SABAN-PARSONS, MARY Military

Born in the humble surroundings of a California mining town, Mary Saban Parsons served in the U.S. Navy, raised children, received a college degree late in life and, according to her friends, valued her origins. She died of heart disease Tuesday in a Roseville care center at age 87. Her parents had known each other in Croatia. Her mother arrived in Northern California in 1913, four years after her father. He worked at the Mammoth copper mine. Mrs. Parsons was born in Kennett, near the Shasta County mine, which is now under the waters of Shasta Lake. Her early life was a series of dirt-floor mining camps in Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and California. "She said it was a hard life but a good life," said her friend Rita Lind. "Her family was very close and there was a lot of love. She said her parents were always inviting other miners, especially those from the old country, to eat or stay with them. "They didn't have much but they shared all of it," said Lind. All the moving caused Mary to fall two years behind in school. Her mother finally put her foot down, saying that the girl needed to stay in one place long enough to catch up and start high school. The family moved to Sacramento where she attended St. Joseph's Academy. Her father commuted to mining jobs. Mrs. Parsons graduated in 1935 and went to work for the telephone company as a switchboard operator in Nevada City. When she got a job with the U.S. Forest Service in Nevada City she met a schoolteacher named Charles Parsons. In 1943 Mrs. Parsons joined the WAVES, serving at the 12th Naval District staff headquarters in San Francisco. It was quite an experience for a small-town girl in a big city during a war, said Lind. "She was the shy and quiet one. When the rest of the girls wanted to go into town and have some drinks, she'd be the one urging caution," Lind said. In 1944 she married Charles Parsons. She was discharged as a Yeoman Third Class in 1945. The couple moved to Auburn after the war where her husband taught and was an administrator for Placer schools and a junior college. In 1962 they moved to Roseville when Charles Parsons was appointed superintendent of the Roseville Joint High School District. After their two daughters were grown, Mrs. Parsons attended Sierra College and in 1976 was awarded an associate of arts degree. She was 64 years old and, at that time, the oldest person to earn the AA degree from the college. "She was just the epitome of a good person," said Lind. "Everybody else came first. She was -- a lady." Late in life, Mrs. Parsons was stricken with Alzheimer's disease, curtailing her contact with her close friends and her beloved Croatian cooking. Besides her husband of 58 years, Mrs. Parsons is survived by her daughters, Pamela Mary Hughes, of Decatur, Ga., and Rebecca Sharon Andersen, of Oakland, and three grandchildren. 

SABICH PIONEERS

Mattias Sabich. 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 was listed as an Austrian on the 1860 Census of Population, but at a later date his son, Francisco, an orchardist, had employed John Cuculich as a nurseryman. Both of these names are found in Dalmatia. Sabich planted the first orange groves in Los Angeles. All foreigners who became colonists in the Californias who observe the constitution and laws of the Republic will be Mexican citizens as soon as they build their own houses and begin to cultivate their lands. One of the first outgrowths of the new movement toward colonization was the Gomez Farijas Colony. In February 1834 signs began to appear in Mexico City inviting men, women and families to join a colonial adventure to settle California. Among the three hundred or so colonists who left Mexico on August 1, 1834 was a trader named Matias Sabich or Sabici (1798-1852). Sabich married Josefa Franco Lazard, a member of one of the leading families in Mexican and early American California.  Her brother Don Antonio Franco Coronel, was one of the first mayors of Los Angeles and Ygnacio Coronel founded the city’s first school. Matias fathered two sons, Mattias and Francisco and he became a well-known and apparently wealthy member of the community. Sabich’s wife died in Los Angeles and is buried at San Gabriel mission.

Francisco Sabich, a member of the Society of Los Angeles Pioneers, who died suddenly of heart disease on the 12th of April, 1900, in the 59th year of his age, was a native of this city. He was born October 4, 1842. His father, Matias Sabich, was a native of Croatia, who came to Los Angeles at a very early day; and his mother was Josefa, daughter of Don Ygnacio Coronel, and sister of Antonio F. Coronel. Matias Sabich in 1852, after the death of his wife, took his two boys, Francisco and Matias, and set out on his return to his native land, but he died on the way. His two sons were taken in charge on their arrival in England by the American consul, Mr. Joseph Rodney Croskey, who became a true foster-father to them, taking them into his own family and carefully educating them. Frank was in the British navy three years. Matias was a portion of the time at school in France. Both learn to speak French, and of course English and Spanish, the latter being their mother tongue. They returned to Los Angeles in 1860, having been away about eight years. Matias Sabich was accidentally shot while on a hunting trip, from the effects of which he died not long afterwards. Frank studied law and was admitted to the bar. He was several times elected a member of the City Council in the early 70's and also once in the 80's. In 1865, he was married to Magdalena, daughter of Wm. Wolfskill, the pioneer. She, with their eight children survive him. What is interesting is that “La Casa Primera De Rancho San Jose”, one of the first houses in the city of Ponoma (Los Angeles County), possesses the wedding dress that Mardalena Wolfskill wore on her wedding day. She married one of the Mattias Sabich’s sons on May 4, 1865 in Los Angeles.  Her father was very wealthy and one of the pioneers who gave his money to his daughter and son-in-law. The present-day family of the Sabich’s gave the wedding dress in the 1960s to a historical house to preserve a sample of the style worn in 1865. Mr. Sabich was prominently identified with the "Sons of the Golden West", being at the time of his death, a grand trustee of the order for the State of California.

SABICH, VLADIMIR Skiing Champion-Military

Downhill skier Vladimir “Spider” Sabich from Kyburz, California, placed fifth in the slalom event at the 1968 WInter Olympic in Grenoble, France. Turning professional in 1971, he was twice professional world champion on the pro circuit. Sabich suffered a career- threatening back injury in 1973 but staged a dramatic comeback to capture the prestigious Benson and Hedges special slalom event at Mount Snow, Vermont, in January, 1974. He swept past his opposition including second place finisher Mike Schwaiger of Austria, in surprisingly easy fashion. Forty professional skiers turned out for the competition, staged on a 36 gate course which dropped 450 feet on a 1,800 foot layout. Said to be the inspiration for Robert Redford’s film “Downhill Racer,” Sabich died tragically in a shooting incident involving actress Claudine Longet in Aspen, Colorado, in March, 1976.

Sabich started skiing at the age of 5. By her best guess, Frances Sabich figures her three children -- Mary, Spider and Steve -- broke at least 15 bones combined. "We had someone in a cast every winter," said Frances, who lives with her husband, Vladimir, in Colusa, California. The son of Croatian immigrants, Vladimir Sabich flew B-25 bombers for the U.S. in World War II and spent a year in a Siberian camp after being shot down over the northern part of Japan. In 1945 the Sabiches named their first son Vladimir, but he was never known by anything other than Spider.

"He was a long baby, but he had no flesh on him," Vladimir said. "He was all skin and bones. I said, 'Geez, he looks like a spider."'

Vladimir and Frances moved from Sacramento to Kyburz in 1950. The handful of kids who attended Silver Fork Elementary -- a one-room schoolhouse to this day -- went to class in the summer and skied in the winter. The Sabich children competed for the Red Hornet team at Edelweiss, a popular hill that closed down in the early 1960s. The Kyburz kids sometimes hitched rides up the highway in Vladimir's patrol car. There was a Catholic church across the road from Edelweiss where Spider and Steve served as altar boys on Sunday mornings before strapping on their skis. After a brief fling with high school football -- "The way he played football, he was only going to get hurt," Vladimir said -- Sabich accepted a skiing scholarship to the University of Colorado in Boulder. Bob Beattie was the coach, and his skiers included Sabich, Kidd, Jimmy Heuga, James "Moose" Barrows and Ni Orsi -- Olympians all. Steve Sabich also went to Colorado on a ski scholarship, but a knee injury ended his career prematurely.

“ There were two things interesting about Spider," Beattie said. "He had a great sense of humor and a lot of flair. He was a great-looking guy, very spirited. But he also majored in engineering when he came to Colorado. His mind worked very thoroughly, as an engineer's would. He had these two opposite sides to him." Kidd and Heuga won Olympic medals in 1964, pioneering a breakthrough for the U.S. men's team in the European-dominated sport. Sabich's shot at Olympic glory came four years later. The top Americans spent the latter part of 1967 training in France, and a dispute over the bill in a fancy restaurant on New Year's Eve landed Sabich and Kidd in a Grenoble jail. "It was an adventure," Kidd said. "We were in pretty good spirits that night." Less than two months later, Sabich finished fifth in the Olympic slalom. The race was marred by fog and mist that greatly limited visibility. "It was so foggy, we never saw Spider," Vladimir says. "We heard him go by, but we didn't see him." Sabich left the US Ski Team in 1970 to join Beattie's pro circuit. He was the perfect ambassador -- photogenic, colorful and articulate. He was also unbeatable, or so it seemed in 1971 and 1972, when he achieved his greatest results. The competition wasn't as strong as it was on the World Cup circuit, but Sabich finished first in the first pro race he entered and won nine of 18 events in 1972. He earned $50,600 that year, when his combined income from prize winnings and endorsements exceeded $150,000.

Dede Brinkman, a longtime friend who has lived in Aspen since 1970, explains the attraction she and other women felt toward Sabich. "He was so charming and very sexy," Brinkman said. "It was the same type of charisma you see in movie stars." Sabich moved from Boulder to the Aspen area in 1971. The home that Steve Sabich built for his brother at a cost of $90,000 in neighboring Starwood is now worth approximately $3 million. The beams came from an old aerial tramway the brothers tore down. Those were heady times, what with the view, the skiing and the nightlife. Kidd and several of Sabich's contemporaries downplay his widespread reputation as a partier, but his brother doesn't. "Spider smoke, drank and did whatever all of us did," he said. "Let's not forget, those were the '60s and '70s. But I also remember grabbing a bunch of poles and setting up courses when there wasn't anyone else on the mountain at Snowmass. He'd do his 25 runs. A lot of people who'd see Spider out partying didn't see him doing those 25 runs. He was serious about his training."

Sabich’s memory lives in a framed display at the Hard Rock Cafe in Aspen. There is also a Spider Sabich Ski Racing Arena on Snowmass Mountain. Tragedy struck the Sabich family again in 1988, when Mary died of brain cancer. She was a doctor, just 45 years old. She is buried next to her brother in Placerville, Calif. "I don't know how my parents have handled it," Steve Sabich said. "The only thing we can do is take the positive, high road and make sure Spider is remembered for his accomplishments rather than as a victim. He was no victim. He was a very strong guy."

SABOLIC, IVAN Physician-Professor

Ivan Sabolic is a physician and research fellow, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; married to Branka with two daughters. Born January 15, 1950 in Kljud, Croatia. Education includes University of Zagreb School of Medicine 1973, M. Sc 1976 and DSc 1980 at University of Zagreb, Croatia. Researcher at Max Planck Institut fur Biophysik, Frankfurt, Germany 1986; visiting-professor at Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA 1991; research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, 1991. Published over fifty articles in prominent international journals reffered in CC, SCI, etc.; 400 citations in SCI; 43 conference proceedings; many citations in encyclopaedias on kidney physiology and pathophysiology. Member of Croatian Biochemical Society; The New York Academy of Sciences; American Physiological Society.

SABOLIC, CHARLES Tamburitza Hall of Fame

Charles "Chuck" Sabolic was born December 29, 1925, in Conway, Pennsylvania, the younger of two sons of Paul and Evica Sabolic. Evica, nee Jambrisak, was a native of Berek (Bjelovar); Paul emigrated from Kostanjevac (Bjelovar) to Conway where he was a boilermaker for the railroad. At age 9, Chuck was given is first musical instrument, a banjo. He immediately took to music and performance. Soon he was studying tamburitza, first with Paul Perman, then with Steve Pandak. Chuck played brac in a piano trio at Pandak's tavern in Conway. At the same time he became interested in the musical styles of the "old-timer" tamburashi in and around Aliquippa, Pa., joining them in frequent jam sessions. Eventually he joined their orchestras. Some of the big influences on Chuck's career were Jim Novosel, John Habazin, Matt Prigorac, "Big Vinko"and "Curly" Celich. Frank Topak, TAA Hall-of-Famer and organizer of the famed Balkan Mountain Men, was Chuck's uncle and another mentor. He always placed high value on the experience of the unsung heroes of tamburitza music in America: that first generation of players. War and a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy intervened. After leaving the service in 1946, Chuck wasted no time in resuming his tamburitza career, playing with the Happy Balkans. Now, though, he was showing that sharp memory for melodies and lyrics and the flair for showmanship that were to become his calling card. He organized the Biser Tamburitza Orchestra in 1947 (and still leads Biser today). The original members of Biser were Chuck, on brac; Pete Carevich, brac; Tony Luketich, bass, and Steve "Lefty" Cvetican, on bugarija who remained Chuck's associate in Biser until his death in 1976. Other outstanding tamburashi who, over the years, have been members of the Biser Tamburitza Orchestra are Joe Matasic (Hall of Fame , Tony, Lou, and Steve Markulin, Julius Peskan, Nick Chavlovich, John Saban, Lex Ellesin, Pio Adamovich, George Rudar and Matt Rebrovic. Biser entertained throughout the U.S. and Canada, at various functions on the radio and television. The orchestra has made excellent recordings of tamburitza music, including the Biser theme song, "Za Tvoje Plave Oci," Chuck's original composition. This song also became the theme song for The Tamburitza Hour radio program, a weekly show hosted by Chuck's brother, Ed Sabolic. Chuck and Biser relocated in Los Angeles in 1959. The group was an immediate hit, they were the most sought-after tamburitza group in the West. For the last dozen years Lex Ellesin and Chuck have teamed to keep Biser going strong in California and Nevada. Chuck an active promoter of tamburitza music, is a natural leader, as evidence by his many years ot service to his Croatian Fraternal Union lodge and the Croatian National Association of Southern California. He has been a visible forcein the TAA, co-chairing the 1974 Tamburitza Extravaganza in Los Angeles, coordinating the 1976 Las Vegas Extravaganza, and again as vice chairman of this year's Las Vegas event. Chuck is on the TAA Board of Directors. Chuck has the desire to help others grow and prosper and has encouraged the development of a younger generation of tamburitza musicians in Los Angeles. Chuck has been playing tambura 53 years, and plans to play "as long as the Good Lord gives me strength." He has been blessed with the love and support of Nettie, his wife of 42 years, and his sons and grandchild. Last November Chuck retired, and he and Nettie moved to Las Vegas. Retired? Look for Chuck to organize a seniors' tamburitza orchestra here in the Nevada desert!

SADKOVICH, JAMES J. Consultant-Professor-Author

What do a professor, intelligence analyst, guitar teacher and consultant for the Croatian Information Agency have in common? They all fuse into one man: James J. Sadkovich. James Sadkovich was raised in the United States during the Cold War "a bad time to be a Slav in the US," he says. As a boy, Mr. Sadkovich attended St, Augustine's, one of Milwaukee's Croatian parishes, and completed most of his elementary school there. While he considers himself American, "with a bit of Croatian," he made an effort to discover his culture and roots. The pressure to be American was greater than any ties to what my older relatives referred to as 'the old country,"' he says. However, the desire to learn about his history sent him on a journey of discovery. He taught himself to speak Croatian, learned to dance Croatian folk dances and traveled to his homeland. He became an expert on the region and was a consultant for the Croatian Information Agency, Intelligence analyst in, 1983, for Yugoslavia and East Germany and most recently, an expert consultant on Croatia and the Former Yugoslavia. He has spent most of his life teaching people about the ghosts, errors and successes of the past more commonly known as history. However, in 1991 he gave up his tenure, something he calls "the kiss of death in academics" and decided to pursue other goals and dreams, which include playing guitar, manual labor, part-time teaching and going back to school to earn-- a degree in Mass Communication-even though he has a Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mr. Sadkovich's wrote an intriguing 1998 book The US Media and Yugoslavia, 1991-1995. James Sadkovich was a professor, University of Southern Mississipi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Born May 10, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Parents were from from Vele Mune in Istria and Staro Petrovo Selo in Slavonia. Educated in history, University of Wisconsin 1982. Published Italian Support for Croatian Separatism, 1927-1937 (1987); The Italian Navy in World War 11 (1993); The Use of Political Trials to Repress Croatian Dissent, 1929-1934 ("Journal of Croatian Studies", 1987-1988); Terrorism in Croatia, 1929-1934 ("East European Quarterly', 1988); Serbian Hegemony Revisited (Journal of Croatian Studies, 1990-1993. Member of American Historical Association; Association for Croatian Studies; Croatian Academy of America; Society for Italian Historical Studies.

SAICH, ANTON Ranch

Born October 11, 1863, he is a native of Golubinica, Dalmatia, the son of Anton and Mary (Anticevich) Saich. The family consisted of three children, John, Peter, and Anton, the subject of this sketch. In July, 1889, he came to Philadelphia and immediately came to California. He worked in San Francisco in the hotel business for one year, but that kind of work was not to his liking. For about one year he worked on ranches near Watsonville and Capitola; then came to Santa Clara County and settled near Cupertino, working for wages for a time; then in 1900 he bought twenty-two and a half acres all set to prunes, on the Stevens Creek Road. From time to time he has purchased additional acreage until he now owns 110 acres of fine orchard, set to prunes, peaches, apricots, cherries, and grapes. His ranch is well equipped with wells for irrigating and the water is piped to all parts of the ranch. He has rebuilt his house and farm buildings and all are now in fine shape. he has pulled out and reset about forty-five acres, so it is now one off the valuable orchards in the district. For many years Mr. Saich was engaged in buying and drying fruit, which he sold to packers, while he was also engaged in shipping cherries to the eastern market. Mr. Saich was first married in Santa Clara in 1901, being united with Miss Annie Kucer, a daughter of Steve and Kate (Kristicevich) Kucer; the father, a contractor and builder in Dalmatia, was accidentally killed by a fall while working on a building. He was born near Mr. Saich’s native place and came to Santa Clara with her brother. Their union, however, was broken by her passing August 5, 1902, leaving him her infant son, born thirty-five days before his bereavement, whom they named Anton, Jr., and whom the father tenderly cared for and reared, and he is now his father’s right-hand man and able assistant in his horticultural enterprise. Mr. Saich some time afterwards married a second time, to Miss Teresa Brajenvich, who was born in the same vicinity as her husband, a daughter of John and Frances Brajenvich, the father being a farmer in his native Dalmatia. By his second marriage Mr. Saich has four children, Mary, Frances, Anna and John, all under the parental roof, dutiful and obedient children, a credit to their parents.

SAKIC, JOE Hockey-Olympics

Joe Sakic Forward for the Colorado Avalanche Hockey Team. After arriving in Canada from their native Croatia, Marijan and Slavica Sakic settled in Burnaby, Canada (Vancouver suburb), where their son was born and he soon found himself being dropped off at the local rink. Little Joe was shy, painfully so, because Croatian was the language of his home and he initially struggled with English. But on the ice, he was a star from the start, developing the startlingly sneaky and devastating wrist shot and one-timer that bedevils National Hockey League goalies years later" Joe Sakic, captain of the Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche, is the winner of the Lester B. Pearson Award, given to the MVP of the regular season based on voting by NHL players in 2001. Sakic beat out Pittsburgh Penguins stars Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr for the award presented each year by the NHL Players' Association. "This is the biggest honor any player could have," Sakic said Thursday. "To be voted by all the players, to get the respect from them is something I'll never forget." Sakic also was a finalist for the Hart (Most Valuable Player) and Lady Byng (sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct) trophies and the Selke Award (top defensive forward), to be awarded Thursday night. He is the first player in 10 years to be a finalist for all three awards. Jagr amassed 121 points, including 52 goals, to win the scoring title for the fourth year in a row. Sakic was second with 118 points, including 54 goals. Lemieux, who came out of retirement in late December, had 76 points, including 35 goals in only 43 games. Sakic also led all playoff scorers with 13 goals and 13 assists.

Joe Sakic scored the game-winning goal in the Gold Medal game playing for Team Canada in the Olympic Ice Hockey tournament of 2002. He is the all-time franchise leader for the Colorado Avalanche in goals, assists and points; and has been an NHL All-Star 9 times! Not to mention that he is one of the nicest professional athletes anywhere, and one that he is both aware and proud of his Croatian origin. 

SALAMUNOVICH, PETER Fisherman

Salamunovich born in 1896 came to the United States in 1911, during the high tide of Croatian immigration. A fisherman, he worked off the Southern California coast before settling in Avalon, Santa Catalina Island in 1928, where he continued pursuing the occupation he had learned as a young boy off the Island of Brac, Dalmatia.

SALATICH, P. B. Doctor-Oysterman-Professor

Dr. P. B. Salatich was born in New Orleans June 26, 1880. As a young man he always liked doctors and medicine, and it was not as surprise when he enrolled in Medical University, although that didn't stop him from cultivating oysters for several years and he worked day time as a bookkeeper and studied at night. He enrolled in Tulane University and graduated in 1905. He married Gladys Walter, an American, in 1907. They had five sons and two daughters. His oldest son, Peter Jr. is the student at Loyola University. two sons are in High school and other children are in Grammar School. For many years he was a professor of medicine at Tulane University. He was a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, New Orleans Country Club and member of the Slavonian Society. He is well known surgeon throughout the South. He discovered "The Interpretation of Pain in the Lower Lumbar Region". He was the Slavonian. Society Physician and close friend to all members and fisherman in New Orleans. His father came from Dubrovnik, Croatia in 1870. He was a member and Secretary of Slavonian Society.

SALLE, ANTON Businessman

Anton Salle was the son of the late Dora and Marko Salle, both of the Island of Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia.. He is survived by a sister Bena Bowles. He was 73 years of age in 1988. He is also survived by his son, Steve; daughter-in-law, Pat; daughter, Doreen and son-in-law, Bob Knabe. A grandfather of six grandchildren: Stephen, Stephanie, and Andrew Salle, and Robert, Michael, and Melissa Knabe, all of who live within just a few miles of their father and grandfather. Anton was the owner of Salle’s Paint and Body Shop of Oakland, California, which has been in establishment for some 40 years. Anton was a member of the Automotive Painter’s Union Local 1176 of Oakland and a member of former Croatian Fraternal Union bowling teams and tournaments in California. He has been a member of Tomislav Lodge 121 of Oakland ever since he married his wife, Eva Knezovich, in 1942- 46 years ago.

SAMBRAILO, CHARLES P. Farm-Cattle-Paper Products-Gold Mine

The subject was a successful farmer and rancher, a cattle raiser, and he was a leading business man of the area around Watsonville as supplier of cartons and paper products to the many growers and ranchers in this Section. Charles Peter Sambrailo was born in Dalmatia on August 19, 1901 , the son of Peter and Stane (Milloglav) Sambrailo, both natives of Dalmatia. His father had come to California years earlier and owned a gold mine at Angel's Camp in 1878. The subject's father, Peter Sambrailo, filed for citizenship in Amador County. Charles P. Sambrailo came to this country as a young boy, settling with his parents in Watsonville in 1911. Peter Sambrailo began growing and shipping fruits and farm crops, and this was the life his son knew as a growing boy. He helped his father at times, and grew accustomed to the life of farmer and rancher. He attended the public schools of Watsonville, after which he entered his father's business. Since 1923 Mr. Sambrailo, had been involved in fruit, especially apples, and raising cattle. He had become one of the better known farmers and ranchers of the area, where he was president of Charles Sambrailo and Sons Ranches. This operation, which now includes his two sons, had grown steadily from the original acres to a large establishment that contains farm land, orchards, and cattle pastures. Mr. Sambrailo was also president of CharIes Sambrailo Paper Company, a firm which supplies the growers and farmers with containers for packing and shipping. Though president and manager of these businesses, Mr. Sambrailo had entrusted much of the responsibility to his two sons. Mr. Sambrailo was a member of the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and of the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His faith was Catholic. Mr. Sambrailo had been married twice. His first marriage to the former Henrietta King ended in her death in 1944, twenty years after the ccremony which joined them together. In 1946 Mr. Sambrailo, was married to Ruth Brandl, daughter of Fred and Rose Brandl. The subject was the father of two sons: Charles is married to Joan Kelley and William K. is married to Nancy Bentley and their children are Mark, Judy, and Michael Sambrailo. Both the sons reside nearby in Watsonville and the surrounding countryside, and both were affiliated with their father in business as executives of the firm of Charles Sambrailo and Company. Mr. Sambrailo passed away on December 3, 1963, and the two brothers have taken over active management of the corporation and ranch partnership.

SAMBRAILO, PETER Farm-Cattle-Paper Products-Gold Mine

Charles Peter Sambrailo was the son of Dalmatian parents who came to the new world to seek a new life, settling in Amador County where the elder Sambrailo worked in gold mines. The subject was a successful farmer and rancher, a cattle raiser, and he was a leading business man of the area around Watsonville as supplier of cartons and paper products to the many growers and ranchers in this Section. Charles Peter Sambrailo was born in Dalmatia on August 19, 1901, the son of Peter and Stane (Milloglav) Sambrailo, both natives of Dalmatia. His father had come to California years earlier and owned a gold mine at Angel's Camp in 1878. The subject's father, Peter Sambrailo, filed for citizenship in Amador County. Charles P. Sambrailo came to this country as a young boy, settling with his parents in Watsonville in 1911.

SAMBUCK ANTON J. Medical Doctor

Born in San Francisco on May 23, 1895. He was studied at the St. Ignatius College and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he graduated medicine in 1918. During the war, he was serving the medical department of Letterman Hospital, San Francisco. He was employed as an "intern" in San Francisco Hospital. As a physician, he had practiced in Watsonville, California from 1919 to 1923 and afterwards in Los Angeles (1923-1929) and San Francisco (since 1929). He was a physician for twelve Croatian societies in Los Angeles. He married Ana Skurich, the daughter of one of the most eminent Croatian pioneers in Watsonville, Mr. Stjepan Skurich.

SANJEK, ROGER Professor-Author

Roger Sanjek, a third-generation American of Croatian and Irish descent, has inade a substantial contribution to our understanding of interethnic and interracial relations in the United States. His most recent work, The Future of Us All: Race and Neighborhood Politics in New York City has thus far appeared in a hard cover and paperback edition. More importantly, the book, which studies interethnic relations in Elmhurst and Corona, Queens, has received critical acclaim among scholars and the general public. Sanjek’s success should come as no surprise when one keeps in mind that the professor of anthropology at Queens College has published numerous works before, including Fieldnotes: The Makings of Anthropology, which, in its fourth printing, has become a standard textbook in colleges and universities throughout the United States. At a recent dinner at Astoria's Rudar Club, Sanjek explained that his Croatian background really gave him no particular insights into his anthropological work. "I was basically a kid who grew up in New York in the '50s. In line with the times., I viewed myself as a product of the New York melting pot. " Sanjek traces his Croatian roots to Varazdin, where his grandfather, Louis, attended gymnasium before studying at Zagreb University. Though he initially intended to be a Roman Catholic priest, Louis left the Church upon his arrival in the United States prior to World War I and became a Lutheran ininister, the only known Croatian Protestant cleric in America. He served in, among other places, Astoria, Queens, and wrote two self-published books in which he provided many details about his Croatian background. Elmhurst and Corona are for Sanjek a paradigm, an example of where we are going as a nation and as a city. In the 1960s, Ehnhurst and Corona had been almost entirely white. Within twenty years, the ethnic and racial composition of both neighborhoods radically changed. The change reflected those seen throughout New York City. Sanjek did not deal directly with issues which affect Croatian immigrants. today. However, his work does provide lessons that Croatian community leaders in neighborhoods where they are con centrated, such as Astoria, should keep in mind. The most important appears to be that immigrant communities must reach out to each other. in order to collectively defend their interests. Our Croatian community has failed, thus far, to do this. Though- Astoria is certainly considered by most Croatian New Yorkers to be one of the main centers of Croatian immigrant life in the City, we have yet to see any systematic attempts to reach out to the Greek, Italian, Brazilian, Bosnian Muslimand other major ethnic groups in the community. Our failure to do so could be seen in the last election. As far as this author is aware, no political candidate for any city or state-wide office based in Astoria made any attempt, to even recognize the existence of our community. We are being effectively ignored by those people who make decisions which affect all of us., Sanjeks workshows that in such an ethnically diverse area such as Astoria it would be difficult for Croatian Americans to make their voice heard on their own. They need, to forge alliances in order to do so.

SANKO, SLAVKO Teacher

Instructor in French and Russian at John Carroll University, Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Born November 26, 1933 in Lun-Rab, Croatia; married with two children. Educated at Classical Gymnasium, Zagreb, Croatia, 1946-1953; Gymnasium, Susak, Croatia, Graduate, 1956; Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers, Paris, France, 1958-60; H.E.C. Hautes Etudes Commerciales Academie Commerciale, Paris, 1960-61, Diploma, 1961; Sorbonne, Paris, 1958-60; Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, B.A. 1962, M.A. 1965. Thesis completed 1961 "Yugoslavia and European Common Market," Diploma, of H.E.C. A.C., Paris, France. Member of Phi Sigma Iota; Modern Language Association; Amererican Association of Teachers of French; American-Croatian Academic Club.

SANKOVICH, ALBERT Croatian Activities

Al was born in Tacoma, Washington, one of six children who came to the Bay Area. He married Mary Cuculich and they had two sons, William and Gregory. Al was a meat buyer for a large grocery chain and was very active in the Croatian Fraternal Union and served as president of the All Slav Club in Richmond. Al was always a pleasure to see with his smile and good humor. He leaves a legacy of kindness and goodwill - as a dear brother of the Slavonic Society in San Francisco. Al died on October 30, 1993.

SANTALESA, LOUIS Engineer-Scientist-Croatian Activities

Mr. Santelesa earned his Masters Degree in Engineering at City College of New York. He is an ex-NASA Scientist, a Linguist, a Historian, and a Theologian. He is a former President of the Istrian-American Charity Association, and an active humanitarian.

SANTIC, IVAN P. Veterinarian

Ivan Santic was born November 22, 1931 in Kovin, Banat and is Croatian. His field is General Veterinary Medicine and is a graduate of the University of Zagreb. He received a degree of Veterinary Medicine in 1960 from Justus Leibis University, Giessen, W. Germany. His specialty is small animals. He presently resides in San Francisco, California.

SANTICH, MARTIN Cultural Activities-Music

Martin Santich joined the Slavonic Society on September 6, 1935. His parents were born on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia. This 47 year member served as president for nine successive years. One of the many highlights during Martin's tenure as president was the organization of the Finance Committee that eventually became the Building Committee credited with the construction of the Slavonic Cultural Center. Martin is a master craftsman and some samples of his work are displayed in the SMBS Hall; namely the cocktail bar and two podiums so essential in the operation of the Hall. All these items were donated to the lodge by Martin as an expression of his dedication to the objectives of the society. Martin is also a talented musician and he has played the accordian at many SMBS's socials. Martin Santich and his wife, Rose, also a member, have been active and supportive in the catering activities of the Slavonic Cultural Center. A married son also is a member.

SAPUNAR, MATT Restaurant

An experienced caterer, who has helped to make Sacramento more popular with the ever-coming and ever-going strangers and other visitors, is Matt Sapunar, the genial proprietor of the Tourist Restaurant at 817 Second Street.  He was born on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia and grew up in that country, attending the well-conducted Dalmatian schools; and when sixteen years of age, he crossed the wide ocean; rather an undertaking for a lad of his years, and after inspecting the great American metropolis, he pushed on to the more promising West, and hailed Sacramento as his own. Matt Sapunar worked hard for several years, in order to get a modest start in business. In 1920, he established with his present place and took into partnership with him Matt Rakela and Marko Sapunar, and the trio have been successful, the experienced and observing public in the capital city not being slow to appreciate their efforts to furnish a better restaurant service for the traveler than anyone had provided before. In 1913, Matt Sapunar was married to Miss Hazel Ellers, of Portland. Mr. Sapunar shares her husbands liking for athletics, and also for outdoor life and pleasures.  

SAPUNOR, JOHN M. Judge

Judge Sapunor was appointed by Governor Ronald Reagan to the Superior Court in December 1974. He was re-elected Superior Court Judge two more times by the citizens of Sacramento County. Judge Sapunor retired in 1988. Judge Sapunor was elected by his fellow Judges to serve as Presiding Judge for two years, in 1984 and again in 1985. Judge Sapunor was born in Sacramento. He obtained his Bachelor's degree from the University of Santa Clara in 1941. After service during World War II he obtained his LL.B. degree from the University of Santa Clara Law School in 1948. He was admitted to the California Bar in 1949. In 1983 Judge Sapunor was specially honored when he was named "Trial Judge of the Year" by the California Trial Lawyers Association. Judge Sapunor was married twice. His first wife died in 1965. From his first wife he had three children, two of which died during their respective childhoods, and one of which also became a Superior Court Judge (see Hon. John Van Dyke Sapunor.) Judge Sapunor is survived by his wife, Treva, whom he married in 1967 and by his son, John.

SAPUNOR, JOHN V. Judge

Judge Sapunor was appointed by Governor Deukmajian to the Municiple Court in March 1985. In 1988 Judge Sapunor ran for and was elected to the Superior Court seat vacated by the retirement of his father however, he was temporarily appointed to the Superior Court by Governor Deukmajian to fill his father's seat until he was to commence the term of his elected office. He was re-elected in 1994. Judge Sapunor is the grandson of Thomas Sapunor Sr., who emigrated to the United States from the island of Brac at the turn of the century. Judge Sapunor believes his grandfather's family name was Krstulovich, but changed the name to Sapunor upon entry into this country. First joining the National Guard, and then working as a milkman, Judge Sapunor's grandfather eventually became a locomotive engineer with Southem Pacific. Thomas Sapunor Sr. holds the record for the fastest and slowest times for crossing the Sierra Nevadas. The fastest time was made when he operated a rescue train to a mine disaster. The slowest time was made in 1953 when he brought the "City of San Francisco" across the Sierra Nevadas during a winter snow storm, after the train had been stalled at Emigrant Gap for three days. Judge Sapunor is a native of Sacramento. After graduation from Christian Brothers High School in 1966, Judge Sapunor attended the University of Santa Clara where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in 1970. He entered the University of Santa Clara Law School and obtained his J.D. degree in 1973. He was admitted to the California Bar in 1973. Judge Sapunor resides in Sacramento with his wife, Vicki, who is also an attorney with the Superior Court in Sacramento. He has one adult child.

SAPUNOR, THOMAS Locomotive Engineer

Thomas Sapunor Sr., emigrated to the United States from the island of Brac at the turn of the century. Judge Sapunor believes his grandfather's family name was Krstulovich, but changed the name to Sapunor upon entry into this country. First joining the National Guard, and then working as a milkman, Judge Sapunor's grandfather eventually became a locomotive engineer with Southem Pacific. Thomas Sapunor Sr. holds the record for the fastest and slowest times for crossing the Sierra Nevadas. The fastest time was made when he operated a rescue train to a mine disaster. The slowest time was made in 1953 when he brought the "City of San Francisco" across the Sierra Nevadas during a winter snow storm, after the train had been stalled at Emigrant Gap for three days.

SARACEVIC, TEFKO Professor

Dr. Tefko Saracevic taught information science at Case Western Reserve University, Ohio until 1985, when he moved to the School of Communication, Information and Library Studies at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. Saracevic is known nationally and internationally for his research in information retrieval systems and the development of information systems and libraries in developing countries. He was the president of the American Society for Information Science in 1991. In 1999, he was a Fulbright scholar at the University of Zagreb and the National and University Library in Croatia. This is his second Fulbright scholarship for research and lecturing in Croatia.

SARCEVIC, JOSEPH Architect

Joseph Sarcevic is an architect at Howard Associates, Sylvania, Ohio. Born February 4, 1931 in Petrijevci, Croatia; married with two children. Educated at Real Gymnasium, Osijek, Croatia; Technicum Architectural, Osijek, Croatia, 1948-52, Diploma granted 1952 with a major field in architecture and a specialty in architectural renderings; also drafting: architectural, structural, civil and surveying. Member of the American Institute of Architects - Toledo Chapter; American Society for Croatian Immigration.

SARDELIC-KRALJEVIC, ANTE Sculptor-Painter-Printmaker

Ante Sardelic Kraljevic, sculptor, 'painter, and printmaker was born on February 3, 1947 in Blato, on the island of Korcula in Croatia. He graduated from the School of Applied Arts in Split in 1958 and from the Academy of Fine Arts, Department of Sculpture in Zagreb he studied under Krsto Hegedusic, Grga Antunac, Valerije Michieli in 1971. In 1972 he moved to Canada and settled in Toronto where he still lives and works'as a professional artist. Already as a student Sardelic mounted one-man exhibitions. He worked on reliefs and mosaics for public places. He travelled abroad to study. Initially he leaned towards sculpture in stone, wood and bronze, as well as large mosaics. Vitality of movements, in sculpture and dynamism of colour in painting were characteristic of this period.

On arrival in Canada Sardelic's palette propelled in the direction of new surroundings, new inspirations, using acrylics in which the harmony of organic geometry and mythological symbolism first appeared. Similar development occurred in his sculpture. In 1976 Sardelic worked on murals. He experimented with new materials in graphics and painting, discovering individual technical means for his artistic expression. The presence of erotic forms in a vivid polyphony of colours marked the passionate experiences of the new environment and time, thus becoming the focal point of the cosmography of his perception. Since 1978, Sardelic has often spent time in the United States, Mexico, Columbia, and Venezuela, where he came into contact with the ancient cultures of North and South America. This experience reflected on his work's search for new growth in the form of evolving expressiveness by capturing and arousing global co-existence in a happy union of man's primordial intuitions and the flow of the universal energy of life. Sardelic has been exhibiting continually since 1969 in museums and galleries throughout the world, including Canada, United States, Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Slovenia, Belgium, Japan, Korea, Germany, Croatia, and Australia, by participating in many international exhibitions a biennials where he received numerous awards and honours. To date he had 37 one-man exhibitions in New York, Chicago, Mexico City, Caracas, Bogota, Ottawa, Hamilton, (Canada), Toronto,' Frankfurt, Windsor (Canada), Zagreb, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik and Hamburg, and he participated in over 150 exhibitions. With the support of the Canada Council and the National Museums of Canada he mounted a large oneman exhibition in the Art Gallery of Hamilton. In 1987 he participated in 11 international exhibitions and biennials. With the sponsorship of the Government of Canada he put on a comprehensive one-man travelling exhibition in 1988 in the museums and galleries of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1989 he was chosen Artist of the Year by the Canadian-Croatian Artists’ Society in Toronto. He also executed a large mosaic commissioned by a private collector. In 1994 he spent a short period of time in Australia. In 1995 the Government of the Republic of Croatia awarded him the order of the Croatian Danica for outstanding merits in the field of culture. Ante Sardelic is a member of various artist societies throughout the world. He is included in numerous i n t e r n a t i o n a I publications and "Who's Whos." He has been writing poetry since his student days. The last five years of his artistic endeavour have been dedicated to the project The Eternal Homeland (Vjedna Domovina) and to providing aid for Croatia. His work can be found in galleries, museums, and private collections the world over. The following are several reviews of Sardelic's Eternal Homeland project: "Through its poems and graphics the Eternal Homeland - of Ante Sardelic is a continuation and at the same time a summation of his artistic endeavour to date. Sardelic's "Mediterranean spirit" signifies a veritable awakening of colours and symbols, and in this artistic ' actualization there is obviously a growing emphasis on national themes: the coat of arms as the sum of Croatian fate, the triple braid as a sign of national constancy and homogeneity, and the three different scripts-the Glagolitic, the old Croatian Cyrillic and the Latin -- are used as an external mark of Croatian polyphony. Through his expression and his form Sardelic reaches for the very depths of the Croatian being, for the true source of our existence. His invocations "de profundis" and his jubilations "in excelsis" come to fruition here. He expresses his expectation and his welcome to Croatia reborn..."

SARDELICH, PETER Production Manager

Sardelich, born in 1935 in Smokvice on the Adriatic Island of Korcula, completed Electechnical education in Split (Dalmatia). He began in the United States as a baker, then a janitor in the fishing industry. He studied TV at Columbia College of Los Angeles in 1967 and later became production manager of NBC Studios in Burbank, California.

SARICH CLAN Fishermen-Millworker

The Sarich family is one of the original Croatian families to settle in the Northwest comer of Washington State. Their family history in America started when a young man, Mike Sarich left his native Croatia to make a better life in this country. Where exactly he came from we're not sure. In later years he told people he was from the town of Omis (a small coastal town right outside of Split), but on documents he always wrote that he was from Nova Sela.

What is known is that before he left the old country, he passed through the island of Vis and spotted a young girl, Lucri Karuza, whom he would remember for several years. When he came to the United States, Mike settled in the Northwest, where he worked in many of the lumber mills - finally ending up in the small mill-town of Clear Lake, Washington, which is just south of the present town of Sedro Woolley.

After several years of working in the country and saving his money, he sent back to the old country for a bride to join him. The young girl, Lucri Karuza, whom he had seen in Vis was now 19 years old and agreed to come to America to marry him. At this time (1913), conditions in Vis were very poor with poverty and hard times. There was also a threat of war in the area, and all the young men were being drafted for several years of service in the Austrian Army. It still must have been difficult for a teen-age girl to leave her family and travel halfway around the world to marry a 33 year-old man she hardly knew. When Lucri came to this country, she was accompanied by her older brother, Nick Karuza. Nick's intention was just to come to the United States for a few years, save some money, and then go back to Vis.

Lucri and Nick sailed from Trieste to New York, and then rode across the country on the train to Bellingham, Washington where other men from Vis had already started to settle. In later life, Lucri would tell of the excitement of sailing into New York and seeing the Statue of Liberty. Nick would tell the story of how nervous he was passing through Ellis Island. He did not have all the proper papers for leaving Austria so was traveling with the passport of someone several inches taller than he was, but he made it through Ellis Island! Neither one of them could speak any English, but someone in their party knew the words "hot dog", so they were able to buy food to eat on the cross-country train trip.

Lucri and Nick's parents, Pavao and Margarita Luksic Karuza, were a fishing family in Vis. In fact the oldest child, Nick, was born in a row boat when the young married couple was out on a fishing trip. Of the ten children born to Pavao and Margarita Karuza in Vis, the oldest three (Nick, Yerka and Lucri) all came to the US. Five had died in childhood, and the two remaining both died as young adults during the flu epidemic in Vis of 1923 and 1924. It must have been very sad for the parents left in Vis to have their only three remaining children living overseas.

When Nick and Lucri arrived in Bellingham, they were met by her husband-to-be, Mike Sarich. Mike wanted to get married that same day, but Lucri insisted that she have some time to rest up and get used to a new country before they got married. So they ended up waiting a week at which time they were married in the church of the Assumption, which was then located on North Elk (now State) Street. This was before Sacred Heart was established in South Bellingham. After the wedding, the Sarich newlyweds settled in Clear Lake where Mike worked in the lumber mill. They lived in "downtown" Clear Lake, about two blocks from the mill. Lucri soon discovered that she would have to learn English so she could even buy groceries at the only grocery store in town. She also taught herself how to read and write, as well as took care of other Croatian boarders that were living with them. During this time in Clear Lake, both of their sons were bom. The first boy was named John after the paternal grandfather (Ivan Saric), and the second boy was named Paul after the maternal grandfather (Pavao Karuza).

Around 1920, the Clear Lake lumber mill burned. Mike was out of a job so the family had.. to move somewhere. They chose to move to South Bellingham, where Lucri had many ffiends who had moved from Vis. Mike worked for many of the lumber mills in Bellingham, including many years for the mill which was located at the bottom of the IOth Street Hill, just north of Harris. (This is the site that would later become the Uniflite plant). He eventually retired from the City of Bellingham Water Department.

When the family moved to Bellingham, they settled at the comer of I I th and Easton, where they owned an old four-plex. They rented units out to many other families, mainly Croatians, for $10 per month. In the mid-thirties, these old apartments were tom down and the existing house at 622 1 Ith was built.

Since they lived near the mill, one of Mike's extra jobs was to take care of the horses at the Mill on Sundays and other off days. He also took advantage of living near the water and supplied all the wood for heating their house and cooking by carrying driftwood on his back from Easton's Beach.

Meanwhile, Lucri's brother and sister also became established in this country. Her brother Nick Karuza, who had immigrated with her, saw his plans of returning to Vis delayed when he fell in love and married a Bellingham girl, Vinka Ku1jis. He fished for many years out of Washington, Alaska, and California - living for most of that time in San Pedro. He did eventually realize his dream and moved back to Vis after his wife died, when he was in his 70's. He spent the last years of his life in Vis, living in the old family home which he had inherited.

Nick and Lucri's sister, Yerka had married John Lasich. They lived in Clifton and Astoria, Oregon, where John fished in the Columbia River. After John died, she married his brother, Tony Lasich, who also was a Columbia River Fisherman.

So, even though Mike Sarich was not a fisherman, the family still had a fishing heritage. Like most of the young South-side Croatian boys of the time, John and Paul Sarich both went to Lowell School, graduated from Fairhaven High School, and worked on fishing boats. For many years they both had their own purse seiners, John the Indiana and Paul the Marene. (Sleasman 1999)

SARIC, DARLENE A. Systems Engineer-Artist

Darlene Saric is a systems engineer at I.B.M. Corporation, Chicago, Illinois. Born July 24, 1944 to Croatian parents in Chicago, Illinois. Education includes Southeast Jr. College, Chicago 1961-62; Univ. of Illinois, Chicago 1962-63; Univ. of Chicago, B.S., 1966; University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business 1967-69 with major field in Biopsychology and specialty in Computer Sciences, teleprocessing and software. IBM Systems Programmer 1966; IBM Account Representative 1967-68; University of Chicago., Department of Mededical Research Technician1965-66; University of Chicago, Department of Botany, Technical Assistant. Member of Association for Computing Machinery. Exhibitions: Pottery, Sculpture, Oil Painting exhibits in the area around Chicago. Student of Max Kahn, painter, and Helen Shagam, potter.

SARIC, IVICA

Ivica and Anka Saric and their two daughters arrived in the United States in October of 1969. Ivica’s first manufacturing job was at Modern Tool & Die in Cleveland, Ohio In 1981, he and his partner founded Eastlake Machine Products Inc. In 1989, the business moved into its current custom-built facility at Joseph Lloyd Parkway.

SARICH, JOHN Chef-Restaurant-TV Cooking & Wine-Writer

Few chefs enjoy access to a greater bounty of world-class wines and fresh foods than John Sarich. “It’s incredibly exciting to live in the Pacific Northwest,” says John. “Not only do we have an outstanding variety of ingredients from the land and sea, we also have exceptional wines from the Columbia Valley, where long summer days and crisp autumn nights produce ideal conditions for well balanced wines.” John joined Washington’s Chateau Ste Michele Winery in 1976, and his enthusiasm and knowledge of the wines and food of the area is unsurpassed. He conducts cooking classes, wine and food tastings, wine dinners and special events throughout the US and internationally. He also presents training seminars and classes for wine and food professionals and aficionados around the world. In 1980, John left Chateau Ste Michele to pursue his dream of owning a restaurant. He founded Seattle’s acclaimed Adriatica Restaurant and later opened Dalmacija Ristoran in Seattle Pike Place Market. While at Adriatica, John was selected by Esquire magazine as one of the country’s “hot new chefs” and listed by The Seattle Times as one of the city’s top five chefs. After returning to Chateau Ste Michelle as Culinary Director in 1990, John hosted the Emmy-nominated cooking show Taste of the Northwest for four years. His first cookbook, John Sarich’s Food & Wine of the Pacific Northwest was published in 1993 and his second book, John Sarich at Chateau Ste Michele was published in 1997. Both books continue to inspire cooks across the country. John is currently working on his new television series (Best of Taste – Flavors of the Pacific Coast) the companion cookbook for which was published in April 2001 by SeaHill Press. (Internet 2001) 

SARICH, JOSEPH Business-Military

Joseph Steven Sarich, Jr. was born in Seattle, Washington on July 28, 1918; he died here March 10, 2001. Brother Joe was born into an intensely proud Croatian Fraternal Union family so it is small wonder that he, his twin brother John and younger brother Steve, Jr. were charter members of Nest 220 when it was formed here in 1923. The twins, Joe and John, remained in Seattle all their lives and were, together with their wives, regular fixtures at all of our social events. Joe was a veteran of World War 11, having served his country in the Signal Corps in the South Pacific. He and his wife Helen were married in 1947-a marriage that was to endure 53 years and bring forth son Joseph, Jr. and daughter Judy. Joe worked some as a bookkeeper and as a bus driver but he spent the better part of his working life with his brothers in the Puget Sound Salmon Egg enterprise. He was a member of the Magnolia Presbyterian Church in Seattle, where he served as an elder for many years. Brother Sarich is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Judy (James) Lacy, four grandchildren and his brothers John (Mary) Sarich and Steve (Kay) Sarich. He was preceded in death by his son Joseph Sarich, Jr.

SARICH, PETER M. Grocery-Life Insurance

Peter born 1919, in Lead, South Dakota made his living in the grocery and life insurance business. He later became a member of the Prudential Million Dollar club and the Prudential Underwriters Association of Long Beach. Sarich made his income by selling to people in America but he never forgot his cultural heritage, for he was a long time member of Croatian Fraternal Union, Lodge 177. He also served as president of Mary Star of the Sea High School PTA. Peter and his wife Toby had two daughers: Betty Schmitt of Mammoth Lakes, and Barbara Wallace of Hawaii, and one son, Victor of San Pedro. Peter passed away July 27, 1981.

SATLOW CLAN

The three Satlow brothers from Dalmatia, Croatia came to the Harbor in Aberdeen, Washington the long way around. Anthony (wife, Anna Bussanich) the oldest one, left home when he was 14 and sailed around the world before landing in Port Townsend in 1897. He came to Aberdeen and worked in a saloon and also one at Grays Harbor City before moving to Tacoma to open a grocery store. In 1911 he returned to Hoquiam and started the Vienna Grocery which he operated until 1960 when he retired. In the meantime, Brother Matt also had gone to sea and finally found his way to Hoquiam where he joined Tony. Later he purchased a store and service station at Axford Prairie. Younger brother Sam followed his brothers footsteps and became a seafaring man. His travels took him to South Africa where he met and married Katherine Petersen. Six years and three children later, the family arrived at the Blagen mill dock aboard a lumber schooner. Sam opened the North End Pool Hall and Grocery store in Hoquiam which he operated for many years.

SCOPINICH, PAUL Ship Yard

For more than a century the name "Scopinich" has been synonymous within the yachting community with craftsmanship, service, reliability and integrity. When we place the name "Scopinich" on our fighting chairs, it represents the pride and reputation on six generations of master shipbuilders. This famous name can be traced to a small island off the eastern shore of the Adriatic, Losinj Mali, Croatia where, from the mid-nineteenth century great grandfather Scopinich owned and operated the Scopinich Boat Works. In the early twentieth century great uncle Mirto Scopinich and grandfather Federico Scopinich migrated to the U.S. and kept this heritage of excellence flourishing at their two locations in Freeport, Long Island. Despite the Depression, hard work, dedication and skills learned in the old country gave Scopinich a reputation as the builder of the finest boats coming out of Long Island’s many shipyards. In 1942 the two Scopinich yards were awarded the coveted U.S. Army and Navy "E" prize for excellence in war production. Federico’s son, Mario, carried on this tradition of excellence at the Hampton Boat Works at Hampton Bays, Long Island. Today, Paul Scopinich, Mario’s eldest son, continues the family tradition by building the finest marine products in the world. A Scopinich product is a statement of excellence, a handcrafted masterpiece using only the finest materials. Its innovative design, superior ergonomics, sophisticated engineering and perfectly machined metal components, combined with the finest finish, make a Scopinich the barometer of excellence against which all others are judged. Scopinich Fighting Chairs and Accessories at Stuart, Florida is proud to present it’s complete line of world class fighting chairs, accessories and a range of sportfishing equipment that assures years of recreational and tournament satisfaction.

SCORSUR, BENJAMIN Ranch-Silverminer

For many years Benjamin Scorsur has been prominently and successfully identified with the fruit industry in Santa Clara County and long experience has made him an authority on this line of work. He also ranks with the pioneer residents of this part of the state, having taken up his residence here in 1871. A native of Croatia, he was born in Dalmatia, in Dubrovnik, April 11, 1855, the fourth in the family of John Cathrinia Scorsur, the father a well-to-do farmer of Dalmatia. Although it was his parents’ desire that he devote his time to his studies, Benjamin Scorsur preferred hard manual labor to the routine of the schoolroom, and hearing many favorable reports concerning California, he decided to locate there, when fourteen years old he went to sea, receiving five dollars a month as pay; however, he followed the sea for five years, when he quit the sea to come to California, arriving in September, 1871. His elder brother, James Scorsur, had proceeded him to the United States, arriving in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1866. In 1871 the two brothers started for California, but first made their was to the mines of Virginia City, Nevada. Not meeting with success there, they packed all of their belongings, consisting of a few blankets and tools, and struck out for the Guadalupe mines in Santa Clara Valley. They divided tier time between mining and farming. preempting 163 acres of land adjoining the mines, which were at the time owned by and English company, and at this time Benjamin Scorsur became a citizen of the United States. For eight years the two brothers devoted their attention to mining, farming and stock raising, working laboriously to gain a start in life, but their efforts were fruitless, for through a dispute in the title the land once more became the property of the English Company by decision of the Santa Clara County courts. Possessing the dauntless spirit of youth, Mr. Scorsur courageously faced the future, and removing to San Jose, he entered business circles as a fruit buyer, dryer and shipper. From a modest beginning the enterprise grew to one of the large proportions and for thirty-five years he continued along those lines. He also became a prosperous horticultureist, purchasing a good ranch of twenty-three acres on the Doyle Road and a valuable cherry orchard on the San Francisco Highway. In 1918 following the close of the war, Mr. Scorsur bought a sixty-acre home ranch, is married, and has one child,. He is a veteran of the World War, serving only eleven months overseas as a member of the Ninety-First Division. He is a member of the American Legion, was sent overseas and for three months and was confined in a hospital. Dominic is successfully engaged in business as a stock dealer. Kathrina married Mr. Scamperria, a wealthy merchant of Watsonville, Cal. Pauline Lostellisto, of San Jose. He is a member of the Austrian-American Society of San Jose. He has worked diligently and persistently, and success in substantial measure has crowned his labors, while at the same time his efforts have been an important factor in the development and improvement of Santa Clara County along horticultural lines.

SCORSUR, JOHN Ranch

A man who was highly esteemed for his splendid traits of character and the warm friendship he made was the late John Scorsur, who was born in Dalmatia, Croatia, in 1873, a son of James and Thomasine Scorsur. The father was a pioneer fruit man and a prominent and successful horticulturist, having an orchard on the Homestead Road. He died July, 6 1915, his wife surviving him until August 16, 1916. Of the Union of this worthy couple, two children were born, namely, Kate, Mrs. Felicich of San Jose, and John, the subject of this sketch, who came to the United States with his mother, joining his father, who was then residing at Guadalupe. Some years later the family moved to San Jose and here John attended the public schools, as well as the business college. He excelled in penmanship from the American Pen Art Hall. After his school days were over he assisted his father in the care of the orchard as well as the fruit business. In the fall of 1900 Mr. Scorsur made a trip back to his old home in Dalmatia, and there on February 9, 1901, he was married to Miss Annie Genovich, also a native of Dalmatia, the daughter of Peter and Mary Genovich, farmer-folk in that far-off country. He immediately returned to his home in San Jose with his bride, arriving in March, 1901, and they began housekeeping in the residence at 1398 East San Fernando Street, where Mrs. Scorsur still lives. John Scorsur was engaged in the fruit business with his father, looking after the orchards on the old homestead, and became a well-posted and progressive orchardist. He was in ill health several years before his death, which occurred April 6, 1915. He was a man of pleasing personality and had a host of friends, being a member of the Austrian Benevolent Society and St. Joseph’s Benevolent Society.  The union of Mr. and Mrs. Scorsur was blessed with five children, Thomasine, Marie, Anna, James and Jennie, who all reside at home. They are members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

SCORSUR, NICK Ranch-Silverminer

A good example of thrift and untiring energy is illustrated in the life of Nick Scorsur, now retired from active business life, and his years of toil have resulted in a competency that is justly deserved. Born in Dalmatia, Croatia, January 1, 1858, he is a son of John and Catherine (Cavaletta) Scorsur; his father was, for many years, in the stock and sheep business. Five sons and two daughters composed the family, of whom only two survive, the subject of this sketch and an older brother, Ben, who both lie in California. As early as 1875, two brothers, James and Benjamin, came to America, settling in Virginia; and late in 1880 he came to California by the way of the Isthmus of Panama and located in the beautiful Santa Clara Valley. In 1882 Nick Scorsur followed them and his continuously resided in this section since that time. The brothers invested in a 160-acre tract of land near the New Almaden mines, which they cleared and developed. When they were ready for planting, the owners of the mining property informed them that they had no right or title to the property and were successful in beating them out of their holdings, as well as others in the neighborhood. This occurred in 1885, but, undaunted, the three brothers located on a tract of land in East San Jose, where they started in the fruit business. Beginning at the bottom, by hard work and close application, they gradually enlarged their operations and increased their holdings; in 1892 however, they dissolved the partnership. James passed away in 1915. Meanwhile Nick Scorsur engaged in in fruit buying, handling cherries, peaches, and prunes with good success. He owned a forty-five-acre prune orchard on White Road, which he kept for about five years, when he sold it at a good profit. He owns a thirty-five-acre cherry and prune orchard at Campbell and also a twenty-acre orchard on Senter Road, which brings him a handsome income each year. In 1900 he invested in a tract of land in East San Jose, building a commodious residence at the corner of Twenty-sixth and San Antonio streets, still the family home. The marriage of Mr. Scorsur occurred in San Jose, April 4, 1889, and united him with Miss Ellen Talia, also a native of Dalmatia, who was born August 14, 1865, and who came to California in May, 1888. She is the daughter of Captain Matthew and Raphael Talia. Her father was a man of sterling integrity who followed a seafaring life as captain of private merchant vessels on the Mediterranean Sea. Mr. and Mrs. Scorsur are the parents of five children; John is manager of the ranches owned by the family; Matthew, deceased; Nicholas graduated in 1917 from the College of Commerce, University of California, with the degree of B.A.

SCORSUR, STEVE Ranch-Restaurant

A resident of California since 1887, Steve Scorsur was born in Dalmatia, Croatia, August 14, 1861. His father, John Scorsur, followed the sea for many years until he retired to his farm. He had married miss Mary Lopizich and they were blessed with six children- four boys and two girls- and two sons and two daughters and still living. One brother, John Scorsur, is a fruit buyer and lives on Pine Avenue, The Willows. The parents both passed away on the home farm in Dalmatia. The fourth child of the family, Steve Scorsur, grew up on the farm and as there were no public school advantages in those days did the best he could to pick up an education, though most of it was obtained in the great school of experience. When sixteen years old he went to sea, first in the Mediterranean trade, and then in the transatlantic, touching at Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Providence, and Galveston, Texas, his first trip to the United States being when he was nineteen years old, when he landed in Philadelphia. He continued his seafaring life until 1887, when he came to Galveston on a three-masted schooner, Martin L. Smith, and there he left ship and came to San Jose, California, where he had uncles and cousins living. He found employment in the fruit business, working for James Scorsur, but soon went to Los Angeles, where he was employed for two years. Thence he removed to Madera, where he became proprietor of a restaurant, being in business there when Madera County was organized, and was a warm friend of Judge Connelly. After eight years in Madera, Mr. Scorsur sold out his interests there and returned to San Jose, purchasing his present place of one acre on San Antonio Street, where he erected a residence, built a dryer and engaged in buying and selling fruit, in which he has been very successful. He also owns a ranch on Foxworthy Road, where he is engaged in raising prunes and apricots. Mr. Scorsur’s marriage took place in San Jose, March 12, 1901, uniting him with Miss Mary Genovich, who was born in Dalmatia, and came to America that same year.  Their union has been blessed with five children: John, a graduate of Heald’s Business College, is now a bookkeeper in the Bank of Italy at San Jose; Mary was educated in the San Jose high school and Heald’s Business College and assists her mother in presiding over the home; Peter, Stephen and Anthony are attending the grammar school. Mr. Scorsur is a member and former vice-president of the Austrian Benevolent Society of San Jose. The family are members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and take a generous part in its benevolence.

SCOTLAND, ARTHUR G, (DOMICH) Judge

Justice Scotland was first appointed to the Superior Court in Sacramento County by Goverernor George Deukmajian in April 1987, and was elevated by Governor Deukmajian to the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District in January 1989. In the elections of 1990, the people of the State who reside in the counties that make up the Third Appellate District confirmed Justice Scotland to his position as Associate Justice for a twelve year term. Justice Scotland is the grandson of Dinko Domic of the village of Lozisca on the island of Brac and Anna Cervoni, also of Brac. Dinko Domic came to the United States in1910 and his wife, Anna, followed him in 1913. He worked first as a miner in Minnesota and in Colorado. Then he went to work in the kitchen of the Brown Palace Hotel of Denver in 1914. Justice Scotland's mother, Matilda, was born in Denver in 1914. In 1921 the family Domich moved to Lodi, California and later to Sacramento. Dinko Domich worked as a chef in various restaurants and clubs in Sacramento, and at one time owned and operated his own eating establishment, The Market Cafe, located at 14th and J Streets, in Sacramento. Justice Scotland's grandparents died in the 1960's. His mother still resides in Sacramento. Justice Scotland was born and raised in Sacramento, and graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1964. He obtained his Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Davis in 1968. He graduated from McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento, with honors, receiving a J.D. degree in 1974, and was admitted to practice law before the California Bar later that same year. Justice Scotland resides in Sacramento with his wife, Susan.

SCRABALO, FRANCESCO Food-Wine-Liquors

Born in Janjina to a noble Dalmatian family on January 30, 1850. Until he was eighteen years old, he lived in his native country attending schools and working in agriculture. Afterwards the went on board of a merchant ship and visited France, Turkey and South America. Three years later he left the ship in Peru and there became the manager of a shop. His work has been so appreciated that at the beginning he was earning one third, and then afterwards one half of profit. Business went good, but after a dispute with his partner, he had to retire from business and to go to the court to get his share. He didn't receive any money because in the meantime he became ill of yellow fever, so he had to leave Peru, thus loosing everything but saving his life. He disembarked in San Francisco, California where he stayed, ill and discouraged, for six months. Then he moved in San Jose and joined his uncle in business with food, wine and liquors. He has not become a millionaire yet, but his business is going well enough to provide him a stable and secure future. He is a member of many American Societies, being appreciated and loved by everybody.

SCURICH, ANTHONY P. Farm-Packing Shipping

The name Scurich is quite well known in the area, and members of the family in the present generation are of Croatian origin whose parents came from Dalmatia.  Mr. Scurich’s parents were Peter Antone and Mary (Sanbrailo) Scurich. His father acquired orchard land in the Watsonville area, and devoted his atteniton primarily to raising apples. After attending local public schools, Anthony P. Scurich, at about the age of fifteen, joined his father in growing, packing, and shipping apples.  Following the father’s death in 1956, he became responsible for the managment of the orchards and other holdings on seventy acres near Watsonville.  His father located here in 1899, so this family enterprise is now more than sixty-three years old. In March 1941, he left for a period of service in the United States Army. Assigned to the artillery, he served in the United States and Hawaii. He was in uniform for over four years and seven months, receiving his honorable discharge in October 1945. he attained the rank of first sargeant.   He is a member of the American Legion and Elks lodge (B.P.O.E. 1300). In Reno, Nevada, on May 1, 1948, Anothny P. Scurich married Madeline Kusanovich, daughter of Frank and Minnie (Buvinich) Kusanovich.  Her parents too came from Dalmatia. Mr. and Mrs Scurich have two sons: 1. Frank, who was born on June 28, 1949. 2. James, born on July 29, 1953. Mr. Scurich has two brothers, one in San Franicsco, the other in the Watsonville area, and one sister.

SCURICH, LUKE Farm Fruit Packing

Mr. Scurich was born September 17, 1864, and received his education in the schools of his native land. In 1883 he crossed the Atlantic, but did not remain in the eastern section of the United States, making the long journey across the continent to the Pacific coast. He entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad, working first as a section hand in Redding, California, but in 1888, he came to Watsonville. He embarked in the fruit packaging and shipping business, forming a partnership with Nick Banac and theirs was one of the first firms of that kind in the valley. Subsequently he was joined by his brother, Stephen Scurich, who had come to the Golden state when sixteen years of age, and they became the owners of a ranch of one hundred acres in Green valley, on which they planted an apple orchard. By scientific methods and concentrated effort they brought the farm to a high state of development and afterward sold the place, making a large profit on the investment. When he came here there were apple orchards on Main street, in what is now the business section of the city. In 1898 he organized the Austrian-American Benevolent Society of the Pajaro valley, which has become a strong and prosperous organization, having the sum of thirty-five thousand dollars in its treasury. At San Francisco, California, in 1893, Mr. Scurich married Mess Mary Vlahutin, also a native of Dalmatia. Antone L. Scurich, the only child of this union, was born in Watsonville, December 18, 1898.

SCURICH, LUKE A. Insurance

Luke A. Scurich attended Moreland Notre Dame Academy Grammar Schools, Watsonville Joint Union High School, and Satna Clara University, of which he is a graduate.  He has served in the United Staes Army, 1955 to 1957, and was stationed in Alaska.  He has been a partner of his sister in the insurance business since January, 1958. He married Susan Barsi, and they have two children: 1. Antone, born July 31, 1959. 2. Michael, born July 10, 1961.  Both children were born in Watsonville.

SCURICH, MARY Insurance

One of the younger generation of Watsonville businesswomen, Mary Kathryn Scurich successfully operates an insurance agency at 254 So. Main Street in that city, in partnership with her brother. Member of a prominent Croatian famiy long established in the area, she was born at Watsonville on June 5, 1927, and is a daugher of the late Antone Luke and Pauline (Pierovich) Scrurich.  She has two sisters, Catherine, who married Walter D. Burelson, and June, who married John A. Eastman. Her grandfather, Luke Antone, is mentioned in Jack London’s “The Valley of the Moon” and in regional histories. He was a rancher who took an active part in the public life of the area. Her father was born in Watsonville and entered the insurance business there in 1924. It is this same agency which his son and daughter carry on today.  On her mother’s side, Miss Scurich is distantly related to the late Judge Andrew Pierovich of Jackson, California, who held office as state senator during Governor Olsen’s adminitration. After attending Moreland Notre Dame Academy, Mary Scurich studied at San Jose College. Miss Scurich is a member of the Watsonville Association of Insurance Agents, State and National Assocations, the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Native Daughters of the Golden West, the Soroptimist Club, Notre Dame Alumni Association, and Young Laides Institute.

SCURICH, STEPHEN Hotel Builder Packing House Farm

Stephen Scurich was born in Dalmatia, Croatia October 1868, and in 1884, when sixteen years of age, came to America. He secured work on a ranch near Byron, in Contra Costa county and was next employed in a fruit commission house of San Francisco. He arrived in Watsonville in 1886 and became associated with his brother, Luke Scurich, in the fruit packing and shipping industry. Later he purchased a tract of one hundred acres in Green valley, on which he planted an apple orchard. This he developed into the finest orchard in the valley and realized a large profit from the sale of the place. He has built over one hundred homes and has large holdings in the residential sections of the city. He owned and placed on the market the Stephen Scurich subdivision, a six-acre tract on Second street, which was separated into lots, on which many fine residents have been erected. He owns a business block on Main street, opposite the California Theater; the Central Hotel, which he has recently remodeled; and a block of three acres at the intersection of West Lake and Walker streets. This consists of packing houses which Mr. Scurich has built, and he is also a director of the Mateo Lettunich Company, owners of the Lettunich block on the Main street. Since 1904 he has engaged in the general brokerage business, dealing in packing box shook, paper, nails, labels, paste and lumber. He is the local agent for the Olsen Lithograph Company of San Francisco, supplying the packers and shippers with labels, and agent for the Cunard line and also leading French, American and Italian steamship lines. He represents the Rhode Island Fire Insurance Company and is one of the directors of the Bank of Italy in Watsonville. He was one of the promoters of the California Theater Company, which recently erected at Watsonville one of the finest photo play houses in this region, and is serving as its vice president.

In 1898 Mr. Scurich married Miss Lucia Zar, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and they have become the parents of three children: Anna, the wife of Dr. Sanbuck, of Los Angeles, California, and the mother of a daughter, Jean; Ruth, who resides at home; and Stephen Jr. Mr. Scurich is a notary public and a member of the Transportation Club of San Francisco, which maintains its headquarters in the Palace Hotel. Along fraternal lines he is connected with Pajaro Lodge No. 90, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Lodge No. 602, of the Loyal Order of Moose.

SCURICH, STEPHEN JR. Packing Shipping Farm

Following in his father’s footsteps as a leading California grower and shipper of apples, Stephen Scurich, Jr. continues to send his distincitve peoducts to all parts of the nation and Europe.  Scurich’s Pajaro Valley fruit is famous among connoisseurs, and the firm has won countelss awards for its products in state and coutny fairs. Valley Rose apples were developed by the elder Stephen Scurich, Sr., and his son his introduced many innovations into the growing, care, and shipping of famed varieties of fruit produced in orchards around Watsonville. Stephen Scurich, Jr., often called Bob, was born in Watsonville, on August 9, 1908, the son of Stephen and Lucie (Zar) Scurich.  His father was born in 1868 in Dalmatia, Croatia. He came to this country at the age of sixteen, settling in Watsonville and working hard in fields and packing houses to earn money to send for his brothers and sisters.  Stephen Scurich’s wife, the former Lucie Zar, came to New Orleans, Louisiana.  The elder Stephen Scurich and his brother Luke entered the orchard business as soon as they could lease land for fruit growing. It was not long before they attained success and became the largest packers of fruit in central California. They annually sent hundreds of carloads of apples to Europe, where Pajaro Valley fruit had become an item in high demand.  Many times Gold Medal winner for his Bellflower and Sebastopol apples, he invested in such Watsonville property as the Central Hotel.   The first in his area to pack apples in colored polyethelene bags, he was also the first to use seasonal packaging at Christmas time. Stephen Scurich, Jr., was educated in Watsonville public schools, and then entered Santa Clara University.  He later transfered to Oregon State college, majoring in business administration. Stephen Scurich, Sr., was active in the club and civic life of Watsonville.  He was a director of the Chamber of Commerce; and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Transportation Club. he was treasurer of the Central Grocery Company and vice president of M. Lettunich and Company. On August 8, 1936, in Reno, Nevada, Stephen Scurich, Jr. was married to Mary Sullivan, daughter of John L. Sullivan and Mary Agnes (Martin) Sullivan. Mr. and Mrs. Scurich are the parents of four children: 1. John, born October 28, 1945. 2. Robert, born July 4, 1948. 3. Craig, born August 3, 1954. 4. Richard, born September 23, 1959.

SECKSO, ANTON Restaurant-Saloon

Anton N. Seckso, son of Nikola and Antula, was born in Sibenik, Dalmatia, Croatia in 1895. Upon arrival to New Orleans, Louisiana he worked in a restaurant as a helper, then went to New York where he worked in the Vanderbilt Hotel, and was an expert in mixing drinks. It was interesting to mention that he was one of the first experts in that profession in America and received many awards and prizes. In 1914 the New York Herald Newspaper did a write up on him. He opened his own restaurant-saloon in 1917, and now has a modern restaurant on the corner of Sixth and S. Rampart Streets in New Orleans. He employees many Croatians. He was married 1920 with the girl of Croatian origin, they had two sons. He has two brothers; one in Trieste and another in India. He is the member of the Slavonian Society for 18 years, and was Secretary of the Society. He is well liked and respected.

SEFEROVICH, GEORGE Business Economist

George Henry Seferovich was born in New Orleans July 15, 1915. He attended the public schools in New Orleans, and was graduated from Warren Easton Boy's High School in June 1932 receiving an honorary scholarship to Loyola University (New Orleans). He entered Loyola in the fall of 1932 and received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Economics in June 1936. He was awarded a fellowship in the College of Commerce of Louisiana State University and entered in the fall of 1936. He now has a degree of Master of Business Administration. George wrote his thesis on Marketing Louisiana Fresh Oysters in 1938 at Loyola University.

SEPUT, FRANK Restaurant

Frank Seput, 82, who was proprietor of Sam’s Grill and Seafood Restaurant at 374 Bush St. for 60 years, died Wednesday in a San Rafael hospital., He immigrated to this country from Dalmatia, Croatia, and at 16 began working as a busboy in a restaurant, then worked as a waiter, and finally owned his own business. He leaves his wife, Elizabeth M. Seput; two sons, Frank W. Seput of San Francisco and Walter G. Seput of Hillsborough, and two daughters, Elizabeth Zibilish of Mill Valley and Evelyn Friend of San Diego. There are eight grandchildren.

SERKA, PAUL Fisherman-Engineer

Paul Serka was, on every count, a remarkable fisherman. Born in Sumartin, Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia he pulled up his roots at the age of twenty-three. With the help of his brother, Nick, who was fishing with Frank Novak, he came to Tacoma in 1913. Accompanying this future top fisherman were Tony Ancich and Nikola Babich. Serka, a tall, sensitive young man, arrived in Washington with a desire to practice his trade and fish the waters of Puget Sound, but "chances" were hard to find. He labored in the sawmills and laid streetcar track along the Point Defiance line to sustain himself. When the opportunity to fish did come, it was shortlived. In Gig Harbor he fished with Andrew Gilich, replacing one of the members of the crew who was ill. When the former crewman recovered, Serka returned to his former shore jobs. In Europe he had fished on a small scale for sardines, mackerel, and bottom fish. By the fall of 1913, he was fishing the West Passage for sockeye and humpies with Joe Martinac on the boat Traveler. When he moved to Gig Harbor a year later, he found himself to be in the company of superior fishermen who were also from Sumartin: Lee Makovich, the Skansie brothers, John Skansie (there were two unrelated Skansie families in Gig Harbor), Mike Katich, Pasco Dorotich, Spiro Babich, and Sam and John Borovich. Fishing was not a year-round venture. There were summer and fall fishing. The rest of the time was spent doing repair work and patching nets (260 fathoms). The shares on a boat were divided much as they had been in Europe: boat, two shares; each crew member, one share. The fishermen were allowed to fish every day but Sunday. This was called "Sunday Law", and they were fined if caught. A big catch was known as a "big scratch", and "high boat" designated the boat that had caught the most fish.

By 1915, a year after he became an engineer with one-quarter ownership in the boat St. Nicholas with Mike Katich, Andrew Gilich, and Skansie, at least 200 boats were fishing in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Competition was keen. There was much fish but no market for them. Fishermen were paid five cents apiece for loads of mixed humpy and sockeye. In many cases, the canneries turned away boatloads when they could use no more. Some fishermen, after having made set after set and having pulled nets by hand all day, found that no cannery would accept their catch at a fair price. Those fishermen who were continually "high boat" had no trouble with this because their catch was guaranteed by the cannery. "High Boat" made $2,000 in 1915, but many boats didn't even make expenses. Usually one-half of the crew was green, but all were eager and willing to learn. Serka sold the St. Nicholas and bought the boat Confidence with partners. Sam Kazulin repaired the boat in a Gig Harbor yard. Mike Katich became a partner in 1916 when together they purchased a sixty-foot boat. A boat of this size brought more comfort to the fishermen and held more fish in its hold. Until 1917, Serka fished locally and at the Salmon Banks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, but, in 1918, he ventured farther north to Alaska, where he fished for the Kanaka Packing Company along the Portland Canal which was one-half American, one-half Canadian as soon as you stepped into Alaska. A pilot was hired for two weeks to take the boat north, but, as they went, Serka watched the charts and learned navigation; he fished in Alaska for years without a mishap. When asked whether he was anxious when he took the boat underway himself, Serka looked surprised: "Of course not!" He had made up his mind that he would master his trade, and this he did. Katich and Serka sold their boat to Nick Bez, who converted it into a tender. He purchased a one-third share of the Emancipator when his brother decided to return to Europe in 1919. Paul Puratich was one of the owners. At that time, a boat and net could be had for $12,000. The Oceanic was designed by Martinac and built in the Skansie yards for Serka in 1920. It was powered by one of the first diesel engines on the Sound. Some of the crew members were Joe and Jerry Markota, John Jerkovich, and Tony Ancich. Serka skippered this boat for fourteen years.

Maria Cvitanovic, a beautiful lady from Sumartin, and Paul Serka were married in 1924. Six years later, the Sun Rise Ranger was built for a planned Canadian venture, but no charters could be obtained, and, by 1932, Serka returned to Washington. Martinac was again retained to build another boat, the Oceania, in 1934. Tragedy struck this ill-fated seiner in 1948, when high swells caused water to fill its hold. All equipment and nets went under. The skipper and crew lost all their belongings but saved their lives. Vince Cvitanovich and Serka were partners in the Wisconsin in 1947. Cvitanovich served as a member of Serka's crew for many lucrative years. The Sea Master, one of the fastest purse seiners in the Sound, was built by the Kazulin yard in 1958. This master seiner was to be Serka's last command, for, in 1967, Serka left the life of the sea.

When a man was consistently "high boat", others followed wherever he went or set his nets. "When making a set, the other boat should let you get your skiff in position," Serka said. Some, in their hurry and desire to catch fish, neglected to do this. Paul Serka was always followed by others. He had fished many seasons, and this strong, quiet man knew the tides and how to spot a school of fish and how to work them both to his advantage. A glance at the evening sky told him how to prepare for tomorrow. Most of his life had been spent in contest with the elements, never in foolhardy risks, but with the sound judgement of what might be safely done under the prevailing temper of the wind and the seas. Fishing is not only knowing the tides, the navigation charts, and working with people, it is also taking a chance. Behind every rock or sand bar, every set, lay the chance of losing life, limb, boat, and net. It took great courage to brave the elements and gamble everything you had worked for. Some days were lucky. Serka knew many days of elation when he knew he was "high boat", but there were other days when many sets were made and the fish were not there. Paul Serka worked for the improvement of the fishing industry, and this gentleman of the sea will be remembered for his excellence with men, boats, and fish.

SERTICH, JOHN Professor

John Sertich was born on Feb. 22, 1927 in McGill, Nevada.

He graduated from Saint Mary’s College in California in 1950 and received his masters degree from the University of Laval, Quebec, Canada in 1955. He also attended Sacramento State College in Sacramento from 1964-1966. His specialty is Metaphysics and Social Philosphy. He speaks Croatian, French and German. He completed his thesis in 1955 on “The Basis of Logical Opposition” for an M.A. in Philosophy. He is an instructor of philosophy at American River College in Sacramento, California.

SESICH, BOB Teacher

Sesich has just been selected as the outstanding teacher in his district by the 660 classroom instructors who serve alongside him. That’s a lot of praise, but it comes straight from his colleagues in the Freemont Union High School District.

A onetime starting tackle on the University of New Mexico varsity football team, Sesich today still looks like a pretty tough customer. But his looks are tempered with a genuine understanding of the problems kids bring to Blaney. Sesich teaches social studies, but also takes on other faculty duties, including science and math, health safety, alcohol and drug abuse, and driver education. Thursday night he was honored by the San Jose Jaycees in their nationwide program of recognition for outstanding teachers.

Sesich is a graduate of Sunnyvale High and San Jose State, where he received his teaching credential and his master’s degree. He was a football player at both schools and served as an assistant football coach at Sunnyvale High for four years.

Aged 32, he and his wife, Barbara live in Cupertino with their two children, Robbie, 5, and Laurie, 7.

