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SILVER JUBILEE
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH
IN JOLIET, ILLINOIS
1891-1916
SOUVENIR BOOK
Part 7 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 5
Individuals Who Chose The Religious Life
The first one who chose to become a priest was Anton Stanfel, he was a student in the
Seminary of Orchard Lake near Detroit, Mich. He died one year before the graduation,
December 1916.
Joseph Stukel, son of the parishioner Joseph Stukel, with the residence on Indiana St. He
was born in 1887 in Chicago, but he was soon moved to Joliet where he attended St.
Joseph's school. For seven years he studied at St. Francis Solamus College in Quincey, Ill.
for three years he was educated in Innsbruck, Austria, he was ordained July 26, 1910, he
celebrated his first mass September 4, 1910 in the Slovene church in Joliet. At the time of
this writing Mathias Butala is a student at St. Francis Seminary in St. Francis, Wisc.
This very year Marc Papic joined the Jesuit Order, A. Sega joined St. Francis Order in
Pulaski, Wisconsin. We were told tht more young men want to join the religious lift. Five
young ladies joined St. Francis Order in Joliet, Sister M. Rufina Ivansek, died in 1909, she
was very talented and learned fast different languages, Sister Susan Skrinar, Sister M.
Secunda Govednik, Sister M. Mathia Lavric, Sister M. Roberta Simonic; the last three are
teaching at the parochial school.
Chapter 6
Masses And Adorations
1. On Sundays Masses are celebrated at 6 a. m., 8 a. m. and at 9 a. m. (for children), at
10 a. m. with chorus singing at the mass; at 1 p. m. there are baptisms, at 2 p. m. religious
education, at 2:30 p. m. litanies and blessing.
2. On Weekdays
From the beginning of the school year till May 1 the first mass is celebrated at 6:30 p. m.,
and at 8 a. m. In summer months masses are at 7 a. m. and 7:30 a. m. In case of a funeral
orany celebration the first mass is to be omitted, confessions on Saturdays from 2 to 6 p. m.
and from 7 to 9 p.m. On holidays masses are celebrated in the same order as on
Sunday.
3. Different Adorations
On first Friday of the month there is a short sermon after the second mass, followed by
litanies of Sacred Heart and blessing. On December 8 at 7:30 p. m. young ladies are
accepted into Holy Mary's Society. On Christmas Day there is a midnight mass. On Candle
mass day there is blessing of the candles after the second mass, next day St. Blase's
Day-there is a special Blase's blessing, during the Lent there is a sermon every Wednesday,
on Fridays and Sundays after religious instructions there are Stations of the Cross read, on
Palm Sunday at ten o'clock mass blessing of the palm branches takes place.
On Holy Thursday there is a mass at 8 a.m., after the mass the Blessed Sacrament is taken to
St. Mary's Chapel for adoration, on Good Friday the ceremonies start at 8 a. m. after the
ceremonies the Holy Sepulchre is opened, in the evening Rosary is prayed, followed by a
sermon. On Easter Saturday the ceremonies start at 7 a. m., first is the blessing of the fire,
Easter candle and water, followed by a mass, blessing of the food takes place at 3 p. m.,
resurrection at 8 p. m. with procession. A 40 hour adoration on the day of parochial patron.
In the month of May there is an adoration every morning at 7:30 a. m. first a reading,
followed by litanies of Holy Mary. In October Rosary during the second mass, followed by
litanies.
A Nice Parish Bishop's Letter
His Eminence Bishop Jacob Trobec mailed a letter from Rice, Minn. on September 8, 1916
to Rev. John Plevnik, pastor at St. Joseph's.
Dear Pastor Plevnik,
I received your invitation to help celebrate the Silver Jubilee of your parish. I'd like to take
part in celebration of the Jubilee of one of the most famous Slovene parishes in America, but
I can't. The very same day I received your letter I received from St. Paul a list of 25
parishes where I'll be confirming in fall. On September 23 I'll be blessing deacons in the
Seminary of St. Paul, nearly every day there will be a confirmation, so I'll be very busy till
the end of October. His Eminence Archbishop Ireland has no help, since Bishop Lawler
moved to Lead, So. Dakota, so it's my duty to help where ever possible. I visited Joliet at
several occations, and I was always very pleased with the visit. I'd like to come to learn the
presbyters of the church, give my regards. God bless your parish, I wish you lots of
success in the years to come. I wish lots of success to you, your assistant Father Plaznik,
presbyters, Sisters and the entire
parish.
