda Marchesi in Paris and by 1862 she had triumphs in
Florence, Sicily and Spain. She never came back to her husband. In 1863 she had
a tremendous success singing in the
Royal Opera in Vienna, then in Budapest, Prague, Paris, Hamburg, London,
Dublin, Berlin. She was nicknamed the "Croatian Nightingale". In St.
Petersburg she was singing at the Court and the Russian Czarina crowned her
with a brilliant diadem. In 1874 she had a guest performance in New York and
other cities in America.
Platts
Hall,1875, San Francisco: Mlle. Ilma
de Murska’s first concert of the series may be pronounced a perfect
success. The attendance represented the
beauty and fashion of the city, and the hall was crowded in every part. At the first glimpse the programme did not
seem to promise much; but the execution of the different numbers was sufficient
to stir the audience to the wildest enthusiasm.
The prima donna of the night was, of course, the centre of
attraction. On her every eye was bent
and when she opened her mouth in Benedict’s “Carnival of Venice,” the cast
assembly became like Louchard, “all ears.”
It was a magnificent rendering, and the applause that followed was of
such an impressive and significant character as to show that the qualifications of the cantatrice had not been
overrated but her usually sanguine entrepreneur. She was compelled to an encore, when she gave
a Hungarian (Croatian!) melody,
exquisitely sweet and at the same time powerful. Mlle. de Murska’s great strength lies in her
superb trills of variations, showing the great compass and extreme flexibility
of her voice.
In
1875 she performed in thirteen well attended concerts in the Melbourne,
Australia Town Hall". In the following year she gave eleven performances
at the Melbourne Opera House"'. Her tours were a great success, though
they were also surrounded by scandal. She apparently married twice during the
tour (once in Sydney and once in New Zealand) while still being married in
Europe. In 1876 the Argus described her performance in the opera
"Faust" as this: "she is exceptionally gifted as a singer, we
find in Mademoiselle Ilma de Murska such a grand union of powers, both natural
and acquired, that their application to the interpretation of this famous part
is an event in a lifetime to have witnessed, and having been once seen is never
to be forgotten". The Australasian
Sketcher's complements on De Murska's performances were even greater, "Of
her success since she has been in Victoria there is but one opinion, namely,
that great as it may be, it is only the recognition of her talents which is her
just due, and no more, and that she is the greatest singer who has ever visited
us, so ought her success here be the greatest on record" . "De Murska" Street, in
Prahran, was named in her honor. In 1889 she was invited in America again, to
take the professorship at the conservatoire. There she became very ill and
never healed again. She returned to Germany and died in poverty in Munich,
1889.
Exempt Firemen Funeral
1877 San Francisco: Sam Zlarin, better known as Sam Marion,
from Trogir, married a San Francisco girl and had a family of children. A son is an actor on the American stage, and
a daughter joined the Sisters of Mercy order.
Sam Zlarin was a typical Dalmatian Sokol (I like to apply the name Sokol
to him as it expresses my keen admiration of him). The Croatians apply the name Sokol (Falcon)
to persons of athletic and sporting activities, to courageous and brave men,
and without any exaggeration on my part, Sam Zarin was all that. He was very popular among his friends and a
leader among leaders in the old Slavonic Society, as well as among the Exempt
Firemen of early days in San Francisco, of which he was a member. He passed away about 1877; the funeral being
conducted by the Exempt Firemen’s organization from their historical hall in
Brenham Place above Portsmouth Square, in front of the then City Hall.
The Slavonic Society attended in a body.
I recall it as being one of the largest funerals of any of our people. The
streets were crowded with spectators, as it was a beautiful sight to see the
firemen in full unifrom, and hear the solemn music of the band. John Tadich.
Austrian Jaeger Company
1878 San Francisco: The “Austrian Jaeger Company” as it appeared
in the California publication The Wasp, August 10, 1878. Composed of Croatians from Dalmatia under the
leadership of Captain Nikola Sturica.
Groups such as these were and outgrouth of the Civil War, when the
Federal Government approved of volunteer organizations- many of which formed
along ethnic lines. With the passage of
time, these companies became little more than social organizations, whose
members donned fancy uniforms, drilled, and marched in patriotic parades.
Austrian Festival
1878 San Francisco:
the Fifth Annual Festival of the Austrian Benevolent Society was held at
South San Francisco Park, Sunday August 11, 1878. Tickets 50 cents, children free. All were
Croatians.
Colonization
1878 Mexico: The Daily Morning Call on March 13,
1878 in San Francisco reported that Antonio Milatovich of this city intends
colonizing a portion of his land in Lower California, Mexico. Mr, Milatovich is
one of the largest land grabbers on the
peninsula, claiming upward of three hundred thousand acres.