SESICH, EMILY Croatian Activist Tamburitza

Emily was born in the Santa Clara Valley and was a long time resident of San Jose, and a 61 year member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. Her maiden name was Klicinovich. She was a dedicated fraternalist and a hard worker. Many a gallon of spaghetti gravy and pounds of pasta she helped prepare at various functions at Napredak Park, both the old hall and the new. Whenever there was a function all I had to say was, "Emily, send out 50 or 100 flyers or letters to those that I have checked off on the lodge membership roster " In a few days it was done. Emily would then be on the phone saying it was done and asking what else had to be done. She was the type that if you asked her to bring a cake, she would bring two or three. She bowled for many years in our CFU league and I can always remember her gyratons as she tried to remote control her ball down the lanes. Emily's great love was the tamburitza and she was an active member of the Novi Stari Tamburasi. A tribute to Emily Sesich was held at Napredak Hall, San Jose, CA on Tuesday night, Nov. 30, 1999, Emily was also a second generation member of the Slavonic Mutual Benevolent Society of San Francisco and the Napredak Club of San Jose. Emily will be remembered mostly as a loving mother, grandmother and reat-grandmother. She is survived by her two sons, Robert A. Sesich of Mesa, Arizona and Michael J. Sesich of San Francisco; two gtandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Her love will be forever felt by those she touched, yet we feel emptiness without her smile.

SESICH, LUKE Hotel

Luke arrived in California during the “Gold Rush” and was known as a “49er” who remained a bachelor and businessman throughout his life. One of Luke’s business ventures was the construction of a hotel in the heart of Los Angeles at the corner of Weller and First Streets that was referred to as one of the “best in the town”. the hotel’s reputation carried on even after it was remodeled to become a department store and still was known as the “Sesich Building”.

SESN1C, STJEPKO Physicist-Professor

Stjepko Sesnic is a research physicist at Princeton University, Plasma Physics Laboratory, New Yersey. Born on March 10, 1931 in Gornji Humac, Island of Brac, Croatia; married with two sons. Education included BSc, Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Zagreb, Croatia 1960; DSc, University of California, Berkley 1965. Professor at University of Texas, Austin 1965-1971; scientist and director of project Pulsator in Max-Planck Institut for Plasmaphysik 1971-1981; Principal Research Physicist at Princeton University since 1981. Published 134 scientific papers in American, European and international journals. Member of the American Physical Society, Sigma X1.

SESTANOVICH, STEPHEN Diplomat

Mr. Steve Sestanovich was born on the Island of Korcula and he now resides in Moraga, California, with his wife, Molly. Mr. Sestanovich had a very distinguished career after attending St. Mary's College and the University of California, in Berkeley. He became the Consul-General and Counselor of Embassy for Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of State. He served in this capacity for thirty years with extensive travels around the world until his retirement from government service in 1971. Mr. and Mrs. Sestanovich have five grandchildren and engage in many pro bono public speaking activities as well as writing for local and national publications.

SETKA, ANTON Councilman-Military

Lifetime Aberdeen, Washington resident and former city councilman, Tony Setka was born July 30, 1922, in Aberdeen to Steve and Helen "Yela" Medak Setka. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1940. He joined the Army in 1942 and served until 1943. Brother Setka worked as a veterans representative for the Employment Security Department for 24 years before retiring in 1982. He was a second ward councilman for the City of Aberdeen from 1977 untll 1978 and from 1982 to 1991. Aberdeen mayor Chuck Gurrad, who worked with Setka during his service as a council member said, "he had the citizens in mind whenever he did anything." Gurrad called Setka, an all-around great guy." In addition to his membership in the Croatian Fraternal Union, he was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church; a 49-year member of the American Legion and was a past commander for the group; a 44-year member of the 40 et 8 Club of Aberdeen and a board chairman for the group for 40 years. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans for 49 years and a life member of Aberdeen Eagles, a golden member for 55 years, the Aberdeen Elks Club for 40 years; the Footprinters Association, the Knife and Fork Club of Aberdeen, the Rotary Club and was a commissioner for the Grays Harbor Housing from 1980 until 1994. Anton Peter "Tony" Setka died on March 15, 1999. Surviving are his longtime friend and caregiver, Rosalie K. Teague of Aberdeen, a sister, Mary Reichter of Hoquiam- niece Barbara Relchter Godfrey of Olympia, Washington and nephew Ronald Relchter of Olympia, Washington.

SETKA, MARTIN Farm

Martin was born on Aug. 4, 1912 in Globe, Arizona. Arizona became a state on February 14, 1912. Martin worked hard on the family farm and with his brother Matt sent the five younger members to college. He had many God-given talents, great strength, and perseverance. He learned from practical experiences. He didn't need to go to college to further his knowledge. The dear Lord filled him with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and he responded faithfully. Martin Setka died on December 18, 1999 at the age of 87. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Marko, his parents, Andrew and Katie Setka, his sister, Annie Setka Koury, and his brother, Matt. Surviving are his wife, Martha, daughters, Kathy Williams and Jenilie Howley; grandchildren, Misty Williams and Monty Williams; brother, Steve; sisters, Rose, Nellie, Eva and Katie; and numerous very loving nieces and nephews. Martin was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union in Globe, Arizona.

SHASTERICH, MATTIAS Silverminer-Speculator

Mattias Shasterich was in Virginia City, Nevada as a silver miner in 1860. He had tried his luck gold mining in Placerville, California in 1855. The Federal Census of 1870 in Hamilton, Nevada lists him as a silverminer worth $11,000. He was living at 305 Kearny Street in 1883 listing as a speculator. On June 6, 1860 the San Francisco paper noted him “missing” at the Pyramid Lake Indian Massacre.

SIKIC, FEDORA Teacher

Teacher of German at North College Hill High School, Cincinnati, Ohio. Born May 1, 1922 in Karlovac, Croatia; married nee Tuskan with three children. Education includes Women's Gymnasium, Karlovac, Croatia, Graduate, 1940; University of Zagreb, Croatia, Diploma, 1945; University of Graz, Austria 1947-48; University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 1959-62; Summer, 1963, Language Instructor for German, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey; Summer, 1966, NDEA Institute for Advanced Study, Munich, Germany.

SIKICH, PAUL E. Professor-Music-Author

Paul Sikich is Professor of Music at Good Counsel College, White Plains, New York. Born August 31, 1927 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Education includes Wisconsin Conservatory, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1955-57; Gregorian Institute of America, Toledo, Ohio, Certificate in Gregorian Chant, 1956; Solesmes Abbey, Sarthe, France 1957; American Guild of Organists, New York, N.Y., Choirmaster Degree, 1958 with a major field in Choral Work, Music Theory, Organ. Creative works:1963 Missa Brevis (Choral Composition), at Gregorian Institute, Toledo; Articles on Church music, Caecilia Magazine (Boston, 1956; An Outline Course in Music Toledo, Ohio; Gregorian Institute of America, 1957. Hymns and Chants Collection. Toledo: Gregorian Institute, 1961. "Collection of Folk Music." Good Counsel College, 1961; pro manuscrijto. Missa Brevis. Toledo: Gregorian Institute, 1963. Member of American Guild of Organists; National Catholic Music Educators Association; National Liturgical Conference. Director of Newman Club Choir, Washington University, St. Louis; Director of Music, Salvatorian Seminary, St. Naiianz, Wisconsin; Director of Choirs, Faculty, Organist; Director of Folksingers; Professor of Gregorian Chants and Liturgy; Professor of Music and Art Appreciation - Good Counsel College, White Plains, New York. Research On restoration of Croatian Church music in "Kantual." Slavic folk music; formation of a National Slavic Choral Group; hope to revive interest in Croatian Church Organ music.

SIKIRIC, GRGO Priest

Father Grgo Sikiric was born in Bibinje, near Zadar, Croatia on February 13, 1925 to parents Roko and Anna, nee Simunic. Roko and Anna had seven additional children, four sons and three daughters. Grgo graduated elementary school in Bibinje and high school in Split in 1948. In 1939 he was accepted as aspirant of third order regu1ar of St. Jerome Province in the Republic of Croatia. Fr. Grgo entered T.O.R. novitiate in 1946 and was lifelong solemnly professed in 1951. He served the mandatory military term of two years service in the Army. Fr. Grgo graduated with a theology degree in Split, Croatia. He obtained a Master's Degree in spirituality at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 1984. Fr. Grgo was ordained to the priesthood in 1952 in Zadar. From 1955 to 1963 he was pastor in Tounj near Ogulin. From 1963 to 1966 he was pastor of St. John Parish in Zadar. From 1966 to 1972 he was pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Split where the new parish church was built. He was nominated also the superior to T.O. R. Friaries in Ogulin and Split during his pastoral assignment in those cities. From 1972 to1975 Fr. Grgo conducted parish missions. From 1975 to 1980, he was pastor assistant at St. Nicholas Parish on Pittsburgh's North Side and from 1980 until his retirement to Croatia in 2000 as the pastor and co-pastor of the new merged parish in 1994. Since his retirment to Croatia, Fr. Grgo has been a member of St. John Friary in Zadar, being very active in his priestly apostolate and willing to help assist wherever possible. Fr. Grgo celebrated the 50th Anniversary of his priestly ordination with a special concelebrated Mass on June 2, 2002 at St. Nicholas Church on East Ohio Street in Pittsburgh. He has dedicated over half of his priestly life to serving the parishioners of St. Nicholas. The Mass and reception which followed were both well attended, which is a testament to Fr. Grgo's popularity.

SIMCICH, JOSEPH Goldminer-Farm

Joseph Simcich came to California from Croatia as a sailor in the early 1850’s. He was goldmining at Jackson, California in 1854. He also mined at Indian Diggins, Hangtown, Dogtown, Fiddletown and the Frazier River. He made a gold strike and with Nikola Jeletich and Joseph Jordan bought 280 acres, then bought out Jordan who went to Los Angeles in 1863. In 1861 married an Irish girl, Sarah McCelland, and in 1866 the first child was born. His wife died in 1874.

SIMICH, JERRY L. Professor

Born 1940 in Los Angeles, Simich is the third son of Stjepan Simich b. 1890 in Sovici, Hercegovina and Milica Lansky Simich b. 1908 near Slavonska Pozega, Croatia. The parents met and married in Chicago and moved to Los Angeles. Before settling in El Monte, they lived briefly in the old Croatian community near St. Anthony’s Croatian Catholic Church. Simich is a graduate of California State University at Long Beach and earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has taught political science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas since 1973. His current research has to do with the Croatian immigrant settlement and occupational patterns in the western United States. Simich was one of the founders of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 1985 “Hercegovina” in Las Vegas in 1985. He is also a member of the United Hercegovina Catholic Benevolent Society of Los Angeles. His older brothers, Leo and Steve, are partners in Simich Construction Company, of Walnut, California, specializing in pipelines for water and sewers. Two of Leo’s sons, Steve and Marc, are employed by the same company and brother Steve’s son, Matthew also works for Simich Construction. Jerry Simich has one daughter, Jennifer Danica Simich.

SIMUNOVIC, MIHO Artist

Born in Omis, Dalmatia, Croatia a town located to the south of Split, watercolorist Miho Simunovic was raised and educated in Zagreb, Croatia. As a young boy, he visited the town of Vela Luka on the island of Korcula, where he was inspired to capture the delicate sunlight and varied shades of the spectacular Dalmatian coast. After graduating from art school in Zagreb, Simunovic first worked as a graphic designer in an advertising firm. In 1973, he moved to America and worked as an illustrator. Simunovic now lives in California where he works full-time as a professional watercolor artist. He has traveled back to Croatia many times where he travels up and down the Adriatic, painting scenes that strike his fancy. Simunovic is an artist of sun and shadows, whose goal is to create atmosphere and mood through the use of depth, shadow and light. He enjoys capturing the feeling of a day at a particular moment, solidifying that moment in watercolors before it disappears from the world forever.

SIMUNOVICH, NIKOLA Silvermine-Coffee Saloon-Fruits

Nikola Simunovich, director of the Slavonic Society, was associated with the Dabovich and Company, dealers in fruits, in 1856. He owned a coffee Saloon at the corner of Pacific and Drumm Streets, San Francisco, in 1860-61. He was a stockholder of the El Tesoro Silver Mining Co. near La Paz, Baja, California, Mexico in 1861. Nikola died in 1861 at the age of 36 and was the first burial in the Slavonic plot in San Francisco. He was best man at the wedding of George Mascarich to an Irish girl. Miss Margaret Large, in 1859 at old St. Mary’s Church in San Francisco.

SINCICH, ANTONE Contractor-Stone Cutter

Self-made, in the best sense implied by the term, Antone Sincich, or Tony, as he is known by his friends, enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who have come to know him. Mr. Sincich located in Martinez in October, 1906, having come hither. from his native country of Croatia, and four years later he purchased his present business from his brother-in-law, Frank Rubesa. His marble and granite works are located at 425 Main Street, his shop fronting on the street and his residence being in the rear. He is a master of his art, produces some exceptionally fine work, and has made a success of his trade as a stone and marble worker. Antone Sincich’s birth occurred at Istra, Croatia, on April 26, 1879. He learned his trade from his father, John Sincich, a stone-cutter in his native town of Istra, and worked at stone cutting for fourteen years before he came to the United States. His destination was Martinez, Cal., where he has resided from that time to the present. Mr. Sincich was married in Croatia to Miss Francesca Rubesa, also a native of that country, and to them have been born seven children, five now living: Dora, the wife of Mr. Davi, an expressman residing in Pittsburg, Cal.; and Tony, Otilia, Olga and Annie. Mr. and Mrs. Sincich are members of the Slavonian Lodge of Crockett, California, and he is also a member of a Slavonian Lodge in San Francisco. Mrs. Sincich belongs to the U. P. P. E. C. of Martinez. The family are members of the Catholic Church.

SINCICH, MIRO Farm-Vineyard

An intelligent and able horticulturist is Miro Sincich, a native of Croatia, born at Kastav on April 10, 1889, a son of John and Veronica (Paulinich) Sincich. The father is still living in that country, aged eighty-three; and the mother died there in 1919, aged seventy-two years. Miro Sincich was the eighth in a family of eleven children born to his parents. When eighteen years old he came to California, and soon found employment as a ranch hand, in time becoming foreman on the Burnham fruit ranch, where he gained a thorough knowledge of horticulture and of the special advantages offered for horticultural work in this part of the state; and when he decided to ranch for himself, he located in the same neighborhood, and is now developing a ranch of fifty acres four and one-half miles south of Martinez. Eight acres of this ranch is devoted to vineyard, and the balance to fruits, pasture, and general farming. The marriage of Mr. Sincich, which took place in Martinez on July 21, 1912, united him with Miss Maria Rubesa, a native of his home town in Croatia, who came to California in 1912. Three children have blessed their union: Emily R., John M., and Marion, all born in Contra Costa County. Mr. Sincich was naturalized at Martinez in 1921. He is progressive in his ideas, with a full knowledge of the opportunites to be found in his adopted country, and the ability to take advantage of them. Two of his brothers are also located in Contra Costa County: Tony Sincich, in the marble business at Martinez, and Alex Sincich, a cooper employed by the Union Oil Company at Oleum, but living in Martinez. Mr. Sincich belongs to St. Joseph Lodge, in Crockett.

SINITZ, JOHN Attorney

John Sinitz is an attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born February 5, 1926, to Croatian parents in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; married with four children. Educated at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ph.B.,1949; University of Wisconsin, LL.B., 1952. Practice of Law in the city of Milwaukee for many years.

SINOVCIC, VINCENT Author

Croatian-born Vincent Sinovcic became a political orphan at the age of seven, when both of his parents were caught traveling in Bessarabia when that region was seized and annexed by the Soviet Union. Even though they were foreign citizens, Stalin dispatched them to Gulags in Siberia. Mr. Sinovcic's father died in 1946 in the infamous concentration camps of Karaganda in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and the young boy spent an unhappy and impoverished childhood with an uncle and aunt. Miraculously, Mr. Sinovcic's mother was released from Soviet imprisonment, and the two were reunited in Zagreb after the war. Sinovcic studied History and Languages at the Croatian National University of Zagreb. From 1957 to 1968 he lived the life of a political exile, moving from Italy to France to the United States where he became a citizen, married and settled down. He now lives, works and studies in the City of New York. Columbus-Debunking of a Legend, conceived more than twenty years ago, is Sinovcic's first book. In addition to speaking English and his native Croatian, the author also uses Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French and Russian, and has, a working knowledge of some other Slavic languages and, of course, Latin For relaxation and as a hobby, Sinovcic designs, builds and flies kites and ultra light aircraft on a farm in New York's Adirondack Mountains

SINTICH, ANTON G. Attorney

Anton Sintich is an Attorney at Law in Long Island City, New York. He was born March 24, 1911 in Dragozetici, Island Cres (Istria), Croatia and is married with two children. Education includes State Commerce Academy, Susak, Graduated, 1929; New York City College, New York, A.B., 1935; Brooklyn Law School (St. Lawrence University), N.Y., LL.B., 1939; Brooklyn Law School, New York, Juris Doctor, November 1967. With a major field in law. Member Association of Immigration and Nationality Lawyers; American Slavic Congress, Delegate (Pittsburgh, Chicago, Cleveland). Experience1938-43 Chief Translator, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; 1954- Immigration Lawyer and general law practice.

SISICH, JOHN Engineer-Cultural Activities

John Sisich, born in San Francisco on February 17, 1917, became a member of the Slavonic Society of San Francisco in 1946. His parents are from Dubrovnik, Croatia. John served as an officer in the society in various capacities in 7 years, highlighted as President for 3 years which included our centennial year in 1957. During John's active years, he was principally involved in many standing committees which contributed to the building of a stronger society which we enjoy today. Brother John and his wife, Monique, have three children; Gael, Denis and Pascal and reside in Redwood City, California. John is employed as a professional engineer.

SKACAN, PETER Military-Contractor

Was born on Feb. 19, 1922 in the village of Sv. Jana, Croatia, the first child of Peter and Milka (Dumic) Skacan. His father immigrated to the United States that same year and settled in the New Brighton/Beaver Falls area of Pennsylvania. In the company of his mother, Peter came to this country to meet his father in the fall of 1930. In 1931, his only sibling, William Frank Skacan was born. In the year 1940, when he was but 17 years old, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and received basic training at the Marine base in San Diego, California. In January, 1942 his unit shipped out to Pago, Samoa and several months later saw his first action on Guadalcanal. He was later to participate in the invasions of Tarawa in 1943, and Saipan and Tinian in 1944 with the 2nd US Marine Division. After Tinian he was returned stateside for the duration of the war. In 1946, he was assigned to occupation duty in China. Returning home in 1947, he earned a business degree from Woodbury College in Los Angeles. In 1948 he married Margaret Churitch and settled down to civilian life. With the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, Peter was recalled to active duty (he had remained in the reserves) and participated in the landings at Inchon Harbor, the recapture of Seoul, and the drive to the Yalu River. There, almost trapped by overwhelming Chinese Forces, he and his unit fought their way out at the Chosin Reservoir and made a fighting retreat to the coast. Evacuated from Korea, he again returned stateside and received his discharge. Peter then settled own in Manhattan Beach, CA and went to work for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department while his wife Margaret worked as a nurse in a nearby hospital. In 1957 the couple welcomed there only child, Peter Jr. Unfortunately, Margaret tragically passed away later that year. Peter worked for the Sheriff's Department until 1964, when he resigned to go into business for himself in the construction field. He worked at this business, and raised his son as a single parent, until his retirement in early 1990s. He traveled several times to his birthplace of Croatia and also to his old haunts in New Zealand and the South Pacific. He was very proud of his Croatian heritage and was a member Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 59, as was his father, and his service in the Marine Corps, and loved to reminisce about his experiences. Peter Skacan, of Manhattan Beach, California, who passed away on Jan. 27, 2001 at the age of 78. Peter is survived by his son, Peter R. Skacan, daughter-in-law Corazon Skacan, and brother William F. Skacan.

SKALABRIN, ANTHONY Cabinetmaker-Grocery-Goldminer

Anthony was born in the village Prvic Luka, Island of Prvic near Sibenik, Croatia the son of Nikola and Kata (Rodin) Skalabrin. Anthony Skalabrin was born, January 12, 1892. In his 13th year, he moved to Zagreb where he undertook a 4-year apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker. He joined his brother in Seattle in 1913 and immediately enrolled in Lodge 439 of the Croatian Fraternal Union which makes him second only to Simon as the member with the longest continuous service in the local lodge - an impressive 66 years. Particularly in the early years, brother Anthony was very active in lodge affairs and related activities, working side by side with men of kindred thought for various humanitarian causes including the good of the Croatian people. Anthony, from time to time, held several offices in the lodge, including treasurer and president. He recalls with pride that he built the original cabinet that housed the lodge flag when it arrived in 1914. A man with a keen memory, Anthony recalls the early years in the lodge when a certain dependable few frequently had to "pick up the tab" for other members' dues. An anecdote reflecting Anthony Skalabrin's humor deals with the passing of a former friend, a Croatian gentleman born on the island of Rab, who by virtue of his having been educated in Trieste, became totally Italianized - even joining the local Sons of Italy Lodge. Being that the deceased had no real family nearby, Anthony was given responsibility for arranging the funeral. In doing so, he wrote the eulogy for the presiding clergyman emphasizing throughout that the deceased was born in Croatia, that his native language was Croatian, that he was educated in Trst (rather than Trieste) etc. etc. The audience, recalls Anthony delightfully, was mostly Italian.

From 1926 to 1931 when the depression finally took its toll, Anthony, with a partner, operated his own cabinet shop, employing up to 75 men. And then, exhibiting the sort of independence that he still maintains today, he set out on his own to prospect for gold. For 8 or 9 years he moved restlessly around the west, trying his luck in Idaho, Montana, Utah, Arizona, California, and Nevada. He returned to Seattle early in WW 11, working at Todd's Shipyard as a foreman. Following his retirement, he ran a small grocery store in Forks, Washington before returning to Seattle once again.

Anthony Skalabrin is himself a selfeducated and very articulate man. He maintains a comfortable apartment near city center - an apartment which by its very neatness and make-up reflects the Skalabrin flavor and spirituality. There are books, reading materials, correspondence and old records, all neatly ordered for display upon the asking. Anthony, although his eyes aren't what they used to be either, is still an avid reader. He describes himself as somewhat of a researcher. At least twice a week Anthony Skalabrin boards a bus for the crosstown trip to visit his brother Simon. In exchange for his lunch which is regularly waiting, he usually does some administrative-type chores for his older brother correspondence and this type of thing. The Croatian Fraternal Union in general, and particularly those of us here in Seattle are fortunate to have had the Skalabrin brothers in our midst for so many decades. As far as we are concerned, the expression "they don't make them like that anymore" was coined for them .

SKALABRIN, SIMON Grocery-Fisherman

Simon was born in the village Prvic Luka, Island of Prvic near Sibenik, Croatia the son of Nikola and Kata (Rodin) Skalabrin. Simon, born October 28, 1884, left in 1907 at the age of 23, coming directly to Seattle, Washington where there was already a sizeable community of seafaring men from the neighboring island of Zlarin. He spent his first 11 years in Seattle doing construction work. His first job, he recalls, paid 20 cents an hour. In 1918, Sirpon and Anthony (who had arrived in 1913) collaborated to put up a building that housed an apartment for the two of them plus a grocery store that Simnon operated. Except for one or two short flings at commercial fishing, groceries were to be Simon's lifetime occupation. All in all, he operated stores at 3 locations (all of them bad, he laments) before he finally retired in 1964 as he neared his 80th birthday. One factor undoubtedly hastening his retirement was his being robbed, beaten over the head and hospitalized - the third such experience in his grocery career. He took this last misfortune in characteristic fashion, diverting the concern of well-wishers from himself to, as he put it, "that mixed up fellow who would do such a thing".

One cannot long discuss the life of Simon Skalabrin without describing his wife Anka who died in 1976. Theirs was truly a storybook romance. Simon, already in his mid-forties and having been in the U.S. for over 20 years, was "introduced" by way of mutual friend and relative Ivan Lupis Vukic to Anka Poljanic who still resided in her family home on the' Peljesac Peninsula on the Dalmatian Coast just north of Dubrovnik. A warm (and apparently convincing) correspondence ensued and finally on April 13, 1933 Anka and Simon were married in a Slovakian Church in New York City. The depression years were tough and only those equal to the task were able to survive the jungle of poverty and broken dreams. To this day, Simon maintains that the Skalabrin family made it through only on the strength of the staunch support and never-say-die spirit of his beloved wife. Simon and Anka reared two exemplary sons Nicholas, who owns and practices out of his own dental clinic in suburban Seattle, and Vladimir who is a computer expert in California.

Simon Skalabrin is a self-educated man who, until his eyesight began to fade, read extensively. His library is replete with a huge collection of books and other literature and correspondence that covers a wide range of interests. Of great importance to brother Skalabrin has always been the welfare of his beloved Croatian people and this is reflected on the large number of books, periodicals and journals that he keeps on the subject. On two occasions he has donated portions of his collection to the main branch of the Seattle Public Library "in order that readers might learn about Croatians". His devotion to his people has never allowed him to remain silent on matters that affected their well-being. Always, after studying the alternatives carefully, he has been willing to speak out in behalf of what he thought was correct. During the early years this involved the Croatian vs. Austrian question. It appalled him that so many Croatians voiced allegiance to Austria and he recalls with bitter sweet humor the time the touring Austrian Navy pulled into Seattle and the local Austrian-em bracing Croatians, had to hire an interpreter in order to communicate with their Germanic idols. Many times he "went to bat" for the Croatians in the local community but the one event that he seems proudest of is the time in 1917 when, at Anthony's urging, he interceded and convinced the Attorney General of the State of Washington to lift the ban that forbade Croatians (wartime enemy Austrians in the eyes of the State) from fishing in Puget Sound. During both World Wars he worked tirelessly in the community's cooperative efforts to help people in the old homeland. Attracted by the ideals and practical advantages of the National Croatian Society, Simon Skalabrin became a member in 1908 - necessarily in Tacoma, Washington, because there was no lodge in Seattle. Three years later he collaborated with Franjo Franicevich to round up enough applicants to found Seattle Lodge 439. At the initial meeting, April 2,1911 he was elected president of the Board of Trustees and eventually he held several offices including at least one stretch as president. Simon doesn't get out to the lodge meetings any more but he does attend an occasional social the last one being the lodge's annual pioneer banquet in the Fall of 1978. Also in 1978, he penned a 4-part series in the Zajednicar entitled: . Sedamdeset Godina u Ameriku in which he reflected on his experiences since coming to the U.S. in 1907. Despite his years, brother Skalabrin is amazingly active (as evidenced by the dinner he hosted for the lodge 'officers) He spends a great deal of time maintaining his immaculate yard (complete with patio, flowers, vegetables, fig trees and a view of the adjacent water and ferry dock, very much as it would be in his home village of Prvic Luka. A genuinely religious man, Simon Skalabrin attributes his long life to lots of activity, good healthy food, wine with dinner (but no tobacco) and, of course, to the will of God.

SKALICA, TOMO Traveler

Professor Ante Kadic discovered the published travelogue of Tomo Skalica who came to Hawaii several years after Captain Dominis' disappearance at sea, Skalica was not a sailor and he was a native of northern Croatia. He was born in 1825 in Slavonski Brod. In 1851 he left Croatia to travel "to the four corners of the world." He described his "Putovanje (Journey) in installments that were printed in the literary periodical Neven (Zagreb) from 1854 to 1856. Skalica left the port of Bremen in Germany aboard a Finnish boat, It sailed slowly around Cape Horn to Chile, Mexico and reached San Francisco in April 1852. It still was the time of the Gold Rush. On the same ship he left on April 21, 1852 for Sandwich Islands (Hawaiian Islands) which are located "in the middle of the ocean between California and China." The capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Honolulu had in 1852 some 20,000 inhabitants; it was "so beautiful that few cities in this world could be compared with it." Among Skalica’s remarks are some interesting observations about the American influence and his farsighted prediction that this "terrestrial paradise" some day will like California and Oregon join the United States of America. Employed by the Finnish ship as a clerk Skalica left Honolulu in July 1852 for a whale hunting voyage to Petropavlovsk in Russian Kamchatka. The ship returned to Honolulu in January of 1853. From there he sent an interesting letter dated April 3. 1853 to the same periodical Neven in Croatia. He "finally returned penniless to Brod (in 1855)."

SKALICKI, ZELJKO Manufacture

Zeljko Skalicki came from Kosnice, near Zagreb, and worked in machining as a student. Skalicki He started as a laborer in a factory, advancing to foreman. In 1974, he started his own business, Fluid Line Products, Inc. He employs over 150 workers, 90 percent of whom are Croatians. His company manufactures special hydraulic fittings for the U.S. and Canada markets and for Europe. The plant is close to 60,000 square feet and located in Willoughby, Ohio. In spite of his many business obligations, Zeljko Skalicki found time to be active in social, educational and political activities of the Croatian community.

SKALKO CLAN

“Why are you crying?” The old woman asked the question quietly, her crinkled, kindly face lit up with the best smile of all her 73 years. But no one of her 60 sons, daughters, grandchildren, nephews and nieces could answer. They were crying because they were happy, but they couldn’t speak. One by one Matilda Skalko had watched her six sons and daughter march forth from their tiny farm house on the Island of Olib, Croatia, bound for America. Then three weeks ago in 1938, 25 years after Anthony, her youngest born, had left her, a tall, Swarthy 35-year-old man walked into the old farm house in Olib. Even through her weakening eyes she could see this was her son, Anthony Skalko. Anthony had come to bring his mother to the New World, where there were seven thriving Skalko families. Since their father had died two years ago, the six brothers had saved and skimped for this glorious moment.  The Skalko blood is thicker than all the water of the Atlantic, she exclaimed, her arms once more around her youngest born. Those next few weeks were to be filled with the proudest moments of Mrs. Skalko’s life, ending with the most glorious of all when 60 relatives, who found their way to the Pacific Coast, gathered at the home of Son Sam Skalko, 1072 Gilman-st, in San Francisco to honor their mother, grandmother and great aunt. There was wine and feasting and cars. The boys reminisced about the times they stole fruit from her orchard, about fishing trips with father, and about scoldings and spankings. Mrs. Skalko has come to her heaven, just as she exclaimed to her daughter, Stacy, in New York, “Why this is a heaven-you have food and clothing and homes-you have everything.” She has taken the wonders of this New World calmly. Her son’s worries she might become seasick on the Queen Mary were wasted. “Hmph”! she said, “This is a hotel.” The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge elicited no graspe of ammazement, it is too huge for her failing eyes to percieve. But she can see her family, and in these twilight years she’ll be happy, living with one, then another.  Three sons live in San Francisco; Anthony, 35, at 1578 La Salle-st, with his wife Frances, and daughter June, nine months, the youngest of all the Skalkos; Steve, 38, at 1311 Palou-St , and Sam 42. Anthony, Steve and Sam are longshoremen. John, 53, the oldest son, is a waiter at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Nick, 45, is a molder, and Matt, 51, is a Sunnyvale rancher. All her six sons and one daughter are married, bearing her 12 grandchildren.

SKALKO, ANTHONY Architect

Son of Anton, Architect. Has been with the international commercial architectural firm of E-D-2 International since the 1980’s in San Francisco and was project Architect for One Market Plaza Building; the new Southern Pacific building at the foot of Market Street in San Francisco; The high rise building at 50 California Street, in San Francisco and the Pacific Gateway Building at 201 Mission and Spear Streets as well as other high rise buildings in the Far East.

SKALKO, LOUIE Ranch-Vineyard

Son of Nickola, owned five acres of prunes on Henderson off of Lawrence Road in Sunnyvale from 1943 to 1956.  Owned a five acre chicken ranch in San Jose in 1956. Owned sixty acres of apricot trees in south San Jose from 1956 to about 1973 and later he owned a twenty acre vineyard in Napa, California from about 1973 to 1977 until he passed. He was planninng to build a Skalko Winery at the time of his death.

SKALKOV-MATTEA, JOYCE Disc Jockey

Joyce became the first FM female disc jockey in the city of San Francisco for the FM radio station with call letters, KMPX in 1963. In the 1970’s she produced an out-door craft faire using a Victorian theme of the 1890’s featuring seven entertainment stages, a Japanese Tea garden and a American Indian village covering ten acres of land in Byron, California near Stockton. She served as an Art Commissioner for the Cities of Tiburon and Belvedere for the year 1972-73. Joyce taught Environmental Art to children in the first, second and third grades for the city of Tiburon in the 1970’s.

SKANSIE CLAN

Peter Skansie came in 1889 and was later followed by his brothers Andrew, Mitchell, Joe, and sister Tomazina. Together the brothers fished and formed a shipyard, and eventually, with Mitchell's expertise, built ferries that greatly improved transportation in the Puget Sound area. Peter Skansie, a native of Sumartin, Brac Dalmatia, arrived in New York and immediately took a train to San Jose, California where he found a temporary job as a farm laborer. The scarcity of work and low, one-dollar a day, pay forced him to seek greener pastures in Washington Territory where wages were higher. At this time there were many brickyards in the vicinity of Puget Sound and he was first employed in a yard in Wollochet Bay. Later, after having worked in mills in Gig Harbor and Tacoma, where he became known for his excellence in arm wrestling and tug-of-war competitions that were the popular sport of the time, Skansie settled in Gig Harbor. Here he fished with Sam Jerisich and married Sam's daughter Melissa." After a short period of time, Melissa passed away. Peter became engaged, through the mails, to Kate Borovich also of Sumartin. The Skansie Shipyard and Ferry Boats: The story of the fishing industry is a tale of the love of work on the water, so it was natural that Croatians became involved in boat building. The Skansie brothers, Peter, Andrew, Joe, and Mitchell, were pioneer shipbuilders in Gig Harbor. Their first project was a thirty-foot rowboat which could be manned by eight men using sixteen-foot oars. In 1902, the year Mitchell arrived, they sawed through the middle of the boat so that eight feet could be added to the center. A seven horsepower standard gasoline engine was installed, and this became their first powered boat. In 1910, they launched the Navigator, which had a manually operated seine. For a number of years, the yard thrived on purse seiner construction and repair work. Peter and Andrew Skansie were involved in commercial fishing; however, Mitchell and Joe stayed with the shipyard. Gig Harbor residents were once wholly dependent on boats. They either rowed or stayed home. Later, steamers kept the isolated community in touch with the world. As the automobile made inroads into the lives of the people, Mitchell Skansie saw the need to build ferries designed for carrying these vehicles. Such was his success that, during the heyday of the Skansie ferryboating in the 1930's, there were seven ferries and four routes operated by his Washington Navigation Company. Mitchell Skansie died in 1939. When the famed Narrows Bridge collapsed in 1940, his son Bill carried on the family business. The state purchased the Skansonia, Defiance, Fox Island, and the Vashonia, but Bill was retained to operate the vessels and maintain them at his shipyard. Two of the ferry boats built by the Skansie yards survive today.

SKERTICH CLAN

Saturday, June 24, 2000 was the day for a very successful Skertich family picnic at Radar Park in Schererville, Indiana. Our great family had 76 members present for a day of conversation, tamburitza playing and games. In honor of Croatia celebrating its 10th year of Statehood on May 30, 2000, the Skertich Family distributed 100 copies of the millennium edition of the Skertich Family History. John "Janko" Skertich came to these United States in 1905 and his family has grown to 176 members. The millennium edition is 87 pages in length and provides statistical data, family information and pictures. The Skertich Family Tamburitza Orchestra, with original members, Nick and George Sr., provided music. The Orchestra included conductor Nicholas Skertich, prim; son Ronald Skertich, guitar, Nick's older brother, George Skertich Bodnar, prim; second cousin Margaret (Skertich) Mug, bass with brother Peter (Skertich) Mug, bugarija; second counsin Zondra Skertich, bass and prim; and Bette Skertich, singer. Absent brothers and sisters were remembered in our family circle with the reading of their names by George Skertich Sr., 86 years, while the Skertich Family sang Amazing Grace. Present this day were family members representing almost all the major Skertich families of Ivan, Peter, Joe, George, Matthew.. John, Rudolph, Rose, Nicholas and Louis. Our long distance travelers this year were Zondra Skertich from Gardiner, Mountana and Brian Westfall with daughter Lauren and son Alec from Richmond, Texas. Kimberly Skertich Abrinko introduced the newest Skertich, Christopher John, born April 18, 2000. Zondra Skertich has been intensively traveling the United States personally interviewing all of the Skertich's to develop a pictorial history of the promulgation of Croatian culture and music within our family. She will have traveled over 7,000 miles on her trip by the time she returns home to Gardiner, Montana, She will publish her extraordinary work next May, 2001. Horseshoes champions were Tom Skertich. Eric. Skertich, Jim Abrinko and John Skertich. Nick Skertich can be seen in person appearing as a guest player in tamburitza events all year long in the Chicago area.

SKOCILICH, JOHN Contractor

John was born in Bribir, Jargovo, Hrvatsko Primovije, April 3 1899. After living for a short period of time in Paris, France, John left to live with his father, Ivan in St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis John started his construction company that was successful enough to allow him the chance to return to the “Old County” for a wife. He returned to Bribir to marry Stephanie Kekovic in 1929. John left his bride in their homeland and returned to America to see to his business before bringing Stephanie to his adopted country. Skocilich and his wife arrived in St. Louis in 1936 where they raised two children: John and Margie (Ovanin). John died 27 September 1986. He was survived by his wife, Stephanie; son John; daughter Margie; four grandchildren and his two sisters; Maria Stipiz, of South Africa and Anka Brozicevic of Zagreb, Croatia.

SKORIN-KAPOV, DARKO Professor

Darko Skorin is a professor at Harriman School for Management and Department of Applied Mathematics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, New York. Born September 22, 1954 in Vinkovci, Croatia; married to Jadranka with two children. Education includes Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics , Zagreb BSc, 1978; Information Science, Zagreb MSc 1983; University of British Columbia, Canada DSc, 1989. Member of Operation Research Society of America.

SKORIN-KAPOV, JADRANKA Professor

Jadranka Skorin is a professor at State University of New York at Stony Brook New York. Born november 30, 1955 in Pula, Croatia; married two children. Education includes BSc mathematics 1977, M Sc mathematics 1983, Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, Zagreb, Croatia; University of British Columbia, Canada DSc, 1987. Professor at University of British Columbia, Canada 1987. Published On Polynomial Solvability of the High Multiplicity Total Weighted Tardiness problem 1993. Member of Croatian Society for Operational Researches; The Institute of Management Sciences.

SKORLICH, JOE Restaurant

When John Skorlich left his hometown on the Dalmatian coast three-quarters of a century ago, he was 12 years old. Skorlich boarded a ship sailing for Trieste in 1910. From Trieste he went onto another ship, where he worked as a deck hand. Over the next several years, Skorlich worked his way up to the position of the ship’s waiter, traveling all over the world, to Bombay, China, Singapore, South America and eventually, the United States. In 1917, Skorlich arrived in San Francisco. He immediately signed papers that said he would fight for the United States. Although he was never called for military duty, his loyalty to America helped him get his citizen’s papers a few years later, in 1927. When the judge examined his application, he pointed to Skorlich and announced to the roomful of hopeful immigrants that here was a man who had volunteered to fight for America. “God Bless him,” the judge said, and then awarded him his citizen papers, with honors. It was one of his proudest moments. Skorlich lived with his wife on Castro Street a long time, working for several years on and off as a waiter at Tadich Grill, where he was affectionately known as ‘Curly”. He owned his own downtown restaurant for about four years during the Depression, called Montgomery Restaurant. He later bought a six-unit apartment building on Gough Street, and eventually moved to Mill Valley before settling in Ross about 20 years ago. The Ross resident will return to the Island of Iz, Dalmatia, Croatia next week to celebrate his 89th birthday with his many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. He has already ordered lambs for the festivities, which will be roasted on a split.

SKRACIC (NIKOLIC), SLAVICA Croatian Activities

Slavica has contributed her talents as a graphic artist almost since the Croatian Scholarship Fund inception. She was born in Pozega, Croatia and has resided in the USA. since 1969. She and her husband, Bruno, have two daughters. She obtained her B.S. Degree in Applied Art & Design from Cal Poly State University and has completed advanced studies at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. Slavica develops the graphics and newsletter for Croatian Scholarship Fund.

SKRIVANIC, GJURO Editor-Publisher-Bank-Military-Mariner

Gjuro A. Skrivanic was an influential figure in America's immigrant Croatian community from 1891-1908. At his peak (1905-1908) he owned a bank and travel agency in Allegheny (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania and also edited and published both his original newspaper Napredak (Progress) and the Zajednicar (Fraternalist), the official organ of the Narodna Hrvatska Zajednica- (National Croatian Society). He was a member of the Society's Board of Trustees for three terms and was even nominated for president at several conventions.. an honor that he declined in deference to his newspaper and business obligations. But his bank collapsed during the national monetary crisis of 1907-1908 whereupon he fled Allegheny "without a trace" leaving his angry bank customers and the editorship of the Zajednicar in the lurch. Because of this, reference to his positive influence on the history of Croatians in America has been minimized. However, newly discovered archival material tends to cast Skrivanic in a more deserved light.

The Skrivanic Archives

Deposited at the University of Washington is a 615-page manuscript, handwritten by Skrivanic over the 7-year period 1909-1916. The manuscript: Povjest Americkih Hrvata (History of American Croatians) is divided into four time periods: (A) the discovery of America and subsequently the immigration and immigrant life of Croatians to 1891 with emphasis on the debilitating effects of "Austrianism"; (B) the Croatian awakening of 1891-1901; (C) the period of progress, 1901-1907 and D) the divisive pre-World War I years when America's Croatians grappled with socialism, trialism, Yugoslavianism, etc.

Skrivanic's Early Life In Europe

Gjuro A. Skrivanic was born in Dubrovnik March 4,1861. He finished grade school in Korcula and high school in Dubrovnik. In the Bosnia-Hercegovinian uprising of 1876, he served with the guerillas of Don Miho Music until falling ill to exhaustion and returning home. In 1877 he set sail as an apprentice seaman aboard the vessel Sesti Dubrovacki and on September 5 that year set foot on American soil for the first time. During the long voyage he visited all major ports on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and those in England, France and Russia as well. After 2 years at sea he returned to Dubrovnik and finished high school. In 1881 he was accepted into the military academy in Vienna where he graduated 3 years later as a second lieutenant. He served with the 67th Regiment in Galicia until he had a falling out with an Austrian superior who was antagonistic toward all Slavs. Stripped of his rank, he was assigned to serve out his enlistment as an ordinary soldier in Celje, (Slovenia). It was from Celje that he set out for America December 15, 1886.

Croatian Language Newspapers

The newspapers Napredak, Chicago and Danica (Morning Star) played a monumental role in raising the consciousness of America's Croatians. Napredak, edited and published by Skrivanic in Hoboken, New Jersey, was first issued November 21, 1891 with the stated program "to awaken Croatian national consciousness and encourage brotherly harmony among Croats and Serbs in the United States." The congratulations began to roll in immediately. Nikola Barovic, for example, telegraphed from San Jose, California: "I'm old, but I'll die happy being that I have read the first Croatian newspaper in America." And, after the third issue, Nikola Polic wrote from Chicago "....why wouldn't a sober thinking worker support this first Croatian newspaper of ours, a newspaper dedicated to improving the lot of the working man and the reawakening of the national consciousness that we need in this distant foreign land." Notably, within a year (October 22, 1892) Polic was to produce his own Croatian newspaper Chicago, later (1897 to become Chicago Sloboda (Chicago-Freedom).

The Croatian Renaissance

In 1893, in the 22nd edition of Napredak, Skrivanic issued a visionary call. Under the caption "A Proposal" he wrote: "It's already been more than 30 years since particularly-those from Dalmatia and the Croatian Littoral Region began to emigrate to this distant but free land in search of--- if not riches, at least the decent living that they weren't able to earn in our oppressed homeland. But they exist here without any unifying means of identity-often living in the same city or passing one another on the street without recognition as --countrymen. Some have tried to remedy this with'the formation of various clubs, etc., but these efforts are modest and beset with problems. For example, there are some 37 or more such organizations in America, some identified as Croatian, but others as Slavic, Slavonian, Illyrian and even Austrian. We are recommending that all these groups throughout the United States unite in one organization known as Zajednica (union or society). This Zajednica would assist us. in time of need-- in times of sickness and death. This is our recommendation. Now let the presidents of these various associations step forward to take action."

Skrivanic’s 12 Years as Editor for (Narodna) Hrvatska Zajednica.

Danica, as expected, was unanimously selected as the official voice of the newly organized Hrvatska Zajednica. Unfortunately, however, the honeymoon with Muzina and Danica did not last. Increasingly upset with the content of the paper, the irregularity of its publication and with Muzina himself, the Zelegates to the Third Convention (July 12-17, 1896) named Napredak as the new official organ. At month's end Skrivanic moved his printing operation from Hoboken to Allegheny where he also soon opened a bank and travel agency.

Napredak, a monthly publication, was used as the organization’s official mouthpiece from August, 1896 through November, 1904. At that time the Supreme Board of Directors, following a decree of Eighth Convention (September 26-October 5, 1904) inaugurated the organization's own newspaper, the monthly Zajednicar. From the first issue (December 10, 1904) to February, 1905 the new paper was edited by Josip Marohnic, the organization's accountant. But then, for unexplained reasons, Skrivanic replaced Marohnic as editor. Although he was still publishing Napredak as a private venture and was serving his second term as a member of the Society's Board of Trustees, Skrivanic readily-accepted his multiple role. He would continue to publish both papers through August, 1908. Setting aside Marohnic's 3-month temporary assignment then, it can be asserted that Skrivanic served 12 years'as editor of (Narodna) Hrvatska Zajednica's official organ-- first with Napredak; then with the Zajednicar. Similarly, he can be recorded, as the first editor of the Zajednicar, albeit on a monthly basis. Don Niko Grskovic became the first editor of the weekly Zajednicar in November, 1909.

The Skrivanic/Napredak tenure was often precarious, particularly during Napredak's 1896-1904 reign as the official organ. There were several quality Croatian language newspapers during that era, each with their supporters in the Narodna Hrvatska Zajednica. At each of the five conventions during this period there was vigorous competition for the honor of representing the organization as its official organ. Skrivanic not only survived, but did the Narodna Hrvatska Zajednica. well-- serving three terms on the Board of Trustees, founding several new lodges, speaking at banquets, representing the Society at the funeral of President McKinley, etc. He was also very active in the Allegheny Croatian community, particularly in the affairs of St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Parish-- the first of its kind in America.

The Dark Days

In 1907 the U.S. economy slowed measurably-- with layoffs, factory closures and finally a stock market slump that triggered financial panic across the country. Businessmen, including Croatian bankers like Skrivanic, blamed the situation on President Theodore, Roosevelt and his "trust busting" program. One by one large businesses began to fail and eventually many banks, including several Croatian banks, fell when the withdrawal demands of the panicked depositors overwhelmed the banks' ability to pay. Biggest losses in this regard were sustained by the customers of Franio Zotti's Croatian bank in New York City (variously estimated at $-600,000 to $750,000). Other Croatian banks that failed in 1908 were those of Bozo Gojsevic in Johnstown, Pennsylvania ($20,000), Ivan Ubojcic in New York City ($5,000), Skrivanic's bank in Allegheny ($13,000) and several others whose losses totaled $50,000. By 1912 even more bank failures had devastated Croatian depositors: the Jankovic bank in Chicago, the (Slovak) Rovinianek bank in Allegheny and; the (Slovenian) Sakser bank in New York City. None of this rationalizing helped Skrivanic, however, and by September, 1908 he had closed his bank and travel agency, ceased publishing the papers Napredak and Zajednicar and disappeared from Allegheny.

Skrivanic well, he turned up in Seattle, Washington which is about as far away from Pittsburgh (and Skrivanic's angry Croatian bank customers) as he could get. He resided there until his death in 1922, during which time he wrote his memoirs and struggled in vain to get them published.

There was, of course, resistance to such an arrangement from the "Pittsburgh establishment" being that so many Croatians there were still bitter about the collapse of the Skrivanic bank and his abdication as editor of the Zajednicar. So desperate was Skrivanic to have the history published that on the eve on the 1915 Cleveland Convention he practically divested himself of any potential

financial gain by suggesting that his proposed fee be, divided as follows: "$10,000 to sick, disabled and aged members of the Narodna & Hrvatska Zajednica, $5,000 to the Croatian Red Cross, $5,000 to the Serbian-Montenegrin Red Cross and $12,000 to those who suffered financial loss at my collapse in 1908. Skrivankic would retain only enough money to cover his costs. Apparently, this offer was also rejected, for the correspondence shows that the quest for publication was continued until 1931, first by Skrivanic's widow and finally by his son, Andrew. Thereafter the entire collection-- manuscript, photos, etc. must have remained in the hands of the Skrivanic family until it was purchased by the University of Washington in 1968.

SKUBIC, VERA Professor

Professor Skubic was born April 8, 1918 in Chicago, Illinois. Her field is Physical Education and is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana. She received a Ph.D. in 1954 from the University of Southern California. She teaches at the University of California at Santa Barbara in the Physical Education Department. She has published in the areas of Physiology and Physical Education. She presently resides in Santa Barbara, California.

SKUL, BOZIGA Doctor

Boziga Skul is a Physician, Resident in Internal Medicine, Columbus Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. Born October 28, 1926 in Zagreb, Croatia; married nee Peharec with two children. Education includes Gymnasium, Zagreb, Croatia, Graduate, 1945; Medical School, University of Zagreb, Croatia, M.D., 1955 with a major field in Medicine and Internal medicine. Two years of research in pulmonary physiology, Edgewater Hospital, Chicago.

SKUL, VLADIMIR Doctor

Vladimir Skul is a Gynecologist-Obstetrician in Chicago, Illinois. Born March 22, 1925 in Bjelovar, Croatia; married with two children. Educated at Gymnasium, Zagreb, 1944; Medical Faculty, Zagreb, Croatia, 1944-1950, Diploma. and Medical Sc.D., 1959 with a major field in Medicine and Obstetrics and gynecology. Published many articles in Medical Journals in Croatian, English and German languages. Member of American Medical Association; Fellow of International Gynecologist-Obstetrician Society; Chicago Medical Society; Illinois Medical Society; Fellow of American College of Gynecologiy-Obstetrics.

SKURLA, GEORGE Appolo Space Program

George Skurla, 80, a retired Grumman Corporation president known for his leadership during the heady days when the company's lunar module landed on the moon, died September 2, 2001 at a hospital in Melbourne, Florida. He had pneumonia. Grumman's lunar modules shuttled Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin from Apollo 11 toward the "giant leap for mankind" in 1969 and, a year later, returned the crew of Apollo 13 to Earth when their main spacecraft became disabled. As director of operations at Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the late 60’s, Mr. Skurla managed 1,600 employees responsible for assembling and testing the lunar modules from parts made at Grumman headquarters in Bethpage, N.Y. He began his 42-year career at Grumman in 1944 as an apprentice engineer and was named company president in 1985. Grumman has since become part of Los Angeles-based Northrop-Grumman. George Skurla was a Croatian-American whose parents were from Herzegovina. He died on September 2. As head of Grumman, he was one of the key men behind the Appolo program.

SLAVENSKA-CORAK, MIA Ballerina-Movie Star

Slavenska was born in 1914 at Slavonski Brod, Croatia. She studied in Zagreb with Josephine Weiss, then in Vienna with Leo Dubois. When she moved to Paris she continued her studies with Lubov Egorova, Mathilda Kschessinska and Olga Preobrajenska. She also studied modern dance with Harald Kreutzberg and Mary Wigman. Slavenska was not only a brilliant technician but also a beautiful woman, with bright red hair. When she taught class she dressed in bright colors with a large jeweled pin at her waist. Slavenska starred in a wonderful French film, La Mort du Cygne (1938), in which she and Yvette Chauviré (who later became a prima ballerina of the Paris Opera Ballet) played rival ballerinas. Janine Charrat, who became one of France's leading choreographers, played a young ballet student. The Hollywood version, was called The Unfinished Dance (1947). Slavenska became ballerina of the Zagreb Opera (1930-33) and joined the Paris Opera in 1933, dancing with Serge Lifar. In London she danced with Anton Dolin before joining the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo (1938-42). She later formed her own company, Ballet Variante. Slavenska also continued to dance as a guest artist for many major ballet companies, and in 1953 she established the Slavenska-Franklin ballet company with Frederic Franklin. One of the roles she created was Blanche Dubois in Valerie Bettis' A Streetcar Named Desire. Mia Slavenska taught dance in Los Angeles, California.

SLAVICH, FRANCIS LUKE All American Sports

Mr. Slavich who attended the University of Santa Clara, was a salesman for Glass Container Corp. from 1947-1975. A natural athlete known since high school by the nickname 'Hands' he played football and basketball, put shot and rowed. His prowess earned him membership in the San Francisco Prep Hall of Fame, the Tom Rice Award for Athletic Achievement and Service to Sports. and selection to the University of Santa Clara Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also a collegiate All American in basketball and football and played for the Olympic Club basketball learn in his postcollegiate years. Francis Luke Slavich, age 90, died on September 13, 2001. Prior to moving, to Pacific Grove with his wife Betsy in 1991, he and Betsy lived in Marin County for 43 years. Both were native San Franciscans. In spite of his athletic achievements, however. his greatest pride was in his long marriage (66 years) and family. He adored his wife Betsy, who preceded him in death in February of this year. He fell in love with her the first time he met her, on a double blind date (she was supposed to be the other fellow's date but 'Hands' quickly nabbed her), and never wavered in his devotion to her. He was very proud of his two sons, Michael of Petaluma and Denis of San Francisco; his daughter. Michele Marincovich of Portola Valley; his five grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

SLAVICH, IVAN Military-Pilot

The civilian in front of me, Mr. Ivan Slavich, a prosperous middle-management executive with McGuire Properties, a very successful Charlotte commercial real estate firm, was no longer Col. Ivan Slavich of the United States Army. Instead, he was Colonel, U.S. Army Retired, a title he did not use, for he disliked those colleagues of his who had left the Army but held on to their rank and who remained, years after their last day in uniform, still colonels. Twenty years ago, when I was a young reporter in Vietnam, he had been the commander of the first armed helicopter unit in American military history, a legendary figure, a man of such skill and drive and bravery that he was for a time perhaps the most admired officer in the country. One day, he took a round from a 50 caliber that downed his ship and came perilously close to taking his life. The ship was virtually tearing apart at the moment when he brought it down; 100 yards higher, and it would have come apart. There is an efficiency report from those days marked by his superiors-including Brig. Gen. Joe Stilwell Jr., known as a tough grader-measuring Ivan against a presumed group of 100 other Army officers and giving him a perfect 100. No one, Stilwell wrote, was responsible for saving as many American lives in Vietnam. Two years ago, I had written a memoir for Parade about Vietnam and I had said of him that if he was not the bravest man I had ever known, then he was certainly one of the two or three-the kind of brilliant, fearless officer that the Army needs in time of war but fears in time of peace-and that I had known then, long before he had, that somehow he would never make general. Ivan had got out of the Army in 1975 after 22 years. Enough was enough. On the last day, they had pinned the Legion of Merit on him, his fourth one. "If you like medals, " he said later, "it was a good day." After getting out, he had taught for a time at central Piedmont in Charlotte. His kids, he said over the phone, were in good shape. One was in the Navy in Iceland, two were at Duke, and one was still in high school. He did not fly anymore, either planes or helicopters. In one room, there was a small framed montage of his medals: the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Silver Star and the Air Medal. "Saved one thing," he said, and went and got a silver cup which have been given to him in Saigon almost 20 years ago to the day. It was inscribed to Major Ivan Slavich. All it said was "Number Bleeping One." There, underneath it, were our names: Peter Arnett, Charley Mohr, Horst Faas, Neil Sheehan and mine. All the journalists who were there in 1963 and were his straphangers. I knew precious little of his background, only that his father has been involved in San Francisco politics. His grandfather, I found out, had come from Croatia, was a barrel maker in the California wine country. His father, Ivan Slavich Sr., was a clerk of the municipal court and a local Democratic pol in San Francisco. Everyone had known him in Saigon, and when he was in a room, there had always been a special deference to him, other grown men always waiting to know what he was thinking.

SLAVICH, IVAN Clerk of the Municipal Court-Military

"There was not a breath of scandal in my 19 years as clerk of the Municipal Court of San Francisco." Slavich is now 65 and he retired last October. He spent 40 of those 65 years working inside City Hall. He is a reasonably rotund politician with a rather precise mind that combines the meticulous qualities of a filing clerk, accountant, executive and lobbyist. "I raised the pay of the 12 municipal judges from $6,500 to $18,000 a year." he tells you with a glint in his blue eyes, "and I raised my own pay from $500 to $1450 a month." "And I took care of all my boys in the office every year, too," he adds, "but I never did it without the support of the judges." Slavich's ability to lobby pay raises from the Legislature in Sacramento is one of the great success stories of California politics. "I never went up there empty handed," he recalls. Slavich was born in North Beach, the son of a Croatian barrel-maker and his Genoese wife. He went to Washington Grammar school, the old High School of Commerce and San Francisco Business College. He was a sergeant in charge of an ammunition train at the front in France in World War I and he was gassed in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. After the First World War, Slavich returned to San Francisco, completed his education and, in 1921, got a clerk's job in the city auditor's office. Jimmy Rolph was mayor. Then, in 1934, Slavich became a deputy clerk in the Municipal Court. In three years he was at the top of the senior law clerks' promotion list. "When I started in 1934," he says, "the Municipal Court was taking in $100,000 a year in traffic fines. Now, it's over $3 million." Altogether, Slavich served under five San Francisco mayors-James Rolph, Angelo Rossi, Roger Lapham, Elmer Robinson and George Christopher. Last November 3, four days after he retired, Slavich married Edna M. Lemke, clerk of the Marin Municipal Court, at the Holiday Hotel in Reno. Slavich has a son, Captain Ivan Slavich Jr., an Army paratrooper currently commanding a helicopter squadron in Okinawa.

SLAVICH, JOHN Cooperage Business

A prominent manufacturer of Fresno is John Slavich, whose firm, John Slavich & Sons, Cooperage, is the only locally owned barrel factory in Fresno County, and has been in operation here for over twenty years. Mr. Slavich is a native of Dalmatia, Croatia, born on October 12, 1876. He learned the cooperage business in his native country and came to San Francisco when he was twenty-two years old. Three brothers had preceded him to California, and it was not long before he was well established in business in this country. Soon after arrival in California he paid a visit to Fresno, but did not stay here long, and went back to San Francisco. However, Mr. Slavich ultimately returned to Fresno and established the business which bears his name, and which has grown during the course of the years to be one of the largest of its kind in the San Joaquin Valley. The plant is located on an acre of ground on North Calaveras and University Avenue. Two large buildings are occupied, and in 1934 new and modern equipment was installed, which is the equal of that to be found in any cooperage plant in the country. The product consists of several different sized barrels and kegs for the wine and whiskey industries, most of which are made of white oak. The capacity of the plant is about 400 barrels per day.

Mr. Slavich belongs to Croatian organizations in Fresno as well as in San Francisco. He is affiliated with the fraternal order of the Eagles. He married Katie Tramontana in Croatia. They have five children: John, Jr., who spends about ten months of the year in New York City, selling grapes to the wholesale houses for local growers; Ralph, who is in the used car business in Fresno; George A. and Frank, associated with their father; and Mrs. Margaret Marsella of Fresno. The three oldest children were born in San Francisco, and the two younger ones in Fresno.

SLAVICH, JOHN Vineyard-Fruit

John Slavich, one of the largest fruit producers in this country, was born in San Francisco in 1899 to parents who had immigrated from Croatia in 1897. He entered the grape growing and shipping business under the firm name of Delmonte Fruit Company. In 1929 he established in New York a marketing business under his own name. He died in May, 1959.

SLAVICH, JOHN F. Mayor-Military-Doctor of Medicine

Dr. John F. Slavich, 69, Mayor of Oakland from 1941 to 1945 and a member of the City Council for 16 years, died recently in Oakland. A native of Portland, Oregon, and a graduate of the University of California in 1904, Dr. Slavich served in World War I as a captain in the medical corps. He had for many years been active in the American Legion and was State commander of the group in 1926-27. In 1926 he was named Oakland city physician and in 1931 was elected to his first term as a member of the City Council. Dr. Slavich was a past state deputy of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Oakland Elks and Moose Lodges, the Alameda County Medical Assn. and the Alameda County Insanity Panel. He is survived by his wife, Rae, of 412 Bellvue avenue, Oakland, and six sisters, Stella D. Barton, Eva C. Abbott, Adrienne H. Sommerville, Margaret E. Slavich and Mrs. Peter J. Starisinich, all of Oakland.

SLAVICH, LORENZO V. Restaurant Goldminer

Lorenzo V. Slavich was born on October 30, 1857, in Dalmatia, Croatia, Island of Brac, town of Mirce, a son of John and Katherine (Nizetich) Slavich, well-to-do farmers, and manufacturers of olive oil and wine. Lorenzo V. Slavich attended the public schools of Mirce until he had reached the age of fifteen, when he sailed for America. His uncle, the late George Slavich, proprietor of the Union Restaurant, the oldest business of the kind in San Jose, had written for him to come to California, but was taken seriously ill, and just before the arrival of Lorenzo, had moved away, and the restaurant was disposed of, and it was three years before he saw his uncle. Thrilled with the stories of wealth to be found in mining, he went to Amador County, where he entered the employ of the Plymouth Consolidated Mining Company, working in their mill; later he removed to Eldorado County, where a large flume was in the course of construction for carrying water for placer mining. He became an American citizen while residing in Eldorado County. He was now twenty-one years old, and concluded to return to San Jose. He conducted a billiard parlor for a time during 1882, but sold out and invested the procedes in a restaurant in Gilroy, which proved to be a wise move, and which netted him liberal profits during his five years there. However, he disposed of this business and returned to San Jose and became manager of a restaurant, where he remained ten years. In May 1897, Mr. Slavich purchased a restaurant business on West San Fernando Street, and after spending about $7,000 on improvements, the restaurant was opened for business on June 25, 1897. His venture proved a profitable one, and for many years his establishment has yielded a handsome income, and was known throughout the northern part of the state as a place where one was sure to procure and excellent meal. Very recently, on account of failing health, Mr. SLavich was been forced to relinquish his activity, and has turned over the business to his son-in-law, John V. Slavich, who served as manager of the restaurant for twenty-one years. The first marriage of Mr. Slavich united his with Miss Annie Winegarden, a daughter of one of Santa Clara County’s pioneer families, born and reared in San Jose, in a house which formerly stood, and where now stands the Federal building, on the corner of Market and San Fernando streets. Mr. and Mrs. Slavich had three children: John died when two and a half years old; Katherine Married John V. Slavich of San Jose and she died September 5, 1921, leaving a daughter, Gwenny; and Celestina Olga, the wife of Gus Wendt, a well known merchant of San Jose.

He organized and named the Slavonic-American Benefit Society of San Jose in 1894, with a charter membership of thirty-eight, and was president for eleven consecutive years. He was the recipient of two medals presented by the society in appreciation of this untiring energy and efforts in behalf of the work. He is also and active member of the Italian Benevolent society of San Jose, and was a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and has served on the local election board as judge for the past twenty-five years. Since the founding of the San Jose branch of the Bank of Italy, Mr. SLavich has been a member of the board of directors. Mr. Slavich’s life was saddened by the death of his wife on May 26, 1911, a woman of culture and education, a graduate of Notre Dame, speaking fluently both Spanish and English. She was mourned by a host of living friends besides the members of her immediate family. During the year 1893, Mr. Slavich made a tour of France, Germany, Austria, and Italy, spending four months visiting his parents, and renewing the acquaintances of boyhood. After his return to California the residence located at 221 West James Street was built, and has since been center of many happy gatherings. The second marriage of Mr. Slavich occurred December 6, 1914, uniting him with Miss Marica Gligo, also a native of Croatia, and a resident of San Jose since 1914. They are parents of one daughter, Draga. Mrs. Slavich has two brothers, who are merchants in San Pedro, California.

SLAVICH, NICK Nick’s Grotto

I kept seeing John Barrymore sitting on his favorite bar stool, drinking 15-cent sherry and reading a radio script. And you could practically hear Al Jolson’s voice, off in a corner of the dining room, as he hummed through a tune he planned to use on his show. Somebody hollered out “Wanna buy a duck?” as he walked by Joe Penner, and Glenn Miller was discussing some new tunes with song pluggers. Ghosts” No, just memories. But there were at least a million of them when the historic old Melrose Grotto reopened yesterday. You wouldn’t have recognized the old place, which has been shuttered for several months. It’s all sparkling pretty, has something called decor and now it’s known as the Melrose Nickodell. But the spirit still is there, a spirit that has been part of Hollywood’s radio and motion picture industry for many years. Television? No, television’s a Johnny-come lately compared to the old timers.

Nick Slavich opened the old grotto back in the depression days and it soon became a popular hangout for the radio and motion picture crowd. One reason was its location, because NBC soon opened up it’s West Coast headquarters next door and the actors, writers, directors, musicians, producer, —practically everybody—naturally gravitated to Nick’s Grotto. Through the years practically all the top names in show business looked upon the Grotto as a second home or office. On any given day you could meet Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Dorothy Lamour, Ray Noble, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, any one of the Barrymores, Parkyakarkus, Ed Wynn and scores of other people up and down the talent ladder. There are a couple of good stories about the old Grotto, too. Nick was telling me about Barrymore’s sherry. “The first day Barrymore came in he ordered a glass of sherry at the bar. The bartender gave him a domestic brand, which sold in those days for 15 cents. “I told the bartender to serve him a better grade of sherry- the 25 cent wine- if he ordered another drink. Well, he did and the bartender switched to the better brand. “Barrymore said: ‘What’s this! You have changed wines, you scoundrel!’ So he went back to the 15 cent sherry.” I also remember those days when old John would sit at the bar, reading a script and never paying his bill. He used to sign all checks and his wife would come in a day or so later to pick them up. Then there was the time the actor stole a turkey. He was a pretty important personality loaded at the bar and decided it would be a good idea to walk out with a cooked turkey. He was very careful to stuff the turkey under his coat and walk out in a nonchalant manner.  It is very difficulty to be nonchalant when you have a turkey under your coat. Actually, everybody in the joint, including Nick, saw the episode and thought the actor gave a bad performance. Nick just put the turkey on the guy’s monthly bill. In the early days, when the Grotto was just getting started, Nick didn’t have a lot of money on hand and the fellows from NBC used to come in to get their paychecks cashed. It was quite an arrangement. Nick would collect the checks, send somebody to the bank to get them cashed while the boys were eating and pay them off after lunch. Everything went great until one day the guy went to the bank and never came back.  He went south with the money. The NBC employees took part of the money that day and the remainder on the following morning.

But eventually the Grotto prospered and Nick carried a lot of hungry radio and film people over the hurdle when they ran out of work and money. If you were a right guy- or gal- and things weren’t going too well, Nick and the Grotto were true friends. A few years ago Nick made a few million dollars or some equally fantastic sum and sold out.; The Grotto was never the same and finally the doors were closed.

In the meantime, Slavich opened another restaurant, the Nickodell, which almost overnight became the new radio-TV hangout. But I guess there was something about the old Grotto that was a part of Slavich.  He couldn’t forget those years and the memories ad he couldn’t see the Grotto as just another broke restaurant. So he reopened the place, now completely remodeled, and all the radio-TV names turned up for the private premiere. Nick was proud as punch. “This place is part of me- it’s in my heart,” he said. Price Tag: And that’s quite a heart, as anybody in radio of TV can tell you.

SLAVICH, NICK Restaurant

Born Nikola Slavich in 1902 in Mirce on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia, Nick came to the United States at the age of eleven. He worked in the restaurant business in Los Angeles during the 1920s and opened “Slavich’s Grill” in San Jose, California. He opened two other restaurants throughout his lifetime, including “Nick’s Melrose Grotto” in Hollywood in 1928. Located next to NBC’s west coast headquarters, “Melrose Grotto” became a hot spot for famous radio and film actors during the Depression Days. The restaurant/bar hosted celebrities such as John Barrymore, Al Jolson, Joe Penner, Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Dorothy Lamour, Ray Noble, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, and Ed Wynn. The Grotto closed in the 1940s after Nick sold it for a few million dollars. Shortly after, Nick opened another restaurant, the “Nickodell”, next to Paramount Pictures which was also popular among celebrities. Some who frequented the restaurant include Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Peggy Rea. The “Nickodell” closed in 1993. Nick was married to Antoinette Jutronich.

SLISKOVICH, MIKE and JULIA Farm

She was born May 24, 1907, Gallup, New Mexico, to parents, John and Antonia Svob, who had immigrated to the United States from the village of Fuzina, near Rijeka, Croatia. The family moved to Mesa for health reasons in 1917, operating a small farm in the Lehi Valley, where the population was composed largely of Mormon people. Julia went to Mesa schools and was an outstanding graduate at Mesa High School. She attended Arizona State University. In 1924, Julia met and married Mike Sliskovich, who had immigrated from the village of Budimiri in Dalmatia some 20 years before. They made their home in Globe, Arizona and Los Angeles, California before purchasing a farm in Mesa, next door to her parents' home. During the Depression, Mike and Julia purchased more acreage and raised produce, particularly carrots, before turning to grain and cotton crops and dairy farming. Julia's mother Antonia was the long-time secretary of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 795, and the inspiration to keep the lodge active. When Antonia became too ill to do the job, Julia took over from her mother. She was once a delegate to the CFU National Convention. She was active in the small Catholic church, Sacred Heart Parish in Mesa, and was a supporter as the parish became the Queen of Peace Church with a fine new facility. She and Mike were active members of the Farm Bureau. They were supporters of local school that, she, and her children after her, attended. After the death of her husband, Julia masterminded the development of the farm property into business uses. that continue today. Julia Sliskovich, 93, died on July 5, 2000. Julia and Mike, who preceded her in death in 1969, had three daughters, Helen Peterson of La Conner, Washington, Virginia Johnson of Mesa, and Janet Amandes of Murphys, California, and one son, Thomas J. Sliskovich of Mesa. Also surviving are three sisters, Olga Shill and Norma Toliver of Mesa, and Elizabeth Croft of Casa Grande, Arizona; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, and one greatgreat-grandchild.

SMOLICH, THOMAS Priest-Jesuit Provincial

Jesuit Father Thomas H. Smolich, 43, has been named provincial of the California Province of the Society of Jesus effective July 31, 1999 and will succeed Jesuit Father John A. Privett, according to a report in the Catholic Herald of Sacramento. A Sacramento native, Father Smolich will oversee Jesuit priests, schools, universities and parishes in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii. Not long after earning a master's degree in business administration from Stanford University in 1994, Father Smolich became project manager of the Mid-peninsula Housing Coalition which develops affordable homes for San Francisco Bay Area families. Ordained in 1986, Father Smolich has studied at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, and at the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley. After a year of Spanish studies in Bolivia, he was appointed associate pastor of East Los Angeles' Mission Dolores Parish which serves a largely Latino population. While there he also became executive director of "Proyecto pastoral", a non-profit community development organization. In 1990 he appeared on the television program "Jeopardy" and won 430,000, which was applied to construction expenses of Dolores Mission Women's Cooperative Child care center.

SMOLJAN, DAVID Teacher

The Fresno Unified School District Agriculture Department Chairman, David L. Smoljan, was recently honored at the sixty-seventh Annual California Agriculture Teachers Association (CATA) Conference held at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Brother Smoljan was presented the National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association (NVATA) Outstanding Teacher Award. The Award is sponsored by NVATA and is awarded each year to the outstanding agriculture teacher in California. Mr. Smoljan will be California’s entry in the NVTA Regional Competition. He is a teacher at Duncan Polytechnical High School in Fresno. Brother Smoljan has been active in the CATA and served as chairman of the Adult and Youth Activities Department, member of the Governing Board, vice president of secondary division, executive committee member, member of State Advisory Committee on Junior Colleges, Sectional CATA officer, Sectional FFA advisor, curriculum guidelines, CATA legislative network liaison and a CATA member for fourteen years. He has taught in the Fresno Unified School District for the past 13 years, having taught one year prior to his Fresno assignment, in the Los Angeles area. He is the Fresno FFA advisor and an instructor of Forestry and Ornamental Horticulture class in 1973 the program has grown to a comprehensive program held at six different schools, a 23 acres school farm and a five member staff.

SNIDER, VLADIMIR J. Manager

Vladimir Snider is Foreign Development Manager for Lakeside Laboratories, Division of Colgate-Palmolive Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born June 29, 1920 in Zagreb, Croatia; married with four children. Education includes II Classical Gymnasium, Zagreb, Croatia. Graduate, 1940; Medical Faculty, Zagreb, 1940-42; Liberal Arts, Perugia, Italy 1942-43;, Medical Faculty, Padova, Italy 1944; Medical Faculty, Milano, italy 1946; Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois with a major field in Medicine and Management of Foreign Subsidiary and-Foreign Marketing. Member of Triple-E Ethical Pharmaceutical Export Executives New York City; Croatian Academy of America, Inc.; World Trade Club, Inc. Milwaukee.

SOJAT, NICHOLAS J. Priest-Attorney-Professor

Father Nicholas is a professor of Canon Law at St. John Vianney Seminary East Aurora, N.Y. He was born August 24, 1914 in Senj , Croatia and Ordained, June 27, 1937. Education included 1933-37 Seminary, Senj, Croatia; Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. J. C. D. , 1947. (Dr. of Canon Law). Completed thesis 1941 "De Privilegio Linguae Palaeoslavicae in Liturgia Romana," Gregorian University, Rome. Member of Canon Law Society of America; Canadian Canon Law Society; 1969 Member of Editorial Board of Diocesan Newspaper "Magnificat." 1949-50 Taught Canon Law, Ottawa, Canada; 1961- Professor Canon Law, Major Seminary, East Aurora; 1964- Judge, Diocesan Marriage Court, Buffalo, New York.

SOKACH, LOUIS Book Store

Born in 1897 in the village of Drnje, near Koprivnica, Croatia. Attended Teachers’ College in Zagreb. Agent in the Emigrant’s Bureau in the Jugoslav Consulate in Havre, France, 1920-1921. Served as a radio operator in the United States Aviation Service in Philippine Islands, 1922-3. At present Mr. Sokach conducts a book and stationary store in San Francisco.

SOLA, JURE Electronics Corporation

Sanmina Corporation in California, a contract manufacturer of telecommunications equipment and computers marketed by other companies, agreed to buy rival SCI Systems Inc. for about $4.5 billion in stock as competition intensifies for fewer sales. Sanmina, led by Chief Executive Jure Sola, has stuck to more profitable products, as telecommunication equipment, relying less on lower- margin devices. Sola, a 50-year-old Croatia native, co-founded Sanmina in 1980. Sanmina has a market value of about $6.6 billion. The new company will have sales of $14 billion a year and 100 plants in more than 20 countries. Sales would be the same as those last year by Solectron Corp., the biggest contract builder. Companies such as Nokia, Motorola and Nortel Nerworks Corp. are turning more to contract manufacturers to save money. contract manufacturers can build devices more cheaply because they buy parts in bulk and do much of their production in countries with cheaper labor.

SOLDO, ANDREW Radio Coffee Shop

Andrew Soldo was born on Feb. 18, 1909 in Sinj, Croatia and passed away on May 15, 1991 in Watsonville. He was 82. Andrew Soldo was involved in many community activities in Watsonville, including being the voice of Slavs on two radio stations for more than 40 years throughout the central coast. He was the husband of former Watsonville Mayor Ann Soldo. He immigrated to Chicago as a young boy, and served in the Army in the European theater during World War II. In 1947, he moved to Watsonville, where he worked for many years as a chef at the Resetar Hotel. Later he opened Andy’s Coffee Shop in the East Lake Village shopping center, which he sold in 1975 when he retired. For more than four decades, he was also the director of the KOMY Sunday Yugoslav radio program and had a weekly radio program in San Jose at KLOK from 1948 to 1969. In addition to his membership in the Croatian Fraternal Union, he was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, the Elks Lodge, the Slav American Cultural Organization, and Sons in Retirement. He was a past grand knight of the Watsonville Knights of Columbus, as well as a Fourth Degree Knight in the Padre Palou Assembly.  He was a past commander of American Legion Post 121. He was also a member of the Slavonic American Benevolent Society of Watsonville and the Napredak Club of San Jose. Surviving are his wife, Ann Mariasevich Soldo; son, Bob, of Watsonville, daughter, Mary Ann Jurchan of Denver, Colorado; brothers and sisters-in-law; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His first wife, Mildred, died in the early 1950s.

SOLDO, ANN Mayor

Ann (Matiasevich) Soldo, member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 352, was elected Mayor of the City of Watsonville. Ann Soldo served as a city councilwoman for the past four years and had the option of running for re-election to a relatively safe seat of seeking the office of mayor in a wide-open race. Never one to back away from a challenge- and with the encouragement of her friends, relatives, and supporters- she opted to run for mayor. Sister Soldo is the daughter of the late Nick and Lucy Matiasevich. Nearly a century ago, her father, Nick, immigrated to America from the village of Popovici in Konavle Valley, which is just south of Dubrovnik. He met and married Lucy Vukich who was born in this country. Nick and Lucy settled here in Watsonville where Ann was born. Ann graduated from Watsonville High School in 1938. She went away to college and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University and her Masters of Arts degree from Stanford University. Ann retired as a junior high school principal after a successful and noteworthy career in education. Ann is married to Andy Soldo, who moved to Watsonville in 1948 from Chicago, Illinois. Brother Andy was presented an engraved plaque by the Tamburitza Extravaganza committee in San Jose on Oct. 16, 1982 at their awards banquet.

SOLJACK, ROBERT Restaurant

One of the first good fish eating places upon approaching Fisherman’s wharf is the Neptune at 2737 Taylor Street. The proprietors are Robert Soljack and Ernest Aviani from the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia. Robert Soljack claims five years of experience at Fisherman’s Wharf and he and Chef Aviani took over this historic location about one year ago in 1936. They renovated the building, made some changes and today have a comfortable eating house and surely a suggestion of good sea food with the open kitchen and charcoal broiler. When lunching or dining at the Neptune one may eat at the counter, or at open tables or in booths. About 140 persons can be accommodated at one time.  The place is famous for its cioppino, fried crab legs, abalone, deviled crabs, charcoal broiled fish of various types, and other seafood specialties. Fish is bought from the boats when they arrive from the sea at Fisherman’s Wharf, and is served the same day. Menus are made out according to fish available. Some 300 meals are served daily. With such food, with such panorama of hills and bay, with such a picture of fishing scenes, a net mending, of crab cooking, of displays of fish for sale, of the teeming life of those who make their living by the sea spread before one, it is indeed a treat of treats to enjoy a fish dinner prepared as the specialists of the Neptune know how to cook it, and thus enter into one of the typical phases of life in San Francisco.

SOLMAN, DARIO Artist-Film

Listening to New Voices is curated by Daniel Marzona and Larissa Harris, and features 20 national and international artists participating in the P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, program. Dario Solman (1973) is the first Croatian participant of the P.S.1.'s International Studio Program. Prior to his residency at P.S.1, Mr. Solman has completed graduate studies in arts at the Ohio State University and undergraduate studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb. He has exhibited widely and has taught at the Arts Academy in Split and the Ohio State University. Dario Solman will exhibit his most recent work “The Real Thing – the Making of the Film”, the mix media project created in residency at P.S.1. His previous work can be viewed at the web site: http://dariosolman.tripod.com/. The Croatian participation at the prestigious International Studio Program is supported by the Ministry of Culture of Croatia, FACE Croatia Foundation (under the leadership of Mrs. Mercy Bona Pavelic), Trust for Mutual Understanding and realized through the Arts International and HDLU-Zagreb. Initiator and coordinator of the program is Branko Franceschi, curator/manager of the Miroslav Kraljevic Gallery, Zagreb, Croatia.

