VOL. VIII, No. IV

Czech Cultural Center

Museum • Library • Archives

H o u s t o n , Te x a s

Winter 2003

( K U LT U R N I C E N T R U M C E S K E )

“We are bound to our memories and there are no scissors that can sever these strong fibers. Or ropes.” Jaroslav Seifert, Czech poet

“The first thing, establishing ideals, is the most important, because it determines how far the nation has advanced, what it has been capable of hitherto.” Jan Patocka, Czech philosopher

Czech 101 According to William E. Bill Souchek, Master Educator Bill Souchek is a national, even a world treasure! He is our treasure! He has been teaching others his whole life by his words and deeds. He has made many newsjournals, numerous times but we think he needs, deserves, to be honored on the front cover of our newsmagazine. He has lived a full, long life that is and should be emulated by others, never losing the zest for life and positive spirit. He was hard pressed to continue in this vein after the loss of his dear lifelong companion, Alice, but has continued being active in the community giving of himself. A consummate story teller he combines his stories of lore about his experience as it relates to his Czech heritage flavoring them with Czech words and phrases to teach the meaning and substance of the Czech language to his many students through the years. Students he has taught mainly as an unpaid volunteer who loves the Czech language so much that he would do it for no pay but the love of his students. We have profiled him in previous issues but this issue is dedicated to the man that has told us many times, “I want to live long enough to see the Czech Center Building and Center come to fruition,” and “You have to keep on keeping on.” Mr. Souchek, we have! Here follow examples of stories that he uses to punctuate his class lessons that define his personality and life better than this brief preface of this outstanding individual. Please refer to the previous two issues and reread his stories in light of this honor of featuring him on our cover.

Why Study a Foreign Language? Many times I wonder at how easy it seems for foreign dignitaries to get together to decide policies of Wm. E. Bill Souchek celebrates his 98th birthday great importance involving their nations. The differences seem to disappear and before one realizes it at the Czech Center December 1, 2003 the important policies have been settled. Surely, they are well versed in the languages they have chosen to represent. These representatives know the basics of the languages they are representing. Babi Neradova (my maternal grandmother) was my tutor of the Czech language. Her classical speech, learned in Prague, is what I learned from her. It differed from that casually spoken at home. Babi passed away when I was six. That ended the study, so it was up me to look up the grammar by myself. Her diction, absorbed by me, brought me into Czech activities and plays. This condition remained the same through about twenty years at Kinkaid School, and another twenty-plus at Prudential Insurance Company, Mortgage Loan Department, and retirement in 1970. Early into 1974, I casually read a news item, that Dr. Joseph Skrivanek, the Czech instructor at Texas A&M College, was planning on a two-week study tour at Charles University with about 15 students. An aura of hope engulfed me! I couldn’t believe that such a condition could exist where I might participate, and that Alice would agree and go with me. In this instance impatience was a virtue! The next day I called Dr. Skrivanek and made an appointment to see him the coming Saturday. There were no super-highways then, just plain old dirt roads. We arrived at lunchtime and Dr. Skrivanek insisted we were his guests in the school cafeteria. Excitement didn’t allow me to taste the food. I just ate and wondered how my question of going with his group of students was going to develop. Finally, Dr. Skrivanek asked why we drove such a distance. Swallowing hard, and almost choking on the last bite, I told him about wanting to go to Charles University. Looking carefully at me he answered, “Ale, pane Soucku, vy jste na to moc stary.” “Oh, but Mr. Soucek, you’re too old for that.” Wow, what a letdown! The trip home was indeed a peculiar trip! “Why don’t you talk to me, Bill? ” “Because he said I was too old for it! I’ll (continued on page 5) show him!” (Now, that is where the foreign dignitaries are superior to us inexperienced Americans.) His answer was

Celebrating the Culture, Language, Scholarship and the Arts of Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia and Silesia. 1

From the Chairman Effie M. Rosene “Building the future...remembering the past...leaving a legacy.” “May the work I’ve done speak for me!”

The News of The Czech Center Czech Cultural Center Houston 2315 Del Norte Houston, Texas 77018-1018 Tel 713-682-4608 The Market Place 713-686-6362 email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Web Page: http://www.czechcenter.org

Attending the MDBA luncheon, l to r: Frank & Mary Pokluda, Sherry Rosene Pierce, Patsy Veselka Wells, Cathy Rosene Anderson, Effie & Bill Rosene, Mary Jane Rozypal, Robert Dvorak

Vol. VIII, No. IV Winter 2003

Czech Cultural Center Houston Receives Museum District Award

From the Chairman, Member Updates, Founder Profiles, Around the World, Czech Business, Briefs, Travel, Letters to the Editor, Happenings

With its new facility at 4920 San Jacinto nearing completion, Czech Cultural Center Houston was honored by the Museum District Business Alliance’s presentation of its 2003 Annual Community Award to founders Effie and Bill Rosene. The award, presented December 11, 2003 at La Colombe D’Or in Houston, recognizes nonprofit organizations, companies, and on occasion, individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the Houston area. The goal of Museum District Business Alliance is the improvement and public enjoyment of the neartown communities, promoting enterprise and the cultural arts. Museum District Business Alliance honors only ten such organizations annually from all facets of the public and private sectors. Czech Cultural Center Houston’s new $4.5 million-dollar structure is a significant addition toward enhancing the district. The Czech Center, active in the community for more than eight years, broke ground on the facility in February 2002. ❧

QUOTE ON THE COVER Jaroslov Seifert Jan Patocka Effie M. Rosene, Editor/Contributor Publication committee: W. G. Bill Rosene, Sherry Pierce, Cathy Anderson, Christie Johnson Website: Leroy Hurta Computer Consult: Frank Smith The News of the Czech Center is published four times per year by the Czech Cultural Center Houston to inform members, donors and interested parties of the Center’s activities. Editing, Design and Production is accomplished in-house by the Center’s Development Board. Send articles and activities well in advance to: Czech Cultural Center Houston 2315 Del Norte Houston, Texas 77018-1018 The opinions expressed in The News of the Czech Center are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the

OUR MISSION The Purpose of the Czech Cultural Center Houston is to unify the Czech/Slovak American Community around issues of importance and provide a central focus for all things Czech related, serving as a clearing house for information useful for members, visitors, individuals, organizations, and the media. The CCCH will: Promote the Czech Culture and Heritage by preserving, recording and celebrating the language, scholarship, and the arts of Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia and Silesia; Sponsor activities and events to accent special persons, places and provide a forum for lectures, concerts, exhibits and interaction with citizens visiting from the Czech and Slovak republics; Provide Czech language instruction, a museum, archives, genealogy research facilities, and a library for history and contemporary research of the Czech peoples; Perform works of charity and mutual aid which include granting scholarships to promote the continuation of our cultural heritage.

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Effie Rosene’s acceptance remarks on receiving MDBA’s award from President Claude Wynn Thank you Mr. Wynn. We are proud to be a part of this beautiful awards luncheon at La Colombe D'Or today. To be among the business, industry and professional organizations representative of Houston’s virtual movers and shakers is awesome. We applaud the Museum District Business Alliance for what they are doing, annually recognizing those who make a difference in the community, making Houston a better place to live. First, we wish to introduce our table, some of our cheering section, two of our three daughters, Sherry Rosene Pierce with M.D. Anderson Hospital Leukemia Research Department; Cathy Rosene Anderson with Baylor Methodist Hospital Hypertension Research Department; Honorary Board Members Frank and Mary Pokluda; Board Members, composer Robert Dvorak and business owner Patsy Wells and Mary Jane Rozypal, Vice President, Bank of America. We are very pleased the Czech Cultural Center Houston, with its beautiful Baroque building in final completion of construction on San Jacinto at Wichita, is being significantly noted here. In that regard, we know that to leave a legacy to all those of Czech and Slovak heritage, our ancestors who came and stayed and made a difference – and they still are – we must pass that legacy on. And that is what we are doing with the Czech Cultural Center Houston. Everyone’s roots are important. It’s why we are good Americans and hopefully better world-class citizens. It began with a vision – what we then considered a goal. Its success relied on those who can - those who wanted to achieve. The obstacles were overwhelming – lack of funding, lack of human resources – but even a blind person who has lost his sight hasn’t lost his vision. And so, from the vision and the visionaries, we achieved in the Museum District the new Czech Cultural Center Houston – an asset to the city, to our state and internationally. And yes, you can have the vision but you do need a village to help build it! Thank you. We wish all of you blessings of the Christmas season. ❧

The Charles and Betti Saunders Foundation presents annual gift from trustees, Charles, Betti, son Stephen, daughters, Cindy Buggs, Melanie Mahoney and Shelley Eatherly.

