ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T
Volume 96 Number 17
Benevolence
H E R A L D
Humanity
Brotherhood
April 23, 2008
ISSN —07458800
“The Fayetteville Years” commemorated with historical marker in 1896 at the Fayette County vocal “Pisnicka SPJST members from across Texans Courthouse in La Grange. For more Ceska,” and the
Texas gathered in Fayetteville, Texas, on a warm Sunday, April 6 to recognize Fayetteville as the sight of the first SPJST Home Office. The program opened with the presentation of colors by 2007-2008 SPJST State Duke Laramie Cass and State Duchess Kellie Ihlenfeldt and the Pledge of Allegiance by State King Colby Havemann and State Queen Lindsey Jones, all of Lodge 17, New Tabor. Fayetteville Mayor and 2007 SPJST State Fraternalist of the Year Ronnie Pflughaupt delivered the welcome. Fayette County Historical Commission Chairman Linda Dennis unveiled the historical marker that reads: The Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas, known in English as the Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas (SPJST), is a fraternal organization founded by Czech-
than 50 years, its headquarters were here in Fayetteville, largely through the influence of SPJST Secretary J.R. Kubena, a central figure in the organization. In 1953, the SPJST moved the Home Office to Temple. Through the years, membership has grown steadily. And today, the SPJST continues to contribute to Texas communities by promoting Czech heritage, community service, youth programs and scholarships, and by providing life insurance for its members. Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka then spoke about Czechs in Fayette County followed by SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek addressing the years that SPJST spent in Fayetteville. SPJST Supreme Lodge Chairman and District One Director Donnie Victorick concluded with a discussion on SPJST’s proud past and present traditions. 2007 Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen Marianne Beran performed a
Elgin member eyes exhibit Lodge 18, Elgin member Dollie Hajda admires a 1929 Ford Model A Cabriolet owned by Lodge 38, Kovar members Edwin and Donna Zimmerhanzel, of Muldoon (not shown) during the Bloomin’ Temple SPJST Car Show Saturday, April 12, 2008, in Temple, Texas. Sister Hajda said while looking at it, "I think this is a doozie." Thanks to the Temple Daily Telegam and Photographer Rebekah Workman for use of this photo that originally appeared in the April 13 Telegram.
SPJST District One Youth Beseda Dancers concluded the entertainment. Guests then were invited to SPJST Lodge 1, Fayetteville for a fried chicken dinner prepared by the members of Lodge 1. Background The reason that Fayetteville was the nucleus and center of Descendants of first SPJST Supreme Lodge Secretary J.R. Kubena are pictured by the historithe administration of cal marker recognizing Fayetteville as the SPJST SPJST for over half a headquarters for more than 50 years. Pictured are century was because granddaughters Patsy Pflughaupt, left, front, and the central figure in Kaye Walla, right, front, and grandchildren Ronnie administering the Pflughaupt and Sharon Fritsch, children of Patsy. affairs of the Society, They are all members of Lodge 1, Fayetteville. Secretary J.R. Kubena, had his personal business family resided in Moulton. He later operations located in that city, except purchased a fine home in Fayetteville for a couple of years when he and his where he was living at the time of his death. Until his death on May 3, 1938, Kubena administered the affairs of the SPJST out of a single room in his general merchandise store from a stand-up desk. It wasn’t until the early 30s that the other officers were made full time and additional office space was needed. That is when the Supreme Lodge officers rented the building housing the former Fayetteville State Bank (a door or two down) in October, 1932, for a rental fee of $30 a month. That building served two, then three, Supreme Lodge officers until the early 1940s when the records and offices were moved to the building that today houses the Chovanec Grocery. Until the latter building was acquired, meet-
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Inside This Week’s Vestnik Interest Rates ......................................3 Family Fun Dates ................................3 District News .......................................4 Lodge Section .....................................6 Convention Map ................................12 Reunions ............................................12
Join Hands Day Projects..................20 Youth...................................................22 In Memoriam ......................................26 Czech Culture ....................................28 Advertisements ............................28-29 Activities Calendar............................30
Lodge 107 Floresville membership banquet
Lodge 23 Moravia spring clean-up Page 8
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Lodge 183 Arlington members enjoy family fun night Page 10