SOREE, MILENA Photographer-Combat Photographer

In 1992, Milena Sorée spent eight months in Croatia alongside a Croatian Army unit recording devastating events in her native homeland. From more than 1,300 photographs she selected 35 poignant images and exhibited them with 35 photographs from an earlier body of work that captured the peace and serenity of bygone days of Croatia. Sorée was given the honor of having her photograph "Croatian Rose" become the Croatian American Association's Freedom Award because of its artistic representation symbolizing new life and splendor rising out of death and decay and the rebirth of the Croatian nation. She has also received awards from the Photographer's Forum and the Society for Technical Communication. "Heart of Croatia Gifts" is both pleased and honored to have the work of the distinguished Croatian photographer, Milena Sorée, available at our site. Visit www.croatiagifts.com to view and/or purchase "Croatian Rose." Milena Sorée captures your heart, your eye, and your senses with the beauty and images she detains with her camera. An artist true to herself and her medium, who has incredible passion for what she wants to capture forever with her camera....her work will affect you. From images of war to images of nature, that are so serene and colorful, one would never know or guess at the chaos or destruction that lay behind those incredible moments. Milena has an ability to capture such evoking images at the same time. Her powerful images leave you to wonder and to feel. Milena Sorée Originals have been exhibited in galleries and public spaces, including the Washington State Convention Center Gallery in Seattle, the Collector Art Gallery in Washington, D.C., and the David Stein Gallery in Olympia, Washington. Her photographs have also been exhibited at the Russell Rotunda of the U.S. Congress. Her works hang in numerous private collections throughout the United States and in Europe. Some notable mentions are the Honorable Slade Gordon, The U.S. Senate, and the Honorable Frank McClusky, and the Honorable George Radanovich of the U.S. House of Representatives. Milena Sorée holds a B.A. from the University of Puget Sound and an M.A. from Rice University.

SORICH, JOHN Architect

John Sorich is an Architect at A. Epstein & Sons, Engineers and Architects, Chicago, Illinois. Born January 11, 1922 in Preko, Croatia; married with four children. Education includes Wilson Jr. College, Chicago, 1946-48; University of Illinois, Navy Pier, Chicago, 1948-49; Chicago Technical, Chicago, 1949-1951,B.A.,1952 with a major field in Architecture and Architectural Enginneering. Member of American Institute of Architects. Design in Laboratories for Hospitals and Medical Research Schools. Specialized in cold storage buildings and food processing. Industrial and commercial type of buildings; Nurseries and residential buildings.

SORIC, JOSIP Priest

On July 3, 1910, Croatians in South Chicago, Illinois, celebrated a special event. This was the day that young Josip Soric celebrated his first Mass following his ordination as a Catholic priest. The Mass was at the Croatian Catholic Church, 60th and Marshfield, the reception followed at the "South Side Turner" hall on South State Street. The young celebrant was born in the village of Preko, Island of UgIjan, near Zadar. He came to the United States in 1908, shortly after which he enrolled in the seminary at St. Francis College, Wisconsin, where he was ordained in May, 1910.

SORICH, STEVE Nickodell Restaurant

Nickodell Restaurant regulars remember the days when this eatery next to Paramount Pictures buzzed with Hollywood excitement. Desi Arnaz, who ran a studio down the street, could be seen with wife Lucille Ball. Elizabeth Taylor would be sharing a booth with Richard Burton. Once, a “Bonanza” crew member brought a horse up to the famous bar. But those days are long over. The neighborhood started going down the tubes. The stars went elsewhere. The heavy food menu went out of style. An before long, Nickodell found himself with more memories that customers. On Tuesday, Nickodell served its last hot beef sandwich. “I’m very sad,” said Steve Sorich, a co-owner. “A lot of good memories. A lot of good days.” For the remaining customers, many of them veteran actors and crew members, the closing of Nickodell meant the demise of another Los Angeles landmark, joining Schwab’s drugstore and the Brown Derby. “There’s no other place like Nick’s. I’m going to miss it terribly,” actress Peggy Rea (“Gunsmoke” and “The Waltons”) said recently. “There are so few restaurants in town where you can get anything you want cooked the way you want it,” she said. “From here you go into the world of alfalfa sprouts.”

SORS, VLADIMIR Priest

Vladimir Sors is a Chaplain at St. Mary's Hospital, Streator, Illinois. Born October 8, 1915 in Osijek, Croatia. Educated at Classical Gymnasium, Osijek, Graduate, 1934; Major Seminary, Djakovo 1934-39; University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia 1941; Gregorian University, Rome, S. T. L., 1944; Gregorian University, Rome, S.T.D., 1948. Thesis completed 1948 "Das debitum dre Erbusunde in der Gottesiebarerin bei Johannes Eusebius Nieremberg, S.J." Gregorian University, Rome.

SOTREL, ANA Doctor-Professor-Author

Ana Sotrel is a neuropathologist at Beth Israel Hospital and professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Born February 10, 1943 in Sinj, Dalmatia, Croatia. Educated at School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, and in neuropathology at University of Illinois, Chicago 1971-1975. Published Morphometric Analysis of the Prefrontal Cortex in Huntington's disease 1991; Neuropathology of HIV Infection, with associates, 1992. Member of American Association of Neuropathologists; International Association of Neuropatholoists.

SPAHICH, ECK Journalist-Croatian Activities-Philatelic-Military

Vietnam veteran and journalist Eck Spahich of Borger, Texas was recipient of the Republic of Croatia's state honor conferred Saturday evening, May 20 on behalf of late Croatian President Dr. Franjo Tudjman. The honor, Croatian "Pleter" Medal, was presented to this well-known and distinguished Croatian-American journalist by Croatia's Ambassador to Washington, D.C., Dr. Miomir Zuzul, and Croatia's General Consul, Dr. Miso Munivrana of Los Angeles, California during an award ceremony in conjunction with the Slavic Heritage Festival at the University of Houston. Ambassador Zuzul praised Spahich for being awarded the medal, one of the highest Croatian government decorations presented to individuals who distinguished themselves during Croatia's war for independence. Zuzul said Spahich's honor is in recognition of his many years of courageous, outstanding and tireless work in speaking, writing, researching, supporting and defending the Croatian nation's right to self-determination as a free independent democracy. Spahich has written and lectured extensively in both the United States and Canada on the recent crisis in the former Yugoslavia and has penned numerous editorials, guest columns and letters to the editor and conducted dozens of radio and television interviews. He is a prominent authority in Croatian, Bosnian and South Slavic studies, serving as managing editor of Balkan News Service and the Trumpeter, journal of the Croatian Philatelic Society. As a fluent linguist in his field, Spahich serves as a volunteer interpreter-translator for the Catholic Family Service refugee division in Amarillo, and as an ethnic consultant-linguist for several institutions and firms. He distinguished himself as a combat correspondent with the famed 173td Airborne Brigade when he proudly served his new homeland in South Vietnam. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star, U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medal and 18 other military commendations. In July 1993, Spahich was honored with the Americanism Medal, one of the highest patriotic awards given by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. He received his B.A. degree from West Texas A&M University, with studies in journalism, history and political science. He is affiliated with a number of civic, cultural, veterans and academic organizations and institutions. Spahich grew up in Tuz1a, Bosnia. He was separated from his father for 15 years, living with his grandmother until he joined his father and stepmother in 1960 in Dumas, TX. He has lived in the Borger-Fritch area with his wife Helen, son Michael and daughter Holly since returning from Vietnam. Before becoming a real estate agent, he served as managing editor of the Borger (TX) News-Herald.

SPALATIN, HELEN Professor

Helen Spalatin is a Professor of French at Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born May 4, 1909 in Hrascina, Croatia; married with three children. Education includes lst Classical Gymnasium, Zagreb, Croatia, 1928; University of Zagreb,1930; University of Paris, 1930, study; Italy (Rome) Residence 1942-48.

SPALATIN, IVO J. International Affairs

Ivo Spalatin is in International Affairs for Caterpillar Tractor Company, Peoria, Illinois. Born February 10, 1946 in Rome, Italy. Educated at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, B.S., 1967; The American Institute for Foreign Trade, Phoenix, Arizona. Bachelor of Foreign Trade, June, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. M.A., 1970 with a major field in International Affairs and International Business, Finance, East Europe. Thesis completed 1969 The Effect of Westiern Tourism on Yugoslavia and Rumania. M.A. Member of International Marketing Club; Alpha Phi Omega; Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society. U.S. Information Agency, International Business Advisor in the Office of Policy.

SPALATIN, JOSIP Veterinarian-Professor

Josip Spalatin is a researcher at Laboratory of Viral Zoonoses in Canada and Madison, Wisconsin. Born Januear 29, 1913 in Ston, Croatia; married to Jelka with three children. Educated at University of Zagreb Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 1939; DSc at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb 1940; postdoctoral fellowship and habilitation at Ludvigs Universitaet, Germany 1942-1944; professor at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb 1944-1946; veterinarian at Kalinovica Vetserum Institute 1946-1951; professor at Zagreb School of Medicine 1951-1961.

SPALATIN, KRSTO Professor-Author

Krsto Spalatin is a professor of French and Italian language at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born October 15, 1909 in Ston, Dalmatia, Croatia;married to Jelk nee Barabas with three children. Educated at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb BA, PhD 1934. Croatian language instructor at Istituto Universitario Orientale di Napoli 1941-1948; lecturer at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, 1948-1952. Published A Five Language Dictionary of Europeanizms,1990; Numerous treatises and articles in domestic and foreign periodicals. Member of Modern Language Association.

SPALATIN, MARIO Attorney-Military-Professor

Mario Spalatin is a lawyer and public prosecutor in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Born November 18, 1937 in Zagreb, Croatia; married to Mira nee Gacic with three children. Educated at Marquette University, history, 1959; MSc 1965 and IDSc in political science 1972; Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, law 1973. Lieutenant in the navy 1959-1961; professor of political sciences at Florida State University, Tallahasse, Florida 1969; public prosecutor for Milwaukee County 1973. Published The Croatian Nationalism of Ante Starcevic, 1835-1871, Journal of Croatian Studies 1975. Member of Croatian Academy of America; Federation of Croatian Societies of Milwaukee County; Wisconsin Bar Association; Florida Bar Association.

SPALJ, MIKE State Controller Auditor

Mike came to the United States in 1965 from Gospic, in Lika, Croatia, when he was 13 years old, to live with his uncle and aunt, Tomo and Anka Zupan. He went to St. Francis elementary school and Christian Brothers High School. He earned a double degree from California State University, Sacramento, in accounting and in real estate. He also earned a certificate from U.C. Davis in Public Sector Labor/Managment Relations. He works as an audit supervisor for the State controllers office and where among other things, he is in charge of California shcool districts, of which he is responsible for appoximately 1,100 schools. Mike has many hobbies, including softball, golf, camping, gourmet coking, deep sea diving and working on political campaigns; he also has contributed to the Croatian Cultural Center.

SPANJOL, ANTON Fisherman

Brother Spaniol was born April 20, 1892 in Dugi Otok, Brbinj, Dalmatia, Croatia. He came to the United States in 1907, at the age of 15, working in a sawmill in Hoquiam, Washington. Later, he moved to Tacoma, Washington and in 1935 built a commercial fishing boat with his brother Marion. They worked together as commercial fishermen, fishing from the coast of California to Alaska. They employed a crew of twelve men on their boat, the Wanderer. When his brother Marion died, our late brother Anton chartered his boat as he no longer liked fishing in treacherous Alaskan waters. Brother Anton lived in Seattle until 1950, when he moved to Renton, Washington. He joined the Croatian Fraternal Union in 1928 and was a loyal and dedicated lodge member for 53 years. Both he and his wife, Marija, were very active in the lodge affairs in their early years. Tony also belonged to the Zrinski Frankopan Lodge. In 1968, he retired from commercial fishing and went to visit his homeland with his wife, Marija. In his retirement, he was busy attending to his large garden. Sinovi Hrvatske Domovine Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 439 is sorry to report the death of brother Anton Spanjol, 89, who passed away on August 21, 1981. He is survived by his wife, Marija of Renton; four brothers, Roy of Pueblo, Colorado, Chris and Pete of San Pedro, California and Phillip of Croatia; and several nieces and nephews.

SPANJOL, MARIA Croatian Activities

Sister Maria Spanjol was born November 14, 1900 at Jablanac, Senj, Croatia. Becoming a member of the Croatian League of Illinois on April 29, 1924, she enjoyed a long-standing membership with Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 439 of Seattle, Washington. She made her home at Renton, Washington and was 85 years old when she passed away on January 24, 1986.

SPEHAR, JOSEPH M Teacher-Religious Brother

Brother Joseph M. Spehar, S.M. is a Religious Superior and Teacher, Marianist College, Mt. St. John, Dayton, Ohio. Born February 21, 1927 to Croatian parents in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Educated at University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (Educ.), B.S., Ed., 1947; Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, M.A., 1958 with a major field in Mathematics. Completed Thesis in 1958 "Maxima and Minima Problems in High School Geometry," Ohio State University. Member of National Forensic League (Diamond Pin Award); National Association of Secondary School Principals; Marianists.

SPILETAK, ILAR Tamburitza

On Sunday, December 19, 1954, a group gathered at the Croatian-American Hall in San Francisco to celebrate the seventy-eighth birthday of a vigorous old man, Ilar Spiletak.Brother Ilar Spiletak founded the first Croatian Tamburitza Orchestra in America in 1902 in San Francisco. This modest carpenter made his contribution to Croatian culture and to the joy of thousands of American children and adults, in his simple natural way. He was in fact, the father of tamburitza in America. That fact inspired us to bring out something more from the memories of this cheerful healthy 78-years old man, on the occasion of his birthday."Yes, dear friend, in my early youth I felt conscious of being Croatian. I knew I have to love my homeland, to work and live honestly to the welfare of both my society and myself. There should be a loving soul for the old land, for my America where I did not only provide a good life for my children and me, but also could express my spirit. I have to thank that great Croatian the late Fran Supilo, for all the joy and pleasure found in Croatian songs and particularly in tamburitza". In those days the musical life of Croatian people in Dubrovnik played a special role since what could not be told in words, that would be expressed in songs and playing tamburitza. On his life path, looking for freedom and economic independence, brother Ilar Spiletko had moved across the sea to the America. In 1902 he organized in San Francisco a tamburitza orchestra of eight musicians, which was the first tamburitza orchestra on the American continent. A very short time after that, many tamburitza orchestras were formed, especially in the East where there were more Croatian immigrants. Imports of tamburitza instruments from Croatia became a good and profitable business. Brother Spiletak organized twelve orchestras. The present (and the last one) is his famous, for the fact he formed it in his older age and because it is the Taburitza orchestra of the Croatian Hall in San Francisco. Brother Spiletak longed for a Croatian Hall foundation in San Francisco and he had a chance to be of a good health to organize again the Tamburitza orchestra. In that reality he celebrated his 78th birthday. Those are the rare gifts of God to this worker, to this cheerful man dedicated to his love for song. Ilar Spiletak married in 1907 Paulina Vulicevich from Dubrovnik. They have grown children: sons Niksa and Viktor are young and healthy Americans and the daughter Gabrina is already a lady. Our Ilar enjoys a happy family life because he has raised successfully his children. His home is at 656 Brussel Street in San Francisco, on a hill under which lies beautiful San Francisco Bay, just as old Dubrovnik is in the Adriatic.

SPLIVALO, AUGUSTUS D. Attorney-State Legislature

Augustus Daniel Splivalo, whose death occurred on the 12th of December, 1911, was a boy at the time when the family home was established in California, and here he passed the remainder of his life, which was marked by distinguished achievement in the legal profession and by large and worthy influence in public affairs. He was long numbered among the representatives of San Francisco County in the State Legislature, and in the Centennial year, 1876, he was a republican nominee for the United States Senate. A scion of distinguished Croatian ancestry, Mr. Splivalo was was born on a vessel that was at the time off the coast of Chili, the Santa Teresa, which on a subsequent voyage was wrecked near Santa Barbara, California. Augustus was president of the Fisherman’s Association, an interpreter in the courts and organized the second Italian newspaper, La Parola, in San Francisco. He was godfather to Nikola Barovich’s child and wrote the Articles of Incorporation of the Slavonic Society and was a member of the Society. He was born on the 24th of may, 1840, a son of Captain Stephen and Teresa (Balzano) Splivalo. The two younger children who attained to maturity are Caesar and Mrs. Helen Swett, both residents of San Francisco. The early childhood of the subject of this memoir was passed in Peru, and he was about eleven years old when the home was established at Stockton, California, where he acquired much of his preliminary education. In 1859 he was graduated from Santa Clara College, from which he received the degree of Master of Arts, and was up to that time the youngest person to be graduated from the institution, he having been nineteen years of age. On the 25th of may, 1875, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Splivalo and Miss Catilina Portener Noe, who still maintains her home in San Francisco. Concerning the children of this union the following brief data are available: Rose is the wife of Leo Solomon, of Alameda, this state; Stella is the wife of David J. Martin, of San Francisco; Augustus Daniel, Jr., died when about thirty years of age; Edward R. is the manager of one of the leading steam laundries in San Francisco; Lydia died in childhood; Irene is the wife of Albert Shaw, of Placer County; Oswald M. is associated with the United Cigar Company of San Francisco; and Horace B. remains with his widowed mother and is associated with business affairs in his native city.

SPLIVALO, CAESAR Spaghetti King-Ranch

He was born in November of 1849. He attended Santa Clara University 1858 - 1865. He became associated with the California Flour and Grist Mill founded in 1854. In 1872 he took over the complete ownership of the mill, renaming it the Yosemite Flour Mills (this was from Beatrice Splivalo Shoemaker's notes (his daughter) July 1, 1948). His estate in 1913 included a two story residence at 2756 Vallejo Street in San Francisco and land adjoining the home; 58 acres in San Mateo County known as the Belmont Terrace; and 538 acres in San Mateo County known as the Splivalo Ranch. His home was at the end of Ralston Avenue in Belmont. His children were Adrian born 1880, Beatrice born 1879 and Raymond born 1883. At the middle of a short street named Lake Road in Belmont, California was the large white house of Cesar Splivalo.  He was called the spaghetti king in the 1870’s, for his business was manufacturing spaghetti in San Francisco. He eventually retired to San Jose. C. R. Splivalo owned the California Italian Paste Company in 1872. In 1876 he started California Flour Mills, but the plant burned down in 1887. The next year, he built the brick Yosemite Flour Mills at 1066-68 Bryant Street. His pasta and box factory and his office were at 321 Sacramento Street. In 1885, R. S. Palestra replaced Splivalo's first partner, S. W. Forman, and the name was changed to C. R. Splivalo and Company. The firm employed forty men to supply local bakeries with choice flour and shipped its products to all states west of the Rockies and to Hawaii, Japan, China, Mexico, Guatemala, South America, and British Columbia. The company's five hundred acres in Belmont were put into agriculture, the products sold in the city. Splivalo was born in Lima, Peru, in 1849 but was brought to San Francisco that very year. He was educated at Santa Clara College and later lived in a home in suburban Belmont. His father was born in Viganj, Dalmatia.

SPLIVALO, STEPHEN Sea Captain-Vineyard

In the early 19th century in Viganj, a small village by the sea, in Dalmatia, Croatia, lived Captain Splivalo with his wife, three daughters and two sons. When the sons grew up they went to sea and later were sent to Italy to study at a naval school. The younger son Stephen, subject of this story, was a brilliant student at the Naval Academy in Italy. He was handsome and had the inclination to mix within the rich shipping circles, where he fell in love with a beautiful girl, daughter of the well known family Balzano. The Balzano family accepted young Splivalo in their family. When he finished his schooling he went to sea and sailed on ships under different flags; these voyages took him all over the Mediterranean and Black sea, as well as the North and South Atlantic. Soon he became the skipper of a ship that carried cargoes in the Mediterranean where he had an opportunity to visit his future bride. He must have done well as he acquired two-masted sailing ship which he named "Santa Teresa" in honor of the girl he was in love with; Teresa Balzano. Captain Splivalo was daring and adventurous. He was tired of sailing on the seas he had already sailed. He wanted to sail to parts of the world he never sailed before. After his marriage he decided to sail to China. He loaded his ship with assorted merchandise that he knew he could sell it in various places that he would stop at on his way to China, even in China itself, and with his young bride on board with him he sailed away. But before going on the long trip, he decided to visit his parents in his native village in Dalmatia. Captain Splivalo carried commerce with his ship between China, and the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, and South America, on its pacific side. On a later voyage she gave birth to a son on board the ship, and Captain Splivalo had to perform his duties of a midwife. Much later, when sailing in the vicinity of Chile, she was going to have another baby. Captain Splivalo thought that that to be a midwife once was enough, so he sailed to Calao where another boy was born. The decision was reached that the family remain in Calao, and for Captain Splivalo to keep on sailing and engaging in business with his ship as before, which lasted for some time. Later when he was in Calao the news of the discovery of gold in Coloma, California, arrived. The thought of new adventure germinated in Captain Splivalo the wish to sail to California. And as we will see, luck was with him. The paddle steamer "California" had left New York on October 6, 1849 under the command of Captain Cleveland Forbes. However, Captain Forbes, because of ill health, was relieved by Captain John Marshall at Valparaiso. This was before the news of the gold discovery at Coloma, California, had penetrated to the Atlantic States. Captain Splivalo heard the ship "California" arrival to Calao on her way to San Francisco. When the "California" reached Calao, Captain Splivalo visited Captain John Marshall and informed him of his intention to sail to San Francisco. Captain Marshall soon learned of the sea experiences of Captain Splivalo and must have been delighted at an opportunity to have such an experienced sea captain to sail on his ship, as he needed another sea captain. The ship "California" had accommodations for sixty passengers, but by the time she reached Panama, the news of the gold discovery was already known, and there were thousands of people waiting to sail to California. Impromptu bunks were constructed in every available space, so that the "California" could accommodate 365 passengers. The voyage up the coast was most eventful as the ship ran out of food, the stockers went on strike, and the coal supply was exhausted, so that all the wood on the ship had to be used in place of coal (spare masts, partitions, doors, cabins and anything that could be spared) in order to reach Monterey, California, where the passengers and the crew felled trees, cut them and brought them on the ship in order to continue the trip to San Francisco. Captain Splivalo must have been of great assistance to Captain Marshall. On nearing San Francisco bay, Captain Marshall gave the wheel of the ship to Captain Splivalo, who thus arrived in California from Calao in 1849, piloting into San Francisco Bay the first steamer to pass through the Golden Gate: the paddle wheeler "California". Captain Splivalo's name was not on the list of passengers who arrived in San Francisco; it is possible that he boarded the "California" as a supernumerary member of the crew and a guest of Captain Marshall. On reaching San Francisco, the "California" was deserted by all the crew members, with the exception of Captain Marshall and third assistant engineer. The ship remained at anchor (in port) for some time. Captain Splivalo boarded the ship "California" for the return trip to Calao to join with his family and to prepare his own ship for the long sailing trip to San Francisco. The ship from Calao to San Francisco was much longer than Captain Splivalo expected, which was due to calms and unfavorable winds, but the trip was pleasant, during which the ship stopped in various places along the coast of central America, Mexico and California in order to buy fresh provisions. The arrival in San Francisco was for Captain Splivalo like coming home, as he had made many acquaintances during his previous visit. As soon as he arrived in San Francisco he went to look for a comfortable living place for his family, which he found, although it was almost impossible to find anything vacant at that time in San Francisco. As soon as his family settled in the city, Captain Splivalo prepared his ship and continued to ship goods as far as Calao and down the Pacific coast of South America. Captain Splivalo contracted to carry Chinese emigrants in his ship "Santa Teresa" from China to California. During Captain Splivalo's absence a girl was born, and given the name Elvira. When Captain Splivalo gave up sailing he got involved in business in San Francisco. Later, with his family he went into the gold fields where he and his wife operated a general merchandise store. In those days the miners paid for what they purchased in "BITS", but the little mounds that miners made were not high enough, and the merchants urged the miners to add a little more gold dust. When the house in which they had their store burnt down, the gold pieces and the gold dust they saved had accumulated melted and was lost in the cracks of the earth. When, after much hard labor, they had collected the gold, Captain Splivalo bought sixty acres of land with an adobe house in San Jose. Captain Splivalo remodeled the adobe, constructed a wood frame around it and covered it with wood siding, added a second floor to it, with a solarium the whole length of the front of the house; there he used to enjoy the sun, as he had when sailing the seas. After the house was finished he began to grow grapes. His house became a center of attraction and a place of frequent social activities. Captain Splivalo was prominent in civic affairs, and in the records of the city of San Jose there are several documents bearing his signature. His house still stands at 770 Lincoln Avenue, which in his time was called Splivalo Street. Since he was well known in Italy and Spain through his wife's family, Captain Splivalo was asked to represent Spanish grandees who had great lands in California, which he sold for them. For his commission he kept a huge strip of land on the Peninsula for himself. His sons were educated at the University of Santa Clara. He left the strip of land on the Peninsula to his daughter, telling her that some day she would be the richest woman in California. However she did not hold the land and passed it into the hands of other people. Captain Splivalo and his wife Teresa died when very old. They are both buried in the old cemetery at Santa Clara. Recently the Splivalo house was restored by the benevolence of its present owner Mr. Bruzzone, who spent much money to bring the house back to the way it was when captain Splivalo owned it. The house is classified as landmark of the city of San Jose, which is a tribute to Captain Stephen Splivalo, native of Viganj, that beautiful village by the sea, on the Peljesac peninsula in Dalmatia.

SPOLARICH, MARTIN M Intelligence Officer-Military

Martin M. Spolarich, 83, a retired Air Force major and intelligence officer who did defense research as a senior analyst with the Library of Congress, died June 4 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He lived in Bowie. Major Spolarich was a native of Martin, Pennsylvania, who attended Columbia University and the military language school in Monterey, Calif. He served in the Army Air Forces in the China Burma-India theater during World War 11. Later assignments as an intelligence officer included England, the Philippines and Japan. He retired in 1963 from a Strategic Air Command posting to the base at Roswell, New Mexico. He worked for the federal research division at the Library of Congress until 1983. He was a member of the Croatian Catholic Mission in Washington, the Croatian Fraternal Union and Crofton Country Club, where he played golf. His wife, Veronica Spolarich, died in 1976. Survivors include four children, Martin Spolarich Jr. of Fairfax, Suzanne Spolarich of Chambery, France, Mark Spolarich of Crofton and Peter Spolarich of Silver Spring; two sisters, Mary Spolarich of Bowie and Katherine Mulner of Alexandria; and three grandchildren.

SPORER, DRAGO C. Accountant-Military

Drago Sporer is an accountant at Pan American Airways, New York, N.Y. Born December 19, 1919, Zagreb, Croatia; married with two children. Education includes Real Gymnasium, Karlovac, Croatia, 1938; School of Aviation, Sarajevo, 1941; 1954-57 City University of New York; Fordham University, New York, B.S., 1964 with a major field of Social studies and Economics and a minor in Interline Passenger Accounting. Member of American Academy of Political and Social Science; American Economic Association. Articles: "Stvaranje i propast vojski N.D.H." (Creation and Dissolution of Croatian Armed Forces). Hrvatska Zora, No. 96-98 1961. Served with British Forces in Egypt - R.A.F.-Royal Air Force, 1944-45.

SPUDICH, RANI Doctor

For the first time in her 33 years, Rani Spudich's unique brand of diversity is getting its due. According, to California census figures, 1.6 million, people --or about 4.7 percent of state residents - like Spudich, identified themselves as more than one race, a new option on the 2000 census. It places California behind only Hawaii at 21 percent and Alaska at 5.4 percent, and almost twice the national average of 2.4 percent in mixed-race residents. In the Bay Area's nine counties, 4.9 percent of the population identified itself as multiracial. The numbers come as a long awaited vindication for mixed race residents who have struggled to define themselves in the face of rigid census forms that in the past only allowed for one racial identification. Spudich, a San Francisco doctor who is Asian Indian and white. is delighted that the cultures are mixing more in the United States and that the new census is bringing recognition to people like her. “I do feel really strongly that it's important that the mixed-race stuff be acknowledged for what it is - because it's your identity," Spudich said. "I feel so strongly that this is just a part of the needed solution for people to understand other cultures and get rid of this idea of foreignness and not understanding, which is where I feel prejudice comes from." Her first name is Indian; at age 17, Spudich's mother came alone from the southwest Indian state of Kerala to the United States. Her last name is her father's; he's a Stanford University bioscientist of Croatian, Polish and Lithuanian extraction. Her parents wed in 1964, when interracial marriages were still illegal in some states. When Spudich's sister married a Jewish man in the Presidio chapel, the bride wore her mother's white wedding sari, while other friends carried in the traditional Jewish chuppah, or wedding canopy. The ceremonial featured songs and customs from both cultures. Their 7-month-old daughter is named Indira Shoshana Greif, reflecting all parts of her heritage. "Basically, everyone's family is like this at this point," Spudich said. "Everyone has culturally mixed backgrounds of one kind or another."

SREPEL, VANJA Chemist-Pharmacist

Vanja Srepel is a Research Scientist, Materials Specialist, Northrop Space Laboratories, Hawthorne, California. Born 1919 in Zagreb, Croatia. Education includes University of Zagreb, Croatia, M.S. Chem. Engineer, 1943; University of Zagreb, pharmacy, 1945.; University of Geneva, Switzerland, Pharmacist, 1947; Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York; University of California, Los Angeles.

SRESOVICH, JOSEPH Fruit and Produce

Joseph was born in Gruz and had settled in Los Angeles by 1870. From 1870 to 1880 he was a produce salesman for L. G. Sresovich but in 1875 Joseph bought two lots on 16th and Grand Avenue and built his own fruit stand. He also owned considerable real estate in Los Angeles. Joseph’s wife Vincenza and sister-in-law Mary Saich, were charter members of the Ladies Altar Society of St. Anthony’s Croatian Catholic Church during Reverend Bontiempo’s tenure as parish priest. This was before the church itself was erected in 1910.

SRESOVICH, LUKE G. Coconut King-Fruit-Ranch

Luke George Sresovich was born in Lopud, Dubrovnik, Croatia in 1850. His father was an architect and ship builder by profession. In 1866 he bade farewell to home and came to the new world in search of fortune. He remained in New York for a short time, and then took passage for California in the ship Andrew Jackson, arriving in San Francisco in 1867. He became a student at Santa Clara College. After the completion of his education he entered a large commission house, that of his uncle, John Ivancovich, as a shipping clerk. In 1870 he went into the wholesale fruit business on his own account on Sansome street. Early in the “seventies” heavy consignments of coconuts from Tahiti and other South Sea Islands were made to the San Francisco market, which was often overstocked, when the coconuts had to be thrown into the bay. Mr. Sresovich attempted to save the nuts by a drying process. Today his “Pioneer brand” of desiccated coconut is claimed to be the best in the world. It has taken the medals and premiums at all our State Fairs and exhibitions. At the World’s Exposition, at New Orleans, it was awarded a diploma; it also gained a medal at the Oregon state fair. His great fruit ranch at Byron is among the noted ones of the State, and will excel them all in certain varieties. He has also a large packing and drying establishment at San Jose. He also carries on a steady export trade with the South Sea Islands and Australia. Eighteen years ago he opened up a market for our fruit to Australia, Mexico, China and other remote countries. At the present time the yearly shipments to foreign parts aggregate over 200,000 cases. This is all the more gratifying from the fact that when the shipping of fruit to Sydney, Dunedin and Christchurch was first started, eighteen years ago, a very discouraging letter were received, stating that there was no market. The Australian fruit trade was grown to such dimensions that the steamers had to refuse large consignments in 1888 as they could not accommodate more that 16,000 to 20,000 cases by each boat. Mr. Sresovich is largely interested in the banana trade between the Hawaiian Islands and San Francisco. He has made contracts in Honolulu to raise and ship to this port large quantities of the luscious fruit. Five years ago the trade was less than one tenth of what it is now. He has also pushed the sale of fruits raised at Watsonville, San Jose, San Pablo and Soquel, by establishing packing houses in each town and transporting their products to other markets. He is connected with the Masonic fraternity, and is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Austrian Benevolent Society and the Slavonian Illyric Society. Some 15 years ago he married the daughter of a prominent farmer, who has blessed him with three children- one daughter, Evelyn, and two sons, George L. and Byron L., aged five and one year respectively.

SRSEN, NIKOLA Restaurant

Nikola Srsen, born in Govedjari November 1, 1889, arrived in Monterey in 1911. Initially he worked in a restaurant, then became the owner of his own. He was married to Olga Kavovich born in Dubrovnik 23 July 1895. In their marriage they had two children, son Nick - born 21 June 1925 - and Tatiana born 24 January 1930. Both children were born in Santa Cruz. Nick completed studies at the university in San Francisco and became a certified public accountant while Tatiana completed her education at San Jose State University and became a music teacher.

STAJDUHAR, JOE Football-Coach

Joe Stydahar-Stajduhar, a former star tackle for West Virginia University and the Chicago Bears and a member of the college and pro football Halls of Fame, is dead at the of 67. Mr. Stydahar, also was a head coach in the National Football League with the Los Angeles Tams during the 1950-51 seasons and with the Chicago (now St. Louis) Cardinals during 1953-54. "Joe was something special for me," George Halas, longtime owner and coach of the Bears, said today. "Football fans know him as the first drafted in the first round in 1936, as a true all-pro, as a great football player, as one of the Bears' all-time greats and as a Hall of Famer. But more important to any of the football accomplishments, Joe Stydahar was a man of outstanding character and loyalty...All the things that made Joe a great football player were reflected in his successful business career. My condolences to his family and friends."

Mr. Stydahar was born March 17, 1912, in Kaylor, Pennsylvania, grew up in Shinnston, W. Virginia, lived most recently in Highland Park, Ill., and was employed by Southwest Forest Industries, a Bridgeview, Illinois, container company. He was on a business trip in Beckley when he was stricken last night. He actually began his football career at the University of Pittsburgh. An alumnus steered him to the school for a week of freshman workouts. Then, as was custom, the young Stydahar went home brifly. He was waiting on a street corner for a car from Pitt to pick him up. A car from West Virginia showed up first, Mr. Stydahar was steered to the Mountaineers' campus in Morgantown and Coach Earle (Greasy) Neale hid him at a fraternity house until Pitt gave up looking for him. During 1933-35, with Mr. Stydahar as captain during his senior year, West Virginia's won-lost in the East-West Shrine Game and College All-Star Game in 1936 and was the Bears No. 1 draft choice that year. Mr. Stydahar starred for Chicago during the 1936-42 season, making N. F. L. All-Pro team during 1937-40. He spent 1943-44 as a Navy lieutenant, a gunnery officer aboard the U.S.S. Monterey, then rejoined the Bears for the 1945-46 seasons. From there he went to Los Angeles as an assistant coach and, in 1950

became the Rams' head coach. That year they lost the N. F. L. title game, 30-28, when Lou Groza kicked a last-minute field goal for the Cleveland Browns. The next year, though, the Rams beat the Browns, 24-17, for the championship. Mr. Styndahar and Dan Reeves, then the Rams' president, had a falling out and Stydahar quit after the first game of the 1952 season. "I thought I was so big I couldn't be replaced. Nobody that big - not in football, not in anything." Late in the 1952 season he was hired as an assistant coach by the Green Bay Packers. He then became head coach of the Chicago Cardinals for 1953-54 when they posted 1-10 and 2-10 records. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame 10 years ago and was named to the college shrine in 1972. Mr. Stydahar is survived by daughter, three sons, four sisters and three brothers. Funeral services will be held Saturday at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Shinnston.

STAKICH, DANIEL Businessman-Military

One of the familiar figures in the Croatian community and a friend of many Croatian immigrants, Daniel Stakich, came to Cleveland, Ohio in September of 1911. He joined Lodge 235 of the National Croatian Society in Collinwood. While in Cleveland he finished high school, became a U.S. citizen, and joined the U.S. Army in 1917 where he served as an interpreter at the Paris Peace Conference. He spoke several Slavic languages, French and German. In 1920, Stakich opened his own insurance and real estate agency located at 15183 Waterloo Road. One of the founders of the Croatian Liberty Home, located at 15711 Waterloo Road, he acted as Secretary for 33 years. In addition, he was a member of the Cleveland Real Estate Board, of the Insurance Board of Cleveland, a 52-year member of Euclid Post 343 of the American Legion and Post 2926 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Democratic Club of Ward 32. He died on July 13, 1972, at the Euclid General Hospital. Mr. Stakich was a typical example of a Croatian immigrant of humble origin who with hard work succeeded in America, becoming a highly esteemed man.

STAMBUK, GEORGE Professor-Author-Military

Professor of International Affairs, Naval War College Center, The George Washington University, Newport, Rhode Island. Married. U.S. citizen. Education includes Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 1952-54; Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, A.M., 1956; Ph.D., 1961 with a major field of International Law, Politics,and Organization. Experience: Lecturer, Indiana University 1957-61; Assistant Professor of Government, Indiana University 1961-62; Associate Professor of International Affairs, The George Washington University 1962-66; 1967- Professor of International Affairs, The George Washington University. Prizes:1961 Mershon Prize for the best book-length manuscript on national security. Published American Military Forces Abroad: Their Impact on the Western System-Columbus, Ohio: Ohio State University Press, 1963. (Co-author) Eastern European Government and Politics, New York: Harper & Row, 1966. Articles contributed to Journal of Politics, American Political Science Review, Political Studies, Journal of European Affairs, Naval War College Review. "Foreign Policy and the 'Station ing of Military Forces Abroad," Midwest Conference of Political Scientists, at Notre Dame Univ., South Bend, Indiana, 1962. "Political Interest Groups and the European Community," Conference on Research on International Organization, Bellagio, Italy, July, 1966, sponsored by. the Social Science Research Council, New York.Member of American Political Science Association; International Political Science Association; Pi Sigma Alpha; American Society of International Law; American Association of University Professors; Institute of Strategic Studies, London.

STAMBUK, STEPHEN P. Businessman-Stonecutter

Stephen was born in Selca on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia March 28, 1880. Like his father Mathew Stambuk he learned the trade of stone cutter. In 1902 Stephen bade farewell to his mother Jerka nee Ostojic and father and moved to Tacoma, Washington. By 1923 the expert stonemason relocated in San Pedro, California and expanded into the local business community by becoming an insurance agent, specializing in marine and fire coverage. Mr. Stambuk was an active community supporter and member of the San Pedro Elks Lodge, the Slavonian-American Benevolent Society and the Croatian Fraternal Union.

STANFEL CLAN Restaurant-Saloon-Sports Bar

Tweny-five years ago, when the Giants and Dodgers played the first big league baseball game in San Francisco, there were almost as many people jammed into the Double Play Bar as there were trying to get into Seals stadium across the street. "It used to be wall-to-wall people here," recalled Stanley Stanfel, chef and co-owner of the Double play. "There were four of us tending bar on their game days." "Chief Justice Warren came in and wanted a drink and my brother Leland said, wait your turn." "I said, "Leland, don't you know who that is?" and Leland said, "So what. These other guys were here first." Bartenders who served O'Doul, Cronin, Gomez, the DiMaggios and the other great players of San Francisco's pacific Coast League days tend to be less than ever awed by politicians, statesmen and chief justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. Yesterday, as the Giants and padres got ready to play at Candlestick Park, Stanley Stanfel, 65, his brother Leland, 64, and some of their customers recalled the glorious days when San Francisco's professional baseball was dispensed right across the street. "Pat Brown was the attorney general then," Bufka said yesterday, "and a guy named Sonny Marx left pat's ticket for the opener with me." "Pat came by in a big state limousine and I gave him the tickets. He asked if it was okay to park in the lot. I said, sure, for $3. Pat said the hell with that, he could park across the street for nothing." The Stanfels and the other customers in the bar solemnly shook their heads. Seals Stadium, built at 16th and Bryant streets, opened in 1931 and was torn down after Candlestick park opened in 1960. The Giants played their home games there for two years. "The Giants didn't drink like the Seals did," Lee Stanfel said. "There were just a few of the Giants did any real drinking in here. Most of the Seals came in." The Double play has been at the corner of 16th and Bryant since 1943. It was opened by the Stanfels' dad, Peter, who was 85 when he died 1968. Young Peter Stanfel, the grandson, also worked at the Double Play. One of the Stanfel brothers, Dick, now is an assistant coach with the Chicago bears. He put in time behind the plank of the Double Play. The matriarch of the family, Annie Stanfel, 88, had to see her doctor yesterday, missing a Giant opener for the first time since they came to San Francisco 25 years ago. "But she wouldn't have missed the game if they were still playing across the street," Leland Stanfel said.

STANFEL, PETER Croatian Activities

Peter Martin Stanfel was a young, vigorous man of 30 years. He was the son of Lee and Marie Stanfel; a local lad born and reared here in the Mission/ Excelsior districts of San Francisco, along with his sister Darlene and brothers Stephen and Lee. He was a graduate of Riordan High School, Class of 1979, and was a member of the Slavonic Society for some ten years. During this time he endeared himself to all our members, helping in every and any way he could. He was a fixture at our social and dinner meetings, tending bar, aiding the kitchen staff, or as a security guard. Pete was one of the youngest members of our Board of Directors, serving as our Sergeant-at-Arms. We will all miss his friendly, youthful zest, and caring ways.

STANICH, FRANK J. Dentist-Teacher

Frank Stanich is a dentist in private practice in Caspian, Michigan. Born January 22, 1911 to Croatian parents in Caspian, Michigan; married with one child. Education includes Hillsdale College, Michigan, B.S., 1935; Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Summer, 1943; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Summer, 1944, 1945; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1945-49, D. D. S. , 1949. Major field Dental Surgery - General Dentistry. Member of Vi Psi Phi Dental Fraternity; American Dental Association. Public School Teacher, 1935-41; Practice of Dentistry.

STANICH, FRANK S. Professor

Frank Stanich is a professor of German at the University of Maryland, Department of Foreign Languages, College Park, Maryland. Education includes University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, B.A., 1961; Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, M.A., 1964; University of Michigan, 1964-66, Ph.D., with a major field in German Literature, Linguistics, Philosophy. Modern German novel and novelle. Fellowship from Deutscher Akademischer Austauschienst, 1962-63, used at the Phillips-Universitat, Marburg/L, Germany; Teaching Assistantship in German, Indiana University 1963-64. Teaching Fellowship in German, University of Michigan, 1965-66. Member of Modern Language Association; American Association of Teachers of German; Delta Phi Alpha.

STANICH, GEORGE All American-Professor

Sacramento’s George Stanich was John Wooden’s first All-American at University of California at Los Angeles. Stanich played guard for the Bruins and earned his honors in 1950. An all-around athlete, he captured a Bronze Medal in the high jump at the 14th Olympic Games in London and later pitched for Oakland of the Pacific Coast Baseball League. Stanich coached basketball at El Camino College in Los Angeles for 15 years and in 1971 coached Yugoplastika of Split to the Yugoslav national basketball championship. He is currently Professor of Physical Education at El Camino College in Los Angeles.

STANISICH, FRANK Croatian Activities

Frank was born in Bribir-Vinodol, Hrvatsko, Primorje, Croatia 21 September 1888 and at 18 moved to America. In 1906 he settled in at Anaconda, Montana where in 1914 he married Stephanie Mikic. He moved his family to Detroit in 1919 to work in an iron foundry and later to Southern California. The Stanisich family had grown to include, Frank Jr., Genevieve, and Anne. Frank was a long time member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 177 and actively involved with its activities.

STANOVICH, JOHN Fisherman

Stanovich’s 2,236 Tuna Sandwiches

How many tuna sandwiches can you get out of a 448-pound tuna? That’s the weight of this bluefin tuna, the largest ever taken in eastern Pacific Ocean waters. John Stanovich, skipper of the purse seiner VAGABOND of San Pedro, says his crew netted the record setter while fishing at night near Guadalupe Island off Baja California in November of 1976. Robert Pasarow, president of Pan Pacific Fisheries of San Pedro, inspects the fish which was purchased by his company. The previous record for bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific was a 297 pounder, also caught near Guadalupe by a commercial fisherman. The largest sport-caught bluefin in California waters is a 251-pound fish taken in 1899 near Catalina Island. Cannery officials estimate the 448-pound bluefin will produce 2,236 tuna sandwiches.

STANOVICH, JOHN Electrical Business

An electrical concern that has won its way to popular favor through honest, dependable service is that of John Stanovich, known as the Central Electrical Company, at 381 Main street, Watsonville. Mr. Stanovich was born in Dalmatia, Croatia. He was born on the 2nd of August, 1876, the son of Joseph and Mary (Bakich) Stanovich. The father was originally a sailor, but from 1882 to 1890 he was engaged in fishing off New Orleans. John Stanovich at the early age of sixteen came to the United States. In New York he worked as handy man in a large apartment house, where he had a chance to learn plumbing and wiring, and he continued there for nine years. he also attended night schools, to pursue electrical courses and to supplement his practical knowledge and in bustling New York he continued until October, 1910, when he came west to California. Mr. Stanovich lived for a year in San Francisco, but in June, 1912, he came to Watsonville, where he started, in a modest way, his own electrical concern. He now has one of the most modern stores in this part of the state. Mr. Stanovich married Miss Edith Constable of New York.

STANOVICH, PETE Fisherman

Pete was born in Komiza, island of Vis, Croatia to Josip and Marija Joncic Stanojevic. He had four brothers, George (who died at age nine), Matt, Nick, and Tony. He had three sisters, Katherine (Bozanic), Lucria (Felando), and Anka (Felando). Pete served in the Navy in Croatia for two years before coming to the United States on April 4, 1937. He married Matilda Pecarich in Bellingham, Washington February 23, 1946. They had two children, Mary and Joe. He farmed potatoes in Newport Beach, California for 6 to 8 months, and then worked as a commercial fisherman for 30 years. Before retiring at age 65, he worked as a security guard for the Star Kist Cannery on Terminal Island for 10 years. Pete was born on May 7, 1912 and died August 10, 2002. He is survived by his son Joe, and grandson Daniel, in San Pedro; his daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Stan Smallwood of Bothell, Washington; his brother, Tony Stanojevic of Split, Croatia, and his sister, Anka Felando, of San Pedro. Pete was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, brother, and uncle. He was greatly loved and will be missed by all of us. (Sleasman 2002)

STARKOVICH, GEORGE T. Labor Unionist-Coalminer-Croatian Activities

Tens of thousands of Croatian immigrants played an important and historic role in establishing labor unions in the basic industries of this great land during the first 40 years'of this century. The fact that millions and millions of families own their homes today, receive pensions, have fully-paid health coverage, enjoy greatly improved democratic rights (gone are the police state-company owned towns) flows from these hard fought and courageous union battles our grandfathers and fathers engaged in. Mothers and grandmothers were there on the picket line and at home in full support. One labor pioneer who left his mark is George Starkovich, born January 23, 1892, in Lic, Gorski Kotar, Croatia. George joined both the Croatian Fraternal Union and the United Mine Workers Union in 1909. He is still a proud member of both organizations today. For 39 years, he served as president or secretary of CFU Lodge 625 in Bellingham, Washinton. When the UMWA was re-established in 1935, George Starkovich was in the forefront in building the union at the Bellingham coal mine. A living wage, seven-hour day, paid travel time in and out of the mine, honest weights of the miners' coal production and safer working conditions were won. It took courage and guts to establish a democratic labor union in those days. We thank him for the contributions he has made to the community, for making this a better place to live. It is people like this man, with a quiet, diligent commitment to social justice for human mankind that have made this country great. So, George Starkovich, as you move towards your 90th Birthday, Dug Zivot i Dobro Zdravlje! Your Son, George T. Starkovich.

STARKOVICH-STARCEVIC, MIKE Motel-Miner

Brother Starkovich came to Jerome, Arizona In 1917, working in the copper mines there until 1945. He moved with his parents to Williams, Arizona where they purchased a motel and operated it until his death. Mike, 79, was born in Lika. He married Mary Kovacovich, the oldest daughter of the prominent family of Nick Kovacovich here in 1924. He was a member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 138. Mike Starkovich (Mate Starcevic) passed away in Williams, Arizona on July 25, 1976. Survivors include his wife, Mary; two sons, Mike and Robert; a daughter, Mary Allen; and 10 grandchildren, all of Phoenix, Ariz.

STEFANAC, NIKOLA Business-Croatian Activities

Mr. and Mrs. Nikola Stefanac have been ardent supporters of Croatia's struggle to become a free democratic state and of the Croatian scholarship Fund from its inception. They are CSF benefactors and have been supporting two students in Croatia for two years and are committed to a full four-year scholarship for these students. Nikola Stefanac was inducted into the Scholarship Hall of Fame in 1999. Mr. Nikola Stefanac was born in the Croatian town of Grabovac in the county of Slunj. He was one of eleven children, and both his parents passed away in his early childhood. Mrs. Zlata Stefanac is from Kamen Most near Imotski. They are owners of a very successful business - Moss Precision in Hayward, California. Their three children are Branislava, a student at University of the Pacific Dental School, Katherin, a student at University of San Francisco, and Nick, a senior at Mountain View High School. Proud young Croatians, they have worked actively at fund raising events for the CSF. Mr. and Mrs. Stefanac are convinced that educating the deserving and dedicated students in Croatia is of the highest importance. According to Mr. Stefanac, "The wealth of a nation can be measured by the knowledge and education of its citizens. Education is one thing no one can take away from you. This is the creed by which we are raising our own children and it is what we wish for the students in Croatia. It is of the utmost importance that these students remain in Croatia and use their knowledge and education to help their own people."

STEFANCIC, JEAN ANN (GEISKY) Library Science

Jean Ann Stefancic was born January 14, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio is married and resides in Birmingham, Michigan. Her education includes Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 1958; Maryville College, Maryville, Tennesse, B.A., 1961; Simmons College, Graduate School of Library Science, Boston, Mass., M.S., 1963 with a major field inEnglish and American Literatures and a specialty in Library Science. Thesis: 1961 "Henry David Thoreau's Relationship to Nature as Revealed in His Journals," Maryville College. Member of Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society; American Library Association; Thoreau Society. Worked at 1961-65 Serials Librarian at Harvard College, Library; 1965-67, Cataloger at Southern Methodist University Library, Dallas, Texas; 1967-69, Serials Cataloger at Oakland University Library, Rochester, Michigan.

STEPOVICH, CHRISTOPHER Pilot

Christopher Alexander was born July 5, 1954. Christopher studied at Gonzaga, University and in 1998 at the Pacific Western University in Hawaii. He is a pilot for a local airline. Christopher is presently recuperating from a plane accident. He and his wife Joan (Haefly) have four children. Three are in school at ICS, and one is at home in Fairbanks, Alaska. His father, Michael Stepovich, the youngest and last governor of the Territory of Alaska, led Alaska during its campaign for statehood. In 1959, he succeeded in putting the 40th star on the American flag. Of Croatian descent, Stepovich and his wife Matilda also boast the largest gubernatorial family in United States history: 13 children and (to date) 30 grandchildren. Retells Mike's wife Matilda, "Mike's father and mother met and married in Portland, Oregon. His grandmother and grandfather had come to Portland with their children. All were born in Sutivan on otok (island) Brac. His grandfather and two uncles came first to America and earned passage for the six of them. Mike's father was born in Risan, Boka Kotorska on February 16, 1872. He came to Fresno, California, as a young man and packed horses. In 1898, he left for Dawson Yukon Territory to seek gold over the Chilkoot Trail, where few were successful. He went to Alaska to mine gold in 1903, at the time of the founding of the city of Fairbanks."

STEPOVICH, JAMES Attorney

James Leo Stepovich born April 23, 1961. Jim graduated from Gonzaga University in 1983 and from Willamette Law School in 1989. He and his wife Sonia practice law in San Diego, California. They have two children. His father, Michael Stepovich, the youngest and last governor of the Territory of Alaska, led Alaska during its campaign for statehood. In 1959, he succeeded in putting the 40th star on the American flag. Of Croatian descent, Stepovich and his wife Matilda also boast the largest gubernatorial family in United States history: 13 children and (to date) 30 grandchildren. Retells Mike's wife Matilda, "Mike's father and mother met and married in Portland, Oregon. His grandmother and grandfather had come to Portland with their children. All were born in Sutivan on otok (island) Brac. His grandfather and two uncles came first to America and earned passage for the six of them. Mike's father was born in Risan, Boka Kotorska on February 16, 1872. He came to Fresno, California, as a young man and packed horses. In 1898, he left for Dawson Yukon Territory to seek gold over the Chilkoot Trail, where few were successful. He went to Alaska to mine gold in 1903, at the time of the founding of the city of Fairbanks."

STEPOVICH, MARKO Golmines-Real Estate

Retells Mike's wife Matilda, "Mike's father and mother met and married in Portland, Oregon. His grandmother and grandfather, Barta. had come to Portland with their children. All were born in Sutivan on the otok (island) Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia. His grandfather and two uncles came first to America and earned passage for the six of them. Mike's father, Marko, was born in Risan, Boka Kotorska on February 16, 1872. He came to Fresno, California, as a young man and packed horses. In 1898, he left for Dawson Yukon Territory to seek gold over the Chilkoot Trail, where few were successful. He went to Alaska to mine gold in 1903, at the time of the founding of the city of Fairbanks." After thirty years of mining on the west coast, Marko, who was known as "Wise Mike," struck gold. Wrote Whipple, "Usually, people headed back to the states after making a strike. Stepovich, Sr., however, was an unusual sourdough. He invested his money in more gold claims, some of which he sold to large mining firms, and in real estate in Fairbanks." Wrote Time Magazine, "His breakfast appetizer was four or five coffee royals-a couple of slugs of bourbon sweetened with a dash of coffee-and his hobby was seven-deck 'pan-ginney' dealt out at the Pastime Cafe." The Stepoviches separated when Mike was six months old, and he grew up with his mother in Portland, Oregon. Marko remarried in 1924 to Vuka Radovich, who at 96 years still lives in Fairbanks and winters in Saratoga, California. When Mike was 16, he began working summers in his father's mines in Fairbanks. Mike's father died in 1943. Michael Stepovich, is the youngest and last governor of the Territory of Alaska, led Alaska during its campaign for statehood. In 1959, he succeeded in putting the 40th star on the American flag. Of Croatian descent, Stepovich and his wife Matilda also boast the largest gubernatorial family in United States history: 13 children and (to date) 30 grandchildren.

STEPOVICH, MICHAEL Attorney

Michael Anthony Stepovich, born January 23, 1950. Michael practices law in Fairbanks, Alaska. He graduated from Gonzaga University in 1973 and Gonzaga Law School in 1977. He and his wife Chris are active in the church and school. Chris teaches religion part-time at Monroe. They have four children, who are attending or have graduated from Immaculate Conception School, Grades (ICS), and Monroe High School (MHS). Two are in college. His father, Michael Stepovich, the youngest and last governor of the Territory of Alaska, led Alaska during its campaign for statehood. In 1959, he succeeded in putting the 40th star on the American flag. Of Croatian descent, Stepovich and his wife Matilda also boast the largest gubernatorial family in United States history: 13 children and (to date) 30 grandchildren. Retells Mike's wife Matilda, "Mike's father and mother met and married in Portland, Oregon. His grandmother and grandfather had come to Portland with their children. All were born in Sutivan on otok (island) Brac. His grandfather and two uncles came first to America and earned passage for the six of them. Mike's father was born in Risan, Boka Kotorska on February 16, 1872. He came to Fresno, California, as a young man and packed horses. In 1898, he left for Dawson Yukon Territory to seek gold over the Chilkoot Trail, where few were successful. He went to Alaska to mine gold in 1903, at the time of the founding of the city of Fairbanks."

STEPOVICH, MIKE Governor-Attorney

Michael Stepovich, the youngest and last governor of the Territory of Alaska, led Alaska during its campaign for statehood. In 1959, he succeeded in putting the 40th star on the American flag. Of Croatian descent, Stepovich and his wife Matilda also boast the largest gubernatorial family in United States history: 13 children and (to date) 30 grandchildren. In many respects, Alaska is a state still uncharted. Outside its major cities, roads begin to end and the land of protected resources and unmarked terrain begins. In the past, the gold rush of 1898 made but a small dent in the land, and the people who settled in the great territory above the contiguous forty-eight were but the adventurous few. In fact, it wasn't until 1959 that Alaska, with a population of less than 200,000, became a state. Michael Stepovich, a first generation American-or Alaskan, if you will-was a type of man who believed that people had to work for themselves, and that government was there to give them the chance. As a young lawyer in the late 1940s, he began to work for the mechanism that would allow Alaskans the freedom to take responsibility for themselves and for their nation: statehood. Statehood meant that Alaskans would pay federal taxes, vote in presidential elections, and hold seats in the House and Senate. It meant Alaskans could control more of their land and wilderness preserves, develop their own resources more independently, and control their fishing and timber industries. In the late 1950s, statehood finally happened. And it would be Michael Anthony Stepovich, the last territorial governor of Alaska, who sold the idea of statehood to both Alaska and Washington and brought the 49th star to the American flag. Thus, the 39-year-old Stepovich became the first native-born, Croatian-American governor of the State of Alaska. He was also the first Roman Catholic to hold the position, and with his wife Matilda, a strong and professional woman, he boasted a larger family than any previous governor-thirteen children and (to date!) 30 grandchildren.

On the 4 anniversary of Alaskan statehood, Stepovich--a man known for his "open-faced friendliness" and earnest warmth--recalled his last meeting with President Eisenhower with simple satisfaction: "It was at the White House again. Eisenhower told me that he'd made a lot of appointments, but he thought that I was one of his better ones. That made me feel pretty good."

Retells Mike's wife Matilda, "Mike's father and mother met and married in Portland, Oregon. His grandmother and grandfather, Barta. had come to Portland with their children. All were born in Sutivan on the otok (island) Brac. His grandfather and two uncles came first to America and earned passage for the six of them. Mike's father was born in Risan, Boka Kotorska on February 16, 1872. He came to Fresno, California, as a young man and packed horses. In 1898, he left for Dawson Yukon Territory to seek gold over the Chilkoot Trail, where few were successful. He went to Alaska to mine gold in 1903, at the time of the founding of the city of Fairbanks." After thirty years of mining on the west coast, Marko, who was known as "Wise Mike," struck gold. Wrote Whipple, "Usually, people headed back to the states after making a strike. Stepovich, Sr., however, was an unusual sourdough. He invested his money in more gold claims, some of which he sold to large mining firms, and in real estate in Fairbanks." Wrote Time Magazine, "His breakfast appetizer was four or five coffee royals-a couple of slugs of bourbon sweetened with a dash of coffee-and his hobby was seven-deck 'pan-ginney' dealt out at the Pastime Cafe." The Stepoviches separated when Mike was six months old, and he grew up with his mother in Portland, Oregon. Marko remarried in 1924 to Vuka Radovich, who at 96 years still lives in Fairbanks and winters in Saratoga, California. When Mike was 16, he began working summers in his father's mines in Fairbanks. Mike's father died in 1943. Mike's mother Olga was born on May 22, 1898. After moving to Portland, Olga married a second time, to Marko Fabijanic. For over 45 years Marko and Olga ran a neighborhood grocery store together. Olga Fabianich continued to run the grocery store after her husband passed away. A caring and esteemed businesswoman and grandmother, "Nana"Olga, as Matilda says, was independent and clearminded until her death at 94 years of age in 1992. Mike has two half brothers, Dr. Michael Leo Stepovich, who is a practicing orthodontist, and Dr. Alexander Stepovich, a dentist, who has three children. Mike has two stepsisters, Nada Vera Houston (retired teacher, three children, husband retired from IBM) and Ellen Burdette (retired teacher, two children, husband retired from GEICO). Mike was born March 12, 1919 in Fairbanks, Alaska, in the same hospital where 12 of his children would be born. A son, Nicholas, would be born in Juneau during Stepovich's tenure as governor. In Portland, Oregon, Mike attended St. Patrick's grammar school and Colombia Preparatory School, run by the Holy Cross Order. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Gonzaga, University in Spokane, Washington, and a law degree from Notre Dame in 1942. He served in the US Navy until 1946 and completed the bar exam in Alaska in 1947. Matilda, Mike's wife of 52 years, tells the story of how her family came to the States from Croatia, and how her and Mike's paths crossed:

"My parents met and were married in Portland, Oregon. They each came to America to join their families. My father Lovre (Lawrence) Baricevic, came to live with his sister Perina Badurina, and her husband Josip. He was born in Lun, otok (island) Pag, in 1887. He attended the Oregon Institute of Technology and became an electrical engineer-this was without the benefit of a high school diploma. He was well read and fluent in English. He ran the electric plant at St. Vincent's Hospital while we were growing up." Lovre was very proud of his Croatian heritage and was intent on both adapting to American life and preserving the Croatian language and culture within his famfly and within the Croatian community. In the Baricevic household, Matilda's family spoke only the Croatian language. Lovre Baricevic died in 1962 in Portland. Matilda's mother, Kata Alesi, was born in 1887 in Starigrad on the island of Hvar. She imnigrated to America and lived with one of her brothers in Portland, where she had another brother and sister. Kata was a homemaker and an active member of the Croatian conununity in Portland. She was fluent in English and used her translation skills to help other immigrants. She regularly translated for Croatian women when they visited the doctor or needed to conduct business in English. Kata Baricevic died in 1974. Matilda was born in Portland on March 24, 1922. "1 have an older brother, Kenneth. He lives in Los Altos, California, and is a retired electrical engineer. Kenneth and his wife raised four children. My younger brother, Ferdinand, was born in 1927 and also became an

electrical engineer. He and his wife Laurentia raised four beautiful daughters and one son." One of Matilda's two sisters, Elizabeth, earned a doctoral degree in Romance Languages from Stanford University and was a well-respected teacher in Oregon. Her sister Cecilia earned a Master's degree of Social Work from Catholic University. Cecilia is employed with Catholic Charities and heads the resettlement programs in Portland. Says Matilda, "Her fluency in Croatian has served her in good stead." It is clear that Lovre Baricevics pride in his language and heritage has passed on to his daughter Matilda. She fondly remembers Fr. Ljubo Cuvalo and Fr. Zvonko Manduric, Croatian Franciscan missionaries, who in the 1930's took care of the Croatian community in Oregon and in British Columbia and were responsible for opening a school of Croatian language--even her father Lovre attended, as well as Mike Stepovich. Matilda graduated from St. Mary's High School and then studied two years at Marylhurst College. She transferred to the University of Oregon and graduated in 1943 with a B.A. in Law Undergraduate. She was a caseworker for the State of Oregon for five years before marrying. "We were a tight-knit Croatian community. Mike's stepfather, who was a friend of my father from Pag, was my "kum" (godfather). I remember attending Mike's sixth birthday party. We knew each other but 'no interest' until he returned from the service in 1946. We be came engaged when he left to go to Alaska for the bar exam on June 24, 1947."

Matilda and Michael Stepovich planned to live in Fairbanks, Alaska, where Michael would practice law and eventually become part of the city and state government. Wrote Time Magazine, "'Mat" knew that marriage to Mike meant frozen bliss in the tundra. ' I rather looked forward to it,' she says, 'even though I had the usual idea of eternal snow and sled dogs cuddling up to you in a cabin for warmth."' In 1950, Michael was elected to three terms in the territorial legislature. Already involved in the issue of statehood, Stepovich came under the tutelage of Territorial Senator John Butrovich, Jr., a great promoter ot Alaskan statehood. By 1952 Butrovich and Fairbanks Publisher Bill Snedden, two powerful Republicans, were backing Stepovich as the gubernatorial candidate for the Territory. In their eyes, Stepovich would be hopefully the last governor of the Territory and the first of the State of Alaska. Matilda Stepovich recalls, "It was never in his mind to become governor of the territory." But Fred Seaton, Secretary of the Interior, saw the 37-year-old Stepovich as a cut above at least 17 other candidates; Seaton's recommendation was approved by Eisenhower, and that year the Stepovich family of nine moved into the gubernatorial mansion in Juneau, the capitol of Alaska. Soon, they would be a family of ten. "During the time that Mike was governor, our eighth child, Nicholas, was born. Mike traveled a good deal as a goodwill ambassador for Statehood to the lower 48 states. When he was at home, we looked after the children together." Building the Stepovich family was at least as demanding, involving, and ultimately rewarding as the "selling" of statehood to Congress and the Alaskans. Stepovich became known for his do-all attitude as he traveled around "talking," and the Stepovich family became known for its spirit and size as it neared its Step-by-Step goal of twelve children.

Reflecting upon his political work, Stepovich told Time Magazine, "When I was governor, it was mostly a sales job, going around the country selling statehood. I was a new face, 38 years old, energetic, and enthusiastic. I wasn't afraid to talk. When I traveled around the country, I just talked to people and sold Alaskan statehood. It was a good job." In Congress, arguments against granting statehood had to be overcome. First, it had to be resolved that the non-contiguity of Alaska with the lower U.S. would not be a burden on the Union. Secondly, there was the question of whether the small population of Alaska-then only 127,000, reports Portland Magazine--deserved two senators in Congress. Moreover, wrote Dan Whipple, the Seattle fishing industry "was determined to see that a new state did not make major changes in the fishing regulations off the Alaska coast. The Alaska Sahnon Industry, Inc., of Seattle, for years had lobbied successfully against statehood." But Stepovich, supported by Fred Seaton and steered by John Butrovich and Bill Snedden, built up the campaign like never before. The discovery of oil in the Kenai Peninsula, as well as virtually untapped mineral deposits, showed Alaska was filled with promise. And Alaskans were surer than ever that they could pick up control of the fishing industry and gain further rights to the land. By 1959, after an unusually mild winter and early breakup, the Alaska statehood bill passed in the House and Senate: A picture of a possible 49-star flag appeared in Time Magazine: would the stars be in rows of 5 by 5 and 4 by 6, or in a wheel, or would the stars spell out U.S.A? No matter the important thing was what that 49th star symbolized. After his term ran out, Stepovich remained involved in state politics but gradually returned full-time to his individual practice. Matilda and Mike went on to have five more children-a total of 13 children. As the Stepovich family prospered, they were able to look back on their accomplishments and important mark in the modem history of Alaska. Matilda Stepovich remarked, "It has always been important to our family that we were a part of a significant occasion in history-in short, a part of history." What is more, history and life in Alaska contributed to the endeavors of the Matilda and Mike in raising their family. Mrs. Stepovich elaborates, "Certainly, the Territory-and later the State of Alaska-was conducive to that end. The lifestyle is not pressuring. Also, being raised in the Croatian Catholic tradition provided us with the perfect guidelines to steer us in the right direction. The Catholic school has been a big part of our lives, and living in Jesuit mission country gave us all much direction." Today, Mike Sr., is presently "of counsel' in the law practices of sons Mike Jr. and Theodore. He maintains his license to practice in Alaska and helps out when they need him. Mike, Jr., has taken over his father's original practice. As for the family, it now includes 30 grandchildren-six of whom in 1999 are in college, another standard in the Stepovich family. Two grandchildren attend Gonzaga University, one attends Portland University, another San Diego Junior College, and another attends the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. On the other end of the spectrum, the youngest grandchild will be one year old on July 31, 2000.

STEPOVICH, NICHOLAS Restaurant

Nicholas Vincent born December 31, 1957. Nick graduated from Southern Oregon State College in 1980. He owns a restaurant called "Soapy Smith's" in Fairbanks, Alaska. Nick works with young people in sports and helps out at Monroe High School when needed. He is active in politics. His father, Michael Stepovich, the youngest and last governor of the Territory of Alaska, led Alaska during its campaign for statehood. In 1959, he succeeded in putting the 40th star on the American flag. Of Croatian descent, Stepovich and his wife Matilda also boast the largest gubernatorial family in United States history: 13 children and (to date) 30 grandchildren. Retells Mike's wife Matilda, "Mike's father and mother met and married in Portland, Oregon. His grandmother and grandfather had come to Portland with their children. All were born in Sutivan on otok (island) Brac. His grandfather and two uncles came first to America and earned passage for the six of them. Mike's father was born in Risan, Boka Kotorska on February 16, 1872. He came to Fresno, California, as a young man and packed horses. In 1898, he left for Dawson Yukon Territory to seek gold over the Chilkoot Trail, where few were successful. He went to Alaska to mine gold in 1903, at the time of the founding of the city of Fairbanks."

STEPOVICH, THEODORE Attorney

Theodore Joseph was born December 12, 1956. Ted graduated from Notre Dame in 1979 and Willamette Law School in 1987. He practices law in Anchorage, Alaska. He and his wife Kym have two children. They are also-very active in sports. His father, Michael Stepovich, the youngest and last governor of the Territory of Alaska, led Alaska during its campaign for statehood. In 1959, he succeeded in putting the 40th star on the American flag. Of Croatian descent, Stepovich and his wife Matilda also boast the largest gubernatorial family in United States history: 13 children and (to date) 30 grandchildren. Retells Mike's wife Matilda, "Mike's father and mother met and married in Portland, Oregon. His grandmother and grandfather had come to Portland with their children. All were born in Sutivan on otok (island) Brac. His grandfather and two uncles came first to America and earned passage for the six of them. Mike's father was born in Risan, Boka Kotorska on February 16, 1872. He came to Fresno, California, as a young man and packed horses. In 1898, he left for Dawson Yukon Territory to seek gold over the Chilkoot Trail, where few were successful. He went to Alaska to mine gold in 1903, at the time of the founding of the city of Fairbanks."

STIPELCOVICH, CATHERINE Restaurant

Born in Empire, Louisiana and educated in New Orleans, Catherine Stipelcovich is a first generation American who speaks, reads, and writes both English and Croatian. She has lived a good part of her 54 years in the Grand Bayou oyster camps and prefers that life to her present urban life. She visited Croatia in 1953 with her husband after which they returned to Port Sulphur to resume the operation of a restaurant. Both she and her husband are members of the United Slavonian Benevolent Association. They have one son, John.

STIPELCOVICH, JOHN Boatman

John Stipelcovich was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. After a few years of living in the Grand Bayou oyster camps, his parents moved to Port Sulphur. Until he started school, John could speak no English. He attended school in Port Sulphur until the sixth grade, after which he was sent to New Orleans where he attended St. Catherine of Siena until the eleventh grade. He returned to Port Sulphur where he graduated, after which he began to work on a crew boat which transported men to the oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico. He no longer speaks Croatian but can understand a conversation in that language. He is a second generation American.

STIPETIC, GEORGE Teacher-Project Engineer

George was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, with both parents coming form Ogulin, Croatia. His father worked in the steel mills -- another common occupation of our immigrant predecessors. Following four years in the Air Force, George graduated from college and taught math for a year before taking a job with Boeing in Wichita, Kansas. He transferred to Everett, Washington when the company's 747 project got under way and at the same time transferred his CFU membership to Seattle. George is a 50 year member of the Croatian Fraternal Union 439 in Seattle, Washington.

STOCKHAMMER, DAN Doctor

Dan Stockhammer is a Physician and Surgeon in general practice in Chicago, Illinois. Born April 23, 1933 in Nova Gradiska, Croatia; married with two children. Education includes Real Gymnasium, Banja Luka, 1952; Faculty of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia M.D., 1958.

STOLICH, PETER P. Fruit Packer Shipper

Peter P. Stolich, of 130 Wall street, Watsonville was born in Dalmatia, Croatia on February 25, 1875, the son of Peter and Mary Stolich, who have twice crossed the wide ocean in the hope of finding what they wanted here, but twice returned to the old country. Unfortunately, perhaps, they located in Texas, instead of California. Peter P. Stolich remained in his native land until he attained the age of twenty-two years, when he resolved to try his fortune in America. He was lucky, in the beginning, to locate in Stockton, on reaching California, for Stockton has been a good business as well as a good home town. Before long, however, he saw greater opportunities in Watsonville, and hither he removed. For awhile he worked on ranches and in orchards, but by 1900, he had so far progressed financially that he was able to embark in business for himself as a packer and shipper. Although he was compelled to commence in a very modest way, he has built up a business of enviable proportions, and in the busy season he keeps fifty workers hustling to satisfy the market's demands. Mr. Stolich married Miss Stella Arkulin, of Dalmatia, and they have one child, a son, named Peter. Mr. Stolich is a third degree Knight of Columbus, a Moose, and a member of the American-Austrian Benevolent Association.

STRAZICICH, ANDREW Restaurant Hotel Businessman

He was born in Dalmatia, Croatia in 1872 and was reared on a farm. Following the example of his two brothers, he came to Watsonville as a young man, arriving in this city in 1891. He spent four days in Watsonville and then went to work for his cousin, who was the proprietor of the Saddle Rock restaurant on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz. On his return to Watsonville, Mr. Strazicich formed a partnership with his brother George, who had built the Railroad Exchange Hotel on Walker street. They were associated for nine years in the conduct of one of the pioneer hotels of this district and the subject of this sketch then acquired control of the California Restaurant on Main street, which he operated for four years. He next became owner of the City Grocery, also located on Main street, and now conducts a similar store at the corner of West Lake avenue and Walker street. Mr. Strazicich has four children: Lena, who was graduated from the Moreland Notre Dame Academy at Watsonville, after which she completed a commercial course, and is now a member of the clerical force of the Pajaro valley Mercantile Company; Angela, who also finished her education in the Moreland Notre Dame Academy at Watsonville; and Irene and Lucille, both of whom are high school students. Mr. Strazicich is identified with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and acts as secretary of the local lodge of the National Croatian Society of America, which maintains its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has fifty thousand members and is one of the largest and strongest foreign societies in the United States. Mr. Strazicich organized the Watsonville lodge of this organization, which now has eighty members, and its affairs are in very prosperous condition. He is a self-made man who has made the most of his opportunities, and a life of industry, integrity and usefulness has earned for him the respect, confidence and goodwill of his fellow citizens.

STRAZICICH, GEORGE Hotel Restaurant

A native of Dalmatia, George Strazicich has had an adventurous career, visiting many parts of the world and thus broadening his outlook upon life. He is one of the pioneer hotel men of Watsonville and the owner of much valuable property in the city, which numbers him among its builders and promoters. George Strazicich was born in Dalmatia, Croatia, January 8, 1861, and his home was in a seaport whose climatic conditions were similar of those of Watsonville, the principal products of the farms in the vicinity being figs, olives, grapes and other varieties of fruit. After finishing his studies he followed the life of a sailor, going to Russian ports on the Black sea and to many other European countries. In 1876, when a boy of fourteen, he landed in New York harbor but returned to his native country in order to see his mother, arriving there at the time of the war with Turkey. He served on the battleship Albrect, also with the land forces, and received from the Austrian government a medal of honor, which he prizes very highly, as it was bestowed by the emperor, Franz Joseph. On April 1, 1886, Mr. Strazicich arrived in the city of Santa Cruz, California, but with a few dollars in his pocket, joining his brother and sister, who had preceded him to this country. In November, 1886, he worked for six months in a restaurant. On the expiration of that period he started in business for himself. Securing a location on Main street, he opened a second restaurant in the town. As soon as he was established in business Mr. Strazicich wrote to his boyhood sweetheart, a college graduate, who was then engaged in teaching, asking her to join him, and they were married here in 1889. She was the first woman to come from Dalmatia to Watsonville and three years later another one of her countrywomen arrived in the city. Learning that the Southern Pacific Railroad contemplated building a branch line from Watsonville Junction to Santa Cruz, Mr. Strazicich bought two lots, one hundred by one hundred and twenty feet, opposite the site of the new station on Walker street, paying five hundred dollars for the property, on which he erected a building thirty by forty feet in dimensions and two and a half stories in height, naming it the Railroad Exchange Hotel. He operated a bar in connection with the hotel and five years later built an addition fifty feet in depth. At that time the Spreckels interests constructed a sugar factory near Watsonville and Mr. Strazicich boarded the men who worked in the plant, also securing laborers for the factory and the apple orchards. After he had improved the property and made it valuable he bought a lot sixty by one hundred and twenty-five feet on the corner of Walker street and West Lake avenue. Here he erected his present hotel, the Railroad Exchange and this was the first building on Walker street, which at that time was only a cow pasture. He also owns the Spreckels home, which he bought after the Watsonville sugar factory was abandoned and the new plant was erected near Salinas. He has done much to improve his city and for a time was also the proprietor of the Sugar Beet Hotel at Riverside, California. Mr. Strazicich's first wife died eighteen years after their marriage, leaving four sons: Nicholas, who is living in San Jose; George Jr., who is associated with his father in the hotel business; John, a resident of Colusa county, California; and Emil. To the second union have been born two daughters, Elizabeth and May, aged respectively fourteen and thirteen years. Mr. Strazicich formed the Austrian-American Society of Watsonville, an organization that has been of great benefit to the working men. He brought to this country from Dalmatia three nephews and two nieces, whom he reared and educated, and is noted for his generous, unselfish nature and genial qualities.

STRAZICICH, IVAN Railroad

One of the first Mljetans who came to live and work in Oakland was Ivan Strazicich with his wife Ane prior to 1900. They were both born in Babino Polje, Island of Mljet. He worked the entire time at the "Southern Pacific Railroad Company." As there were many job opportunities here for new labor, Ivan brought many Mljetans from Babino Polje, Blato and other villages. Upon their arrival to America they used to stay with him for some time and he found them jobs and was a useful consultant in every way. Therefore they loved him like a father and his wife Ane as a mother. Because of their charity, altruism and love for all Mljetans, our people were very sorry when they heard about the death of Ane and later of "gospar" Ivan. As they had no children, they expressed a wish to be buried in the St. Vlaho cemetery in Babino Polje, where their parents and numerous relatives rest. On behalf of the Mijetans from America for the funeral of Ivan Strazicich came Pero Cumbelich who delivered a enlogy both for him and his wife Ane.

STRELICH, STEVE Sports promoter-Wrestler

Well-known sports promoter, Steve Strelich died yesterday after a lengthy illness. He was 67. A former professional wrestler, he built Strelich Stadium, the local wrestling and boxing arena in Bakersfield. Strelich had been a guest of Yugoslavian ruler Marshal Tito in visits to his parents’ homeland.

STREPEL, VANJA Engineer

Vanja was born 1919 in Zagreb, Croatia. After completing his local education he attended the University of Zagreb and earned a masters degree in chemical engineering by 1943. Vanja eventually came to the United States where he was hired as a materials specialist for Northrop Space Laboratories, Hawthorne, California.

STRMICH, MARIN MIKE Vineyard-Lumberjack

Marin Mike Strmich was bom in Kastel Luksich near Split, Dalmatia, Croatia on December 7, 1885. In 1912 he married Ivanica Strmich from the same village. He came to Aberdeen, Washington in 1913, joining his two brothers. His wife and a small daughter joined him in 1920. For many Years, Mike Strmich worked in the saw mills of Aberdeen, until he bought a grape ranch in Fresno, California, returning to his first love of working the land. Along with his wife and daughter, Marin worked the ranch for many years. Upon his retirement he returned to Aberdeen. His wife, Ivanica, passed away In 1963 and he made his home with his daughter, Jerry Strmich. Mike Strmich was a charter member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 217 and the local society Zrinskl and Frankopan. He was a member of both lodges for over 60 years. In addition to his membership In the Croatian Fraternal Union and ZrInskI and Frankopan local lodge, he was a 60-year American citizen and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Marin Strmich died on July 10, 1983.

STRMSKI, JOHN V. Accountant

John Strmski is a accountant at Bimel Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. Born June 19,1937 in Zagreb, Croatia. Educated at Secondary Business School, Zagreb, Croatia 1956; University of Cincinnati, Ohio, B.B.A. , 1966 with a major field in Accounting and Public Accounting. Member of American Accounting Association.

SUBOTICH, RALPH Chemist

Ralph Subotich is a chemist for Addressograph-Multigraph Division, Buckeye Ribbon and Carbon Company in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born February 24, 1939 in Belgrade. Education includes Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, 1957-62, B.S., with a major field of chemistry. Member of the American Chemical Society; American-Croatian Academic Club 1962.