2003 Gala Honorees Charles & Betti Saunders, son Stephen and wife Pat.

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Member Update (September 9, 2003 to January 9, 2004) New Members

Dorothy Tumlinson

Velke Kolo Beatrice Mladenka-Fowler & Jesse Fowler

Member Renewals Mary Ann Akers Beatrice R. Barler Ladd Bednar Terri K. Bernath Robert & JoAnn Bily Joyce & Willie Bohuslav, Jr. Lucy & J. J. Brosch Marge Calvert Willa Mae Cervenka Nancy Chlodnicki Dorothy H. Chowenski Viola Krejci Cox Irene Cross Esther Fojt Cunningham Czech Catholic Union Marilyn DeMarco Terri Dockal James Doubek Pamela & William Drastata Fr. Vincent Dulock Jan V. Dura Edward J. Dworsky Gladys & Marcial Forester Veronica H Frost Carolyn & Glen Gerken Helen Komanec Green Cathy & Ted Hajdik Sibley & Milton Havlick Edwin Hlavaty Stephen Hlavinka Jerrie & Victor Holy Mary & Daniel Holub Margie Horn Colleen Hruska Joseph Hurka Bette & Jerry Hurta Daniel I. Jezek Jean & Joe Jungbauer Ann Jurecka Henrietta Klecka Viola Klinkovsky Juanita & Daniel Kocian Dennis Kokas Lynne & Doug Kokas Palma & Jerry Koudelka Victor Kovar Richard Kratovil Linda Kutach Dorothy & Emil Kvapil Katherine & Eugene Labay Ernest & Delores Laitkep Judith & John Lanik, Jr. Robert A. Logan Helen & Roger Marsh Lydia & Thomas Marsh Vickie Matocha Cathy & Ronnie Matthews Vlasta Mattice Susan & Roger Mechura Grace A. Mensik Donna & Guenter Merkle Leta Mae Middleton David Miller, MD & Sally Miller, Ph.D Lois & Paul Mizerak Dorothy & Alois Mladenka Linda & David Moore Ann & Charles Orsak Elizabeth & Steve Orsak Pat Parma Mary Grace & Tony Pavlik Alice & W.F. Pearson Elsie Pecena

Founder Ervin Adam, MD & Vlasta Adam, MD Helen & Lynn Blankenburg Midred & Joseph Borden Elizabeth Cupitt Marion & J.H. Freeman Zahava Haenosh Marietta Hetmaniak Jerry & Victor Holy Doris & Edward Janek Mary Jane Rozypal Sallie & Wayne Wendt Patron Sara Ann Barton Janet & Glenn Rawlinson Shelly Sekula-Gibbs, MD Margaret & Albert Smaistrla Dan Urbanek Sandra & Ken Voytek Hon. J.C. Zbranek & Nelda Zbranek Jerry Zmeskal Friend Melinda & Mark Kubala Linda May Elbert & Emma Machac Montgomery Teryle & Lyle Morrow Rev. Msgr. Dan Scheel Valeria & Ben Sheppard Betty Joyce Sikora Pam Vojacek Stephen Vrana Margaret Wakeman Tracey & Norman Zetka Corporate Jody Blazek Family Laura Bowne & Lana Sullenger Elise & John Cyr Robert & Anne Dybala Sharron & Tamim El Haje Mildred & Donald Grahmann Linda & Barry Hluchan Nellie & Louis Rychlik Claudine & Chris Skucius Individual Anna Ashmore Helen A. Baine In Memory of Peter J. Baine Rosie Bodien Raymond Fitzgerald Andrew Hardwick-Bohovcik Frank Horak Frances Jones Tommie Lostak Thomas Pesek Laura Pilgrim Dorothy M. Rainer Pamela Rezabek Matthew Robey Thomas Ryza Lawrence Sodolak Lisa Sikora Thompson

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Ronald D. Pechacek Joseph Pesl Bernice & Robert Petru Donald Pisar, MD Sr. Rosanne Plagens Mary Ann Polk Richard Powell Dolores Power Kay & Ronnie Pruett Val & Jan Rasl Dennis Roeder Rose Marie Baca Rohde Elsie Roznovsky Barbara Jircik Schlattman & Russell H. Schlattman II, DDS Jean & Drew Shebay Sylvia Jez Schiller Anna Schindler Lillie Schneider Marilyn & Charles Sikora Frances Sowder SPJST Lodge #172 Sylvester Suda Mary & Ben Symmank Margie Jez Toman Diane & Jorge Traconis Charlotte & Henry A. Tyroch Dorothy & Ben Ulbrich Marjorie E. White Carole & Clifford Vacek Rebecca & Roy Vajdak Sylvie C. Vavra Linda & Gene Veselka Maureen & Sylvester Viaclovsky Stanley Vrla Charles Waligura Cecile Wheeler Loretta & Dale Whittington Rita Wilhite Natalie Woodruff Frank Yanda, Jr. Honors Cecilia Forrest Bob Forrest Andrew Zurik Robert Z. Zurik Memorials Adele Glomb Charles Pustejovsky Harvey & Olga Dolezal Measels Dianna & Ken Dorman Alfred Kolar & Frank Sobolik Karen Hall Memorial/Honor Wall Burnette Jurica Boyett Lucy & J. J. Brosch Clara & Johnny Broz Raymond R. Darilek, Jr. Lillian Horak Dulaney Connie & James Ede Linda G. Ellis J.H. & Marion Freeman Adelma Graham Zahava Haenosh Jerry & Victor Holy Leslie & Gladys Kahanek Kelli & Phillip Nevlud Clarence & Bobbie Pertl Bernice & Robert Petru Pamela Rezabek Justine Jurica Rivoire

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Margaret & Albert Smaistrla Ann Maresh Wheeler Capital Campaign Annual Fund Gifts Special Benefactor Betti & Charles Saunders Benefactor Delores Jansa & Arthur M. Jansa, MD Louis J. and Millie M. Kocurek Charitable Foundation MBC Foundation Mary Grace & Tony Pavlik Mary & Frank Pokluda, Jr. Patron Sponsor Justine J. Rivoire Founding Friend Bank of America, Matching Gift Mary Jane Rozypal Karolina Adam, MD & John G. Dickerson Helen & Lynn Blankenburg Eugene Cernan Georgia Krauskopf Minnie Petrusek Debbie & Billy Shortner Naomi Kostom Spencer Pamela Vojacek Special Sponsor Edna & Bill Cox Lillian Dulaney Robert J. Dvorak Jan V. Dura Charles Heyda Audrey Klump Kathy Kokas David Kvapil Eleanor & Thomas Leibham Jeanette & James Mallory Dennis Masar Rev. George J. Olsovsky, Jr. Gerald Opatrny Ernest J. Opella Cathy & Thomas Polk Annual Sponsor Jerry Elzner Jean & Joe F. Jungbauer, Jr. Garry M. Kramchak Isabel Matusek Sylvester Suda Annette M. Zinn Robert Zurik Other Rosalie & Frank Bannert Veronica H Frost Garry Kramchak Houston Alumnae of ZTA Sr. Rosanne Plagens Donation Norma Ashmore Rosie Bodien Joseph Hurka Kroger Lawrence Sodolak Clarence Tarnowski Gala VIII Underwriters Barbara Von Zuben Fosdick

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CLUB 200 Norma Ashmore* Martha & Earl Austin Joyce & Jim Braus Victoria Castleberry Father Paul Chovanec Allen+ & Dorothy Chernosky Marvin Chernosky, MD & Jean Chernosky Robert J. Dvorak Danna & James Ermis Cecilia & Bob Forrest Cynthia Gdula Lorraine Rod Green Oleta & Louis Hanus Lynn & Purvis Harper, MD Virginia & Henry Harper Bernice Cernosek Havelka+ Chris Hlavinka Ann Hornak Roy M. Huffington Delores Jansa & Arthur M. Jansa, MD Edwin Jurecka Gladys & Leslie Kahanek Tomas Klima, MD & Marcella Klima, MD Julie Halek Kloess Lillian & Robert Kokas Tim Kostom+ & Rosa Lee Kostom+ Betty & Mark Kubala, MD Marta R. Latsch Ann & Elbert Link Cora Sue & Harry Mach Thelma Burnett Maresh MBC Foundation John P. McGovern, MD Judy & Paul Pasemann Charlie Pavlicek Lindsey, Sarah, & Sherry Rosene Pierce Tony & Mary Grace Pavlik Mary & Frank Pokluda, Jr. Frank Pokluda, III Justine Rivoire Effie & Bill Rosene Betti & Charles Saunders Don Sheffield & Nancy Chernosky Sheffield Grace Skrivanek Clarice Marik Snokhous Raymond J. Snokhous Lilian & H.M. Sorrels, DDS William E. Souchek Naomi Kostom Spencer John R. Vacek Patsy A. Wells *Denotes new listing +Deceased

