Croatian Day

1938 San Francisco: Croatians attending last Sunday’s Croatian Day in San Francisco have no need for such exaggeration, because there certainly was a packed house for the afternoon program, and twice as packed for the Grand Ball. A more enthusiastic crowd of both young and old people is hard to find at any affair- certainly it’s many a moon since such a crowd attended any Croatian Function here on the west coast.

The afternoon program opened by M.J. Tudja chairman of the committee, was excellent. Senator “Andy” Pierovich’s treatment of the job as Master of Ceremonies for the entire day deserves commendation. Starting off in the Croatian language, he showed he had as good a command of our language as any of our American born youngsters. Most of the Senator’s speaking, however, was in English. John D. Butkovich, National President of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, addressed the gathering in the Croatian language and Mr. Butkovich is certainly a master of the oratorical art. Milan M. Petrak, editor of the Croatian Fraternal Union official organ, also coming here with Mr. Butkovich from Pittsburgh, spoke on some of the work accomplished by the powerful organization of American Croatians.

Coming from Astoria, Oregon., Senator F. M. Franciscovich, presiding officer of the Oregon Senate, delivered the speech on “My Impression of the Croatian People” in the English language. After listening to Mr. Francisovich’s masterful control of the English language, we are not surprised that he has risen to such great heights in the political machinery of our neighboring state.

The appearance of Senator Culbert L. Olson, escorted to the stage by Math Kovacevich and other leading Croatian democrats, was the occasion for the noisiest demonstration of the afternoon. He was cheered and welcomed in many ways from the moment he entered the auditorium doors until he was seated on the stage. The Democratic gubernational nominee spoke on his political experiences with Croatian people in the south, the reports he had received of their activity here in the north and on his candidacy in general. The audience certainly left no doubt in the Senator’s mind as to their choice for governor.

Following the speeches an excellent musical program was presented by our leading local singers.  Vinko Karuza began by rendering two fine numbers, and he was followed with solos by Mate Culich Dragun and Miss Anna Fabian, and Later by a buet combining Mr. Dragun and Miss Fabian.

Crowded galleries, stuffed-up bar rooms, fold dancing in the lower hall, and a swaying swinging mass of dancing youth in the main dancing hall, marked the events of the colorful evening. The Queen of the Day, Miss Katherine Perusina, was crowned by John D. Butkovich at 11 o’clock and the most colorful and beautiful grand march ever seen here followed the coronation ceremony. The committee chosen from the forty participating organizations can never receive all the thanks they deserve nor could all the profits made on the celebration repay them for the fine job they have performed and brought to such a successful conclusion. The executive committee consisted of M.J. Tudjia, chairman; N.J. Nikolas, 1st vice president; R.N. Zec, 2nd vice president; J.L. Kerpan, secretary; Miss Katherine Knezovich, assistant secretary; P.P. Tornich, treasurer.