Croatian-Slavic Day at
the Mid Winter International Exposition
1894 San Francisco: Not only the Croatian newspapers
Dalmatinska Zora and Slavenska Sloga, which were being published at that time
in San Francisco, but the American press as well agreed that Slavic Day--
celebrated in the city on July 21, 1894-- was an overwhelming success. It was, they felt, the best celebration
staged by an ethnic group during the city’s Mid Winter-International Exposition
that year. After offering brief, but
glowing quotes from the Examiner, Chronicle and Daily Report, Skrivanic turned
to Dalmatinska Zora for a detailed description of the day’s activities. With slight editing by the translator (RLM)
the description is as follows:
At
9 a.m. our countrymen began to assemble at the intersection of New Montgomery
and Market Streets-- the starting point for the parade. The various Slavic flags, including our Croatian tricolor, fluttered in the
breeze and our language was being spoken as if we were in ancient Zagreb. The musical groups were playing our marches,
most often “Napred zasdrave slave” and Zivela
Hrvatska.” And then the band music
burst from on Market Street. These were
our people from Oakland. Lined up with
them were various dignitaries on horseback, our man Ivan Klecak being among them,
Then came the contingent from San Jose, 300 strong and complete with
band. Led by parade deputy marshal L.V. Slavich, the San Jose group had
traveled to San Francisco by special train.
The
parade got underway at 11 a.m. in the following order: A large group of police
officers led the way, followed by the grand marshal, H. Giara, with a swath of
Croatian tricolor across his chest.
Seated with him were assistant P Szakalski, S. Kucich and A. Tadich. Then came the first of the parade’s three
sections-- a Slavic band followed by another of the parade’s deputy marshals,
C. Prosek, and his assistants-- Dalmatians N. Marich and R. Radich. The panslavic flag was carried by our
patriot, V.N. Bakulich, while the
American flag was handled by G. Arnerich. Then came the float “American Freedom” and 18
young women representing 18 different Slavic nations. Each was dressed in
white and adorned with flowers. Next
were 20 coaches with the following:
(Dignitaries) A.E. Barbich,
Ivan Ivankovich, N. Barovich, J. Klecak, I. Slavich,
Marko Rabasa, M. Malovoz, Dr. J. Prosak, Jos. Korbel, F.
Lastufka, Captain Bjelavski, L. Jankovich,
J. Kucich, F. Antunovich, M. Ljubetich,
B. Radovich, N. Miklo, Dr. Pavlicki,
A Truhlar, A Gecan, and N. Plancich. (Speakers) F. Zaninovich, Dr. G. Vecki,
F. Snajder, J. Vostrovsky and L. Svetnich.
(Newsmen) V. Snajder (from Ohio), Z.V. Muzina
(editor of Danica visiting from Alleghany), V. Piskulic and reporters form the San Francisco papers.
The
Slavonic Illyrian Mutual Benefit Society,
flying the red-white-blue tricolor, came next with a large contingent. They were followed by marchers and a
beautiful float representing the “Veselo-zabavno” club. This float also proudly displayed the
Croatian tricolor. Miss M. Zaro,
dressed in with with a wreath on her head, was seated in the center of
the float surrounded by several little girls.
We tip our hat to club president, Mr. Bradasich, for his wonderful float.
Section
two of the parade led off with a marching bad followed by deputy marshal V.
Komery and his assistants M. Vodjanski and S. Adamko. The society “Sasinek” Lodge 33 of the
National Slovak Society came next-- with 200 marchers led by a flagbearer
displaying the Slovak national flag.
Then came a large group representing the Slovenian Catholic Society
followed by our brothers, the Czechs, represented by their society “Zlatna
Brana.” After them came four horses
pulling a float that was decorated with flowers, flags and heraldic coats of
arms bearing such names as Strossmayer,
Starcevic, B Biankini, Preradovic, Klaic, etc.-- all heroes to us. A beautiful young woman representing Slavdom
stood in the middle of the float. She
was surrounded by young men who represented our various national heroes. Outstanding among these were the
personifications of Bishop Strossmayer,
Nikola Zrinski, King Zvonimir and Ivan Gundulic. Our brother Slavs
from the north had their heroes as well.
This float was the best of all.
The
Croatian-Dalmatian Club “Zvonimir”
came next with 82 marchers and 50 carriages filled with the club’s
members. This huge contingent was also
represented by its president, Mr. Gecan,
and parade deputy marshal, Mr. Glavich.
Part
three of this grand parade led off with the San Jose contingent-- its band, its
parade deputy marshal, L.V. Slavich,
his lieutenants, S. Zaro and J. Chirgin, and 300 marching members of
the Slavic-American Society. This was
truly something to see-- All these brave, young Dalmatians marching with
our tricolor proudly waving overhead.
The Slavs from Santa Clara followed the San Jose group, marching and
riding in coaches. This brought the
parade to an end.