SUCHEVITS-SUCEVAC CLAN Military-Nine Sons

There's no denying the patriotism of the Suchevits family of Uniontown, Pennsylvania who had nine sons serve in the United States military for almost two decades. "You did your duty," Edward Suchevits explained. "We're all proud to be Americans.” Edward Suchevits is past president of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 72 of Uniontown, Pennsylvania and recently celebrated 50 years in the CFU. He honors his immigrant Croatian parents and pays tribute to American patriotism. The Suchevits sons served in World War 11, Korea and peacetime from 1942 to the close of 1950s. They included: Thomas, the first to serve who was in the Army during World War 11. Rudolph, who served in the Navy during World War 11. Stanley, who was in the Marine Corps during World War 11 and the Korean War. John, who was with the Merchant Marines during World War 11 and then joined the Army in Korea and then rejoined the Merchant Marines. Paul, who served in the Army in Germany during the Korean War. Michael, who was in the Navy and had two tours in Korea. Edward, who served in Korea with the Marines. During a recent interview, Edward said, "It used to be we held the record for having the most children out of a single family in the armed services. As far as I know, we still hold the record." Edward, still living in Uniontown, is the only one who survives of these nine Suchevits sons who served in the military. Altogether, there were 15 siblings. Edward has a brother and a sister who are also living who were among the four children who did not enter military service. The Suchevits family also included two children who died at a young age. Edward decided to tell this story as a tribute to his parents, Ignac and Mary, who came to this country around the turn of the 20th century, as Croatian immigrants. “1 think I owe it to my mother and father," Edward said. "Both of them were immigrants who came to this' country with just the 'Clothes on their backs’ and couldn't read or write English. But they did a terrific job raising us." Ignac (whom everyone called Iggy) and Mary met in the United States in the early 20th century as their families answered the call to America.

Ignac, who was born January 10,1893, immigrated to the United States with his two brothers and father from Rokov-Potok, Croatia in1909. He came through Ellis Island and settled in Mammoth, Pennsylvania. Mary Stunja, born February 22, 1901, came to the United States through Ellis Island in 1912 with her family and also settled in Mammoth. Ignac eventually boarded with Steve Stunja 'and married his daughter Mary on August 7, 1916. Like other immigrants, the family underwent a name change at the hands of local authorities. Ignac and, Mary's last name on their marriage certificate was Sucevic but the actual spelling was Sucevac. However, the Suchevits name is the result of school officials who enrolled the children. "In school, they spelled it however it sounded and it stuck with everybody except Michael who went by Sucevac. He is the only one who used the correct spelling," Edward explained. Thirteen Suchevits children went to school in South Union Township. The family home was on Clarendon Avenue. Ignac provided for his family working as a coal miner for 51 years and died at age 74 in 1967. Mary died in January 1944, a month before her 43rd birthday.

This family produced a military legacy that included:

Thomas, who was born April 15, 1919, was the first to enter the service in 1942 during World War 11, Thomas served as a corporal and was a member of Headquarters Company, 125th Armored Engineer Battalion, 14th Armored Division, at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. Thomas was injured in a training exercise. A grenade blew off his hand. As Edward explained, "They were training and his buddy pulled a pin and Tom picked it up to throw it and his hand blew off." After his military service ended, Thomas returned home to Uniontown where Edward said he was the first local World War 11 disabled veteran to own his own business. Thomas owned a television repair shop and taught TV repair at the Fayette County Area Vocational Technical School, Edward said. Thomas was also active in civic affairs and local veterans' organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion and the Soap Box Derby. He died June 15, 1966. His wife, Margaret, is deceased. The couple had a son and three daughters.

Rudolph, born on February 27, 1920, was a seaman and served in the Navy during World War 11 in the United States. After his service, he lived in Uniontown where he worked as a miner and truck driver. He died June 10, 1970. His wife, Betty, is still living. The couple had two sons and seven daughters.

Stanley, born July 11, 1925, served in the Marine Corps as a sergeant in China during World War 11 as a member of the Marine Air Corps. Edward said Stanley stayed in the Reserves and was called up for duty again during the Korean War. He was a member of Company A, 2nd Amtrac Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, Camp Lejune, N C. Stanley returned home to Uniontown after his military service and joined the Uniontown Police Department where he served for 21 years. Stanley later with Edward and other local residents initiated the Marine Corps Reserves unit in Fayette County and Stanley originated the Toys for Tots campaign. He died Aug. 6, 1974. He and his wife Dreamlea, divorced. They had a son and daughter.

John, born June 30, 1926, joined the service in 1944 after his mother's death. He joined the Merchant Marines, lying about his age in order to get im, Edward said his brother was on three ships that were sunk by torpedoes during the war, two in the Atlantic and one in the Pacific. "One was a kamikaze pilot in the Pacific," Edward said. "Johnny told me, "I watched him come in and the next thing I knew I was in the water." John left the Merchant Marines to serve with the Army in Korea where he participated in the evacuation of Marines trom the Chosin Reservoir. The story was later made into a film called "Retreat Hell" with Frank Lovejoy. John later returned to the Merchant Marines where he maintainedhis career until his death on July 14, 1977 in New Orleans. His wife is deceased. The couple had a son, who is also deceased, and a daughter.

Paul was a twin to Peter, both born August 20, 1928. Paul joined the Army and served in Germany during the Korean War. After his military service, Paul returned to Uniontown for a short time and then moved to New Jersey where he worked for Progresso Co. as a plumber. He lived in Vingland, New Jersey, and later Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Paul died May 5, 1990. His wife was Chris. The couple had a daughter.

Michael was born Sept. 27, 1919, and served in the Navy as a seaman on the USS Hamul during the Korean War. Edward said Michael and John helped pull Marines out of the Chosin Reservoir who were trapped and almost frozen to death and took them to safety in Japan in 1951. After the service, Michael moved to Cleveland where he worked on a ship line hauling iron ore. He died Feb. 28, 1988. His wife is deceased. They had no children.

Edward, who was born October 28, 1931, joined the Marines and became a staff sergeant, serving in Korea. He spent 13 months on the front lines with a machine-gun and was company platoon commander, and a gunnery sergeant. "I probably still hold the record of having the fastest promotion to gunnery sergeant in the Marines," said Edward. "It's very difficult to get promoted in the Marine Corps. When I was in Korea, we only had an officer for a month. I became platoon commander for the tour of duty. It was a machine gun company. I remember that on Good Friday in 1952,

Robert, who served the Army in Germany in peacetime.

William, who served the Navy during peacetime.

SUDAC, ZLATKO Priest Healer

Father Zlatko Sudac is a priest of the Diocese of Krk, Croatia. He is in good standing with his bishop who gave him permission to conduct healing seminars. He was ordained a priest just 3 years ago and has received a miraculous stigma in the form of the cross on his forehead. Besides the stigma the Lord has bestowed upon him the gifts of healing and many have received healing from cancer and other incurable diseases. On December 8, 1999, he was conducting a healing services at our church in Fairview, New Jersey and many miracles have taken place in lives of those present at the prayer service. Fr. Sudac has received his stigmata at a prayer meeting in May of 1999. He describes this event in his own words. 'When I speak about all of those events which took place then, I speak with a tremendous fear of the Lord begause I myself experienced how it all surpasses my very self. When the people ask me, what I think of all of these happenings, I tell them that I do not know what is happening with me. It is the work of the Lord which I have not fully discovered. The word of God states that we shall be known by our fruits. When the people attend my Mass or seminars they experience God. This experience changes their lives and brings them closer to God. If those in conflict reconcile with one another, throw out all their filth before God, and seek 'His face, then this becomes the fruit to which we must turn our attention. Don't put your eyes on me, but if you fix your eyes on Jesus then you will be blessed. Our focus is on the giver, not on the gift., I walk in Jesus' shoes and it is up to Him to do what he wants to do. God always comes to those people who are sincerely seeking His face. My only desire is to serve Him to the best of my ability, and if the individuals are healed, they are healed because God healed them, not 1. 1 may be an instrument, but He is the healer. The cross on my forehead is painful especially when I pray. On certain days such as flrst Fridays of -the month it begins to bleed. Before the phenomenon of stigmatization, I had gifts, like the gift of (tongues), the gift of healing, the gift of counsel and slowly the gift of knowledge came also. After the stigmatization, I receive many other gifts. Some of these gifts overwhelmed me very much. And so I need some time to get accustomed to what was happening. By this, I refer especially to the gift of levitation, bilocation, illumination and the knowledge of upcoming events -the knowledge about the near future and especially about future dangers". On October 4, 2000, Fr. Sudac has received stigmata on his hands. The last stigmatism who had the wounds of Christ was St. Francis of Assisi and Blessed Father Pio who died in 1968. Fr. Sudac spent several months at Giamelli's Papal Hospital in Rome where various tests were performed in his stigmata and it was determined by the doctors that these stigmata are unexplainable. They are miraculous signs of God on his body. (Croatian Catholic Mission,

SUGLIAN, JOHN Farm-Vineyard-Barber

Among those who have thus entered upon the privileges and responsibilites of loyal American citizenship is John Suglian, of Fresno, who was born in Dalmatia, October 28, 1873. His father, Marin Suglian, was a sailor, whose home was in Dalmatia, on the Adriatic Sea, when the son was born, but who died when John was only three months old. The mother remained a widow. She died in Dalmatia in 1912. At the age of eighteen he sailed from his native land for America, landing at New York and coming direct to Fresno, California., where he had some relatives. For nine months he worked in a restaurant in Fresno, and then he went to San Francisco and learned the barber trade, remaining there one year. Returning then to Fresno, he soon became the proprietor of what is now the Oak Barber Shop, 1055 I Street, which he operated for twenty-four years. Being desirous of owning some real estate, Mr. Suglian purchased an eighty-acre ranch, which he has in alfalfa and vineyard. Some five years ago he added to his holdings by the purchase of 125 acres, and upon this ranch he lives and runs a dairy, and raises hogs, chickens and horses.  This ranch is situated two and a half miles south of the city limits of Fresno. He was naturalized twenty-two years ago. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. A genial man and justly popular, he has many firends, and is a member of the Eagles, Foresters and Knights of Colombus. He belongs to the Catholic Church. On October 28, 1897, Mr. Suglian married Miss Bertha Bernhauer, of Rock Island, Ill., who came to Fresno in 1891.  To them have been born six children: Eva D., Jack M., Fred V., Francis J., George W. and Florian Virginia.

SUICH, JEROME Liquor Distributor-Croatian Activities

Of five brothers, only Jerome, the youngest, set off for the New World from the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia. Certain it is that when he arrived in San Francisco, probably in 1863 with little English or money, he had for some three years to take very humble employment- as a porter with Castera & Lacour, “importers and jobbers, wines and liquors”. Then, after a brief stint as a dealer in bottles, he became associated in 1868 with Elias Chielovich & Co. (Walter Hoog & G. Suich), importers of wines and liquors, situated at the N.W. corner of Front and Jackson Streets. By 1870 he had prospered enough to hand out his own shingle as a vinter. The following year and until September of 1872, in partnership with Mariano Marchini a fellow Dalmatian, he did business at 623 Sansome Street under the name and style of G. Suich & Co., “importers and wholesale liquors.” But the dream of Girolamo Suich was to own his own vineyard, and to live in the country. He had found an acreage that pleased him near San Jose, and he suggested to his beloved Mary that she and the children try living in the country. The year was probably 1874. Illness of three of the children in San Jose and his own almost fatal attack of pneumonia, followed by a relapse, brought the family back to San Francisco, his dream never to he realized. In may of 1876, he bought a home virtually in the country, in Ellis Street near Laguna. Late in 1877, his father died. Determined to return to the Island of Brac, to confer with his brothers, he made plans to take his family to Philadelphia where Frances and Katherine would be placed in boarding school, and the younger children,- George, Jerome, Mary Olivia and Lillian, would be in the care of their mother while he went on to his homeland. Death in his forty-sixth year put and end to plans on April 16, 1879. Within five years, according to his daughter Katherine, his French partner was a wealthy man. Frances Suich remembered that her father enjoyed the friendship of a number of French persons, and she delighted as a child in outings on the bay and to San Pablo in Contra Costa, where the Suich family spent holidays with a French family who owned a ranch there. He and her sister Katherine treasured anecdotes of their father’s hospitality and sociability. His popularity among his compatriots is attested by his holding the office of trustee seemingly as early as 1863, as well as in 1864 in the Slavonic Illyric Mutual Benevolent Society. In 1869, he served as treasurer and in 1868 and 1873, as president of the society.

SUKLA, EDDIE Baseball

Eddie Sukla, recently called up by the Los Angeles "Angels" of the American League to bolster their weakening pitching staff, is probably one of the youngest major leaguers of Croatian descent to appear on a baseball diamond. Sukla was born on March 3, 1943 and prior to being brought up for the "Angels" pitching staff he saw action in Seattle of the Pacific Coast League where he racked up an earned run average of 1.57. He appeared in an "Angel" uniform for the first time on July 22nd, and was called upon to pitch on the very same day. In his first seven games as a relief pitcher, pitching nine and two thirds innings he was credited with two saves, and in one game he bailed out Dean Chance! Sukla graduated from Huntington Beach, California Hi School in '61 and was a baseball, football and basketball star. Following graduation he attended Orange Coast Junior College for one semester before embarking on the road leading to a major league pitching berth.

SULENTIC, NICK Inventor-Businessman

Perhaps the most outstanding among the Waterloo, Iowa Croatians was Nick Sulentic, inventor of the first valve spring lifter, which he combined with the valve spring compressor, making a tool of great service to mechanics working on the old type of automobile and truck. After he had obtained his patent from the United States Patent Office, Sulentic began to manufacture this tool in a twelve by twenty foot one story frame building in 1922. Gradually his customers began to ask for tool boxes, metal display cases and similar products, so that from this small beginning the Waterloo Valve Spring Compressor Company grew to be "The World's Leading Tool Box Maker" by 1947, when the corporation moved to its new location. This is one of Iowa's most modern and progressive factories. Although capitalized at only $500, 000, Sulentic's industrial plant does business worth more than $1, 000, 000 a year. The country's two leading mail order houses are among the best customers, and there are a number of establishments abroad which send in large orders for tool boxes and the like. The Sulentic factory has never had a strike nor any other kind of labor-management troubles. Its employees belong to unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor. Although the factory is small--its workers number slightly over two hundred, including the field salesmen--the chief reason for the absence of labor difficulties must lie in the benevolent attitude of the owners, who personally manage the plant and pay wages slightly above the average for Waterloo. Nick Sulentic, his wife and six sons are prominent in the social, industrial, and parish life of Waterloo. Nick was definitely a leader among his own people. It is at his spacious country home that all of the Croatians in the vicinity gather annually to celebrate the feast of St. Roch where a field Mass is offered by a Croatian priest each August 16.

SULENTIC, STEPHEN Tamburitza Hall of Fame-Inventor-Military-Attorney

3tephen A. Sulentic was born May 9, 1915 in Duluth, Minnesota, son of the late Ante and Ana Sulentic of Sveti Rok and Lovinac, Croatia. Steve's parents migrated to America just prior to World War I and settled in Duluth, Minnesota. Steve completed his elementary and high school education and entered the U.S. Army. Steve was given an Honorable Discharge from the Army during World War II as a disabled veteran. He enrolled in the Wayne State University Law School in 1944 and was graduated in 1947 with a L.L.B. Degree in Law. During this school tenure Steve would be found searching out tamburasi on weekends to listen to what he called the sweetest music in existence. Steve always says his first love was tambura music and second love the practice of law. His one regret was he did not become a tamburas. He more than made up for this by his tremendous contributions to the preservation and promotion of tamburitza music as noted in his work with the Tamburitza Association of America in particular. After being graduated from law school Steve returned to Minnesota to practice law in Duluth, South St. Paul and St. Paul, Minnesota Steve has supported affairs related to Croatian culture all his adult life. He is also a proud member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. On the night of Dec. 9, 1967 Steve found himself in a small saloon in Madison, Illinois, in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, attending the first assemblage of tamburasi whose purpose was to unite all tamburasi 'in the U.S. and Canada - specifically, to preserve and promote tambura music and culture not only on a domestic scale (U.S.) but internationally also. And to form an organization that would accomplish this objective. With the cooperation of all tamburasi and tamburitza music lovers this objective has been attained.

The following are responsibilities Steve accepted, performed, and dedicated himself to. Goodwill Ambassador TAA 12 years and currently preserving and promoting the objectives of elevating in stature of tambura music and culture. Legal Counsel (Attorney) TAA 12 years and currently. Author of Articles of incorporation of TAA. Prepared all documents and procedures resulting in TAA becoming an official NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION. This accomplishment elevated the stature of the TAA substantially making the possibility of TAA receiving grants (financial) from Governmental agencies, foundations, etc., much more likely. Set up parliamentary procedures to be followed by TAA management in their administration of TAA affairs, also serves as constant advisor in this procedure. Charter Member TAA 12 years and currently. Secretary TAA 12 years and currently. Member Board of Directors TAA 12 years and currently. Member Executive Board TAA 12 years and currently. TAA Hall of Fame Location Committeeman 6 years and currently. Steve carried on preliminary discussions with above mentioned institutions, with the cooperation of Mr. Bernard M - Luketich, President of Croatian Fraternal Union and the combined efforts of Mr. Alex Machaskee, President of TAA; Ed Sabolic, Director TAA; and Lou Cavic, agreement was reached with Mr. Luketich to house artifacts in CFU Museum. Mr. Robert R. Stone, President of Serb National Federation, agreed the SNF may be a future cosite for these artifacts. Cbairman TAA Hall of Fame Honor Roll Scroll Committee 9 years and currently. Chairman TAA Membenbip Committee I year and currently committeeman. TAA History Committeeman 4 years and currently. General Chairman 1979 Minneapolis Extravaganza which initiated first two-part concert. 1979 Extravaganza was first extravaganza to have concert on two different nights, Friday and Saturday. NOTE! Estimated mileage traveled by Steve as he promoted tambura music and TAA activities - 250,000 miles in 18 years.

SULICH, VASSILI Choreographer

Vassili Sulich, artistic director of the Nevada Dance Theater, has been named to choreograph a new production of Tchaikovsky's opera "The Queen of Spades" for the San Francisco Opera next fall of 1982. While Sulich is best known for his work with the dance theater, the opera assignment will return him to a field of former triumph. "The first iinportant work I did as a choreographer was for the Lyon Opera House in France," recalled the Croatian-born Sulich, "It was Jean Cocteau's-Oedipe-Roi,' which is an opera-eratorio meaning it has talking as well as singing and dancing rather like a musical except that it is serious in tone instead of light. That was a critical success and the choreography was especially successful, so this really launched my career as a choreographer." Sulich would go on to choreograph severial other operatic works including a version of Samson et Delilah at the Buenos Aires, Theater Colon, one of the world's largest opera houses. "I never realized how big that job was until I had already accepted and found myself involved with 65 dancers and 1401 chorus people in the bacchanal scene," laughed Sulich. The now production of "The Queen of Spades" will involve Sulich not only with one of the United States' most important operas but with the opera that is considered Tchaikovsky's most dramatic. It is based on the poem by Alekander Pushkin - the story of a gambler who stops at nothing to secure the psychic powers by which an aged countess can learn which cards will appear in a card game. His machinations bring about the death of both his lover and the countess; but the gambler is haunted by the countess' ghost and, on the brink of wealth, destroyed. International stars Teresa Zyjis-Gara, Tom Krause, and Rebrina Resnick are among the cast; the opera is scheduled for six performances - a normal opening run - with the first on Nov. 4. A successful version of an opera may be repeated with the same costumes and choreography for 15 years or more, said Sulich. His operatic work will not interfere with Sulich's plans for Nevada Dance Theater, he said. The Theater is to present its first concert of the next season in October. A still-unfulfilled ambition of Sulich's is to employ the Nevada Dance Theater in an opera production in the Las Vegas area, said Sulich. Noting that the recent performance of "Tosca" marked the first local production of a grand opera, Sulich said "The cultural scene is progressing in such a way that I can hope for something like that in the very near future." Sulich was born in Pucisce, Island of Brac, Dalmatia.

SULJAK, DINKO Historian-Librarian-Croatian Activities

Dr. Dinko Suljak died on January 17, 1985 in Davis, California, on the eve of his 70th birthday. He was born on January 17, 1915 near Zadar, Dalmatia. After graduating from the Classical Gymnasium he studied at the Faculty of Jurisprudence, University of Zagreb where he recieved his diploma in 1940. In 1946 he obtained his J. D. at the University of Rome.  In 1964 he earned his M.A. in the Library Science, University of Chicago. For many years he was the head librarian a the University. of California in Davis. In his early years of life in the U.S. he was the editor (during 1950-1952) of the American Croatian Herald in Chicago. He published many articles and studies in this professional field as well as in the area of modern Croatain history. He is the author of Croatia’s Struggle for Independence; A Documentary History (Arcadia, California.: Croatian Information Service, 1977), 388 pp. Before he died he was finishing the manuscript on his life and involvment in the Croatian Peasant Party and related aspects of recent Croatian political development. The book was supposed to be published by Hrvatska Revija in Barcelona. To his widow Estelle (nee Lasic) we extend our sincere sympathy.

SUMICH, JOHN M. Orange Grove-Saloon-Oysterman

John M. Sumich one of the leading members of the Croatian colony in Plaquemines Parish, has been a resident of the Triumph community for a number of years where, in association with six of his countrymen, he established in 1926 a large orange growing enterprise. This was at first a communal project owned jointly by the seven men, all natives of Croatia. The partners as a result of their joint efforts cleared and planted a large tract of land and after the trees had been brought to full maturity divided the land into individual tracts. Mr. Sumich has twelve acres to his part and grows the five principal varieties of oranges. In 1936 he opened a tavern in Triumph and has been very successful in the operation of this place. John M. Sumich was born in Croatia on the twenty-fourth of September, 1894, a son of Matthew Sumich, now deceased, and Mrs. Simica Sumich, now past eighty years of age and, who still resides in Croatia. Mr. Sumich attended the schools of his native country and came to the United States when a little over sixteen years of age, locating in New Orleans where he was employed in the oyster industry from 1911 until 1926. Returning to Croatia on a visit, Mr. Sumich was married there on the twenty third of July, 1926, to Miss Antoinette Pavlinovich. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sumich returned to the United States and have since made their home at Triumph. They are the parents of three children, Katie, born July 6, 1927; Marie, born August 10, 1928, and Matthew Sumich, born the tenth of July, 1929. Each of the children are attending school at Buras. Mr. Sumich is an energetic, industrious and progressive business man and is highly esteemed in the community where he has lived for nearly fifteen years.

SUNARA, IGOR Film Making-Visual Arts

Igor Sunara was born in Varazdin, Croatia of Dalmatian parents May 11,1945. During his High School years, Igor showed a keen interest in Design and Visual Arts. His curiosity to study new design ideas soon led him to leave Zagreb 1968. He spent several years going back and forth between Zagreb and other cities in western Europe, including, Vienna, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, working in a variety of jobs. He finally settled in London, studying first Photography (one of Igor’s early still images was a shot of Hitchcock staring directly at Igor’s camera), and than studying Mix Media (preparing and working on his visual portfolio for the college entrance exam) for two years at the Camden Arts Center. Igor then went on to study Film making at the School of Communication, Polytechnic of Central London, (currently the University of Westminster), graduating with Honors in Film and Television, 1977. This was a well-known School of Photography, where Lumiere brothers showed their first ground breaking film "Train arriving", which marked the commercialization of film. Igor shared the First Prize as Student of the Year for his 20 minute thesis film, Point of View. Igor next moved to the United States, living in Boston for a year, doing mostly photography. Igor then moved to New York where he exhibited at the Soho Photo Gallery, 1980. Doing photography at that point was Igor’s way of approaching his new culture and environment visually. This period didn’t last long because Igor was longing to get back to moving images, and he soon shot a couple of NYU and Columbia thesis films, and worked briefly as a Camera Assistant. Early on, Igor was involved in the New York independent film scene, with strong emphasize on character-driven narrative films. Examples of his cinematographic work in this period were on such films as: 'Misplaced' 1990, an American Playhouse film shown on PBS, Toronto, London and was 1st Prize winner at the Deauville Film Festival. 'The Keeper', 1996 screened at the Sundance film festival, and was the finalist for "Independent Spirit Award". 'On The Run' 2000, was an Open Palm Gotham Award Nominee. 'Somewhere In The City' 1997, a screw-ball comedy about an assortment of NY Lower East Side characters and 'Peroxide Passion', Silver winner for comedy at the Worldfest, Houston 2001. Igor also shot Action/Special Effects movies including: 'Tripwire' 1991, 'Cop Land' 1998 (IInd Unit) and 'Cetverored' 1999, Croatian post WWII picture about the tragedy of Bleiburg, biggest film in production terms shot in Croatia in the last 15 years. In commercial field, Igor also photographed campaigns for AT&T and Bell South, as well as spots for clients such as Coors Light, Coca Cola , Kodak and Reebok. Igor has shot hundreds of music videos for such noted artists as Whitney Houston, Liza Minelli, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Bon Jovi, Barry Manilow, Dolly Parton, and Notorious BIG, working in genres and styles from Rock to Popular to R&B to Rap. His Television and Documentary work includes: 'Heart Of A Legend-Chico O’Farrill' 2001, Cuban jazz. 'Of Penguins and Peacocks' 2000, a turn of the 20th century tele play. 'Il Giardino armonico' 1999, 17 cent. Baroque music 'American Dream' 1990, Oscar (additional photography). 'Eliot Porter' 1988, noted color photographer. Among his busy filming schedule Igor also manages to find time to teach part time at the School of Visual Arts, and has taught Cinematography at the Tisch School of the Arts, Graduate division NYU,1995/96. Igor also initiated five day film festival Days Of Croatian Cinema in New York, Union Sq. 1996, showing ten well known classic features from Croatia and fifteen famous cartoons from the Zagreb School of Animation. This festival examined the question of What is Croatian Cinema, - today ?, in light of Croatia’s recent independence.

SUNIC, TOMISLAV Professor-Editor-Author

Tomislav Sunic is a professor at Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Born February 3, 1953 in Zagreb, Croatia; married to Ksenia with two children. Educated at Faculty of Philosophy, English language, University of Zagreb; PhD in political science at University of California 1986. Editor of Forum, journal, California State University, Sacramento, 1984-1985. Published Against Democracy and Equality 1990. Member of American Political Science Association; American Association of Slavic Studies.

SURYAN, IVAN Fisherman

Ivan Suryan at age 92, is Croatian Fraternal Union Seattle Lodge 439’s oldest member. A native of Vela Luka, Island of Korcula, Dalmatia, Ivan came to Anacortes, Washington in 1939. He joined CFU Lodge 625 in Bellingham, Washington in 1952 and came to Lodge 439 via merger in 1964. Ivan spent his entire working life as a commercial fisherman before retiring In 1983. Ivan and his wife Helen tell the interesting story of how they were married by photo." It seems that some friends were showing Ivan the latest photo from Vela Luka. Ivan knew most of the people in the photos but not one rather pretty one. Upon learning that the "rather pretty one" was unmarried, Ivan initiated a year-long correspondence between the two. The "power of the pen" obviously prevailed because Ivan and Helen were married in Dubrovnik in 1956. The Suryans were blessed with two children, Irene and John.

SUSAC, JOHN Businessman-Croatian Activities

Born and raised in Sacramento, John finished school at California State University, Sacramento with a degree in Communication Studies and with his business partner, opened up a chain of smog check stations.  John has been married for nearly two years to Sonia Schwarz. John’s parents, Janko and Janja, are among the founding members of the Croatian Cultural Center; John and his sister Kristina were the organizers of the first Extrazaganza and his brother Nick was the building chairman. John’s love of sports extends to his volunteer coaching for his nephews, Andrija and Mato’s, little league teams.

SUSAC, JANKO Croatian Activities-Businessman

Janko Susac was born in Blatnica, Hercegovinia and at the age of 10, moved to Zagreb and attended military academy. He finished business school in Zagreb, Croatia. He came to the United States in 1956 and met and married Janja Butigan in 1960. They moved to Sacramento and had three children, Nick, Kristina, and Johnny. Janko had a successful business, Yankee Electric for over 25 years and though he claims he is retired, he still goes out on call every once in a while. Janko is also very active in the Croatian Fraternal Union and is president of Lodge 434.  He and his wife, Janja, are among the founding members of the Croatian American Cultural Center and Janja is the founder of the kolo group and language school.

SUSANJ, ANTON Tamburitza Music-Saloon Night Club-Coal Miner

Anton Susanj was born in Rijeka, Croatia. Fifty years ago, at the age of nineteen, he came to the United States. His love of the tambura created a desire to organize a tamburitza band in Cle Elum, a coal mining town In Washington State. He rounded up enough interested individuals to come to his home and practice. They would work in the mines during the day and practice in the evening, as there was little else to do. The bands he has instructed over the many years were from Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham, Aberdeen, Cle Elum, and Elumclaw. His first band consisted of Matt Madenich, Frank Furlong, and the late Joe Marcelja. One of his outstanding performances was in Tacoma, Washington, when he was called upon in 1914 to furnish the entertainment for President Woodrow Wilson. For a newly arrived Immigrant this was indeed an honor. Anton married the lovely blond Sophie Gongo of Peel Point, a small village near Cle Elum. Although not of Croatian descent, Anton soon had her playing and singing the traditional Croatian songs. Soon two sons, Walter and Charles, joined the band. The band was known as "The Four Susanjs". Anton expanded his band to Include Andrew VItalich, John Cvitkovich, and Lubi Cheskov, and renamed it the "Seranaders". This band toured the Western U. S. for many years, all under the tutelage and management of Anton. The band was chosen to represent Yugoslavia at the United Nations Festival at the University of Washington in 1947. Anton's son, Walter, studied music at Cornish School and is a well-known professional musician and teacher. He took over the teaching and managing of a group of thirteen juniors from the ages of 10 to 16. Today, the descendants of Anton Susanj are carrying on the traditional tamburitza and are 40 strong in a junior tamburitza band. Anton taught and played the tambura until his death in 1975. Prior to his death, he would lay down his bartender's apron and he and his wife Sophie would entertain the customers in their night club. Many evenings at home were spent in hours of tambura. playing, an activity Anton never grew tired of doing. Anton Susanj has earned the honor of the Presidential Award given him at the 1982 Tamburitza Extravaganza.

SUSANJ, WALTER Teacher-Tamburitza Hall of Fame

It is with pride and appreciation that Seattle, Washington Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 439 announces that brother Walter Susanj has been inducted into the Tamburitza Association of America's Hall of Fame. Walter was one of six "tamburasi" so honored at the Association's Extravaganza 2000 held in St. Louis this past Sept 7-10, 2000. Brother Susanj was the first son of Anton and Sophie Susanj, was born July 13, 1923 in Bellingham, Washington. He was soon joined by his brother, Charles. The boys' father, Anton, was the driving musical force in the family. He hailed from the small village of Blazici in the Kastav region near Rijeka, Croatia. In due time Anton taught his wife and sons how to play the "tambura." Together they constituted the family group variously known as the "Serenaders" or the "Four Susanjs." For years the family owned and provided musical entertainment at the Wishbone Tavern near Enumclaw, Washington. Aficionados of fine "old country" music came from miles around to hear the group. In addition to his first instrument, the bisernica, Walter also started playing the clarinet in the fourth grade. In high school and college he added the saxophone and violin to his instrumental repertoire. Brother Susanj served in the U.S. Coast Guard in the South Pacific during World War 11. Having taken his bisernica with him, he somehow rounded up drums, guitar and an accordion to form a combo -that played for U.S.O. sponsored events aboard ship throughout the war. Discharged in 1945, Walter attended the Cornish School of Music in Seattle, where he completed a program in music education. As one facet of his work he organized tamburitza groups that played on stage and on radio and television in many Washington and Oregon communities. He also taught high school music, gave private music lessons and sold musical instruments for many years. Walter is a life member of both the Seattle Musicians' Union and the Croatian Fraternal Union -having recently begun his 60th year of adult membership in our great fraternal organization. Brother Susanj, joined his wife, Peggy, on the bugarija, continues to entertain audiences throughout the Seattle area. Congratulations brother Susanj! Your fellow CFU members are truly happy that you have achieved the honors and recognition bestowed by the Tamburitza Association of America. Moreover, we are proud that you have done so much to perpetuate the awarenes of Croatian music and culture throughout the Pacific Northwest.

SUSICH, JOSEPH Croatian Activities

Joseph Susich was born on July 21, 1895 at Mrkopalj, Gorski Kotar, Croatia, son of Ivan and Antonija (Crnkovich) Susich. He came to America in 1911 as a 16 year-old boy. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union for 65 years. He first joined the Croatian Alliance on the Pacific on March 7, 1912 and the Croatian Fraternal Union in June, 1916. He was very active in both organizations ad served as an officer. He was twice a delegate to the conventions of Croatian Union on Pacific held in Watsonville and San Francisco, California. He voted for the unification of Croatian Union on the Pacific with the Croatian Fraternal Union. At that time, he was president of the Croatian Union on the Pacific and as such worked diligently for this unification. He was a lodge delegate to three CFU Conventions- the eighth convention held in Los Angeles, the ninth in Philadelphia and the tenth in Detroit, Michigan. He was employed by a number of lumber companies. During the Second World War, he worked for the Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. and later for the city until he went on pension in 1965. The members of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 249 in Eureka, California are saddened to report the passing of brother Joseph Susich on March 18, 1978. Surviving are his bereaved wife, Matilda; two daughters, Mrs. David (Helen) Saunders and Mrs. Len (Janice) Guglielmina; six grandchildren, Anita Marcum, Cheryl Stevens, Allen and Steven Saunders and Fray and Brenda Guglielmina, all members to the CFU; and two sisters, Ivka Haracek in Mrkoplju and Matilda Benic in Australia.

SUTICH, I.P. Restaurant

You will get a warm welcome at the “Cold Day Restaurant,” 441 Pine St., San Francisco, warm weather of cold, from Mr. I.P. Sutich, the popular owner and manager. Mr. Sutich will tell you also the origin of the restaurant’s name. It date back into the early history of San Francisco to a wild out-burst of preelection oratory form a candidate fro the office of sheriff to the county of and city of S.F. The candidate declared that it would be a “cold day” when he got left. Unfortunately, perhaps he did get left but the phrase stuck. It became a by word of the streets. The “Cold Day” is the meeting place for the more progressive members of the local Slavonian colony. Here local as well as world politics are discussed; here the plans for the Slavonic Day at the Exposition are talked over. Mr. Sutich came to S.F. in 1887 from Dalmatia, Croatia via N.Y. Every since he has been a member of the profession that has made San Francisco restaurants famous. In 1890 he established the Dalmatian Restaurant at the corner of Sansome and Clay streets, which he managed until it was wiped our by the great fire. He has been at his present location ever since. Mr. Sutich is well known in California among men of his nationality. This is well evidenced by the fact that he was the organizer and first president of the Croatian Lodge in California. During the year 1912 he held the office of the Pacific chapter of the same organization. He was chairman of the Croatian Unity of the Pacific, held at Mountain View 1912, and was elected Grand President of the order. In 1902 he married a San Francisco girl, Miss Carrie Zietich. He has two daughters, Zorka and Evelyn.

SUTICH, MICHAEL Goldminer-Fruits

Michael Suttich, a director of the Slavonic Society, was a pioneer gold miner in 1851 and ‘52 in the Calaveras region of California. The California State Census of Population lists him as coming from Louisiana and no doubt he was an early pioneer in the New Orleans area. He operated a fruit business on Davis Street in San Francisco from 1858 to 1863. He was a shareholder in the Mount Davidson Gold and Silver Minting Co. in Virginia City, Nevada.

SUTIJA, GEORGE International Trade

George Sutija is with the Ford Foundation in Caracas, Venezuela. Born March 11, 1926 in Udbina, Lika, Croatia; married with one child; American citizen. Education includes Gymnasium, Zagreb, Croatia, 1944; University of Zagreb Law School 1944-45; Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, M.A., 1957; Columbia University, New York, N.Y., M.B.A., 1961 with a major field of International trade and development and a minor in Development, Administration and Planning. Member of Croatian Academy of America; Special Libraries-Association; American Political Science Association; International Development Society.

SUTLOVICH, RUDY Contractor

Rudy was born on the Island of Veli Iz, Dalmatia, Croatia and came to the Sunnyvale area of California in 1940. At first, he worked on ships in the Merchant Marine, then in the canneries in San Jose. He started employment in the building trade with his uncle and became a very successful masonary contractor, a business he turned over to his son-in-law when he reached the age of 62. Brother Rudy and his entire family were very active in Slavonic Society affairs. For several years they prepared our successful Crab Cioppino events. Rudy was very close to his cousins, Rose and Sam Mosunic and attended many socials and picnics. He loved his card games and had a fine voice. He was one of the original Slavonic Society investors who lent the Society $10,000 for its original construction. Rudy leaves Rose, his partner and loving spouse of 41 years and daughters, Ninfa, Nancy and Grace and four grandchildren. Rudy died on May 19, 1987.

SUZENIC, ERNEST Navy Hero

The SpanishAmerican War, although it lasted only two months, gave Croatian Americans an opportunity to show their patriotism to their new homeland. On July 12, 1898 Ernest Suzenic a Croatian from Istria, a seaman aboard the U.S. warship Nashville, pulled off a heroic act that contributed mightily to the resounding U.S. victory a couple of days later. In broad daylight Suzenic and a group of other sailors took off from the warships Nashvile and Marblehead in a couple of small skiffs and made their way to the shallows about 100 yards off Cienfuegos, Cuba There they fished up the Spaniards' underwater telegraph cable with the objective of severing it. The Spaniards spotted them, however, and opened fire with one shell exploding immediately above the two skiffs, killing several Americans instantly and fatally wounding others. Sunzenic's partner, who was holding the cable while Sunzenic sawed away at it, was among those killed instantly. Suzenic, though wounded himself, did not give up and managed to sever the cable which was the main line of communication between Cuba and the West Indies. With his dead and wounded comrades he then made his way back to the Nashville. All of the great American newspapers of the day praised Suzenic for his brave actions. The big New York daily "World" even printed his picture and referred to him as a true hero.

SUZZALL0, HENRY Education

In more recent times, one of the most eminent educators in America was Dr. Henry Suzzallo, the son of Peter Zucalo, an immigrant from Dalmatia. Suzzallo received his education in the schools of his native city, San Jose, California, and at Stanford and Columbia universities. After. two years as assistant professor of education at Stanford he moved to Columbia University in 1909, where he served as adjunct professor of elementary education for several years before being elevated to the position of professor of philosophy of education at the teachers' college there. In 1915 he was elected president of the University of Washington, which he developed into one of the outstanding institutions of learning in the West. During his administrati6n the student enrollment increased from less than 2,000 to nearly 7,000 and the faculty from about 200 to over 300. Acting on the belief that education should, before all else, train students to think, the president devoted himself to raising the entrance requirements of the university and to expanding and enriching its curriculum. In his capacity as a member of the state boards of education and vocational education, he aided immensely in building a more effective public education system. He instituted in the state schools courses in forestry and fish culture, on which the state's two most important industries were based. In 1918 President Wilson appointed him as one of ten arbiters to sit in controversies under the War Board and later he was made an advisor to the War Labor Policy Board. In 1926 he was dismissed as president of the university, the result of a controversy with Governor Roland H. Hartley, who subjected the entire state educational system to rigid political control. Upon leaving Washington Suzzallo was elected chairman of the board of trustees of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. About this time the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace decided to send abroad an able interpreter of American education and selected Suzzallo as its representative. As a consequence., he spent most of 1928 lecturing in some of the leading universities in Europe, including Belgrade and Zagreb in Yugoslavia. Shortly after his return to the United States, he was made special director of the National Advisory Committee on Education, a group of fifty-two educators appointed by President Hoover to recommend a policy for governmental participation in educational activities. In 1930, upon the retirement of Henry S. Pritchett, he succeeded to the presidency of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a position he occupied until his death in September, 1933.

SVAINAZ, ANTON Oyster House

Anton Svainaz, better known as Anton Smith, and his wife from the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia was proprietor of the famous Rockway Oyster House on Market Street near 5th in San Francisco. He was a typical Dalmatian with an abundance of energy. they had children. One of his sons is on the stage, acting under the name of Anthony Smythe.

SVEDENSKI, LOUIS Music

Louis Svedenski born in 1862 in Osijek, Croatia was a graduate of conservatories in Zagreb and Vienna. In 1885 he received a contract from the Boston Symphony Orchestra as first violinist, and thus came to America as the first Croatian artist in the field of music. For thirty-three years he played the viola in the famous Kneisel Quartet. On many occasions he toured America and Europe. He met Milka Ternina in New York, during her first engagement at the Metropolitan. He traveled to Croatia several times and always considered himself a Croatian. In American music circles he gained fame as a great artist and promoter of music. To this goal he especially contributed as director of New York's Institute of Musical Art. He was also one of the founders of the Curtis Institute of Music, in Philadelphia. He died in 1926.

SVESKO,VELIMIR S Physician

Velimir Svesko is Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Vincent's Medical Center of Richmond, Staten Island, New York. Born Dec. 16, 1913 in Youngstown, Ohio; married with three children. Educated at lst Classical Gymnasium, Zagreb, Croatia, Graduate,1932; University of Zagreb, M.D., 1938; Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Zagreb 1940-43; Francis Delafield Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, N.Y.1955. Thesis completed 1953 "Prilog Djelovanju Stilbstrola (Estrogenih hormona) u trudnoci" (in Croatian), University of Zagreb. Member of Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Fellow, American College of.Obstetricians.and Gynecologists; Fellow, American College of Surgeons; American Medical Association.

SVILICH, JOHN Ranch

A leading orchardist of the Santa Clara Valley, whose schooling was limited to seven days in his entire life, but who has succeeded far beyond many men more generously schooled, is John Svilich. He was born on the Island of Vis, Dalmatia, November 30, 1861, a son of Martin and Victoria (Vidovich) Svilich, both born in Dalmatia. The father was a shoemaker and the family lived on a farm. There were two sons in the family: Vincent was a rancher in the Santa Clara County until he became blind and now lives in Oakland, and John, the subject of this sketch. When he arrived in America in 1889, he first settled in Portland, Oregon and remained there for six months, then came to Santa Clara County, California Four months of each season he spent in Washington and Oregon fishing in the Columbia River. By good management and economy accumulated sufficient money to lease a twenty-acre ranch on the Homestead Road about one-half mile west of the Collins School; then he added five acres to his ranch bought from Mr. Calvert; later purchased ten acres adjoining in the D.C. Milligan subdivision. In 1919 he bought the Wolff place of thirty-one acres, sixty-six acres in all, a full bearing orchard devoted to prunes, apricots, peaches and cherries. He has his own irrigating plant, and with the best of cultivation, his ranch is paying a fine profit. He is also engaged in buying, drying and selling fruit to packers, while he ships cherries to Eastern markets. Mr. Svilich was married in Vis, Dalmatia, on November 15, 1884, to Miss Irene Mardisich, the daughter of Joseph and Frances (Bonomo) Mardisich, all natives of Dalmatia. Mrs. Svilich is the youngest of a family of three children: Mitchell, Antonette, who died in infancy, and Irene. They have four children- Winifred, Irene, Matilda and Paul; Antonette is Mrs. Labrovich, the wife of a rancher on Freemont and Saratoga roads, and they have three children- Mary, Irene and Archibald; Joseph and William are assisting the father, while Peter is going to school.

SVORINICH, RUDY City Councilman

Councilman Rudy Svorinich, Jr. represents the City of Los Angeles 15th Council District which includes more than 240,000 residents the Los Angeles Harbor Area communities of San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway and Watts. He was elected to his first term as Councilman in June 1993 and assumed office on July 1, 1993. In April 1997, he was elected to a second and final four year term, which began on July 1, 1997, with 61% of the popular vote. Councilman Svorinich was born and raised in San Pedro where his family emigrated to from the Dalmatian Coast of the present-day Republic of Croatia almost 80 years ago. His family has a long history with Los Angeles harbor. His father, two grandfathers and a great-grandfather were either fishermen or longshoremen. The Councilman is assistant President Pro-Tempore of the City Council, the Chairman of the City Council?s Transportation Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Commerce, Energy and Natural Resources Committee (which oversees the City’s Airport, Harbor and Water & Power Departments) and is a Member of the Information Technology and General Services Committee. Previously he served four years as Chairman of the Council’s Housing and Community Redevelopment Committee. He also is Chairman of three Council Ad Hoc Committees: Sub-Standard Housing, Port Waterfront Development and Welfare Reform. Svorinich is the City of Los Angeles’ representative on the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority Board of Governors. The $2 billion Alameda Corridor is the largest surface transportation project in the history of the United States. He presently serves as the ACTA Board?s Vice Chairman. A graduate of California State University Dominguez Hills, Councilman Svorinich is a businessman by trade. He received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a major in Management in 1983. Prior to his election, he was the owner of Industrial Paint Company in Wilmington, where he worked for seven years as an employee and later purchased. Councilman Svorinich served as Chief Deputy to former asemblyman Gerald N. Felando (R-San Pedro) for two years. He also served four terms as President of the Dalmatian-American Club of San Pedro. He was also a vice-president of the San Pedro Peninsula and Wilmington Chambers of Commerce and a member of the Harbor City/Harbor Gateway and Watts/Willowbroook Chambers of Commerce. He is also a member of the San Pedro Elks Lodge #966, Los Angeles Harbor Masonic Lodge #332, the Long Beach Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, the Al Malaikah Shrine Temple of Los Angeles, the San Pedro and Wilmington Historical Societies, the San Pedro and Wilmington Coordinating Councils, the Italian Catholic Federation and San Pedro High Pirate and Banning High Pilot Booster Clubs. Svorinich is married to the former Deann Marie Mardesich. They reside in San Pedro with their two young children, Gregory and Danielle.

TADICH, JOHN V. Restaurant

John Tadich is a native of Starigrad on the Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia, whose parents, Vincent and Katherine Tadich, were well-known people in their community. Mr. Tadich had been a resident of San Francisco since 1871 and for fifty years was one of the leading men in the restaurant business of this city. He retired from the business in 1929. Mr. Tadich married Antoinette Lanisevich. a member of a prominent family of his home town. He is a father of three children, Danilo, Mabel, and Ruby. Danilo is occupying an official position with the Shell Oil Company, Mabel is on the teaching staff of the San Francisco Public School Department and Ruby is married to Herbert F. Suhr, Jr. a member of a prominent San Francisco family. During the World War Mr. Tadich was president of the local branch of the Croatian League of America, which was organized with the object of upholding the cause of the American government and its European Allies in the World War, and disseminating the idea of liberation and unity. Throughout the war Mr. Tadich played a leading part in the activities of the local Croatian colony in behalf of our war-torn occasions before the war and since, he has demonstrated his abiding loyalty to his people and the country of his birth. His restaurant was one of the landmarks of San Francisco and was one among the few that the sponsors of all the great public affairs used to recommend to the visitors as a reliable eating place. In the Diamond Jubilee edition of the “San Francisco Newsletter,” which was issued on September 5, 1925, we find under the heading: “Tadich Grill,” the following article: “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 sailors and their kind; of a certain Captain Leidesdorff, who docked his ship at this point, with its cargo of iron from Belhouse & Co. of Manchester, England, and whose crew deserted to go out to gold mines; of the small coffee house tent being transformed by this cargo into a corrugated iron house, which stood in this spot until Mr. Tadich, in 1882, turned it into a real restaurant. “He spoke feelingly of the ‘old days’ when most of the publishing houses and newspapers and journals were printed around this neighborhood; when notable men and women writers congregated to have dinner with him; and way, way back in the days when customers paid as much as $1.00 for one boiled egg. “and then he told me how his cafe became appelated with the name: ‘The Cold Day Restaurant.’ “on the corner of Stockton and Geary there used to stand the old ‘Wigman,” the headquarters of the Republican party ticket for assessor, at his nomination spoke the words which later became famous: ‘I thank you, gentlemen,’ he said, and then added: ‘It is a cold day when I get left.’ “But when election came, it was a cold day for Badlam, for John Seibe, the Independent-Republican, was elected.

TADIN, TONY Ranch-Silicon Valley

Tony and Franka Tadin were born on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia. He immigrated to America in 1922, eventually settling in Watsonville, where he spent the next decade working on farms in the area. In 1933, he moved to Mountain View where he bought 10 acres of farm land along Calderon Avenue and raised cherries and apricots. In 1944, he bought 13 acres along El Camino Real, land years later taken over by the state for a freeway. “He became part of the sad demise of the valley’s prized orchards and retired as the direct result of the construction of Highway 85 and the commercial expansion of El Camino,” said Tony Tadin Jr. The children of the elder Tony Tadin became an integral part of the growth of the Silicon Valley following their father’s retirement in the mid-1960’s. They are founders of Amfit Corp. of Sunnyvale, Zitel Corp. of San Jose, Micro Science Associates of Mountain View, and were leading investors in the formation of Data Pathing of Sunnyvale and PerTec Computer of Chatsworth, said Tony Tadin Jr. Besides Tony Jr., who lives in Woodside, survivors include his wife of 56 years, the former Frances Cvitanich of Cupertino; daughter, Katie Roloff of Jamestown; sons, George Forencich of Cupertino, Phil Forencich of Sunnyvale, Frank Forencich of Cupertno, Mike Tadin of Santa Clara, and Peter Tadin of Santa Clara; 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

TALIA, MARY Farm

Mary for many years helped to look after the family at home. In due course, however, she met and married Mark Zaro, a rancher in the San Jose area. The couple had one child, Marietta Z. Singer who has taught at the C.W. Haman School in Santa Clara for over 35 years. She also assists her husband Earl who writes and publishes a popular periodical known as "Consumers Guide to California Wines."

TALIA, MATT Farm-Mayor

Matt Talia was born August 5, 1909, on the Pine Avenue ranch. When Matt was three years of age the family moved to a 20-acre ranch on the Santa Clara-Los Gatos Road. The family next purchased 70 acres abutting the Santa Clara City Cemetery. Matt and the other children of the family attended the Meridian Grammar School and Campbell High School. He and the other children in the family worked about the ranch. Matt became particularly adept with the tractor and pruning. He recalls visits to the Kiely Market shopping for groceries, and to O'Brian's Store at Franklin and Main Streets for clothing and other household supplies. Dr. Gallup, the family dentist, had his office at the southeast corner of Benton and Main Streets and with a chair so high that Matt described it as being halfway to heaven. The family doctor, J.1. Beattie, had his offices on the northeast comer of Main and Benton Streets. Upon completion of his schooling, Matt took over the operation of the ranches for the family. His mother, Domenica, died in 1941 and his father Peter died in 1945. Matt was acquainted with the Tepsich family in Mountain View and their lovely laughter Ann. One evening when Ann was tbout 18 years of age Matt invited her to a dance at the Napredak Hall on Lawrence 3tation Road. In less than one year the couple married at St. Joseph's Church in Mountain View. They eventually settled in a three bedroom home built for $3,500 on the Saratoga Avenue ranch. In addition to his hobbies, Matt became involved in civic affairs, being appointed to the Santa Clara Planning Commission and serving two terms. He was elected to the city council for two terms and served as mayor in 1961 and 1962. After 17 years of active service for the city, Matt retired in 1979. The couple had three children, Domenica Ann, Mary Lou and Peter. Domenica was born January 7, 1936, at O'Connor Hospital with Dr. Amaral assisting. She attended St. Clare's School on Washington Street and graduated from Santa Clara High School in 1953. She later attended San Jose State College and Heald Business College. Marv Lou was born October 26, 1938, and also attended St. Clare's School, graduating from Santa Clara High School in 1955. The second child, Susan, married Brad Holmgren, who with his father are the proprietors of Roof Structures, Inc. The couple live in San Jose with their three children. Matt and Ann's third child, Peter, was born April 19, 1946, and attended St. Clare's School and graduated from Bellarrnine in 1964. At the University of Santa Clara, he majored in history and obtained his J.D. degree in 1971. After passing the bar exam, he became an associate with the rirm of Miller, Morton Caillat & Nevis. In 1978, he opened his own office at 900 Larayette Street in Santa Clara. In 1983 he and James J. Rodriguez formed a law partner;hip at that location.

TALIA, PETER Farm

Peter Talia was born on the famly ranch near where Valley Village is presently located on Winchester Boulevard in Santa Clara on December 31, 1920. Peter attended St. Clare's School and Bellarmine College Preparatory where he was not only successful academically but also excelled in football and baseball. After graduation in 1940 he entered the University of Santa Clara Business College. With the coming of World War 11, Peter entered the army and was assigned to the Infantry Military Police School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Upon his release from the service he returned to Santa Clara to help his brother, Matt, farm the family's 70 acres of prunes, apricots, and cherries located near the city cemetery. In 1949 this property was sold to the Bohannon organization for its residential development and Peter moved to Lexington Street in Santa Clara. Peter worked for a time for the Santa Clara Fire Department, and with his brother Matt purchased the L.A. Meade Property on Franklin Street through realtor Doug Nielson. Peter also purchased Long's Sporting Goods Store located on Main Street and moved the business to his own building on Franklin Street. Interested in hunting and fishing, he thoroughly enjoyed the operation of the store and continued with it until about 197 1, when he sold the business to Joe Kerley. Peter, active in city affairs, was appointed to the Santa Clara Redevelopment Agency, becoming its chairman. After selling the store, Peter purchased a 1,300-acre ranch at Cottage Grove near I-Hugene, Oregon. In 1972 he returned for a time to a home on Camino Drive and in 1976 purchased a small 87-acre cattle ranch near Eugene, Oregon. After World War 11, Peter met Kay Cendak from San Francisco. The couple married and took up residence on the family ranch on Winchester Boulevard. Their children include John, graduate of Santa Clara University, who became a CPA in San Mateo and is living in Cupertino; Michael, a graduate of the University of Oregon; and Stephen, who also graduated from the University of Oregon, majoring in communications and whose residence is also on the family ranch.

TALIA, PETER M. Farm

Peter Matthew Talia was born in Dalmatia, Croatia, April 18, 1875, the son of Peter Mathias and Raffie Talia. Mathias was a seafaring man and is reputed to have crossed the Atlantic Ocean 26 times in old fashioned sailing ships. He lived to be 72 years of age, and his mother passed away at 74. Peter Matthew claimed that as a child his home on the Island of Lopud along the Dalmatian coast was so close to the water that he could jump from his window into the ocean. He attended grammar school in Dalmatia until he was 13, and then went to sea. After three years he set sail for America, arrived in New York, and traveled by train to San Jose, California There he worked for his brother-in-law, Nicholas Scorsur, buying and selling fruit. He accumulated a sufficient sum to purchase a three-acre parcel on what is now Pine Avenue in San Jose which he then sold and purchased a seven-acre ranch on what is now Minnesota Avenue. As time went by he bought and sold other properties, eventually acquiring what came to be the home ranch of 20 acres on the Santa Clara-Los Gatos Road in Santa Clara. His sister Nellie worked as a house-keeper, saved her money and was also able to migrate to the United States, settling in San Jose. There she met and married Nick Scorsur who owned and operated a fruit orchard. Nellie and her husband heard from her brother Peter that he would like to come to America and work. They sent hirn the money to make the trip. He arrived in San Jose and lived with the couple, working for Nick on the family orchard. Peter met Domenica Ann Janovich who had been born in Orasac, Dalmatia. Romance insued and the couple married at St. Joseph's Church in San Jose, May 10, 1904. Five children were born to this marriage: Ruth, Mary, Rose, Matt, and Peter.

TALIA, ROSE Fisherman

Rose married Max Grabelja, who operated a tuna fishing boat out of San Pedro, California. Rose died in Lomita, California as did her son who was also named Max. Rose was born in the Santa Clara Valley of California.

TALIA, RUTH Farm

Ruth, born in San Jose was described as a beautiful redhead. She attended schools in Willow Glen, and graduated from Heald Business College. She married John Svilich, a rancher in Cupertino and upon his death married Nick Mikel, an attorney who had substantial property holdings including motels in Monterey County. The couple had one daughter, Kathleen, who resides in Monterey. Following Nick's death, Ruth married Steve Millich, a machinist employed by the Continental Can Company by whom she had one son, Steve, who graduated from Hastings College of Law and became an attorney. He is living in Southern California and is a director of an organization known as "Ducks Unlimited."

TALIANCICH, LEOPOLD Oysterman-Market-Invented Oyster Dredge

Leopold B. Taliancich was born in Igrane, Dalmatia, Croatia where he attended and finished grammar school. He arrived to America 1908 and went directly to New Orleans, Louisiana. He worked oyster beds for twelve years and was the first fisherman to use drag mechanical instruments on his boat, and that helped to take out the oysters much faster and with less strain. The introduction of motorboats meant that oysters from more distant areas could be harvested and still taken to market in New Orleans. Finally, in 1905, Leopold Taliancich developed and installed the first oyster dredge. All of these improvements led to Louisiana's becoming the number one state for oyster production. Soon after, many fisherman did the same thing, and because of this they were able to sell more oysters. He was a member of the Slavonian Society of New orleans. He also organized the Oyster Association. He was married 1920; two brothers and his parents lived in the old country. He opened a successful meat market and also sold oyster in big quantities. (Pejovic, L. 1935)

TALIANCICH, PETER Oysterman-Captain

Captain P. Taliancich was born 1889, in Igrane, Dalmatia, where he attended Grammar school. At the age of 14 he came to New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a fisherman and after a year purchased his own fishing boat. He fished for seven years and then bought a grocery store, which he sold in 1922. He went to Navigation and Engineering school and obtained a Masters License for any tonnage and on any river. He organized the Victoria Navigation Co. and built a boat of 250 tons. The "Victoria" is transporting; passengers and supplies two times a week, Monday and Friday, and goes regularly from New Orleans to Buras, Ostrica, Triumph, Boothville, Olga, Venis, Quarantine, Pilot Town, Head of Pass and Burrwood. Weekly he delivers about five thousands sacks of oysters and two thousands crates of oranges. Those products are mostly from Croatians. He is a member of the Slavonian Society. He was marred in 1913 to Josephina, born Muhoberac, the daughter of Captain Muhoberac from Osojnik, near Dubrovnik. They had six sons: Sima, Emil, John, Joseph, Lawrence, and daughter, Lorena. All the son are working on the Victoria or in the office of Victoria Navigation Company.

TALIANCICH, PASKO Restaurant-Cultural Activities

Pasko B. Taliancic was born 1902 in Igrane, Dalmatia, Croatia to Barisa and Katarina Taliancic. He attended grammar School in Igrane; after finishing high school in Sarajevo, he attended two years of law school in Zagreb at the University of Zagreb in 1928. At an early age he organized a Croatian Sokol in Igrane; He was a delegate of the Sokol region in Split; In Igrane and Gradac he organized Croatian Radisha and the Croatian singing group "Trbovic". He was very active with youth groups in Sarajevo and in Zagreb. He finished his army duty in Ljubljana and Mostar. He came to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1932 to his brothers Petar and Leopold. Upon arrival he opened a very modern restaurant with Anton Zankie at the corner of Canal and David streets in New Orleans and is still at the same location at this date. He was active with Croatian youth groups. Having a higher education than most, he tried to help the New Orleans Croatians to organize singing groups, taburica groups and sokol groups.

TANASKOVIC, NICHOLAS J. Priest-Professor

"Father Nick" was born November 14, 1901, at Starigrad, Island of Hvar, Croatia. He was the son of John Tanaskovic and of Mary Tanaskovic. He came, with his family, to New York when he was about three years of age. Was educated in the catholic schools in New York, studied for the priesthood with the oblate Order in San Antonio, Texas, entered Minor Seminary Noviatiate in 1923 at Mission, Texas and was ordained a priest on June 10, 1928 at San Antonio, Texas. His assignments have been: Professor of Philosophy and Music at Oblate Seminary, San Antonio, Texas; pastor at Crystal City, Texas, 1933. He was appointed in 1935 to the Oblate Mission Band in the Southwestern States; stationed in California from 1937 to 1943; pastor at McAllen, Texas 1943-1945; Director of Oblate Major Seminary 1945-1950; Provincial of the Southern Province 1950 to 1957; pastor at Colorado Springs, Colorado from 1957 to 1963. Father Nick was appointed Rector of the St. Louis Cathedral in 1963. He will in July have completed a nine year term. His new assignment will be at St. Mary's (Italian) Church as Administrator, also an Associate Pastor of St. Louis Cathedral. We will all miss Father Nick at the Cathedral and wish for him much happiness and success in his new assignment. The Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans, officers and members, wishes to express their deep appreciation to "Father Nick" for his many kindnesses and in giving to Hewitt L. Forsyth, past Editor of the New Orleans Genesis, permission to publish the indexes of the St. Louis Cathedral in the New Orleans Genesis, thus assisting many to trace their ancestors. This has been the first time the indexes of the St. Louis Cathedral had ever been published. With gratitude from the Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans. Alice Daly Forsyth.

TERNINA,MILKA Opera Singer

One of the greatest sopranos of all time, Milka Ternina, was born in 1863 in Croatia. At the height of her career she was the foremost Wagnerian soprano in the world, performing in all the European capitals as well as in America. For nine seasons, she was a prominent member of the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York. Ternina sang in Croatian, German, Italian, and French, and she premiered the opera Tosca in the United States with Enrico Caruso. She was hailed by the great Italian conductor Toscanini as the "world's greatest artist." In 1906, Milka Ternina returned to her native Zagreb, where she died shortly after World War 1. Suspicious of the new phonograph records (she thought Caruso's voice on records showed nothing of his greatness), she refused to make recordings. Thus no example of her singing voice exists.

TESIA, TONY Grocery

The Liberty Grocery came into being when 21 South Aberdonians joined Tony Tesia a venture similar to that of the Croatian Workingman's store. Tony (wife, Yela Jurasin) had worked at the Union Mill ( later Bay City since arriving in Aberdeen, Washington. He decided there must be a better way to earn a living and interested some co-workers into opening the Liberty. Nick Gotovac (wife, Cvita Batinovich) a butcher, took over that department and operated it for over 30 years. Mitchell Bozich ( wife, Anastasia Soucke ) later became a partner in the Liberty.

TESLA, NIKOLA Inventor-Physicist-Radio-Alternating Current

Nikola Tesla was born on July 10, 1856 in Smiljan, Croatia; he died on January 7, 1943 in New York. He was an Electrical engineer and physicist.

Contribution to science: Tesla designed and patented the polyphase system of alternating current dynamos, transformers and motors. In 1889, Tesla independently off ered a detailed scientif ic description of the magnetic field before G. Ferraris. Tesla patented the rotating field motor in 1888. In 1891 Tesla invented the "Tesla coil" which is still widely used in radio and television sets today. He also invented a system of arc lighting and a generator for high frequency currents. Tesla, not Marconi, invented the principles of the radio in 1893, although Marconi is generally credited with having achieved this feat in 1895. Tesla also invented the incredible bladeless turbine. Tesla introduced the principles of robotics and computers. Also, he invented a high potential magnifying transmitter.

In 1917, he received the Edison Medal -the highest honour the American Institute of Electrical Engineers gives. Tesla had also received degrees from Columbia and Yale Universities in his honour. In 1956, a century after Tesla's birth, the term "Tesla" (T) was adopted as the unit! of magnetic flux density.

Nikola Tesla was born to Milutin Tesla (an Orthodox priest) and Djuka (Mandic) Tesla. In 1863, his family moved to Gospic, where he went to grammar school and then went on to graduate from the Law High School. He then graduated from the Higher Law School in Karlovac. Tesla then entered the Joanneum, the polytechnical college of Graz, Austria. In 1879, he entered the University of Prague, Czechoslovakia, to study engineering (unofficial). After the death of his father, Tesla left university without graduating.

In 1884, Tesla moved to the United States of America and became an American citizen in 1889. Tesla's family has some Serbian origin. In 1917, Tesla was asked to sign, with prominent Serb scientists, a message of unity for American Serbs. He politely asked that they excuse him as a signer. Tesla, however, did associate with some Serbs because of his religion.

After leaving university, Tesla worked as a telephone company engineer in Budapest, Hungary. From 1882 to 1884, he went to work in Paris for the Continental Edison Company. In 1883, while on assignment in Strasbourg (then Germany, now in France), he built a crude prototype of his afternating current motor in after-work hours. In 1884, he found employment with Thomas Edison, but left later since Edison went back on a promise to pay him $50,000 for a particular invention. Tesla then went into the inventing business himself. The Tesla Electric Light Company was formed where he developed the Tesla arc lamp, but was later forced out of the company. In 1888, Tesla applied for and got the patent covering the use and generation of alternating current electricity. Edison and Marconi continually tried to damage Tesla's alternating current electricity reputation (since Edison supported and had great economic interest in direct current electricity only). Edison at one time tried to discredit Tesla's A.C. system by half -killing a condemned man with an A.C. electric chair, before he increased the current to kill him (1890). George Westinghouse, head of Westinghouse Electric Company, bought the patents for Tesla's A.C. system in 1888. In 1893, the Chicago World Columbian Exposition was lighted by means of Tesla's system.

In 1898, Tesla gave many demonstrations of marvels, such as an exhibition of radio-guided tele-automatic boats which filled Madison Square Gardens. He anticipated radio-guided missiles and aircraft. The large-scale harnessing of Niagara Falls has Tesla's name and patent numbers (built 1895-1903). From 1899 to 1900, Tesla actually proved the earth was a conductor.

In 1900, Tesla began work on a worldwide communication system and a 200 foot transmission tower on Long Island. But in 1905, Morgan, a financial backer, withdrew support and the project ended.

In 1917, Tesla was disappointed when a report that he and Edison were to share the Nobel Prize was false. The same year he accurately forecast radar.

In later life, Tesla continued to invent scientifically and commercially important devices, but received little profit (since he seldom took out a patent). In 1943, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the initial finding that was in Marconi's favour to rule that Tesla's radio patent came first. However, encyclopaedias generally neglect this information. Edison (a direct current supporter) even admitted that he stole patents in his lifetime.

Tesla still remains one of the least recognised scientific pioneers in history. Even though Tesla was one of the strangest scientists (erratic with many bewildering phobias), he was naturally gifted and helped quicken the advancement of science. Tesla died a poor man with nothing but some pet pigeons.

TESVICH, ANTE & TEREZA and Fisherman-Folkarts

Tereza Tesvich, the youngest of six daughters, was born in 1932, in the Dalmatian town of Sucuraj, Island of Hvar, Croatia. In 1954, she met her husband Ante Tesvich, a Croatian-born oyster fisherman who had lived in Louisiana. Mr. Ante returned to Dalmatia to visit his parents when he met Tereza and married her when she was only sixteen. Five months later, Mrs. Tesvich moved to Louisiana to be with her husband. They moved into his fishing camp on Bayou Robinson. Mrs. Tesvich, like many Croatian women, resumed her traditional role of gardening. She planted many vegetables that are typically grown in Dalmatian gardens including collard greens, cabbage, tomatoes, and green beans. She also had peach trees, fig trees, and an arbor with grapevines. Later the family moved to Port Sulphur, where she had many of the same type vegetables in her garden. Tereza is also proficient in the traditional skill of needlework, which most all Croatia women learn. As a girl, she learned from her older sisters and her mother to card and spin wool with a hand-held spindle. She learned to knit with cotton and wool thread, to cross stitch, embroider, and do fine handwork like cutwork, and drawn-work. Tereza especially enjoys knitting and cutwork altar cloths and tablecloths with traditional white-on-white embroidery, as well as knitted bed throws, table runners, embroidered pillows, and other pieces. Now widowed, Mrs. Tesvich still lives in Port Sulphur and her family still gets together on Sundays for dinner. She is an excellent cook and is well known for her hrostula (traditional cookies) and other Croatian pastries. Her hrostula are made of eggs, shortening, flour, milk, sugar, baking powder, and lemon peel. The dough is cut into strips, tied into knots, fried, and dusted with powdered sugar. Mrs. Tesvich has presented at the New Orleans Jazz Festival and at the St. Anthony's Day celebration at St. Patrick's Church in Port Sulphur, Louisiana.

THOMAS (TOMAC), BILLY and TOM Palomino Club

The following story appeared in “Performance” magazine in Hollywood, California about a month before the death of brother Billy Thomas, a member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 865 and a partner in the Palomino Club, on July 22, 1978. Billy and his brother, Tom, co-owners of the Palomino Club, a popular dining and gathering place there, had operated the club for the past 25 years. They were always active in Lodge 865 affairs and their club served as a popular meeting place for our people there. The opening paragraph in the story states that the club has never been closed a day in its 25-year history. But the club did close one day last year-the day that Billy Thomas was buried. The funeral cortege as it passed the club saw a marquee that read, “Closed for the Funeral of Bill Thomas”. In her memorial tribute to Billy, sister Wright said, “We all miss him and extend our sympathies to all of his family”. The following is the story that appeared in “Performance” by Stan Findelle: “The Palomino Club has been open for 25 years, and has never been closed a night yet”, claims Tom P. Thomas, owner and commanding officer of the establishment. We sat in Thomas’ inner sanctum office of said club; a shoe box sized room surrounded on three sides by invading walls of liquor battles. The fourth is crammed with clipping and photos celebrating several generations of entertainers who’ve made friends with the “Pal”. “In the early days, the Palomino was a hang-out for studio workers, cowboys, stunt men, radio people. some of them actually tied their horses outside”, chortled Thomas. He also remembers the acts that have passed through on their way to greener dollars. “I can remember when we had Robert Miller in here for ›100, Merle Haggard for $50, Glen Campbell for $50, Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers for similar dough. Linda Ronstadt was a regular here. but when a Ronstadt begins to earn $50,000 for a week at the Universal Amphitheatre, well, we gotta start looking all over again. The real secret of this business is to never rest on yesterday. Those clippings on the wall are fine, they show our tradition. But you can’t cash them in on anything. You’ve gotta rack up new action”. Actually, there are several secrets to the Palomino success. During a time when many clubs are succumbing to the crush of inflation, operating costs and performer fees, the Palomino is thriving. “We’re public and service oriented first”, says Thomas. “We constantly strive to make the Pal a nice place to go, no matter who is appearing. We make a good income off our bar and fine food. We have people who come in here for lunch That’s how good our stuff is. Our employees are minor celebs in their own right. We have Carmen Giraldo, the head waitress here for years; there’s my wife, Sherry Thomas, who helps with the door and promotion brother and partner, Billy Thomas; Wally Fortuno, le maitre de, bar managers Mike Dorner and James Ellis, and of course, Tiny Clover, our doorman, he’s such a ham. We work those tables. I’ve hear of some clubs where they can sit for an hour before being served. That doesn’t happen at the Pal”, certified Thomas. Another element which makes the Palomino so compelling is the remarkable saturation of radio and print advertising Thomas unleashes every week in behalf of the performers. “A label which puts an act at the Palomino immediately becomes the beneficiary of a deluge of promotion they don't have to pay for. Nobody, I mean nobody does what we do. We have trade-out deals with KLAC and KCBS radio stations. We put on hundreds of spots per week, and take out print ads in all the major LA newspapers and the college papers too. We also have an extensive private mailing list chock full of circulars, comp tickets and specials. By the time an act finishes here, by God, it has a name. Yet, we break all the so-called rules to club success. For example, I’ve never used mandatory return options in my contracts. I’d like an act to come back because it wants to. And with the promotion we do, how can they refuse: When the acts get bigger, well, they’ll still come by for special appearances. “Another thing I’d like to clear up. We have a reputation as a Country & Western landmark, but we’ve had all kinds of acts here, from rock to Lawrence Welk. I’ll put a soul act here if somebody wants to take a crack at it, and it’s a good draw. Acts should realize we can contribute greatly to development with a play here. the labels are becoming more and more cognizant of that”. Thomas has also a great appreciation for Performance in perpetuating his business. “The magazine has changed my whole booking strategy. With Performance, I can see where an act is traveling. It cuts out a lot of the nonsense where I’d be bidding and the act was on the other coast anyhow. Everybody in the business reads it now. I’ve been taking out that weekly ad because it helps develop a broader profile for the club besides giving an instant accessibility to bookers working right out of your pages. I’ll tell ya, it makes the groups and management happy. I’ve actually closed deals with acts where they demand, as part of the contract, to be put in that Performance ad”. Besides being a talent club, the Palomino is constantly involved in extra-curricular activities. It’s not unusual to find a March of Dimes benefit, a Dolly Parton look-alike party” going on there, or a politician’s fund raising event, the latest being for California Lt. Governor hopeful Mike Curb. Governor Brown of California is also a frequent visitor to the club. The rustic atmosphere of the Pal is often exploited for major motion pictures. This year alone, a Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood crew spend several days there, John Cassavettes also used the Pal for a scene in “Minnie & Moskovitz”. “You have to constantly work, on your club itself, as well as getting the acts. We just redecorated again, enlarging the stage, adding new lights and sound board. We added a back patio recently where people can sit outdoors and still watch the show through the windows”. To last 25 years, it takes a great deal of talent, and perhaps just a bit of luck, says Thomas, “I’m a student of nightclubs. I know what makes them work. People have asked me to promote concerts at 3000 seaters, but when I added up the costs, I realized I can do better here without the risk or fuss. This room is alive. It’s like a person. It breathes and we haven’t even peaked yet. as for luck, I guess somebody likes us up there. When the earthquake hit in ‘71, the liquor store next door lost every bottle on the shelf. Me’ I lost one bottle of wine!”

THOMCHICK, JOHN Professor-Author

John Thomchick, a lifetime member of Smoke Run, Pennsylvania Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 80, is the author of the recently published book, "The Amazing Common Sense Guide for Your Investment Success." John, who holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in physics from the Pennsylvania State University, spent a year as a research associate at the University of Antwerp in Belgium, then taught at Clemson University, the University of Georgia, Old Dominion University and Penn State. John began investing in the late 1970s, but decided to really "learn" about investing after the 1987 stock market crash. In his new book he discusses how to make the investor “whole" through knowledge, diversification, money management and investor temperament. John says he hopes he can help readers avoid many of the mistakes he made. Also in the book are discussions of budgeting, insurance, and various asset classes, including many useful addresses and references. He feels that the book is excellent for the beginning investor, the disillusioned investor, for investment clubs, or as a concise review for the more established investor. John lives in State College, Pennsylvania with his wife, Evelyn, and his son, J.J. His mother, Sally Thomchick, another Lodge 80 member, lives in Smoke Run, Pennsylvania.

TOIC, ZDRAVKO Artist

The young Croatian native, who's resided in New York since the mid '70s, was nominated by prominent New York art historian/critic Dr. Barbara Rose to have his works displayed at an international exhibition of contemporary art in Italy. At the exhibit, the Florence Biennale in December, '2001, Zdravko was one of about 10 representatives from Croatia among some 600 artists from 44 countries. After 10 days of exhibiting his two best pieces Zdravko was judged first place winner representing Croatia. He walked away with a medal for collaging based on meditation. Even though he's been a resident of New York City since his arrival to the U.S. in the mid-1970s, Zdravko frequently visits his birthplace in Suzan, Island of Krk, Croatia. Suzan is a very small village (about 100 people) located on top of a hill with a clear view of the island ilself, the Adriatic Sea, mainland towns and mountains. Zdravko received his B.A. degree from the College of Staten Island and his M.F.A. from the American University in Washington, D.C.

TOLJAN, ROY Croatian Activities-Artist

Roy ToIjan was born in Novi Vinodolski, the Hrvatsko Primorje region of Croatia, in 1905. He came to Seattle in 1922 to join his uncle, Nikola Sokolich. A member of the Croatian Fraternal Union since 1926, he served the Society in many capacities. He was president, then financial secretary (and a top recruiter) from 1933 to the early 1960s. He was elected delegate to five National Conventions, serving on the National Board of Trustees during the term that ended in 1963. While living with the Sokolichs, Roy met (and eventually, on May 12, 1938, married) Kathryn Paskvan who had come to Seattle from Black Eagle, Montana, to attend the University of Washington. Seattle, Washington was to be the Toljans home for the next half century, although in retirement they did spend extended periods residing in Croatia. Roy Toljan had a unique hobby of handcrafting beautiful art objects from driftwood and seashells.

TOMAC CLAN

I was born in Mountain View, California on August 14, 1960. My parents are John Tomac and Vazma Tomac (nee Stipanich). Both parents are of Croatian descent. Mountain View consists largely of electronic plants and apartments (75% of all dwelling units are apartments). Previously it was all agriculture consisting predominently of apricot and prune orchards. Many of the people working on these farms were farmers from Croatia. They immigrated here in the 1800’s to settle in the lush Santa Clara Valley (reputed to have the best weather and soil conditions in the world).

My mother Vazma Stipanich was born on June 18, 1935 in Veli Brgud, Croatia. This is located about ten miles from Rijeka. Her parents were Ivan Stipanich and Marija Freforic who were also born in the same village.

Veli Brgud, with a population of 1000, consists primarily of residential houses and barns plus family garden plots. Much of the food consumed by the residents is grown in these gardens. Ivan was lost in World War 11. Maria (my grandmother and Vazma immigrated to the United States in 1955 and 1958 respectively. Maria settled in San Francisco and Vazma settled in Mountain View.

My father John was born March 20, 1932 in Van Houten, New Mexico to Ivan Tomac and Mary Tomac (nee Milich). Van Houten (Van Houten camp no longer exists. It was purchased by the National Rifle Association and converted into rifle ranges and wildfire refuge. It is known as the Kensington Center with a population of 900 is located 10 miles south of Raton in the northeastern corner of the state in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. Van Houten was a company owned soft coal mining camp. The company owned all the houses, store, club house and school. Rent for a single family residence was ten dollars per month, and there was no running water or plumbing. The ever present out house was utilized as was the mainstay Sears catalogue. Water was delivered once a week by horse drawn tankers, and stored outside in 100 gallon barrels. Difficulty was experienced in retrieving water in the winter when the water froze over. Coal was also delivered by horse drawn wagon to fuel the stove and heater. Baths were taken in wash tubs with water heated on the coal burning stove.

My grandfather Ivan worked in the coal mines for tenty-five years, until 1940, when the coal mines shut down as a result of the increased ulilization of oil for heating (this is ironic since this trend is now reversing and the mines are again opening up). John attended a one room school house until the third grade when he moved with his family to California in 1940. They left New Mexico because the coal mines shut down and jobs were scarce. The Tomac Family of five and one family friend traveled to California in a model A Ford. It took five days and five flats to reach Mountain View, California in October 1940. They brought with them 100 pounds of pine nuts, which grow wild in the New Mexico country side.Unable to find work in Mountain View the family settled in the North Beach section of San Francisco where my grandfather found work as a janitor. My father attended Grammar school, High School, and San Francisco City College, and then transferred to San Jose State University in 1969 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Police Science and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 1973. In 1955 my father traveled to Croatia to visit his father’s relatives and met my mother, Vazma. He returned to Croatia in June 1957 where they were married in Rijeka City Hall and again at Saint Simons church in Los Altos, California in February 1958.My grandfather (Ivan Tomac) was born in Delnice, Croatia in June 1894. He came to the United States in 1941 via ship from Trieste to New York. Many Croatians imigrated to the United States during these times because of the scarcity of jobs and the promise of the new land. His occupation was that of Shoemaker, but upon his arrival in New York not speaking English or knowing the country or its customs took the first job available. He proceeded to Van Houten, New Mexico where he worked in the soft coal mines for twenty five years. It was in New Mexico where he met and married my grandmother Mary (nee Milich). They had three children, John (my father), Dorothy and Edwin. The camp of Van Houten, population 900, consisted of about 40% Croatians. So our heritage was very strong there. The camp was divided into sections and named according to location and ethnic make-up. Our section of town was known as Soupbone (unfortunately the meaning of this name has been lost). Other sections were known as Sunshine Hill (the highest section in camp); High Five (a row of five wealthy families), and Coal Town. My father remembers living there with vivid memories of a happy and simple youth. There was no television they listened to the radio and read a lot, there were no toys since they couldn’t afford them, so many were hand made. An ice cream cone once a month was a treat.My grandmother, Mary Tomac was born in Sugarite, New Mexico in May 1910 to Tony Millich and Helen Sepich. Tony Millich, born in 1852 came to New Mexico in 1905 from Zvoneca, Croatia, population 250, to Trinidad, Colorado where he worked in the coal mines until a mining accident cost him the loss of one leg. He sent back to Zvoneca in 1905 for Helen Sepich, born in 1887 and they were married in Trinidad in 1905. After the mining accident they moved to Sugarite, New Mexico where they had a Dairy Farm. They had three girls (Amy, Francis, and Mary) and two boys (Rudy and Daniel), Mary died in 1954 and Daniel in 1960. Helen died in 1912, after childbirth, of peurperal fever. Tony died in 1923 of a respiratory problem leaving all the children alone. They were raised by friends of the family.

