Volume 96 Number 39
ˇ ´ VESTNIK S P J S T Benevolence
H E R A L D
Humanity ISSN —07458800
In 2001, Louis and Oleta Hanus of Houston donated the funds to buy a historic building near the SPJST Home Office in Temple for the LAM. For several years, the LAM Board of Directors has worked diligently to establish the new entity and raise funds for the restoration of the Hanus Building. It became apparent to SPJST and to the SPJST LAM Board that it would also be necessary to establish a new identity for the museum, and the name change became the first step. After doing research through the State of Texas Attorney General’s office, it was determined that the new name was unique within Texas. The library in the Czech Heritage Museum has the largest Czech genealogy collection in Texas, and it draws researchers from all over the United States. The new facility will allow people to trace their families during expanded hours and several computers with genealogy programs and internet access that will provide added research capability and information. The new name reflects the emphasis on family research available presently and at the new facility. Presently, and for approximately another eight to 10 months, the museum and library will continue to be located in the basement of the SPJST Home Office at 520 North Main Street in Temple. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Expanded hours will begin after the move. —SPJST—
Interest Rates ......................................3 Family Fun Dates ................................3 Czech Fun Activities ...........................4 District News........................................5 Lodge Section......................................8 Czech Feszt Forms ...........................20
Youth...................................................23 Quarterly Report................................24 In Memoriam ......................................25 Reunions ............................................25 Czech Culture ....................................26 Activities Calendar ............................30
Brotherhood
October 1, 2008
Lodge 92, Fort Worth Youth Club: Beseda Dance Dreams
SPJST Library, Archives and Museum officially changes name
Recently, the Board of Directors of the SPJST Library, Archives and Museum voted to officially change the name of the organization to The Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center, and the name has been officially registered with the State of Texas. Jerry Milan, board president said, “The name change is to better reflect the status of the museum in the Czech community and emphasize the resources available. As we are beginning the process of the restoration of the Hanus Building and the move of artifacts and the library to its new location, it seemed appropriate to establish the new and unique identity.” In January, 1971, the SPJST Home Office opened the doors of its new location and featured the museum on the first floor of the building. Over several years prior to 1971, SPJST Supreme Lodge President Nick Morris and Curator/Librarian Otto Hanus collected books and artifacts relating to Czech culture in Texas. The 1971 opening made the collection available for the public to view. Donations kept coming in, and eventually the museum needed to move to the basement of the Home Office to accommodate everything. Soon, it outgrew that space. At the 2000 SPJST Convention, delegates voted for the SPJST LAM to become a separate entity so that it could seek IRS 501(c)(3) (non-profit) status, establish a separate board of directors, and begin the process of relocating the museum.
Lodge 92, Fort Worth Youth Club members are one step closer to a beseda dance circle—thanks to lodge member Pam Durham, second from left. The youth club hosted a 50/50 drawing at the lodge’s Czech Heritage Day dance on September 20 to raise funds for beseda costumes. The winner drawn won half of the proceeds. Winner Pam Durham donated her winnings back to the youth club. Now they have the money to get their costumes made! Pictured with Pam are, left to right, 20082009 State Duchess Lauren Traugott, Arianna Davies, Katherine Durham, State Queen Alexa Hubenak, Brooke Hood, and Caroline Durham.
October is Czech Heritage Month in Texas. Sunday, October 5 is Heritage Day at the State Fair of Texas See page 27 for performance schedule.
Inside This Week’s Vestnik Page 9
District One youth ride SPJST Float in Caldwell parade
Page 15
Lodge 219 El Paso adults, youth enjoy swim party
Page 24
District Six youth visit SPJST Home Office