To
the above description from Dalmatinska Zora, Skrivanic appended the following
summary: The parade was 12 blocks long and lasted two hours. It
culminated at the Exposition Grounds where, at a special forum, lengthy
speeches were delivered by A.E. Barbich,
F. Zaninovich,. Dr. G. Vecki and others. Barbic and Zan spoke in English, while Dr. Vecki delivered his address in
Croatian. This day contributed to a
great deal to the Croatian movement in California and will be denoted with
golden letters in the history of the 19th century.
Slavonian Band
1890’s San Francisco: The Slavonian N.S. Club Band made up of
Croatians Dr. Kucich, Peter Tornich, Dominic Fabris, Nick Zaninovich, Steve
Perkovich and Vincent Fabris is the oldest Croatian Band in California and
probably in America. The band was organized by Geralomo Fabris from the Island
of Hvar.
Austrian Military Band
1900 San Francisco: The Austrian Military Band under the direction
of G.A. Fabris has performed at many picnics and events within the Croatian
community.
Slavonian Picnic
1901 San Francisco: Slavonic Society holds annual picnic in April
1902 at Fernbrook Park, Niles.
Croatian Tamburitza Club
Zvonimir
1902 San Francisco: llar Spiletak.
Along with thousands of others at the turn of the century, a large
number of people migrated from “Hrvatskog Primorja” (Croatia by the sea) and
Dalmatia, looking for work and fortune in the new world. Among this group was a young cabinet maker,
Ilar Spiletak, born December 19, 1876. Spiletak journeyed to America in the
year 1901, settling in San Francisco, California. When other young men moved to San Francisco
from Dubrovnik and surrounding places, Spiletak had within the year, on August
28, 1902, organized one of the first tamburitza groups among the immigrants in
America. This group was called the Hrvatsko Tamburitza Drustvo “ZVONIMIR” (Croatian
Tambura Club “ZVONIMIR”). The club
“ZVONIMIR” ordered its first tambura instruments from the then well-known firm
of T. Kovacic, in Zagreb. The group used these instruments until they
were destroyed in the big earthquake of April, 1906. New tambure were
ordered from the immigrant manufacturer Marohnic, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. At this time, the group changed its name to “GUNDULIC” under which title the group
worked until 1934 when it changed its name to the “Hrvatsko-Americki Tamburaski
Zbor” (Croatian-American Tambura Group). The group used the Farkas system of tambura
with two bisernica’s, two kontrasica’s, three brac’s, two bugarija’s and a
berde. Beside this early group, Spiletak is reputed to have organized at least
ten other tamburitza groups.
Austrian Military Banquet
and Ball
1904 San Francisco:
The Austrian Military and Benevolent Association Celebrated their 25th
anniversary at Eintracht Hall in San Francisco with entertainment, ball and
banquet. Officers were M. Sabadin, M.J.
Rasol, M.L. Milkovich, C. Petrusich, N. J. Sambrailo, J. M. Sambrailo, M. Miladin,
Spiro Raicevich, John Turato, Jasper Tosich, M. P. Christovich and L. Vezelich.
They were all Croatians.
Slavonian Picnic
1905 San Rafael: Slavonic
Society holds annual picnic on April 30, 1905 at Shutzen Park in San Rafael.
Sullivan the Strong Man
1906 San Francisco: Ivan Mladinich, also known as “Sullivan the
Strong Man” left his native Island of Brac for San Francisco before the turn of
the century. A member of the
Slavonic-Illyric Mutual and Benevolent Society of San Fracisco, Mladinich performed
many feats of strength, including the bending of horse shoes.
Slavonic Illyric Society
50th Year Banquet
1907 San Fracisco: The Slavonic Illyric M.B. Society of San
Francisco celebrates 50 years as a Golden Jubilee on November 17, 1907 at Lyric
Hall. Committee of Arrangements included
J. Sambuck, P. Tornich, N. Marisich, J. Vicin, S. Bonacich, S. Hamovich, F.
Berticevich, S. Negodich, J. Bilafer, R. Baresin and J. Karuza. The Reception Comittee included G. Santich,
J. Bojanich, J. Jurach, A. Vrancovich, G. Bencich, J. Mosich, P. Marisich, G.
Arnerich, G. Balovich, G. Slavich, J. Kovacich, D. Bencich and J. Vicin.
California Baseball
Champions
1909 Watsonville: Championship Baseball won by
Watsonville in 1909. The twelve members of the California Conference Champions
included a few Dalmatians. Two John Novakovich’s, Steve Nemanich, and Louis
Kalich.
Croatian Sokol Band
1910 Oakland:
The Croatian Sokol Band of Oakland, California awaits the arrival of
Croatian dignitaries at the Oakland train station in the early 1900s. The Oakland Sokol Club was the first to be
organized on the Pacific Coast in 1910.
For many years it maintained an office at 810 Chester Street.
Sokols of the Pacific
1910 Oakland: is the home of the Sokols on the
Pacific. The Oakland branch was organized in 1910 and has had a steady growth
to the present in 1939.
