FSWFE History
FIRST SLOVAK WREATH OF THE FREE EAGLE
By: Justine Wesnak, FSWFE
President
The First Slovak Wreath of
the Free Eagle (FSWFE) was founded on September 24, 1896. It merged
with and became a distinguished division of the National Slovak
Society on January 1, 1997. Many outstanding leaders as well as
local, national and international events influenced its founding.
This is merely a condensed review of the leaders and programs most
responsible for its colorful and successful 100 year history.
FSWFE’S FOUNDERS -
In 1896 the leaders of two Slovak organizations in Bridgeport, Connecticut;
the St. John Nepomucene Society, founded in 1887 and St. Stephen’s
Society, founded in 1888; met to create the First Slavonic Wreath
of the Free Eagle; renamed First Slovak Wreath of the Free Eagle
in 1929.
The founding
of FSWFE began the Slovak Fraternal movement in Connecticut and
the oldest and largest Slovak Colony in New England. Eventually
FSWFE established local Leafs in states coast to coast. Pennsylvania’s
membership quickly became the largest and most active.
Although it was significantly
Catholic and mainly women who swelled its membership over the century,
FSWFE was founded as a Slovak gymnastic society that was non-denominational
and predominantly male. FSWFE proudly participated in the building
and/or maintenance of churches of all Christian denominations.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
- FSWFE was a truly active fraternal organization which provided
attractive benefits to enhance a member’s insurance policy. Social
activities and an outstanding gymnastic program for youth; that
continued into the 1930s; were among the first benefits.
The most
memorable and widely acclaimed were the generous dividends members
received annually from 1964 until 1992. Members received triple
dividends given annually 1980 thru 1988. An excellent scholarship
program, from 1966 thru 1997, helped many to pursue a college education.
In 1986 the "Fraternalist of the Year" program began honoring
members for outstanding volunteer service to their respective churches,
communities and especially the FSWFE.
FSWFE volunteers labored
unselfishly and served as officers of its umbrella organization
affiliates: the Slovak Catholic Federation, Slovak League of America
and the Slovak World Congress as well as the National Fraternal
Congress of America and State Fraternal Congresses of New England,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Renowned volunteerism, charitable
donations and member benefits, especially during the past half century,
earned FSWFE worldwide recognition as "the small organization
with the big heart".
OUTSTANDING NATIONAL LEADERS
- Among those who contributed most to the positive history of the
FSWFE include the late Michael A. Amrich, charter member and supreme
financial secretary for 53 years; the late Matthew Cintula, supreme
officer for 53 years - 26 as president. The late Dr. John R. Gulash,
medical director for 40 years.
Among
legal advisors who protected the rights of FSWFE were Attorneys,
the late John J. Vavrence, for 40 years and John R. (Bob) Gulash,
Jr. for 17 years. The advice of Edward J. Chanda, professional stock
broker and financial consultant of FSWFE for 45 years along with
the guidance of Andrew Kaza, a business owner who served as finance
committee secretary for 3 decades helped to maintain an excellent
financial condition for FSWFE.
Women who broke barriers
to serve in national offices with distinction include Anna Katusak,
first youth director; Marion D. (Amrich) Fay, first woman elected
supreme financial secretary, served for 21 years; Margaret (Kochis)
Pilosi, youth director for 10 years and the first women elected
president, 1980 - 1988; Justine (Mello) Wesnak served for 20 years
including 8 as youth director, serving as the first full time national
president, CEO and editor of FSWFE’s quarterly publication - 1988
until merger with the NSS was complete in mid 1997.
YOUTH PARTICIPATION - FSWFE exulted in its
young leaders. At the four conventions since 1984 an average of
12 of 100 delegates were younger than 35 and several were elected
as national officers. In 1996 at the time of its centennial 6 of
19 FSWFE elected officials, most were local offices as well, were
under 40. In the 1980s FSWFE led its fellow Slovak fraternal organizations
in sponsoring youth to attend events and conventions of all Slovak
umbrella organizations. Many of those FSWFE representatives were
elected to serve those organizations as officers.
MERGER WITH NSS -
The FSWFE, like other small fraternal organizations face many challenges;
among them a dwindling membership which causes a decrease in premium
Additional complications are caused by the constantly escalating
costs of doing business, which challenge even those organizations
that are as financially sound as was the FSWFE.
During
its 34th (and last) National Convention held in September
1996 FSWFE delegates celebrated a centennial and voted for merger.
Merger was the most realistic solution to facing the challenges
being caused by a shrinking membership and premium income compounded
by escalating costs of doing business.
Several
outstanding organizations had been actively pursuing merger with
FSWFE. Delegates voted for NSS as a merger partner because NSS offered
a merger proposal that was the most beneficial to FSWFE members.
The general consensus of FSWFE and NSS leaders and members is that
merger has proven to be a beneficial and happy experience for both
organizations. May God grant us continued success.
The last
Board of Directors of FSWFE elected in 1996 before its merger with
NSS were: Spiritual Advisor, Msgr. Thomas V. Banick; President,
Justine Wesnak; Vice Presidents Gary Cepko and Joseph Hricz; Secertary/Treasurer,
Edward J. Chanda; Legal Advisor, John R. Gulash, Jr.; Medical Examiner,
Dr. John R. Gulash and Youth Director, Linda Hricz-Borges.