Membership A membership in the Czech Cultural Center Houston beside being rewarding to the individual is a necessary and vital component of our organization. Please consider these membership levels: Donor’s Circle Member $150 (3 year) Friend Patron $500 (5 year) Founder $1,000 (lifetime) Benefactor $5,000 (lifetime) Velke Kolo $10,000 (lifetime) Basic Annual Member $40 Family Individual $25 Student $15 Corporate $100 Non-profit Org. $100

Board of Directors Effie M. Rosene, Chairman James E. Ermis, Vice Chairman Rev. Paul Chovanec Rose Hrncir Deathe Robert J. Dvorak Ann Hornak Robert Kokas Beatrice Mladenka-Fowler Paul Pasemann Sandra Jircik Pickett Larry Pflughaupt Betti Friedel Saunders Clarice Marik Snokhous Patsy Veselka Wells Natalie Woodruff

Honorary Board Members Thelma Burnett Maresh William E. Souchek Dorothy Chernosky & Allen Chernosky+ Julie Halek Kloess Louis & Oleta Hanus Bernice Cernosek Havelka+ Tim+ & Rosa Lee Kostom+ Leslie & Gladys Kahanek Frank & Mary Pokluda Grace Skrivanek Naomi Kostom Spencer John R. Vacek +Deceased

Officers Effie M. Rosene, President W. G. Bill Rosene, V. P. Administration

James E. Ermis, Secretary Anthony E. Pavlik, Treasurer Lindra Vondra Smith, Ass’t Treasurer

Honorary Czech Consuls Raymond J. Snokhous – (Texas)

Kenneth H. Zezulka – (Louisana)

It should be noted we appreciate the work of former Czech Consul, Jerry Bartos of Dallas recently retired.

Masterpiece: Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.

Czech Republic Floods – A Retrospective A letter from the Prague Post Endowment Fund acknowledging receipt of a $1,000.00 donation to be used to restock books and rebuild damaged structures of Czech schools and community libraries damaged or destroyed in the Czech Republic floods of August 2002 rekindled a thought of this momentous event that had been obscured by events here in the United States and events that were occurring affecting our own organization. Floods unlike any in living memory struck Bohemia beginning on August 7, 2002. The resulting disaster is unprecedented in modern Czech history. The flooding, which resulted in the highest water levels in more than a century, was primarily the result of rainfall over a broad area, including southern Bohemia. Here, in just a few days, more rain fell than is normal for the entire year. The first flooding took place on the Cerna Malse River flowing out of the Nove Hrady Mountains, along the Czech-Austrian border. Soon after, rivers all over southern and western Bohemia began to rise simultaneously. The first reports of flooded towns and villages came from Ceske Krumlov, a UNESCO world heritage site which found itself submerged under 13.1 feet of water from the Vltava River. Seven bridges in and around the city were swept away and dozens of roads damaged or destroyed. In the city of Ceske Budejovice, waters flooded the center of the city, two residential districts and an industrial area. The municipal archives were totally flooded. Nearby towns also found themselves under water. The stone bridge in Pisek, which dates from the thirteenth century and is the oldest bridge in Central Europe was badly damaged and one of its Baroque statues was carried away in the torrent. (The Czech Cultural Center contributors sent funds to aid in the restoration of this historic structure along with money to an elementary school in Pisek that had suffered damage to its library.) A catastrophe on this scale had not been recorded in the 755-year history of Pisek. The Luznice River, swollen by waters from the huge fishponds around Trebon, flooded towns and cities all along its course. Fears that the dam holding back the Rozmberk pond would burst fortunately proved to be unfounded – the town ended up awash in “only” six and half feet of water. The swollen Dyje River in southern Moravia flowed over the dam of the Vranov reservoir flooding homes in the town of Znojmo. Majdalena and Metly, two southern Bohemian villages that were almost completely destroyed have become symbols of the Czechs’ futile struggle with the floods. Metly was wiped out of existence in only ten minutes by a 26-foot wave of floodwater from a burst dam. (Majdalena was the recipient of contributions from the CCCH for the repair of their church.) By Monday, August 12, it was clear that the floods posed a serious threat to Prague. First to be evacuated was Karlin, a day later police cleared Kampa Island. The Prague zoo had to be evacuated and unfortunately a number of rare animals were lost that could not be moved in time. The Vltava continued to rise and by the time it crested it was flowing at the rate of 159,000 cubic feet per second, a new record. Old town was partially flooded, Charles Bridge survived the onslaught, unlike other bridges and water gradually engulfed eight percent of the city territory. Tens of thousands of irreplaceable documents disappeared into the waters from the archives of the Academy of Science, the Czech Philharmonic, the Czech Statistical Office, several government ministries, the National Technical Museum and the Historical Institute of the Army. Water made its way into sixteen of Prague’s Metro stations in some cases reaching to the ceiling. Many parts of the City were without electricity. Even northern Bohemia was not spared. Damage is incalculable but estimates range from two billion dollars in property lost from the flood. Ed: The Czech Cultural Center Houston was proud to be a contributor in a small way to several villages, the Prague Post Endowment Fund and the Jewish Museum thanks to the largesse of many caring individuals that are members of our organization. We thank them for their caring response. ❧

Masterpiece Paintings Found Restored at Fayetteville Church It started with the surprise discovery of a beautiful old painting, found hiding behind a mirror in a room that was used for storage in the rectory at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fayetteville, Texas. Current priest, Father Jack Maddux, was clearing stored items to do a little remodeling in the rectory when he discovered the painting. A parishioner took the work of art to Houston to try and get it dated, and have it re-framed. Well known historic art restorer Antonio Loro of St. Mark’s Fine Arts Conservation and Restoration informed the parish priest that he had found a museum-quality work of art. Word of the find leaked out, and soon it was discovered that three more paintings were housed in the Fayetteville Museum on the square, where they had been in safekeeping for many years. Soon two ladies brought another one back to the church as it had been loaned out some years back. No one is really sure who loaned it to whom, but the women involved felt it was time to return it to the church. Finally, a last painting was found in what is called the “smallest Catholic Church in the world,” St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in Warrenton. All of the paintings needed some restorative work, some more than others. But Father Maddux had a picture of the church from the 1870's, from the inside that showed all the paintings in their original splendor inside the beautiful church. Loro did some research and discovered that the masterpieces were created by Ignaz Johann Berger, a Moravian artist who painted numerous altarpieces. He was most known for his religious paintings, including several passion cycles that were of typical composition and likenesses of the day. Ignaz Johann Berger was the artist who painted these masterpieces for St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in the late 1800’s. A Moravian he was born July 8, 1822 and died June 29, 1901 in a small town called Neutitschein. Moravia was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire surrounded by Hungary, Bohemia, Austria, and Prussia. He was the father of Julius Victor Berger and the nephew of Anton Berger, both painters as well. He worked with his uncle from 1842 to 1860 in the Company Workshop in Neutitschein. In 1841, he took a field trip for instruction to Vienna where he made numerous copies of old masters to improve his technique. Berger worked most actively in Moravia and Silesia as well as Slovakia where he painted numerous altarpieces. He was most well known for his religious paintings, including several passion cycles that were of typical composition and likenesses of the day. He did genre scenes as well as portraits. His genre paintings and historical paintings were painted more in the style of Biedermeier. His interpretation of flora and fauna in the backgrounds of his work was naïf in the style to Russeau. His paintings reflect a highly skilled and educated artist. His skin tones are full of life and his likenesses are of real people that the onlooker can identify with. Berger was lucky to have enjoyed great success in his life. There is a long list of parishes, which house his paintings, mostly in Moravia, but also in Poland and Hungary as well. Even after his death, his work was seen and appreciated as etchings used to illustrate calendars, hymnbooks and religious texts. The six paintings include: St. Martin de Tours, right inside the church; and over the altar are, from left to right: Our Lady Queen of Heaven, Sts. Peter and Paul, St. John baptizing Jesus, Sts. Cyril and Methodius, and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Father Maddux has documentation that the congregation, in the mid 1800’s, wrote to Frenstat requesting a Czech-speaking priest for Fayetteville (the one they had spoke Polish and they couldn’t understand him) and a painting of their church’s namesake, St. John the Baptist. This is likely where they got that painting. How the church got the rest of the masterpieces remains a mystery. “I feel blessed to be a small part of this.” Maddux said. He quoted one parishioner, Louis Polansky, who said: “These other places have the painted churches. We have the church of the paintings.” Cyndi Wright, Fayette County Record ❧