Yours Truly, Jacob Trobec
On page 93 there is a list of parishioners, their names and birth places. I noticed that most
parishioners came form the region of Lower Carniola (Dolenjska) and White Carniola (Bela
Krajina). There is a list of parishioners of the parish in Rockdale, Ill.
Page 112 on the bottom-We honor the Lord, we parise Holy Mary, the Perpetual Help, we
adore St. Joseph, and we offer consolation.
Page 113 Ads Follow
Anton Nemanich was born October 6, 1864 in the village of Lokvica, White
Carniola (Bela Krajina) in Slovenia, he came to America Februay 24, 1884, he spent one
year on a farm in Clinton, Ind. from 1885 to 1891 he lived in Chicago, he came to Joliet
January 17, 1891 and opened the first Slovene butcher store on No. Bluff St. The same year
he started the first Slovene saloon on 915 N. Scott St., then he opened the first Slovene
undertaker home in 1895. Nemanich Funeral Home is the largest one in Joliet, it has an
ambulance, different cars and carriages, it offers services day and night, Chicago phone 2575
and N.W. 344.
In 1902 he started a horse stable, at the beginning of 1916 he started the first Slovene
Savings & Loan, managed by his talented son Anton Jr. The interest rate is 3% savings are
guaranteed. He buys and sells the lots, he insures houses and funiture, he offers loans which
enable the purchase of lots, houses and steel stocks. He deals with administration,
custodianship, conservation.In 1906 he hounded Joliet Slovene Bottling Co., in 1910 he
founded Slovene Liquor Co. He served four terms as president of the KSKJ, for the first
time in 1906, in Chicago he founded St. Martin's Society (now St. Stephen's Society) in
1887, in Joliet he founded The Society of St. Geroge's Knights #3 and Lodge of St. Francis
Salesius #29 KSKJ. Since 1899 he is the president of Slovene-American PrintingCompany
where the publication The American Slovene is printed and helped to obtain a pribtery in
1909. He served three two-year terms as an alderman.
In October 1907 he was one of the representatives of Joliet in deep waterway commission,
and traveled on the river Mississippi with President Teddy Roosevelt. He is a presbyter of
St. Joseph's Church, he was marshall at the parade at the blessing of the old church, he
assisted at the blessing of the new church at the Silver Jubilee he was Grand Marshall. He
got married in Chicago February 13, 1887to Mary Nemec, he got married for the second
time to Ann Petru from Chicago on May 4, 1908. He fathered 17 children, 11 are still
alive, they are Mary Zavrsnik, Anton, Frances Kraus, Theresa, Joseph, Margaret, Jennie
(they are Mary's children), Ann's children are Charles, Ann Edward, Thomas. He is an
interpreter at Court House.
The Interior Of Sitar's Store Joseph Sitar, the well known store keeper in
Joliet, was born in the village of Toplice in the Lower Carniola (Dolanjska) Slovenia.
He came to America April 1, 1896 and spent one year with his brother in Wahpeton, North
Dakota. The second year he worked at a German farm, in 1898-1899 he attended St. John's
College in Collegeville, Minn. Then he worked for the company Miksh & Vertin in
Breckenridge, Minn., after tht he returned to the college and graduated with top grades
March 4, 1902. He came to Joliet March 6, 1902 to visit his brother Karl who worked for
the Slovene A. Golobitsch, on March 19, 1902 brothers Charles and Joseph Sitar with the
help of their brother Anton opened a store on 208 Jackson St. For three years they stayed
together, in 1905 the store expanded under the name Ogulin & Sitar Brothers and moved to
larger place on 803-805 North Chicago St. But Charles Sitar died, and the store continued
the business under the old name.
Then Janko Ogulin returned to Slovenia, and Joseph Sitar became the sole owner, in August
1913 he opened the modern butcher shop on 801 N. Chicago St. At the present time Sitar's
Grocery and Butcher Shop is the largest one of this kind in Joliet. He is a well known
singer, a tenor, singing in church chorus, but he took part in dramatic performances, too.
