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SILVER JUBILEE
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH
IN JOLIET, ILLINOIS
1891-1916
SOUVENIR BOOK
Part 6 of 7 Parts
© Copyright 1997 Slovenian Genealogy Society International and FEEFHS, all
rights reserved
First posted 8 June 1997
Note: This booklet was published early in the 20th century - about 1916 - in America
and in the Slovenian language. Volunteers for the Slovenian Genealogy
Society have just completed this translation (including the ads) in the spring of
1997.
There are other Slovenian books with important genealogy information in them awaiting
translation. The SGS requests assistance from interested persons that are bi-lingual in
Slovenian and English to help further our efforts to share the Slovenian-American heritage
with our members and other Slovene record searchers on the world wide web. If you think
can help, please write to SGS President Al Peterlin at 52 Old Farm Road, Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania 17011-2604
Chapter 3
Religious Societies
Altar Boy at St. Joseph's Parish
No doubt that the boys enjoy some privileges. Who can describe the joy and pride of a
mother when she observes her son in front of the altar. The biggest wish of many a mother,
even poor as a church mouse her son be one day a priest. A priest is God's servant on the
earth, but altar cboys are close they serve and help the priest, and every boy is proud to be
able to serve as an altar boy. The patron of the altar boys is St. Pasqualle whose name day is
May 17. St. Pasqualle was the son of poor parents in Aragonia, he used to be a shepherd in
his youth.
He lived simply and humbly as if he wanted to show the outer world tht a person can remain
humble and his heart can remain pure, he was praying. If here was a fight somewhere he
calmed down the argument, later on he joined the order of Franciscan Fathers. He trusted
the Blessed Mother was a good son would trust his mother, he honored the Eucharist. When
he was laid out after his death he twice opened and closed his eyes, he passed away May 17,
1592, the very same day he was born, it happened to be Pentecost, and he was only 52. He
became a symbol and roll model of our altar boys, and we are proud to have about 70 of
them. And every boy can join them, the membership is 05 cent a month and a little tip
would be given away at the weddings.
But the money would be kept by the Sister, and cloth would be purchased out of this
donations. And at Christmas and Easter little presents would be purchased out of these
moneys, many times they serve at masses for different occasions. In the school year
1915/16 there was a school
party in the old school building which was very successful with $76.55 profit, a victrola was
purchased at the price of $37.05, it's for their entertainment, they donated the church $30 for
a mass books, the rest was to be for cloths. I'd like to tell a short story at this
occasion.
There was a priest who traveled through the woods. In the morning he reached a little
chapel. He entered the chapel, on the altar there was the mass outfit. He put it on, ready
tosay the mass, but who would assist him. There was nobody, everything was peaceful, he
knelt down and waited. Suddenly he noticed a nice young boy in front of the altar and the
boy knelt next to the priest, he served the priest, his voice is sweet and tender. He waited
until the priest uttered the words Et Verbum caro factum (and the word became flesh), then
he turned towards St. Mary's statue and disappeared in a cloud. Dear children, it was
Jesus.
Here is the list of utensils donated to our church. Vessels for wine and water-$17; altar
books-$6; rag in front of the altar-$2 ;chairs in the sanctuary-$9.12; Missal-$30; requiem
masses for Rev. Sustersic-$??? Requiem masses for Rev. Kranjc-$5; different donations
$7.76; for cloths-$202.79; photos-$13; floral arrangement on the grave of J. Bauer-$1.50;
floral arrangement on the grave of J. Solnce; a donation to Martin Jutz (candles and picture)
$3; a banner-$31.56; masses for living and dead members-$5; victrola-$37.05; for
entertainment-$34.72- total $510.00
The Faternity of Holy Rosary
Faternity of Holy rosary was founded November 6, 1891, the aim was to take care of the
church and beautify it. The first meeting was called to order in the hall of Joseph Stukel on
Indiana Ave. It was decided to purchase the candle holders for the church, as it was not
enough money Antonia Stanfel and Catherine Jursinic collected $13.60. As soon as the
number of members increased a cover for the presbitery was purchased at the price of
$50.00. To get some funds two parties
were organized in Golobic's Hall, at each party there was 50 % profit. At the parties the
fraternity always had a booth, and everything was sold really fast. since every society had a
banner, the fraternity decided to purchase one, they decided to purchase a banner with a
picture of Holy Mary of Rosary at $85, for Holy Mary's altar they purchased wreaths, made
out of artificial flowers, and some nice bouquets-$15, but they donated more, larger and
smaller altar cloths, they purchased a cover for the candle holder in Holy Mary's chapel,
they purchased
one church window-$300.00.