Mayes Oyster House
1911 San Francisco: Sunny Jim Rolph, Mayor of San
Francisco, a Tory bohemian in the Edwardian style: A lover of lavish lunches at
Maye's Oyster House (Dalmatians) on
Polk Street, or, if he were too busy, gourmet spreads sent over to his office
by taxicab from, the Paclfic Union Club. He smoked. expensive cigars. He once
opened the Policeman’s Ball by escorting in the grand arcade The
City's leading madam, Tessie Wall. Marriage vows and Rolph's sincere
Episcopalianism now and then crumbled before the vagrant urges of the flesh.
For a long time, in fact, he was rumored to be keeping, a mistress. But those
were both better-behaved, and more tolerant days, in the matter of sexual conduct. Discretion covered. a multitude of sins.
Sokols of the Pacific
1911 San Francisco: Organized in 1911, the
Croatian-American Sokols of San Francisco were organized as a second branch of
the Grand Lodge of the Pacific. Sokol
headquarters in San Francisco are at the society’s club rooms, 86 Golden Gate
Avenue. Composed of 75 members the Sokols have contributed much to the
athletic, educational and social life of Croatians in San Francisco. Under the leadership of President Vladimir
Budinski and Secretary Anton Petrovich, the San Francisco Sokols are in the
midst of a very eventful and successful 1939 year.
Island of Brac Reunion
1914 Los Angeles:
A “Postirski izlet” or outing of immigrants from the village of Postira
on the Island of Brac, on July 16, 1914.
For many years the immigrants from Postira staged an annual
reunion-picnic (July 16) celebrating the Feast Day of the Lady of Mt. Carmel
(Gospe od Karmela), a great day of celebration on the island of Brac. Family names include Hranueli, Gospodnetich,
Jelincich, Matulich, Salamunovich, Santich, Skarich, Biocina, Restovich,
Bisazza. Most lived in the Croatian
neighborhood around St. Anthony’s Croatian Church in Los Angeles. Later some of these immigrants moved to San
Pedro.
Austrian Archduke Francis
Ferdinand Mass
1914 San Francisco: San Francisco Examiner July 29, 1914. An imposing high requiem and
sacrifice mass was celebrated yesterday at the Croatian Church of Nativity for
the assassinated Austrian Archduke Francis Ferdinand and the Duchess of Hohenburgh.
The service was conducted by the Rev. Father Turk, assisted by father Hughes as
subdeacon, the sermon being held by Father Footo of St. Ignatius Church. The church and altar were profusely decorated
with flowers and mourning. Two beautiful bronze caskets, covered with wreaths
and flowers, stood in front of the altar,being symbolic of the commemorial
nature of the mass, and on either side were displayed portraits of the late
Archduke and Duchess, surrounded with red and white colors of the dual monarchy.
The church was filled to overflowing with a congregation of Austrians and
Germans. A marital aspect was given to the gathering by the presence of reserve
officers of the Austrian Imperial army in full uniform, their swords girded on. Amongst the prominent Austrian-Hungarian
residents attending were the Austrian Consul General, Dr. Joseph Goricar, with
his staff; Captain of Reserves M. Rasol-Russel, First Lieutenant F. Beck,
Second Lieutenant J. Cristich, John Radovich, M. Ranzulo, Martin Perich, C.
Petrusich, I. W. Alison, past president of the Austrian Military and Benevolent
Society, and many others. The preacher said that the service was strictly a
religious service and high mass for the souls of the martyred royal couple, and
had no political tendency whatever. All
statements attributing a political
intention to the service were consequently without foundation. At the
conclusion to the sermon the solemn blessing of the caskets was given, the
choir singing the “Kyrie Eleison” afterward.
The Austrian national anthem, “Got Erhalte Franz den Kaiser” (God Have
Our Emperor Francis), and the singing of “Nearer My God, to Thee” concluded the
ceremonies. The choir consisted of Mrs. R. W. Gillogley, Miss C. Guntz,
Miss Etta O’Brien, Miss J. Donnelly and Miss Bertha Radovich.
Slavonic Day Ball
1915 San Francisco:
Slavonic Day Ball held at the Sokol
Hall in San Francisco on August 28, 1915.
Austrian Military Dance
1915 Oakland: The Austrian Military Society of Oakland
announce their Annual Dance on April 17, 1915.
Slavonic Illyric Society
Banquet
1915 San Francisco:
The 59th Annual Banquet of the Slavonic Illyric Society was held on
November, 1915 at Milan and Dan Restaurant.
Slavonic Alliance Annual
Ball
1915 San Francisco:
The Slavonic Alliance of San Francisco held their Grand Annual Ball on
Sunday, February 14, 1915 at the Golden Gate Commandary Hall.
Slavonic Day-Panama
Pacific International Exposition of 1915
1915 San Francisco: Staged to celebrate the opening of
the Panama Canal, the Exposition stretched over 635 acres- from Fort Point to
Van Ness Avenue and from Chestnut Street to the Bay. San Francisco was going to
show the world how proudly it had risen from the ashes of the Great Fire and
Earthquake of 1906.