TOMASEVICH-THOMAS, VINCENT State Legislature

One of the most monumental constructions in California beside the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, is The Vincent Thomas Bridge, the suspension bridge in San Pedro. The bridge is about 2 kilometers long. Since 1940, it connects San Pedro - the harbor of Los Angeles - with city and harbor of Long Beach. Across Terminal Island it leads to big industrial suburbs of Wilmington and to two highways, Harbor and Long Beach Freeway. Before the bridge was built in 1940, the only connection in this direction was the ferry line across the harbor bay or other roundabout routes. The bridge was named in honor of assemblyman Vincent Thomas, the state deputy of San Pedro County, who was the most committed proponent in the bridge construction. Thomas’ parents (father Vicko Thomas - Tomasevich and mother born in Bobovisca, Island Brac) came to America in 1903. They had eight children, and Vincent was their third child born in Biloxi, Mississippi. In Biloxi still live a considerable Croatian population. In 1918 the Thomas family moved to San Pedro. Shortly after that, the father died of Spanish flu. Young Vincent was only ten years old but he was already showing different gifts and talents. Beside going to school, he earned money as a newsboy. He was also selling to sportsmen his home made massage ointment called "snake's oil". Still a student, he was earning as a boxer about 2,500 dollars per fight. Upon finishing high school he graduated in political science at the University in Santa Clara. After that he also graduated law at the Loyola University. He did not open his own practice, but found a job in the fish factory "French Sardine". The factory was owned by Martin J. Bogdanovich from the Island of Vis. This big plant is still operating under the name of "Star Kist Tuna". While with the factory, Vincent Thomas was encouraged to engage himself in politics. He won at the elections for the California State Legislature for San Pedro and became very popular and successful. Therefore he held this position for 38 years. He was reelected nineteen times in a row, more than any other politician. Since 1922, the construction project of an underwater tunnel between industrial suburb and harbor of Los Angeles has been considered. Due to Vincent Thomas efforts, it was finally decided to build a bridge instead of a tunnel. On May 28, 1960, the Governor of California Edmund G. Brown opened the construction site. The construction of the huge bridge over 120 meters above the sea had begun. The construction work was completed in just three years and the bridge was opened on September 28, 1963. One of the guests of the ceremony was Wiliam J. Jurkovich, the chief architect of the bridge construction project who is also of Croatian origin.

TOMASIC, DINKO A. Professor-Author

Dinko A. Tomasic, (1902-1975) was born in Smokvica, on the island of Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia on April 23, 1902. He attended the Classical Gymnasium in Split and graduated in 1921. Then he studied at the Faculty of Jurisprudence, University of Zagreb where he earned his doctorate. During 1930-1931 he studied sociology at Columbia University, the University of Chicago and the University of California at Berkeley. He was a professor of sociology, social historian, scholar and writer. From 1936 until 1940 he taught sociology at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. Having published two books (one on statistics and one on population growth) in 1928 and 1929 respectively, he printed in Zagreb in 1937 a book on the development of Croatian society, Drustveni razvitak Hrvata. It was followed in 1939 by Politicki razvitak Hrvata, dealing with the political deveopment of Croatians. Sympathetic to the plight of peasants and industrial workers, critical of the abuses of capitalism, he also became a harsh critic of all existing authoritarian regimes. In later years in his writings he became extremely critical of both the royal and Communist dictatorships imposed on his people. He was the first Croatian scholar in the United States to describe in articles and books the complex problems of Croatia, Yugoslavia, and the Balkans. His first study in English was published in Public Opinion Quarterly, January 1937 "Peasants and Propaganda in Croatia." Soon after the outbreak of the great war in Europe he emigrated to America in 1940. For a short time he taught in St. Louis and at Lawrence College, Wisconsin. When Ivan Subasic, the former Ban (Viceroy) of Croatia arrived in the United States Dr. Tomasic served for some time as his secretary and advisor; Tomasic soon quit his position and started his long teaching career as professor of sociology at Indiana University in 1943. He remained here with several interruptions until his retirement at the age of 70. He was a fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University during 1947-1948; served as project officer in Human Resources Research Institute, U.S. Air Force, Maxwell Field, Alabama; and as chief of evaluation and research at Radio Free Europe in Munich, Germany during 1957-1958. In April of 1942 Tomasic published his most important article "Croatia in European Politics" in the Journal of Central European Affairs, a newly established quarterly published in Colorado. At the time when the Yugoslav Embassy and the American press denounced the Croatians Tomasic in his article defended the Croatian cause and described objectively the historical reasons for the Croatian struggle for independence. His many articles later on present keen and perceptive analyses of the political and social problems of Croatia, Yugoslavia and Eastern Europe, and finally of world Communism. In his articles and books Tomasic denounced all forms of totalitarianism and stressed the failure of Communism in Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union to solve the nationality problems. His books in English are: Personality and Culture in Eastern European Politics (New York, 1948); The Impact of Russian Culture on Soviet Communism (Glencoe, Illinois,1953); and National Communism and Soviet Strategy (Washington, D.C., 1957). The latter deals mostly with Communist Yugoslavia and its failure to resolve the Croatian and other nationality questions. In 1960 he published a study on Communist Leadership and Nationalism in Czechoslovakia (Washington) and in 1962 the Marquette University printed his book The Problem of Unity of World Communism. He died on August 7, 1975 in Bloomington, Indiana.

TOMASIC, THOMAS M. Professor

Thomas Tomasic is a Professor of Philosophy at John Carroll University, Department of Philosophy, Cleveland, Ohio. Born June 3, 1936, of Croatian parents in Cleveland, Ohio. Education includes Passionist Academy Institute, Chicago, 1954-60, A.B. 1960; University of Detroit, 1960-61, A.B., 1963; Fordham, University, New York,.N.Y., 1961-64, Ph.D.; Major field in Philosophy and specialty in Medieval Studies. Research on Medieval Manuscripts, Bibliotheque Nationale and Centre National de la Recherche Scientique, Paris, 1964-65. Thesis: Man and Reality in Scientific Humanism: and Continuity, 1963-64 Fordham University.

TOMICH, PETER Medal of Honor

There are only two Medals of Honor in American history that are not claimed because a next-of-kin could not be found, one in the Indian Wars and Peter Tomich at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. He died a hero on the battleship Utah. His next-of-kin, John Tomich in Los Angeles, could not be found and the Navy dropped the matter as his records simply stated born in Prolog, Austria. So, for 57 years the Navy, Medal of Honor Society and the Croatian community did nothing thru no fault of their own. Approximately 12 years ago I asked a journalist, Vjekoslav Krsnik, from Split, Croatia to visit Mali and Veli Prolog in Dalmatia and Prolog in Hercegovina and ask for the names Tonic and Tomic and since these were small places , we should turn up something. To our surprise no Tonic-Tomic originated in Mali or Veli Prolog, but at Prolog in Hercegovina Vjekoslav found that Tonic was the Clan Name for Herceg. We had found our hero, his birthplace and his Croatian nationality. We obtained birth and other records from Prolog which were extremely useful. Admiral J. Robert Lunney of New York has probably contributed more than anyone in his help, cooperation and labor to present to the proper Naval authorities adequate proof that we do have a next-of-kin. Last year he traveled to Prolog to view the original Church and Civil records. His first submission to the Navy was rejected and since then a second Legal Brief has been filed. We also wish to thank my good friend Don Chvarak, a Croatian American War Veteran, of Texas, Admiral Robert A. Rosen, Senators Robert G. Torricelli and Max Cleland. Also special thanks to president Bernard Luketich of the Croatian Fraternal Union for graciously publishing material on Peter Tomich in the Zajednicar.

The Navy is confused because of “Prolog, Austria”; Tonich changed to Tomich, then being advised that the name is really Herceg and that he is a Croatian from Hercegovina that had been Turkey in his father’s lifetime. It does get confusing.

I would like this Medal to be deposited at the Croatian Fraternal Union Museum in Pittsburgh.

Military records state: Peter Tonich was born in Prolog, Austria, on June 3. 1893. He enlisted in U. S. Army at Fort Solcum, New York, on June 6, 1917, and served with the 12th Company, 3rd Training Battalion, 154th Depot Brigade, Camp Greene, North Carolina, and also with Company L, 47th Infantry, Camp Greene, North Carolina. He was honorably discharged January 13, 1919. Tonich was naturalized at Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, on October 10, 1918. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy at Newark, New Jersey, on January 23, 1919, at which time his name was recorded as Tonich. Later he used the name Tomich in signing official papers. Tonich (Tomich) served continuously in the Navy from the time of his enlistment and was advanced through the enlisted ratings to that of Chief Watertender on June 4, 1930. Tonich (Tomich) was serving aboard the USS UTAH at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked the Fleet on December 7, 1941, and was killed in that action. For his heroism on this historic occasion he was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, by the President of the United States, with the following citation:

Medal of Honor

"For distinguished conduct in line of his profession and extraordinary courage and disregard of his own safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by the Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. Although realizing that the ship was capsizing, as a result of enemy bombing and torpedoing, he remained at his post in the engineering plant of the USS UTAH, until he saw that all boilers were secured.and all fireroom personnel had left their stations, and by so doing he lost his own life."

Chief Watertender Peter Tonich-Tomich was in charge of rhe Utah's engine room. In the engineering plant bclow deck, Water rushed roward the huge boilers, Above the horrible din around hirn, he yelled to his Crew to get out. He Could feel tbe ship slowly turning on her side and knew that in moments any hope oescape would vanish. Because he was an immigrant from Croaria, Tomich's crew was the only family he knew. He continued to shout at them. Knowing that unless the boilers were secured thcy would rupture and explode, lie ignored the evacuation order himself. He calmly moved from valve to valve, stting the gauges, releasing steam here and there, srabilizing and securing the huge boilersthat otherwise would have turned the entire ship into a massive inferno from which no one could escape. As the ship, continued to roll over, Tomich remained at his station. There was no explosion. Tomich was awarded the Medal of Honor posthuusly for “extraordinary courage and disregard of his own safety." He is among 58 sailors entombed inside ihe Utah. His is the only Medal Of Honor in the last century to go unclaimed. His next-of-kin has never been located.

He was also awarded the Purple Heart Medal, posthumously. In addition to the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart Medal, Tonich (Tomich) was entitled to the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. A Destroyer Escort vessel, the USS TOMICH, DE-242, was named in his honor.

TOMICH, PETER USS Tomich

USS Tomich Destroyer (DE-242) was laid down on 15 September 1942 at Houston, Tex., by the Brown Shipbuilding Co.; launched on 28 December 1942; sponsored by Mrs. 0. L. Hammonds; and commissioned on 27 July 1943, Lt. Comdr. H. A. Hull in command.

Following commissioning, Tomich got underway from Galveston on 12 August and reached New Orleans on the following day. The destroyer escort departed Louisiana waters, on the 19th, bound for Bermuda and four weeks of shakedown training. Tomich sailed for Cuba on 9 October and further training in Caribbean waters, reaching Guantanamo Bay on the 12th. She received orders to search for Dorado (SS-248) which had sailed from New London on 6 October and had been expected to arrive at the Canal Zone on the 14th. Tomich hunted for the missing submarine until the 22d but failed to locate any trace of it.

Nine days later, Tomich joined the screen of Convoy UGS-24, bound for French Morocco. On 2 December, after her charges had all made port, she dropped anchor off Casablanca. Arriving in New York on Christmas morning, 1943. after escorting Convoy GUS-24,

Five days later, the ship steamed for Norfolk, Va., in company with other units of Escort Division (CortDiv) 7, to join other ships of Task Force 63 in escorting Convoy UGS-30 to Casablanca. After a brief independent run to Gibraltar, where she moored along-side famed British battleship HMS Warspite, Tomichdeparted the British base on 4 February and rendezvoused with Convoy GUS-29. She proceeded to the Azores, where she met SS Phoenis Banning and SS Abraham BaldwIn. Rejoining GUS-29 with her two charges, Two days later, she sailed for Tunisia as an escort for Convoy UGS-36. On 30 March, the convoy passed through the Straits of Gibraltar, bound for Bizerte. During the evening watch of the 31st, Tomich homed in on a sonar contact and went to general quarters, proceeding to track down the echo. Dropping two 13-charge Patterns Tomich remained at general quarters throughout the night and instituted an antisubmarine patrol in company with HMS Black Swan. About 0401 as Tomich rejoined the screen, her lookouts spotted enemy aircraft off her port bow. Zig-zagging independently on the port bow of the convoy, the destroyer escort opened fire with her entire antiaircraft battery at 0410. During the 20 minute attack, the enemy aircraft, twin-motored Ju. 88's, came in low and fast; but the heavy antiaircraft fire of the escorts drove off their attackers with no loss to themselves.

She subsequently arrived at New York on 2 May and underwent availability at the navy yard. Returning to Norfolk on the 20th, Tomich sailed as part of TF 64, escorting Convoy UGS-43 bound for Bizerte. After reaching North Africa, Toinich was detached from convoying long enough to escort Carib (AT-82), which was towing Menges (DE-320) to the Azores. When she arrived at Horta, Tomich rejoined homeward-bound Convoy GUS-43.

Following an overhaul at the Boston Navy Yard in May and June, the ship steamed to the Caribbean. Departing Guantanamo Bay on 16 July 1945, she transited the Panama Canal on the 18th and arrived at San Diego on the 26th. Standing out of that port on the 31st, she conducted exercises while en route to Hawaii and reached Pearl Harbor on 7 August as the war in the Pacific drew to its climax. The inexorable advance of American air and naval forces-topped by the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki-compelled Japan to surrender unconditionally. Meanwhile, Tomich continued training exercises in Hawaiian waters, prior to departing Pearl Harbor on 20 August, bound for the western Pacific.

Following her arrival on the east coast, the ship underwent inactivation preparations at Charleston, S.C., from May through late August. Tomich was placed out of commission, in reserve, at Green Cove Springs, Fla., on 20 September 1946. She remained there until her name was struck from the Navy list on 1 November 1972, and she was scrapped.

Tomich received one battle star for World War II service.

TOMICICH, JOHN

Vica was born in the village of Velo Grabje, the Island of Hvar, to Luka and Lucia Zaninovich in 1886. She met and married John Tomicich in 1906 and returned with her husband to their new home in Los Angeles. Together they had four children, Anthony (1908), Louis (1911), Maria (1917) and Nick (1918). Vica died from influenza, in 1918.

TOMINAC, JOHN J. Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company 1, 15th infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Saulx de Vesoul, France, 12 September 1944. Entered service at: Conemaugh, Pa. Birth: Conemaugh, Pa. G.O. No.: 20, 29 March 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty an 12 September 1944, in an attack on Saulx de Vesoul, France. lst Lt. Tominac charged alone over 50 yards of exposed terrain onto an enemy roadblock to dispatch a 3-man crew of German machine gunners with a single burst from his Thompson machinegun. After smashing the enemy outpost, he led one of his squads in the annihilation of a second hostile group defended by mortar, machinegun, automatic pistol, rifle and grenade fire, killing about 30 of the enemy. Reaching the suburbs of the town, he advanced 50 yards ahead of his men to reconnoiter a third enemy position which commanded the road with a 77-mm. SP gun supported by infantry elements. The SP gun opened fire on his supporting tank, setting it afire with a direct hit. A fragment from the same shell painfully wounded Ist Lt. Tominac in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. As the crew abandoned the M-4 tank, which was rolling down hill toward the enemy, ist Lt. Tominac picked himself up and jumped onto the hull of the burning vehicle. Despite withering enemy machinegun, mortar, pistol, and sniper fire, which was ricocheting off the hull and turret of the M-4, Ist Lt. Tominac climbed to the turret and gripped the 50-caliber antiaircraft machinegun. Plainly silhouetted against the sky, painfully wounded, and with the tank burning beneath his feet, he directed bursts of machinegun fire on the roadblock, the SP gun, and the supporting German infantrymen, and forced the enemy to withdraw from his prepared position. Jumping off the tank before it exploded, Ist Lt. Tominac refused evacuation despite his painful wound. Calling upon a sergeant to extract the shell fragments from his shoulder with a pocketknife, he continued to direct the assault, led his squad in a handgrenade attack against a fortified position occupied by 32 of the enemy armed with machineguns, machine pistols, and rifles, and compelled them to surrender. His outstanding heroism and exemplary leadership resulted in the destruction of 4 successive enemy defensive positions, surrender of a vital sector of the city Saulx de Vesoul, and the death or capture of at least 60 of the enemy. His people are from Croatia.

TOMLJANOVICH, CHARLES Mayor-Restaurant-Military

Charles "Kutch" Tomljanovich died Sunday, July 10, 1988 at the age of 52. Charles Tomijanovich was a member of St. Rochus Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 5 and the first Mayor of ethnic origin to serve this historic city of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. "Kutch", as he preferred to be called, was born in Johnstown on July 11, 1935, son of Ivan and Mary (Bomba) Tomijanovich. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Esposito; brother, Paul; and sister, Margaret Pentrack, who died on June 1, 1988. Surviving are his wife, the former Rosemarie A. Tomak; two sons, Charles and Stephen, both at home; brother, Emil, married to the former Antoinette Yurkovich; Barbara DiFalco; William, married to the former Stella Walukas; John, married to the former Florence Wilson and Betty, wife of Albert A. Schubert, Jr., all of Johnstown; Josephine, wife of Mitchel Darlak, Dearborn, Michigan; Anna Mae, wife of Ronald Campbell, Holsopple, and Thomas, married to former Bonnie Belinsky, Massapequa Park, New York. Brother Tomijanovich was a Johnstown businessman who formerly operated a chain of pizza and pirogi shops. He made his political debut in 1971, when he won the position of City Treasurer. He was elected for the second term in 1975 by a large margin over his opponent. During his tenure as Mayor, brother Tomijanovich and his Administration brought Johnstown back after the disastrous flood of 1977. Many believed that they did a better job than people gave them credit for. The four years he served after the 1977 flood, may have been the most difficult any Mayor ever faced. For the next four years, he worked to revive the flood ravaged community, repairing streets, establishing a neighborhood network of playgrounds and bringing recovery to the individual flood victims through the state bond issue and rifle programs. People of all walks of life, Democrats and Republicans, paid their tribute. They talked about "Kutch's" honesty and sincerity. A great sports enthusiast, brother TomIjanovich was a chairman of the All American Amateur Baseball Association Tournament for two years, and past president of the Old Timer's Baseball Association. He actively sponsored football, baseball, softball, basketball and hockey teams. He helped his brothers, Emil and John, and the committee to sponsor the Croatian Fraternal Union National Roundball Tournament. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the army and was a member of the boxing team in Korea.

TONCIC, STANKO V. Electrical Engineer

Stanko Toncic is an Electrical Engineer at Bird Electronic Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born August 13, 1905, Klanjec, Zagorje, Croatia and is married with one child. Education includes Real Gymnasium, Varazdin, Croatia; University of Zagreb, School of Electrical Engineering, graduated, 1942; specialty in Telecommunications, Telephony and Telegraphy. Member of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

TOOCHECK, EDWARD A. Bacteriologist

Edward Toocheck is a Research Bacteriologist at H.J. Heinz Company Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Born November 10, 1931 to Croatian parents in Trafford, Pennsylvania; married with two children. Education includes Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, B.S., 1954; Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, M.S., 1959 with a major field of Bacteriologist and Fermentation Bacteriologist. Thesis completed 1959 The Effect of Barley Pathogenes on the Respiration Rate of Barley.

TOPIC, ANDRIJA Croatian Activities

Andrija was born and raised in Split, Croatia and came to the United States in 1989.  he was among a handful of members who volunteered countless hours to the construction of the Croatian American Cultural Center Hall and together with Nick Susac, is responsible for the beautiful bar that is admired by everyone.  Andrija makes sure that the grounds are kept up and that all equipment and machinery are in working order. He works for Nick Susac building homes and shares his skillful woodwork with the community. He is always willing to help when needed.  Andrija and Karen, have a daughter, Marianna, who is three.  Andrija is an important contribution to our club and heads up the barbeque during the Extravaganza.

TORNICH, MARY Navigation-Pilot-Author

This young woman is an expert in the science of navigation, both sea and aviation.  So expert is she, in fact, that she has just been appointed to teach navigation, meteoronology and mathematics at the flying school at King City, for training Army cadets. To Mary Tornich, there’s nothing astonishing about that.  Very flatering, for she is the only woman in the country to hold such a psoition, but, after all, she’s trained for it. Mary Tornich is right now the only woman head of a local branch of the Weems School of Navigation, an organization with branches from London to Australia, headed by Lieut. Comdr. P. V. H. Weems of Annapolis. Last year she published a textbook, “Radius of Action of Aircraft,” for this amazing young woman knows her flying, too. She started to learn about aircraft at the age of 8. In a glider she built herself she sailed off the sloping roof of the barn. Her parents insisted she finish her schooling, but the moment Mary graduated from the Immaculate Conception Academy- that was in 1926- she took flying lessons at the Pacific Aero Club. “Those were the days of barnstorming, and I didn’t have any moeny to buy a plane or to travel. So I went to the State Navigation School. They didn’t think I’d stick...” but she did. In 1931 she was one of 12 of the original class of 61 to graduate. “I like mathematics, and I like navigation and I like teaching,” she admits.  Her office in the Weems School headquarters at 277 Pine-st in a severe room, filled with bookcases, high desks and charts.  Strapping captians and pilots who come to her school blink twice when they meet “teacher,” but they soon find she knows her star charts. Her conversation in teaching a pupil runs thus: “You’ve got the sun- how are you going to get the local hour angle of Polaris? Right. That’s the compass bearing...” and so on.

TORNICH, PETER P. Croatian Activities

Born in Starigrad, Island Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia in 1869. He came to America in 1891 and lived in San Francisco, California. For 37 years he was a member of Slavonic Mutual Benevolent Society and a long-time treasurer of this Society. He has been a treasurer of Croatian Benevolent Society Zvonimir-Dalmatia for twenty-one years and a treasurer of Croatian Sokol of Pacific. During the War he has been active in the Croatian Relief Committee. He is a prominent social activist.

TOVARAZ, MARTIN A. Restaurant Businessman

He was born October 15, 1883, at Ston, in the province of Dalmatia, Croatia, and his home was situated on the seacoast. His father was a fisherman and when the son was eight years of age he was allowed to accompany him on the nightly expeditions for anchovies and sardines, which were caught in a net. In 1899, when sixteen years of age, Martin A. Tovaraz followed the tide of immigration to America, coming direct to San Francisco, California, of which city his uncle was a resident. He was given employment as dish washer in the latter's restaurant at No. 522 Sacramento street, and his evenings were spent in the study of English at the Lincoln school at the corner of Fifth and Market streets. He worked for six months for his room and board and later was promoted to the position of cook. Leaving San Francisco, Mr. Tovaraz came to Santa Cruz county and for two months engaged in picking apples and cherries in the vicinity of Capitola. He next went to Arroyo Grande, in San Louis Obispo county, and worked for a time as a fruit packer for L. G. Sresovich. He then returned to San Francisco and reentered the employ of his uncle. Later the subject of this sketch became the proprietor of a cafe at the corner of Post and Powell streets, San Francosco, but lost everything in the memorable fire of 1906. In the fall of that year Mr. Tovaraz came to Watsonville and for one and a half years was employed in the Main Street Restaurant of Andrew Strazicich. On the expiration of that period he returned to San Francisco and opened a restaurant at No. 30 Liedesdorff street, which he conducted for eight years under the name of Insurance Grill. In 1919 he took over the management of the Central Hotel of Watsonville, which he operated for four years, and is now at the head of the Plaza Grocery Company of this city. Their store is situated at No. 22 Peck street and is one of the finest groceries in Watsonville. Mr. Tovaraz is a businessman of broad experience and mature judgement, and under his expert management the firm is constantly expanding the scope of its activities. In San Francisco, in 1912, Mr. Tovaraz married Miss Anna Bakich, who was reared and educated in that city but was born in the province of Dalmatia. They have a family of three children: Anthony, peter and Nina, aged respectively twelve, nine and seven years, and all are natives of San Francisco. Along fraternal lines Mr. Tovaraz is connected with the Independent Order of Foresters, being a member of Court No. 10 of San Francisco. He is also affiliated with the Austrian-American Society of Watsonville and the Austrian Military Society of San Francisco.

TRCIC, MICHAEL Special Effects-Sculpture

Michael was born in Pittsburgh, PA, studied with the Pittsburgh Filmmakers, and began his professional film career working on several Pittsburgh based movies. During his career, he created special effects make-up and puppeteered in Los Angeles on films for HBO such as, “Tales from the Crypt”, “Glory” (a civil war epic), “Batman Returns”, and “Terminator 2”. Michael was a key sculptor and puppeteer for the movie “Jurassic Park”. His work has been published in “The Making of Jurassic Park”, “Hunting Dinosaurs”, “Prehistoric Times”, “Southwest Art”, and”Earth Magazine”. His casting of a life-size T-Rex is on permanent display at Disney World’s Dinoland Park at the Animal Kingdom in Florida and he sculpted nine dinosaurs for computer animation in the IMAX film , “T-Rex, Back to the Cretaceous”. The Franklin Mint commissioned him to do a series of dinosaur sculptures, the first issued in Spring of 1999. Michael is a member of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and the National Sculpture Society.

TREBOTICH, DAVID Scientist

David Trebotich is a computational scientist in the Center for Applied Scientific Computing at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. His research interests include elasto-plasticity, computational fluid dynamics, incompressible flow, projection methods, higher-order Godunov methods, deformable domains and viscoelastic, non-Newtonian flow in microdevices. David currently works on the Anboto project, developing code for the study of elasto-plastic deformations in metals. He earned his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1998. He also holds a B.S.M.E. from the University of Mississippi and an M.S. in mechanical engineering from Tulane University. Prior to joining CASC in 2001, David was a post-doctoral engineer at the Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center where he modeled the flow of complex biological fluids in MEMS (micro) devices.

TRINAJSTICH, LUDVIG Fish Market

Ludvig was born in Kastav, Dalmatia in 1890, a son of Andrew and Josephine Trinaystich. In 1901 he accompanied his brother Andrew to Los Angeles, where he joined his father. Ludvig attended St. Vincent’s College in Los Angeles; later worked on a ranch in Topanga Canyon where he remained for two years; and then came to San Pedro, where he engaged in the fish business with his brother-in-law, Anton Marusch. He successfully operated a fish market in San Pedro for nineteen years, selecting fish from the boats as they came into San Pedro.

TROJANOVICH, NIKOLA Goldminer-Hotel-Saloon-Restaurant

Nikola came from Dalmatia to California probably in 1848-49 and tried his luck in the gold fields. He must have struck it rich as he became the owner of the Atlantic Exchange Saloon and Restaurant during the 1850’s in Sacramento on Front Street with this location being designated as one of the first establishments in Sacramento.

He then ventured into the Nevada Territory and became the proprietor of the Merchant’s Exchange Hotel, Saloon and Restaurant. With Aurora, Nevada at the height of its mining boom, the following advertisment appeared in the Aurora Times on October 7, 1864: “The Undersigned, one of the owners of the Merchants’ Exchange Building, would respectfully announce to his friends and the public generally, that he has opened the basement of the above building as a FIRST CLASS Dining Saloon which will be furnished with the best the market affords.  And served in good style. Board by Day or Week.  Meals at all hours.” Nick Trojanovich

TROSLEY, JOE Tamburitza Hall of Fame-Music Composer-Military

Joe Trosley was born November 1, 1922 and passed away September 19,1989 at the age of 67. Joe's introduction to our music began almost at birth and by age 2, his mother already had him singing Croatian songs. Joe's sister Katie Shaus took over his training when their mother prematurely passed away and, as Joe's talents grew, he sought out Anka Krnich for further training. He always credited these women for his success, but also never forgot his father, a singer and musician of some note himself. By age 3 or 4, Joe was "playing" a toy guitar his father bought for him and by age 7, would not part even momentarily from a real guitar he had gotten. Joe would go down to Kusmanoff's Grocery near his home where the older boys would put him up on the bread box to play his heart out for pennies, nickels and dimes from the old timers. He even knew a couple of cowboy songs for the Americans that came around and by age 12 had become so proficient with his playing and singing that he had even performed on radio station W`TMV in East St. Louis. About this time, Ann Lusicic of St. Louis, Missouri regularly came to teach several youngsters, including Joe, to play tamburitza instruments, and Joe progressed so well that he joined the Slavuj Tamburitza band at age 15. It was with this group which included Matt Dobrinich, Sam Segan, Nick Butkovich, Joe Skundrich, Steve Skundrich, Pete Dobrinich, Lou Cavic and Frank Stimac that Joe played for many years interrupted only by 39 months in the service where he played in the U.S. Service Band and acted as interpreter for Croatians in the German prison camps. From 1948 to 1958, Joe played in the Veselo Srce Band of St. Louis with George Ban, Bob Galik, Joe Skundrich and Frank Mudrovich. Joe Trosley is perhaps most famous as one of the Royal Tamburitzans of Granite City, Illinois along with Walter Vunovich, Mike Vunovich, Jim Vunovich, Mike Novacich, and Joe Skundrich. Joe's association with the Royals began in 1959 and lasted 24 years. Among his major credits were his abilities as composer and arranger and the undisputed high point of his career was the release of Suze Liju Plave Oci which sold some 35,000 copies. Six albums, a 1966 concert tour to Croatia, a ten year stint on Sunday afternoons at the Sportsman's Club of Madison, Illinois, the Smithsonian Institute's 7th Annual Festival of American Folklife in Washington, D.C., and regular performances in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis and Kansas City all stand as a tremendous tribute to the longevity, success, and dedication of Joe Trosley and the Royals. Of course, no musician is fully or fairly recognized without recognizing his supporting family also - his wife of 45 years, Josephine; his sons, Stephen, Father Anthony, and Raymond; his grandchildren, Stephanie, Ami, Nathan, Ryan and Jordan; and greatgrandchild, Sydney. Joe's 45 year contribution to our tamburitza music culture will not soon be forgotten especially given the fact that he simultaneously worked 40 years for the Standard Oil Company and raised a wonderful family

TROYANI, SAM Fisherman

Angeline Pigniolo married Troyani in 1872. The marriage record lists his name as Simon Thozain, but later he is found consistently as Sam or Samuel Troyani. He was born in Dalmatia, Croatia according to the documents found and appears to have immigrated in 1867. He lived in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. His family, that of Angeline, appears as follows: Samuel Troyani, Sr. (c. April 1849) married Angeline Pigniolo (c. 1854 17 April 1909) on 30 April 1872. Children are Anthony 1874, Simone 1885, Albert 1886, Paul 1891, Reaina 1892.

TRUDNICH, JAKOV Fisherman

Jakov left his homeland, the Island of Vis, off the Dalmatian Coast in 1902 and settled in as a fisherman along the coasts of Alaska and Washington. By 1920 Jakov relocated to San Pedro and became an active member of the Croatian Fraternal Union and the Dalmatian Club. Loneliness for his homeland compelled Jakov to visit Dalmatia in 1928 and marry Antica, nee Radesich and return with bride to San Pedro.

TRUTANICH, MARTIN Fisherman-Naval Vessel

Killdeer (AMC-21) was originally built as a purse seiner in 1930 by Al Larson, Los Angeles with the name of Vindicator; rebuilt in 1940 by Harbor Boat Works, San Pedro, California; acquired by the Navy from her owner, Mr. Martin Trutanich, 8 November 1940; and placed in service the same day as Killdeer. From 9 November 1940 to 17 April 1941 she underwent conversion to AMC-21, and on 8 May 1941 she began service with the 12th Naval District. Operating out of San Francisco, Killdeer transferred to the Western Sea Frontier 1 August for further service as a channel minesweeping ship She continued sweeping shipping lanes in the approaches to San Francisco Bay until 12 September 1944 when she was placed out of service. Reclassified as IX-194 on 25 September, Killdeer was used by the 12th Naval District as a general utility vessel. Her name was struck from the Naval Register 2 June 1945, and she was turned over to the Maritime Commission for disposal 9 January 1946.

TRUTANICH, TONY Fish Restaurant

Tony’s Fish Market is located on the Redondo Beach Pier in California since 1952. The first pier, known as Wharf No. 1, was completed in 1889, when the developing town was a resort destination served by the Santa Fe railroad. Two other wharves were added, but a storm in 1915 destroyed Wharf No. 1. Wharf No. 2 was badly damaged by a storm in 1919 and torn down soon afterward. Tony Trutanich fell in love with the pier as a child. He grew up in San Pedro and came to the pier to get clams at the fresh-fish markets. Fifty years ago, Trutanich established a two-story, kiosk-shaped restaurant, Old Tony's, that remains a landmark. He also operates Tony's Fish Market, a restaurant with views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and raves about the beauty of the setting. "How many places can you go and have a lovely dinner, and see the surf pounding on the beach, and see the boats out there, and the sunsets?" he asks. (Ferrell 2002)

TRUTICH, ANTON Restaurant-Fisherman

Anton was born in the town of Vela Luka on the Island of Korcula, Dalmatia March 21, 1901. In 1920 Anton, his brother Marin, and sister Mara moved to Seattle. After plying their trade as fishermen along the Northwest coast for several years the Trutich brothers moved south to California in 1927. Anton, who was talented at creating old world dishes, worked as a fisherman, chef, and in the local canneries before setting up his own cafe in 1933 Tony’s Popular Buffet. In 1937 he opened the Skipper’s Inn, and in 1944 the Victory Cafe. He operated the Victory Cafe for 12 years before opening his last and most successful restaurant, Cigo’s in 1956. Cigo was a nickname that his friends had given him in his youth while fishing. He was called this since he always loved to sing and play his tamburitza In 1931 Anton married Lena and together raised two daughters; Kathleen and Dianne. A fifty-year member of CFU Lodge 434 in Sacramento, Anton died February 9, 1988.

TUDJA, MIROSLAV Croatian Activities

Mr. Miroslav J. Tudja has been the president of the Croatian day Committee since its inception in 1937 more than three years ago in San Francisco. His wise guidance has made the Croatian day an event which all of our people anticipate during the Fall of each year. His scholarly and democratic attitude toward the solution of all problems confronting the Committee has proven him a peerless administrator.

TUDOR, DAN “DINKO” Vineyard-Shipper

Dan Tudor, 76, one of Delano’s largest grape growers-shippers, died on Tuesday, June 10, 1974 at his home. He was the founder of Tudor and Sons, and the firm’s produce is shipped under the Tudor and Zora labels. Dinko Tudor was born on the Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia on August 22, 1898 and fought in World War I before coming to California in 1921. He settled in the Sacramento area until 1929 before moving to Dinuba. While living there he married Irene M. Borcich in 1931 and moved to Terra Bella shortly thereafter. He began his farming career in 1934 and established the grape-growing family business later. He had been associated with the Delano Elks Club, the American-Slavonic Club and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife Irene; his children are sons Joseph and John of Santa Cruz; four daughters, Mrs. Antoinette Buska, Mrs. Ann Markidian and Mrs Mary J, Caric all of Delano, and Mrs. Linda Shewcraft of Santa Cruz; two sisters, Mrs. Domina Yurich and Mrs. Katica Petrich of Croatia; two brothers, Tony of Croatia and John of Argentina, and 13 grandchildren.

TUDOR, VLADIMIR AND MANDINA Farm

Mandina married Vladimir Tudor whose father, Vladimir, was born in Malo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia. Her father was Nikola Tomicich and  her mother is Darinka Petric. Mandina was born in Velo Grablje in 1941 and came to the United States in February, 1963. They have farms in the Mecca area and live in Palm Desert. Mandina is a housewife and mother.  They have five children: Vladimir G., Doreen, Cecilia, George, and Joseph.

TURICH, MARKO Croatian Activities

Born on April 6, 1881 in Pijavichina, Kuna on the Peljesac Peninsula, Dalmatia, Croatia. He came to America in 1907 and settled in San Francisco. He was a member and treasurer of Strossmayer Society; member and a former vice president of Society Zvonimir-Dalmatia; member and a former president of Slavonic Mutual Society. In the Slavonic Mutual Society he was the member of the Board of Trustees and also a member of other Croatian and American societies.

TURINA, BORIS Engineer

Boris Turina is an Electrical Engineer at the General Tire & Rubber Company, Central Engineering Department, Akron, Ohio. He was born February 7, 1923 in Ugljevik (near Bijeljina), Bosnia and is married with two children. Education included Secondary Technical School, Sarajevo, Bosnia, 1941; Technological Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 1941-45 and 1949-52; The University of Pennsylvania, 1961-62. with a major field of Electrical Power Production and Distribution and a specialty of Project and Design of Power Distribution, Lighting and Motor Controls.

TURKALJ, JOSEPH Sculptor

Joseph Turkalj was born August 10, 1924, in Rakovica, Croatia. He resides in Cleveland, Ohio with a wife and five children. His education included Art School, Zagreb, Croatia 1947; Academy of Fine Arts, Zagreb, 1948-52; Academia delle Belle Arti, Rome, Italy 1952-54, M.F.A., 1954; Scuola Del Medaglio, Rome, Italy, 1952-54, Diploma, 1954. He is a member of the National Sculpture Society. His experience includes Free lance Sculptor, 1954-68, Italy and U.S.A.; Assistance to the late Professor Ivan Mestrovic, 1957-61; Instructor at University of Notre Dame, N.D., Indiana, 1962, 1963.

Exibitions were at Ball State Teachers College, Drawing and Small Sculpture Annual, 1958 Sculpture "U.S. 58," Madison Square Garden, New York, 1958 Sculpture. Ball State Teachers College, Drawing and Small Sculpture Annual, 1959 Sculpture. The Detroit Inst. of Art, Second Biennial of American Painting and Sculpture, 1959. Assistants Salon, 104th Annual Student Art Exhibition, Univ. of Notre Dame, 1959. The Pa. Acad. of Fine Arts. The 155th Annual Exhibition of American Painting and Sculpture, Philadelphia, 1960 Sculpture. One-man Show, South Bend Art Center, South Bend, Ind., 1960 Sculpture. National Acad. of Design, 137th Annual Exhibition, N.Y., 1962 Sculpture. National Sculpture Society, Sculpture Exhibition, N.Y., 1962. 13th Christocentric Arts Festival, Champaign, Ill., 1962 Sculpture. 56th Annual Ind. Artist Exhibition, Herron Museum of Art, Indianapolis, Ind., 1962. Faculty Members Exhibition, Univ. of Notre Dame,,. Ind., 1963. Art Mart lst Annual Exhibition, Elkhart, Ind " 1963 Sculpture Natl. Acad. of Design 139th Annual Exhibition, N.Y.; 1964 Sculpture.

Creative works included Larger Commissions: All interior sculpture work for the church of "St. Mary," Worthington, Minnesota, 1959. Altar Decorations, limestone reliefs, lifesize, for the church of "St. Joseph the Worker,",Gary, Indiana,1960. "St. Francis the Savior," cast stone statue, 8 feet, for Mount St. Francis Hosp., Dubuque, Iowa, 1961. "St. Joseph the Protector " limestone statue 7 feet for Nazareth College, Rochester, N.Y. Univ. of Notre Dame 1962. "Moses" bronze statue, 18 feet, Notre Dame, Ind., 1963. "Last Supper" walnut relief, "St. Paul," walnut statue, 3 feet, for Crosie, Ind., 1963. "The Holy Family," birch reliefs, 32" x 40", Villa Maria, Pa., 1964. "The Ascension" granite relief, 5 feet by 5 feet, for Calvary Cemetery, Duluth, Minn., 1964. "St. Paul" limestone statue, 10 feet, for St. Paul Croatian Church, Cleveland, Ohio. "St. Joseph with the Boy Jesus" limestone statue, 9 feet, for Holy Cross Brothers, Notre Dame, Ind. Numerous other sculptures now in private collections in the major cities of the United States.

Awards were National Student Exhibition, lst Prize for Sculpture, Milan, 1954. Natl. Arts Club and Natl. Sculpture Soc., for the Best Garden Art and Music, lst Prize for Sculpture, Ind. Univ., Gary, 1961. Natl. Sculpture Society, "John Gregory Award" N.Y., 1965. House of Studies, Fort Wayne, Assissi," limestone statue.

TURKOVICH, BRANIMIR, Professor

Associate Professor of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Illinois, College of Engineering, Urbana, Illinois. Born 1924 in Zagreb, Croatia. A U.S citizen since 1957. Educated at University of Zagreb,1943-45, Croatia; 1945-47 University of Naples, Italy; 1947-51 University of Madrid, Spain; Naval University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill., Ph.D., 1961. Work experience 1952-54 Res. Asst. Mech. Engr., Univ. of Ill., Urbana;1954-57 Sr. Res. Engr., Res. and Development Dept., Kearney and Trecker Corp., Milwaukee, Wis.; 1955-57 Lecturer in Mech. Engr., Col. of Engr., Marquette Univ., Milwaukee, Wis.; 1957 Assoc. Prof. Mech. and Industrial Engr., Univ. of Illinois, Urbana, Ill.; 1962- Consultant, Applied Physics Dept., Cornell Aeronautical Lab., Buffalo, N.Y.

TURKOVICH, JOSEPH Fisherman

Joseph was born July 14, 1907 in Monogah, West Virginia. His occupation was as a commercial fisherman which brought him to San Pedro in 1950. The civic organizations he contributed to suggest he was dedicated to supporting the old world culture of his ancestors. He was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union and the Dalmatian American Club of San Pedro. Joseph died June 2, 1987. He was survived by his wife, Anne, son Anthony Joseph of San Pedro and daughter Katherine Foodym of Irvine, California.

TURKOVIC, THOMAS Saloon-Military

Thomas Turkovic was born December 21, 1917, in Youngstown, Ohio a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Turkovic. He lived in Croatia for 15 years, and returned to the area in 1934. He was the owner of Tom's Tavern in McDonald for more than 25 years and was a 52-year member of Croatian Fraternal Union St. George Lodge 66 and the Valley Pool League. He was a World War 11 Army veteran. He died August 16, 1999. He leaves his wife, the former Dorothy Gasper, whom he married April 25, 1953; a son Thomas J. of McDonald, a daughter, Mrs. Laura Krashoff of Poland, two sisters, Mrs. Mary Salig of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Mrs. Helen Premec of Croatia, a brother, Stephen of Croatia; eight grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. A daughter, Miss Ramona, four brothers, George, Frank, Dominic and Joseph, and a sister, Miss Sylvia, are deceased.

TUSKAN, IVAN Physician

Ivan Tuskan is a physician in private practice in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born April 18, 1919 in Karlovac, Croatia; married and an Americian citizen. Educated at State Gymnasium, Karlovac, Croatia, Graduated,1937; Medical School, Zagreb, Croatia, M.D., 1943 in Obstetrics-Gynecology. Member of American Medical Association; Diplomate of American Board of Obstetrics-Gynecology; Fellow of American College of Obstetrics-Gynecology.

TUSKAN, MARIA Professor

Maria Tuskan is Professor of Child Psychiatry at University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Cincinnati, Ohio. Born September 25, 1922 in Petrinja, Croatia and is married. Education includes University of Innsbruck, Austria, M.D., 1954; Intern, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio 1955-56; Training, General Psychiatry, Cincinnati General Hospital 1956-58; Post-Residency Training, Child Psychiatry, Cincinnati General Hospital 1958-61. Member of American Medical Association; American Psychiatric Association.

UCOVICH, JOHN, CHRIS Saloon

Chris Uzovich, a director of the Slavonic Society, operated a pioneer saloon at Hacienda, Santa Clara County, in 1869. He was a citizen and voted in San Francisco in 1861. John Uzovich, perhaps a brother, was a well known pioneer in San Francisco and married Miss Helen Divisich in 1869. He had a large family and was proprietor of a saloon on Davis Street in San Francisco.

UCOVICH, MITCHELL, NICK, PETER Restaurant

As keen and progressive businessmen of Santa Clara County the three brothers, Mitchell, Nick, and Peter Ucovich, compose a trio of successful restaurateurs, who have taken their place in the ranks of active businessmen. Mitchell Ucovich, the eldest of the three brothers, was born in Dalmatia, Croatia, in 1881, a son of Paul and Mary (Skanse) Ucovich. The father, Paul Ucovich, was a successful farmer in his native land, acquiring some 10,000 acres of land, on which he raised olives and grapes. Both parents are deceased. They were the parents of eight children, one of whom is deceased, the other seven children being their heirs to the estate left intact by the father. Nick Ucovich was born in Dalmatia, Croatia in 1884, and Peter, the youngest of the three brothers, was born in 1886. The boys were raised on the farm, and there learned valuable lessons in industry and thrift. Two of their maternal uncles were early settlers in Leeds City, NorthDakota and wrote such glowing letters to the family in Dalmatia that Mitchell Ucovich determined to seek his fortune in the far-away land of promise, and in 1898 he embarked for America, land of promise, landing in New York City May 2. Remaining there but a short time, he came directly to San Jose, where be began work in the Overland Restaurant. His early lessons in frugality caused him to save his earnings and invest in business for himself. In a few years he was able to purchase the Overland Restaurant, and on April 19, 1906, he was joined by his brother Nick Ucovich, and in 1908 the third brother, Peter, joined them. They became the owners of two restaurants, which they later disposed of, and in 1916 the restaurant known as “Nick’s Place,” at 9 North Market Street, was Established. Nick Ucovich was the originator of the establishment and the name was suggested by him. The marriage of Nick Ucovich united him with Josephine Munoz, and Peter Ucovich married Isabella Munoz, her sister, both natives of San Jose who were daughters of and early Spanish family. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Ucovich have one child, Mitchell.

UGLESICH, ANTHONY Restaurant-Oyster Bar

One of the great things about New Orleans cooking is that we treat not only our haute cuisine, but also our everyday, with total seriousness. Take for example the poor boy. 'Nuff said. But when you take your poor boy, by all means take it at Uglesich's - by far the funkiest and the best poor boy joint in New Orleans. Anthony Uglesich's parents opened the restaurant in1924. In Louisiana, Croatians are the heart and soul of the seafood industry. For one thing they make up 90% of the oyster fishermen at the mouth of the Mississippi River where, as we all know, the most succulent and the saltiest oysters in the world are farmed. So when a Croatian opens those dozen raw oysters you're slurping, or confects that oyster loaf (that is, poor boy) you're crunching, you know you're in good hands. Now situated just outside the business district, Uglesich's was once on the other side of Canal on Rampart Street. When Anthony's mother told me that, it occurred to me that that was the time and that was the place where jazz came into its own. "Sure," she said, "there were plenty musicians around. Once my husband was watching TV and ol' Louis Armstrong came on. 'Look,' he said, 'There's a man I've shucked a lot of oysters for.'" Once Satchmo's favorite oyster bar, Uglesich now often serves the musical elite of New York and Los Angeles who, having "discovered" it now often throw as large a party as you can imagine is such a little place. Those parties are private of course; but if he's in town you're quite likely to see Aaron Neville who grew up nearby. Maybe it's the oysters that give Aaron that lovely voice. . .Be forewarned however, Uglesich's locale and decor are part of the reason we call it funky. Obviously Anthony has used his profits to send his kids to college rather than to renovate. But locally we think the look - with cases of Barq's root beer stacked on the concrete floor of the 10 table dining room - is just right. Too, be warned to come early or late. After 11:30 and until 2:00 you will wait to be seated, or even to stand at the tiny oyster bar - there's room maybe for three if you don't mind an elbow in your ribs. But come expecting to see the political and business elite of New Orleans. What to order? Well, or course expect nothing but seafood, most of it fried (though all fried in canola oil), and all of it with generous caloric counts. The only menu is on the back wall which includes this classic placard, a favorite of many New Orleanians: Grilled and Spicey!, Trout Anthony $ 8. 75,  Shrimp Gail $ 8. 75, Anthony and Gail $10. 75. By the way, don't believe a word of it: Gail and Anthony are not the spiciest, but rather the sweetest couple you'll ever meet. The poor boys are hard to get around because they are so outstanding, and hard to get through because they are so large. Still, it would be a shame to miss their appetizers. Anthony's shrimp remoulade, rich in Creole mustard, paprika, and minced green onions, rivals - dare I say it - the remoulade at Ruth's Chris. And Anthony and his wife Gail have added some incredible and extremely creative tidbits on the appetizer menu. If your pockets are deep ask for an appetizer platter which might include some or all of the following: fried green tomatoes topped with grilled shrimp and their exquisite remoulade; fried mirliton (a favorite local squash) covered with crawfish sauce; or toasted French bread rounds with shrimp and black olives in a vinaigrette. You may not get to your main course! But their new plate lunches are exquisite, too. Paul's Fantasy - named after a local businessman who eats there daily with his extended family - is delicious: grilled shrimp over speckled trout with brabant potatoes. Their soft-shelled crab is truly the most succulent you will ever put in your mouth. But your best bet is to put yourself in Anthony's hands: give him the general directions your tastes go in and he'll send out what just came in off the truck from down the river that morning. At some point, however, the point here is to eat some oysters, raw, fried, or sauteed. After all, who could pass up the opportunity to eat oysters where Baronne meets Erato - the muse of love poetry.

UJDUR, SIMUN Photographer-Linguist-Vineyard

Simun Mijo Ujdur was born at Gradac, a coastal Dalmatian township in Croatia on January 10, 1881. He arrived in New Zealand in 1895, with one of the first groups to come from Croatia. He was mere 14 years of age, as ordained they all went north to the gum fields. He worked there for 5 years and then returned to Gradac, probably under pressure from the Austrian Consulate which regularly demanded that those of military age should complete that service. Sojourning via United State of America where he spent some time in California with his relatives. Hoping to find work in the midst of a recession and severe unemployment, young Simun had no alternative but to head home to Gradac.

On his arrival in Gradac he was immediately conscripted to spend next three years in Austrian navy. During which period he decided to learn Italian, German and also various photography skills. At the end naval service he returned to Gradac and found economic and political conditions unbearable. Austrian's iron first was brought down hard an any expression of Croatian national patriotism. Simun had tasted freedom in New Zealand and European bigotry was not for him. At the age of 22 he opted once again for New Zealand in 1903. Briefly going back to gum digging in the Northern Wairoa region, where he did well for himself and decided to purchase a good camera with his first earnings. One can only surmise that Simun may have been encouraged by (countryman of his) Mate Kuluz, a well established photographer in Dargaville around the same time. From 1904-1920's he traversed over the Auckland Province, taking photographs inside gum campus, on gum fields, in sawmills, at public works, school photos, including other functions and gatherings. Thus gradually building up his capital.

Upon his return to New Zealand he also joined a movement which aimed to establish an international language Esperanto, formulated in Poland in 1887. Although an artificial language it captured peoples imagination of the immense benefits to mankind in the early part of twentieth century. S. M. Ujdur and many of his compatriots were receptive to the international nature of this concept. From 1904 - 1946 he was very much to the forefront of this movement, beginning in Dargaville from where he was elected as the New Zealand delegate to the first Esperanto conference held in Auckland in 1911. In that same year he moved to Auckland, to open his photography studio in Federal Street. During this time a growing number of Croatian Dalmatian immigrants were settling at the foothills of Waitakere Ranges in West Auckland. Simun's Esperanto interests continued in the area and he represented Henderson at many annual conferences, including the Esperanto classes in the district. Similarly his photographic career continued and it was a ready source of income to supplement his other diverse and enterprising ventures.

In 1911 he bought a block of 30 acres in Swanson-Birdwood area to establish in 1912 a vineyard and by 1914 he had 20 acres in vines. The First World War overtook him as he launched his vineyards called 'Birdwood', nevertheless he moved on with enthusiasm and confidence. He wanted to buy more land but under the Emergency Regulations as an alien, he was not permitted to do so. Therefore, he continued to arrange the purchase through a nominee (James Hunter a New Lynn resident ) who held the land on his behalf until the regulations were uplifted in 1921. By now S. M Ujdur had become one of the big three in vine industry tanking in size with Corbans and Vidals. In the following year 1922 he became a naturalised subject, under his modified name Simon Mitchell Ujdur, farmer of Henderson. He, of course, came to be regarded as one of the founding Croatian-Dalmatian vintners, in terms of size, production, marketing as well as spokesmanship on national level. From 1926 - 1946 he served unopposed as president of -"The Viticultural Association of New Zealand (Inc)"

His photography, Esperanto and Viticultural interests may perhaps, have led him to become a Masonic Lodge member, attaining an order of Past Master. An achievement of some magnitude considering his foreign origins, level of education and recent presence in New Zealand. This is not to say that he wasn't able or intelligent - indeed he was a remarkable man, astute worldly and scholarly - friend to many whom he helped and supported - his own people particularly. The Lodge expanded his horizons and brought him into contact with numerous influential citizens on whom he could depend if need be. Exemplifying his scholastic yearnings, over the years he accumulated a personal library of some 36,000 valuable volumes, in all the languages he knew but predominantly in English. Academics, students and people from all walks of life and after came to consult his collection. It soon became known as the landmark in West Auckland. The most treasured rarity in S. M. Ujdur's collection was an old "36 Line Bible", it stood on display for anyone to see. In 1920 Ujdur sent 120 volumes of Croatian books to his birthplace of Gradac, hometown's library where his heart still dwelt.

During World War I, he become involved in the problems of the community, at the time declared to be aliens but somewhat dealt with more lightly that the German speaking Austrians. The leadership in Auckland had passed into the hands of George L. Scansie, editor of the Croatian newspaper - 'Zora' (Dawn). Overnight Scansie, somehow became a staunch advocate of 'Jugoslavism' among the Croatian - Dalmatian community in New Zealand. Early fractures in the above mentioned community's united front appeared. Indecision by the New Zealand Government as to the true status of Austrian's (Croatian - Dalmatian) subjects in this country, apparently left the community in limbo. How this situation developed and was resolved is discussed elsewhere. However, S. M. Ujdur found himself in one camp as a president, while G. L. Scansie was in opposing camp as president of _"The Jugoslav Committee N.Z." the parent body of Jugoslav Committee in London pleaded with the two factions in Auckland to bury the hatchet, so Ujdur's camp abstained and his committee went into recess.

In his post World War II years, S. M. Ujdur devoted all his time to the industry and his other loves, Esperanto, his library and Mason Lodge. Not having married, gave him the flexibility to move around contribute to the industry, give support to fellowman, his relatives and countryman in a most generous way. Simon Mitchell Ujdur was regarded as grand patriarch of New Zealand infant wine industry. He died on 25th of December, 1953.

In the aftermath of his death his library was dismembered, 1600 volumes of Free Masonary' went to the Grand Masonic Lodge in Auckland. Rationalist Society of Auckland took further 6000 volumes. Thus under the affliction of death duties, penalties, frozen assets standstill and litigation costs the Winary Estate went into a decline in 1969. The Estate's entire chattels ended under auctioneer's hammer on 19/02/1977, here most of Ujdur's written and photographic records were damaged and lost.

Waitamata County Council (today Waitakere City Council) instantly moved in to acquire under the public works act Estate's land for a reserve. Firstly it was named as the Glen Road Reserve, but for some obscure and odd reason in 1980's it was renamed to: "TE RANGI HIROA PARK" (in Sir Peter Bucks memory). In 1997 and after 10 years of negotiations by S. Ujdur Jnr. A nephew of Estate's founder, the park will carry a mutually agreed dual memorial. Eastern portion of 165 acres east of Momutu's Stream is designated to Sir Peter Buck, and 30 acres plot west of "Momutu Awa Iti" honors Simun Mijo Ujdur and his Croatian - Dalmatian settlers who helped shape West Auckland character, and contribute to the development of community's progress.

Alongside Birdwood Winery Estate's homestead - Sir Michael Hardie Boys the Governor General of N. Z. and Dame Mira Sxaszy (nee Petrinovich), on February 28, 1999 unveiled a memorial plaque that reads: "THE UNION OF TWO PEOPLE , WALK UNITED BEFORE GOD." Same day a proclamation was made on sight- commemorating the close bond established between Maori and Croatian-Dalmatian (HRVATI - TARARA) forbears. Commemorative celebrations were proudly supported by some 3000 people, amongst them were many Maori --Tarara offspring's of all ages. Prepared by Stephen A. Jelicich and Simon Ujdur Jr. On October 1st, 1997.

UJDUR, TONY Commercial Property Developement

Mr. Tony Ujdur was born in Richmond, California, and now resides in Danville with his wife, Sonja. Prior to his retirement, Tony had distinguished himself as a successful businessman and civic leader. Tony developed commercial property nationwide and became widely recognized for his accomplishments. He developed and designed the Countrywood Shopping Center in Walnut Creek and received outstanding award recognition from the City. As a civic leader, Tony helped to establish a diabetes organization in Contra Costa County twenty years ago which since has become part of the American Diabetes Association. He also helped to establish the Muscular Dystrophy Society in Contra Costa County in 1986. Another outstanding example of his generosity is that he provides for five scholarships at $1,200 each for the Croatian Scholarship Fund, and he is also a founder of the CSF.

UKAS, BOZO Fisherman

Bozo (Bob) Ukas was born November 28, 1914 in Jezera on the island of Murter, Dalmatia, Croatia. When he finished 8th grade he left home and went to Split to seek work. His first job was in a the hotel Slavija as a helper in the kitchen. He went to school and received a diploma in 1936 as chef. His boss and owner of hotel Slavija had another hotel- Park (Bacvice, Split) and give him work in hotel Park as a main chef in the kichen. In 1943 the hotel was closed and he went back home to Jezera on Murter. He was a messenger for the partizans. Bob and three friends were in a small boat when they were attacked by Germans. The three friends turned themselves in to the Germans but Bob decided to jump in the sea (even though it was winter) and swam all of the way to Kaprije to save his life. In 1945 he went to Split and got a job on the ship Karmen as a chef. He also worked on ships such as Beograd, Bihac, Pranj, Topusko and Skoplje. In 1958 worked on Jadroslobodna ships which were Marko Marulic, Luka Botic and Natko Nodilo. In 1965 he came to America and worked in Chicago at the restaurant Beverly House (owner was a friend Sime Corkalov, Tisno, Island of Murter). In 1966 he moved to San Pedro, California. Worked at Ante's restaurant, Ante Perkov, Tribunj. In 1968 he worked on the fishermens boat Courageaus. Capitan of the ship was Ivo Marinkovic, San Pedro, Komiza. Fishermen were Blaz Basika, San Pedro, Mljet; Tonci Blazevic, San Pedro, Komiza; Tomo Vlahov, San Pedro, Prvic, (Sepurina). My first trip was to Lima, Peru with 16 of us on board. For two weeks we caught 300 tons of tuna. Trip lasted about 30 days. Tuna we would sell to Star Kist Tuna. Pay check was good. We would go fishing to the tropical countries and it would be so hot, we didn't have an air conditioning - just a fan. We could not sleep from such heat. Often we would get sick, but we put up with because the pay-check was good. Fishermens life is hard, it is very hard to explain. My second ship was Anton Misetic, Capitan was same, Anton Misetic, San Pedro, Selce, Brac; fisermen wore Mario Perkovic, San Pedro, Pag; Ante Siljeg, San Pedro, Hercegovina; Jure Siljeg, San Pedro, Hercegovina; we went fishing to Mexico. My third ship was Seascout, Capitan was Fran Kastrencic, San Pedro, Crkvenica; fisermen were Branko Sindicic, San Pedro, island of Ist and Dinko Sindicic, San Pedro, island of Ist. My fourth ship was South Quin, Capitan Antoni Masskola, Italy. All of this time during my fishing I could say that there were a few good days and lots of bad days. That is the life of a fishermen!

Bob marriend Ivanica Klarin Ukas, and they had three children - Ivica, Dianna and Tamara.

ULJEVIC, NIKOLA Fisherman

Inda Cvitanovic was born in Sumartin, Brac July 7th, 1946. She immigrated to Vancouver, Washington in 1968 and soon found work as a hospital care worker. Inda married Nikola Uljevic who is a commercial fisherman / Captain onboard the "Hatta 5". He would eventually sell this boat and bought a larger seiner by the name of "Westhawk", he would later rename the same ship to "Albina" They had four children (cousins to Tom Cvitanovic) all born here in Vancouver. Their names are Pave, Dani, Marija, and Nikolina. (Cvitanovic 2003)

URBAN, ZELJKO Engineer

Zeljko Urban was born July 10. 1931 in Zagreb, Croatia. His field is Electrical Engineering and is a graduate of the University of Zagreb in Croatia.Since 1970 he has been teaching at the Mother Lode Academy in Sutter Creek, California. He teaches Mathematics currently. He has published in the areas of Ionic Membranes. He currently resides in Sutter Creek, California.

URSICH, JAKOV Fisherman-100 years old

I am pleased to join the family and friends of Jakov Ursich in wishing him a happy 100th birthday. Jakov is reportedly the oldest living Croatian in San Pedro, California. But clearly his age does not slow him down. Even today, he is often seen at the Dalmatian-American Club dancing the polka. Born in Selca, Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia, Jakov came to the United States in 1921 looking for a better life. He left behind a wife, Marica, and child, Anka, and settled initially in Tacoma. In 1924, he moved to San Pedro, where he worked in the local shipyards until he became a commercial fisherman. Soon thereafter, Jakov became a United States citizen and then sent for his family. Within a few more years, Jakov's family grew with the birth of a son and another daughter. Now he enjoys the company of five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Jakov Ursich is a member of a very vibrant Croatian community in San Pedro. In the 73 years he has lived here, he has contributed greatly to its spirit and wealth. Indeed, he still lives in the house he built for his family more than 40 years ago. On August 9th, 11997 his 100th birthday, Jakov will be surrounded by many friends and family members. I am pleased to lend my voice to the chorus of `Happy Birthday' that I know will be sung. And, Jakov, many happy returns.

URSICH, LOUIS G. Fisherman

Louis G. Ursich was born in Selca, Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia on November 18, 1892. Louis Ursich arrived in Ellis Island on September 16, 1910 on the ship Calabria with his friend Nick Bez from Bol, on Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia. At the age of 19 he arrived in Tacoma, Washington, a large community of Croatians where he found work in the local lumber mills and worked there for several years before he became a fishermen. Nick Bez (Bezmalinovich) asked him to join him as a full partner in a new enterprise in Seattle, Washington but Louis declined the offer to follow his own destiny as a an independent fisherman in both the Puget Sound, Washington and San Pedro, California where he remained for the next 50 years to become the most successful and enterprising commercial tuna fisherman of his time.

Although, he never regretted his decision to join Nick Bez, they remained friends and were always in contact. Later, they became instrumental in bringing together Nick's son John and Louis Ursich's niece, Antoinette Petrasich who was the daughter of Vincent Petrasich. Louis became a visionary in exploring rich fishing grounds in Baja California, Mexico, Costa Rica, Galapagos Islands, Monterey, California, Puget Sound and Alaska.

While fishing the San Francisco bay area he became a familiar and well known figure in two Croatian restaurants, Tadich's Grill and Original Joes where he brought his crew in for the best cooking in the Croatian tradition. Louis Ursich promoted these two restaurants for many years and they never forgot him. Louis became Captain of his first fishing vessel, The Protector at the young age of 28 and went on to become Captain, Managing Partner, and owner of the following tuna seiners: MV Dauntless, MV Discovery. MV Corsair, MV California, and the freighter the Alaska Queen. This enterprising fishermen became legendary as a tutor to countless harbor area fishermen and was always recognized as the most admired and leading fisherman of his time.

Louis Ursich never forgot his beloved home town of Selca, Brac where he generously supported his family and donated extensively to the local Catholic Church in Selca. Louis shared his success in raising funds for Croatian Americans via the Dalmatian American Club in San Pedro. This remarkable and creative innovator in the fishing industry should never be underestimated and should be remembered as a counterpart to his dear friends Nick Bez and Martin Bogdanovich. Louis Ursich passed away on June 18, 1968. Survived by his wife Lucy, Daughter, Samuline Fiamengo, and Son, Andy Lucich. Entombment was at Calvary Mausoleum in Los Angeles. Gone, but never forgotten.

USORAC, JOHN J. Longshoreman-Cultural Activities

His parents, the late Yurka and Ivan Usorac, were born in Pasicina, Dalmacija, Croatia and immigrated to the USA a couple of years before John's birth. They settled in Dockton, on Vashon Island, Washington and his father became a fisherman. In July of 1934, he was on the boat "Umatilla" off Cape Flattery when it was rammed by the USS Arizona. He drowned in that accident. Six months later John was born. Soon thereafter, Mrs. Usorac moved her family of two sons and a daughter to the north end of Tacoma. It was here that John was raised and grew to manhood. Brother Usorac was a longshoreman for 35 years and a proud member of ILWU #23. He worked hard for the betterment of his union. He was vice president of the union for many years; board member of the Longshore Credit Union for 18 years; manager of their charities program; board member of the Propeller Club of the Port of Tacoma; chairman of their chowdown etc. Brother Usorac was a member and past president of the Slavonian American Benevolent Society. He served Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 246 as their auditor and in 1996, upon the death of our President John B. Krilich, he became our president. John was also a member of the BPOE #174 and the National Rifle Association. He was an avid motorcycle rider and a proud member of the Gold Wing Riders Association. He took a yearly trip with the Club and always took one of his grandsons with him for the special event. Brother Usorac was most comfortable with the traditional Latin service so he joined Our Lady Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church where he was an active member. His avocation was being a chef "par excellence." He enjoyed all phases of cooking and party planning. He could always be counted on to help in the kitchen in any capacity. John J. Usorac,63, died on October 31, 1998. John Usorac is survived by his wife, Doris; his daughter and son-inlaw, Christine and Richard Purdue; his four grandsons: Justin, Lance, Christian and Kurt; his sister and brother-in-law, JoHelen and Michael Bakula; his nieces: Julie Mehegan, Laurie Vitt and Brenda Tanksley; and three grand nieces. He was predeceased by his brother Anthony.

VADAS, ALBERT Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. (Named changed to Wadas, Albert.) Born: 26 March 1876, Austria-Hungary. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 521, 7 July 1899. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, I I May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Vadas displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this period. More detailed records stated he was from Fuma (Fiume), Fiume is Italian for Rijeka, Croatia. The name Vadas-Wadas was Vidas from the Rijeka district of Croatia.

VALERIO, PETE Restaurant

Pete Valerio had one of the most successful restaurants in Sacramento from 1915 to the 1980’s. It was called the Rosemont grill located at 3145 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento. In the early days his partners were George Lucich and Joe Ostoja. They were all born on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia. In February, 1915, Mr. Valerio sold out his interests in San Francisco, and came to Sacramento, and his first business venture in the Capital City was a small lunch room, with just twenty-three stools, located on Ninth Street, and again with his two partners. Every other store on the block, which was between J and K Streets, was vacant at time, but the lunch room prospered and this site marks the place where now stands the Rosemont Grill, Mr. Lucich’s present establishment and one of the best appointed cafes in Sacramento, remodled at a cost of $30,000 and opened to the public in December, 1922. He has his own cold storage plant on the premises, and five chefs are kept busy busy supplying the best the seasons afford to its many partons.  The cafe is always open, day and night; a key to the front door is always open. They also own the Annex Lunch Room at 911 K Street, and in both places employ forty-two people, with a payroll of $900 a week, thus adding materially to the prosperity of the city and makng it possible for its residents to enjoy dining in surroundings which are seldom equalled for artistic furnishings and correct service outside of the larger cities.

VALERIO, WALTER AND MARY Croatian Activities

Tomislav Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 121 of Oakland, California sadly reports the death of two longtime members, sister Mary Valerio and her husband, Walter. Mary and Walter would have celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this year had they survived. Mary passed away on April 13, 1984 while Walter died on Oct. 5, 1982. Mary Valerio was born to Matija and Ivan Knezovich on May 31, 1910 in Oakland, California, the eldest daughter of the Knezovich Family- an active fraternal family with 28 present family members enrolled in the Croatian Fraternal Union. Mary joined the lodge at the age of 14 and was elected secretary of our junior order. At that time, her policy was issued by Danica Racki and Vinko Vuk. She was a 60-year member of true fraternalism in Lodge 121, a recipient of her 50-Year CFU Pin, a former delegate to the National Convention and held the present position of lodge secretary for the past seven years. Mary was the sister of Katherine Cetinich, Eva Salle, John Knezovich and the late Steve Dragi Knezovich. Her late husband, Walter Valerio, was also a true fraternalist. Both Walter and Mary were proud of their Croatian heritage and participated at all functions. Both served as delegates to the Central CFU Committee of Northern California, bowling and sports directors and officers of their lodge. Tomislav 121 is saddened by their deaths and the great loss we feel. Surviving are their son, Anthony “Tony” Valerio; sisters Katherine Cetinich and Eva Salle; brother John Knezovich and Nick Valerio; brother-in-law Anton Salle; sisters-in-law Lucille and Ruby Knezovich and Lily Valerio; 10 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews.

VANCIK. VLADIMIR Priest-Professor

Rev. Vladimir Vancik, a Croatian priest of Greek Catholic Rite and Croatian Catholic Union member, died at age 90, April 29, 2001, at St. Macrina Retirement Home in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He was a retired professor of patristic theology, and a well known scholar in the field of liturgy, church art, church music and theology. For the Croatian people in the USA, Dr. Vancik was one of the leading figures who shaped the Croatian independence movement in the fifties and sixties being associated especially with the United Croatians and with the Union of Croatian Priests in the USA and Canada. Rev. Vancik was born in the village of Lipovljani in Croatia. He studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and completed his doctoral studies in : patristic theology at the Pontifical Oriental Institute. His theological expertise was the philosophical and theological works of Greek Fathers (St. Basil, St. Gregory of Nyca, etc.), that is commonly known as patristic theology. He spoke fluently major European languages, ."Italian, French, German, Greek, English, Russlan, Classical Latin and Greek, Ukrainian, Ruthenian, and of course, his native Croatian. In the late thirties he emigrated to the USA where he served a Croatian Catholic congregation in Chicago at St. Peter and Paul Parish. He also taught theology at the Benedictine Seminary in Lisle, Illinois. In 1971 he came to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to teach at Duquesne University. After retirement in 1980 he became pastor of Croatian Greek Catholic Parish of St. Nicholas in Cleveland, where he served until 1986. Although his enormous theological knowledge as well as his knowledge of world cultures made him one of the most erudite persons, he was a very simple human being always directing you towards God with open heart and understanding. In his private and public comportment he lived an ascetic life depriving himself of any unnecessary impediments to inner peace, fasting, meditating and praying in assonance and rhythmic intervals.

VANKA, MAXIMILIAN Artist

A great artist in his own right is Maximilian "Makso" Vanka, a gifted Croatian American painter. Born in Zagreb in 1890 of fairly well-to-do parents, Makso was educated at the Zagreb Real Gymnasium and University. He studied painting at the Royal Academy of Beaux Arts in Belgium, from which he graduated with first prize and gold medal. Subsequently he worked in Paris, London, Amsterdam, and various cities in Italy. He aided in the founding of the Academy of Arts in Zagreb, where he held the position of professor of painting and design for a number of years. He was honored with the M Mailles d Or and the Palme Academique at the Paris International Exhibition. In 1934 Vanka left his native Croatia and came to this country with his American-born wife and small daughter. Presently he took up his abode in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he still lives with his wife in an old stone house tucked away on a side road near Rushland and decorated with his own deft touch, largely fresco paintings (his favorite medium of expression). From his home studio have come streams of pastels, oil pastels, wash water colors, water colors, and oils on canvas and on panels. Makso has a deep feeling for his fellow Croatians in America and has tried to help them in every way possible. When the pastor of the St. Nicholas Croatian Church in Millvale, Pennsylvania, sought ways to beautify his old yellow brick building, Vanka responded with an effort that was truly reminiscent of a Michelangelo. He left the outside untouched, but he transformed the interior to the extent that it took on the appearance of an Old World cathedral. The arched ceiling of the church he browded with saints and apostles. Behind the altar and in the apse he placed a 36-foot Madonna and Child in Croatian dress. In one of the many murals decorating the walls he depicted miners and workers with their priest offering the great Madonna and Child their church, which one of them holds in his hands. In a second he showed a Croatian family bowing in prayer in a pastoral setting. In a third he portrayed sorrowing women weeping at the bier of a son killed in battle. Still another mural focused attention on mothers and wives mourning beside sons killed in the mines. Throughout all of these frescoes Croatian dress and embroideries were featured and the faces shown were those of Croatian peasants. As Makso himself explained his main purpose was to show the humanity in divinity and the divinity in humanity-divine justice, human injustice. Vanka has not only shown his masterpieces in leading art centers in the United States, but he has also exhibited in most of the capitals of Europe. He is represented in the National Art Museum of Budapest, Hungary, Municipal Art Museum of Stuttgart, Germany, the Prince Paul Museum of Belgrade, and the Strosmajer Gallery of Zagreb, Yugoslavia.

VARGA, JASON Film

One of the new generation of aspiring filmmakers is Jason Gabriel Varga, a young Croatian American in his early twenties. Jason is a graduate student in film pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree at the Graduate Film Conservatory at Florida State University's School of Motion Picture, Television and Recording Arts. He is the great-grandson of Croatians who immigrated to the United States in the early part of the last century. They and their descendants successfully maintained their Croatian identity, language and culture in what was then known (prior to the nation's current stance of pride in its ethnic and racial diversity) as the U.S. melting pot. Varga states: “I remember the Croatian picnics, weddings and even funerals where I would sit with the adults rather than play games with the other kids and listen to the stories they would tell about their lives and experiences. It was fascinating. That was also true of family gatherings or one-on-one times with my baka, mother or teta or other relatives and Croatian friends who would share stories about their Croatian heritage and its many facets. I'm sure all of this had both a conscious and subliminal influence on my love of the narrative translated into the visual.” What kind of films have you made?: I've made a number of films as an undergraduate student. Most were short films. I haven't done any feature length. I discovered that I was more successful making a film from stories written by others or adaptations of stories by other writers rather than something I had written. As far as what I want to do in films, it's producing, directing or cinematography, probably producing/directing. After I complete this program, I hope I'll be doing this and getting paid for it and working on feature length films.

VECKI, MARION Attorney

Attorney-at-Law, of the law firm of Vecki & Wythe, Chronicle Bldg., San Francisco. One of the surest tests of a man's ability is to transplant him from one location to another. Marion Vecki is one who has stood that test. Although he was born and raised in Croatia, he came to America and made a successful practice of law. Marion Vecki was born in Zagreb, Croatia, May 8, 1884. His father was a graduate from the University of Vienna with a degree of M. D., and then came to America, establishing practice in San Francisco in 1891. Young Marion received his early education in Vienna and was graduated from the high school there. In 1890 he came to the United States and remained a short time. Again in the year 1900 he returned to the United States. He then entered the Polytechnic High School of San Francisco and later Hastings College of Law, from which he was graduated with the class of 1908. He immediately began practice and has been one of the most successful young attorneys in San Francisco. His practice extends all over the State of California and the entire West, and even to Europe. He is attorney for several corporations in this city and has been attorney for the Swedish Consulate for a number of years. Mr. Vecki is law partner of Frederick S. Wythe, formerly of the United States Attorney's office. In September, 1908, Mr. Vecki was married to Miss Amy Peterson, of San Francisco. He is a member of the Olympic Club of San Francisco, the Masonic fraternity, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a well known linguist, speaking German, Croatian and French.

VECKI, VICTOR G. Medical Doctor-Author

Dr. Vecki was born on December 8, 1857, in the beautiful city of Zagreb, Croatia. This city is noted throughout the world as the educational and musical center of Croatia; in fact, it is recognized as the seat of Croatian culture. It was been truthfully said that Dr. Vecki is an illustrious son of an illustrious city. Dr. Vecki is the son of John and Katherine Gjurkovecki, and at much sacrifice to his parents was educated in schools of Zagreb from 1863 to 1875. in 1875 he entered the University of Vienna and was graduated with high honors in 1881 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery. Shortly after his graduation he served as surgeon of the Austro-Hungarian Army, with the title of captain, and later became a member of the Royal Croatian Sanitary Counsel. In 1890 Dr. Vecki arrived in American on a dual purpose, to replenish his own meager fortune and to plead the cause of Croatian liberty and unity. He arrived at San Jose, California, and started his professional life. Due to his oratorical ability and fiery personality his following became so great he moved to San Francisco. Dr. Vecki is noted in the medical world for his literary works, being known as the author of: Pathology and Therapy of Male Impotence, 1897; Pathology and Treatment of Sexual Impotence, 1919; Prevention of Sexual Diseases, 1910; Alcohol and Prohibition, 1923; Prevention of Premature Senility, 1931. In the literary world, Dr. Vecki was always had a keen interest and in spite of his hard work for the Croatian cause, found time to write a very successful novel, “Threatening Shadows,” 1930. Dr. Vecki had been blessed with three sons, who he hopes will carry on the cause of the Croatian people: Dr. Victor J. Vecki, a member of the dental profession and practicing in Danville, California; Marion Vecki, a member who has followed his illustrious father in the practice of medicine and surgery. Dr. Vecki, as a resilient of great honors, points with pride to the fact that he has been a delegate from the California Medical Society to American Medical Association for over fifteen years. He also is a member of the Bohemian Club, Elks Club, and St. Francis Riding Club, Masonic Fraternity, Scottish Rite, American Urological Society, and Association for Study of Internal Secretions.

VEKARICH, MARKO Sea Captain

The sailing-ship-Bark "Issak" was in Canadian waters in bad weather on September 16th 1878. The commander of this ship and his crew rescued Canadian seamen from the ship "Angolo" after they were ship wrecked. The Canadian minister of Marine Transport, Mr James C. Voke conferred honors on the Croatian crew and the commander Marko Vekarich who was given a golden chronometer on February 12th 1879. A portait of commander Marko Vekarich was presented at a Croatian Maritime exibition in Vancouver as well as the bark "Issak" known for rescuing the Canadian crew.

VELIA, TANIA Actress

Velia, an actress in Hollywood, was called the “Croatian Marilyn Monroe”.

VERBANAC, FRANK Chemist

He was born January 12, 1920, in Veliki Jadre, Croatia, the son of Nick and Mary Vrbanac. Frank came to the United States in 1928, at the age of eight and was a member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 351 in Detroit, Michigan and a 50-year plus member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. He was also a member of the American Chemical Society, Decatur Public Library and Holy Cross Church. He received his B.S. degree from Wayne State University in Detroit and Master and Ph.D. degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois. He retired in 1985 from A.E. Staley Co., Research Division, Decatur, Illinois and worked previously at Merck and Co., Elkton, Virginia. Frank Verbanac died March 15, 1999 in Decatur, Ilinois. Surviving are his wife, Laura; daughters, Patricia; Kathryn and husband, Thomas Huener; and grandchildren, Sarah and Nicholas Huener.

VERGOT, BILL Military-Teacher

He is a retired colonel of the U.S. Army, a retired director of the Human Resources for the U.S. Steel Mining Co., a retired college teacher with credits in the U.S. and Thailand. His name is Bill Vergot, a Croatian American from Pittsburgh, "Zumbercanin", as he proudly states in Croatian, another remarkable Croatian career of which there are so many, and of which we still know so little. “I was born in Pittsburgh, but both my parents were born in Zumberak. "Ja sam Zumbercanin". I studied at the Duquesne University where I held a scholarship with the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. In 1952 we visited all of the former Yugoslavia. I served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and retired from the Army's Chief-of-Staff office as a colonel-promotable in 1976. 1 am married to Claire Zvonar whose father is a "Podravac" and mother a "Zagrebcanka" originally from Zagorje. We have three children. I served in Korea, Vietnam, and Germany. Next, for seventeen years I worked for the U.S. Steel. I retired as Director of Human resources for U.S. Steal Mining Co. In 1994 1 went for three years to Thailand where I thought at the University of Bangkok and also worked for a steel mill company as Director of Human Resources. I also taught at the Buddhist University in Saigon and at Loyola University in Chicago. I have an M.A. in Education. Now, as a consultant, I continue to give lectures on smart discipline to parents in Pittsburgh area. My grandparents immigrated to the U.S., but then they went back and my mother was born in Croatia, and stayed there until she was 12. My father was bom in Dvorisce in Zumberak and he came to the States with his parents.“

The soldier, businessman and teacher Vergot recently embarked on a new battle. As a co-chairman of the Preserve Croatian Culture Committee, he is leading the struggle to save the oldest Croatian church in the U.S. and in the western hemisphere. Pittsburgh's North Side witnessed a lot of Croatian-American history. There, in 1894 foundations were laid of the Croatian Fratemal Union of America, and also of the first Croatian-American church, St. Nicholas on North Side. The link between the greatest Croatian-American organization and the church has remained close until the present day. Bill Vergot has vowed to preserve that important segment of Croatian history, as many Croatian Americans were stunned to learn in September 2000, that St. Nicholas, this unique monument of Croatian history and art, is threatened with demolition.