They purchased a carpet in front of Holy Mary's altar-$15, of course, they spent some
money at different occasions, for the carriage at the occasion of blessing of the corner
stone-$4, the same sum at the funeral of Rev. Kranjc. Every month a mass is celebrated for
living and dead Fraternity members. Fraternity lost following members Anna Smuk, Mary
Tezak, Ann Hren, Margaret Hren, Margaret Cesar, Margaret Prjon, Mary Nemanic, Mary
Ambrozic, Katherine Klemencic, for every member a requiem mass is being paid on the
eighth day after death. Fraternity Committee consists of following members, Catherine
Rogina president, Elizabeth Wardian secretary, treasurer and spiritual leader Rev. John
Plevnik.
Mary's Society for Girls UNDER Sponsorship of St. Rose Of Limnos
The aim of the Society is to honor the Holy Mother, to defend the church and not let Satan
to disturb the members, it fully corresponds the spirit of modern days. It is a Society and
Fraternity at the same time, they create the public opinion. They swear to work hand
in hand for Lord and prosperity of Church and of course, Holy Mary. Every woman can
join, there are no age limits. It's a spiritual knot in the Society, but there is a certain
selfishness, as every member tries very hard to enrich her soul. There are many societies,
and every day we meet new ones, ad the hunman being is a social being, but Mary's Society
is quite different, its aim is to enrich a personality and soul and hear, Cristian love
prevail.
The duty of the members is in the first place to imitate Holy Mother, to be humble, patient,
obedient, and after all-pure. Monthly meetings should be attended, holy communion
received as often as possible, every evening the conscience should be carefully examined,
and Holy days, especially the ones dedicated to Holy Mary should be observed. those who
pray three Our Fathers and Three Holy Marys with the addition, O Mary, my Mother, keep
me away from mortal sin-gets 300 days of absolution and a total absolution once a month
under normal circumstances. It's certain that a member won't commit a mortal sin, unless
she would do it willingly.
Rev. Sustersic decided to found two societies for the youth, for the boys and young
men-Society of St. Alloysius which began with 35 members, and Holy Mary's Society for
girls and yong women, with 45 members. In 1901 both societies got banners which were
blessed on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of our parish. From that moment on the
members were roll models for other girls and distinguished themselves at school and in
church. We lost the following members, Mary Simonic, Josephine Kolic, Anna Zagorec,
Mary Jerman.
The following ladies chose the convents, Emma Ivansek-Sister Rufina, she passed away
already; she was an excellent teacher; Mary Skrinar-Sister Susan; Mary Govednik-Sister M.
Secunda; Agnes Lavric-Sister M. Martha and Ann Simonic-Sister M. Roberta ; 72 members
got married; too many for the world, too few for the Lord, it's our wish more would chose a
convent. At the present time there are 67 members. The following is a list of Society's
donations for the church: a vigil;s outfit and velum-$109.25; a new church window-$300; a
donation for the new church-$322; the altar of Blessed Heart-$226; flowers for the altar-$27;
ciborium-$30; profit from church parties-$167.87; angels on the main altar-$89; for the new
school building-$235; for the old school-$11; six masses to be celebrated for Rev.
Sustersic-$6; five masses to be celebrated for Rev. Kranjc-$5; different donations-$103; total
-$1,631.72. For theri use and purposes-a banner- $80; masses for living and dead
members-$82; for the library-$100; bookcase-$9; funeral floral arrangements-$12;
correspondence -$7.42; medals to the members on their wedding day-$15.85; Prayer
Apostolate-$37.93; expenses at parties-$600-total $1,010.25.
The committee of Girl's Society in 1916 are Anna Brunskole president, Ann Zoran vice
president; Catherine Butala secretary; adviser-Catherine Simonic, Mary Golobic, Mary
Zlogar, Mary Stefanich, Angela Kastelec, Mary Skul; meetings are every second Sunday of
the month.
Girl's Society of Blessed Agnes
There was only one girl's society until the year 1906, but Rev. Sustersic founded another
society for younger members, it was the Society of Blessed Agnes, every girl who already
received the first communion can join the society. The first year there were 35 members,
they remain in the society for two years, those who distinguish in behavior or want to join
the Mary's Society can do so; its aim is the same as Holy Mary' s Society, it is to offer a
good example to school and church; in the years of existence they donated about $500, $400
was the profit from the first play performed under the guidance of Rev. Plevnik, the society
has 80 members.