The
greater San Francisco Bay Area, including Northern California, boasted of
approximately 20,000 Slavs, with the majority being Slavs from
Croatia-Dalmatia, Hercegovina, and Slovenia. The Slavonic Mutual and Benevolent
Society, along with fellow Croatians organized Slavonic Day to express their
ethnic pride and loyalty to America.
The
San Francisco Chronicle, on September 21, 1915, described the Slavonic parade
in detail as follows: Slavonic Day is Celebrated by Thousands. Assembled Slavs
Show Their Loyalty to U.S. by Issuing Patriotic Proclamation
Gala
Doings at Exposition close with Ball in the California Building. Queen Margaret
I of United Slavonia, acclaimed by 20,000 Slavs, ruled over the exposition
yesterday. No one knew that they were so many SLavs in Central California until
they marched into the exposition yesterday morning to celebrate Slavonic
day. They came from every city around
the bay, from Sacramento, Stockton, Watsonville and San Jose, representing all
the Slavic groups from Russia to Croatia.
They filled Festival Hall for their formal exercises and overflowed all
over the grounds. No less that thirty-four Slavonic societies, besides long
lines of men and women unattached, were represented in the big parade that
escorted Queen Margaret and her train from the Civic Center to the exposition.
With the sokols and societies in bright national constumes, the parade
was the most colorful taht has passed through the exposition gates.
Queen
Margaret rode in a triumphal car symbolizing United Slavonia and attended by
her maids of honor and nine little girls representing the Slavic Division.
Grand Marshal J. A. Chargin,
with his chief of staff, Frank Hospodarsky, and his aides, Anton Zec, V. D. Jugovich and M. Waniorek, led the parade. After the queen came Mayor Rolph, the official
high priest at the coronation.
While
employing the day to emphasize their love of race, the California Slavs made it
also the occasion of a demonstration of thier patriotic regard for the United
States. Their speakers declared their allegiance to their adopted
country, resolutions were passed expressing their willingess to serve in the
defense of the Nation, and the general committee issued a proclamaiton
declaring that the Slavs of this country stand for the United States first of
all.
Proud
of adopted country: The printed address said in part “The Slavonic citizens of
California and of all the other part ot he the United States always have been,
are and always will be, ready to do everything in therir power to be of use and
help in their adopted country in any emergency. no matter what foreign
governments, their ambassadors or agents may say or do, the Slavs throughout
America are ready and eager to offer their belongings, their strong arms and
healthy bodies and if necesary, their last drop of blood, for the integrity and
safety of these glorious United States, anywhere and at any time.”
They
further wish to emphasize that one Slavonic race loves the others, and that if
the Austrian and German Government have offered the world the revolting
spectacle in arraying brother against brother in revolting combats, the world
must know that the poor, downtrodden Slavonic peoples, under the unjust and
tyrannic governments of the Kaisers and Hapsburgs, have no other choice, and
that prisons and gallows stifle at once any protesting voice. “The American
people will have an opportunity to witness on this day that unity and harmony
of the Slav residing in the United States, and view the falseness of the
statements spread by the enemies of truth, who maintain that the Slavs, pressed
into the uniforms of their opressors, are not fighting by choice, but because
they are forced to do so by those same criminal goverments.” E. L.
Chlopek, one of the orators of the day, declared that a Teutonic victory would
leave the Slavs of Europe a people without a country. Samuel M. Shortridge
called upon all the Slavs present, as loyal Americans by adoption, to exert
effort to preserve the Nation’s neutrality.
Queen
Margaret I, otherwise Miss M. Krsak,
was crowned by Mayor Rolph on the stage of Festival Hall. The Mayor was
the first to salute the monarch, and then the audience cheered and sang “Oj
Slaveni.” They sang “America” at the
close. Piano and violin solos were redered by Zdenka Euben, Josephine
Holub, Helen Engelman and Julius Lister,
and a recitation by Frances G. Chargin.
Antone Pilcovich officiated as
president of the day. In the afternoon a series of exhibition drills were
staged in the court of the Universe, under the direction of Victor Vojvodich, who arganized the Southern
Slavs into one body. The teams were from the Croatian Sokols of
Sacramento, the Bohemian and Croatian Sokols, both men and women, and the
United Sokols. In the evening the united slavonians gave a ball in the
California building.
Salvonic Day-Panama
Pacific Exposition 1915 with Croatian Arms
Croatian Sokols Annual
Dance
1915 Oakland: CroatianSokols of Oakland hold their Annual
Sokol Dance on January 17, 1915.