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Bill Souchek (continued from page 1) correct! His meaning was: “Your age is too much more than the age of the college students who are going!” So forgive me, Dr. Skrivanek! Fate must have played a part in all that happened next! The following week I drove to Alvin, Texas because I always saw its name in the periodicals I received. Their Community College was well known and many Czechnamed students lived in the surrounding area. It was relatively easy to get to see Dr. Webber, who was in charge. After our introduction he asked what my visit was for. I told him, and received the most cordial and interesting response. “Believe it or not, Mr. Souchek, but I have had two calls already this morning about a Czech Language course. And to top it all, Ms. Olga Dolezal Measels just left this office and wants us to start an enrollment.” He asked about my background and how I had been employed. He ordered an application, asked about past experience in teaching and other more minor questions. “Mr. Souchek, I’m sure this will check-out perfectly, so you might as well start getting ready for your next September class.” Wow, that was easy! The oldest record of the September, 1976 class contains the following students: Foster Burnett, Annie Chovanec, Jan Jircik, Dorothy Kuchar, Tommie Lostak, Olga Measels, Harry W. Monych, Joe Netiack, Eddie Sebesta, Hilda Sebesta, Eleanor Stuksa, Dolores Tacquard, Joe Vrazel, Nina Vrazel and Sally A. Mikulastik. They formed a dedicated, hard-working group, met promptly and were sincere in their efforts to have a speaking knowledge of Czech. Records indicate many reregistered for future classes, and their efforts clearly show their love of Czech, the language of their forefathers. This sincerity of purpose was evident during about ten years of study. Frequently I hear from` a few of the class even today. The Alvin class met once per week, and someone heard there was a demand for a similar class at San Jacinto Community College. A brief meeting with Dr. Honeycutt of San Jacinto assured us of a night-scheduled period. The registered list included: Francis Buchta, Kay Cernoch, Stanley Cernoch, Elsie Esterak, Toni Hart, Andrew Holub, Edith Holub, Cecilia Klecka, Henry Korenek, Tommie Korenek, Joe Machann, Vlasta Machann, Mary Masterson, Glenda Mikeska, Viola Mulraney, Billie Oliphint, Lillia Mae Peter, Victor Peter, Diane Prochazka and Larry Prochazka. Just as in the Alvin class, all were loyal students with the exception of two who were anxious to show their importance. They knew a better instructor who quit after a short period. Even today those misfits are all smiles, but watch-out! The third evening class was registered at Spring Branch. Like the Alvin class, it had students who were positive they wanted to learn the language of their ancestors. The night driving to the three classes was beginning to show its effects on my wife and me, so we had to give up our interesting classes. At that time SPJST wished to offer Czech classes, they suggested my doing the teaching. We also met once weekly, there was less nighttime driving and it totaled

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about 14 years. Father time does keep his adding machine oiled well and it indicates there still is a serious request by the present day Czech population to learn more about their ancestors. You can get busy with the question, or let some other up-and-coming city do it! At this writing there is a three-grade level Czech language study being held at Czech Cultural Center Houston. There seem to be many who are interested in learning about the Czech Republic and especially about the towns or villages of their ancestors. So, good luck in your quest and study about the land of your forefathers!

Tombstones Reveal Our Thoughts Our parents lived in Chicago for about two years where brother Joe was born. They didn’t like it there very much because of the crowded city. Father had a pretty good job in Gary, Indiana at a steel mill. It was very heavy work and rather dirty, so when the opportunity arose and several workers heard that the chances of employment in Iowa City were good, they moved to Iowa to work in the limestone quarries. The work was just as tedious as in the steel mill in Gary, but it was all in the open air and cleaner. Mr. Joseph Foucek was living alone. His wife had passed away recently and he didn’t like living alone. His home was in east Iowa City about a mile from the quarry. As luck would have it, father and Mr. Foucek met accidentally. Mr. Foucek’s home was a one-story home with a basement apartment for it was built on a hillside. There was sufficient room for our family to move-in, so two families with similar names occupied the one building. Mr. Joseph Foucek (the owner) and Mr. Joseph Soucek (the renter). Agreements were reached in all things mutually. Brothers Henry and George were born at the basement apartment address. Sister Helen was to be born soon and more space was required for comfortable living. The neighborhood was what the folks liked so they purchased a lot for their first home. There was space for a large garden, an area for chickens and a large barn for a cow.. Money was needed for construction of a frame home and barn. They applied for a loan at CSPS, they became members of the organization, and before long they were building their first home in America.. Sister Helen was born there a few months later. The quarry job, though difficult, paid $1.75 per day and mother walked about three miles to do Dr. Saunders’ stacks of office laundry. Life was good, they grew their own vegetables, had all the eggs needed for making noodles, etc. and milk galore for the family. I was to be born the next year, and grandmother Nerad together with aunt Vincie were to come live with us. That was a grand idea, for mother’s workload would be less with the help of grandmother. The greatest problem was housing of the whole group. Mother noticed a two-story home for sale while trudging through the snow to Saunders. The home at 1014 North Summit Street on four acres, a large garden, beginning of a vineyard, an orchard and a barn. The cost was $2,000.00. CSPS was satisfied with the payments

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of the other home so gladly made another loan on the new home. I was born there December 1, 1905. Good Luck played along with us because all of us worked as a team. There is where the good old Czech work-habits gave the necessary shove upwards. Mr. Josef Foucek became an atheist, he lived by himself after we moved but came to see us often. He arranged all the details of his funeral even to the selecting and making of a rather large tombstone. The stone was erected on his cemetery lot months before his death. It was about five feet tall, the tall column supported a series of round plates and the base was a series of foundation blocks. But the most noticeable feature was the Czech epigraph inscribed in two curved lines: Zaziva o Boha nedbal, A po smrti dabla se nebal. “While living he did not care for the Lord, and after death he wasn’t afraid of the devil.” Whenever we’d take a summer vacation trip back home we always went to see the tombstone. About twenty years ago we went to see the unusual tomb. We couldn’t find the stone and regretted that we had never snapped a picture of it. The sexton was digging a grave nearby, so we went to him with our question. He told us that about a year ago distant relatives of Josef Foucek were ashamed of the stone, so they purchased a special lot and had the bodies moved from the old lot to the new burial spot.

Mushrooms at $1.29 a Pint Whenever I hear the word mushroom I immediately think of Vlasta, my sister-in-law. When it became necessary for my two oldest brothers to give-up their title to their Dakota homestead because Frank became ill with pneumonia, they moved to Omaha. He finally, regained his health and both searched for employment. Tom secured a job at a Czech print shop. A short time later Frank also got a job there because they spoke and wrote Czech. Line-o-type is a specialty-learned talent. There is where Tom met Vlasta. The three of them moved back to Iowa City. Finding employment was relatively easy for the two brothers. The Iowa City Press Citizen, the daily newspaper, also printed for the University. It was a standing joke among us, that the two never had any time for themselves. Though the use of mushrooms in cooking is a standard thing in a Czech family, we never did so at home. Vlasta, the big city (Omaha) daughter-in-law, introduced us to the delicacies. We soon learned that there are many varieties of mushrooms, some are edible and some deadly poisonous. The edible variety grows in cut-over timberland and during certain seasons. Those were times we looked forward to. “Mark it on your calendar, the last two weeks of September and the first two weeks of November.” Saturdays were ‘no school days’ so those four Saturdays meant doing something special. After our usual chores were accomplished, we’d head for Stillwell’s pasture about two miles distant, climb the fence and start searching for mushrooms. We carried a bushel basket with us instead of a flour sack so the prizes wouldn’t be mashed and ruined. The only other equipment necessary was a sharp kitchen knife. ❧