Donations to the school and church: cover for the stand for the mass book and stole-$5, for
the altar of Blessed Heart-$93.20; angels on the main altar-$24; for the new school-$100; for
the church fair-$23.30; floral arrangements on the altars-$13; for old school-$11; five masses
to be celebrated for the repose of Rev. Sustersic-$5; five massesto be celebrated for the
repose of the soul of Rev. Kranjc; different donations-$20.50-total
$300.00-Expenses-different parties and entertainment-$37; library and books-$143-total
$180.00. The member Mary Zmaic passed away, for floral arrangements and massess $5;
masses for the Society $15; total $20.00.
Committee of the Society for the year 1916-Eulalia urjevic, president; Henrietta Brunskole ;
vice president ; Mary Pucelj, secretary; advisers Josephine Bucar, Johanna Smolic, Mary
Ursic, Mary Korelec, Frances Stiglic. Meetings are every fourth Sunday of the
month.
Apostolate of Prayers
It was founded in the town of Vals in France by Rev. Rerick Ramiere, S. J. in 1861, its aim
is to join in prayers. The society has three branches. The first group comprises all those
who dedicate every morning all their prayers, work and sufferings of the particular day.
Members of the second group pray every day ten Holy Mary prayers dedicated to the Holy
Father, the members of the third group receive Holy Communion every month to make peace
fro all offenses who made Jesus Christ suffer. President is the Jesuit General, in the States
the Society is guided by the editor of the publication Messenger, published in New York,
101 W. 181 St. But every parish, school or religious institution can become a
member.
The above mentioned society was founded in our parish in 1910. Lastwish of the late
Rev.Sustersic was that Rev. Kraschowitz would found the society. Jesuit General sent
through the editor of the publication Messenger a note that our parish could become a Local
Centre. The first ones to be enrolled were the members of St. Alloysius Society, followed
by Holy Mary's Society and Blessed Agnes Society, at the present moment there are around
350 members.
Every year new members who attend the solemn Holy Community can be enrolled. Every
month the Center gets a prayer from New York, but we have our own prayer in Slovene
which is very handy for those who are not fluent in English. O Blessed Heart of Jesus,
through the hands of Holy Mother I dedicate you all offenses which make you suffer, then I
dedicate the prayers to the Apostolate. Members pay something to cover expenses for the
sheets on which prayers are printed. Rev. Plevnik tried very hard to encourage the
parishioners to receive Holy Communion on first Fridays of the month. Every first Friday
there is a sermon, followed by Litanies, dictation, benediction. This year on the first Friday
of the month the mass for all members was celebrated. In case of money shortage Holy
Mary's Society and blessed Agnes Society helped us out.
[Something was deleted here by the translator]
very good person tries to take every chance to help his fellow man. The unforgettable
founder of the Slovene parish in Joliet, Rev. Sustersic invited some friends on his name day
on January 29, 1893, some of them are still among us.
Among the guests there were Anton Nemanic Sr., Peter Rogina Sr., Stephen Stanfel and
Michael Wardjan. At that occasion Rev. Sustersic mentioned how helpful a benevolent
society could be. But hard times followed and work just could not start, but as soon as the
life got more or less normal, Rev. Sustersic started to put down the rules of the new society.
The first rules were published in edition No. 17, February 1894 in the publication of the
American Slovene. This act encouraged the parishioners.
Rev. Sustersic wrote a letter to Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Buh and asked him to forward the
names of existing societies. Father Buh soon sent the addresses of 17 Societies. G. M.
Wardian, secretary pro tempore of St. George's Society in Joliet mailed the 17 Societies a
note about the new Society. Following Societies answered the call, St. Martin's Society
(now St. Stephen's) in Chicago, St. Joseph's Society in Joliet, St. George's Knights in Joliet,
St. Cyrillus and Methodius Society, Tower, Mn., Holy Family Society, LaSalle, Ill., St.
Cyrillus and Methodius Society in Joliet, Ill., Croatian Society of St. John the Baptist, St.
Cyrillus and Methodius Society, Ely, Minn., St. Rochus Society, Clinton, Iowa, all together
nine Societies with 333 members.