Croatian Tamburitza
Orchestra
1918 San Francisco: Pavao Agich was born in Djakovo,
Croatia in 1873. He was a barber and founder of Croatian Singing Club
"Preradovich" in Djakovo, Croatia. He had traveled with tamburitza
orchestra’s all over Germany in the
period from 1902-1903. He has worked for several years as a barber in London,
British Columbia, Canada and in Portland, Oregon. He lived in San Francisco
since 1914 and was a member and manager of the Croatian Tamburitza Orchestra in
San Francisco. He is also an active member of Knights of Columbus organization.
Slavonic Annual Banquet
1920 San Francisco: President M. Radonich of the Slavonic Society
to see the Head of Liquor Prohibition Dept. to “see if Society could have wine
at their Annual Banquet.”
Beban Movie Stock Company
1920 San Francisco: The Tivoli has scheduled a show for
next week that should equal if not eclipse anything it has yet offered theatere
goers of San Francisco. There are two big numbers on the program. In both
of them George Beban is the star. One of the features will be presented
on the screen. It is Beban’s first
photodramaa made by his own producing
company. It is called, “Hearts of
Men,” and is said to be the star’s best effort. The other will be presented on
the stage. It is the famous vaudaville
classic, “The Sign of the Rose,” which has caused Beban’s name to be writted
high on the role of stage celebrities. E. M. Asher, manager of the Tivoli,
is responsible for the bringing of Beban here in the act that has entertained
thousands of his fellow townspeople- for Beban is a San Francisco man. It is this fact that caused Asher’s efforts
to be crowned with success. Beban wanted
his picture to go big in his home city and because the local showings precede
those of New York. Much is claimed for “Hearts of Men.” It is said to be a big Italian drama typical
of Beban, with a compelling heart interest and that quaint humor which so marks
his work. Beban has had the picture in the making for a year. In the cast will be his small son, George
Jr., already known to film fans as “Bob White.” The Distinguished Character
Actor George Beban And His Associate Players, Present
“THE SIGN OF THE ROSE”
A Play in One Act by Mr. Beban
Cast
The Detective.......Samuel J. Murphy
The Wardman......Frank Lynch
The Mother..........Pearl Cook
The Father...........RIchard Batlett
The Cashier.........Edith MacBride
The Customer......Florence Daniels
The Italian...........Mr. Beban
Time-Noon, on a summer day.
Scenery
painted by Dodge & Castle. Scenery built by T. B. McDonald Company.
Properties by John Burton. All floral decorations used in this production from
Art Floral Company. 1910-20
Croatian Sokol Flag
Dedication
1920 Oakland:
The 10th Anniversary and Flag Dedication of the Croatian Sokol was held
at the Oakland Civic Auditorium on January 11, 1920.
Orange Festival
1925 Oakland: The Orange Festivals were held in Nick
Shegedin’s Victorian Fraternity
Hall, still standing on the corner of Seventh and Peralta streets. In the
center of the hall would be a freshly cut orange tree, with large juicy fruit
still attached to its branches. But more
fruit had to be added for the expected crowd, and after school on the day of
the festival we boys and girls were given the responsibility of tying on more
oranges. On entering the hall in the evening, the sight was dazzling. The great tree in the center, now resplendent
with spotlights and reflected light, under its boughs a tamburitza (mandolin)
and accordion group poised for overture, and several of the Dalmatian lady
signers (a few well-modulated male voices were included) presented a scene that,
for us children at least, would linger in our memories forever.
At
the appointed hour, usually 10 o’clock in the evening, all would gather for the
grand march- and married couples, engaged couples, and young people with dates
formed a double column. At its head was
the oldest (barba) man and his wife, then in descending chronological order,
all the others. Everyone had to be in the proper place, just as when the
diplomas were handed out, because serenaders had a song uniquely composed for every couple.
As
long as the couples marched past the orange tree, one of us boys or girls would
pluck an orange high up in the branches, and toss it down to the master of
ceremonies, who in turn presented it to the lady of the couple marching by the
tree, the tamburitzas tinkling at the choristers signing at the tops of their
voices:
Dodje Barba Radovan...
Here comes honored Stephen Radovnin,
oldest of our set,
And on his arm the wife he brought
from Lumbarda,
Kata, when both were youngsters yet.
Their hearts and hearths still beckon
children to come and play,
And nourish their souls with the figs
and cookies they gave away.
Zagrlimo naseg Ivu Batistica...
We embrace our John Batisich
and his beautiful Mary,
Daughter of Gridley’s farmer Stuke.
Johns worked, and studied and preserved,
and this year he’ll have his diploma from Berkeley;
We all know John didn’t get his degree just luckily.
Kinship
was important to those early immigrants, but kinship encompassed common descent
from a village, an island, a province.
The Lumbarda Club, formed in 1911 by newly-arrived immigrants from
Dalmatian village of Lumbarda (Island of Korcula) as a mutual-benefit society
to provide funds to bury their dead, still exists. Although the original purpose no longer
applies, the club meets monthly to plan picnics and orange festivals.