VERNI, MILAN Tamburitza Music-Recording Artists-Saloon

Milan Verni is one of those forgotten greats whose contributions to tamburitza were immense. His early recordings on 78 rpm records probably did more than any other media past or present. Not only was he a talented musician, but he had the ability to select numbers that have had a tremendous staying power. Many of the pieces sung and played today are from his early recordings. Verni's most prolific orchestra was called "The Balkan Mountain Men", a combination of the finest tamburitzans of that time. As early as 1926, Verni and his fellow musicians were entertaining at New York's Dubrovnik Restaurant. Fourteen years later, Verni was entertaining at his own establishment in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, called the Balkan Cafe. Verni's musical versatility included involvement with vaudeville on both the Lyceum and the Chautauqua circuits. When mandolin orchestras came into vogue, he became a member of the New York Mandolin Symphonette. Verni and his orchestra members provided the accompaniment for singer Edo Lubich when he recorded his best selling hit of Oj Kaduno on the RCA label on March 26, 1940, using a Russian domra for the unusual instrumentation. According to a very early photo of Verni, there was a time when he played the prima and then made a transition to tamburitza cello. Among his very substantial number of recordings is a 33-1/3 long play record which was begun toward the end of his prolific career. Milan's "Balkan Mountain Men" made some great recordings of folk songs, as well as sophisticated arrangements of semi-classics. After his death on July 30, 1978, his widow donated all of his music and memorabilia to the Duquesne University Taniburitza Archives. Milan Verni did much to perpetuate and preserve our tamburitza heritage. He is truly worthy of tamburitza honors.

VERZIC, PETER M Bakery

Mr. Verzic was born in Croatia on June 17, 1882, and is a son of Mile and Eva (Vukela) Verzic, the former a farmer. He received his education in the schools of his home neighborhood and remained on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, when, he came to the United States. Locating in Chicago, Illinois, he learned the baker's trade. He was in Spokane, Washington.On December 26, 1906, he went to San Francisco, California, where he worked for the California Baking Company, for a short time, and was also in Monterey working there until November, 1907, when he came to Hayward. In 1909, he bought his present business, which at that time was located at 641 Castro street. He applied himself closely to building up his business, in which he met with encouraging success, and on October 1, 1922, he moved to his present location at 650 Castro street, where he now has one of the most complete and up-to-date baking plants in northern California. He employs thirty people and the ovens are operated continuously, day and night, while the bakery products are carefully maintained at the highest possible standard, which has been the underlying secret of the success of the business. He has ten delivery wagons and his business covers a large territory and is steadily broadening. In August, 1909, Mr. Verzic was united in marriage to Miss Alice Cleland, who was born in San Lorenzo, Alameda county, and is a daughter of Samuel and Katie Cleland, who were early settlers in that locality, and the former at one time owned a large acreage here. Mr. Verzic is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of the World, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the I. D. S., the U. P. E. C., the Lions Club and the Service Club.

VESCOVICH, PETER Oysterman-Restaurant-Mariner

The descendants of Peter Vescovich-Wescovich developed the following information: As far as is now known, Peter Wescovich came from Austria to the United States with Captain Joseph Rose in the 1850’s. They both purchased property on Mon Louis Island, Mobile County, Alabama in the 1860’s. Peter married Elizabeth Miles, daughter of Enoch and Effie Miles in 1858. Sometime during the Civil War, the Wescovich’s owned and operated a restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. Peter also ran a pleasure boat from Pass Christian to New Orleans. Sometime after the War, Peter was poisoned with strychnine and was paralyzed from the waist down for the rest of his life. Peter and Elizabeth had nine children, two of whom died as infants. (See descendant list below.) The family lived in the area of Alabama Port until a storm in 1906 devastated both the Alabama oyster crop and their home. Some of the married children had already moved to Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi and the rest of the family followed soon after the storm. There are many descendants of Peter and Elizabeth still living in both Alabama and Mississippi today. According to census records of his children, Peter was born in Austria, Dalmatia, Italy, or Vienna and spoke “Slovak”. This leads one to believe he was actually from the Dalmatian coast, possibly from the Island of Losinj or from the area around Dubrovnik. The names in Croatian would probably be Pero or Pjeor Veskovic and Josip or Josko Roso. Since he was an “oysterman’’, a coastal location seems likely. Peter himself has only been found in the 1880 census records. (a Peter Vescovich is found at age 50 on the 1870 Census of Harrison County, Mississippi as a mariner.) He was apparently born about 1840 and died between 1888 and 1893. This would make him about 10-15 years old when he arrived in America. So far, no record of his entry to the US has been found. His grave is supposed to be in a cemetery at Alabama Port, Alabama but his gravesite has not been found. His wife Elizabeth died in 1934, having lived in both Alabama Port and Biloxi. She’s buried in Biloxi. Elizabeth has been found in the 1850, 1880, 1900, 1920, and 1930 census records. Children of PETER WESCOVICH and ELIZABETH MILES are: ANNIE WESCOVICH, b. February 28, 1863, Alabama Port, Alabama; JOSEPH WESCOVICH, b. October 4, 1865, Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi; ROSA WESCOVICH, b. February 27, 1869, Alabama Port, Mobile County, Alabama: LOUISE WESCOVICH, b. December 8, 1870, Alabama Port, Alabama; MARGARET WESCOVICH, b. January 28, 1872, Alabama Port, Alabama; PETER WESCOVICH, b. September 9, 1875, Alabama Port, Mobile County, Alabama; ELIZABETH GERTRUDE WESCOVICH, b. October 4, 1877, Alabama Port, Alabama; Alabama; JOHN CARL WESCOVICH, b. March 20, 1882, Alabama Port, Alabama; LOUISA WESCOVICH, b. March 4, 1888, Alabama Port, Alabama. (Eterovich 2003)

VESELICH, STEPHEN Construction

Stephen Veselich (1880-1980) native of Konavle, Dalmatia, immigrated in 1902. Within a few years he was chief engineer of the Van Nuys Hotels (the Bonaventure of its days). He left to form his own construction firm (Pacific Home Builders, still very active under the direction of his grandson, Craig Enright). When the committee to build the church was formed in 1909, he was selected as the General Contractor because of his combined construction and engineering experience. Also, he volunteered to build the church at no profit to himself and made his efforts a donation in honor of his very religious motive. Those parishioners who had construction experience donated some of the labor and material. Together with Rev. Anthony Zovich the design was selected. The location was chosen, as it was the highest-level corner available to them. The church spire was designed to reminiscent of village churches in the area around Dubrovnik. Stephen Veselich had the roof and supporting beams cut and milled in Oregon and shipped down, as there were no such items in Los Angeles. He had very strong memories of the closeness of the Croatian community that lived immediately around St. Anthony's, and of their pride in their independence and ability to build and support their own church. In 1909, under the supervision of Ante Zuvich, they organized a committee for the building of a church in the Croatian parish. The foundation was begun near the start of 1910. On December 11th of the same year the church was blessed and dedicated to Saint Ante. The church was built near the center of the city, near where most of the Croatians lived

VICULIN, JOHN Music

As a boy, he demonstrated outstanding musical talent and performed in the local musical orchestra. He played several instruments and was especially skilled with the clarinet, saxophone and piano. He emigrated to the United States and served as a musician in the United States Army during World War I (First Band CAC 10-55-1916 to 8-12-1919 and headquarters Company 42nd Infantry 8-13-1919 to 10-22-1920. Honorably Discharged 10-21-1920.). He was officially received as a naturalized citizen on January 9, 1920, in New York. Following discharge from the army, he settled in Chicago, Illinois, and organized his own band which was popular with the Croatian people. His band specialized in over twenty pieces of march music, such as "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Other favorites in the repertoire included several Croatian marches: "Oj Hrvati Oj Junaci," "Domovina," and "Slovenac i Hrvat." He also established a successful florist business in Chicago and often provided the music for customers at weddings, funerals and parties. He was active in several societies, including the American Legion, Croatian Fraternal Union, Croatian Catholic Union, and Saint Jerome Catholic Croatian parish. In 1930, he returned to the village of his birth and married Milka Jerolima Biliskov. She arrived in the United States in February, 1931. Milka and John had three sons: Jordan (1932), John (deceased in childhood), and John (1941). In 1947, Mr. Viculin moved his family to San Pedro, California. His surviving sons continue to reside in Southern California. Born on June 21, 1895, in Kastel Luksic (near Split), Croatia and died April 26, 1949, in San Pedro, California.

VIDOLIN, JOHN Longshoreman-Croatian Activities

John was born on the Island of Pag, Dalmatia, Croatia on Aug. 17, 1901. He came to this country as a young man and eventually settled in the San Francisco Bay area some 60 years ago. He was a retired longshoreman and a longtime activist in the International Longshoremen and Warehousmens Union on the San Francisco waterfront. John originally joined the Croatian Fraternal Union in Oakland in Lodge 121. He moved to San Francisco and transferred to old lodge 61, and when he moved to Mountain View some 20 odd years ago, he transferred to lodge 929, he could always be found early in the mornings on our picnic days at the Napredak Hall, ready to serve wherever needed. His wife to be, Agnes, was a childhood friend and neighbor in Pag. As John was in the merchant marine, they separated when he sailed away. She came to America to West Virginia with her brother and it was here some years later that they were reunited. They married and she, with her three children, followed him later to California. These children who survive are daughter, Agnes Papac off Sunnyvale, CA; daughter Josephine Milligan, Belmont, CA and son Joseph Skitarelic, Orinda, CA.

VIDOVICH, AUGGIE Auto Racing

"To have the car in one piece and to finish a race sure feels good" said Auggie after the run at Pikes Peak on May 19. Auggie qualified good (7th) and was hoping to keep the car up front. With the weather changing frequently and no pit stops Auggie was able to finish the race in 14th position. "Not the finish I had hopped for but it is better than being wrecked". he said. Auggie stayed in the top ten position until around lap 90 when the car just would not handle any longer. "I drove the car the best I could, but just kept on getting passed at the end". We will move on to Irwindale on June 8 and we should do good there. Looking forward to seeing all of you at Irwindale. Vidovich Racing is starting their 3rd season in the Southwest Series. The Lakeside, California based team has notched 6 wins and 2 poles and has finished 2nd in points the last two years. Auggie plans to run the full Southwest Series and some Craftsman Truck races this year. Look for us this year in the #59. We would also like to thank our sponsors for their support because without them our racing efforts would not be possible. Thanks to PG Series Trucks, Carquest Auto Parts, Ransom Bothers Lumber Co., Creative Touch Interiors, Ron's Rear Ends, DPI, Sierra Brakes, Collision Repair Specialist, No Fear, SPY.

VIDUCICH, SAM Restaurant

In 1950 young Sam Viducich, a merchant seaman from the Island of Dugi Otok on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, jumped ship on arrival at the port of New York and took the next train to San Francisco, where he had cousins. He found work here in restaurants, including a stint as busboy at Veneto, later finding home at Tadich Grill, where he began as a waiter, then advanced to cook status. Altogether, he worked at Tadich for 13 years, interrupted by a period when he owned the Kickoff bar near Kezar Stadium. In 1979 he opened the Atlantic Seafood Grotto at 220 B Street, San Mateo. The significance of this story is that the style of seafood cookery we think of as "San Francisco" is in fact Croatian, since the honored names of the local tradition - Mayes, Sam's Grill, Tadich - were Dalmatian. They established the high standards we take for granted. Peninsulans are lucky to have close at hand a classic practitioner. Viducich observes the canons to the last detail, even serving the same bread as Tadich (Parisian's round loaf). He has almost a fetish about total freshness. The fishmonger who was delivering to him arrived only in late afternoon with wilted specimens, having first serviced all his customers to the north, so Sam now does his own shopping in The City, paying cash. Everything is cooked on order - even the fish stew - with Sam as the only cook. His petrale sole is a favorite, pan-broiled and a with butter sauce, and he's still serving fresh northern salmon or, as a special, stuffed with crab and shrimp and similarly stuffed trout or petrale. Snapper, deep-fried oysters or calamari sauteed in garlic butter with tomatoes is also served. There's seating for 70 in a setting of unexpected beauty and good taste, with full-linen table appointments and handsome earthen-ware crockery.

VILICICH, NICK  Fisherman-Boat Works

In the year 1900, 17-year-old fisherman Nick Vilicich and three friends set off from the island of Hvar on Croatia's coast to escape their country's poverty and political instability. Croatian nationalists at the time were pressing for independence from the Hungarian crown, which ruled over the autonomous Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia. Fearful of the growing unrest, the Croatian army was drafting young men. Nick's son John, owner of the Marshall Boat Works, last week said the four, who also included Nick Beritich, Tony Nola, and Nick "Cosmi" Cosmitich, emigrated from Hvar "because they wanted to get out of the army. "They wanted to be in a business and start a family. If they were in the service, that would have been out." When his father reached West Marin, Vilicich said, "he wanted something that resembled home -- something right on the water in some cove that they liked." The young men settled in White Gulch on the Tomales Bay side of Pierce Point, and the sheltered cove quickly became known as "Little Dalmatia”... "It was a region much like their Adriatic," wrote historian Jack Mason in Earthquake Bay. "Mild winters, fine weather March to October, coves and sheltered beaches." However, Nick Vilicich and his friends arrived with "very little money," his son noted. "I think he had about $150 when he got here. We still have some receipts where he borrowed money [$250] to bring my mom over." Like other Croatian immigrants from the rocky, hilly islands of Hvar and Iz, John's mother Nickolina, who emigrated to Tomales Bay three years later, arrived to a hard life. "The women made do in shanties pitifully inferior to the stone, tiled-roof homes of Iz and Hvar," noted Mason. "Their children attended Pierce Point School with the farm youngsters." Nearly a century later, Nick Vilicich's son John has retired from fishing and plans to sell the family's 50-year-old boatyard, which has also been the fishery's longtime unloading dock. John Vilicich noted his father encouraged his family to speak Croatian at home, but after he died in 1936, John's mother Nickolina let her children know this was no longer necessary. Indeed, the Viliciches by then were another immigrant-success story, having bought Rancheria Point in 1927 and converted it into the Marshall Boat Works. "My dad was a hard worker," John recalled last week. "My mom was a hard worker. My folks made a pretty good living."

VINSKI, JOHN M. Military Pilot-Typesetter-Croatian Activities

John was born September 29, 1921, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Lovre and Kata (Buncie) Vinski. He graduated from the high school in Etna, Pennsylvania in 1940, the only one in his family to graduate from high school after his father's death in 1927. He entered the Army Air Corps on April 15, 1944, and received an Honorable Discharge December 13, 1945, having attained the rank of first lieutenant. He served as aviation cadet, pilot of four engine bombers, stationed in Buggay England flying 25 missions and never lost a crewman even though his plane was hit three times and crashed in Belgium. He had fond memories of VE Day, seeing Winston Churchill, King George and the Queen. He married Dorothy J. Cipcic, April 17, 1948, at St. Philip Church. He was employed by a War Plant in Connecticut, that sent machinery to Russia in the war against Germany, before serving in the Army Air Corps. Following his discharge he was briefly employed by Holsum and Dolly Madison Bakeries and the Steel and Wire Company, before joining the Battle Creek Enquirer as a typesetter and linotype operator where he remained for more than thirty years, retiring in 1983. With sorrow, the members of Sv. Ivan Krst Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 533 announce that John M. "Jack" Vinski, 80, of Battle Creek, Michigan died Thursday, April 4, 2002. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy J. Vinski, of Battle Creek, daughter, Valarie (Thomas) Noblet of Richland, sons Mark A. Vinski of Battle Creek, Brian P. Vinski of Atlanta, Georgia, step-grandson, Michael Noblet of Richland, sisters, Mil Soich and Barbara Kristoff both of Etna, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary Rak, Catherine Vinski, brothers, Constable Michael "Kelly" Vinski, Joseph "Gabba" Vinski, and Constable Edward Vinski. He was a member of St. Philip Church, American Legion Post 2998, where he served as Judge Advocate of their honor guard for many years serving as Squad Leader of Post 298 Honor Guard. He was Squad Leader of the Wednesday, Group at Fort Custer National Cemetery Honor Guard since its inception. He was member and former president of, P.N.A. and President of Battle Creek Enquirer Retirees. Burial was in Fort Custer National Cemetery with Military Honors by Fort Custer National Cemetery Honor Guard. Brother John was a 56 year member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 533 and very active most all of these years. He served as president, active for years and helped form our bowling leagues of the adults and children and planned trips for tournaments and coached. He was kum or uncle to many and loved it and was proud to take part. He was a member of the National Cemetery Honor Guard for years and Squad Leader. He took much pride of this and also had a military funeral attended by members from all five squads. It was a most moving and well deserved ceremony.

VIOLICH, FRANCIS Professor-Author

A native of San Francisco, Francis Violich took his undergraduate work in landscape architecture at Berkeley in the 1930’s, followed by graduate work in City Planning at Harvard and MIT. His study tours of Europe and Yugoslavia in 1937 and in Latin America in 1941-42 established a multi-cultural approach to his California-based professional practice, teaching, research and community activities. In 1999 he was given a Distinguished Alumnus Award by the College of Environmental Design of UC Berkeley for outstanding achievement. In recent years, Violich has played an active role in participatory planning in the City of Berkeley, focusing on its General Plan, on Downtown, the Waterfront, and the restoration of Parks to their ecological origins through volunteer action. He has also been involved as an activist in landscape and planning issues on the Berkeley campus and on San Francisco’s Embarcadero Freeway replacement and redesign of the Ferry Building Plaza. In addition to thus starting up his field in the San Francisco Bay area, Violich spent a year in Latin America in 1941-1942 under a foundation grant studying urban problems and planning methods in Latin America. He was the first to introduce U.S. urban planning to that region with his first book, Cities of Latin America: Planning and Housing to the South in 1944. His second book, Urban Planning for Latin America: the Challenge for Metropolitan Growth was published in 1987. In 1970, under a second Fulbright- in the former Yugoslavia- and concerned with the social and cultural implications of urban form, he returned to the urban system of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, homeland of his family, to explore the meaning of place in terms of urban identity. His book The Bridge to Dalmatia: a Search for the Meaning of Place released from John Hopkins University Press in 1997, relates this theme to post-war reconstruction and planning of urban places in Croatia, and particularly on its Dalmatian coast. This work has led to establishing in 1996 an active exchange program between the urban planning departments of UC Berkeley and the University of Zagreb. His grandmother, Kusanovich, was from the Island of Brac and his grandfather from Dubrovnik.

VISCOVI, BRUNO Restaurant

The neighborhood all around Albona Ristorante Istriano is the lower North Beach in San Francisco. But once inside, you are transported to a village where, owner Bruno Viscovi tells new customers, “I spent the first 10 years of my life.” Now his life seem to be the restaurant, and he has a captivating way of describing the dishes of his homeland of Albona, an interesting area that was part of Italy. He picked up many Eastern influences that, such as almond, honey, and dates, when the trade routes ran through Istria. Istria is a part of Croatia, and some of those influences are reflected in in the unique food. His voice reverberates through the small, comfortable dining room, accented with dark wood wainscoting and flared-back chairs. When a large party takes over two tables, he begins to describe the food with such a lilting, poetic cadence that all the other diners stop in mid-sentence and listen with rapt attention. A pile of sauerkraut, topped with thin slices of sausage , so finely cut it looks like angel hair pasta, is flavored with onion, apples and a hint of pursciutto. A unique main course is Crafti Albonesi . Closer to a pot sticker that a ravioli, it’s stuffed with three kinds of cheeses, toasted pine nuts and a few golden raisins. The dough is browned on top, creating a chewy texture, unlike any other Italian pasta. If you ask, Viscovi will explain that it’s so peculiar to the one village where he grew up that you won’t find it just 10 kilometers away. The brodetto has a similarly unusual pedigree, a blend of fish, squid and clams in a balsamic-tomato sauce that vaguely mimics the taste of blood sauce. It’s served with polenta, which tames the flavors and creates a well-integrated dish. S.F. Chronicle 1994.

VISIN, IVO Sea Captain

Having decided that he had earned enough money for sailing under foreign flags, Ivo Visin bought his famous “Splendido” in Rijeka. Though not large- she carried two cannon, 311 tons and a crew of eleven- this vessel was to bring him glory. Dissatisfied with his earnings in short runs, the bold captain decided to undertake a longer trading voyage, and on February 11, 1852, with a cargo of textiles form Antwerp, the “Splendido” set sail for Valparaiso, Chile. Though the wind was against them as they sailed down the English Channel, Visin and this crew had no serious difficulties until they approached Cape Horn. Though he once more encountered bad weather and other hardships, he eventually brought his vessel safely to Valparaiso and delivered his cargo undamaged. He then found a new cargo and made for San Francisco, where he arrived two months later. Here Ivo Visin suffered the greatest disappointment and set-back of his whole journey around the globe. Apart from a brave 18-year-old lad from Belavita, the entire crew deserted him, leaving behind a message that they were “tired of this dog’s life” and intended to stay in California to “dig for gold”. Abandoned and embittered, Visin decided to seek better fortune in China, whence he set sail after signing on a new crew. When he reached Hawaii he met a very warm welcome, and was even received by the king of the “paradise islands”. Captain Visin remained here only four days, made a handsome profit on the goods he had brought from California, and sailed off into the unknown. His first port of call was Wanpo in China, but only fresh setbacks awaited him. For months he tried in vain to find a cargo, and finally left China, carrying only ballast, for Manilla and Singapore. He made several voyages to Sydney and Melbourne with a full load. Realizing that the chances of enriching himself in the orient were no better that in Europe, he determined to sail home. After seven years, four months and nineteen days away, the “Splendido sailed into the port of Trieste. When he docked he was greeted on the quays by an enormous crowd, while the ships in the port sounded their sirens in salute. Captain Visin received a number of honors for his feat. Among others, the Austrian emperor awarded him the White Flag of Honor and the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Franz Josef, while the municipality of Trieste made him an honorary citizen. He died in 1868 at the age of 62 in his native place, Prcanj, and was buried there with full honours.

VISKOVICH, JOHN Goldminer-Restaurant-Hotel

John was up in Sierra County mining gold in 1859 and must have struck it rich as he owned the Antelope Restaurant and Lodgings in Oakland in the 1870’s and later bought a hotel in Los Angeles. He was and American citizen. He married an Irish girl.

VISNJIC, GORAN Actor

Julianna Margulies, who plays pregnant nurse Carol Hathaway, collapses on a cold street, where she's discovered by ER's good-looking Luka Kovac, who rushes her to County General. It's a big scene for NBC's new ER regular Goran Visnjic, a 27-year-old star in his native Croatia. "Goran is an interesting combination of 'I just got off the boat' and sophistication," says co-star Laura Innes, who plays Kerry Weaver. "He's a really fascinating dichotomy, because in some senses he's this wide eyed, 0h, my God, I'm living in L.A. and on ER'type guy. But on the other hand, he has a point of view as an actor that is strong, and it doesn't matter what country he's in, that's going to come through." "This is very nice," he says about his new show-biz life, shaking dried potato flakes (the stuff of TV snow) out of his hair in his dressing room. "Every episode is like a small film, except we keep on going, making new ones. .. The son of a bus driver father and a mother who works at a food market in Sibenik, Dalmatia Visnjic began acting at age 9 and turned pro at 21, making a name for himself in Hamlet at the prestigious Dubrovnik Theater Festival. In a tiny country with 5.1 million people, the close-knit circle of working actors performs in all media -- theater, film and TV -and for Visnjic, it was no different. He made it to Hollywood when producers of Welcome to Sarajevo, about reporters covering the Bosnian war, came looking for actors who spoke Croatian. The part brought him to the Cannes Film Festival to publicize it, where he was seen and signed by an American film agent, who got him a gig in 1998's Practical Magic with Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. ER executive producer John Wells met with Visnjic when he was in Los Angeles promoting Magic, and a few days later he had a new job. (Visnjic also appeared with former ER star George Clooney in The Peacemaker.) He still thinks of himself as a Croatian resident -- he rents an apartment there -- and he and wife Ivana phone home every day, he says. In an ideal world, "I'll spend nine months here and three months in Croatia," he says. 1 really love the summers on the coast, the architecture and nature there. I wouldn't want to give them up."

VISTICA, STEPHEN Landscape Architect

Mr. Vistica, 90, was a landscape architect and contractor responsible for the beautification of the grounds at the Presidio, Fort Ord Army base, the College of Notre Dame and Notre Dame High School in Belmont, St. Bartholomew’s Church and St. Matthews Catholic Church in San Mateo and many other residences and businesses in California. Mr. Vistica owned a flower shop and nursery at Tilton Avenue and El Camino Real, which opened in 1947. He was a lecturer in the field of horticulture and an associate writer with the late Norvel Gillespie. From 1938 to 1941, he was garden editor for the former Burlingame Advance Star and also wrote garden articles for the San Mateo Times. Mr. Vistica was a member and past president of the California Horticultural Association, past president of the Bay Area Chapter of California Landscapers Association and past president of the Peninsula Horticultural Society. During the 1939-40 Worlds Fair at Treasure Island, he supplied the Hall of Flowers with rare specimens and plants, for which he received state recognition. With Adam Lowery, Louis Smous and Philip Graves, Mr. Vistica started a flower show in San Mateo, which grew into the Floral Fiesta and then became the San Mateo County Fair and Floral Fiesta. He was a past President of the Young Men’s Institute of San Mateo and past president of the Holy Name Society of St. Matthew’s Church. He was a member of San Mateo Council 1346 of the Knights of Columbus and the Archbishop Alemany General Assembly, Fourth Degree, Knights of Columbus. He was active in St. Bartholomew’s Parish & Men’s Club and in civic affairs. Mr. Vistica, a San Mateo resident, was born in Metkovic, Dalmatia, Croatia and came to the United States in 1910. He had lived in San Mateo County since 1925. He leaves his wife Marie; his son, Donald of San Mateo; his daughter, Lorraine Howell of San Mateo; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

VITALICH, ANDREW Fish Distribution

For anyone who has spent any time in the fish business or Bellingham, Washington Andy's name is synonymous with great stories and salmon production. Andy is just about the oldest customer at Bellingham Cold Storage since he has roots to the original waterfront complex as far back as the early 1950's. Andy is also one of those rare people who constantly stir things up to the benefit of all those around him. He has more energy than everybody at Hannegan Seafood combined.

Andy basically grew up on the Bellingham Bay, as his father was a gillnetter there. Andy's father immigrated from the island of Vis in Croatia, and his mother from the island of Hvar. Andy commercially fished in the Puget Sound and south east Alaska waters until building his first local business venture, Fisherman's Market. Fisherman's Market, to many locals, is more commonly known as the site where the Shrimp Shack stood until recently. Fisherman's Market was a restaurant and retail outlet for seafood where Andy was involved from 1959 through 1960. From 1961 to 1963 Andy ran Frosty Fish Co. in Bellingham for a Californian named Frank Mataljin.

In 1964 Andy started North Pacific Ocean Products, which, among other things, processed crab, salmon, herring and west coast crawfish for Europe. North Pacific was the first company in the Northwest United States to own and operate the innovative Baader machine from Sweden. It was the beginning of seafood automation. North Pacific was located at the current Bellingham Cold Storage location, as was Marine Manufacturing, his commercial crab pot building company. Marine Manufacturing supplied King and Dungeness crab pots for commercial use to fishermen from Alaska to California.

In 1972, Andy started American-Canadian Fisheries, Inc., a company that brokered salmon, and jointly, with Bob Glenovich of Bellingham, developed an inovative means to catch and keep alive Puget Sound Herring. The "Bring-em-back-alive" was a vessel that harbored the herring in live pens until ready for market. This venture lead to the forming of Allied Fisheries, Inc. The primary business of Allied was buying and processing salmon on the Columbia River, near Bonneville Dam, where the processing plant was built and salmon buying station was located. Even though the offices were kept in Bellingham, Allied was one of the original companies that developed the San Francisco Bay Roe Herring market for export into Japan. Allied Fisheries also marked the begininning of Andy's foray into the salmon hatchery business in Oregon and Washington.

The next chapter begins in 1985 when Andy and Howard Klein of Three Star Smoked Fish Co. started Ocean Star Seafoods. At the same time Andy started Ocean Star he purchased and converted (for fish processing) an old slaughtering plant on the Hannegan Road, 6 miles north of Bellingham. Ocean Star purchased and processed salmon and herring, as well as doing some value-added work such as smoking under rabbinical kosher certification for the Southwest, East Coast and Canadian markets. Under Ocean Star, Andy became our region's largest player in the salmon hatchery business, pulling hatchery fish from Oregon, Washington, California and some from Alaska. in 1995 Andy sold Ocean Star to Howard Klein and Ocean Beauty Seafoods.

In 1999 Ocean Beauty sold the salmon part of Ocean Star and the Bellingham plant back to Andy, which he reformed under American-Canadian Fisheries, Inc. After a remodel to include expansion, this facility had a juice/coffee bar added and a name change to Hannegan Seafoods.

Andy has worked with the state and federal hatcheries for 31 years. Fifty percent of the fish taken from the hatcheries are filleted at Andy's expense and delivered to the Gray's Harbor Food Bank in Washington as well as the Oregon and California food banks. In 2001 Andy converted 5 acres of the Hannegan Property to vegetables which he also donated to the various food banks. Another acre was planted in brilliant Dalhia bulbs and various starter plants to create a "Farmer's Market" and more variety for his retail customers.

Each year Andy's ceaseless enthusiasm and energy comes up with new and innovative ways to please his customers, whether they be the Japanese with his roe "bubling" system he pioneered and is now industry standard, to the elementary school bus drivers that you can see parked 5 deep in the parking lot at Hannegan in the morning for the fresh coffee.

VITALICH, NICK Fish Company

Nick Vitalich, whose family has owned the Chesapeake Fish Co. near Seaport Village, San Diego, California since 1915, is well aware of how his restaurant-owning friends are suffering in the post-September 11, 2000 tourism slump. So he's doing his part to pump up the local economy. He told his more than 20 purchasing and sales employees to go out to dinner on a weeknight, and he'll pick up the tab -- up to $75. He says, "We need to step up and make a commitment to our community."  

VITALICH, ROBERT Fisherman-Fish Company

Robert Vitalich was born in Dalmatia August 1881. Robert immigrated to America in 1907 and settled in Astoria, Oregon, While in the northwest coast he became involved with the fishing industry that emerged along the Columbia River. In August of 1909 Robert had settled in San Pedro and began his own fish market, the San Pedro Fish Company and supplied it with his own fishing boats.

VITALJICH, JOE Fisherman

Nina was the youngest of nine children born to Marko and Vera Vitali Razovich in Verbanj, Croatia. Her oldest brother, John, left for South America before she was born and she never did meet him. One of her brothers moved to Vancouver, B.C. from the old country and he and his wife (Marko and Ante) sponsored Nina so that she could come to the U.S. When she was in her early 20's, Nina and a girl friend came here, but the girl's family lived in California so she moved on to be with them. Nina moved to Vancouver, B.C. and lived with her brother and sister-in-law. She was expected to keep house and take care of little Veronica (their daughter) because Ante was very sick at that time. Nina cried for days and days because she missed the old country so much. She met Joe VitaIjic through a friend of her brother and they married in 1929 in Vancouver, BC, Canada when she was 25 and he was 29. She then came to Bellingham with her new husband, Joe, who was a commercial fisherman. For the first few years they were married, they rented different houses. The last one at 610 13th was where Vera was born in 1934. Then around 1940 they bought the house where Nina is still living at 1105 - 13th Street. Their first child was Katherine, born in 1930, next was Andrew in 1932, then Vera. Shortly after they moved into their new home, JoAnne was born in 1940. (Sleasman 1999)

VLADISLAVICH-SLAVICH, GEORGE Goldmine

The entries in the maritime papers of George Vladislavich end abruptly in the middle of page 20, the end of the voyage was to be written on the other side of the planet in an obscure settlement in the gold-fields of the mother-lode on the North American continent. George Vladislavich was born on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia.

The Permesso diviaggio- the maritime papers of George Slavich- which accompanies this report, shows that George embarked from Trieste on 1st December 1874 on the ship Gloria as a seaman.  The bottom half of the page, the part reserved for disembarkation at Trieste, is empty.  Blank pages in the books of mariner of old were common. Very often they were unfinished due to loss of life at sea, of desertion, or some other unglorious end; but George Slavich’s book does not end in blank pages: this book was filled in adventure in California’s gold fields.

He first came ashore on the North American continent in the territory of Alaska in 1875. He didn’t stay long here but immediately went south to California. It was sometime in the year, 1875, that he came to the gold range in Amador County known as Placerville by name and others called it Pokerville.

The name of this camp has since been changed to Plymouth. This town is located in the northern part of Amador County on highway 49.  This is mother-lode country- a lode of gold bearing rock about a mile wide that extends from Mariposa to Georgetown in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, a distance of 120 miles.

The mining activity around Plymouth was going along very well when George arrived. He worked for the established mining company in the area and also started out his own claims on virgin ground adjoining the mine property.  One of his claims proved to be very important and the Plymouth Consolodated Mining Company purchased it.  He received cash and stock in the company which was at that time the most productive mine in the mother-lode. In 1883 this mine produced one million dollars worth of gold. There were about 150 men employed by the mine. The mine paid a total of $2,800,000 dividends by the year 1887.

Although George was a minor stock holder in this mine he never-the-less played that important role that the unsung heroes of all events play. He was a part of that community of men upon whom and by whom adventurers are made successful.

The Plymouth Mine subsequently attracted the attention of mining men all over the world.  Men like Loring, Hayward and Caetano who are remembered as great men in Mother-lode mining circles.

The operations of the mine ran into difficult times after the great fire of 1888 broke out in the lower levels of the mine. The mine had to be flooded with water to extinguish the flames.

This fire occurred on January 24th by June the fire was out- dead- and also the city of Plymouth was dead as well. Most of the miners by June had left. The records state that the town was vacant, but the records are wrong, for George Slavich stayed.

In August 1889 a large cave-in occured in the Plymouth mine. The mine again was closed.

The fire and the cave-in proved to be too much; the company went onto bankrupcy. The Mine remained idle all the time from the fire until 1911. George Slavich remained in Plymouth all that time. He had other claims which he worked and from which he managed to make a living. Whenever the mine did any work during that time of idleness George did work for the mining company for he had a reputation of being an expert engineer.  In mining parlance, an engineer is one who operates the machinery especially the machinery that is called the hoist.

In 1886 George met and married Martha Kephart a young native born lass in the area. Everyone had thought that Geroge was a confirmed bachelor, but he knew he had to do his part to replenish the earth.  It was not uncommon in mining camps for men to work for several years before they married. The men were thirty to forty years old before they married. Very often they married young girls and on occasion they married widows.

Martha and George had six children born to them: Margarete, Amye, Ellen, Dora, George, and Mae.

Due to the hard times mentioned about the mine, around 1900 A.D. the children began to leave to seek greener pastures. Within a very short time after Ellen had left and gone to San Jose she sent for her sisters to move to San Jose. Martha, Anmye, Dora, George Jr and Mae moved, but Margarete remained.

Margarete stayed in Amador County and studied. With the help of the Superintendant of Schools, Mr. Gordon, she learned enough to be able to pass the state teacher tests.  After passing the tests she obtained a position teaching in a school near Plymouth. She married Mr. Thomas Davies. In Plymouth they were known as Tom and Margarete. Tom was a school teacher and a farmer, a Justice of the Peace and City Treasurer.  Together they accomplised the rare goal with is illusive to many people. They were respected and loved by members of their community.

Margarete and Tom had one child, a son, Thomas Davies, Jr. Junior was a promising young lad, and he did achieve during his life time which was ended in a plane crash in 1944.  Young Tom went through the Amador County schools, and then to the University of Santa Clara where he graduated in 1940 with a B.S. degree, cum laude. He further went on to the University of California at Berkeley where he got his teaching credential and then attended Santa Clara Law School for one year before he was enlisted in the army.

He went into the army in 1943 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma after a completion of training in officer training scchool he received a commision as Second Lieutenant in the artillery. After their training he was sent to further training was a laison pilot. It was on one of his flights as a laison pilot that he was killed.

This story is about George Slavich, but we write about his progeny for in them we see his character reflected. George was an event. Not a trivial event nor an illuminating bit of minute but never-the-less an important link in that chain which we call history. We write about George Slavich because he was one of us: [jedan od nasijeg] In Margete can be seen his tremendous devotion to duty, her devotion to her teaching profession.

Another charactaristic of George was loyalty which is exemplified to a high degree in this second and third daughters Amye and Ellen.

Ellen’s loyalty was to her family, to her father and mother, brother and sisters, husband and daughter. Uppermost in her endeavors was to contribute to the happiness of these persons. In 1906 Ellen married Charles A. Cassivelli, a gentle lad from the city of Sutter Creek. Charles was not only a gentle lad but a man of great industry and physical endurance. Thier marriage was very successful and together they built a business in Sutter Creek, California, the Cassivelli Meat Market which they operated for twenty-seven years.  They had one daughter, Elinor, whom I know very well for she is my wife.  She has that perseverance of her parents, in some ways she is a Bracanka in others a Genovese. She went through school here in Sutter Creek and attended San Jose College and graduated from Chico State College. She was a grammar school teacher for twelve years; now she helps her as her mother had helped her father in their business.  So far we have been in business for twenty-five years.

You probably noticed that Charles and Ellen were married in 1906, the year of the great San Franciscan earthquake. Yes, they did go to San Francisco on their honeymoon. While they were in San Francisco they bought furniture. The day after they left San Francisco the great earthquake occured.  They had left their furniture in San Francisco for future delivery to Sutter Creek. They thought surely it was destroyed in the great quake and fire, but a week later Mitchell “Hand-dug” Bernadis, a teamster pulls up in front of Ellen’s home with the furniture in excellent condition.

Amye Slavich, George Slavich’s second daughter at the age of 18 or so began to work for the company of Nathan and Nohrman of San Jose. She stayed at this job for until her retirement at an age of over seventy.

She was a chief sales-person and a buyer for the store.  She superviesed almost all the decorations and displays in the store. She became one of the most trusted and was one of the most loyal employees of their company. Everyone called her, affectionatly, Aunt Amye.

Dora Slavich married Paul Cambiano a young aspiring draftsman and artist They had two sons Richard and Robert. The Cambianos operated the “Art Fixtures” shop of San Jose.  They are- the boys and Paul- still in this business.

George SLavich, Jr. moved to San Jose at an early age. He became a journeyman electrician.  He had one son, George Slavich III, who graduated form the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in architecture.  He is presently practicing the profession of architechture in the San Francisco Area.

Mae, the last daughter and child born to George and Martha, married Leo Shottenhamer of the Shottenhamer family of San Jose. They had two children, Robert and Virginia. Virginia, who is a school teacher in the San Jose City School System, had three sons. These three boys at the present time are enrolled at the University of Santa Clara.

Martha Kephart had two sisters, Zade and Bird. Zade married a man by the name of Butrovich. It was her, Zade’s, son who was an unsuccessful candidate for governorshhip of Alaska under the Republican ticket in the first Gubernational election of Alaska.

George Slavich from the date of his arrival in 1874 until the date of his death in 1925 lived in the city of Plymouth. His grave is in the city cemetery right next to his long time friend George Petrinovich. During their lifetime the two Georges spent many hours in lively conversation. But as the old saying is, when you get two Slavs together you have political parties. Those who remember say that every one of their meetings ended in angry dispute over politics, but the next day all was forgotten and they were friends again.  George Slavich maintained that he was an Austrian. “You are not an Austrian; you are a Bracanin,” George Petrinovich would argue. My wife says that her grandfather was an Austrian and I say he was a Bracanin. The argument still goes on.

There was no doubt in George’s mind. He was an Austrian- a loyal subject of the Emperor. He was also a good citizen of the city of Plymouth and his children and grandchildren for many future generations will be Americans.

George, his daughter Margarete, and her son-in-law, Tom Davis, were civic minded and participated in local affairs throughout their entire lifetime. George with his mining activities, Margarete and Tom in their teaching and social activities. Tom was the Justice of the Peace and city treasurer.  Together they hepled plan and build the Plymouth city water system and financed it.

Very often his granddaughter and I go to visit his grave to place flowers on it. On George’s gravestone is written Born 1886- Died 1925- A native of Austria, but we knew there is more for he was a pioneer- and American Pioneer. I am reminded of the words of the Montenegran Poet, Njegos: Na groblji ce ignici crvijece za daleko neh poholjenje.

What does this say about George Slavich. Translated into English words it says:

On your grave will emerge flowers for some distant generations.

Because to seek a new life in this far off distant land from his native land there will be many flowers- his progeny- who will enjoy life as free human beings for many future generations. Ralph Milanovich, 1970.

VLADISLAVICH, STEPHEN Priest

Thus we encounter the name of the Reverend Stephen Vladislavich, a native of the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia who after a short sojourn in San Francisco died on May 21, 1883, at the age of 37 years, and is buried in the priests’ section of the old Calvary Cemetery. in San Francisco.

VLAHOV, FRANK Chef-Maritime

Frank was born Oct. 26, 1915, in Croatia, on'the island of Prvic, in the village of Sepurine. He was the youngest in a family of 12 children. In 1938, he left his homeland for good when he joined the Merchant Marine. He traveled the world -Europe, North Africa, South America, The Caribbean and America. It was in America, Port of New Orleans, that Frank decided to disembark and make America his new home. He made his way to Chicago where he had cousins and set up residence. In Chicago, he met the one and only love of his life, Phyllis Lillian Perkovich. They would eventually marry but Frank had an obligation- to fulfill. He had proudly become an American citizen and in 1942 enlisted in the Army. He did his Army training in California and then proudly served on the European front with the Fifth Armored Division. He completed 45 months of service and became a Staff Sergeant. Frank and "Lillie" were married Jan. 19, 1946 in a double wedding ceremony with Lillie's sister, Joan Perkovich. Chicago was home for 12 years. Two daughters were born -- Mary Anne and Francine. Frank pursued his culinary career and worked at the well known Chez Paul Restaurant and the once well known London House Restaurant. The family moved to San Jose, CA, in 1959. California reminded Frank of Croatia with similar climate, vineyards, cypress trees and lovely hills. Frank was a respected chef in Santa Clara Valley. He worked at the once well known Los Gatos Restaurants Golden Doors, Red Coach Inn and the Villa Felice. Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 612 sadly reports the death of brother Frank Vlahov, 84, who entered into eternal rest May 12, 2000. Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lillie in 1988. He was a loving father of Mary Anne Loyd and Francine Reynolds; father-in-law to Ed Loyd and Ron Reynolds; cherished grandfather of John and Kevin Krause and their wives Shazia and Nicole; precious great-grandfather of Abbey and Allison Krause; loving brother of Neda Cvitkovich and respected uncle of many nieces and nephews and beloved brother-in-law of the Perkovich family.

VLAHOVICH, ANTUN Railroad

Antun Vlahovich came to Oakland, California in 1928 from Babino Polje, Island of Mljet, Croatia with his wife Marija, sons Alojzije, Antun and daughter Marija. In Oakland they had two more sons, Vlaho and Marin and a daughter Ana. A. Vlahovich always worked on the railway. Their daughter Marija died in 1948. Alojzije did not have any children and Antun, who lived in San Leandro, had a daughter Nike and son Mario. The children were born in Zagreb because their mother Ana was born in Zagreb. Nike married Grgo Zulum and had Nena, Denis, Petar and Antun. Mario Vlahovich lived in the city of Sacramento. Nena Zulum married M. Jurjevich born in Lumbarda, Korcula., There they have a cottage. So they often visit Korcula and Mljet. In California they live in San Leandro.

VLAHOVICH, IVAN Restaurant

The first member of the Vlahovich family of Babino PoIje, Island of Mljet, Croatia to arrive in California in 1907 was Ivan Vlahovich born in 1883. In America he married Marija Srsen, the sister of Vicko, who was born in Babino PoIje (1887). Initially they lived in Oakland, then moved to Monterey. They had a son Blaise (Vlaho) who married Paulina Paluncich, the daughter of Nikola Paluncich-Duran. Ivan worked in restaurants as a cook or bartender, until he became the owner of a restaurant in Monterey.

VLAHOVICH, JAKOV Restaurant-Military

In 1952, James Vlahovich, Sr. became president with John Vicin his vice president of the Slavonic Mutual and Benevolent Society. Jim will go down in the history of this society as a man who introduced us to the world of stocks, bonds and other modes of investments. Our only source of income in the society was from the lucrative sale of graves from our Croatian Plot in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. Our society, and its shrewd and astute founders, soon realized that it would be a grand gesture to have all the Croatian members in early San Francisco buried in a plot in Calvary Cemetery at what is now Presidio Avenue and Bush Street. Soon the city began to expand rapidly west and it became apparent that the cemeteries would have to move to a rural area and Colma in San Mateo County was selected. As I then mentioned previously that the cemetery sales were our main source of income, and as the average age of the members increased, it becarne apparent that we, in order to maintain our high sick benefits, and a death benefit, must look to other sources of revenue to sustain such a financial load. Enter our financial wizard and father of our future investments, brother and future president, the Honorable James Vlahovich, Sr., twice president (1949 and 1950) and vice-president (1954 and 1955). Jim had been dabbling in stocks for a few years prior and had become in creasingly confident that the society could become financially independent of the cemetery sales and a few war bonds that we had already purchased. Soon his enthusiasm and his financial knowledge aroused the membership and upon Jim's advice we started out with the purchase of a few shares of Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and American Tel. and Tel. We soon realized that Jim Vlahovich was on the right track and we added to our tiny portfolio by additional purchases of more shares of the same common stocks and added, upon his advice, Southern California Edison preferred shares, advising the membership that preferred stock was a steady source of constant income whether the common stocks rose or fell in price. Every quarterly meeting for many years thereafter, brother James Vlahovich would report the dividends received by the various companies in whose stocks he recommended as chairman of the finance committee, showed a steady profit, and not one of such companies went bankrupt. Brother Jim was on top of the action at all times and we old timers realized what a valuable and respected member, a shrewd and knowledgeable investor he was. If a corporation showed declining profits, he would advise selling their stock and revert to a growing company. James Vlahovich volunteered to serve in the American Army during World War One in France. He was the proprietor of the New Odeon Cafe at 42 7th Street in San Francisco in 1914. He was married to Mitzi and had a son, Jim and a daughter Mitzi, he and his wife were from the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia.

VLAHOVICH, MIKE Fisherman-Boat Builder-Sea Captain

Captain Michael Vlahovich began his seafaring career at age 15 by following his Croatian family heritage of commercial net fishing along the west coast from Alaska to Mexico. His passion for the sea and love of adventure has taken him across the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand, as well as through the Panama Canal and across the Atlantic to Europe. His love of sailing increased his respect and appreciation for wood vessels and so he also pursued the trade of boat building. Known nationally as a master of wooden boat construction, restoration, and repair, Mike has shared his skills with hundreds of people through apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training, technical college instruction, community boat building projects, and public maritime demonstrations. He was the cofounder of the Working Waterfront Museum, a grassroots effort to preserve the vessels, skills and stories along the waterfront of his hometown of Tacoma, Washington. He was also the originator and sponsor of Tacoma's first Maritime Fest, an annual regional waterfront celebration. His efforts earned him the 1999 Washington State Governor's Art and Heritage award for preserving commercial fishing heritage/folklore, and for maintaining the traditional craft of wooden boat building. His long range goal is to assemble and maintain a small fleet of classic working watercraft which will preserve a significant piece of maritime history while providing the public with opportunities to experience the seafaring lifestyle, to acquire traditional maritime skills, and to visit the wilderness areas of the North American coastline. His present staff position with the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum draws on the spectrum of Mike's past experience as well as his aspirations for the future. He has dedicated himself to a vision of maintaining traditional maritime culture while passing on the techniques of traditional boatbuilding.

VLAKANCIC, CONNOR Congressional Candidate

He is a businessman from California's Silicon Valley. Only after his grandfather had died did Vlakancic find out he was of Croatian descent. His 1988 visit to Cres, the island where the Vlakancic family stems from, was his "return to his roots". I went to the cemetery in the village of Stivan. There were dozens of graves with the last name Vlakancic. I sat on the ground and wept. That was the first time I felt I was at home," says Connor Vlakancic, who is planning to run for Congress in November as a candidate of the Democratic Party in California.

VLASIC, IVAN Librarian

Librarian at Ohio State University Libraries, Columbus, Ohio with a specialty as Slavic Cataloger. He was born November 23, 1933 in Zagreb, Croatia. Education includes Male Real Gymnasium, Zagreb, 1951; 1954-55 University of Zagreb; 1960-66 Western Reserve University, Clevland. B.A., 1966; 1966-67 Western Reserve University, Cleveland. M.A. in Slavic Languages. Member of National Slavic Honor Society; American Library Association.

VLASIC, JOE Food Pickle Empire

The industrial center of Los Angeles is named, aptly enough, City of Industry, California. Were it not for the palm trees and the age of its modern buildings, it looks very much like any other industrial center in America. It is the home of every conceivable type of manufacturing and distribution from pickles to torque wrenches. The Croatian mark can be found on virtually every type of manufactured goods and in nearly every service in California industry. The world’s largest pickle processor is Vlasic Foods which sells more of the product than its next three competitors combined. Vlasic Foods can hardly be called a solely California enterprise, for it has plants in Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Delaware and City of Industry, California. But there is no question that it is a Croatian enterprise. The founder of the company, Joe Vlasic, arrived in the United States as a boy in 1914. His father was a cheese maker and Joe followed in his footsteps, at first working in the family business and eventually purchasing his own milk and cream route. As his distributorship grew, he began to market margarine under his own label, Vlasco. The line expanded to a number of dairy products and relishes and by 1935 Joe Vlasic had his own building in Detroit. In 1942 he purchased the first order of twenty-five cases of pickles. During the post-war period Vlasic acquired one company after another controlling mid-western distribution of a wide range of food products. In 1959 a separate company was formed solely for the production of pickles. Under the direction of Robert Vlasic, a 1949 graduate of the University of Michigan, the company reversed years of diversification for consolidation. at the peak of its market and profit scale, the Vlasic Dairy Company was sold to Borden in 1963. Two years later Vlasic Foods Distribution company was sold to Continental Coffee. By 1970 Vlasic Foods was “the pickle company”, dealing in over one hundred varieties of pickles and peppers. As the multi million dollar empire spread nation-wide. Vlasic Foods acquired Early California Foods of Los Angeles in 1976. The City of Industry plant now employs over two hundred regular employees and nearly double that number at peak packing times.

VLAUTIN, CASEY Attorney

Mr. Vlautin was admitted to the California and Nevada State Bars in 1964, to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1988, and to the U.S. Tax Court in 1994. He received his B.S. degree from University of California at Davis in 1960, and his J.D. degree from Boalt Hall, University of California at Berkeley in 1963. Mr. Vlautin was Chairman of the Board of the Washoe County Unit of the American Cancer Society from 1990 to 1992. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Nevada Division of the American Cancer Society from 1992 to present. He is a member of the Washoe County Bar Association, the American Bar Association (Member, Natural Resources Section), the State Bar of Nevada, the State Bar of California, and Phi Delta Phi. Mr. Vlautin was also a law clerk for the Nevada Supreme Court from 1963 to 1964. Mr. Vlautin practices in the areas of real estate development law, trial practice and business law.

VLAUTIN, PAUL Coffee Saloon-Goldminer

Paul Vlautin from Konavle, Dalmatia, was perhaps typical of many of the earliest pioneers. He mined gold in 1851-1852 in Amador County and, having made a strike, returned to Sacramento to acquire the Universal Coffee Saloon, but prior to that returned to San Francisco where he was a Director of the Croatian Slavonic Illyric Society. He returned to San Francisco in the early 1870’s and purchased a coffee saloon and boarding house on Davis Street named Paul’s. This saloon on Davis Street became the center of local Dalmatian fishermen and gold miners. He married a Portugese girl, and they had their first child, Paul, in 1872. His brother, Jakob Vlautin, a restauranteur, was buried in the Croatian Plot in San Francisco in 1885. Paul died in 1894 at the age of 74 and is buried in the Croatian Cemetery.

VLAUTIN, PETER PAUL, JR. Attorney

Born March 19, 1906 in San Francisco, California; at rest July 16, 1999 in Folsom, CA. A graduate of St. Ignatius High School, College and Law School (University of San Francisco). He received a Masters in Law at Georgetown University, and practiced in San Francisco for 63 years before his retirement in 1995. He pioneered neighborhood law practice at 7th and Clement in the early 1950’s. He was a member of the Slavonic Society of San Francisco. President of Kiwanis Club. Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, member of the Dolphin Club and numerous other social groups in San Francisco. Mr. Vlautin grew up on Masonic St. in the Haight-Ashbury district and traveled around the world at 18 years of age, playing snare drums as a band member on the President Van Buren. His grandfather Paul Vlautin was one of the first Croatians to come to the West Coast, arriving in 1850 in Jackson, Amador County, where he made a gold strike. He ran the Universal Coffee Saloon in what is now Old Sacramento. The grandfather moved to San Francisco in the early 1870’s, where he operated Paul’s Coffee Saloon and Boarding House at 629 Davis in front of Pier 9. It was at this saloon where his son, Paul’s father, was born. Mr. Vlautin was preceded in death by his wife Mary Barbara Woodburn Vlautin and his son William Woodburn Vlautin. He is survived by his sons Peter Paul Vlautin III, an attorney in Sacramento; Casey W. Vlautin, an attorney in Reno and John P. Vlautin, a liquor executive in Dove Canyon, CA; his daughter Mary Rippetoe, a homemaker in Los Altos, California; his nine grandchildren and brother Alfred Vlautin of Menlo Park, CA. He was also preceded in Death by sisters Annete Spolter, Pauline Vlautin, and Anne Marie Cauley and brother Tom Vlautin.

VOCOVICH, SAM Restaurant-Silverminer

Sam was first noticed at Austin, Nevada in 1866 as a silverminer. He registered to vote in 1868 and voted in the election. Sam ran the Antelope Restaurant with Sea Bass, Rock Fish, Oysters, and other fish no doubt brought up from San Francisco. Not really too much is known about Sam except that he had the finest restaurant in town. Sam certainly didn’t become a restaurateur overnight, but applied his skills elsewhere in America. You don’t catch Sea Bass at Austin.

VOJNICH-VONICH, MITCHELL-PAUL-NICK-MARTIN Goldmines-Ranches

This narrative is compiled from interviews with members of the Vonich family in April and May of 1981. Telephone conversations, personal interviews, and an on-site visit were conducted with Susan Vonich Lyman of Sacramento, the great-granddaughter of Martin Vonich; Mitchell Vonich, San Leandro, the son of Martin Vonich; Anne Vonich Moores, Danville, the duaghter of Maritn Vonich; and Mary Voinich Loomis, San Andreas, daughter of Paul Voinich and niece of Martin Vonich.

The Vonich brothers first came to California in the early 1890s. Mitchell Vonich was the first to arrive. He joined a small group of Croatians in the Santa Cruz area and worked at a restaurant. He was soon followed by his younger brothers, Paul, Nick, and Martin.

The brothers had come from the village of Gabrele, in the foothills above the fertile valley of Konavlje. This valley, on the Dalmatian coast southeast of Dubrovnik, Croatia was an agricultural center on the flanks of massive limestome mountians that separate the valley from Dubrovnik and the coast. The family was fortunate in that they had land around their house to farm as well as several tracts in the valley.

The name Vonich was then spelled Vojnic and pronounced Voinich. It means “soldier” in Croatian. In the late nineteenth century, Pero and Mare Kostopec Vojnic had eight children; Pero (Peter) was the eldest, and next in order were Vlaho (Blaise, Mijo (Mitchell), Pavo (Paul), Niko (Nick), Mato (Martin), Ana (Anne), and Luko (Louie). In Dalmatia the eldest son traditionally inherits the land and maintains the family business.  Pero was already running the farm, so the other borthers were free to leave home and seek their fortunes.  Vlaho would look to Dubrovnik for his future; the other brothers looked to America. Croatian communities were already established in California, and it was customary that an individual would first settle down and then send for his family.  How Mitchell, and then Paul, Nick, and Martin moved from Croatia to Santa Cruz to the Mother Lode is not known. When the borhters came to the mines of Carson Hill and Angels Camp were in full production and jobs were plentiful.

In the 1890s Martin became head of the family business that would be known as the Vonich Brothers. Martin was the “go-getter” of the family, the businessman and entrepeneur.  He organized the mining ventures, bought and sold stocks in mining companies, and even formed a corporation to own two mines. Martin didn’t stay in the mines, but bought a two story house near the Lighter Mine on outskirts of Angels Camp (now Utica Park) and opened a general store on the first floor.  He had married Pava (Pauline) Mastanovich, who was from the village of Cavat, near Durbrovnik. The living quarters for the family were on the second floor. Continuing to operate the store and a small saloon in the back, Maritn also invested in some local mines, including the Round Butte Placer Mine in Sheep Ranch.

Pava’s close friend and distant cousin Anna Mastanonich emigrated to San Francisco where she was living with her brother when she heard Pava was in Angels Camp. Anna would never leave Angels Camp again, for on that visit she met and married Paul Voinich.  They settled down in a house on Democrat Hill, just west of Martin’s store and the mine.

Meanwhile Martin sent money home for his younger brother Louie to emigrate to Calaveras County. At the same time their sister Anne sent for her son, Andro Clecak. About this time (early 1900s) Martin, Nick, Paul, and Mitchell made several mining claims on property at the base of Bear Mountain. One claim had some promise, so Martin and Nick developed it, and Martin patented it. Martin and Paul maintained residences in Angels Camp, although Martin divided his time between the store and the mine at Bear Mountian where he had obtained title to the adjoining property which contained several cabins. Nick and his wife, Helen, moved out to manage the property, and Helen ran a boarding house for the miners.  One cabin became there home; the others were already in ruins and were never repaired.  Two three-room bildings were bought from another mine up on Bear Mountian, disassembled, and relocated on this site.

Martin formed the mining company to cover expenses of the mine.  They opened a large incline shaft and operated a blacksmith shop, two boilers to provide power, and a large compressor. A 40 stamp mill, installed over the objections of Martin, who thought the size unnecessarily expensive, was designed to impress the stockholders. Up to 10 men were working at the mine, all Croatians from the Dubrovnik area. The Vonich Mining Company (as Martin’s firm was known) had built a ditch more than five miles long, passing over the land owned by the Rolleri Company and Augustine Airola’s ranch east of the Vonich property. The brothers and their employees dug the ditch by hand and were quite proud of the accomplishment. An impulse wheel was installed to power the stamp mill.

The mine was operating smoothly when a terrible accident occurred.  Two young men, possibly nephews of Martin, were killed when they entered a gas pocket deep in the shaft. The foreman had failed to send the canaries down the shaft after a powder charge was blasted.  Sending birds down the shaft was commonly done whan a detonation opened an area that might contain deadly gas.  For some reason it was not done this time, with tragic consequences.

In 1906 things went from bad to worse at the mine. The exploration work at 700 feet had produced only low-grade ore. Martin’s earlier premonitnions about the size of the stamp mill were realized.  It was now costing too much to mill the ore, and the mine was closed down.  Paul and Mitchell went to work in Angels Camp, Martin stayed at the store, while Nick, Andro, and Louie began new exploration work on a tunnel upstream from the shaft in 1907.

The new claim was known as Gold Hill, and the men worked it by themsleves to keep expenses down.  They hit a strike of soft ore in 1910 and installed a five stamp mill. The built a small check dam across the stream and worked the deposit unitl 1914.  At that time the ore ran out, and Andro and Louie moved back to Angels to find jobs in the big mines.

Nick and Helen remained at the mountian where their sons Nick, Peter, and Anton (who only lived for 2.5 months) were born. They lived there until after 1914, then moved to Melones, where Nick worked in the Calaveras Consolidated Mine.  Paul and Anne lived on Democrat Hill in Angels Camp. They had two sons, Peter and Martin, and Mary was born in 1914.  Young Louis also lived with them.  Martin and Pava lived above the store and saloon with their six children, Marion, Anne, Peter, John, Martin, and Mitchell. Martin’s brother Mitchell lived with them.

In 1915 the big mines of Angels Camp were shutting down, and a small depression was falling over the community. Martin closed the store and saloon, Mitchell closed the saloon he owned in downtown Angels, and they moved out to the property at Bear Mountain. The mining there had stopped the eyar before; the boarding houses stood empty. Martin, his sons, and Mitchell refurbished the houses to make them hospitable for the family. To the house closest to the road they added a room to serve as a kitchen, and converted the front room into a parlor and sitting room, the middle room into a dining room, and the end room into a bedroom for Martin and Pava.  At the other house, one room became a bedroom for the girls, one room a bedroom for the boys, and the third, a bedroom for uncle Mitchell and Andro Clecak, when he stayed with them.

Martin, Mitchell, and the boys dug out a basement under the family house with the help of Andro Clecak and Louie. Andro, remembered as incredibly strong, was responsible for moving the huge rocks they encountered. All the rocks were stacked on the sides to form walls of the basement.  during this operation while the building was jacked up off the ground, young Mitchell, only nine or 10 years old, crawled under the house to try and help. His last memory of this was that the house fell off the jacks and on top of him.  He woke up in bed the next day suffering from the flu. What happened was that rather than the house falling on him, Mitchell had fainted from the confinement and the effects of his illness.

With the work on the houses done, Martin set to farming.  The family cleared the area to the west and planted an extensive garden. The rocks in the meadow were dug up, collected, and moved to the north side, where they were built into a wall along the stream bed that flowed down from Bear Mountain. This stream only ran during the winter and spring, draining into the big creek that flowed south down to Angels Creek. The larger creek was becoming known as Vonich Creek, just as the area was becoming known as Vonich Gulch. But to Martin and his family, the area was known as “The Mountain” of “The Bear Mountain Ranch.”

The family developed a fairly large truck farm with peach, apple, pear, and almond trees; tomatoes, melons, beans, and corn; and Martin planted potatoes along the creek where the tailings from the five stamp mill had settled.  They grew alfalfa hay and sold it to a dealer in Angels Camp.  They cut firewood and sold it in Copperopolis. When they had vegetables to sell they took them to Copperopolis to sell door-to-door. They raised grapes and made their own wine, and they grew their own tobacco to smoke. One of the hired hands from the nearby Airola Ranch would come over to get tobacco for chewing.

Two different routes were used to go to Copperopolis; if they had a loaded wagon, they would go north up the gulch and connect with the Copperopolis-Altaville Road; and when going back to The Mountain, they would go northeast out of Copperopolis on the old Reynolds Ferry Road which led down through Texas Charley Gulch and across the deserted Grossman Ranch.

Until 1920 the boys attended the Ramone School, located several miles to the east on the Whittle Ranch. They crossed the Airola lands to get to the school, and young Mitchell occasionally rode to school with Marvin Airola on the back of Marvin’s mule. Mitchell was one of the few Voniches to get along with the Airolas. Young Martin Vonich and Marvin Airola had such such bad feelings toward each other that they frequently came to blows.  Martin, whose nickname was “Jumbo” because of his size and strength, nevertheless always had a good fight on his hands.

When Mitchell Vonich passed away at the ranch in Bear Moutnian in October of 1921, the family gathered at the home of Paul and Anne in Angels Camp for the funeral. Nick and Helen came from Melones with their sons, Nick, Jr. and Peter; Martin and Pava from the ranch with Peter, Jack, and Anne.  Marion came from Stockton; she had married in 1920, and had a young daughter, Lois. Martin and Mitchell had stayed out at the ranch. Martin was in bed with tonsilitis, and Mitchell was as much keeping Martin company as he was keeping an eye on the ranch. Two years after Mitchell died, Martin Vonich retired with his family to the Bay area.  He was reorganizing his mining investments as well as a ranch he owned at the Round Butte Placer Mine near Sheep Ranch. Now 53, Martin was suffering from a lung disorder and had trouble breathing. John, Martin (Jumbo), and young Mitchell moved with Martin and found jobs in the Bay area.  Peter worked on the Sheep Ranch property and later moved to Standard Junction, Tuolumne County.

Paul Voinich maintained contact with the family in Croatia.  His daughter Mary would write letters for him, and through her they kept in touch with the brothers in the Old County. Occasional packages from the family back home would arrive with newpapers and articles not available here.

All the children of the Vonich families grew up in bilingual households.  Their mothers, Pava, Anne, and Helen, still spoke Croatian and a little English.  All the fathers, Martin, Nick, and Paul spoke English, but only Martin learned to read and write English.  The Voniches maintained a strong identity with Austria, and Martin named one of his claims the “Austria Mine.”

In 1929 an uncontrolled bruch fire swept arond Bear Mountian and up Vonich Gulch past the ranch. Joe Whittle was at the old shaft and stamp mill when he saw that the fire had come down the small creek alongside the rock mass. He went around the mill and found the houses and barn completely engulfed and could do nothing but look on. All the property at the mine and ranch was a total loss. An elderly neighbor, Mr. McLane, was burned out, too. He lived uphill from the ranch and while Martin was in residence, he would bring goods from town for McLane. They would raise a samll flag and the old man would come down to get his supplies.

After all the buildings were gone, Martin, Sr. returned several times in the following years, but for the most part his visits to Calaveras County were confined to the courthouse in San Andreas.  he was involved in litigation with the Rolleri Company and the Airolas over disputed property. The holding company he had set up for his other interests, including the Round Butte Placer Mine, was also causing him some problems.  The Sheep Ranch property in the end was turned over to his oldest son, Peter.

In the late 1930s, Martin, Jr. (Jumbo) came back to the ranch.  He, Andy Clecak, and his cousins Peter and Martin (sons of Paul Voinich) reopened the tunnel upstream from home.  The five stamp mill had survived the fire, and Peter brought out a steam donkey and compressor from Angels Camp to use in the mine.  They opened the tunnel for 600 feet but found only enough ore to break down.

Jumbo and the others built a three-room cabin which was used for years as a vacation home for the families.  Jumbo especially was determined to spend as much time as possible out at The Mountain, although all the boys at one time or another would come out to this favored spot for hunting, particularly for deer.

When Maritn Vonich passed away in 1950, he was 80 years old and the last of the Vonich brothers. Nick had died in 1943, at 75 years, and Paul in 1949 at 86. Nick’s wife, Helen, had followed him in 1945, and Anna, Paul’s wife, would be 90 when she died in 1968.  Nick’s family, including sons Peter and Nick, Jr., Paul and Anna, brother Mitchell, and Andro Clecak are buried together in the Voinich Brothers family plot in the Altaville cemetery.  Martin and his wife, Pava, who died in 1945, are buried together in the Martin Vonich family plot. The headstone reads Vonich while the border reads Martin Voinich because Anne Vonich Moores, Martin’s daughter, had the spelling of the name changed, after years of misspelling and mispronunciation.

Andro Clecak, the nephew who came over to start a new life, spent his years after the tunnel closed working elsewhere in the Mother Lode.  Never marrying, Andro worked in all the mines, from the Eagle-Shawmut in Jacksonville to the Empire Mine in Grass Valley. In the summers he would stay at the same place in Jackson, the Perovich Boarding House, and during the winter he would stay with Paul and Anna in Angels Camp.  Andro passed away in 1954, 65 years old.

Paul Voinich’s daughter Mary maintained contact with the family in Croatia through the years.  During the hard times during and after World War II, Mary sent packages of food staples and essentials like combs to the family in Gabrele. In 1978 Mary visited Croatia and was treated like royalty with great gatherings of all the family she had never met.

Peter Vonich, the son of Martin, stayed in the area for the rest of his life.  He built a box and sash factory at Sandard Junction, outside of Sonora, and managed it until his death in 1952. His son, Martin William, operates the business today. The children of Marting William and great-grandchildren of Martin Vonich are pursuing their own careers.  Susan Vonich Lyman is a hydraulic engineer with Water and Power Resources Service of the federal government, and Peter William is completing his graduate studies at the University of California at Davis.

VORKAPICH, SLAVKO Film Montage

Slavko was born in Srijemska Mitrovica, Croatia in 1884, and was primarily recognized as a film montage expert, but he also acted and directed special effects. Vorkapich found work as a commercial artist in Paris and New York before coming to Hollywood in 1922. He did montages for many studios, notably MGM and Columbia. Some of the films on which Slavko provided montage and special effects expertise include “The Prisoner of Zenda” (1922), “Manhattan Melodrama” (1934), “David Copperfield” (1935), “San Francisco” (1936), “The Good Earth” (1938), “Test Pilot” (1938), “Marie Antoinette” (1938), and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939).

VRANJOS,FRANK Priest-Educator

Father Vranjos was a member of the- Salesians of St. John Bosco for forty eight years, and an ordained priest for thirty eight years; he served on the faculty of Salesian High School in Richmond for a number of years and served as the school's Director from 1968 to 1974. He also served as Director of St. Francis School in Watsonville from 1954 to 1957 and 1960 to 1966. Father Vranjos formerly served the San Francisco Province of -the Salesians of St. John Bosco as a member of the Provintial Council and Director of Education, his last assignment was at Salesian High School in Los Angeles. He died April 8, 1988; Loving son of the late Frank and Catherine Vranjos and dear brother of Anthony Vranjos of Emeryville. A native of San Francisco. Aged 66 years.

VRBANCIC-URBANCIZ, JOHN Tamburitza Hall of Fame-Military

John Joseph Urbanciz was born on December 12,1920 in Chicago, Illinois. John's parents, Theresa and George Vrbancic, immigrated to the United States during the early years of the 20th century from Croatia. John attended Holy Trinity Grammar School and St. Ignatius High School, playing trumpet with the Holy Trinity band. During these early years, John and his brothers learned to play various tambura instruments, with John learning to play the bass. The Vrbancic Brothers continued to play together, performing throughout the Chicago area. While performing at the Croatian Children's Home, an orphanage located in the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines, John met his wife-to-be, Eleanore Spelich. John and Eleanore married on June 28, 1941. John served three years in the European theater during World War 11, gaining the nickname "Big John", Following the war, John began working for General Motors and continued playing tambura with. the Vrbancic Brothers. During this time, John and Eleanore bought the family's first house in a section of Chicago known as the "East Side", a neighborhood comprised of many Croatian families. In 1965, John joined Sloboda, a tamburitza orchestra that played throughout Illinois and other states in the Midwest. He enjoyed being a part of this group until 1976, when he and Eleanore retired to Scottsdale, Arizona. In 1978, "Big John" entered the Arizona music scene. He joined Cetri Tamburasi Plus One, a band which played throughout Arizona. They were featured as the house band at the American Slavic Club. Cetri Tamburasi Plus One also participated in a number of Tamburitza Extravaganzas, including John's stellar performance in 1990 at McCormack Place in his hometown of Chicago. In 1996, John was honored at the first Great American Slavic Music Festival for sixty years of devotion to the preservation of the culture and music of the Slavic peoples. John is the central force in a loving and laughing family that includes children John Jr., Donald, and Fran, grandchildren Kathy Hahn, Bill Urbancic, Doug Urbanciz, Jason Urbanciz, and Job Gardner, and great-grandchildren, Marisa Hahn, Emily Hahn, Daniel Urbanciz, and Benjamin Urbanciz. He recently celebrated his 59th wedding anniversary with Eleanore. John retired from playing tambura in 1995.

VRBIC, JOSIP Editor-Politics

Josip Vrbic was born on August 9, 1939 in Biljacici-Zavidovici, Bosnia- Hercegovina and presently resides in Clayton, California; married to Ana nee Tomic with one son. Parents are Ivo and Jelka. Education includes MA in Slavic languages, Georgetown University, Washington DC. Associate, editor and publisher of emigrant and homeland publications; parliament member of HNV. Member of Croatian Academy of America (secretary 1990-1992); Bosniac Democratic party (vice-president), National Geographic Society.

VRKICH, A Farm

My father was born in the village of Nova Sela, Blato, Croatia. He was orphaned when he was a child and was raised by his two older brothers and a sister, Eva. He spent most of his boyhood working in the vineyards and performing various types of farm labor. Family hardship and generally poor conditions in the country motivated my father to leave his native land at an early age and come to America in hopes of finding a better way of life. He left his homeland in 1910, journeyed to LeHavre, France, and boarded a ship to New York. Upon his arrival in New York, he climbed aboard a train bound for Chicago to join a cousin who had immigrated to the United States sometime earlier. He remained in the Chicago area until 1912 when he decided to move to Globe, Arizona, and take a job working in the copper mines. Globe already had a small settlement of Croatian people, among which were some of his fellow countrymen. He spent the next eight years working in the mines of Globe and Miami, During this period of time, several of the mines had closed and they were in a state of bankruptcy. Fearing that his job was in jeopardy, he left Arizona and headed West to California. About this same time, California was attracting many Croatian immigrants who were largely settling in the Santa Clara Valley. He arrived in Sunnyvale in 1920 and settled among his native people, many of whom had already purchased ranches and were involved in the fruit growing business in the Santa Clara Valley. Inspired by his new surroundings, plus a desire to start a family homelife, his thoughts soon turned to love and marriage. Many of the Croatian men brought their sweethearts or wives from the old country following their arrival here; however, my father's romance developed in a rather unique manner. It began from an exchange of photographs, an offer of marriage, and, ultimately, my mother's acceptance to wed a man in America who she knew only through correspondence, but who had been described to her as having desirable a good qualifications for marriage. From this point, things happened very quickly, and on August 16, 1922, after completing all of her immigration documents, my mother started her ocean voyage to the United States from Hamburg, Germany, aboard the ship "Movertania," operated by Cunard Lines. Following her arrival at Ellis Island Terminal in New York, she was escorted to the train station and was boarded on a trans-continental train to complete her journey to Sunnyvale, California. Upon arrival and with a great deal of anxiety she stepped off the train to a waiting group of relatives and friends from her native village of Majkovi, among them her sweetheart who she immediately recognized by his prominent moustache. After a brief courtship, they were married and subsequently moved into a ranch house, situated on a 15-acre parcel of apricots and prunes, on Grant Road in Mountain View. My sister and I were born in this house, and it was our family's residence for 27 years. A few years following our move to the City of Sunnyvale, the house and the trees were removed and the property was turned into a building site for the new El Camino Hospital. In conclusion, I would like to say that I am extremely proud of my Croatian heritage, and I will always enthusiastically support the culture and traditions that our parents preserved and left with us

VUCANOVICH, MICHAEL Restaurant-Hotel-Saloon-Market

Michael Vucanovich, a director of the Slavonic Society in San Francisco, had a restaurant at 20th and 1st Streets in 1859. Michael went to the famed silver fields of Nevada in the early 1860's and became a part owner of the Merchants Exchange Hotel in Aurora, Nevada in 1864 with Nikola Trojanovich. When the mines panned out in Aurora, he was one of the first at a new strike located in Hamilton, White Pine County, Nevada and opened a fruit establishment. In 1873 he was owner of the San Francisco Market at Virginia City. He later operated a saloon in the same city. Christ Vucanovich, probably his son, was a student at Santa Clara College in 1870.

VUCETICH, DAN Banker

Daniel George Vucetich, former West Coast representative for KLM Airlines, died in Daly City, California. He was 88. A native of Istanbul, Turkey, Mr. Vucetich came to San Francisco in 1908 and began work with the Banca Populare Fugazi. In 1913 he moved to the Bank of Italy as manager in charge of new branches in the Los Angeles area, and in 1916 opened banks in the Anchorage, Alaska, territory. Mr. Vucetich could speak, write and read ten languages.

VUCIC, STEVE Military-Football-Teacher

Steve J. Vucic's family knew he was really sick when he lost interest in football. It was a game that had shaped his life. He played football in high school and college and in the Marine Corps and spent much of his adulthood having high school boys call him "Coach." He grew up in Rankin, Pennsylvania the son of Croatian immigrants. He graduated form Rankin High School and joined the Marines in 1934. During his four year stint, he was part of the U.S. effort to defend Shanghai. While in China, he was captain of the Fourth Marine Division football team, which also played rugby. When he returned to Rankin, he was, known locally by the nickname "Shanghai" or "Shang" to his close friends. Mr. Vucic went to St. Vincent College in Latrobe on an athletic scholarship. While earning a bachelor's degree in education he twice was the school's Most Valuable Player in football. As an upperclassman, he was the team's captain as well as its starting left guard. In 1941, he was selected to the small college All-American team. After graduating, he returned to active duty in the Marine Corps. After graduating from Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA, he was sent back to the Pacific Theater. He was shot in the leg during a battle in the Marshall Islands, an injury for which he received the Purple Heart. The wound ended Mr. Vucic's career as a football player. Discharged from the Marines as a captain in 1949, he worked briefly as a steel worker for Carrie Furnace. Later he got a job teaching mathematics and history. He also became the coach of the Rankin High School football team. Later he was promoted to athletic director. He retired from what had by then become the General Braddock School District after 33 years of teaching with a Master's degree from Duquesne University. In 1982 he was inducted into the East Pittsburgh Boroughs Hall of Fame. With sadness on his passing, but pride in his accomplishments, I announce the death of my father Steve J. "Shanghai" Vucic, member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 6. He died December 22, 2001 in UPMC Braddock. He was 86 years old. He is survived by a son, James of Rankin; daughters Stephanie Venturella of Forest Hills, Valerie Smith of East Liverpool, Ohio and Evelyn Mills of Monroeville; brothers Bob and Rudy of Forest Hills and one granddaughter.

VUCINIC, ED Tamburitza Hall of Fame

Whenever there is a gathering in the Chicagoland area and tamburitza is involved you can be assured the smiling face of Ed Vucinic will be in the crowd. Ed never stands alone in the crowd, he makes sure everyone knows of the upcoming events involving tamburitza music. His dedication to the development and expansion of tamburitza music started even before he started playing bass. Ed was a late starter learning three tone pick bass under the tutelage-of John Rozgaj at the age of 25. The first group he performed with was the Lole Orchestra in the early 1950's. They played throughout the Chicagoland area for dances, weddings, and any other jobs they could get their hands on. The group disbanded after only a few years of playing. This allowed Ed to play four tone bass with the newly formed Muselin Continentals in August of 1956. The Muselin Continentals were comprised of all stars with recent Duquesne graduates Tony Muselin on brac (Hall of Fame), and Lucille Muselin soprano, John Gornick on cello (Hall of Fame), Sam Cuzella on bugarija, Tom Zukula accordion, John Ivicek tenor and Ed on bass. The orchestra evolved over the years playing at numerous weddings, anniversary parties, ethnic dances, benefits, and many charities. The diversity of their audiences progressed them to enlarge their collection of kolos and songs to include show tunes, ballads, very old and new narodne, and modern standards. During Ed's 25 year tenure the Continentals release four successful albums titled "Croatia Americana", "Muselin Continental's Volume I", "Tamburitza Melodies," and "Pimoga". Ed was a steady performer in the Continentals even though he had his hands tied into many other activities, such as marriage. Mary Perisin and Ed walked down the aisle in August of 1960 and over the next eleven years they had five boys: Ed, Mike, Tom, Bob, and Phill. Ed was also an active member in Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 32 volunteering as an organizer for many dances and fund raisers that had tamburitza music the focal point of entertainment. He was one of 'the original team of lodge 32 members that initiated the Sloboda Junior Tamburitzans in 1967. As a parent member of the Sloboda Jr. Tamburitzans he continued to educate young people to the rich benefits of music, dance, and song of the tambura. Ed served as President of the juniors and still continues to be a National Officer of the Croatian Fraternal Union Junior Federation after ten years of commitment. Ed and Mary's five boys graduated from the Sloboda Juniors and the last three continued on to perform with the Duquesnes University Tamburitizans. All five still find time to keep the tambura instrument as a part of their lives. The youngest Phil, plays bugarija with Boduli and Tom plays brac with the Sinovi Orchestra of Chicago. Ed also is very proud of his only grandson Kevin who is an active member of the Sloboda Jr's. Ed has since retired from the Muselin Continentals due to bursitis in the elbow but that doesn't stop him from following Tamburitza music around the country. Anything related to tamburitza music in and around the Chicago area was and always will be supported by Ed, Mary, and the rest of his family.