The First Convention took place in Joliet, the representatives met April 1, 1894 a day later,
it's April 2, 1894 the corner stone of the new Society was laid. Representatives of the
convention were Rev. Sustersic, Michael Wardjan, Joseph Stukel, Stephen Stanfek, Stephen
Kukar, Peter Miketic, all from Joliet; Stephen Pasic, Tower, Minn., John Pavlic, Ely,
Minn., Matthew Brunski, Chicago, John Oberstar, LaSalle, Ill.
At the convention it was resolved that the death benefits should be $500 for male members,
for females $150, but only those women whose husbands were members of the Society could
be enrolled as members, and everybody has to be Slovene. First officers of the KSKJ were
Joseph Stukel president, Joliet, vice -president Stephen Pasic, Tower, Minn., 1st secretary
M. Wardjan, Joliet, 2nd secretary John Pakiz, Ely, Mn., treasurer Stephen Stanfel,
Joliet,spiritual leader Rev. Sustersic; auditors Matthew Brunski, Chicago. John Oberstar,
LaSalle, Ill., Peter Miketic, Joliet.
The American Slovene became the publication of KSKJ which was encouraging
the Slovenes to join the new S ociety. The parish and the entire community was proud of
the new benevolent organization, though Lodge #1 is not in Joliet, but it was founded by
one of our parishioners, Anton Nemanich thou he resided in Chicago. At the first
Convention most of the members elected were members of St. George's Knights.
Rev.Sustersic, Rt. Rev. Buh as well As M. Wardjan should get all the praise in founding the
new organization. The history of the KSKJ is an interesting one, all years of existence the
organization has been connected with the parish.
Second meeting was July 5 and 6, 1895 in Tower, Minn., there were 17 delegated, the
insurance was raised to $600 for males, and $200 for females. The members of Main Office
were as follows, Joseph Stukel president, (Joliet), vice president Joseph Panian, Joliet, 1st
secretary M. Wardjan, Joliet, 2nd secretary Charles A. Bernick, Biwabik, Minn. Treasurer
Stephen Stanfel, Joliet, spiritual leader Rev. F. S. Sustersic; auditors Matthew Brunsky,
Chicago, John Oberstar, LaSalle, Ill., Frank Trampus, Virginia, Minn.
Third meeting was in Joliet, July 5,6,7,8, 1896, there were 7 officers and 16 delegates, M.
Savs moved the death benefits should be raised to $800, in case of the death of the wife of a
member he would be entitled to $200, the heirs would get $600.
The officers of the Main Officer were Anton Nemanich president, Joliet, vice president
Joseph Agnic, Ely, Minn., 1st secretray Martin Gerksich, Pueblo, Colo., Spiritiual leader
Rev.Cyrillus Zupan, SB Pueblo, Colo; auditors Max Buh, Ingnatius Tancig, John Govze,
Ely, Minn. The president Anton Nemanich traveled to Chicago, South Chicago and LaSalle
to encourage Slovenes to get members for the KSKJ, soon the number 500 which was
necessary for verification, was reached. December 21, 1897 the petition for incorporation
was filed qith State Insurance Superintendent in Springfield, Ill. The petition was signed by
Rev. Sustersic , Anton Nemanich, Anton Golobitsh, John Pezdirc, Jacob Bluth, Anton Skoff,
Martin Firr, Peter Rogina, John Grahek, and John Zupancic.
January 12, 1898 KSKJ was incorporated in the state of Illinois and got the charter. Since
according to the incorporation the supreme secretary was to reside in Joliet, Martin Gersich
from Pueblo, Colo. resigned, Michael Wardjan was elected to replace him.
The Fifth Convention was in Pueblo, Colo. on 5, 6, 7, 8 July 1898, there were 41
delegates. They were honored by the presence of His Eminence Bishop Trobec who became
an honorary member. The assests-$3,767, debts $152.50. The supreme officers-Joseph
Agnic president, vice-president Frank Trampush, 1st secretary Michael Wardjan, 2nd
secretary J. R. Sterbenz, treasurer Anton Golobitsh, spiritual leader Rev. Cyrillus Zupan,
OSB; auditors Ignatius Tancig, Stephen Kukar, Joliet, M. Kraker, Anaconda,
Montana.
The year 1898 was the year of hard times, on June 1 there were 2423 members , but by
December 1 only 1626 members, July 18, 1898 members in Ely, Minn. seceded, and
members in Ely and some other places announced that they would found another society, A
Yugoslav Scoiety, one society seceded, eight societies were suspended because of unpaid
assessments in the amount of $731.50, and there were many deaths in 1898.