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The House Signs of Old Prague They slumber timelessly above the changing streets, like pale, dusty illustrations in a long forgotten picture book. They are characterized by a rich variety of shapes, colors, materials and styles. They include paintings, inscriptions, actual objects and symbols, heavenly bodies, wild animals and saints. But only some of them: those that gave the buildings their names – deliberately or by chance, as byproducts of the endlessly inventive ferment of cultural creation. They play their small role in helping to create the special atmosphere of the streets and have become so much a part of the facades that only by looking at them carefully are we able to perceive them as something separate. Even then we are most interested in their form from the artistic point of view, sometimes more, sometimes less accomplished, at times very grand and at others charmingly simple. “One of the most modest arts,” as the painter and writer Josef Capek put it, when describing the signs on the facades of the buildings of Prague. More than three hundred house signs still decorate the facades of Prague buildings. Each of them has its own history, often more than six hundred years old, as well as its distinctive appearance and the charm of being one of a kind. But how did people in the past go about choosing symbols for their homes so that no one was misled or confused? House signs date from the Middle Ages, and were a product of the culture of the rich urban merchant class. They were introduced for very practical reasons. In the long streets the similar facades of the Gothic buildings merged into one another in such a way that only someone who knew them well could orient himself: x lives opposite Jira the cobbler, beside the red door, where the blue shutters are, behind the meat stands. But for anyone new to the city, this was of little help. And so in the fourteenth century there suddenly appeared visible designations of the houses that took the form of highly visible signs with images of various kinds. The rich merchant class imitated the way the aristocracy and high clergy of the age of chivalry marked their property. While the coats-of-arms of the nobility were bound by strict rules of heraldry, the signs on the houses of the merchant class took on all sorts of forms. Most often panel paintings were found, but also statues in wood and stone, frescoes painted directly on fresh plaster, inscriptions and actual objects hung from the facade of the building. But not everything affixed to the facade became a genuine house sign. This was only true of those that were taken up by the people of the city, those that they quite unconsciously came to associate with particular buildings and so employ as designations for the buildings. Sometimes a building received a name by chance, as when some incidental detail was transformed by the playful spontaneity of cultural creation into the sign of the build-

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ing, for instance “At the Iron Door,” or “At the Three Steps.” The first house signs appeared in Prague around the middle of the fourteenth century on the imposing houses of the rich merchant class in the city’s commercial center, and in the coming centuries they spread to most of the buildings on the markets, squares and main commercial streets. Because these were buildings whose owners had the right to brew and sell beer, the house signs also invited passers-by to come inside for a drink. In an era when hereditary family names and coats-of-arms were the privilege of the aristocracy, and family names had not yet come into general use, the house sign identified not only the buildings but also their owners. In shortened form, the name of the house might well be taken for the family name: Simon Prsten (“Ring”), for example, was in fact the owner of the house that went by the name “At the Sign of the Ring,” while city councilor Pstros (“Ostrich”) was really Havel from the house “At the Sign of the Ostrich.” Many names that originally designated buildings then remained permanently as family names. Since house signs are in a sense the illegitimate offspring of heraldry, they were originally governed by heraldic rules. This is clear from the figures that were used (the oldest known being the stork, deer, lion, star, unicorn, hat, crayfish, lily, rose and so on) as well as from the colors that were employed. Over the course of time, house signs began to distance themselves from the world of heraldry for purely practical reasons. For example, the authentic heraldic crayfish is red and most crayfish used as house sign over the centuries were also red. But in order to distinguish between several houses employing the sign of a crayfish, Praguers needed more colors, and so blue, green and even silver crayfish appeared. The range of medieval symbols was not great, and as the number of imposing houses grew, the symbols began to be repeated. At the end of the seventeenth century city officials introduced a regulation (not widely heeded) stipulating that in addition to the house sign, every building should also have a visible orientation inscription stating the name of the building, for example: “This goes by the name of At the Three Pheasants,” or “This goes by the name of At the Golden Head.” The reason for this was to avoid confusion between genuine house signs and the growing number of votive statues and signboards that tradesmen and craftsmen placed outside their shops. But because cultural developments are seldom shaped by official regulations, the officials in the end had to give in and accept more than one craftsman’s signboard and votive statue as valid house signs. In most cases, unfortunately, the origins of the hundreds of house signs derived from craftsmen’s signs will always remain unknown. Only exceptionally is it possible to trace one back to a specific individual. In

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today’s Jungman Street, for example, the sign of three bells was originally used by the famous bell-maker Brikci; the sign of a wheel in Karmelitska Street goes back to the wheelwright Jan Stefl; the painting of three ostriches on the house at the western end of Charles Bridge was ordered from the painter Daniel Alezius of Kvetna by Jan Fuchs, who made ornaments for hats (in which ostrich feathers were a key element). For practical reasons, the signs for alehouses and taverns (and later coffeehouses) were the same all across Europe. This meant that no one was in any doubt as to the meaning of the “wisp” (small bundle of straw), green “bush” (bunch of vine leaves) or blue or golden grapes that marked these establishments. These often became house signs, but even these signs changed with the times. So for example in the seventeenth century red hedgehogs were popular as a sign for alehouse, while in the eighteenth century golden tigers could often be found on signboards outside coffeehouses. The profession of a former owner of a building can often be deduced from the house sign it bears, since people liked to dedicate their houses, which also served as their workshops, to the patron saint of their particular crafts. Even when the house sign depicted a whole scene from the life of a saint or holy person, the house was sometimes named after a single detail, not necessarily that saint’s particular attribute. This can be seen particularly often in the case of many Madonnas, whose number meant that they could hardly serve as identification markers. Buildings with statues of the Virgin Mary have names like “At the Golden Grating,” (the grating protecting the statue), “At the Golden Rock” (the small mound on which the statue stands, “At the Golden Apple” (held in the hands of the infant Christ cradled by his mother), “At the Painting,” “At the Golden Frame,” “At Our Lady of Mercy,” and so on. The gallery of saints in the streets of Prague dropped dramatically with the onset of the Renaissance, which led to a secularization of the motifs used in house signs and a rise in the frequency of natural motifs. However, from the mid-seventeenth century on, the Counter Reformation set out deliberately to increase the number of religious symbols. But the great variety of patron saints of crafts and their attributes found in the Middle Ages was never again attained. The main additions tended to be crucifixes, angels and paintings of the Virgin Mary. In the eighteenth century, the steady urban expansion led to a realization that in the large European City that Prague was becoming, the system of house signs and names was a relic of the past, impractical for purposes of orientation as well as from an administrative point of view.

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The House Signs (continued from page 6)

Czech Language Lessons

In 1770 Prague buildings were numbered for the first time, and then again in 1795, but it was only with the third attempt in 1868 that the idea really caught on. Three generations of Praguers stubbornly rejected the use of numbers, preferring in their conservative fashion to stick to the system of house names. Proof of this can be seen in a number of neoclassical house signs from the end of the eighteenth and first half of the nineteenth centuries that include both the visual symbol of the house name and the number. They bear eloquent testimony to the extent to which house signs had become firmly associated with the buildings they graced and with the day-to-day life of the city dwellers. At almost the same time that house signs began to fade away and lose their significance, the first modern champions of the phenomenon appeared on the scene. They did not defend the signs out of a love of the past per se; it was more that they regretted the way the streets of the city were losing the modest beauty that was so much a part of them. When the modernization of Prague at the end of the nineteenth century began to bring with it the widespread demolition of old buildings and whole streets in some quarters, the priority shifted from defending the signs to rescuing them. The Prague Municipal Museum began to seek out signs recovered from demolished buildings, in the end collecting around seventy of them. The people of Prague are very proud of the signs on the city’s old buildings. They look after them and take delight in them and tell stories about them. In the last decade in particular, when many of the city’s buildings have been returned to their former owners or their descendants, they have regained their old color. Their new owners have not only carefully restored the remaining signs, but have in many cases made new signs to replace the old ones that had long since disappeared, but which are attested to in historical records. Lydia Petranova, The Heart of Europe ❧