He used to be the member if "Sokol" in Joliet (gymnastic club), he is the first vice-president
of the KSKJ. July 12, 1908 he married Frances Predovicg from Pueblo, Colo. and the
couple has four children, twins Bernarda and Genevieve, Zora (Dawn) and Karl Joseph, their
residence is at 607 N. Hickory St.
Simon Setina The Only Independent Slovene Stone Mason 1011 No. Chicago
St., Joliet, Ill.
He was born in the village of Dolnice near St. Vid, Ljubljana, Slovenia. Since his father
was stone mason he became familiar with this trade very early. When he was twenty years
old, he traveled and worked in different places, such as in "Celovec (Klagenfurt), (Austria(,
Maribor, (Slovenia), Gratz (Austria), Vienna, (Austria) and some other places. He liked to
travel, and read reports about Slovene successes in America, he went overseas and settled
in Cleveland and worked for six years for Norgross Co., later for Vermont Marble Co. He
left Cleveland, spent some time in Chicago and Aurora, Ill. He spent some time in Vermont
where he admired large quaries of Vermont Marble Co. In Joliet he purchased a home and
started his own business, in 1899 he married Marie Leben from St. Vid, near Ljubljana. His
business is very successful, he was very knowledgeable and honest. He built a new two
story home next to the old house, has a modern workshop and showroom. His prices are
moderate, and he is highly recommended.
Dear Slovenes Join the largest and oldest Slovene Catholic Benefit Society,
KSKJ Kranjsko Slovenska Katoliska Jednota - Carniolan Slovene Catholic Benefit Society).
In 22 years of existence, benefits in amount of $1,186,824.62 were paid (death and sick
benefits). Anybody aged 16-50 can join and sign up for insurance in amount of $1,000,
$500 or $250 death benefits, you can sign up for sick benefits, injuries, operations. It's
unique opportunity to join this fraternal organization.
The First Slovene publication in America is The American Slovene,
founded in 1891; subscription $2 Published every Tuesday and Friday
Tell your friends about the publication which has been published for 25 years, defending the
religion of our forefathers, the mother's tongue and honest demands of the workers. The
printery is a union one. Before you order forms somewhere else, visit the printery, and
you'll find out that the printery is fully equipped to print different forms for store keepers,
private citizens, organizations. It's especially important for those Slovenes who live in
places without a Slovene printery, the prices are low, the workmanship excellent, we
translate into English, too. The work is guaranteed. Our Bank Department-we mail the
money to Slovenia and other parts of the world. Every order is fully guaranteed, in case the
money did not reach the addressee, money will be returned to the sender.
Money can be forwarded wireless to Austria, it reaches the destination in 3 to 5 days. A
telegram with less than 6 words can be forwarded at the price of $4.50, in case there are
more than 6 words, every additional word or figure is 65 cents. We try very hard to satisfy
every customer. Money can be forwarded by draft which can be obtained in every bank or
by money order which can be mailed in a registered letter. In the old country money order
can be exchanged at the post office, postal savings in Vienna or any bank. The
American Slovene, 1006 N. Chicago St. Joliet, Ill.
Slovene Wholesales, Wine And Liquors Our specialty plum brandy, whiskey,
bitter wine, Ravbar bitters. Michael Kochevar president, Stephen Olha vice president,
Matthey Stefanich secretary, Anton Nemanich treasurer; auditors Geroge Lopartz, Joseph
Bahorich, Joseph Jenco; Frank Nemanich bookkeeper, Frank Zavrsnik representative.
The First Slovene Physician in America; Dr. Martin J. Ivec
Dr. Martin J. Ivec, prominent Slovene physician and surgeon, was born October 18, 1878 in
the village of Semic, Slovenia, he came to his uncle John Kraker in Minnesta in 1890. He
was enrolled to St. John's University, Collegeville, Minn., and graduated in 1897, then he
attended University in St. Cloud, Minn. He was teaching for threeyears at different gr4ade
schools, he passed the exam in shorthand, typing and bookkeeping at Little Falls Business
College; he decided to study medicine.