The Sixth Convention was in July 1900 in Chicago with 9 supreme officers and 17
delegates, Anton Fir moved the death benefits to be divided in two parts, $1,000 class, and
$500 class, for females $300. The officers, Anton Nemanich president, vice president John
R. Sterbenta, 1st secretary Michael Wardjan, 2nd secretary Anton Skala, So. Chicago,
treasuerer Anton Golobitsh, spiritual leader Rev. C. Zupan, OSB; auditors M. J. Kraker,
Anton Stefanic, Soudan, Minn. Joseph Culik, Pueblo, Colo; finanical committee John Kukar,
Joliet, John Grahek, Joliet. Anton Fir West Pullman, Ill., judicial committee Michael Skebe,
Cleveland, John Oberstar and Matthew Prijanovic Virginia, Minn., Apellate officers Martin
Fir, Joiet, Stephen Kukar and John Grdina, Cleveland.
Seventh Convention took place in Cleveland in July 1902, 13 supreme officers and 31
delegates were present. Officers elected were as following, president John R. Sterbentz, vice
president M. Skebe, 1st secretary Michael Wardjan , 2nd secretary Joseph Jarc, treasurer
John Grahek, spiritual leader John Plevnik, Chicago; auditors Louis Dular, Chicago, Martin
Fir and George Laich, Chicago; financial officers Anton Nemanich, Joseph Dunda, Joliet,
Joseph Zimmerman, Joliet, appelate officer Paul Schneller, Calument, Mich., M. J. Kraker
and Anton Stefanich.
Eighth Convention took place in October 1904 in Joliet, besides the supreme officers 41
delegates were present. It was decided that the female members could be insured for the
same amount of money as male members. The following officers were elected, John R.
Sterbenz president, 1st vice president Frank Bojc, Pueblo, Colo., 1st secretary Michael
Wardjan, 2nd vice president Joseph Jarc, Cleveland, treasusrer John Grahek, spritual leader
Rev. John Plevnik, supreme physician Dr. Martin Ivec, Joliet, auditors Anton Golobitsh,
Paul Schneller, Anton Nemanich; finace committee Joseph Sitar, Joliet, Rudolf Maraz,
Chicago, George Laich; judicial committee Joseph Dunda, Martin Kremesec, Chicago, Rev.
John Kranjec, So. Chicago; appelate officers Joseph Sitar, Frank Opeka, Waukegan, Ill.,
Rudoph Maraz.
Between the Eighth and the Ninth Convention the supreme secretary Michael Wardjan
resigned and Joseph Dunda took his office on October 1, 1903. The Ninth Convention took
place in October 1908 in Waukegan, North Chicago, repectfully. Fifteen officers and 56
delegates were present, it was resolved that the Society obtains the banner with the pictures
of patrons, St. Joseph and St.Cyrillus and Methodius. The following officers were elected
president J. R. Sterbenz, 1st vice president Anton Nemanich, 2nd vice president Frank Bojc,
1st secretary Joseph Dunda, 2nd vice secretary Joseph Jarc; treasurer John Grahek; sipritual
leader Rev. John Kranjec, attorney at power Frank Medosch, So. Chicago; supreme
physician Dr. Martin Ivec; auditors Paul Schneller, Anton Golobitsh, George Stonich, Joliet,
judicial and appelate officers Joseph Sitar, Marc Ostronich, Allegheny, Pa., Joseph Zalar,
Forest City, Pa.
Tenth Convention started October 5, 1908 in Pittsburg, 15 supreme officers and 66 delegates
were present. The following officers were elected president Anton Nemanich, 1st vice
president Frank Bojc, national secretary Joseph Zalar, 2nd secretary Joseph Rems, treasurer
John Grahek, spiritual leader Rev. John Kranjec, power attorney Joseph Dunda, supreme
physician Dr. M. J. Ivec, auditors Blase J. Culik, John Gosar , Leo Kukar; in 19019 J.
Gosar resigned and Joseph Kompare from So. Chicago took his place. By December 2,
1909 Society's building was finished (No. Chicago St.) and the main office moved
there.
The Eleventh Convention took place from October 2 to October 12, 1911 in Joliet and So.