Czech is a hard nut to crack. This lesson we discuss peas, nuts, seeds and the like. Although peas were a staple food in this part of Europe only a couple of hundred years ago, they were later replaced by the more filling potatoes and never regained their onetime fame. Probably the most favorite type is the green pea-hrach. If you are trying to persuade somebody or make them do something and the person just won’t listen to you, you can say to je jako by hrach na stinu hazel or “it is like throwing peas against the wall,” or “it’s like talking to a brick wall.” Very large tears can be likened to green peas-slzy jako hrachy. About oversensitive and picky people, especially women, you can say they are like princezna na hrachu - the Princess and the Pea, who was so delicate that she could feel a single pea under twenty mattresses. Attractive, strong and healthy looking women the opposite of the delicate princess - can be referred to as holka jako lusk - a “girl like a pod.” Poppy seeds have an important place in Czech cuisine and it’s no wonder that they found their way into Czech phraseology as well. If you do not like something ani za mak - “not for a poppy seed” - you don’t like it at all. If something does not make an impression on you, if it is neither fish nor fowl, you can use the rhyming expression ani takovy ani makovy - literally “neither such nor with poppy seeds,” neither one thing, nor another. If you feel indifferent towards something, for example if you don’t care whether you buy black or brown shoes, you can say you will take takovy nebo makovy. The word for poppyhead - makovice is often used in a joking way to describe a person’s head. A nut is orech in Czech. The figurative meaning of the word is “a difficult problem.” If a task is described as tvrdy orech, it means it will be a tough nut to crack. And to solve a difficult problem is rozlousknout orech-“to crack a nut.” One type of nut is the almond - usually used to describe the beauty of a woman’s eyes - oci jako mandle. English and Czech share the expression “to plant a seed of doubt” - zasit semeno pochybnosti. Another agricultural metaphor is used to remind people that they will have to bear the consequences of their acts. Co sis zasil, to si taky sklidi what you have sown you will have to reap.

Forest fruit and mushrooms.

“At the Three Hearts,” 14 Uvoz Street.

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There are Czech idioms concerning wild flora specifically for wild berries and mushrooms. Mushroom picking is a popular pastime in the country and maybe that’s why there are quite a few idioms using the words mushroom – houba the boletus, a kind of edible mushroom. An idiom: Nove domy rostou jako houby po desti - new houses are springing up like mushrooms after the rain. New houses, or anything like that, such as restaurants or factories, are shooting up everywhere and very quickly. If something fits into its surroundings very well, if it sits prettily in the middle of something, such as a house in a garden, we can say that it sits there like a mushroom in moss - jako houba v mechu.

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To describe someone in sterling health, we say je zdravy jako houba - he’s healthy as a mushroom, he’s hale and hearty, he’s as fit as a fiddle. In informal language the word houby can be also used instead of the word ne - no as an expression of strong disagreement or it can be used as a synonym for the word nic - nothing. Muj zivot stoji za houby – my life is worth nothing, my life isn’t worth living. Another expression using the word mushrooms or houby is when parents or grandparents talk to little children about the time before they were born; they say, To jsi jeste byl na houbach - “It was when you were still picking mushrooms,” or “It was when you were just a twinkle in your father’s eye.” But why unborn babies are thought to be picking mushrooms is a mystery. About berries: A pretty girl can be likened to a strawberry - divce jako jahoda, or a raspberry-divce jako malina. The same comparison can be used to describe appealing red lips: rty jako jahody, lips like strawberries or rty jako maliny-lips like raspberries. If somebody is really hungry and wolfs down his food, you can say slupnul to jako malinu - he gulped it down like a raspberry.

The touch of wood lesson. The Czech word for wood or timber is drevo. In metaphorical use it also means a clumsy person. One can also sleep like a piece of wood - spat jako drevo. People can be stupid like wood - hloupy jako drevo or deaf like wood - hluchy jako drevo. Although Czechs more often say hluchy jako poleno - as deaf as a log, or hluchy jako parez as deaf as a tree stump. The expression sladky drevo or sweet wood is a poetic name for a guitar. The short Czech word les means forest. Nosit drevo do lesa is to carry wood to the forest, or to use an English idiom, to carry coals to Newcastle. If a child is growing up without enough supervision, if he or she is allowed to run wild, Czechs say roste jako drevo v lese - he or she is growing up like timber in the forest. About people who can bear a lot, who let people behave badly to them and do not protest, Czechs say necha na sobi drevo tipat - “He lets others to chop wood on him” or he lets people walk all over him. The next expression has a similar meaning to the English phrase “you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.” It goes: kdy se kaci les, padaji trisky, and the literal translation is “when a forest is being cut down, splinters fall,” meaning there are unpleasant side effects to important things. Another idiom: Pro stromy nevidit les means “not to see the wood for the trees.” The meaning is the same in both Czech and English: to be so involved in the details and not realize the real purpose or importance of the things as a whole. A moralizing phrase: Jak se do lesa vola tak se z lesa ozyva - “the way you shout at the forest, the way the sound comes back.” The closest English idioms would be “you get as much as you give” or “what goes around comes around.” Na shledanou. Thanks to Radio Prague ❧

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Concert Howl

40th Annual Slavic Festival

Thursday evening, the 23rd of October 2003, Zdenka and I arrived at the Prague Rudolfinum concert hall, breathless as usual, for our regular Thursday night concert of the Czech Philharmonic. We’ve had our subscription season tickets for thirty-five years, and early on we managed to secure what we felt to be the best seats in the house; 1st row balcony, seats one and two, on the right side curve just over the orchestra, with a clear view of the conductor and soloists. Attending these concerts has been one of our greatest pleasures in Prague over all these years. But on this evening, for second time this season, there was another couple sitting in our precious seats – German tourists. As politely as we could, we informed these people of their mistake. The seat numbering could be confusing, and perhaps they should have been on the left side of the great arc of the balcony. But no, they firmly displayed their tickets, and sure enough they had been issued the exact same seats as ours. I muttered to Zdenka, “With all their new computers, these ticketing nitwits were still capable of selling the same seats twice!” She trotted off to the balcony entrance and summoned the usher, a gentle woman, who certainly didn’t want any fuss just before the concert was to begin. With a discreet glance at both tickets, she suggested that the tourists take the two seats behind us, which luckily were unoccupied. The concert was sensational, one of the very best of the season. The brilliant star-quality of the new chief conductor of the Czech Philharmonic, Zdenek Macal, led the orchestra in a superb performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concert in D Major, with the brilliant Russian/American pianist Alexander Toradze. We were dazzled and delighted that we didn’t miss this major musical event. During the intermission, we went to our usual spot in the Rudolfinum lobby for our customary chat with old friends who share the same concert dates. They are even older than we, and have both been in frail health. They didn’t appear, and we were worried about them. Zdenka intended to phone them, but the next morning we had to leave for Germany to attend an animation workshop in the city of Halle. Our next concert was shortly after we returned, and we hoped to see our friends this time during the intermission. But as we arrived and settled in our usual seats, this time without squatters, we began to rave about the previous concert with people who regularly sit near us. They were baffled. “There wasn’t any Prokofiev concerto at the last concert,” they insisted. By this time surely, you can guess the ending of this story. We had mistakenly arrived at the wrong concert, somehow gliding in, waving our plastic season tickets and haughtily displacing the German couple who had paid a high price for these prime seats! Neither the concert hall doorman who waved us in, nor the kindly woman usher noticed that our tickets were for the wrong evening – nor of course had we, who are always in a rush, and have something going nearly every evening. Somewhere out there is an angry German couple, probably spreading the word about the

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inept ticket handling in the Czech Republic, and who may not wish to ever return! To them we are on our knees, begging for forgiveness, and offering our most humble pie apologies! On the other hand, we enjoyed a sensational symphony concert, including a superb performance of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony after the intermission, with prime seating, absolutely free! And we did have a funny story to tell our friends during the intermission of the next concert, which we properly attended with our proper tickets! Gene Deitch – author of For the Love of Prague on sale at our Gift Shop. See www.czechcenter.org to order. ❧

CSGSI Conference in Houston:

President CSGSI, Paul Makousky and Effie Rosene.

Guenter & Donna Merkle, Houston Folk Dancers.

Dan & Kathy Hrna, Slavic Festival October 2003.

Czech Princess, Sarah Pierce and Program Chair, Donna Merkle.

Czech Heritage Singers & Dancers of Houston, Bessie Treybig, Isabel Matusek, Viola Dworaczyk, Mary Peska, Henrietta & Jaro Nevlud, Frances & Bill Bollom at the Slavic Festival.

Robert Ermis, Sr. Anita Smisek and at piano, Robert Dvorak perform for the Czechoslovak Genealogy Society International Conference in Houston October 2003.