VUCKOVIC, BOZIDAR P. Professor-Editor

Bozidar Vuckovic is an Agricultural Agent, Penn State University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Born December 25, 1911 in Risan, Croatia. Educated at Real Gymnasium, Split, Croatia 1930; University of Zagreb, Agriculture, Diploma, 1935; Rutgers University, New Brunswick, 1954-57, M.S., 1957 with a major field in Agriculture and Crops Science (Agronomy). Thesis completed on Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization and Cutting Treatment on Bromegrass, M.A., 1957. Member of American-Society of Agronomy; National and State Associations of County Agricultural Agents; Croatian Fraternal Union of America. Free Europe Committee, Inc. New York, Research Editor, 1951-57; Industria Agricola, Chile, Chief Division Live Stock 1948-51.

VUCOVICH CLAN

Spiro Vucovich was an old timer and well known personality in Virginia City. He was in grocery business at the corner of C and Sutton Avenue in 1862 and had the Adriatic Saloon at 8 So. C in 1867. He also operated Spiro’s Saloon for many years during the 1870’s and 1880’s. Spiro was an American citizen and had a young wife, aged 22, born in Massachusetts, in 1875. She was of Irish extraction. A well known writer of pioneer Nevada mentions Spiro: By authentic count in 1876 there were exactly 100 retail liquor dealers in Virginia City; 37 in Gold Hill; 7 in Silver City-- a grand total of 144 in the Comstock sector. Ten wholesale liquor dealers and 5 breweries helped out. The Delta, the Silver Palace, El Dorado, Palace Capitol, the Sawdust Corner-- these were among the best-known of the places of refreshment in Virginia. Spiro’s, with ancient Spiro Vucovich as proprietor, was another pioneer place. Spiro was very civic minded and belonged to the Masons and was a member of the Virginia Exempt Fire Association, Engine Company Number 5. He also served on the Italian Benevolent Society Invitation Committee in 1876. There were many other Vucovich’s in Nevada during the 1860’s and 1870’s. Christopher Vucovich had a chop house at Virginia City in 1863. Edward Vucovich had a saloon and clubroom in 1868 and owned the Adriatic Saloon in Virginia City in 1878. He owned the Virginia Saloon at Benson, Arizona in 1883. F. Vucovich was a silverminer in 1875 at Virginia City. George Vucovich had a saloon in Virginia City in 1875. John Vucovich was a worker at the Virginia City Gas Works in 1878. Joseph Vukovich was a barkeeper at Virginia City in 1873. M. Vucovich was a merchant with Vidovich at Lida Valley in 1880. Marco Vucovich was a pioneer silverminer at Austin in 1866. He had a fruit business in Virginia City in 1875. Nicholas Vucovich was a barkeeper for Edward at the San Francisco Chop House at Virginia City in 1863. He later mined at Sierra County, California and Amador County, California. P. Vucovich was a merchant at Virginia in 1875. The Vucovich’s were well represented in Nevada and especially at Virginia city in the wild 1860’s and 1870’s. It didn’t pay to pick a fight with a Vucovich at Virginia City. Not in the Adriatic Saloon under any conditions!

VUJICA, NADA M. Librarian

Nada Vujica nee Kestercanek is the Head Librarian, Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Born March 29, 1918 in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Educated at University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia, M.A. in South Slavic and German Languages and Literature,1940; Marywood College, Scranton, Pennsylvania, M.A. in Library Science,1952. Published a large number of articles and short stories and poetry. Member of the American Library Association; Croatian Academy of America. Researching Bibliography on Croatia. Books and booklets, in English, dealing with any phase of Croatian culture, historical and contemporary; with the Croatian people, Croatia; in extension, Yugoslavia, the Balkans, history of Austria-Hungary, communism in Yugoslavia, and related subjects which concern the Croatian people are being incorporated in this bibliography.

VUJICA, STANKO M. Professor

Stanko Vujica is Chairman of the Philosophy and Religion Department at Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Born November 27, 1909 in Busovaca, Bosnia; married. Education includes Franciscan Gymnasium, Visoko, Croatia, 1930; University of Zagreb, Ph.D., 1937; The University of Vienna, Spring, 1936; The University of Innsbruck, Austria, 1937-38. Licentiate, 1938 with a major field in Philosophy and Religion and Metaphysics, Philosophy of Religion, Aesthetics. Fulbright Research Scholar to Pakistan in 1960-61. Thesis completed 1937: "Palingenesis in World Religions" (doctoral). June 1968 "Die Grundlagen der Ethik von August Messer" (Licentiate). Member of American Philosopical Association; Amererican Association of University Professors; Croatian Academy of America: President, 1968.

VUJNOVICH, MILOS M. Professor-Author-Military

Milos Vujnovich is Chairman of the Physics Department, Delgado College, New Orleans, Louisiana. Born February 10, 1924 in Sucuraj, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia; married with four children. Educated at University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana, B.S., 1949; Tulane University, New Orleans 1949-50; Louisiana State University 1958; Loyola University, New Orleans, Louisiana. Baton Rouge, La., M.E., M.S., Physics, 1969 with a major field in Physics, Mathematics. U.S. Army Service France and Germany 1945. Member of American Association of Physics Teachers; American Institute of Physics; Slavonian Benevolent Association, Secretary. Published Yugoslavs in Louisiana.

VUJNOVICH, PETE JR. Oyster Farmer

Croatians from the Dalmatian coast have long played a key role in the oyster industry of southeastern Louisiana. Like their presence in the oyster industry, Croatian American culture remains strong in pockets of Plaquemines and Orleans Parishes.

Peter Vujnovich, Jr. is a third-generation oyster farmer who lives in Port Sulphur, Louisiana. Born in 1960 in New Orleans, he has had hands-on experience in fishing oysters in the Barataria Bay area since he was a boy. He learned from his father, "Captain Pete" Vujnovich, who in turn learned from his father. After studying biology in college, Peter, Jr. decided to return to oyster-fishing where he continues to work with his father and brother.

Peter, Jr.’s parents are of Croatian descent and both grew up in fishing families. His father, Peter, Sr., was born in the village of Sucuraj on the Island of Hvar. He joined his own father in Louisiana in 1931, at the age of eight. When not in school in Lafitte, Peter, Sr. lived at his father’s camp on Lake Washington, where he helped to fish oysters. Eva Jurisich Vujnovich, Peter, Jr.’s mother, was born in Louisiana to Croatian-born parents and grew up in Plaquemines Parish. The family spent the years before Eva started school living at a fishing camp. When times were hard, her mother joined her father in the backbreaking work of fishing oysters.

The Louisiana oyster industry has changed greatly since the senior Pete Vujnovich's youth. Oysters were collected with hand-held tongs before dredges became common during the l930s. Seed oysters were once shoveled by hand onto reefs. Today, fishermen use water pumps to seed oysters. Some aspects of oyster fishing have changed little. Oyster fishermen still knit the netting for their dredge baskets by hand. Pete Vujnovich learned using a square knot, in a technique much like knitting on a trawl or cast net.

Peter, Jr. and his brother supply the oysters sold at Captain Pete's Oysters, the family’s seafood supply business on North Rampart Street in New Orleans. It is owned and run by their parents. The Vujnovich family owns two boats and lease about 1600 acres of oyster beds, including beds their paternal grandfather once worked. They actually work about 400 acres of these beds. Peter, Jr.’s grandfather worked about 100-150 acres, but fishermen need more acreage today because they use dredges rather than tongs to harvest oysters.

Peter Vujnovich, Jr. and his five siblings grew up with a number of traditions from their parents' homeland. These included traditional Croatian foodways, participation in the United Slavonian Benevolent Society, and of course, oyster fishing. Like many young Americans of Croatian descent, Peter, Jr. does not speak the Croatian language fluently, but can understand it. He is very knowledgeable about the oyster fishing industry in Louisiana.

Peter Vujnovich, Jr. has participated in the Louisiana Folklife Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival demonstrating and explaining various aspects of this traditional occupation.

VUKMANIC, MARY Catholic Sister-Professor

Born April 16, 1919 to Croatian parents in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A Religious (Ursuline) Sister, Professed, 1938. Instructor in Theology Ursuline-Bellarmine College in Louisville, Kentucky. Education includes 1936-1940 (Part-time) Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; 1940-1942 St. Elizabeth College, New Jersey, B.A., 1942; 1944 (Summer), Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; 1947-1950 Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, M.A., 1950; 1966 (Summer), Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio;

1967-1968 Special Student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky; 1968 Full time graduate student in Th. D. Program. Major field inEnglish for B.A. and M.A. ; Theology for Th. D; Thesis 1942 An Approach to the Understanding of Poetry, M.A. On Board of Directors and Director of Publicity for Family Service Agency of Allegany County, Maryland; 1966-1968 Director of Press Relations and Instruction in English, Ursuline College, Louisville, Kentucky; 1969- Instructor in Theology, Bellarmine-Ursuline College; 1968 Lecturer in Film Bellarmine-Ursuline College. Published articles in Catholic Educator, Catholic Home Journal, Catholic School Journal, Sponsa Regis (Sisters Today), Book Review Editor for Catholic Home Journal, 1949 - 1959. Contributed poetry to three anthologies: Joyce Kilmer Antho I Sing of a Maiden, and Drink from This Rock. Published over two hundred poems in various periodicals: America, Catholic World, Catholic Home Journal, Spirit, New York Times, etc. Reviews: Books for Catholic School Educator and Sisters.

VUKMANICH, PAULA Sister-Artist

Paula was born in Southern California in 1950. In 1967 she attended Mount St. Mary’s College with the intention of becoming a nun. However in her youth she was not ready for the rigors of being one of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. After attending the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles and some soul searching in the mid 1970s she realized she was ready for the role of Sister, painter and art teacher.

VUKMANIC, PETER A. Teacher-Engineer

Peter Vukmanic is head of the Science Department at Bishop McNamara High School. Forestville, Maryland . He was born December 9, 1915 to Croatian parents in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Education includes Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1931-36, B.S., 1936; Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1936-39, M.S., 1938 with a major field in Metallurgical Engineering specializing in physical properties and application of metals, their heattreating, trouble-shooting field failure of metals. Member of National Association of School Teachers; American Association of Physics Teachers. Work experience prior to teaching was Metallurgical Engineer, Westinghouse Electric Company, 1939-45.

VUKOV, JOHN Doctor-Military-Fisherman-Menengitis Cure

Dr. John Vukov leaned back on the chair in the office of the Renton, Washington medical clinic he built 29 years ago. He is a short, stocky man who, one day earlier, had swum two miles in Lake Washington. Vukov began talking quietly, sorting through a nearly half century of assorted memories. From the time he started his practice in Renton 47 years earlier until his retirement, Vukov was a Renton institution-the stuff legends are made of. In 1924 Vukov (age 12), his older brother and his mother traveled from Zlarin on Croatia’s Adriatic Coast to Seattle, where his father was already employed as a member of the large Dalmatian, Croatian fishing community. Young Vukov himself worked several years on commercial salmon vessels to sustain his studies-first at the University of Washington and ultimately medical school at the University of Oregon. A training stint at Seattle's Harborview Hospital followed during the last years of the Depression.

"Harborview was a wonderful training hospital," Vukov said. "You know, things were different. There were doctors going hungry, who couldn't pay their office rent. They would come to Harborview and teach us in exchange for meals. It was the greatest hospital on the Pacific Coast for training purposes." "You have your street people now but it is nothing like it was at Harborview during the Depression. You've heard of the shantytown called Hooverville? People were living there in tin shacks, even in cardboard boxes." "The fact that I lived through the -Depression, and got my training during the Depression, made a profound impression on me-the value of life and the need to alleviate human suffering."

In 1940 he opened his medical practice in Renton. Nearly 50 years later, he can't help smiling at the role he played in the community's growth. 'When I came to town the population was 3,670 according to the sign on the highway," he recalled. Now, with the Boeing Co. and all, it is 35,360. Vukov figures he's delivered between 9,000 and 9,500 babies, more than twice the population of Renton as he found it. 'The fee scale was very low. Office calls were $3; house calls $5. House calls? Oh, man, we made house calls for 30 miles around. We got paid in corn, chickens, and services. Pay was very infrequent. As a matter of fact, on many occasions we “never got a cent in compensation. About half the work was charity work."

But Vukov's work at Harborview caught the attention of the medical community. Particularly two papers that he published in the Northwest Medical Journal. The first described his use of sulfa and horse serum to obtain the first known cure of Type 11 pneomococcus menengitis (on a 5-year-old boy). The second dealt with his use of vitamin K to control certain types of human bleeding-another first in the field of medicine. All of this paved the way for a job working mornings in the University of Washington Health Center a position that paid $250 a month big money in those days. That, plus what he earned as the doctor for various lodges and what he earned as a contract surgeon at Fort Lewis, provided part of the necessary base. The latter assignment had other advantages. "I was young and the colonels liked my work. They wanted me to join the Army, figuring that war was coming and I'd be in on the ground floor," Vukov said. But fate and weak eyesight-intervened. Vukov wore glasses. That made him ineligible for the service at least at that time. ”That probably save my life. The first contingent almost all died at Corregidor." "Two years later they were taking them without legs," he said, grinning. In the Army I was the commander of a unit and one of the doctors marching in my unit had an artificial leg." "There were seven doctors in town when the war broke out, three old guys and four young guys." "Patriotism was very high then and all four of us young guys volunteered," he said.

Four and a half years later, Vukov returned to Renton wearing the uniform of an Army major. He found a dream realized a new hospital built by the General Services Administration. Because the new facility was the only hospital in south King County, accident victims from the entire area were brought there. Vukov was among the four doctors who handled most of the emergency and surgery work. "We did so much work that there were times we would work as long as a week without any rest. The amount of work that went on in that little hospital was unbelievable." Over the years, Vukov performed a multitude of surgeries-from ingrown toenails to abdominal surgery-even performing emergency brain surgery at a time when there was only one neurosurgeon in the greater Seattle area. Time passed and the legend grew. "There were several prominent people who were dying that I salvaged," he recalled. "And that helped. In those days, I was very skilled in the use of sulfa. Pneumonia was deadly in those days. Fifty to 70 percent died of pneumonia before the advent of antibiotics." "I took care of diptheria and smallpox cases. We had an epidemic of smallpox right after World War 11 in King County with a high mortality rate. In 1946, for example, our own anesthetist, her husband and two of her children died of smallpox. Now the disease is supposed to be eradicated. But, you never know..." Once, as he was leaving the hospital in uniform, a frantic man rushed up exclaiming that his son shot his grandmother accidentally. "He wanted to know if there was a surgeon available. And there I was in my uniform. We rushed to the home, brought the: grandmother to the hospital, and I operated. She survived and I became known "the military surgeon. In the summer of 1955, Vukov partlcipated in a dramatic rescue attempt that made national headlines. On July 2 two trains collided in downtown Renton. Two men were trapped in the wreckage. One died shortly, but the other remained alive. Vukov was gardening at his home on Lake Washington when the call came.

In the late 1940s the General Services Administration decided to sell the Renton Hospital. Vukov and other local physicians began a lobbying campaign to help the local State Senator get a law through the Washington Legislature allowing the creation of Pubfic Hospital Districts. We went to Olympia, bought a lot of booze, smoked salmon, turkey and chicken and stayed for two weeks giving our pitch to whichever Senators would partake of our offerngs," Vukov recalled. The bi1l, providing a tax base for district hospitals, Passed and thus paved the way for the Renton Hospital to remain public. It was a new concept", recalled Vukov. "And that's why we're Hospital District No. 1. We were the first in the State, maybe first in the nation." "When I first came there were nine or ten on the staff at the original hospital," he said. "There are 320 at the current hospital (a new version, now called Valley Medical Center). Most of the young doctors don't realize what we went through to make these facilities available to them."

Some years back, Vukov began thinking about retirement. Long years and long hours had taken their toll. He wanted a chance to savor his remaining years. I usually didn't get home before 10 p.m.," he said. "if it hadn't been for my wife's good cooking-and understanding-I would have been dead years ago."

VUKOV, NICK and MARIJA Fisherman

It was a festive crowd sparked by the presence of their immediate family and roughly 75 friends, that gathered at Triple's restaurant on Lake Union November 26, 1986 in Seattle, Washington to honor Nick and Marija Vukov on their 60th wedding anniversary. Special guests included Seattle Mayor and Mrs. Charles Royer and Washington, Lt. Governor and Mrs. John Cherberg. As a highlight of the evening, the Lt Governor-whose family (original spelling Curbeg) hails from the Vukovs' home town of ZIarin near Sibenik-presented the celebrants with a personalized honorary plaque from the State of Washington. The prevailing good mood was also enhanced by comments (often humorous) by the Royers, by Nick Vukov himself, and by his cousin, Dr. Silvio Vukov. Dr. Vukov, In fact, regaled the crowd with a description of how (as a mere lad of 11) he was forced to accompany his older cousin when Nick proposed to Marija in 1923. The Vukov's son, Anthony, and daughter, Sonja, completed, the colorful commentary by adding. their own, often moving, reminiscences. Then following several accordion selections by the Vukovs' grandson Nicky Rossman, Cathy Morovich and her son John led the crowd in a sing along to complete the enjoyable evening. Brother Vukov, who served as the vice-president of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 439 for several years, joined the Croatian Fraternal Union in 1937. He is thus looking forward to receiving his 50-year pin in 1987.

Recognition is due to the Vukovs' attentive children, Anthony (wife Sally) and Sonja (husband Thomas) for having honored their parents in such grand fashion. Once again, we join the family to salute you, Nick and Marija, on the occasion of your 60th wedding anniversary party. May you be blessed with continuIng health and happiness, and may you achieve additional milestones.

VULJAN, PHILIP Cultural Activities-Fisherman

Brother Philip Vu1jan was born on the Island of Hvar, Dalmatia on December 25, 1921. His parents also resided in Sucuraj, Hvar. Phil left his hometown and joined his family in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1938 at which time he became a member of the Slavonic Society, a sister lodge in Louisiana. After moving out to San Francisco, Phil joined the Slavonic Society on July 10, 1962 and immediately became active in promoting his aggressive ideas in building a stronger society. This popular past president accomplished his progressive objectives by serving as an officer in 19 years of the 20 years as a member of the society. Of the 19 years, 10 years were served as President, a record in recent times. Phil was instrumental during his tenure as President in participating in planning policies which has strengthened membership, increased the efficiency of the organization and its prestige. The society has enhanced its own importance in the community by the accomplishments made under Phil's leadership. Some of these achievements, the building of the Slavonic Cultural Center, the acceptance of ladies into the society and the organization of the catering function, were the results of Brother Phil's great sacrifices on behalf of our society. Brother Phil and his wife Marie have one daughter, Theodora, and two grandsons. Four of the six family members are society members. Phil continues to be active in his trade as a master butcher.

VUSICH, MARTIN Contractor

Martin Vusich, from Konavle, was the first Croatian contractor in Los Angeles. He came to the Pueblo in the eighties. In 1887, he and his partner, Anton Pusich, also from Konavle, built the first downtown streets and sewerage. This construction consisted of the area bounded by Main Street and Broadway, north and south and Eight Street on the east and the Plaza on the west. For many years in the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Mr. Vusich, though unable to read and write, was called upon to estimate very large construction plans. Men who have been connected in the Department for a number of years have often remarked that when they wished to be very exacting they would call Martin and tell him about the “job”. He would scratch his head, hesitate a few minutes and out would come the cost of the enterprise. Mr. Vusich was a large landowner in Los Angeles Country with Pusich and John J. Lopizich. On the corner of Hunter Street near Seventh and Santa Fe, a prominent thoroughfare, stands the Vusich Building. Stane Vusich, from Dubrovacka Zupa, resides with her children, John, who is following in the footsteps of the father, in true Croatian form, Lucille and Nick.

VUSKOVICH CLAN

Vincent (Visco) Vuskovich, born September 13, 1870; son of Jovanina Cochina and Matthew (Mato) Vuskovich, native of Supetar, Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia. He was the eldest of seven children. He and his youngest sister are the only ones that lived to adults. The others died during an epidemic of diphtheria. At the age of fourteen he migrated to the United States to join his father and uncle, who was in the boat building business and ran a ship yard at Empire, Louisiana. He lost his father and uncle in the 1893 hurricane; he barely survived. On May 15, 1899 he married Nicolina Miladin-daughter of Josephine Gouthier and Thomas Miladin; five children born to this union; Jovanina, Matthew, Vincent, Adelina and Margaret. He passed away on December 4, 1944. You can say he enjoyed entering his sail boats in boat races and has won several prizes; silver tea set, compass and other prizes also money. He was always very happy when he won a race. The name of the boats he entered in the races were the Big Princess the Little Princess, the New Leader and the Little Leader. They were all sail boats. It took him a long time to get to operating a motor boat. He owned oyster beds , has been in the oyster business for years. He and his wife ran the Boarding House at Empire, Louisiana. He was a member of Gundulic Lodge, Croatian Fraternal Union in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Joe and Vincent Vuskovich, brothers, opened a small seafood cafe in Gretna, Louisiana in just across the Mississippi from New Orleans. It consisted of four tables and a kitchen in an A-frame built of wood from an old Dominican convent. 'It was an experiment," Vincent explains. "'Our family has been in the fishing business for 96 years. We just decided to give the people around here a simple selection of the best of our catch at prices that wouldn't give them heartburn." The restaurant's subsequent success, in an area which certainly doesn't lack for outstanding eating places, is a tribute to Visko's quality menu, limited to only the best fish available, and to its comfortable surroundings. Visko's (named for the brothers' Croatian grandfather Visko Vuskovich was born in Supetar, Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia) now serves about 9,000 seafood-lovers every week. As the clientele has grown by leaps and bounds so has the building, incorporating a maIange of wood from all parts of the world for a sprawling, summer home effect. The latest addition, the Steam Room, is not a sauna but a special area where only steamed seafood is served. The menu has retained its simplicity. The fried seafood platter is a big seller, along with shrimp, fish and oystersfried or sauteed according to old family recipes. Two salads are offered -crabmeat and shrimp on lettuce and spinach with mushrooms-and only one steak is available. Oysters are special here, since they. are all supplied by the two Vuskovich-owned fishing boats. So try them on the half-shell or in the traditional New Orleans loaf (French bread stuffed with fried oysters, cocktail sauce and pickles). California rose, chablis and burgundy are served by the carafe or glass. 2000.

Vincent Vuskovich married a Swiss lass in the 1850’s in San Francisco, California and had a son, Vincent, in 1862. He was a cigal dealer, fruit merchant, and saloon keeper in San Francisco and was found at Virginia City, Nevada in 1867 on business. Other Vuskovich’s were jewelers in San Francisco.

Paul Vuskovich had a business in Mobile, Alabama in 1874 and also was a natururalized citizen. Paul was buried in the Catholic Cemetery and was a member of the Italian Benevolent Association. Matthew Vuskovich was an oysterman in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana and died in the 1893 hurricane. S. Vuskovich served in Company H, 21st Alabama Infantry, Confederate Army in 1861.

WALTER, ERNEST L. Veterinarian

Ernest L. Walter was born September 23, 1916 in Kotrena-Rijeka, Croatia. He specialized in Veterinary Surgery, Ophthalmology, and Podology. Ernest received a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1943 from the University of Zagreb. He worked at the U.S.D.A. Plant No. 623 at the Poppy Food Company as a Veterinary Poultry inspector. Walter published in the Veterinar (Zagreb), Veterinaria (Sarajevo); British Veterinary Journal (London) and co-authored the Veterinary Textbook (Zagreb.

WODVARKA, JOSEPH Tamburitza Hall of Fame-Teacher

Joseph Wodvarka was born in Slavonia, selo Virovitica in 1891. It was there he became involved with the tambura. It is said that Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer personally purchased the Tamburas for Wodvarka's group of ten musicians. Wodvarka emigrated to the United States in 1910 where, on May 17, 1912, he married a lovely German maiden, Frieda Schlahau, from Leimbach, Germany. Together Joseph and Frieda had four children - Harry, Alma, Richard and Erna. Harry and Alma became tamburitzans in their own right. Joseph was a tamburitza virtuoso having become exceedingly proficient in the bass, cello, bugarija, brac, and the prim. He even had the pleasure of teaching and playing the "Tamb-jo", a cross between the banjo and tamburitza. In his early years he became a Master Barber who would, between clientele, devote countless hours arranging music for his beloved tambura. During this period he also became a delicatessen entrepreneur but economics in the early 30's made it necessary for him to move from West Allis to sixth and National Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. And it was here that the impetus was given to the birth of many youthful tamburitzans as a result. Wodvarka organized, taught and directed such well known orchestras as Sloboda, Vila, Silver Strings, Sokols and the Hrvatske Kceri. He gave much of his time and talent freely without compensation and further, he willed his vast supply of tamburitzas to those budding musicians about to start on their musical careers. It was through his leadership that various concerts were performed in the Croatian Community with orchestras including the Duquesne Slavonic Orchestra (Duquesne University Tamburitzans) and various tamburitza orchestras from Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Sheboygan and Mukwonago. The music of Joseph Wodvarka was not only heard in the local environs but throughout America, canada and Europe through his proteges, their sons and their sons-sons as well as their female counterparts who are now taking their rightful place in the musical family. Wodvarka performed professionally on the WEMP Radio Hour known as "The Hoffman Hour" in the late 1920 and early 1930's. Additionally, his orchestra performed at many well known hotels, restaurants, dinner parties, fairs, picnics and weddings. To honor Mr. Joseph Wodvarka for his remarkable contribution to, and his love for the tamburitza, he has been chosen as one of four 1999 inductees to the Tamburitza Hall of Fame.

WOLF, DON Photographer-Croatian Activities

About the year 1650, 25 families traveled from Saxony, Germany to Cabar, Croatia. I am a descendent of at least two of those families and perhaps more. Mato Cop previously spelled something like Schoup and Rudolf Volf were my two grandfathers who grew up in Gerovo, Croatia. My mother's mother, Lena Muhvic grew up in a small village on the side of a beautiful hill called Kamenski Hrib. My father's mother came from Turke, on the Slovenian side of the River Kupa. They came to Kansas City, Kansas between 1906 and 1910. I was born in 1936 in a Croatian ghetto (not a bad thing) called Strawberry Hill. I went to St. John's Croatian Catholic school taught by nuns from Croatia and Graz Austria. Learning English from nuns with strong accents made it a little difficult when going to a Catholic military High school. My father like most men in the community worked in the packing houses. Dad (Joseph) paid $500 for his house in 1936 which had the bathroom build in back yard separated from the house. Mom worked for minimum wage doing odd jobs. My mother, Josephine, once worked in a candy factory with no air-conditioning. She was an epileptic and once fell into a caldron of hot chocolate. They didn't call 911 or a hospital or taxi. They cleaned her up slightly and fired her. She had to walk to the street car stop dripping in chocolate. I was very young when she arrived home totally humiliated with chocolate dripping from her hair and clothes. But she was always my queen. I served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1958 aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. This is where I learned my trade as a photographer. As a photographer for 46 years, I founded several business of different sizes. I co- founded Custom Color Corporation which ended up employing over 100 technicians.

During the war in Croatia, I made 9 trips whereby I was able to make photographs in the refugee camps, hospitals, orphanages and villages of the destruction. By bringing these images home, I was able to raise awareness of what was happening there. A little 9 year old girl, Danijela Plesa, from Otocac, whose father was killed in their own home was one of the victims that I met. I brought her home to Kansas City to live with my wife Mary and myself for about a year until the war eased in Otocac. With the help of Steve Fracol and Emily (Turk) Novak, I produced a video on How To Make Povitica. The thousands of dollars that was raised from the sale of this tape went to Sister Katarina Piskovic at Dom Sv. Terezije in Zagreb. I was guided to this orphanage by the Holy Sprit, and Suzanne Volf Pendic of Zagreb Television who is my cousin. On my first visit to the Dom I saw that it was full of refugees and children. I knew that this is where I should spend my time helping. For the past ten years I have helped raised enough funds to send food, clothes, medicine and clinical tools to get them on their feet. They needed another building because there were too many children living in cramped quarters. Last year, my wife and I were able to witness the dedication of the new addition to the orphanage which bears my name in the entrance. This was the highlight of my life. I just sold my business and now I am in retirement which means that I am busier than ever. I teach photography at at local Junior College and just finished a semester of Theology at St. Mary's college in Leavenworth, Kansas

with an A minus. That is my story. There is much more but I think that "dosta je." Bog i Hrvata.

YACICH, PAUL TV Producer Director

I am an American of Croatian descent. My paternal grandfather came to New Orleans around 1875 from Supetar on the Dalmatian island of Brac, Croatia in the Adriatic Sea. He operated an oyster lugger in the Gulf waters of Louisiana. My father became the dative executor of a large estate. I am a retired TV Producer/Director, having spent the better part of my career at WDSU-TV where I started in the broadcasting field as a technician in the engineering department. I joined WDSU in 1947 after serving two years during WWII as a Radio Officer in the Merchant Marine aboard T2 tankers and Liberty ships. In 1950, during the Korean Conflict, I served in the U. S. Navy, in a branch of the Office of Naval Intelligence, stationed at Wahiawa, Oahu, TH. I returned to WDSU-TV in 1952. I have had the honor and pleasure of directing two Emmy winning TV documentaries and many award winning commercials. In February of 1999 I was honored by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters who awarded me their Lifetime Achievement Award. In July of 1999 I was inducted into the Greater New Orleans Broadcaster's Association's Hall of Fame. I was awarded my first Amateur Radio license in 1946 and have held the call W5LLJ continuously since then. Affiliated with Paul Yacich Productions.

YAMBRUSIC, EDWARD Attorney-Author

Edward Yambrusich is Senior Attorney Adviser to the Register of Copyrights, Copyright Office, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. Born March 9, 1938 to Croatian parents in Conway, Pennsylvania; married to natalia nee Vignjak. Educated at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; University of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland; LLD in international public law at The Catholic University of America, Washington. Published Treaty Interpretation: Theory and Reality 1987; The Trade - Basic Approaches to the Protection of Intellectual Property 1992. Member of American Bar Association; International Law Association; Croatian Academy of America; Croatian Fraternal Union; president of National Confederation of American Ethnic Groups 1980.

YANCICH, GEORGE F. Cultural Activities-Military

Brother Yancich was a veteran of the Korean Conflict; life member of Highland Elks 981; American Legion Post 78; Cesare Batisti Lodge 27; life member and past president of 856 lodge Harborites, Croatian Fraternal Union in E. Chicago, Indiana; past president of the Croatian Home, Inc.; the Hoosier Hrvati Tamburitzans; Preradovic Croatian Glee Club and president of Sloga Singing Society. George F. Yancich, 81, of South Haven, Michigan, formerly of Hammond, Indiana, died November 2, 1998. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie. Surviving are two brothers, Victor (Etta) Yancich and Peter Yancich, and sister, Violet Stennecke, all of Watervliet, Michigan.

YARDAS, BILL Fisherman

The Chico, is a thirty-two foot salmon troller out of San Francisco. You can see it, most any against the dock by Fisherman’s Wharf- one of the hundreds of small boats that make up this part of the great fishing fleet of the Northwest.  It’s bigger than some, smaller than most: a Columbia River “Bar Jumper,” not really typical of this part of the coast.  Most San Francisco boats are Monterey Clippers- shallow-draft, graceful old-fashioned little boats. Bill Yardas, the owner of the Chico, is a Slavonian (Croatian), son of a Eureka logger. He grew up with small sailing boats in Eureka Bay. The Chico had its keel laid in 1918. The Farallones, a string of barren islands which are the peaks of an undersea mountian range fifteen miles off the California coast, offer perfect feeding grounds for salmon fish. The really big salmon are caught late in the season, usually in July or August, and you seldom catch more than six or ten of them in a day even with a commerical troller with thirty-six hooks trailing behind the boat. The true Farallon salmon will run from thirty to fifty pounds or more, have huge humps on their back just behind their head, and mean-looking hooked lower jaws- like the oldest and biggest land-locked salmon. Strangely enough the very largest of them sometimes hardly put up any fight at all. In 1962 Bill Yardas caught the biggest recorded salmon, taken either by sport fishermen or by the commercial fleet that year. Dressed, the fish weighed fifty-four pounds and might have gone nearly seventy with his belly left in.

YARDAS, RUDY Military-Business-Coalminer

Rudy born in Delogua, Colorado, on Aug. 9, 1917, the son of the late Vinko and Rose Susanj Yardas. The family moved to Superior in 1922 and to Rock Springs, Wyoming in 1927, where he attended school and then worked for the Union Pacific Coal Company in the mines for seven years. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 15, 1942, and served in the 2nd Marine Division until January 15, 1946. During that time he was in San Diego, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, New Caledonia and Samoa. He was in action on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. He received two Presidential citations and the American Theatre and Asiatic-Pacific Ribbons with five battle stars. Upon his discharge, he returned to Superior where he managed the White City Sporting Goods, later becoming a partner in the business. He moved to Rock Springs in 1955 and began work at Tri-State Lumber, retiring in March of 1980. He married Angela Radosevich Fabiny on September 2, 1955, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 27, 1983. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church, CroatianFraternal Union Lodge 306, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and Odd Fellows. Rudolph 'Rudy' Yardas, 83, of Rock Springs died on Monday, July 2, 2001, at his home. Survivors include one son, Jerry; one stepdaughter, Neldine Swadberg of Portland, Oregon; three stepgrandchildren; seven step-greatgrandchildren; four brothers, Jimmy Yardas of Rock Springs, Charles Yardas and Albert Yardas, both of Lander, and Stanley Yardas of San Diego; two sisters, Elsie R. Dolenc of Rock Springs and Bernice Besso of Sun City West, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother, seven sisters and one step-granddaughter.

YENGICH, NICHOLAS R Marketing

Nicholas Yengich is employed by Lever Brothers Company, field marketing, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born March 26, 1936 to Croatian parents in Hammond, Indiana and is married. Education included St. Joseph's College, Rennsalear, Indiana, A.B., 1957; Indiana Univiversity, Bloomington, Indiana, M.B..A., 1960; major field marketing and sales. Previous experience included 1959-60 Research Assistant with Business Horizons, published by Indiana Univiversity School of Business.

YESETA, THOMAS Tamburitza-Musician

Born the third of six children to Thomas J. Yeseta Sr., and the late Catherine A. (Jabuka) Yeseta, Tom made his appearance in Los Angeles in 1949. His paternal grandparents were from the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia; his maternal grandmother from the Island of Vis, his grandfather from Sovlja near Sibenik. During the depression years Tom's father, along with his sisters, organized a family orchestra that played for the weekly dances at St. Anthony's Croatian Church Hall. As you can see Tom's musical talent comes from a musical family; the elder Mr. Yeseta directed a church choir for many years and his late uncle Sam Jabuka was a popular bass-baritone who emceed many programs at the Croatian church in the early 1940's. Tom's love for music was established very early in his life. He started accordion lessons before his seventeenth birthday and today is considered a genius at that instrument. At the age of fifteen, Tom began playing the tamburica, with the St. Anthony Tamburica Orchestra "Croatia", under the direction of the late Josip Bachmann. At first he only played during vacations and holidays, then becoming a full time member in 1967. This provided Tom with the opportunity to learn and perform Croatian folk, popular, patriotic, classical, and semi-classical music. Tom is also the organist at St. Anthony's Church and in 1977 composed the Croatian Folk Mass for choir and tamburica orchestra which was a great success. In 1979 he succeed Mr. Bachmann as musical director of the orchestra. Tom went to a parochial elementary school, Dominguez (Claretian) Jr. Seminary, and attended Loyola University, where he earned his BA in music in 1971. Music is Tom's life which he shares with his musician wife the former Annemarie Bullum, and his eight month old daughter, Katherine Rose, who at this early age shows delight in hearing music. For the last five years Tom and his brother Greg have played many professional engagements; this experience has provided them with a wealth of musical knowledge and entertainment experience. In 1977, the Yeseta Brothers Tamburica Orchestra was in business and has since become the most popular Croatian tamburica orchestra in Southern California. It is also one of the most highly regarded tamburica orchestra in the United States, achieving national exposure at the Tamburica Association of America's 1982 Tamburitza Extravaganza in San Jose, California. One of the most important things about Tom, besides his obvious musical talent, is that he is responsible, reliable and dependable, even making personal sacrifices to get to his musical engagements. He is also responsible for carrying on the Croatian cultural heritage here in this country by promoting Croatian music, both folk and church music for people of all ages to hear, learn and remember.

YIRKA, BRANKO A. Teacher

Branko Yirka is Chairman of the Department of Classical and Modern Languages at St. Joseph High School, Cleveland, Ohio. Born December 13, 1918 in Sarajevo, Bosnia; married with three children. Education included lst State Gymnasium, Sarajevo, Bosnia, Graduate, 1936; University of Zagreb, Croatia, Diploma, 1941; University of Graz, Austria, 1947; Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, A.M., 1956; Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Graduate Studies, 1956-60 with a major field in Classical and Slavic Philology; French and French literature of the nineteenth century. Member of Phi Sigma Iota; Modern Language Association; American Association of Teachers of French; American Association of Teachers of German; American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages; Croatian Acadeny of America; American Croatian Academic Club; Honorary Member of Delta Tau Kappa.

YUKIC, THOMAS S. Professor

Thomas Yukic was born August 4, 1921 in Niagara Falls, New York. His field is education and is a graduate of the State University of New York. He received an Ed.D. in 1953 from Columbia University, New York. He has been published in the area of recreation. He works as Supervisor of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of California. He presently resides in Santa Cruz, California.

YURETICH, RICHARD Professor

Richard Yuretich has multiple interests in lake sediments, clay minerals, environmental geochemistry , sedimentology and education research. An undergraduate major in German led him (naturally?) to graduate work at Princeton University, where he studied sedimentary and geochemical processes in Lake Turkana in northern Kenya. After receiving his Ph.D., he worked for Gulf Oil Corporation, studying the mechanisms of petroleum generation in shales. He then taught at the SUNY College in Oneonta before coming to the University of Massachusetts in 1980. He has continued his research on the sediments of rift-valley lakes and their significance for paleoenvironmental interpretation. He participated in the Baikal Drilling Project, an international collaborative effort to extract a detailed environmental history from the world's largest lake. He and his students examined the clay mineralogy in long (100 meters +) drill cores as a clue to changes in the weathering processes in this lake basin. He has also studied lake environments in East Africa, Venezuela, Ellesmere Island in Arctic Canada and southern California. Another branch of his research involves the geochemistry of natural waters. The interaction of minerals with waters in saline and alkaline lakes is one manifestation of this interest; another is his involvement in many projects investigating the controls on the chemical composition of streams and groundwaters in local Massachusetts communities. He is also involved in educational research by using student-active methods in undergraduate courses and improving the science preparation of prospective K12 teachers. These efforts have been carried out with the support of the National Science Foundation and NASA.

YURICICH, MATT Special Effects-Academy Award

Another backstage star is Matt Yuricich, an American-born Croatian who has worked in the movie industry since 1950 with 20th Century Fox, M.G.M. and Paramount Studios. His dramatic scenery and special effect often overshadowed the actors in such films as Ben Hur, Mutiny on The Bounty, The Rove, North By Northwest, King of Kings, The Gretest Story Ever Told, Towering Inferno, Soylent Green and four Planet of the Apes titles. In 1977 his futurisitc effects in the science fiction thriller Logans’ Run won him the Academy Award for Special Effects.

ZABORAC, STANKO Carpenter

Seattle Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 439, probably because of its location in the far northwestern corner of the contiguous United States, has always had a handful of members residing In Alaska. These members, without exception, are very diligent in paying their dues and attending to other lodge related matters even though living at such a distance, they cannot participate In the lodge's rewarding social activities. Among these members are the Zaborac's of Palmer, Alaska whose correspondence over the years has always been prompt, cordial and informative. Stanko Zaborac was born May 7, 1904, in Begovorazdolje in the Gorski Kotar region of Croatia. He came to the U.S. in 1909 going first to the Dunfermline Canton region in Illinois and later in 1921 to Nebish, Minnesota, and finally in 1946 to Palmer, Alaska. Brother Zaborac became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. in 1928. The pride that Stanko Zaborac had for his Croatian birth is aptly reflected In the fact that he enrolled In the Croatian Fraternal Union as soon as he became eligible at age 16 In 1920, and in the fact that all four of his children are members of the Society to this day. Brother Zaborac received his 50-year pin In 1970 , and was a 55-year member at the time of his passing June 14, 1975. Brother Zaborac was a journeyman carpenter by trade. From the time of his retirement in 1966 he worked for the Palmer School System. His hobbles were baseball and cards. In addition to the C.F.U., he belonged to the Elks and Moose Lodges and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Palmer. In addition to his wife, Brother Zaborac is survived by his sons Stanley Jr. and Carl of Palmer, his daughters, Patricia Stone of Anchorage and Shirley Ritter of Salt Lake City, his brother, Anton Zaborac and his sister, Mary Dokozich, both of Fontana, California.

ZAFRANOVICH, NICOLE Petite Beauty Queen

Under the glare of media spotlights and with a toast by a San Francisco supervisor, the new “Ms. Petite” California was honored at a downtown restaurant yesterday. Nicole Zafranovich, 23, of Foster City, the state’s 1987 Ms. Petite, announced that the first international pageant for women 5 foot 4 and under will be held in San Francisco later this year. “We’re just like the big girls- only smaller,” said 5-foot-2 Maria Martin, 27, from Brazil. There are 92 million adult women in the Untied States and 45 million of them are 5 foot 4 and under, said Clarice Fraser of Ms. Petite Fashions, sponsor of the competition. The persentage is moving closer to 50 percent every year, she said. In their own petite pageant, they need not fear looking or sounding like somebody’s little sister. “The way it is now, everybody thinks you’re cute and that’s how they want to dress you,” Zafranovich said. “In our own pageant, we can dare to be sensuous or glamorous and not just cute.

ZAGAR, JANKO Priest-Professor-Editor

Father Zagar was born on September 23, 1921, in Prezid, Gorski Kotar, where Croatia borders on Slovenia. He began his life when the effects of the First World War still weighed heavily on his native land. He reached maturity during the tragic events of the Second World War. Fortunately, he survived that horrible time. His early studies were at the Dominican Convent in Bol, on the island of Brac. He began his graduate work in Theology and Philosophy in Dubrovnik, and then at the Domincan House of Studies in 01ournuc, Czech Republic. From there he traveled to Parish, where he was ordained on July 18, 1948. His educational journey continued at the Domincan House of Studies ("Blackfriars") at Oxford, England, and then at Oxford University, where he began his doctoral study in Moral and Social Philosophy. He completed his doctorate at the Sorbonne (University of Paris) in 1958. In the process he mastered Latin, German, English, and French. Fortunately for all of us, in 1961 he was called to the United States as Professor of Ethics, Social Ethics, and Moral Theology at St. Albert's College in Oakland. He also taught at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, was a visiting professor at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C at Providence College in Rhode Island, and at the Dominican College in San Rafael. On top of all these duties, he was for a number of years Prior of St. Albert's, Vice Regent and then Regent of Studies, and finally, Dean of the School of Philosophy and Theology. In 1992 he was made Professor Emeritus. He resides at St. Albert's Priory in Oakland, where he continues his work as a priest and preacher - and he will always remain a teacher. He has published many articles in Croatian, French and English, and he was a founding editor of the quarterly publication Season, which he edited from 1963 to 1967. Perhaps his most important publication is Acting on Principles: A Thomistic Perspective in Making Moral Decisions (1984). What an extraordinary life! It is no marvel that in 1973, he was honored with the Papal medal of Benemeriti.

ZAGAR, PETER Football-Discus-Military

Retired Kaiser Cement Co. executive Peter Zagar, who is honored in the Stanford University Athletic Hall of Fame, died at his home here Sunday. He was 67. Mr. Zagar briefly held the world record in the discuss throw, was three times National Collegiate Athletic Association discuss champion and was an All-Coast tackle on Stanford’s football teams in the late 1930s. A native of Allison, New Mexico, he was the son of a coal miner Peter Zagar. The family moved to Roslyn, Washington when he was an infant. He graduated from high school there and enrolled at Stanford in 1935, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. At one time, a Hollywood movie scout wanted to test Mr. Zagar for the role of Tarzan. It was at Stanford that he met and 41 years ago married Mary Prebisalich. They shared a Croatian Society and Napredak Lodge. He was also Active in St. Joseph Church here. With World War II spreading in Europe, Mr. Zagar declined an offer to play professional football with the New York Giants and enlisted in the Army. He rose to the rank of major in the Army during the war, serving in Europe. He was recalled during the Korean conflict to instruct at the officers’ training school at Fort Riley, Kansas.

ZAGAR, ROBERT Farm-Military

Brother Zagar was born June 7, 1923 in Texas Township, Michigan the son of William and Mary (Adlesich) Zagar. On July 22, 1950 he was united in marriage to Margaret (Pfau) Zagar. Bob was a grape fruit farmer in Mattawan for 31 years. He was a WWII Army Veteran, a member of the Paw Paw VFW Post 2532 and was past commander, member of the National Grape Co-op and Michigan Grape Society and a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. Robert Zagar died on June 1, 2000. He was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Zagar in 1994 and by a brother Ed Zagar. Also surviving are two children- Mary Sue (Rodney) Dragicevich of Paw Paw and Charles(Carolyn) Zagar of Kalamazoo; daughter-in-law Janet Zagar of Mattawan; five grandchildren, Stacie (Craig) Helgerson, Stephanie Zagar, Travis Dragicevich, Chad Zagar and Teddy Zagar; two sisters, Francie Bolf of Plainwell, and Jeri (June) Young of California.

ZAKARIJA, DANIEL M. Architect

Daniel Zakarija is an architect at C. F. Murphy Associates, Chicago, Illinois. Born October 1, 1934 in Vinjani-Imotski, Croatia. Education includes Architect Technical School, Split, Croatia, Graduate, 1956; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture, Zagreb, Croatia. Diploma of Architectual Engineering, 1963. Member of Croatian Association of Architects, Zagreb; The Croatian Academy of America.

ZAMARY, FRED P Teacher

Fred Zamary was born March 20, 1909 to Croatian parents, in Youngstown, Ohio and is married with three children. He is a teacher at the Campbell Board of Education in Campbell, Ohio. Education includes 1927-1933 Youngstown College, Youngstown, Ohio, B.A.; 1933-1938 University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a major in Political Science. Membership in National Education Association; National Council for the Social Studies. Taught high school from 1932 inEnglish, Government, Economics, Sociology; 1960 to present - Director of Athletics.

ZAMBERLIN, ANDRIA Fisherman

Andrija was born on the island of Vis off the coast of Dalmatia on August 22, 1884. Trained to be a fisherman, Andrija pursued his career ambitions by moving to America in 1904 and working in Alaska and Washington. By 1919 San Pedro became Andrija’s port of call. He married Luiza, nee Pakusich and had four children: Kathrina, Sam, Vicko and Andrija.

ZAMUCEN, BLASE Commander US Navy-Hero

He was a naval aviator who was highly decorated in WWII, the Korean War and the beginning of the Vietnam war; awarded 17 medals in recognition of heroism; his most outstanding effort was the rescue of over 200 men from a burning ship for which he was awarded the Navy Marine Corps medal. Born November 14, 1922; died May 18, 1989; age 66; a native San Franciscan; survived by his wife Stephanie Mary Zamucen of Mission Viejo; his daughters Susan Ann Zamucen of Mission Viejo, and Janet Marie Zamucen of Coto de Caza; and son Stephen Martin Zamucen; two grand-daughters Stephanie Marie Scott and Andrea Michelle Zamucen.

ZAN BROS Wood Products Mfg

Manufacturers of Tubs, Pails, Wash Boards, Etc., and Wholesale Dealers in Wood and Willow Ware, No. 3 North Front Street, Portland Oregon.

The name of the only house, in Portland engaged in the Manufacturing of wooden and willow ware heads this sketch, and for amount and variety of stock carried, and volume of business done, it is not to be surpassed by any other house of the kind on the Pacific Coast. In addition to wooden and willow ware they are also the largest manufacturers of broomis on the North Pacific Coast. Mr. Marino Zan and Mr. Frank Zan, the individual members of the firm, established.the business in I874; they are experienced men, well and favorably known. Their warehouse and salesrooms are located at No. 3 North Front street, and consist of a large and commodius building, three stories 50x9O feet in dimensions, stocked with a full line of all kinds of brooms, wooden and willow ware, such as tubs, washboards, pails, clothes wringers, coffee mills," brushes, twines, butter firkins, demijohns, handles of all descriptions, all kinds of paper, etc. They are the sole owners and manufacturers of patent corrugated, patent shield and patent tin lock brooms, manufacturin- about one thousand-dozen per month. To show the magnitude of their business, we will say that they give steady employment to fifty skilled and practical hands. They have a large trade extending throughout Oregon, Idaho and Washington. All dealers can find here one of the largest assortments of staple goods to select from, embracing a great variety too numerous to mention in detail. In concluding this article, which our space compls us to curtail, although the merit's of this house might be indefinitely enlarged upon, we will state that Messrs. Zan Bros. are gentlemen of progressive business principles, integrity and stability of character, and the judicious management of the house in the past, proves it to be a valuable acquisition to the commercial enterprises of Portland.

ZAN, DOM J. Manufacturers

Dom J. Zan (Zaninovich) is president of the firm of Zan Brothers, a name inseparably associated with the manufacturing interest of Portland on account of the extensive business conducted in the manufacture of brooms, willowware and woodenware. A spirit of enterprise and progress characterizes him in all that he does and while he entered upon a business already established, he has displayed undaunted energy and capable management in enlarging and developing this and in carrying forward its interests to successful conipletion. He was born in San Francisco, October 15, 1867. His father, Marino Zan, was born in Dalmatia, Croatia, and died April 7, 1900. The father followed the sea for ten or eleven years, or until about the time lie attained his majority, when he made his way to New York and abandoned. a sea-faring life. He then learned broom manufacturing and about 1865 went to San Francisco, where a few years later he established a broom manufactory on his own account. The new enterprise grew and prospered and in 1868 he came to Portland, and with his brother, Frank Zan established a branch factory under name of Zan Brothers. Again success attended him in his venture and about 1872 he added willowware and woodenware departments. Later he began the manufacture of some lines of woodenware and the continuous growth of his business in this city led him to establish the family home here in 1875. The business was also continued In San Francisco until about 1906. At one time Mr. Zan established a factory in Melbourne, Australia, for the manufacture of brooms and conducted it for a number of years. He is as active in business as long as he lived and his Indefatigable industry, his sound judgment and his initiative spirit enabled him to win a most satisfying position as a representative of manufacturing and commercial interests on the coast. His high standing its a business is indicated in the fact that he was chosen the president of the Portland Manufacturers Association, of which he, was one of the organizers, continuing in that position for several years. Marino Zan married Hannah Cullen, of New York City, and they have four children who reached adult age: Dom J.; Madeline C., who is the wife of W. E. Coman; James C., it practicing physician; and Jordan V. All of the children save the last named were born in San Francisco. The mother is still living, and yet makes her home in Portland. Dom J. Zan completed his education in Santa, Clara College of California. He then went into business with his father and eventually the enterprise was incorporated with D. J. Zan as president, Mrs. Jennie F. Zan as vice president, and Jordan V. Zan as secretary and treasurer. They cover the entire Pacific coast with their output of wooden and willowware and they also manufacture brooms and other articles of a similar nature. This is one of the oldest established houses of the kind on the coast and through out all the years it has enjoyed an unassailable reputation for excellence in workmanship, for promptness in delivery and for reliability in trade transportation. In 1894 Dom J. Zan was married to Miss Alice Jackson, a daughter of Walter H. Jackson, of Albany; and they now have two children, Nancy Jackson and Alice Virginia. Mr. Zan is a member of the Multnomah and the Arlington Clubs, to which his brothers also belong, and he likewise holds membership in the Commercial Club. The company has a well equipped plant which is the visible evidence of their capable management, resulting in success. Dom J. Zan enjoys in a large measure the confidence and high regard of business colleagues and contemporaries and his life record is proof of the fact that prosperity and an honored name may be won simultaneously.

ZAN, FRANK Capitalist-Wood Business

Zan, (Zaninovich) Frank, the subject of this sketch, is of Slavonic (Croatian) descent and was born in 1851 in Starigrad, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia while that county was under Austrian rule. After completing his education in the public school of his native town, he was admitted to the Convent of the Dominican Fathers, with the intention of becoming one of their order. After studying theology for nearly two years at that school, he concluded to abandon the idea of devoting his life to ministerial work; and not wishing to be drafted into military service, to which duty every young man is subject in that country, but desiring to become a seaman, he accordingly arranged matters with a sea captain to ship with him for nautical instruction. For nearly a year he followed the sea, but finding such vocation to monotonous for his naturally energetic nature, upon reaching the port of New York he bid farewell to the life a sailor and started out to try his fortune in the "land of the free." From New York shortly after landing, he came to San Francisco where his older brother, M. Zan, his present partner, was then located engaged in business.

After living in San Francisco a short time he came to Portland in1870, at that time being but nineteen years of age, to take charge of a branch house in the broom manufacturing business, started in this city a year prior by two brothers, Vincent and George Zan. Business at this time was not very encouraging and the two brothers named sold out the Portland branch to the present firm of Zan Brothers (M. and Frank Zan). The management of the business in Portland was entrusted to Frank Zan and under his change a high degree of success was attained. At the end of a few years it had grown to such magnitude that his older brother moved to this city, and two years later dissolved with their San Francisco partner, he taking the California business and Zan Brothers the house in this city. Since that date Portland has been the headquarters of their business.

From small and unpretentious beginning their business has grown to large proportions and to-day occupies a conspicuous position in the industrial life of the Pacific Northwest. Two manufacturing establishments are constantly operated by the firm, a wooden-ware factory located on the east bank of the Willamette River about four miles north of the city, and a broom and willow-ware factory at No.14 North Front street. These factories are the largest of their kind on the coast. Portland is the supply depot of three branch houses of the firm located at San Francisco, Seattle and Melbourne, Australia. Goods are shipped all over the coast from Los Angeles on the south to Alaska and as far east as Salt Lake and Denver, while their trade is gradually extending even farther eastward and toward the south.

The building up of this large business within a comparatively few years represents on the part of the members of this enterprising firm not only untiring energy but united and harmonious co-operation and sagacious business generalship. Both brothers have been indefatigable in their exertion, and each has contributed his full share toward the success attained, the work of the one admirably supplementing that of the other.

Mr. Frank Zan has traveled extensively in the interest of the firm and has visited every important business center in the United States. His varied experience has naturally broadened his views and liberalized his ideas concerning men and affairs. He is enthusiastic in his belief concerning the ultimate destiny of the Pacific Coast as a great commercial, manufacturing and agricultural region and in his individual capacity is doing to hasten the time when this part of the Union will rival the Atlantic States in wealth creating enterprise. He is public spirited but extremely modest and retiring in his disposition and seeks to avoid rather than court positions such as would place him before public. He is a hard worker, a man of exemplary habits and possesses the knowledge and experience which with his vigorous health give promise of still greater achievements in the years to come. He was married in 1875 to Miss Jennie Donovan, of Portland. They have two children, both boys.

ZAN, JAMES C Doctor-Business

Deeply interested in the scientific and humanitarian phases of his profession, Dr. James C. Zan has steadily progressed and for many years has been recognized as one of Portland's 1eading surgeons. A native of San Francisco, California, he was born in 1874, a son of Marino and Hannah (Cullen) Zan. His father went to California before the outbreak of hostilities between the north and.the south and the Cullen family migrated to that state during the progress of the Civil war, Marino Zan became a, pioneer manufacturer of Portland and one of its most enterprising businessmen. He has passed away and the mother is also deceased. Dr. Zan attended the public schools 'of Portland and afterward matriculated in the University of Virginia, from which he received the degree of M. D. in 1895. For three years he was an interne of, St. Vincent's Hospital in New York city and during 1896-97 was a postgraduate student at the New York Polyclinic. In 1899 he returned to Portland and here he has since followed his profession, except during the year 1911, when, he took a postgraduate. course in New York city. He specializes in surgery and owing to his thoroughness and skill has successfully performed many operations. Dr. Zan maintains an office on the tenth floor of the Corbett building and is surgeon for the Spokane, PortIand & Seattle Railroad Company and other large corporations., He is also identified with industrial affairs as a director of Zan Brothers, manufacturers of wooden and. willow ware. The business was established in Portland in 1874 by Marino Zan and it is now operated by his sons, who have instituted well devised plans for the expansion of the industry. Dr. Zan married Miss Elsle M.Smith a native of Portland and a daughter of Samuel D. and Margaret E. (Watkins), Smith. Mrs. Zan's father was born in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, and when a child came to the new world with his parents, who settled in Chillicothe, Ohio. In 1849 he made the overland trip to the Pacific coast and later built the Occidental Hotel in Portland, successfully conducting the business for many years. His wife was a native of Wales and at the age of twelve years came to the United States with her parents, who establishedi their home at Portland, Oregon, in 1860. Dr. and Mrs. Zan have two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary Louise, who are attending Mills College. The Doctor is a republican and from 1900 until 1905 was health officer of Portland. Along social line's he is connected with the Arlington Club, the Wa verly Country Club and the Multnoniah Amateur Athletic, Club. He is a member of Phi Kappa Psi, a college, fraternity, the Multnomah County and Oregon State Medical Societies, the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons. A tireless student, Dr. Zan has utilized every oportunity to perfect himself in his profession and his has been a useful, well ordered 1ife, crowned with successful achievement.

ZAN, MARINO Capitalist-Factory

For a quarter of century Marino Zan (Zaninovich) has been closely connected with the material development of Portland, Oregon and his death removes from the stage of action a man whom the city can ill afford to lose.

He was born in Starigrad, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia, February 8, 1838, and when 20 years of age came to America and began life in New York. His first work was done in that city as a stevedore. at the beginning of the Civil War, he took a contract for furnishing military tents for the Federal Government. At the close of the war, he came West and located in San Francisco in 1865. Here he began the business of manufacturing brooms. With his brother, who was also his partner, Frank Zan he came to Portland in 1875 and entered on the same business. They added to this the manufacturing of wooden ware and later on the manufacture of matches and also dealt in wooden and willow ware generally.

While in San Francisco, Mr. Zan was the first president of the Austrian Benevolent Society and in this city for the past two years was president of the Manufacturers' Association. He was also vice-president of the Portland Chamber of Commerce. For 30 years he has been the partner of his brother, Frank Zan, doing business in the name of Zan Bros. The firm has branches in San Francisco, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. Mr. Zan was always active in the promotion of new enterprises that looked to the development of the state and the upbuilding the city. He took a prominent part in the expositions and fairs and was always in the lead in progressive work of any kind. He was a man of perfect integrity, of kindly disposition and charitable.

Marino Zan died at 8:30 o'clock last evening at his home at 186 North Seventeenth Street, of peritonitis. Mr. Zan was attacked with some intestinal trouble about 10 days ago and sank rapidly until his death. Previous to this brief sickness he had been in unusually good health all his life. Despite the best of medical attention it was evident from beginning of his illness that his recovery was improbable. The funeral will be conducted from St. Mary's Cathedral Monday morning at 9:30 o'clock. His death will be regarded as a personal loss by all who knew him. He was married in San Francisco 34 years ago and survived by his wife and four children- Dom J., Dr. James C., Jordan V. Zan and Mrs. W. E. Coman all of whom reside in this city.

ZAN, NIKOLA Opera Singer

Nikola Zan began his career In Portland, Oregon at St. Lawrence church In South Portland as baritone soloist. Six months later he was appointed director of the choir. Two years later he was favored with the directorship of St. Marys Cathedral, where he continued In that capacity for two years. During that tine in Portland he took part in one of the finest productions given by the M. A. A. C. the "Wizard of the Nile."' and also in oratorios under the directorship of Willtam H. Boyer. In 1905 Mr. Zan went to New York to take further vocal studies and while there was engaged by Oscar Hammerstein for his opera company. In 1910 he was engaged by De Macchi opera company to do some parts in Torreno. Italy. From there Mr. Zan went to Milan and took up further study. A year later he made his debut in Como, Italy, in "Lucia d' Lammermoor”, followed by singing in "Traviata," "Favorita,” Somnabula," Romeo and Juliet" and "La Boheme." he lived In Italy and was engaged for the Prague Royal Operahouse for four years, but only remained two owing to the World War when lie had to return to America where he continued his work in the concert field and teaching. After holding five master classes here, he decided to remain, opening a studio in the Studio buildIng. Nikola Zaninovich was born on the Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia.

ZANINOVICH CLAN

April 3, 1989 marks the 100th anniversary of the arrival in Australia of the Zaninovich family. The Zaninovich name goes back many centuries in the history of Starigrad and the nearby village of Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia. A particular branch of the family tree was to break away and head into the new world in the nineteenth century. On 21 October 1837 Domenico Zaninovich was married to Maria Plancich. They were to have eight children of which six were males. Some time after 1850 most of the brothers decided to migrate to America. Jordan remained behind and later became bishop of Hvar, Brac and Vis. He also became famous for his literary abilities. Not long after their arrival in San Francisco the brothers set up a broom factory on the east side of Davis Street, between Clay and Washington Streets. They later moved to Portland, Oregon where they were also engaged in the name of Zan Brothers. They were excellent businessmen and consequently were very prosperous. Marin had a large family of children. One of his sons was to become a prominent Portland medical practitioner. Vincent, at one stage, returned to Starigrad and married Orsula Garbatti in 1873. After their six children were born, the family moved back to the U.S.A. to rejoin the business. Vincent and his young family decided to move to Australia. They had no doubt heard of the business opportunities in Australia from their uncle, George Zaninovich, who had been a gold miner in Victoria, Australia since 1861. Vincent, his wife Orsula and children Vincent, Maria, Clara, Mande and Marino (accompanied by business associates Marin Petrich and P. Plancich) arrived in Sydney, Australia on 3 April 1889 on the SS. Mariposa. A few days later the family joined the vessel Gabo which took them to the port of Melbourne where they disembarked on 12 April 1889. Soon after, the broom factory was established at Capel Street, North Melbourne. Here they introduced to the public the latest style American corn brooms and whisks. The enterprise was to run until 1897 when the family moved to Sidney to concentrate on broom factory which had been established earlier. In 1902 the factory was transferred to Moore Street, Drummoyne where the business continued until World War I. Young Marino and Mande stayed with their parents while Vincent, Maria and her husband, Gaspar Maronich, went back to the San Francisco. It is not known what happened to Clara. When Marino went to work in the family business he traveled the New South Wales coasts as far north as Taree buying the millet from farmers. In 1905, he married Lucie Finigan and they had two sons called Leon and Vincent. After the closure of the broom factory Marino worked for a tobacco company for 20 years. He was also an active sportsman, playing tennis, golf and bowls. Soon after 1948 when Lucie died Marino went with his son Leon and family until his death in 1968. Both his sons have now passed away. His grandchildren, of whom I have met two, have done the Zaninovich name proud. Brian as a devoted family man and he and his wife Lynn have two sons. Paul and his wife Jan migrated to Canada in 1968 where he distinguishes himself as an educationalist and author. One of his daughters, Leonore, is making a name for herself as an actress in Canada and Hollywood. In recent years most of the younger generation have visited Starigrad and this has rekindled a national awareness and pride in the old country. In 1986 Brian made a special trip to Starigrad where he established contact with some of his cousins. The family had finally returned home after some 100 years of being away. Matica Kalendar Zagreb 1989.

ZANINOVICH, ANTE North Pole Expedition

Ante Zaninovich, who achieved fame by being a member of the Austrian North Polar Expedition of 1873. An expeditionary ship, the "Tegetthof was outfitted by Count Wilczek in 1872. Several months after setting sail to the North Pole area, the ship was beset by adverse weather conditions. Looking ahead to the north-west, high land was seen on August 31, 1873. An Arctic Archipelago, lying east of Spitsbergen and north of Novaya Zemlja was discovered and named in honor of the Emperor of Austro-Hungary, the "Franz Josef Land". The explorers stayed on during two harsh Arctic winters, under the leadership of Julius Payer and Weyprecht. The map of the Franz Joseph Land reveal the presence of the Austrian discovery: Crown Prince Rudolf Land, Weyprecht Sea, Julius Payer Sea, and the Austrian Sound. Dr. Marin's article on this discovery, written in 1978, states that, "Ante Zaninovich was a most distinguished member of the expedition.” Ante's name, thus, joined the company of many young Dalmatian men, who excelled in seamanship, taking part in numerous voyages of discovery from the earliest of times. His birthplace in the village of Ivan Dolac, on the southern shore of the island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia is a short 10 kilometers distant from GrabIje. Dr. Marin states that it cannot be deternined, with certainty, that Ante's family did or did not originate in GrabIje. With certainty, it can be said that this proximity places our explorer very close to the Zaninovichs of GrabIje!

ZANINOVICH, ANTON Cotton Farm

Anton was born in the village of Velo Grablje, on the island of Hvar, in the year 1895. He was the son of Ivan (b. 1842) and Anna Zoranich (1850-1906). He migrated to the United States in 1927. Anton operated a small cafe on Broadway Street in the heart of Los Angeles. This venture lasted for approximately ten years. In 1937, Anton bought a small ranch in Madera County where he produced cotton.  The ranch was across the San Joaquin river from his brother Ivan’s ranch.  Anton would often row a boat across the river, to visit his brother. Anton never married, but he was beloved by his nieces and nephews as Dundo Tony.  He was a kind and gentle person. Anton died in 1956 and is buried next to his brother, Ivan.

ZANINOVICH, ANTONE Vineyard

Antone, child of Ivan and Marija Zoranich Zaninovich of Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia was born on September 8, 1885. He and his older brother, Nick, came to America in 1901. Antone decided to go to California, where he knew there were some friends. He settled in Watsonville, working in the apple orchards for two years; he then went ot Sacramento, where he worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad.   In 1912, a young lady from Antone’s home town of Velo Grablje, came to live with her aunt, Margareta Slavich of Sacramento. He soon fell in love with the young woman, Domina Tomicich, and on January 17, 1914, they were married. Domina worked hard in the canneries- packing peaches and tomatoes. Their first child, John, was born on December 26, 1914. Antone and Domina became citizens. Their daughter, Mary, was born on September 24, 1916; their second son, Andrew was born on July 22, 1918 They went to Cutler in 1919. Antone and his brother, Vincent, bought a little farm near Cutler. Their third son and fourth child, Nicholas, was born on October 24, 1920. Along with his brothers, Vincent and Marko, Antone purchased their Sultana-Orange Cove place and by 1928, the partners began shipping carloads of grapes to the eastern markets-- brand names of “Sunview and Supersweet”. Although times became a little better, everyone worked very hard on the farm, young and old alike.  Mama Domina would tie the vine canes, after the men had finished the pruning. Sundays, we would go to visit our friends and relatives in our horse drawn buggy; when Papa bought a car, it was really exciting.  On May 23, 1937, at the age of 51, Antone passed away. He is buried in the Reedley cemetery where his wife Domina, who died January 11, 1980 at age 89, rests beside him.

ZANINOVICH, DAN (DOME) Vineyard

Dome was born in Velo Grablje, island of Hvar, Croatia on March 27, 1900. He was the son of Ivan and Margaret Tudor-Blasus Zaninovich .  Dome arrived in the United States, via Canada, about the year 1923, where he joined his eldest brother, John, who had come over two years earlier in 1921. Accompanying Dome was George Sperica, a boyhood friend from Velo Grablje, whose sister, Antica (also emigrating) was married to Luka Zaninovich. Dome lived with his brother John, his wife, Katica, and their four children in the Orange Cove Area, where they farmed vineyards.  In the early 1932, the brothers formed a business partnership with their first cousin Mandica’s husband, Bob Papac. They also acquired property in the Munson and Dinuba areas. Dome married Mandina Gabelich who was living in San Pedro, about 1937. They lived in Orange Cove.  In about 1941, the partnership with his brother was dissolved, and Dome took the Orange Cove place. John went to Parlier.  Dome and Mandina sold the Orange Cove place and retired.  They moved to San Pedro for a couple of years, then Delano, and back to San Pedro.  He died there on April 16, 1965.  They left no children.

ZANINOVICH, GEORGE Landscape Gardiner

Juraj (George) was born on March 8, 1866, to Nick and Lucia Tudor Zaninovich in Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar. He was the sixth and youngest child in a famly of two daughters and four sons. One of his two brothers was Ivan, whose many grandchildren live in California, these being the children of Anton, Visko, Marko, and Ivan. The other brother Visko, was father to Nikola. Nikola’s son Ive, born in 1923, lives in California. Juraj arrived in Los Angeles some time before the turn of the century. He married Antica (Teta Anta) Yurich, also a native of Velo Grablje. While still in her native homeland, Antica had been a member of a religious community. Juraj and Antica were married in Los Angeles in the year 1900. Juraj enjoyed his life’s occupation as a landscape gardener. Every day he traveled on the road from Los Angeles to Pasadena to tend the gardens on the estate of Mr. Chase, founder of the Chase Manhattan Bank. Juraj and Antica had no children. Juraj died in 1925. Antica survived Juraj by many years. During her long widowhood, she was known and respected as a pious and caring person. The familiies of her nephew, Pete Yurich of Los Angeles, and her late husbands extended family (Borbin and Gornjevi) in the San Joaquin Valley, appreciated and loved their Teta Antica.

ZANINOVICH, GEORGE A. Vineyard-Winery-Packer

The name of George Zaninovich is one of the most important ones in the fruit industry of California, as he is credited with being the largest individual owner of vineyards and citrus land in Fresno County, his holdings now aggregating in excess of three thousand acres, of which approximately two thousand acres are highly improved. His firm of Zaninovich Bros. is one of the largest packers and shippers of California fruits in this part of the state. The career of Mr. Zaninovich is an interesting and inspiring one, as he began literally at the bottom of the ladder, and entirely through his own efforts has become one of the most prosperous and successful men in the State. He was born in Velo Grabje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia, on January 17, 1886, son of Vincent and Katy Zaninovich. His father passed away when he was 14 years old. He attended school in his native country, and from early boyhood was of an ambitious nature. Not desiring to follow in the footsteps of his forebears he came to America in 1904 with a cousin, John Tudor, and landing in San Francisco he got a job washing dishes at $10.00 per month. This was the inauspicious beginning of his career in America, which during the course of the past forty years has developed into a record of accomplishments of which there are few examples in Fresno County. Mr. Zaninovich remained in San Francisco about four years, and during this time had several different jobs, none of which paid very much. But of a thrifty nature he saved $1,500.00 during this period and returned to Croatia for about two years. He returned to San Francisco and was employed first as a second cook, later as a chief cook in a restaurant. A sister of Mr. Zaninovich had married in Fresno, and this brought him to the San Joaquin Valley. In association with his brother, Martin, and two cousins, Vincent and John, he purchased a sixty acre ranch northeast of Dinuba. Not long after another ranch of twenty acres east of Smith Mountain was acquired by the partners, and later eighty acres were purchased in the Poplar District of Tulare County. In 1924 the property was divided up between Mr. Zaninovich and his brother, and his cousins. The following year his brother was accidentally electrocuted, and since then Mr. Zaninovich has carried on alone. He steadily added to his property holdings. He obtained the highest market price for table grapes for the years 1926-1927. In 1928, accompanied by his wife, son and daughter, he made a trip to his native country to visit his mother and other relatives. Mr. Zaninovich's firm which operates under the name Zaninovich Bros., ships about ten varieties of table grapes under the brand names "Orange Cove" and "Metropolitan." The firm also ships oranges under the brand names "Orange Circle" and "Metropolitan." Figs and vegetables have also been shipped to a lesser extent. In 1936 Mr. Zaninovich, accompanied by his wife and son, George, made another trip to Europe to see his mother. This was the last opportunity to see her as she died in September, 1939. Mr. Zaninovich purchased one hundred pounds of orange seed from Florida and produced in his nursery about 80,000 trees from this seed. It was during the years of 1936-1937 when there was a scarcity of rainfall that Mr. Zaninovich decided to plant these trees, irrigation water having been assured. When these threes came into bearing, he built his own orange packing house in 1941; so that in addition to being one of the largest vineyardists in the valley he is also an important factor in the citrus industry. So far as known this is a first instance of one man packing, shipping and selling oranges from trees that he had developed directly from the seed. In 1936 when juice grapes went down to $2.00 per ton, Mr. Zaninovich built a distillery for producing grape brandy and high proof. The brandy is marketed under the trade name "Zanbro". The distillery is now equipped to crush and handle 250 tons of grapes per day. Mr. Zaninovich built his own cold storage plant in 1941 to handle his table grapes, and in 1943 he built and started to operate a box shook factory to manufacture the boxes and containers required in the packing and shipping of his crops. The products of Zaninovich Bros. are now directly shipped and sold in thirty-seven states, Canada, Mexico, and the Hawaiian Islands. Mr. Zaninovich has improved many devices used in farming and packing plants which have added to the efficiency of his operations. In line with his business, Mr. Zaninovich is officially connected with a number of important organizations. He is a director of the Emperor Grape Growers of Exeter, the Irrigation District of Orange Cove, the California Grape and Tree Fruit Association, and the labor Procurement Association of Orange Cove. He is Chairman of the Farm Bureau state Committee of Thompson Table Grapes, and is president of the newly organized California Growers Air express, a corporation of $500,000 formed for shipping by plane fresh fruits to the eastern markets. On July 31, 1946 the corporation started operations. Copies of articles of two corporations to handle the Zaninovich farming and winery business in Dinuba have recently been filed in Fresno. Farming and shipping enterprises will be controlled by the firm of Zaninovich Bros., Inc., capitalized at $2,500,000. The directors are George, Domina and Vincent G. Zaninovich. The winery has been incorporated under the name of George Zaninovich, Inc., and is authorized to issue $1,000,000 in capital stock. The same directors will operate this concern. Mr. Zaninovich married Domina Milasich in Fresno in 1919. Three children were born to this union: Vincent, who has recently been discharged from the Coast Guard and is now assisting his father in his enterprises; Pearl, a graduate of Stanford University, and now the wife of Mr. Vinco Zulim; and George F., who attends the Menlo School in Menlo Park. In 1939, Mr. and Mrs. Zaninovich took Vincent and Pearl for an extensive graduation trip in this country and Canada. The wedding of Mr. Zaninovich's daughter, which recently took place, was a notable one. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. E. Huebbers in St. Anthony's Church in Reedley. Miss Katherine Zarko, a cousin of the bride, was maid of honor, and there were four bridesmaids. Mero Zulim of Vallejo was best man for his brother. Following the wedding ceremony, four hundred guests were entertained at a supper and dance in the ballroom at the Californian Hotel in Fresno. The newlyweds traveled to the Canadian Rockies for their honeymoon. In 1937, Mr. Zaninovich built a summer residential home in Shell Beach, near Pismo, California. This home was relinquished to the Armed Forces during the war, and was occupied for over two years by the headquarters of the Coast Infantry. There are now large numbers of the Zaninovich family in the San Joaquin Valley, and a few years ago a reunion of the family was held in Kingsburg. Bert Zaninovich, the first member of the family to settle in Fresno County, entering the restaurant business in the county fifty years ago, spoke briefly. George Zaninovich said the family came to America from various parts of Croatia and Dalmatia, the majority from the small Island of Hvar. He declared: "We came to this country as young men and women to find freedom. Walker, B. 1946

ZANINOVICH, GEORGE J. Vineyard

George was born in Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia, October 3, 1899, the son of Ivan and Katica Tudor Zaninovich . In the early 1920’s George was brought to the United States by his brother Marion.  George and his brother, Marion then brought their two sisters to the United States- Katica (Mrs Jack Radovich) and Ljubica (Mrs Pete Jakovich) in 1923. In 1928, George and Marion moved to the Sauselito area, where they bought the Adolph Schiel ranch. It came to be known as the “home Place”, as the 70 acres north of Delano came to be known as the “Delano Place”. In 1934, George married Geraldine Barisich and brought her to live on the Delano place. Two daughers were born to them-Katherine, 1935, and Dianna, 1939. Katherine is married to Tony Zaninovich (Gornjev), and Dianna was married to Joe Sedor. In 1941, George and Geraldine built a new home at the Home place, where they lived until 1969. At that time, George retired, and they lived in Delano for a few years. They, then, moved to Sun City for twelve years.  After that, they lived in Santa Maria for three years before returning to the valley in 1986. They settled at Rosewood Retirement Community in Bakersfield, where George died in 1989. Geraldine has maintained her residency there.  George loved to travel to see new places.

ZANINOVICH, IVAN Saloon-Ranch

John was to born to Ivan and Ana Zoranich , in the village of Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia.  He was born on August 29, 1887. John arrived in America early in the year 1904, settling in San Francisco, where he was greeted by his earlier arrived cousins: Ive Mandicin and Jure, where they also worked, in the kitchens. In the latter part of 1905, John and George were working at the resort, Hotel San Rafael, just across the bay in Marin Counry. On the evening of April 15, 1906, they had come across to visit an ailing relative, Dan Yurich, in the St. Mary’s Hospital.  They took the very last ferry boat out of San Francisco, later that night. On the next morning of April 16, 1906, occupying a cabin next to the hotel’s laundry facility, they were awakened with the thunderous San Francisco earthquake! During the Atlantic crossing, on board the liner, John had met a young girl, Maria Vranizan of Stari Grad, who with several of her family members was heading west to California, to make their home in Fresno.  Later Maria came to visit a sister, residing in San Francisco; John and Maria met and rekindled their “voyage” friendship and were married in Fresno in 1907 at the St. John’s Cathedral, Maria’s parish chruch. The couple established their first home in Firebaugh. John approached his cousin George, then in San Francisco (1911), with a proposal to open and operate a combination saloon lunch counter and pool room. The proposal was accepted; the young men were confident that they had all the experience required for success-- a thorough knowledge of food preparation, an agreeable way with people, and a willingness to try it. They were doing very well. “There were more saloons in Firebaugh than houses... the giant work force at Miller & Lux kept all the saloons going. Following the Firebaugh business, the family lived on a ranch in the East Orosi area for 8 years and them moved to Fresno, where John and Maria established their permanent home.  Five children were welcomed into this tranquil and happy household; Annie, Ivan, Luke, Helen, and Margaret. Shortly after the move, John purchased a ranch just north of Fresno, in Madera County, where he produced cotton, watermelon, and row-crops, along the banks of the San Joaquin River. His eldest son, Ivan, later was associated with his father in farming. In 1937, John’s younger brother Tony (1895), came to the valley from Los Angeles, where he had been in the restaurant busniess.  Tony purchased a small farm, right across the river, opposite John’s place. Rowing his little boat, which remained anchored along the bank, Tony would often visit his brother John. Being unmarried, Uncle Tony would lavish his loving attention on his nieces and nephews. John was a great conversationalist; current events, politics and history were his favorites. his love of reading kept his abreast of the world’s happenings. he was an intelligent person, introspective, thougthful and kind. he passed away at age 62, in the year 1949. He rests beside his wife Maria, his brother Anton, and daughter Annie, in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Fresno, California.

ZANINOVICH, IVAN Farm

Ivan was born on May 29, 1897, to Ivan and Marija Zoranich Zaninovich , in the village of Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia. He married Margarita, daughter of Luka Zaninovich and Lucija Petric in the year 1922. From this union were born three sons and two daughters. Two of Ivan’s sons, Ive (1925) and Antone (Tonko b. 1935) now live in California, arriving here from Europe in 1958 and 1960, respectively. A third son Vid’s daughter, Meri Zaninovich Svircich (1964), resides in Los Angeles. In 1936, at the age of 39, Ivan arrived in California, where he was greeted by three brothers. The invitation of his brothers to come to California must have been irresistible and satisfying.  He saw his family here; he stayed with his youngest brother Marko, in his Earliment home, on the ranch.  As he took part in the daily farm chores, he must have been constantly aware of the differences of vineyard culture here and those practiced back in Grablje.  The seperation from his wife Margarita and the five children, ranging in age from one to twelve years, tugged at his heart, and returned home in the fall of 1937. Accompanying him on the liner, Hamburg, was another immigrant returning home, Barba Ive Zaninovich (Mandicin 1868-1944). Ivan passed away at the age of 84, on December 20, 1981.