Croatian Sokol Festival
1927 San Francisco: Anyone who wishes to know the basic
physical and mental characteristics of the Croatian nation, must acquaint
himself with the Sokol movement, for in the Sokol organzation is clearly
reflected the entire soul of these people, with all the aspirations, which it
has formed in the course of many centuries. Called to the life in
Czechoslovakia, during the period of the great emancipation movement in the
seventies of the last century the Sokol Organization took over the task of
training the Croatian Nation in the
cultivation of the qualities necessary for the struggle for progress and
freedom. Employing methods calculated to draw the inborn good qualities and
capacities of the people, the Sokol organization has, suceeeded in producing
new, healthy and strong generations, capable of carrying out the tasks of an
emancipated nation. Imbuing the whole life of the nation with its democratic
and noble spirit, looking after the harmonious development of all classes in,
its gigantic organization, the Sokol Movement has become one of the most
important factors in the national life, the source of the nation's soundness,
energy and general evolution, and the basis of all the efforts, directed toward
the welfare of the nation. An eloquent proof of this will be made manifest, in
this Sokol Festival, first of its
kind on the western bounds of the great American continent.
Saint Vlaho Day in California
1927 San Francisco: One of the most impressive
celebrations among the Croatians of California is the observation of the Saint
Blaise Day, which was initiated in San Francisco. Saint Blaise (Sveti Vlaho), as all our older
people know, is the patron saint of the ancient Republic of Dubrovnik-Ragusa. It has become in a short pace of time one of
the outstanding events among the Croatians of California. People from all over the State, including Los
Angeles, San Pedro, Fresno, Watsonville, Sacramento and other towns in
California come to San Francisco to take part in this celebration.
Ragusa
and its vicinity; namely, Rijeka Dubrovacka, Zupa Dubrovacka, Konavlje, and
other immediate communities, celebrate Saint Vlaho. The powerful city of
Ragusa, better known today as Dubrovnik.
Due to its favorable location and the business ability of its
inhabitants this city had gradually become a dangerous commercial rival of
another famous city on the Adriatic Sea, the city of Venice. In the rivalry which followed, the little
republic developed a tremendous commerce and wealth, which were the basis of
its greatness. The fifteenth century
marks the golden are of the Republic of Ragusa.
She was commanding a navy consisting of three hundred ships, coined her
own money and had several million ducats in her treasury. The city proper has 30,000 inhabitants. “In
every city of the Peninsula,” writes the scion of the ruling house of the
ancient republic, Knez (Duke) Lujo Vojnovic, “the language of Ragusa was
spoken, settlements were established, and the Catholic churches and chapels
were built.” This indicates that the
Republic of Ragusa had become a great maritime power, which commanded the
respect of the leading powers of Europe.
The republic survived until1808, when Napoleon took possession of the
city and abolished its government.
It
was customary with all European cities of the Middle Ages to have their patron
saints, to protect them form misfortunes and enemies. About 971 A.D., Ragusa chose Saint Blaise,
the one-time bishop of the city, as its protector. During the period of its greatest development
and the establishment of a free state, which took place during the twelfth
century, the emblem of Saint Blaise was adopted as the official emblem of the
republic. Under the flag of Saint
Blaise, inscribed with the word, “Libertas,” the vessels of the merchants of
Ragusa were sailing all over the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and around
the coast of Africa to India.
The
first celebration of the Saint Blaise day took place in the year 1312, and from
that year on, this celebration has become a regular annual event in the city of
Dubrovnik. In respect to these
celebrations, the aforementioned Knez Lujo Vojnovic writes as follows:
“The
celebration of the Saint Blaise Day, which occurs on February 3, is a solemn event,
accompanied with the discharge of cannons and rifles, waving of flags,
religious performances, and the shouting of enthused citizens. During the stormy history of the city, her
patron saint has seen her rise from a small community to a wealthy state, and
has witnessed all her joys and sorrows.
He protected her from misfortunes and followed her glory form the shores
of the Adriatic to the far-off India.
Recalling her history, your immagination pictures the shadow of the old
Ragusa, moving before your eyes. The
spectacle which the city presents during the celebration is full of magic
colors and profoundly touching scenes.
At the dawning of the day, in the morning breeze, you will witness the
procession of the pilgrims from Zupa and Brgat approaching the city, flying
their flags and accompanied by the discharge of guns. The scene reminds you of some celebrated
painting by Rubens. At Pile the pilgrims
from Zupa meet the multitudes arriving
from Rijeka and the coast towns as far west as Ston, and having saluted
in unison with their flags the ancient walls of the city, they enter the richly
decorated capital of the ancient republic.
The next performance is the flag salute in front of the church of Saint
Blaise are carried, reciting the history of Dubrovnik, blessing the pilgrims,
conducting folk dances and discharging the cannons. In the days of the republic this occasion was
used for pardoning the criminals, holding the patriotic parades and reviews,
celebrating peace and reviving the old Croatian customs. This was the day
of the glory for the chief magistrate of the city, a moment when its citizens
took stock of their navy, and thier wealth, of their great history and the
future prospects.” This description gives us a general view of the manner in which
the Saint Blaise Day is celebrated in Dubrovnik.