Leslie & Gladys Kahanek, daughter Diana and husband Brian Weldon and flagbearers grandsons, Justin 18, Nathan 15, Andrew, 11. James Ermis, Mom and her son Mark Bigouette.

Fall Music Festival

Part of the CSGSI group tours the Czech Center Houston Museum Gift Shop. Concert Master, Christopher Anderson greets composer Robert Dvorak at the November 22, 2003 Regional Fall Philharmonic Music Festival (both are CCCH members).

Kroj Review at CSGSI conference under direction of Helene Baine Cincebeaux.

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Paths of Glory and Tribulations Three historical vignettes will focus on crucial events and leading personalities, which shaped the history of a small, but by no means insignificant country in the heart of Europe. The purpose of these is to enhance the appreciation of their ethnic heritage. Beginning with an explanation of “Bohemia.” It is derived from the Latin term Boiohaemum, home of the Boio, coined by ancient Romans in reference to a Celtic tribe of Boii who inhabited this territory from the middle of the 4th century BC until the 1st century AD. The flowering of the fairly advanced Celtic civilization was interrupted by hostile invasions of the Germanic tribe of Marcomanni who in turn encountered the vanguards of the Roman legions. Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote his Meditations on the banks of the Hron River deep within a territory claimed by another Germanic tribe, the Quades. The original homeland from which the Slavic tribes began their migration sometime before the turn of the 5th century AD, was behind the Carpathian Mountains, between the river Dnieper in the east and the Vistula River in the west. The cause of the mass Slavic migration is the subject of speculation. It might have stemmed from the relative overpopulation of these regions where primitive agriculture was not productive enough to sustain population growth, or in the aggressive drives of neighboring tribes to obtain more land for themselves by pushing the Slavs from their settlements, or even drastic climatic changes. The westward movement of the Slavs to new territories was facilitated by the fact that many regions had been either deserted by the Germanic tribes, or their population was decimated by the plague pandemic that ravaged many European locations during the 6th century. There are many legends relating to the arrival of the Czech people into their new homeland. However, it is important to understand that despite their plausibility and popular appeal, these stories, passed on through oral tradition, fall into the category of fiction. These mythological tales which glorify the valiant exploits of ancient heroes are found among many civilizations. The so called “Revivalist Movement” of the 19th century was aimed at reawakening of national awareness and nourishing aspirations for autonomy among the Czech people who were subjugated under the autocratic regime of the Austrian Habsburgs. The revivalists (buditele) in their patriotic zeal frequently embellished these early sagas to bolster the movement toward self-determination. This romantic trend to immortalize the heroic past continued into the early 20th century. Among the outstanding painters who devoted much of their talent, time, and energy to extol the heroes and heroines of Czech antiquity, were Josef Manes, Mikolas Ales, Frankisek Zenisek, Vojtech Hynais, Vaclav Brozik, and Alfons Mucha. In the sculptural genre it was primarily Josef Vaclav Myslbek and Antonin Wagner who created remarkable classical statues conceived historical figures. Many of these masterpieces were awesome allegories based on harsh warfare as well as peaceful domestic life of the

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Slavic people. Alois Jirasek, an accomplished story teller and author of patriotic novels, succeeded admirably in popularizing legendary narratives to the extent that they have become widely accepted by the populace as true historical events and were assigned as required reading in Czech schools. The first among the early legends is the story describing the arrival of the Czech tribe under the leadership of Forefather Cech (Praotec Cech – see Editor’s note) into the territory known by the Romans as Boiohaemum. This tale is undeniably analogous to the Biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. According to this version, after many months of peregrination and struggle with hostile elements, the Czechs crossed the river Vltava and climbed upon the nearby mountain Rip, from all indications an extinct volcano. From its summit Cech viewed the fertile land below and pronounced it highly suitable for permanent colonization. After appropriated sacrifices offered to their pagan gods, the tribesmen decided to name the new homeland “Cechy,” after their respected leader. These first Czech settlers engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, hunting and fishing, while their arts and crafts developed from various forms of idolatry and worship of dead ancestors. The alleged successor of Cech was a Frankish trader Samo who reportedly unified the Slavic tribes and developed a successful military strategy against the invading Avars. Samo’s realm disintegrated after his death in 659. Very few historical facts are available about the period of 174 years, between 659 – 833. (There is well-documented history of the Great Moravian Empire founded by Mojmir I in 830.) Another early Czech legend is Samo’s heir apparent, a man called Krok, highly esteemed for his judicial wisdom. Krok is credited with moving his sovereign residence from Budec to a newly built fortress on the right bank of the Vltava River. His three daughters were Kazi, Teta and Libuse. Kazi became known for her healing skills, Teta for her priestly ability to communicate with pagan gods, and Libuse for her kindness, wisdom and prophetic powers. It was Libuse who ascended the throne after her father’s death. Unable to maintain full respect and confidence of men, she chose a husband for herself, a nobleman named Premysl. An appointed delegation of elders followed Libuse’s white horse that led them to a field that was being plowed by Premysl. He at first bemoaned the untimely arrival of the messengers, predicting that an unplowed field signified future scarcity of food, even famine, for the land. Following the emissaries to Vysehrad, Premysl was espoused to Libuse and together they founded the Premyslid dynasty, which ruled Bohemia for several centuries. In an inspired moment Libuse prophesied the glorious future for the newly established town of Prague in these words: “I see a large metropolis whose glory will reach the stars.” The Libuse legend, especially her auguries, inspired the great Czech composer, Bedrich Smetana to create a highly patriotic

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opera, performed only in the Czech language and presented on special occasions. Another ancient Czech legend describes the time when the Czech women rebelled against the male domination. Under the leadership of Vlasta they waged war against the men of their tribe. At first the maidens were quite successful in staging surprise attacks and scoring victories both in small skirmishes and even in large battles. The turning point in this Maidens’ War was a treacherous assault conceived by an enchanting seductress Sarka, against a small hunting group of men led by Ctirad. Pretending to have been chained to a tree and abandoned by her female companions, Sarka convinced Ctirad and his retinue of her misfortune. After loosening her chains, the unsuspecting men drank from a flask of intoxicating mead and fell asleep in the heat of the summer day. Deceitful Sarka, using a hunting horn, then summoned the female warriors hidden nearby who quickly attacked and slaughtered the drowsy male hunters. This tragic episode so angered the men that they staged a final attack upon the maidens’ stronghold, Devin, which they burned down and killed all remaining female combatants. There are many other ancient Czech legends, which have over the years inspired numerous Czech painters, sculptors, poets and composers to create impressive works of art. Most Czech schoolchildren can also recite from memory the names of the first eight Premyslid rulers: Premysl, Nezamysl, Mnata, Vojen, Vnislav, Kresomysl, Neklan, and Hostivit. Tony Jandacek Hlas Naroda Ed: Article submitted by Julie Skubal. The Czech Cultural Center Houston has acquired a beautiful painting by Czech artist Jiri Grbavcic that has as its theme and is based on the legend of Praotec Cech. This painting will be proudly displayed in our new cultural center building. ❧

We Need You! Desperately! We are in need of bookkeeping/ accounting assistance. We are in need of sales associates in the Museum Gift Shop – The Market Place. We are in need of docents for the Czech Cultural Center Houston. We are in need of pretty much anything you could offer to assist. The Czech Cultural Center Houston is built on a Volunteer Foundation – people building a legacy. Flexible hours would be available. You will be surprised at the pleasure and good feeling you derive from working from the heart meeting other people as fine as you. Czech heritage is helpful, but certainly not a requirement. Thank you! Effie M. Rosene C e n t e r