Chicago. There were 15, supreme officers and 112 delegates present. The following
national officers were elected president Paul Schneller, 1st vice president Fr. Bojc, 2nd vice
president M. Ostronic, national secretary Joseph Zalar assistant secretary Joseph Rem,
treasurer John Grahek, spiritual leader Rev. Joseph Tomsic, Forest City, Pa., supreme
medical examiner Dr. Joseph Grahek, Allegheny, Pa., auditors Anton Golobitsh, August
Poglajen, Chicago, John Mravintz, Alleghany, Pa., George Thomas, Pueblo, Colo., John
Povsha, Hibbing, Minn., judicial committee M. J. Kraker, George Flajnik, Pittsburgh, Peter
Staudohar, Chisholm, Minn., appelate committee Fr. Banich, Chicago, John Zulich,
Cleveland, Frank Petrovsek, Waukegan .
The Twelfth Convention took place in Milwaukee from August 17-26, 1914, 146 delegates
were present. The following officers were elected president Paul Schneller, 1st vice
president Joseph Sitar, 2nd vice president Anton Grdina, natioinal secretary Joseph Zalar,
assistant secretary Joseph Rems, treasurer John Grahek; spiritual leader Jack Cerne,
Sheboygan, Wisc., power attorney Martin Muhic, Forest City, Pa., medical examiner Dr.
M. J. Ivec; auditors Joseph Dunda,George Thomas, John Povsha, Frank Petkovsek, Fr.
Francic, Milwaukee. Judicial committee M. Kraker, George Thomas, Anton Gregorch,
Chicago; appelete committee Joseph Russ, Cleveland, Frank Svete, No. Chicago, Fr.
Plemel, Rock Springs, Wyo. It was resolved that at New Year 1915 a publication would be
published, "Glasilo KSKJ (Announcer), and John (Ivan) Zupan became the editor.
There are 113 lodges in the KSKJ with membership of 12,663, assests $421,936.82,
insurance paid $174,941.77, first death benefit was paid August 18, 1894-$150.00 for the
member Katherine gorincan, member of the Croatian Society of St. John the Baptist, Joliet,
she died because of a blood clot. The first male death benefit was paid February 1895 for
Anton Bivani, member of the Lodge St. Joseph in Forest City, Pa., he was killed in a coal
mine.
The American Slovene in Joliet
The first president was Anton Nemanich, the first secretary William Grasek, who was born
and raised in the State of Illinois. The first treasurer was John Grahek, the first editor in
Joliet was Rev. Sustersic who was editing the publication until his death. He was followed
by Rev. J. Kranjec who was editing the publication till 1915 when he passed away, associate
editor was Philip Gorup who took over after Rev. Kranjec's death. The first manager of the
publication was Max Buh who moved from Tower, Mn. to Joliet, he was manager till 1903,
he died few years later in Minnesota. The new manager was Jospeh Dunda who stayed till
1905 when he resigned, he was followed by Joseph Klepec, but when he went to his native
land he was substituted by Raphael Zupanc, from November 1912 to June 1913.
There are many Slovenes working in the printery, Leo Grill has been working for 15 years,
John Ivansek a lino-type operator with Herald News in Joliet, John Brunskole, F. Musich,
John Kren, Joseph Avsec, George Sugel and many others, some were working just a short
time, but some of them remained for a longer period. Alex F. Ross has been working since
1901, he is foreman tho he is not Slovene, but learned quick and is able to correct
misspellings and errors. Since 1914 Mary Stefanich has been working as a bookkeeper. But
a little wizard is always present and he is "responsible" for all errors.
The shareholders are Anton Nemanich, John Grahek, William Grahek, George Lopartz,
Joseph Legan, N. Zelko, Joseph Sitar, Anton Nemanich Jr., Anton Pasdertz, George Erb, B.
Ponikvar, Matthew Stefanich, John N. Pasdertz, John Ferko, Michael Kocevar, Joseph
Klepec. In 1909 the publication built its own building, where it moved in February 1910 in
the building there is a printery equipped with machines necessary to print publications, there
is no mortgage.
The Motto Of The Publication
"The American Slovene" is faithful to its motto, it was always defending the
religion of fore fathers and the rights of the workers. It soon became the official organ of
the KSKJ, promoting and guiding the organization. It's the official organ of DSD following
the guide lines: everything for the religion, home and nation. It's The Foundation Of
Slovene Life In America.
The publication "The American Slovene" has its subscribers all over America,
promoting the fraternal organizations. Slovenes should be instrumental in founding new
Slovene parishes and parochial schools-where they can communicate in their mother's
tongue. The editor of the publication was the founder of the first fraternal organization, he
compiled the by-laws. Not only Joliet, but the entire Slovene community in the USA is
proud of the publication which has been promoting religion, education and progress.
The Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary
Next month the publication will observe the Silver Jubilee, it's proud of the building and is
financial solid.
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