Five
years ago some of the older members of our colony decided to give an
entertainment with a short program for the benefit of our indigent citizens
both in San Francisco and in the old country.
Since most of those who took interest in this matter came either from
Dubrovnik of its immediate vicinity, it was agreed to hold this affair on the
Sunday following Saint Blaise Day. Since
no one anticipated a very large attendance, we hired a small hall and did not
do much advertising. We did announce,
however, that we would have the old-country folk dances and a lottery, as
customary in Dubrovnik. We urged our
guests to attend, if possible, in national costumes. To our great surprise, we had so many people that
the hall was not large enough to accommodate them all.
The
news of this celebration spread all over the State, and the following year we
had an even larger attendance that the year before. Since that time, the popularity of the Saint
Blaise Day has grown from year to year, so that today all our people in
California look upon it as an important national affair. Gradually this celebration is assuming the
attributes of the performances as given in the ancient hometown of Saint
Blaise.
The
clear proceeds for this affair are now being distributed among the destitute
Croatian families in the San Francisco Bay cities. On the committee for 1932 were the following:
Anton Vukota, Vlaho Mortigia, John Tomicich, Luka Bogdan,
Anton Petrusich, John Zec, Rade Dumarac, Steve Cvietusa,
Nick Vojovich, Peter Bogdan, Matte Sriensich, Andrew Butrica,
Angelo Cantone, Bernard Markoncich, Jabob Kurtela, Anton Simatovich,
Ilar Spiletak, Jack Markovich, John Skance Jr., Nick Medo,
Nick Sambrailo, John Skance Sr., Marko Lucich, Paul Misich,
Matt Kurtela, Luka Buich, Charles Micich, Chris Petrusich
and Peter V. Knego. I have
endeavored in these few lines to give the history of the Saint Blaise Day
celebration, which is now annually conducted by our people on the Pacific
Coast, far away form our beloved Dubrovnik. May I hope that this brief
description will serve to create the interest in our American-born generation
for the homeland of their parents, and especially for the glorious history of
the ancient Republic of Ragusa.
Hazdovac’s Bet
1927 Monterey: Dalmatians in California liked to make
bets. One of the biggest bets was made in 1927 between Petar Hazdovac from the
Island of Mljet and an American of Monterey. That year the world champion Jack
Dempsey was due to meet his challenger Gene Tunney to decide which of them
would be the future world champion. Petar Hazdovac bet on J. Dempsey and
American on Tunney. P. Hazdovac bet his half of the restaurant "J-P Waffle
Kitchen" which he owned together with John Nodilo in Monterey. Before the
match between Dempsey and Tunney there was much talk among the Mljetans in
Monterey about that bet and every one looked foward impatiently to the day and
hour of the big boxing match. In that match the winner was Gene Tunney so Petar
Hazdovac lost his half of the restaurant which became the property of said
American. A couple of days later P. Hazdovac managed to collect the needed
amount of dollars and redeemed his half of the restaurant. This event was
published by a Monterey newspaper.
Croatian Athletic Club of
Los Angeles
1930 Los Angeles-San Pedro: The Los Angeles Croatian Athletic Club
baseball team played at Navy Field in San Pedro, California near Fort MacArthur
in the 1930’s. The CAC often played against the Chicago Cubs on Catalina
Island off the California coastline during the Spring training in the
1930s. Both the Cubs and Catalina Island
were owned by Phillip K. Wrigley, the chewing gum magnate.Players were Bernie Roselli (the batboy). John Badovinac,
Evo Pusich (long time scout for the
Cubs organization), Jim Roselli, Tom Guich,
J. Cargona, John Vallazo, Mickey
Roth, John Beradino, Matt Stankovich,
Bill Seinsoth, Marin Kristovich,
George Rusich, Nick Vusich, and Matt Pendo.
Hajduk Athletic Club
1930 San Francisco: This popular and very active social and
athletic organization for young men was organized in 1930 and at present has a
membership of 61 of the most active young men in San Francisco and vicinity.
Under the capable leadershiop of Larry Miailovich, 1939 President, and secretary
Tony Markovich. The Hajduks have excellent soccer, basketball, and baseball
teams which in recent years have placed the boys on high sporting plan. The soccer team has placed second in the
California Cup competition.
Sokols of the Pacific
1930 San Pedro: Organized and incorporated in 1930, the
twenty-five young men who are members of this organization meet regularly in San Pedro and carry on their valuable
work. John Boro is the current president, and Mehl Gablich is secretary.
Jadran Athletic Club
1930 San Pedro: The Jadran or Adriatic Baseball Club
played various service teams and also played against the Los Angeles Croatian
Athletic Club.