In 1904 he graduated at Rush Medical College which was affiliated with medical school of
Chicago, one of the best. He came as a physician to Joliet in 1904, in 1905 he became
physician and surgeon at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chicago where he worked under the
guidance of the famous physician and surgeon Dr. Nicholas Senn who was the best surgeon
in America in those days. Dr. Ivec was the supreme medical examiner of the KSKJ in
1904-1911, 1914-1917, from 1905-1916 the supreme medical examiner of the KSKJ, he was
the medical examiner of the Society of St. Barbara for three years, in 1913 he was nominated
the heath commissioner in Rockdale, Ill. for the four year term. His parents were very poor
and could not support him with schooling, but he was hard working and diligent and
possessed will power. He is a very successful physician with a long praxis , patients would
visit him from near and far. He takes care of poor patients without asking for a reward. He
can be fully trusted, his office is at the address 900 N. Chicago St., Joliet, Ill. next to the
Slovene church, he was church officer for a year.
The Joliet National Bank Corner of Chicago and Clinton St., Joliet, Ill.Savings
and checking accounts, savings -3% added every six month. Member of Federal Reserve, all
savings are guranted, assets $464,000.00, savings over $3 million. We deal with industrial
plants, storekeepers of our town and Will County, we mail money to the old country at the
lowest rates.- Joseph Dunda, long time Slovene clerk in cashier department.
Fellow Slovenes, George Stonich was a store keeper before the Slovene parish
was founded. In his store you can purchase clothes, shoes, hats, in short, men's outfit. He
is highly recommended.
Kochevar Corner of Ohio and State St., Joliet He was born in 1861 in the
village of Vranovice No.12, parish Podzemelj, County Crnomelj, Bela Krajina (White
Carniola), Slovenia. He came to Joliet in 1886, at the beginning he worked in quaries and
factories, in 1893 he married, he is a proud father of 4 sons and 5 daughters. He has been
saloon keeper for over 15 years, he is a proud Spveme and member of Slovene
organizations, he is the Slovene cigarmaker, he is a member of the Liquor Society, Printing
Society, Slovenian Bottling Society and director of Citizen's Brewing Society. When you
come to him you'll feel being at home.
John Grahek, Saloon Keeper Fresh beer is always available, we sell excellent
Californian wine, whiskey, brandy, cigars of best quality are on sale, - I also sell soft coal.
Phone 7612, 1012 N. Broadway, Joliet, Ill.
Very famous Slovene Non Alcoholic Beverage We also make and sale sweet
beverages to quench the thirst. White beer of best quality-Joliet Slovene Bottling Co. ,
913-913 12 N. Scott St. Joliet, Ill.
Joseph Klepec, Joliet, Ill. I wish all those who helped St. Joseph's parish to the
prosperity lots of success, and I congratulate the parish on observance of the Silver Jubilee.
Notice; I'd like to make an announcement to the citizens of Joliet that Sehring's
Porter's and Citizen's beer is available, I also sell best home made wine, whiskey and other
beverages. You can order by phone, Chicago 4086 Home Delivery at no extra charge.-Jerry
Lauric, 405 Lime St., Joliet, Ill.
John Mahkovec, Saloon Keeper
Blase J. Chulik was born February 3, 1866 (St. Blase's Day) in the village of
Bubnjarci near Metlika in White Carniola (Bela Krajina), Slovenia, he came to America in
1886, he settled down in Joliet, Ill. on 1889, in 1900 he married Mary Hersamm, born in
Lyons, Iowa. From 1900- 1905 he was a member of The Eagle Co., that year he started his
own business, the known TheChulik Corner, corner of Jackson and Chicago St. In 1910 he
moved to Lyons, Iowa where he started his business, at the same time he started farming.
He has three children, Arnold, born in 1901, Barnardine Catherine, born in 1904 and
Alloysius Benedict, born in 1914, the first two children were baptized by Rev. Sustersic. He
was the officer of our church from 1904-1907, since 1891 he has been a member of Knight
of St. George #3 KSKJ, since 1902 he has been a member of Lodge St. Martin #80 ZKU,
since 1902 a member of Knights of Columbus.
Math Simonic-Storekeeper
Anton Pesdertz Best meat, sausages, fresh and smoked are available in my
butchershop. First of all, I'd like to introduce myself. I was born in the village of
Krasinc in the parish of Podzemelj, Slovenia, I came to America in 1893, after the arrival I
worked on the farms. In a coal mine, in a hotel, and one year in a tavern in Springfield.
When I came to Joliet, I worked for Anton Golobic, and got acquainted with business, after
that I joined grocery and butcher shop of Anton Pesdertz and we progressed nicely. Dear
Friends, I thank you for all my success, but I have to thank dear Lord who was good to me.