ZANINOVICH, IVAN SR. Farm

Ivan was born on July 8, 1868 to Ivan and Manda Zaninovich in the village of Velo Grablje, island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia. Ivan’s younger brother, Nikola (Niko) had emigrated to America in 1892 and lived in San Francisco; it was he who brought Ivan to America, when he was 35 years of age, in 1903. At the time of his arrival in 1903, Ivan was already father to four children, born to him and his wife, Margaret Tudor Blasus Zaninovich ); his eldest son John , Dominik “Dome”, Visko and Nikola . While in San Francisco, Ivan worked with his brother as a cook at the Cliff House. Following the devastating 1906 earthquake in San Francisco, Ivan returned home to Grablje in 1907, when his eldest son, John, was 10 years of age. After his eldest son John had completed his education and military duties in the Austro-Hungary Navy, and upon the urging of his father, John Jr. set out for the new country in the year 1921. Ivan (Dede) returned again to the USA in 1931, where he was united with his son John, who had earlier married Katie Balen. John, Katie, and John’s younger brother Dome, were living in Orange Cove on a ranch. It was during Ivan’s stay with his son that John’s wife Katie died in July of 1935, leaving 4 small children. Ivan’s sister, Teta Doma Zetz and daughter Annie of Sacramento, came to help the bereaved household, for awhile. It was Dede who gave such love and support to his widowed son and little grandchildren: Margaret, Mare, Katine and John.  They remember him as a kind and caring “Dede” who would playfully bring hom little filed bunnies, hidden in his shirt.  He taught the little chidren to tame them into playful pets. In the spring, when the sheep-herders would drive their flock down the country roads, Dede would arrange to bring home a little lamb for the chidlren-- it was such fun to feed the pet with a bottle and nipple! The chidlren were very saddened to see their Dede go back to Europe, for the last time in 1938. Ivan (Dede) was known in the village as a fair-minded man, who possesed a great native intelligence-- a Village Elder figure-- who was often called upon to hear and settle local disputes. He composed and wrote poetry, still in the possession of the Mandicin family in Europe. Dede died in Velo Grablje in the year 1944, at the age of 76.  

ZANINOVICH, IVO V. Naval Architect

Ivo was born on December 17, 1925, in Velo Grablje, on the island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia, the son of Ivan and Margarita Zaninovich. He left home in September of 1956. Ivo arrived in the United States on December 23, 1958, to join his uncles, Vincent and Marko, in Delano. In 1960, Ivo settled in San Diego, where he entered the professional field as a naval architect and marine engineer.  He pursued his professional work in the field of shipbuilding, and, in 1978, he formed his company “Ivo-Zan International”, known world wide for design of high sea fishing vessels, “siener”. In 1992, Ivo established “Visdom Foundation”, a humanitarian nonprofit tax free (Zaninovic) organization, to help orphaned children in Croatia, victims of war.

ZANINOVICH, JOHN Vineyard

John was born January 3, 1895, in Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia. he died December 7, 1976. His parents were Marin Zaninovich and Vinka Zaninovich (also maiden name). Ivan (John) decided to leave for America in 1914. He was about 19 years old.  John hired on as stoker on a boat leaving for America.  When the boat docked in New York, he asked for partial pay so he could buy some things he needed, and gifts for the family. He left the boat and did not return.

There was an arrangment made to have someone in New York meet him and put him on a train heading for San Francisco, where his brother Visko and cousins were.  In San Francisco, these cousins all lived together woking in restaurants as bus boys, wiaters and dishwashers.  One of the restaurants was the Cliff House.  Visko married Frances Mardesich in San Francisco in 1915. The cousins bought 60 acres jointly in Dinuba and all moved there.  More land was purchased in Orange Cove and Poplar. George married Domina Milasich in 1919, and John Married Maria Radisich in 1922-- all still living together. In 1924 the partnership dissolved, John and Visko took the 80 acre ranch in Poplar.  Toma joined them there about 1924. They worked hard and did well raising grapes for fresh fruit consumption, shipping by rail to New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia.  All of our people that came to the United States, in the era before World War I and soon after, worked very hard and saved their money.  They sent money regularly to families at home to help.  It is inconceivable to us today that they left home and family at such early ages to a country half way across the world.  The promise of apportunity motivated them to endure uncertainty and hardship in a new land strange and unfarmiliar, realizing they may never see their family again. Many did not. They hepled one another to get started, and many good times were enjoyed even though times were hard. Visko and John remained in Porterville until their deaths.  They are both buried at St. Ann’s Cemetery. Children: Martin, born in 1923, Winifred, born in 1925, Anna, born in 1927, Antonette, born in 1930 and Jack, born in 1933.

ZANINOVICH, JOHN Vineyard

John was born on April 21, 1897, in Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia, to Ive (and Margarita Tudor Zaninovich . He was the eldest of four sons. Accompanied by his cousin Marko , John emigrated to America in 1921, at age 24. He had been encouraged to do so by his father, as these men had come to America in 1903 and 1892, respectively. John’s father, Ive, returned home to Velo Grablje in 1907, a year following the devastating San Francisco earthquake. The two earlier brothers had worked in the Cliff House Restaurant.  In 1921, John’s cousins, brothers George and Marin and Brothers Vincent and John Zaninovich , were farming in the Dinuba-Orange Cove area. Soon the new arrivals, John and Marko were helping their cousins in the vineyards; John lived with George and his wife, Domina.   Later John stayed with John and Maria. John married a young Croatian girl, Katie Balen, a native of Hrvatska Primorje. Kate lived in Reedley with her parents, Mary and Bert Balen, a sister Mary (who later married Marko Zaninovich) and a brother Pete. Wearing her dear friend’s, Maria Zaninovich, wedding gown, John and Katie were married in Visalia, Feb. 6, 1926. They lived in Orosi where their first child, Margaret was born. A time of activity began- John first took care of an important obligation of every immigrant by becoming an American Citizen on May 15, 1928.  In 1923, his brother Dome joined him in America and together with Bob Papac (married to their dear cousin Mandica Tomicich), they formed a farming partnership; in the early “30s”, their grapes were packed and shipped to the eastern markets under the brand names of Hi-Pak and Big Chief. The first ranch in Orange Cove was enlarged by purchasing property in the Dinuba area-- the total acreage now being 160 acres. Zaninovich-Papac also operated a packing house in Sultana, with Pandol-Hure. Also enlarging John and Katie’s family were the births of--Mare (Mary), Katine, and John. In the midst of these happy and busy years, Katie, the 28 year old mother of four little children (ages 8 years to 10 months), passed away in July of 1935.   In the 3 years of John’s widowhood, the children saw the really great love he felt for them. In 1938, John married Mira Tudor of Malo Grablje, who gave him support, solace, and became a loving and loyal mother-figure to the youngsters.  The family then welcomed a baby-sister, Nada . Again, they were a whole and happy family, in their beautiful home in rural West Dinuba. John was president of the CFU (Croatian Fraternal Union) from 1932-1942, organizing lodge dances in the old American Legion Hall in Reedley, to festive picnics in Visalia’s Mooneys Grove. John and his famiy moved away from their lovely Dinuba home to Parlier, where he and his son, Johnnie, farmed an orchard and vineyard.  John died of pnemonia on July 17, 1969, at age 72 and is buried in the Reedley Cemetery.

ZANINOVICH, JOHN Farm manager

Ive was born on May 28, 1923, in Velo Grablje, island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia. His father was Nikola Zaninovich (Borbin), , and his mother was Katica Tudor from Malo Grablje.  John, or Ive, left the old country on November 15, 1939, and came by the Italian line Vulcania to New York. He remained for 11 days without speaking to anyone, frightened, and very much alone. Then he heard a lady call his name; he raised his hand and looked to see the beautiful face of Nellie Slavich (Mrs. John). She uttered the first Croatian words he had heard in a long time: “Kako si Moli?” Mr. and Mrs. Slavich, as they had done for so many, took John into their home, saw that he was bathed and reoutfitted, and took him to the train for his trip to Fresno. He arrived on December 19, 1939, more than a month after leaving Velo Grablje.  He only recognized his Teta Mira-- the others were strangers.  He worked for his “Uncle” VIncent (VBZ) for a while, then went to work for his “Uncle” Marko for the next 18 years.  John learned the language and customs, and married Nadine Daniels in 1945. They had four children: three girls and one boy-- Tina, Becky, Nick, and Toni. The eighteen years prior to John’s retirement, he was general manager for two large grape organizations- first for Tenneco, then Summer Peck.  He has lived at his present address for the past 28 years.

ZANINOVICH, JOSEPH J. Fish Cannery-Croatian Activities

Joseph’s great, great grandfather was Visko, from Velo Grablje (b. 1787, d. 1844). he had four sons: Nick (b. 1822k, d. 1901); George (b. 1826, d. 1857); John (b. 1830, d 1878); and Anton (Juraj) - Joseph?s great grandfather - who was born in 1836. These brothers owned a boat and traded along the Dalmatian coast. Anton left the family home in Velo Grablje to marry and settle on the Island of Vis. Generations that followed in Anton’s family were born on Vis. Joseph was born March 24, 1914, in Pula, Croatia. His father, John, was stationed at a major naval base as an officer in the Austro-Hungarian Navy. During World War II, Joseph helped establish a number of associations providing war relief to his homeland. He also was one of the organizers of relief actions to help victims of the 1964 earthquake in Skopje, Macedonia, the 1970 earthquake in Banja Luka, Bosnia, and the 1979 earthquake in Montenegro. He was a national committee director of both the American Croatian Congress and the American Slav Congress. Joseph was a two-term president of the Dalmatian-American Club, was a director of the American Red Cross and he was president of the Board of Harbor Commissioners, Port of Los Angles. At the age of 22 Joseph immigrated to the United States to live with his uncle who owned fishing boats in Bellingham, Washington. But his heart wasn’t in fishing. After earning only $5.00 in as many months, he moved to San Pedro where he found work at the French Sardine Company. Joseph became friends with the French Sardine founder, Martin Bogdanovich, through Dalmatian-American Slav activities and was made a foreman at the company. After the death of Martin, Joseph was named personnel director of the company. In the mid 1950s his title was changed to corporate director of industrial relations, a post he held until retirement in 1981.

ZANINOVICH, LUKA Farm

Luka was born to John (1852-1934) and Stana Anastasia Juric Zaninovich on April 19, 1889, in Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia . At age 23, Luka left his home in Velo Grablje for America in 1912. Sailing on the French liner, S.S. Niagara, he arrived in New York CIty, New York on October 1, 1912. He went to San Francisco where his relatives got him a job in a restaurant. He came to the Orange Cove area later.   On February 6, 1921, Luka married Antica Spereica also a native of Velo Grablje.   The ceremony was performed in St. Anthony’s Croatian Church in Los Angeles. To this union were born six children: John (1923), Stella (1926), Mary (1927), Vinka (1929) deceased-1988, Antoinette (1931) and Lui 1935. Luka and Antica chose the San Joaquin Valley as their rural home, near the town Dinuba in Tulare County.   Luka died at the age of 65 on January 20, 1955, while Antica died at age of 73 on March 20, 1970.  Together they are at rest in the Reedley Cemetery.

Papa and Mama’s home was the center for entertainment on special occasions. Sveti Luka on Oct. 18th would bring all the Croatians from the Dinuba and Orosi area to partake in the festivites with food and wine, parsuto, ham, salads, cakes, hrstule, pasurate, all kinds of foods. Papa and Mama had their abundance of chores. He would make kastradina (smoked goat meat), ham and wines; she would can all kinds of vegetables and fruits, and we would have a cellar full of food.  We helped in making the wine-- stomping the grapes in a huge barrel.  We had a goat which we milked- many times we went back to the house with nothing in the pail, because the goat would kick it over and us too. Come Easter time, the kid goat we played with and had as our pet would land up on the dinner table as our main course.  We would look at it and cry. It was hard for us to look at the plate and let alone eat the beautifully prepared roasted kid goat, but if we were going to eat anything that day-- that was it. We ate.

ZANINOVICH, MARIN Vineyard

Marin born to Visko and Katica Zoranich Zaninovich, on Feb. 15, 1890, in Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia   His eldest brother, George, had emigrated to America in 1904; George urged Marin to leave Velo Grablje before the military could tap him for service.  Marin left for South America, Argentina, where he worked on a large cattle ranch, advancing to a position of ranch foreman. His brother George, his cousins, Vincent and John, were doing work in restaurants in San Francisco and made plans to relocate to the San Joaquin Valley to farm. The young men invited Marin to join them and in 1915, he arrived in the port of San Luis Obispo, in time to become the fourth partner, in what was to become the Zaninovich Bros. Marin was a real asset to the group; all of them had agricultural skills, but he brought with him the added expertise on managing teams of horses, (this ebing before the advent of mechanical tractors). Aslo, he was the only single member; all the others were married and starting their families. New ranches were added to the original 60 acres, as their farming efforts prospered.  An 80 acre piece of land was purchased in the Poplar District of Tulare Co. To Marin fell the task of converting the bare land into a grape vineyard; first gatherings cuttings, supervising the plantings, staking out the young vines and nuturing in every way the newly set out acreage. In 1924 the brothers-cousins partnershiop split up. Marin and his brother George worked on alone; he lived with George and Domina and their two little children, Vincent and Pearl. So soon, thereafter, this promising and loving brother team was ended. On a cold January morning of 1925, the brothers set out to tend to their farming chores. While checking an irrigation pump, lifting a long metal pole that struck and overhead electric wire, ---before his brother’s eyes, the young man of 35 lay dead! TIll his last days, George never lost the poingant sadness of his loss.

ZANINOVICH, MARIN Broom Factory

Marin Zaninovich, better known as Zan, from Starigrad on the Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia had a broom factory with brother Vincent, he conducted the broom business under the name of Zan Brothers. It was located on east side of Davis Street, between Washington and Clay Streets in San Francisco in the 1860’s. They later moved to Portland, Oregon and were pioneers there in that business. They were excellent business men and consequently were very prosperous. Marin Zaninovich had a large family of children. One of his sons is a prominent Portland Physician. Vincent Zan was from Starigrad. He later returned to his native town and married into the Garbati family. Their daughter, now Mrs. Marie Maronich is a resident of San Francisco.

ZANINOVICH, MARION Vineyard

Marion was born may 16, 1893, in the village of Velo Grablje, on the island of Hvar, Croatia the son of Ivan and Katica Tudor Zaninovich. He left his home for New York in 1909, via a 21 day passage by ship from Trieste, Italy. Marion’s first job was in San Francisco, washing dishes in a restaurant. Marion’s second job was as a blacksmith in the Los Angeles area, until he was drafted into the Army in 1917. His tour of duty was at Fort Lewis, Washington. In the early 1920’s, Marion helped to bring two sisters to the United States- Katica and Ljubica- and one brother- George. He and his brother, George, moved to the Lemon Cove to begin farming vineyards. The small town there was called Navalencia. After only meager success, he bought a farm and moved to Sauselito (near Poplar). Having somewhat more success there, he managed to save enough money to purchase the farm in Delano, wher he lived his remaining years. Marion died on June 26, 1989, at the age of 96. He was buried alongside his wife, Klema, at St. Anne’s cemetery in Porterville.  The surviving members of his family are his son, George, who lives in Eugene, Oregon; he also had a son, Jack, who died May 1, 1992 and also his 13 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren.

ZANINOVICH, MARKO Vineyard-Winery

Marko, the youngest of the ten children, was born on April 25, 1901, in the village of Velo Grablje on the island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia.  His parents were Ivan and Maria Zoranich Zaninovich. As many of the other young men did, he left his homeland to make a better life for himself in the United States of America. He arrived on April 25, 1921 Mary came from Croatia in 1921. They met through mutual friends and relatives.  Marko knew it was important to be an American citizen. he studied and went to night classes at Orosi High School, in order to become and American Citizen. A daughter, Mary Ann, was born in 1933 at their home in Cutler. Marko came to the Delano area later. Another daughter, Lucille, was born in 1935. A son, John, was born in 1936. Tragedy struck in 1940 when John died. Another son, Marko B., was born in 1942. Marko continued farming and enlarging his holdings.  he was successful under the “Sunview” label and the “Best in the West”. Marko was instrumental in the development of the Delano Growers Cooperative Winery.  He was very helpful to many of the younger growers in the area, he always had time to lend a helping hand. He was active in the Delano Community and a well respected man. He devoted many hours to the furthering of St. Mary’s Chruch and parish facilities.  Marko Zaninovich died October 7, 1966.

ZANINOVICH, MARY Executive Secretary

Mary, an executive secretary at The Fresno Bee (newspaper), was given the honor of being selected Fresno’s 1984 Secretary of the Year, at the Annual Professional Secretaries International- Poppy Trail Chapter Luncheon in Fresno at the Centre Plaza Holiday Inn on April 25. She was nominated by her boss, George Gruner, Executive editor of The Fresno Bee to whom she has been secretary for the past 13 years. His nomination letter in part says: “Mary Zaninovich has shared in the growth of the Fresno Bee by her service as the principle secretary to the news staff leadership for more than a decade. “During her years of service, The Bee has grown dramatically and so have the number and complexity of our record keeping. Mary serves as the Editorial Department’s sole link with the Personnel Department and thus is responsible for seeing that all documents- relating to hiring, termination, payroll, governmental forms, etc.- are correct. In this area, she serves as a personnel consultant to every member of the news staff- more that 100 persons. Mary is very active in several other organizations in Fresno. She has served every office and most committee chairmanships for the American Business & Professional Women’s Club, Golden Valley Chapter, of which she now is program chairman. She is also a member of the Women’s Professional Network organization comprised of top community women leaders, including judges, lawyers, market research analysts, secretaries and other professional women. The Professional Secretaries International which she joined last June, 1983, was the sponsor for the 1984 Secretary of the Year event.

ZANINOVICH, SANDRO Musical Conductor-Composer

Sandro was born in 1934 in Velo Grablje to Vjekoslav and Maria Tomicich Zaninovich.  he arrived in the United States, in 1967, for the purpose of observing the work of Zubin Mehta, world-renowned symphony orchestra conductor. Sandro, himself, is a musical conductor and composer.  he was the assistant conductor of the Zagreb radio symphony orchestra. From the University of California at Los Angeles, Sandro received his masters degree.  He also was the first recipient of the Henry Mancini Award. This award is given to students of recognized musical ability who graduated with a music major from U.C.L.A. He was also the founder and director of the Beverly Hills Chamber Orchestra. he was the first one to conduct concerts at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. In 1976, Sandro returned to Croatia to further his musical career by accepting the position of the coductor of the opera house in Split. The highlight of Sandro’s career in Croatia was to conduct the first performance of the Verde Requiem in front of the cathedral in Hvar. At the present, Sandro is a private teacher; he is the founder and director of the Croatian American Chamber Orchestra. Sandro has two children; Sandra, who was born in 1961, and Igor, born in 1967.

ZANINOVICH, TOMO Vineyard

Toma was born on Sept. 17, 1896, the youngest child of Marin and Vica Zaninovich in Velo Grblje, Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia. He came to the United States about 1924, sponsored by his brothers VIncent and John.  At the time of Toma’s arrival, his brothers, VIncent and John, had already dissolved their partnershiop with their cousins, George and Marin.  They took and moved to the ranch located in Poplar, where Toma later joined them. About 1930, Toma contracted TB, and by advice of doctors that he either go to Arizona of Croatia, he chose to return to his homeland. On May 11, 1932, he married Lucija Petric.  They had two children, Marinko, born in Velo Grablje in 1933, and VInka, born in Split. Toma died in Split on Sept. 23, 1945, at the age of 49.

ZANINOVICH, TONKO Farm

Tonko Zaninovich, son of Ivan and Margarita Zaninovich, was born January 4, 1935 in Hvar, Croatia. In 1954, John and Rena Zaninovich of Indio, California, were vacationing in Croatia. Tonko wanted to leave the country. John and Rena offered to drive him to the border. Tonko’s brother Ivo, who was living in Rouen, north of France, waited for him. Ivo got him a job in the same shipyard in which he was working. In late 1959, Ivo left for the United States. Marko offered to sponsor him, but it took three years to abtain a visa.  During that time, he met Lydie D’Angelo. They married in November, 1960. In December, 1960, Tonko came to the United States. Lydie joined him in April of 1961. In August of 1963, they moved to Delano, and Tonko worked for his uncle, Marko Zaninovich. In Delano, their two daughters were born- Laura in February 1964, and Elizabeth in May, 1967. Tonko worked nine years for Marko, and other farms in the ensuing years; Then he bought his own property and became self-employed.

ZANINOVICH, VINCENT Farm

Vincent was born June 9, 1922, in Velo Grablje, on the island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia, to Vjekoslav (Alviz) Zaninovich and Maria Tomicich.  He left home in June of 1939, being sponsored by his uncle, George Zaninovich of Dinuba, and his aunt, Kate Tomicich, of Fresno.  For a while he lived and worked for Uncle George on his ranch in Dinuba. He then went to live with Teta Kate in Fresno. VIncent worked for Hollenbach Bush, a planing mill factory in Fresno.  In 1942, he was drafted into the army. He served four years in the European Theater. Before returning to the states, he visited his family in Hvar. After his discharge from the army, he lived with his cousin Vincent M., in Jasmine, and worked for Marko Zaninovich. In 1947, he bought the ranch in Earlimart. In 1950, Vincent married Ina Burich from San Pedro. They have three sons: Al, Nick, George.  All three boys are presently involved in the farming operation. Vincent has had all four of his brothers here in the states for visits, as well as some nieces and nephews.  Three of his brothers- Dr. Miko of Rijeka, Jure of Hvar, and Dr. Marinko of Zagreb- live in Croatia. Presently, his brother Sandro lives in the U.S., a niece, Marina, and nephew, Dr. Vjecko Zaninovich also reside in the U.S.

ZANINOVICH, VINCENT Vineyard

Visko was born in Velo Grablje, Island of Hvar, Croatia, on Oct. 3, 1890 to Marin and Vice Zaninovich.  He arrived in New York on October 3, 1906, the day of his sixteenth birthday. He was brought to San Francisco by his cousin George Zaninovich (Orange Cove). It was six months after the big earthquake that occured in April 1906. In San Francisco, Visko worked as a waiter, saving money to help bring his brother John to this country. Later they brought their brother Tom.  Upon arrival, they all began working in restaurants in San Francisco as waiters and cooks. Visko married Frances Mardesich on February 7, 1915.  She had been brought to San Francisco in 1911 from Komiza on the island of Vis, by her brother Joe of San Pedro, owner of Franco Italian fish cannery. Their daughter, Winifred, was born in December, 1915. In February, 1916, Visko with his wife Frances and daughter Winifred, brother John, cousin “Big” George, and his brother Marin all came to Dinuba to live. They purchased a sixty acre ranch as partners.  Within a few years, they also purchased property in Orange Cove and Poplar. They did all the farm labor themselves and lived there until 1924, when at that time, the partnership was dissolved. Visko and John took the ranch in Poplar, where they remained until their deaths.  John’s son Martin and I were both born on the Dinuba ranch. The rest of John’s family was born in Porterville. My mother, father, sister, and I went to Europe, in 1928, for a visit to see our parents’ homeland and relatives. That’s where we met our Dundo Jure’s family, one of whom was our cousin Mali Visko. Of all the relatives we saw, my mother fell in love with this little 6 year old. She told my father if he wanted to bring anyone to the U.S., she would like it to be Visko. In 1938, at the age of 16, my dear cousin “Mali” Visko came to Porterville to live with us. he brought joy to all our lives and very easily became one of our extended Porterville family. Papa died in 1969, at the age of 79.  He was buried at St. Ann’s cemetery in Porterville.

ZANINOVICH, VINCENT B. Vineyard

Vincent was born in Velo Grablje, island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia, on April 3, 1892, to Ivan and Marija Zoranich Zaninovich .  VIncent left his home in Velo Grablje in 1910, at age 19, traveling to Los Angeles, where his Uncle Jure Zaninovich met him and provided him with shelter.   In 1912 he headed for Jerome, Arizona, where he worked on the railroad, learning the valuable skill of blacksmithing. Upon his return to California in 1919, he joined his eldest brother, Antone, in Cutler, where the two purchased a farm. Antone was married to Domina Tomicich in 1914; Vincent married Domina’s sister Bonica on January 1, 1922, in St. Antohy’s Croatian Church in Los Angeles. The two brothers were now married to 2 sisters. Following the traditional way of naming children after the parents’ parents, the families were both Antone and Vincent, and each had a John, Mary, and Andrew. The youngest ones had different names, Antone being VIncent’s youngest son.  The similarities were striking: each family had four children-- three boys and one girl all born in the same sequence! A younger brother, Marko arrived in America in 1921, joining his two brothers in Cutler.  The brothers remained partners till 1938, at which time Marko and Vincent resettled in Ealimart area, in southern Tulare Co., where they farmed as partners in the Sunview Vineyards. In 1940, the Sunview Vineyards partnership ended. (At the flip of a coin, the trade name “Sunview” remained with Marko.) Vincent purchased land in the Richgrove area, 10 miles distant from his Earlimart home.  As his farming techniques were succeeding he purchased additional properties, developing them into prime vineyards, producing table-grapes, which required the building of a packing house and storage facilities. His “VBZ” label became widely known and respected. Vincent enjoyed the company of his friends and realtives, never missing a once-a-month Sunday meeting of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge #730 in Reedley Ca., for which Bert Balen of Reedley served as president for years. Vincent deeded to the Diocese of Fresno a corner lot with a building on it, which was then built into a church bearing his name: the St. Vincent’s Catholic Church of Richgrove. He died in 1959, at age 67, and along with his wife, Bonica, is buried in the Delano District Cemetery.

ZANINOVICH, VISKO Vineyard

Visko was born September 4, 1921, in Velo Grablje, on the island of Hvar, Croatia, to Juraj and Marija Juric Zaninovich. In September of 1937, at the age of 16, never having been far from home, Visko arrived in America, sponsored by his Uncle Vincent and Aunt Frances of Porterville, and his cousins Vinka and Mary. After a trip to Croatia, Vinka and Mary urged their father to sponsor Visko and bring him to their home. He became the son and brother they never had.  Visko worked for Uncle VIncent and Uncle John until 1945. The two uncles decided to start Visko and John’s son, Martin, in a farm of their own, in the Jasmine area.  When Martin returned from the service, it was soon after on January 1, 1947, that Jasmine Vineyards was born. On April 24, 1948, Visko married Dorothy Petrasich in San Pedro.  They had four sons: George, Andrew, Vincent Jr., and Damian. Meanwhile, Jasmine Vineyards was moving forward with Visko in charge of production and Martin handling the selling and office managment.  It was a successful alliance until VIsko’s untimely death in an automobile accident on November 25, 1985. Tragically, VIsko’s son (Vincent) and father (Juraj) preceded him in death, also in automobile accidents. Visko’s youngest son Damian married Christine Kimble on November 9, 1991. George, Andrew and Damian as well as Martin’s son John, continue to work with Martin in the farming operation.

ZANKI, ANTON Restaurant-Mariner

Anton N. Zanki was born in Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia in 1896, where he attended nautical school. After finishing school he worked at a marine organization and then spent three years on American Ships and traveled to all continents. In 1920 he arrived to New Orleans, Louisiana where he worked in restaurants. He opened his own restaurant in 1925; several years later he went into partnership with P. Talijancich. He was married to Marija (Grgurovic) in 1922. They had a son Anton. He was the member of Slavonian Society of New Orleans.

ZANKICH, MITCH Restaurant

The Tides Wharf Restaurant and parking lot in Bodega Bay were used for the gas station, cafe and boat dock scenes in Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds”. The Tides complex has been expanded and remodeled several times since then. When the 1960’s owner of The Tides, Mitch Zankich, allowed Hitchcock to use the restaurant in “The Birds”, he made three stipulations: the town in the movie would be called “Bodega Bay;” the male lead played by Rod Taylor would be named “Mitch;” and Zankich would receive a “speaking part.” If you’re listening at the right moment, you can here him say those immortal words: “What happened, Mitch?” In the years following the film’s release, whenever the film was aired on television, The Tides called in extra staff the following day to accommodate the curious. Local Hazel Mitchell worked as a Tides waitress during the filming and waited on the famous director -- who only wanted “green beans and filet of sole and nothing else, Miss” - as well as the stars of the film. The waitress in the movie bears an uncanny resemblance to a youthful Hazel. Unfortunately, these structures burned down in the late sixties. They stood at the current location of the entrance to University of California Bodega Marine Laboratory dormitories. In one of the opening scenes, Tippi Hedren is driving into Bodega Bay on a winding scenic road above the town. Bay Hill Road can be found entering Highway One both north and south of town. At the north end, drive up about a mile until you can safely turn around, come back and park alongside the road and have a look. It’s almost the very same scene that was filmed over 30 years ago. Nearly 40 years later, the Visitor Center in Bodega Bay received thousands of Hitchcock fans every year, hoping for a glimpse of some scenery from the movie that continues to frighten the world. (Internet 2000)

ZANKICH, VINCENT Fisherman-Fish company

Vincent was born in Komiza, Island of Vis, Dalmatia February 5, 1885, to Peter and Nina, nee Vitalich, Zankich. Peter was a respected fisherman and sailor who taught his son the family trade. In 1901 Vincent immigrated to America and settled in Clifton, Oregon. For the next five years he worked as a fisherman along the west coast eventually making San Pedro his port-of-call in 1906. Vincent’s engineering savvy was evident in the fact that he built some of the most powerful fishing boats used along the coast from San Pedro to San Francisco. 1913 was an eventful year for Vincent; he married Ellen Jorgensen and organized, with his brother, the Zankich Brothers Fish Company, Mr. and Mrs. Zankich had two daughters: Eleanor and Nina.

ZANZE, NIKOLA Grocery Business

Nikola “Nick” Zanze was born on Nov. 21, 1890, in Prvich-Luka, near Sibenik, Dalmatia, Croatia. He came to Sacramento in early 1913 and went to work at the Southern Pacific Railroad shops. In 1914 he had a bread delivery route for Sacramento Bakery and during the four years he had the route, Nikola Zanze became well acquainted with the business community and the Croatian people of the area. In 1922 he established the Capital Grocery in partnership with the late Peter Kraljev. Brother Zanze was in the grocery business for 30 years. He was a member of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 434 of Sacramento for 54 years and was lodge treasurer for 22 years.  He was a delegate to the 1947 national convention of the Croatian Fraternal Union in Pittsburgh.   Bro. Zanze was very active in all lodge functions.

ZAR, PETER N Grocery Fruit packer

He was born in Dalmatia, Croatia, June 7, 1900, and was reared on a farm, on which were produced olives, grapes and other varieties of fruit, while a portion of a land was devoted to the growing of grain and vegetables. In 1914, when a boy of fourteen, Mr. Zar severed home ties and sailed for America, making the voyage in the last steamer to cross the Atlantic before the ocean was closed on travel owing to the exigencies of the World war. He reached Watsonville on August 10, 1914, with a cash capital of eleven dollars. Realizing the value of a good education, he at once enrolled as a student in the public schools and is now thoroughly conversant with the language of his adopted country. After school hours and during vacation periods he worked for his uncles, who were large packers and shippers of fruit. He saved as much as possible from his earnings, and when he had accumulated the sum of four hundred dollars purchased an interest in the business, in which he was admitted to a partnership. In January, 1924, he withdrew from the packing industry and embarked in the grocery business, buying the interest of the senior member of the firm Borsovich & Tovaraz. The business is located at No. 22 Peck street and is now operated under the style of Zar & Tovaraz. Mr. Zar reserves all of his energy for the conduct of the business, which occupies the first place in his life, and the Austrian-American Society is the only organization with which he is connected.

ZAREVICH, ANTON Ranch

A very successful horticulturist, who has been a resident of Santa Clara County since June 1886, and has established a reputation for industry and square dealing, is Antone Zarevich. He was born near Dubrovnik-Ragusa, Dalmatia, September 18, 1867, and is one of six children, four living born to the parents, Antone and Mary (Klunak) Zarevich. In 1886, when he was eighteen years old, he came to the United States and immediately came across the continent to San Jose, California. He had no funds, so he immediately went to work in orchards and on farms. As early as 1892, he had purchased land on Homestead Road, where he and fifteen acres planted to orchard, and when it reached full bearing he sold it at a good profit. He had also bought land on Stevens Creek Road and Saratoga Avenue, adding to this adjoining land until he now owns forty acres, the entire corner, which is mostly in prunes, the balance being in peaches, now in full bearing very valuable. He has built a garage on the corner, making a splendid improvement as well as a source of income. He owns a home orchard of ten acres on Stevens Creek Road, all in prunes, and there he has built a large comfortable residence. He was first married in San Jose, in 1892, to Miss Micholetta Milias, who died six years later, leaving two children, Antone, now deceased, and Mrs. Mary Klichin, who resided on a ranch near San Jose. His second marriage occurred in San Francisco and united him with Miss Annie Josich, also born in Dalmatia, and they are the parents of one child, Annie. Mr. Zarevich has been a member of the Austrian Benevolent Society, and the Goodfellows Lodge of San Jose.

ZAREVICH, NICHOLAS Ranch

A successful rancher who has been a resident of Santa Clara County since June 2, 1889, Nickolas Zarevich, who was born in the village of Majkovi, near Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, February 18, 1871, a son of Anton and Mary (Klunak) Zarevich, farmers. Nickolas was the youngest of their five children and he and his brother Anton, also of Santa Clara County, are the only ones in the United States. He started for New York when eighteen years of age, arriving in San Jose June 2, 1889. He immediately found employment in orchards and began studying horticulture. Having accumulated some means, he invested his money in a ranch which he was fortunate to sell at a profit and in this way owned four different places before he purchased twenty-five acres, the nucleus of this present place. At St. Mary’s Church, San Jose, April 24, 1898 the ceremony uniting Mr. Zarevich and Miss Annie Simonitsch was performed by Rev. Joseph Miller. Mrs. Zarevich was born at Richmond, Minn. Her father, Jacob Simonitsch, was a native of Slovenia, becoming a prosperous merchant in Richmond. In 1891 he came to Santa Clara County and began fruit raising, becoming a large orchardist. He passed away September 11, 1897, leaving two daughters, Mrs. Mary A. Ladner of Cupertino and Annie, now Mrs. Zarevich, who was educated in Notre Dame Academy, Santa Clara. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Zarevich engaged in fruit raising on their own orchard place, which they have given great care. Meeting with success, from time to time have purchased additional acreage until they now have 112 acres, all in a body and conveniently located on Stevens Creek Road; ninety-five acres of the place is devoted to a prune orchard, and the balance is apricots. Mr. and Mrs. Zarevich have two children: Teresa is a graduate of Notre Dame high school, San Jose, class of 1919, now attends the State Teacher’s College in San Jose. Ivan was educated at Santa Clara College and Heald’s Business College, San Jose, and is now assisting his father. Mr. Zarevich is a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph;s Benevolent Society, the Austrian Benevolent Society, the Slavonian-American Benevolent Society of San Jose and with his family is a member of St. Joseph de Cupertino Catholic Church. Mrs. Zarevich is an active member of the Alter Society of the above church and of the Catholic Daughters of San Jose.

ZARICK, ROBERT Attorney

Robert A. Zarick, Sacramento Attorney, is one of our younger men who is going places in public life. His mother was the daughter of Marco Medin of Virginia City, Nevada; Marco made a fortune in saloons and Gold and Silver mines. He was the personal representative of Governor Culbert L. Olson for Croatian Day in California in 1940. Robert Zarick was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention last summer.

ZARICK, ROBERT N. Judge

Judge Zarick was first appointed to the Municiple Court by Governor Edmund G. Brown Sr. in October 1964. Thereafter he was re-elected to that office three more terms by the citizens of Sacramento County. He was then elevated to the Superior Court by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. in July 1980. Judge Zarick retired in October 1984. Judge Zarick is the son of Nade Marion Zarick who was bom in the village Soline on the island Dugi Otok, and of Domina (Jurach) who came from the village Lozisca on the island of Brac. Judge Zarick is a native of Sacramento. He graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1941. After service during World War 11 he obtained his Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1947. He obtained his LL.B. degree from Harvard Law School in 1950. He was admitted to the California Bar in 1951. He also was awarded an honorary J.D. degree from the Lincoln University Law School, Sacramento, in 1980. Judge Zarick additionally served Sacramento County as a law professor at Lincoln University Law School, Sacramento from 1970 through 1980. Married to his wife of 42 years, Joan, Judge Zarick has two adult children. Judge and Mrs. Zarick reside in Sacramento.

ZARO, STEPHEN Restaurant

A man of much enterprise, practical and progressive, Stephen D. Zaro, has attained a good measure of success by his perseverance, energy an ambition. Born on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia on July 23, 1865, he is the son of Peter and Madalaine (Sworeicke) Zaro, who were well-to-do farmers of their native land, raising olives and grapes in abundance. Stephen D. Zaro spent his boyhood days on the farm with his parents, and in the year of 1881 he left home to seek his fortune in the United States, coming directly to Santa Cruz, where his brother, Mark Zaro, resided, and who was a pioneer in the restaurant business. Stephen D. Zaro was employed by him for more than seven years, learning thoroughly the restaurant business.  When Mr. Zaro was twenty-two, he received word from his father that he wished him to come home to be at his bedside when he passed away, which he did, remaining there for a year and a half, until his father died in 1888 at the age of seventy-eight years old. While on this visit to his native land, the Austrian government gave him notice to enlist in the army, or leave the country, and in three days time, he was on his way to America, returning to Santa Cruz; however, he only remained there for six months, when he removed to San Jose, and entered the employ of the Overland Restaurant as night manager, and was thus employed for three years. Desiring to establish his own business, he removed to San Francisco, where he opened a restaurant on East Street opposite the Howard Street wharf, which he conducted for a year and a half with marked success. The marriage of Mr. Zaro on December 25, 1895, united him with Miss Mary Cusanovich, a native daughter of California born April 2, 1873, at Sutter Creek, Amador County, the daughter of John and Clementine (Lukinovich) Cusanovich, who came to America in 1845, later removing to California in 1849. The father worked in the placer miners of Amador County and died aged sixty-five; the mother resides in San Francisco; her early ancestors were prominent seafaring men and successful commission merchants. Mrs. Zaro was educated in the schools of Sutter Creek, and was especially interested in the study of the Bible, becoming very proficient as a teacher, and was teaching in the Sunday School at the age of eighteen, and continued to follow this line of work until her marriage to Mr. Zaro. They are the parents of five children; Peter died at the age of twenty-two, a fine young man of excellent characteristics; Madeline is employed by the Ford garage as cashier; Maria, deceased, John, a student of the Lincoln school, and Louis, also a student. In 1895, Mr. Zaro purchased the Overland Grill, the oldest establishment of its kind in San Jose. In 1898 he organized Zaro’s Grill on West Santa Clara Street. Fraternally, he is a member of the Eagles, Red Men, and is at present the vice-president of the Slavonian Society of San Francisco; he is a charter member of the American-Slavonian Society of San Jose, which was organized in 1894 by ten men, and which he has served for fifteen years as treasurer. In 1909, the family purchased a beautiful home at 152 Spencer Avenue, where they still resided. On the 4th of July, 1917, Mr. Zaro’s daughter was chosen for queen of the float entered in the parade by the American-SLavonian Society. A self-made man, he has worked his way up from a poor boy to a position of affluence, honored and respected as a upright and religious business man.

ZDUNICH, LOUIS Journalist-Urban Planning

I was born in Joliet, Illinois in 1946 to parents from Lika in Croatia. After my military service in Vietnam I traveled extensively in Europe--an experience which was an extremely important formative influence for my subsequent life and intellectual development. Marrying soon after my return, I was unable to finish my college degree (in Economics) until recently--followed by current enrollment in Arizona State University's Master of Environmental Planning Program, specializing in Urban and Regional Development. I continue to do construction work, as well as wood scupture, on the side. I hope to eventually work full-time as a professional writer on Social, Political and Economic subjects. My wife and I have a son and two daughters.

ZEC, ANTON Restaurant

In November, 1910 Anton Zec married Dora Zaninovich. They lived in Sacramento where Anton was in the restaurant business.   Anthony and Dora had four children: Matt, Annie, John, and Madeline (Burkholder). Anthony died in 1918. Dora raised her four children with help from relatives. With the death of Katie Zaninovich, Dora and her daughter, Annie, came to help John care for his children, until he married Mira Tudor. Dora was in poor health. She had one stroke in her fifties and a second one at the age of 64. This second stroke left her paralyzed and bedfast for 15 years. Her daughter, Madeline, cared for her until her death in 1957.

ZEGURA, DRAGOMIR “BOZO” Restaurant-Military

Dragomir Zegura, "Bozo", was born in the quaint "story book" village of Duba, Dalmatia, Croatia on the water's edge of the Adriatic Sea, and spent his early youth in the adjoining town of Trpanj where his father operated a general store. Bozo came to New Orleans in 1929 at the age of 16. Life working the oyster beds did not appeal to Bozo, and he came west joining his older brother Steve in San Francisco. He worked in restaurants at night and attended in school in the day-jean Parker Grammer, Galileo High, City College, and University of San Francisco. Bozo was in his 2nd year at Hastings Law School when he joined the Air Force serving as an Intelligence Officer. After the war he gave up Law School, and began his restaurant career which spanned 52 years. He was the Maitre D'at Veneto's, Vanessi's, the French Room of the Clift Hotel, and the owner of the Big Ben Restaurant on Montgomery Street. Bozo joined the Slavonic Society on March 2, 1932, and was a 59-year member. He was dedicated to his wife Adele, and his sons, Stephen and Peter, and their families. Bozo was an avid fisherman. One of his great loves was to walk his dogs along Ocean Beach, reminiscent of his earlier years on the Adriatic. He was an interesting man to speak with and commanded the respect of all who worked with, or knew him socially.

ZIBILICH, ANTON Engineer Marine

Anton M. Zibilich was born 1897 in New Orleans, Louisiana the son of Miha. After High School he enrolled at Tulane University and graduated in civil engineering in 1918. He worked in Washington DC for a year for a federal Marine Organization, then was transferred to New Orleans, where he worked for the U.S. Light House Department as engineer, where he is today. He speaks, writes and reads in Croatian, and is the member and president of the Slavonian Society. He was married in 1926, and has two sons. The Zibilich family have been in New Orleans for a great number of years, even before the American Civil War. They were known as pioneers in the fishing industry and business.

ZIDICH, JOHNNY Restaurant

World travelers say that no other city of its size is as cosmopolitan as San Francisco. London, Paris, New York- all are bigger, but no greater when it comes to the variety of peoples and their accomplishments. Partly true of any cosmopolitan community are its theaters, its hotels, and its cafes- San Francisco is world famous for all of these! Another interesting fact is that it is usually the men that come to a city from other parts of the world are responsible for that city’s ultimate reknown. Two such men Dominick Begovich and Johnny Zidich who emigrated to San Francisco from Dalmatia in Croatia 30 years ago are in the news again. Epicures in this county and abroad remember these two men from their famous Sutter-Polk Grill. We were there the other night; in fact we happened in unexpectedly. And lo! and behold, there was no more Sutter-Polk Grill, but a new and amazingly clever restaurant- the S.S. Dominick and Johnny. The various rooms have been transformed into the decks of a “streamlined superdiner”-with the canvas ropes, and life preservers found aboard a ship. The walls are beautifully decorated with scenes from the Adriatic Sea- Private dining booths have been transformed into cabins.- In fact now for the first time the atmosphere in his new Dominick and Johnny’s is worthy of the superb food served there. S.S. Dominick and Johnny is still located at Sutter and Polk. The sea food delicacies, steaks and shops are still unsurpassed; and their hundreds of friends predict even greater success in the future than they have enjoyed in the past. May 19, 1939

ZIETICH, ANTONE Market

For more than half a century, Tony’s Quality Market on Union Street in San Francisco served Society- champagne, oysters and other necessities of the rich. On any average day at Tony’s, one could see a count and countess of a prince squeezing the bananas and pinching the tomatoes. Nine years after Antone Zietich started the store, he wooed and won a beautiful countess who lived in a castle in Venice. Countess Jacomin Spanich traveled 10,000 miles to marry him in January 1924. Mr. Zietich, who sold his market in 1969 to a Southern California super-service chain, died Friday at the age off 83. He drew widespread attention in November, 1932, when he put more that 100 bottles of old California wines on display in the window of his store at 2190 Union Street. “These will be on sale when the 18th Amendment is repealed,” read a sign in the window which a special policeman guarded night and day. The window display, magnet for throngs, was made possible by special permission of Prohibition Administrator William G. Walker. Mr. Zietich was a native of the Island of Korcula in Dalmatia, Croatia It was on a visit home that he was invited aboard a yacht of Count Vincent Spanich and met the count’s daughter. He was a past president and treasurer of the San Francisco Retail Grocer’s Association, a member of the Association of Grand Jurors, and the Lions Club. Mr. Zietich is survived by his wife, a daughter, Gloria Ginocchio; and three grandchildren.

ZILE, ANTUN Mailman

Nike Hazdovac, born 1911 in Tacoma, Washington, moved from Blato, Island of Mljet to California in 1932. She arrived in Oakland in 1932 and stayed with the family of Antun and Marija Vlahovich. By the middle of June 1932 she married Antun Zile, a postman, born in Ston. In their marriage they had four children: Frances, Tony, Peter and Mary. Their son Tony with his wife and children Rinay and Ivana live in Castro Valley where their other son Peter lives with his wife and son Peter. Their daughter Mary, with her husband and son lives in Piedmont. Mrs. Nike Zile with her daughter Frances lives in Castro Valley.

ZITKO, JOE Fisherman

Joe was born on the Island of Vis off the coast of Dalmatia where he learned the skills to be a successful fishing boat captain. In 1904 Joe moved across the sea and settled in San Pedro. With his wife Margareta and their son John, they established a popular singing group known as the Zitko Trio.

ZITCO, PETER Fisherman

Peter Xitco has seen purse seineing evolve from eight-man back power to 400 diesel horsepower, and in an industry of high risks he has, over the nearly fourscore years, been more successful than most. As a little boy, he went along with his father to the camp on Kanaka Bay on San Juan Island. He recalls the fishermen would row 2 1/2miles to Eagle Point at the south end of the island, towing a scow behind the six-oared boat. They would tie the scow to kelp and wait for dead slack water before the boat could be rowed out to circle the 220-fathom net around where they hoped the salmon were and back to the scow.

Then the fishermen would use a hand winch on the scow to purse the net and draw in the fish. Except for the boat and scow, the technique wasn't very different from the "chinchola" beach seine their ancestors had used for centuries on the Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea.

In 1905, the first gasoline-powered boat appeared on the fishing grounds. The Slogu (Slavonian for Unity) had a 5-horsepower engine, and six partners shared the $1,800 cost. Now the fishermen could go where they could see the fish were jumping and, with an engine to turn the winch, they didn't have to wait for slack water. Each year the boats got bigger, the engines more powerful. The boat Concord appeared with a mast and boom to raise up the rings and drop them on the deck, and the next year everybody had similar gear.

By 1911, Xitco recalls, John and Mitch Evich and others had 50-foot boats with cabins for the crew and 20 - and 30-horsepower gasoline engines and were fishing off Cape Flattery. In 1912, Peter's father, Andrew, had a 65-foot boat named the Vis after the Croatian Island from which the family came. The turntable and power-operated rollers to help handle the net appeared about this time, and the Xitcos and other fishermen were venturing north as far as Port Moller in the Bering Sea, Alaska although they were towed to Alaska by the cannery boats.

When he was 20, in 1915, Xitco became skipper of the Mariposa, a 60-foot vessel with a 40-horsepower engine owned by his father. "Oh boy, I thought I was smart." His father's boat, however, had a 50-horse engine "so he could catch me." That was a good year, but 1916 was a failure --- the cycle, which reoccurs this summer (1976) is still a poor one. The high boat that year, skippered by Dick Zuanich, father of the present port commissioner, made $90 a share, Xitco recalled.

After he and Frances were married in 1922, they tried California but didn't like the country and Peter didn't like tuna fishing, and so they returned to Bellingham, Washington and to the salmon fisheries here and in Alaska. In 1925, he went into business for himself, buying the Uncle John, the first of seven boats Xitco has owned. As a young man, Xitco wanted to be captain of an ocean-going liner --- "I thought it would be the greatest thing to be up on the bridge of one of those big ships." He studied navigation, but his parents thought he should stick to fishing. It's still a family thing. The Xitcos' son, Jack is in the industry; his son, another Peter, fishes, and their oldest grand son, Mark Biondi, has fished summers while in school.

A modem purse seiner, capable of ranging as far as the Aleutians and equipped with a power drum, radios and radar, is a far cry from the rowboat and hand-operated scow on which Xitco first pulled a net. But the object is the same: to be able to get where the fish are in any kind of weather. If it works better, the modem seiner costs considerably more, up to $300,000 - and so its operator must not only be a fisherman, engineer, navigator, meteorologist, and biologist, but a businessman too. (Belling Herald 1976)

ZITKOVICH, MARIN Sea Captain

Marin Zitkovich, Sea Captain, better known as Captain Martin Lich. From district of Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia. Captain on one of Pope and Talbot and Lumber Company’s boats out of San Francisco for many years. Passed away in 1913 at 94 years of age.

ZIVICH, EDWARD A. Professor-Author

Dr. Zivich was a full professor of History at Calumet College of St. Joseph where he was a member of the faculty for 25 years. He was a 1965 graduate of Gavit High School following his matriculation at St. John Bosco and our Lady of Perpetual Help elementary schools. In 1970 "Doc" received his Bachelors degree from Indiana University with honors; he received his Masters degree from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, in 1972. His Ph.D. was from State University of New York at Binghamton. Dr. Zivich was an "Outstanding Alumnus" at 1. U. Northwest. He was a recipient of a grant from the International Research and Exchanges Board "IREX GRANT" to do research in Croatia. As an author his most popular book was "From Zadruga To Oil Refinery." A favored folk singer for many years, Doc performed annually at the "Very Special Arts." In 1985, Doc was presented "The Helping Hand Award" sponsored by the seasoned citizens of Calumet College for the year 19841985. He received the Outstanding Educator Award from the Sears Roebuck Foundation, the Teacher of the Year Award in 1986 from Calumet College and Outstanding Educator Award from the Inland Ryerson Foundation. From 1976-1993, Dr. Zivich was the Division Chair of the Social and, Behavioral Science Department, From 1981 to present, he was a member and recent chairperson of the Rank and Tenure committee. It is with deep sadness that members of CFU Lodge 57, Whiting, Indiana report the death of Dr. Edward Andrew Zivich, Ph.D "Doc" who passed away on Nov. 8, 1999. In addition to his membership in the Croatian Fraternal Union, he was a member of the American Historical Association, the American Sociological Association, the Illinois Labor History Society, the Immigration History Society and the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society. Surviving are his wife, Joan D. (nee Varellas); son, Matthew T. and daughter, Kristina S., both at home; father, Thomas J. Zivich of Hammond; sister, Frances (Larry) Carlson of Oak Park, IL., mother-inlaw, Christine Varellas. and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Dr. Zivich was preceded in death by His mother, Rose (Katherine) Zivich.

ZIVIC, FRITZIE Boxing Champion

Fritzie Zivic was considered one of the best fighters in the history of boxing. He was born May 8, 1913 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and died on May 16, 1984. His parents came from Croatia. One of five boxing brothers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Zivic turned pro as a featherweight in 1931. By 1936, he was ranked in the top 10 in the welterweight division. He staged intra-city rivalries with other Pittsburgh fighters such as Billy Conn and Charley Burley. Zivic was notorious for using his head, elbows and thumbs as effectively as his fists. And while he was often admonished for those tactics, few could argue that Zivic also displayed tremendous determination and courage inside the ring. In 1940, Zivic beat Sammy Angott to earn a shot at the welterweight crown. He made the most of his opportunity, upsetting the great Henry Armstrong via 15-round decision at Madison Square Garden to become the welterweight champion. In 1941, Zivic won a rematch with Armstrong, stopping him in the 12th round. But he would lose the crown in his next defense, dropping a 15-round decision to Freddie "Red" Cochrane. Although Zivic fought for another eight years, he never challenged for a world title again. He won 159 bouts, lost 64, drew 9 and had 80 KO’s. Still, the brawling Zivic met the best fighters in the world -- ranging from lightweight to light heavyweight -- for the remainder of his ring tenure. From 1941 to 1946, he met Sugar Ray Robinson, Lew Jenkins, Jake LaMotta, Beau Jack, Bob Montgomery, Tommy Bell, Billy Arnold and Freddie Archer. Zivic continued fighting until 1949, winning his last two fights. In fact, in his second to last fight, he beat the respectable Al Reid. In all, Zivic met seven future Hall of Famers and nine world champions. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993. Courtesy of The Ring.

ZIVKOVIC, ILIJA Priest-Professor

The Croatian Franciscan Fr. Ilija Zivkovic recently defended successfully his doctoral thesis in psychology at the School of Philosophy of the Catholic University of America in the nation's capital. This was good news for numerous Fr. Ilija's friends in the United States and in the Old Country. Fr. Ilija defended the thesis entitled "Relationships of Parents and Adolescents in the Open and Closed Croat Communities". The thesis described the results of several years of study of the adjustment of Croatians to North America, particularly the role of adjustment in the relationships between parents and children. The impetus for the study was the observation that many immigrant families not only faced difficulties in adjustment, but also in relationships between parents and adolescents. The new Ph.D. sought answers to questions pertinent to the understanding of psychology of Croats who immigrated after World War If. First, how and to what extent the mutual relations and mores from the old country have been maintained in diaspora, how these relations and mores influenced the attitude of parents towards children and, finally, how they influenced the perception of Croathood and adjustment in children mostly born in North America. Dr Zivkovic has shown that the Croat diaspora has been adjusted well, but that certain features of adjustment and of family environment depended on the particular lifestyle in the old country. The youth were highly adjusted from whatever type of family they came, but the attitude towards parental values, including Croathood, depended highly on the lifestyle at home. For example, in families with a stronger Croat culture, children were often rather unattracted to Croathood. On the other hand, families that insisted less on Croat life at home often nurtured children with stronger Croat identity. The results of this study are a worthy contribution to the understanding of the complex social and psychological aspects of life in the Croat diaspora. Particularly important is the delineation of the place of Croatia in the self-esteem of Croats born in diaspora. Also, it is clear that education and success in North America did not blunt the sense of their Croathood.

Fr. Ilija Zivkovic, a member of "National Capitol" Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 1976, was born in the village of Kostric, municipality of Orasje, Bosnian Posavina, in 1954. He joined the Franciscan Third Order Regulars in 1968. He graduated from the Franciscan Gymnasium in Odra (Zagreb) in 1973. In 1980, he graduated in philosophy and theology at the Catholic School of Theology in Zagreb and was inducted into priesthood that year. Then he studied Franciscan spirituality at the Franciscan University Antonianum in Rome where he graduated in 1983. In 1984, Fr. Ilija accepted the service of the Croat missionary for Metropolitan Washington. The next year, he commenced graduate studies in psychology, first at Georgetown University and then at the Catholic University of America where he received the M.A. degree in psychology in 1989. In summer 1992, he is at Georgetown again, but this time as research assistant professor at the Institute of Neurology where he studies the action of drugs in the brain. The Croat Catholic community in Washington is small and unable to sustain the parish fully. Therefore, from the very beginning, Fr. Ilija has supported his church by his own earnings. In 1985, he accepted the post of journalist and newscaster at the Voice of America where he worked till summer 1992.

ZIVKOVICH-ZIVIC, THOMAS Liquor Store-Prisoner of War

He was born in Boise, Idaho to the late Stephan Zivkovich and Rosa Zupan Zivkovich. He attended high school in La Grande, Oregon and attended the University of Washington. Thomas J. Zivic passed away on April 21, 2001 at the age of 86. He was the beloved husband of the late Adelaide (Thielen) Zivic; loving father of Liz Zivic and Susan Zivic Breece, dear father-in-law of Tim Breece, and was preceded in death by his brothers, Bill, John, and Michael, dear sister Mary Ann. He was loved by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. During World War 11 he was captured on Wake Island with his brothers John and Michael. and spent four years in Japanese Prisoner of War camps. After the war he was involved in several businesses in Idaho and Washington, eventually settling in San Francisco, California, where he owned and operated Cable Car Corner, a liquor/gift store at the corner of Powell and Ellis Streets, with his brother Michael and sister Mary Ann for 30 years. He was a 30+ year resident of Marin County, CA, and was a volunteer at the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was also an active member of the Sons of Retirement and St. Patrick's 50 and Better Club. Mr. Zivic moved to Portland, Oregon where he further enioyed retirement, gardening, and taking many trips with Adelaide and friends.

ZLARIN, SAM Saloon

Sam Zlarin, better known as Sam Marion, from Trogir, Dalmatia, Croatia married a San Francisco girl and had a family of seven children. A son is an actor on the American stage, and a daughter joined the Sisters of Mercy order. He was an American citizen. He owned the famed White Hall Saloon on the corner of East ad Commercial Streets in 1859. He was president of the Slavonic Society five times and could also have been the first president. Sam Zlarin was a typical Dalmatian Sokol. The Croatians apply the name Sokol (Falcon) to persons of athletic and sporting activities, to courageous and brave men, and without any exaggeration, Sam Zlarin 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 Place above Portsmouth Square, in front of the then City Hall. The Slavonic Society attended in a body. 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 uniform, and hear the solemn music of the band.

ZLATOPER, GRGA Voice of America

Grga Zlatoper was born September 25, 1910 in Kistanje, Dalmatia, Croatia. Education included Gymnasium, Sibenik, Croatia, Graduated, 1928; 1928-1932 University of Zagreb, M.A., Croatian Literature and Language. 1932; 1934-1936 Graduate School, Instuctor for Physical Education, Warsaw, Poland, M.A., 1936. Professional experience as Political Commentator for Voice of America, VOA-USIA (U.S. Information Agency) Independence Ave. Washington, D.C; 1936-39 Foreign Correspondent for "Politika"' Belgrade, in Warsaw, Poland; 1939-41 Foreign Correspondent for "Politika" - Rome, Italy. Broadcasting; Political Commentator: 1941-46 British Broadcasting Corp. - London; 1950-54 Radio Free Europe - New York. 1955 Voice of America - Washington, D.C.

ZLODY, RUDOLPH L Professor

Rudolph Zlody is a Professor of Psychology at College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts. Born September 22, 1925 to Croatian parents in Ambridge, Pennsylvania; married with five children. Education includes Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, A.B., 1951; Fordham University, New York, N.Y. M.A., 1953; Fordham University, New York, N.Y. Ph.D., 1960 with a major field in Psychology. Thesis completed in 1953 "Changes in Three Blood Components During a Common place Stress Situation," Fordham University M.A. thesis published in Psychosomatics, 1966 Ph.D. Member of Psi Chi; Society of the Sigma XI; American Men of Science; American Psychological Association; American Catholic Psychological Association; Society for Existential Psychology and Psychiatry; New York Academy of Science; New York Society of Clinical Psychologists; Eastern Psychological Association.

ZORETICH, STEVE Tamburitza Hall of Fame

Having played Tambura for 62 years and teaching for 56 of these, he is still actively teaching a group in Donora, Pennsylvania, as well as others throughout the Southwestern, Pa., area. There have been approximately 200 children and adults in the 11 Tamburitza groups taught by him, in Monessen, Donora and Uniontown, Pennsylvania, alone. Steve has arranged hundreds of Tamburitza numbers for the bands he has taught and others as well. He arranged and orchestrated the music for the Monessen Dramatic Club in their many musical plays. Christmas masses with Steve conducting the Choir were arranged by him for the St. Anthony Church in Monessen, Pa. He has composed the Tam Polka, Ess Polka, Party Polka, Tamburitza Polka and the Medley #2 - #2 and #3. Steve has taught and led the Sloga Orchestra for 35 years. Playing for weddings, dances, picnics, political gatherings and made many appearances on Bernie Luketich's radio station W.E.S.A. Charleroi, Pa. He played with the Blue Danube Orchestra, Fairhope, Pa., in the 1950's and 1960's, as well as conducting a number of Community Ethnic Heritage Days affairs. Steve was born in Monessem, Pa., in 1906 and started his musical career learning to play the violin. At the age of 12, he turned to the tambura and in later years played the trumpet also. His first instrument was the Farkas system, later he studied the Sremski system under the able teaching of Rade Stoic. In 1926, Steve with the incomparable Djoko Dokich and Rade Stoic, made a concert tour of the Niagara Falls area. Not content to be an average musician and tambura player, he took a Correspondence course in harmony and composition, at the age of 18. At the same time he was asked to teach a group of children in Donora, Pa. In 1926, he was requested to teach another group in Monessen, Pa., where he taught for many years. A number of outstanding musicians on the Tambura he has taught are Chuck and Danny Muchmock of Uniontown, Pa. Leonard and Pete Zoretich of Monessen, Pa., and personal instructions for John Schepnik of Uniontown, Pa. Students of his that starred at Duquesne University with the Tamburitzans there included his own son, Leonard Zoretich, along with Joe and Marko Grcevich of Uniontown, Pa., Joe Misher, Steve Matko and Joe Popvich of Monessen, Pa. Steve at age 74, is possibly the oldest of all the directors of the Croatian Fraternal Union Jr., Federation and has undoubtedly taught for a longer period than all the directors of the Jr. Federation. This past summer, he accompanied the Sloga Tamburitza Orchestra in a three week tour of Croatia. it is quite evident that Steve's credentials leave nothing to be desired in electing him into the prestigious Tamburitza Hall of Fame.

ZORICH, CHRIS Football

Chris was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 13, 1969. His mother was Croatian. He attended Chicago Vocational High School and Notre Dame University. He is a member of the Croatian Catholic Union. In 1989 he was Sporting News All American team United Press International College, Football Lineman of the Year; 1990 Lombardi Award winner Sporting News All-American team; 1991 Played in the Orange Bowl for Notre Dame Most Valuable Player in Orange Bowl Drafted 2nd round, 49th pick overall, for the Chicago Bears; 1991-1995 Played for the Chicago Bears NFL; 1997 Played with the Washington Redskins.

ZORICH, CHRIS Restaurant

Chris Zorich was one of eleven children, born on the Island of Bozava in the Dugi Otok Group, Dalmatia, Croatia. At the age of thirteen, his uncle arranged for him to work as a cabin boy on a passenger ship called the Dubrovnik which traveled between Rijeka and Kotor. Before the age of 17 Chris had traveled to Cairo, Bombay, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cardiffe, England and Rotterdam, Holland and New Orleans. In 1921, he borrowed some $300.00 from his dad to venture to America and join his brother in Astoria, Oregon to work on a large salmon trawler called the Arizona where he earned some $1,400 in just 45 days of fishing. A fortune in the late 20’s. He returned to San Francisco with his wife, Antonia, and his son, Joseph and opened the very first restaurant on Fisherman Wharf called the Miramar. This was in 1930. Chris was to run this business with different patterns of 33 years until 1963 when he was to sell to the Alioto Family. Chris is the Father of Joseph and Betty and a great-grandfather. Next time you are at the wharf, think of the first three restaurants there...The Miramar, Neptune and Marine Fish Grotto all Dalmatian fish houses amongst blocks of lumber yards, and the little one cylinder crab boats bobbing on the Bay...Interesting trivia about the Fishermans Wharf area in the 30’s and early 40’s most of the major restaurants employed Dalmatian chefs-Sabellas chef was for many years Mario “Popeye” Zorich, Chris’s cousin. The Exposition chef was Frank Pavich and Fisherman’s Grotto also employed a Dalmatian chef whose name escaped Chris at this time.

ZOROTOVICH, NICK Educator

Nick Zorotovich, a retired educator was named the 1984 Citizen of the year by the San Pedro Lions’s clubs. His spirit of volunteerism led him to be chairman of the Community Chest campaign in 1947 and chairman of the harbor Area Bicentennial Committee in 1976. He was a member of and has held leadership positions over the years with the San Pedro High School Alumni Association, San Pedro Writers’ Guild, Yugoslav American Club, Boys’ Club, Coordinating Council, Rotary Club, Elks lodge, Toastmasters, Friends of the Library, Red Cross, San Pedro Bay Historical Society and Beacon Street Community Redevelopment Advisory Committee. A founding member in 1934 of the San Pedro Writers’ Guild, Zorotovich chronicled many of he and his wife Betty’s trips in columns in the San Pedro News-Pilot. More than 30 of the articles published in 1957 in the News-Pilot formed the backbone for his book, Wish Your Were Here. It detailed an eight-month trip through Europe, including a reunion with aunts and uncles in Dalmatia. Zorotovich, who was born on the Island of Vis, Dalmatia wound up in San Pedro not because of family ties but because his father thought San Pedro was the end of the rainbow. His father left Croatia with three brothers to settle in Australia. He eventually immigrated to Bellingham, Washington working in mining, lumbering and fishing until he had saved enough money to send for the family. Zorotovich was 4 years old when he arrived in America. Shortly before the advent of World War I, Zorotovich’s father made a lot of money on a good run of salmon in the Puget Sound, packed up the family and headed for San Pedro and its blossoming fishing industry. Zorotovich supplemented his income by working at the market and at the Old French Sardine Company (now StarKist) on weekends while at San Pedro High School, where he graduated with honors in 1923. He graduated from UCLA in 1927 and obtained a teaching credential in 1928 at the University of California at Berkeley. He taught at Dana Junior High School in San Pedro from 1928 to 1930 and at San Pedro High from 1930 to 1948. While at the high school, he taught history and coached the tennis team. After earning a master’s degree in 1949 from the University of Southern California, he was appointed chairman of the Social Science Division at Harbor College, which had just opened in Wilmington. In 1951 Zorotovich attended Stanford University on a history scholarship. He was chairman of the Social Science Department at Harbor College when he retired in 1970 after 21 years at the college. His wife retired the same year from Dana Junior High after a 32 year teaching career. Zorotovich had a long affiliation with the Yugoslav American Club, dating back to 1935 when he served on the committee arranging for the dedication of the new clubhouse. He was president in 1965 and 1966. Zorotovich was president of the San Pedro Coordinating Council the year the council led a campaign to raise funds to establish a Boy Scout camp at Portuguese Bend. He was one of the original members of the San Pedro Community Development Advisory Committee and chairman two years. Zorotovich was also chairman of the Harbor Area Bicentennial Committee, which raised $10,500 to finance local events to commemorate the nation’s birthday.

ZOROVICH, BARTUL Fisherman

Mrs. Irene Cotta, 8233 S. Troy, Chicago knew her grandfather had come to the United States in 1890 and died before his wife and children could join him. She knew he had lived near Tacoma, Washington, and worked in fisheries there. But nobody in the family knew exactly when he died or where he was buried. Mrs. Cotta's mother was two years old the last time she saw her father. She came to the United States to join her husband in 1908, long after her father died, and after Mrs. Cotta was born.

"My mother often spoke of her desire to get up to Tacoma some day and look for her father's resting place," Mrs. Cotta says. "That some day just never came." Nobody in the family found an opportunity to make the 2,000-mile trip from Chicago to Tacoma until Mrs. Cotta's granddaughter, Edie Rubenstein of Northbrook, decided she would like to attend the University of Washington Law

School in the fall of 1978.

During her first visit to Seattle with her father, Harold, Edie visited Tacoma and located a cemetery, that was more than 100 years old. They also bought a map of Tacoma. When Edie's mother, Helen, visited her a month later, she invited Mrs. Cotta to go along. The three women decided to go to Tacoma and see if they could find Mrs. Cotta's grandfather's grave. As a starting point, they had only his name, Bartulo Zorovich; the fact that he was employed in the fisheries, and a vague idea that he died about 1894 or 1895, although some relatives thought the date of death may have been later. He had left the village of Sveti Jakov in Croatia in 1890.

The women first stopped at the Tacoma Department of Vital Statistics where they gave their scanty information to a cierk and paid the $3 fee for a document search. The clerk went through the records, then told them she had no "Bartulo Zorovitch" but had located a "B. Zorwick" who died in 1899 and was a fisherman from Austria. The women asked for a copy of that death certificate and for help in locating the grave. They were directed to a Mellinger's Funeral Home, with no assurance that the establishment would still be in business. In the telephone directory, Edie located a Morley-Mellinger Funeral Home and they decided to inquire there. At the funeral home, Mrs. Morley agreed to look through old files and again found a "B. Zorwick" listed in October, 1899, buried in a Catholic cemetery. Mrs. Morley told the women that the only Catholic cemetery in Tacoma at the turn of the century would have been Calvary. The church at which services were held, St. Leo's had burned in 1919, and its records were destroyed, and Calvary cemetery had no records of burials before1905. The cemetery, however, did have one section with very old graves and the women were given permission to look there. When they arrived at the cemetery, it was late afternoon and they were apprehensive they might not finish their search before sundown. According to Mrs. Cotta, the older part of the cemetery "looked like something out of a Dracula or Frankenstein movie, with tilted crosses, broken monuments, tall wet grass. She said, "It was beginning to get dusky, damp, cold, with ominous hedges surrounding us. We kept on, slowing down and parting the grass from the front of some of the monuments and markers looking for Zorovich. " They had completed a search of nearly half the section when Helen found an encouraging sign, a series of markers with Croatian names. Edie called, "Mom, come here. Look at this one." Helen looked at the stone. Then she said, "Mom, this is it. We found it! " Mrs. Cotta states, "When 1 heard that, I started screaming and crying at the same time.

The monument revealed something nobody in the family had known, Bartulo's date of birth: August 8, 1845. The last name on the stone was spelled correctly; the first name was misspelled "Bortula." And the legend on the stone proved to Mrs. Cotta that her grandfather must have made a respected place for himself in Tacoma's Croatian community. It showed two hands clasped with the word "dobrociniteliah," roughly translated as "good fellowship and friendship."

ZUANICH BROTHERS Fishermen

Pete Zuanich began fishing in 1932 on the Andrew Z 11 out of Bellingham, Washington. He had fished with his father before, but not for a "share." Later, he fished on the Antarctic for four years under Pete Bozanich and learned a great deal about fishing from him. By 1940, at the age of 23, Pete became the skipper of the Andrew Z II and operated it for 21 years. He eventually acquired ownership of the boat and later sold her to Jerry Paolergio. He had the Admiral built in 1961 and ran her until 1986 when he had open heart surgery. Jerry Kuhns, who fished with Pete for over 35 years, ran the boat for a couple of years and then Pete sold her and retired completely from fishing. The vessel is now owned by Dan Rasar and is moored in Anacortes. Pete and his three brothers, Andrew, Tony, and Dick owned and operated purse seiners and fishpackers along the West Coast and Alaska for years.

Dick Zuanich sold the Del Rio to some Indians, who promptly wrecked it and hauled it up onto the beach at Point Roberts. The insurance company refused to pay anything on the vessel because of the total disregard the Indians showed to the boat and Dick never got a dime from either the Indians or the insurance company. Tony Zuanich owned the Marion, The Plover and the Fish Hawk. The Crusader, which was owned by Andrew Zuanich is still around but the name has been changed. Peter A. Zuanich, Pete's son, had the vessel Commodore (first one) The original name was West Land and came from Gig Harbor. He sold it and bought the Lucky Star, from Tom Evich, renaming her the Commodore. Jim Zuanich, Andrew's son, has the vessel Marshal Tito. When a local couple went to Komiza for a visit and went into the local post office, there on the wall was a photo of the Marshal Tito proudly displayed for all to see. (Sleasman 1999)

ZUANICH, DOMINIC Fisherman

Dominik Zuanich came to America in 1904 from the island of Vis, Croatia when he was 18 years old. Records show that Dominic sailed from Marselles, France on the ship, St. Paul. The ship came to Ellis Island. He began fishing immediately upon his arrival at Fairhaven, Washington. In 1908, he had the 44 foot Andrew Z. built at the Strubstad Shipyard in Tacoma. It was powered by a 20 hp Frisco Standard gas engine. He operated the boat for four years and then sold it when he needed a larger boat. He built the Andrew Z 11 at the Barbare Brothers Shipyard in Tacoma in 1912 and the vessel had a 40 hp engine. The Andrew Z II stayed in the family for 49 years. His wife, Mary, died in 1945 and Dominic pretty much lost interest in fishing after that, although he did fish a couple more years with his son, Peter, retiring about 1947. (Sleasman 1999)

ZUANICH, JOHN Fisherman

John was born in Komiza, Island of Vis, Dalmatia in 1895, the son of Florence and Anna Zuanich. His father was an innkeeper but John found his calling to be the sea and fishing. He pursued this dream to the new world and settled in Bellingham, Washington in 1913. By 1915 John had relocated to San Pedro and set up his own fishing boat, the Welcome. 1918 was a busy year for John. He brought his parents over from Dalmatia and married Minnie Petrich. Even though the union of Minnie and John was short (she died in April 1923) they had three children: Anna, Lawrence and John Jr. In 1925 John married Rose Evelyn Dimich and adopted her children from a previous marriage.

ZUANICH, MARION J. Grocery Business

Marion was born in Dalmatia to Simon and Olive Zuanich in 1871. His father was a merchant who traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa. After the Boer war (1906) Marion took his family to the new world living for short periods of time in Buenos Aires, and Valparaiso, Chile where he operated general stores. Marion went to San Francisco in 1917; from there he moved to San Jose, where he purchased a store and a home, and remained for four years. In 1923 he disposed of his property there and came to San Pedro, where he operated a grocery and meat market at 1009 South Center Street. Marion married Philippina Zitkovich and had four children: Louise, Catherine, John, and Martin.

ZUDENIGO, CHARLES Professor

Charles Zudenigo is a Professor in the Foreign Language Department at Southern Oregon College, Ashland, Oregon. Born June 1, 1902 in Senj, Croatia. Education includes Gymnasium, Senj, Croatia, Graduate,1919; University of Zagreb, Croatia, LL.D., 1930; Catholic University, Paris, France, Lic., 1938; University of Aix-la Provence, France with a major field in History of Western Civilization, French Language and literature. Translation of Lucijan Kordic"s poetry into English, "The Tomb in the Cathedral." Journal of Croatian Studies, 1962-63.

ZUKOVIC, DAN Writer Director

Slight but sharp, “Who Killed Orson Welles?” takes and aim at contemporary Hollywood. The target may be familiar, but the satiric thrusts generate a surprising amount of laughter, thanks to writer/director Dan Zukovics unsparing sensibility and some wonderfully observed performances. The one-hour show is acutally made up of two sketches and a broken-up monolouge, which initially appear unrelated.  But Zukovic ties them together in a satisying neat package. One of his points is that the American masses get the entertainment they deserve.  Those masses are represented by two Hawaiian-clad guys from Milwaukee (Duane Whitaker and Bill Sehres), who arrive at LAX determined to pose for snapshots with some big celebrities, and also by the faces of a hundred moviegoers (drawn by an uncredited artist) watching the proceedings from the walls of the stage. The Milwaukee duo meets no celebritites.  But they do find a Middle Eastern moenybags (Zukovic) who’s trying to cast his movie “Vampire Housewives of Beverly Hills” by having a drink with a toadying agent (Daniel Roebuck) and his latest discovery, New York performance artist Duchenka (Anneke Van Lippen). They also encounter a hollow-eyed fellow (Rick Askew), who actually had a part in a 1971 “Mission: Impossible” episode. He hasn’t worked since then, but he still believes the cliches about the significance of an actor’s calling. The entire cast is attuned to the smallest nuances.  That includes Mitch Mayaer as a waiter who pays dearly for his feeble ambitions.  This character’s humiliation is painfully funny, with the accent on the painful. Whitaker and Brad Zukovic also contributed to the scrip, and Frank Morant and Andrew Tsao designed the evocative lights and sound.

ZUZIC, MARKO Professor

Marko Zuzuc is a Professor of International Politics and Economics at Keystone Junior College in La Plume, Pennsylvania. He was born April 6, 1902 in Soljani, Croatia and is married with one child. Education included World Economics College, Vienna, Austria, 1921-22; Commercial College, Berlin, Germany, M.C.S., Commercial Sciences and Economics, 1922-24; University of Vienna, Austria, School of Law and Political Science, Ph.D., 1925; Oriental Academy, Vienna, Modern Languages, Oriental History; Political Academy, Berlin, Diplomatic History; University of Berlin, Theories of Modern Capitalism. Major field was economics, political science, business administration with a specialty in International Trade and Development; Industrial Economy. His Thesis was Peasant-House Communities in Croatia, University of Berlin, 1924, M.C.S. Memberships: American Association of University Professors; National Educucation Association; American Academy of Political and Social Sciences; Amererican Economic Association; Amererican Catholic Economic Association; Pontifical International Marian Academy, Rome; American Association of Teachers of French; American Association of Teachers of German; American Society of Ephesus, Executive Director; Association for Preservation of Early Christian Monuments, Ephesus. Published A Short History of St. John in Ephesus, 1960. Work and professional experience included 1943-46 Economic Studies of the Middle East; 1946-48 Financial and Economic Adviser to the Turkish Government on economic planning and development and social recovery; 1948- Founder and director of still operating center: International Studies and Development. In this capacity in charge of conception and execution of several programs of economic development of different countries in Europe, Middle East, South East Asia, and Africa; Between 1948-64, accomplished, or associated with, economic and political analyses of some 37 European, Asian and African countries. With this program maintained offices in Istanbul, Rome, Geneva, Paris, London, Brussels, Frankfurt a. m. and New York City; 1963-65 Hershey Junior College, Hershey, Pennsylvania. Modern Languages; 1964-65 Harrisburg Area Community College, Associate Professor; 1965- Keystone Jr. College, La Plume, Pennsylvania, International Politics, International Economics; 1967- Temple University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Graduate School, visiting lecturer, Economic History and Development of Modern Capitalism.

ZVETINIA, EDMUND J. Military

Major Zvetina was born September 7, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois. His field is History, and he has an M.A. from Syracuse University, at Syracuse, New York. He is a Major in the U.S. Air Force. He has been stationed in Berlin and Eastern Germany, Frankfort, West Germany, Moscow, Russia, Thailand and Cambodia. His thesis was on Russian-American Relations, 1890-1906. He currently resides in San Francisco, California.

ZVETINA, JOHN A. Attorney-Professor

Professor John A. Zvetina, an eminent authority on international law, was born on April 20, 1898, in Chicago of Croatian parents. Since 1925 he has been teaching at Loyola University in Chicago. A prominent scholar and lawyer, he is active in numerous religious, social, and patriotic organizations. For his outstanding work as a Catholic layman, Professor Zvetina was named a Knight of St. Gregory in December, 1954, by Pope Pius XII.

ZVETINA, RAYMOND F. United States Attorney

Raymond was born in Chicago, Illinois October 30, 1932. A trial lawyer by profession. He graduated from Loyola University in Chicago, then Harvard Law School. After completing his law degree Raymond served in San Diego, California as Assistant United States Attorney. Zvetina is a member of the American, Chicago and Federal Bar Associations and presently resides in La Jolla, California.

ZVIERKOVICH, JOHN Restaurant

John Zvierrkovich, proprietor of the Opera Restaurant at Woodland, is the son of John and Mary (Vidole) Zvierkovich, natives of Dalmatia, Croatia. Mr. Zvierkoviach, the subject of this brief mention, was born in Croatia in 1864, and in 1878 came to California, locating directly in Stockton, where his first employment was as a waiter in a restaurant. Being ambitious to excel as a caterer, he at length began to conduct such an institution upon his own responsibilities, in the city of Woodland, Yolo County, and he has now as fine a restaurant as can be found in any town of 15,000 inhabitants. his present place was opened by him in 1887, and is estimated at $2,000 value. He is a member of the I.O.R.M. of Sacramento lodge No. 39, is yet unmarried, and is esteemed by all as a good citizen and a responsible business man.