I'd like to welcome you in my store at the corner of Broadway and Granite St. Chicago
phone 2768, Northwestern 1113.
Slovenian National Bottling Co. is a Slovene enterprise, making delicious
non-alcoholic and sweet beverage. Dear Friends, enjoy our products.-903 N. Scott St.,
Joliet, Ill. Chicago phone 758
John N. Pasdertz, Grocery and Butchershop corner of Cora and Hutchins St.,
Joliet, Ill. fresh and smoked meat, Slovenian sausages, groceries are always available. I do
like to welcome all Slovenes, especially Slovene housewives to visit my store. Everything is
of high quality and clean, prices are moderate.
Barbara Staudohar, 807 North Chicago St. Joliet, Ill. across the street of St.
Joseph's Church. I do make different articles out of hair, so keep the hair you comb or cut,
out of hair different souvenirs can be made, such as chains, braids, flowers and wreaths.
Everything is done promptly.
Frank Bambic, Watchmaker and Goldsmith, 1170 12 N. Hickory St., Joliet,
Ill. Watches of all makes and jewelry is sold in my store, I also sell record players. I repair
watches and jewelry at the lowest prices. Do not forget the motto: A Friend to the
Friend.
Anton Nemanich, Jr.
John Horwath. A tavern keeper on N. Chicago Ave, across the Slovene
church. You'll always find nice company in my tavern. Do not forget to stop at
Jim's.
Announcement. Whenever you walk on N. Broadway, do not forget and
hesitate to stop at my tavern, service is excellent. You can also buy cigars of best quality.
See you soon.-Joseph Tezak, Chicago phone 3327, 1151 N. Broadway, Joliet.
John Longflos is a Slovene barber,always willing to help at different parties.
200 Jackson St., Joliet, Ill.
John Jerman is always serving the best drinks, selling also nice cigars1112 N.
Chicago St., Joliet,
Announcement. I'd like to tell all my friends that my tavern is at 1005 N.
Chicago St. Drinks of all kinds are available.-Joseph Legan, tavern keeper, 1005 N.
Chicago St., Joliet
Frank Rogel 1500 N. Broadway, Joliet. I'm selling lots and houses. In case
you want to rent an apartment, call on me. I am also selling excellent home made wine
which can be delivered to your home
Dear Friends, Slovenes,I am sending money to your native land at the lowest
prices. It can also be sent by telegram. Everything is guaranteed until delivery to the
addressee. I am also a notary public, advises, explanations are free. Whenever or wherever
you need help, call on me.-Joseph Zalar, notary public, Chicago phone 1048 and 1297 J.,
N.W. phone 770; 1004 N. Chicago St., Joliet, Ill.
Frank Culik Grocery Store 507 N. Bluff St., Chicago Phone 1451-W. Joliet,
Ill.
Anton Bolte, Tavern keeper. Best snacks and cigars are always available. 201
Jackson St., Joliet, Ill.
John Stefanich Slovene Tavern. Wine, American and imported whiskey and
brandy, and cigars. 915 N. Scott St., Joliet, Ill.
I can deliver to your home tea, coffee, spcies, baking powder etc., everything is guaranteed.
W. C. McCracken Tea Co. 682 Cass St., corner Eastern Ave. is George's employer. His
home is at 712 N. Broadway, you can call him at the store, Chicago 1106.
Matthew Stefanich has always been a faithful supporter of St. Joesph's Church,
that 's why he has always been lucky, he has been serving best drinks at 113 State St.,
Joliet, Ill.
Fred Lehring Brewing Co., Joliet, Ill. Established 1868, organized 1882. Louis
Lehring, President. Henry Sehring, Vice-President. H. F. Piepenbping,
Secretary-Treasusrer
Joliet Citizens Brewing Co. Oscar Weinbrod, President, Wm. Miller,
Vice-President, Joseph G. Heomyz, Secretary-Treasurer. Our products: Old Lager, Jolly
Dark, Family Malt Tonic, Ful Valu, Cremo (Non-Intoxicating); 208210 Collins St., Joliet,
Ill.
Order a box of beer Eagle Export. It's the best drink. E. Porter Brewing Co., Both phones
405
The End
Translated for the SGS.
0 - 0 - 0
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