The Silence of the Soul: The Holocaust, Past, Present and Future On April 21, 1918, my grandfather, Bruno dazed to realize that he had been an “every other Eisen, was born in a military camp in Wielkie one” who drew a blank shell. Drogi, Polsko (Poland). His father, serving in Upon release from the jail, Bruno secretly conthe Polish Army in World War I, died before fided what had occurred to his English teacher Bruno’s birth. Bruno’s mother, along with her and good friend, John Minno. They both secretnewborn baby, returned to her home. But ly began to construct and devise a plan of where was home? Among the many escape for Bruno. John began to make changes in her life, she would have to inquiries for Bruno to transfer to an accept the political conditions after American university. He soon found World War I that eliminated part of out that Bruno would not be able to her country. Under the Versailles study medicine. The only way he Treaty, Poland had been divided, could transfer was to get involved in and the western part of the country, an area of little interest to him: after the war, was called forestry. Czechoslovakia. It was February of 1939 and final During the next ten years, Bruno arrangements were being made. lived with his mother in the small Bruno was to catch a train from town of Orlava, Czechoslovakia. Prague to Bremerhaven, Germany. He studied, read, and helped his In Bremerhaven, he would get on a Col. Bruno Eisen, MD mother, Sali, with the household ship to the United States. duties. During the months of June and Sali Neumann was a very strong woman who July 1939, Bruno continued to plan the details of constantly encouraged her son to learn, queshis escape. He worked closely with the Czech tion, and pursue his dreams. This encourageUnderground. Bruno managed to cautiously get ment helped set the foundation for what lay under the train leaving for Bremerhaven, ahead in the future for this young boy of ten. Germany without being seen by anyone, includIn 1928, Sali remarried a man named Wexler, a ing the Nazi officers stationed there at the train textile store owner. This change in Bruno’s life station. When he boarded the ship and thought was hard to accept, as he was abused mentally he was safe, he soon found he was wrong. The and physically by his stepfather. This abuse proship only a few miles from port was brought duced feelings of low self-esteem and worthlessback to port, his papers and money confiscated. ness in the young boy. He longed for the innoHe wired and received from his mother addicence he had lost and his mother’s total presence tional money. where she expressed her ever constant love and For a period of time, Bruno stayed out of will for him to succeed. sight, as he did not want to draw any attention Although Wexler appeared to have no faith in to himself. He discovered during this time that Bruno’s talents and capabilities, he had him conin Rotterdam, he would have the best chance in stantly caring for his daughter, Mela. He was to finding a ship sailing to the United States. provide her with anything she needed, includAfter a very difficult, nerve-wracking journey, ing to help her with her studies. Bruno boarded the “Statendam.” It was the last In 1936, Bruno applied to Charles University ship to leave before all Nazi-controlled in Prague and was accepted. He was finally able European ports were closed to all ships. Bruno to leave his home and following dreams to successfully completed his journey to freedom, become a surgeon. though, at a high cost. He left behind his family, The year was 1939. Bruno was 22 years old. friends, and what was once his homeland. He was lacking only a few credit hours of work After an uneventful crossing from Europe, he towards his degree to be able to continue his landed in New York and was taken to Ellis Island. studies in the Medical School to become a surWithin a few days he went by train to geon. He had come so far and was so close to Philadelphia where he met his teacher and friend, having his dream realized, when it was shatJohn, who had aided his escape. He soon entered tered by the ambitious, twisted ways of Adolph Penn State University, where he studied forestry. Hitler. During the summer of 1940, he met Catharine In March of 1939, Hitler marched into Cupitt, and was married to her the following Bohemia-Moravia and turned it into a German year. They moved to Washington, D.C. for protectorate. The Czechoslovak government Bruno to accept a job as a wartime intern in a surrendered to Hitler and Nazi troops occupied local hospital. As was required of all young the country. men, he volunteered as an enlisted man in the Upon Nazi control of Czechoslovakia, one of armed forces. Before being inducted into the the many warnings that was issued was one that Army, Catharine and Bruno’s first child, a affected Bruno and his studies. The warning daughter, was born on March 1, 1943. Bruno was for all Czech students to transfer to Naziserved in the 5th Armored Division as a medic controlled schools or suffer the consequences. and landed on the beaches of Normandy shortly Bruno was one of the thousands of Czech stuafter D-Day. He landed in Germany in 1945 and dents that rebelled against the German warning. had the grim task of liberating a concentration In Prague, at Charles University, the Nazis stacamp, and forcing the Nazis to bury their victioned a brigade around the University and held tims. When in Germany, he discovered that his the men captive for three days. After further mother and stepsister had been deported to a warnings, the students were rounded up and death camp, and were never heard from again. placed in prison. Bruno was accepted to Medical School in On a cold, gray morning, twenty frightened Lausanne, Switzerland. He spoke Frenchstudents were lined up against a stone wall only among six languages he knew. He received his to face a Nazi firing squad. The guns spoke and degree and came back to the United States. The every other Czech student fell. Bruno stood United States Army recognized his skills and motionless along with nine other men, each too dedication to medicine. He became an internist

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and hematologist. By being a dedicated, responsible and hardworking officer, and treating all people the same regardless of rank or race, he rose to be a Colonel, one of the top ranks within the United States Army. He was rapidly promoted to commanding medical officer of many military hospitals, one being the NATO hospital at SHAPE Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Throughout the rest of his career, he continued to be acknowledged, and he received many honors and awards. In 1974, in Brussels, Belgium, he received the highest award given to a foreigner by the German government, the government that was responsible for the killing of six million Jews, including his own family. It was for promoting peace and understanding among all peoples that he received the recognition. Bruno has never discussed his experiences of the Holocaust except briefly with his wife after returning from war. Details for this paper were obtained from John Minno and others. To this day, despite all of his accomplishments, he will not discuss the Holocaust. Bruno Eisen and Elie Wiesel are both inspirations to me. I found in this paper that, even though these two men shared a similar inner silence, they both dealt with healing this silence in different ways as a result of their very early life experiences. One internalized the experience; the other externalized it. They both overcame insurmountable obstacles, survived, and pursued excellence in their respective professions. Peace among peoples seems to be another common ground that they both strove to not only promote, but to live. My understanding of the history of this tumultuous time in the world has become personalized by my research on the lives of these two men of note who were part of that history. On one last note, the silence of my grandfather extends to the present. In my seventeen years, I have spent a total of twenty- four hours with my grandfather. He will not speak of his experience. I now, after writing this paper, have an understanding of his silence. This understanding is voiced by the written words of a true master of language, who understands the silence of survival: “I should so like him to open his memory to mine. I would give all I possess to be able to follow him on his obscure paths. Let him speak and I shall listen with my entire being and never mind if I ache for him, for us… But he does not speak. He does not want to speak. Perhaps he cannot.” Salisha Miller Dr. Elie Wiesel Dear Salisha Miller: Thanks for writing. I was deeply moved by your words. You are a sensitive, bright young woman your grandfather must be very proud. I look forward to seeing your paper when I return to the university in mid-September. With best, best wishes, Elie Wiesel P.S. Perhaps one day you will come and study with me at Boston University. Ed: This paper was written as a graduate school thesis in 1994. Salisha is the daughter of CCCH members Sally Miller, PhD and David Miller, MD and the great niece of member Elizabeth Cupitt. Bruno Eisen visited last year and lives in England. ❧

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Wine The growing of grapes and the making of wine has a long tradition within what is today known as the Czech Republic. Viticulture in this country is geographically divided into two winegrowing regions: Bohemia and Moravia. The first recorded references to growing wine grapes in Moravia date to the period around 300 A.D., when the Roman legionnaires planted vine around one of their northernmost outposts near the modern village of Musov. Evidence for this was a vinter’s knife dating to this period that was recovered during archaeological excavations there. A more widespread growing of grapes for wine, however, dates to the period of the arrival of Christianity in Moravia in the ninth century A.D. The first references to the making of a wine in Bohemia date to the end of the first and beginning of the second millennia A.D. Religious orders played an important role in the early phases of establishing vineyards – both in terms of the actual planting and, more significantly, in the creating of the necessary “infrastructure,” i.e. wine cellars. This in turn helped to spread winemaking. Those most deeply involved were the Premonstratensians (at their monastery in Louka near Znojmo in southern Moravia) and the Cisterians at Velehrad and Kobyli. The very first references to laws on wine and vineyards, which were based on the Austrian legal system, date to the period around the thirteenth century. The Vineyard Office was located in Brno. During this era, the centers of winemaking were found in Hustopece, Mikulov and Znojmo. It was in these locations that vineyards became a permanent feature and they subsequently expanded to all parts of the country in the period before the beginning of the Thirty Years’ War. Vineyards were owned by the Church, the nobility and even wealthy burghers, who were thus able to increase their fortunes. At their maximum, vineyards covered 30,000 hectares (over 74,000 acres) – a figure that today seems unbelievably large. Evidence for Moravian viticulture’s good reputation and a bustling trade in Moravian wine is provided by the banning of imports of Moravian wines into Austria by Austrians fearful of the competition. The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) marked the beginning of a period of decline, especially a reduction in the acreage devoted to vineyards. By the eighteenth century, vineyards began to be renewed. One important point was the rescinding of patents of winemaking autonomy by Emperor Joseph II. Events in this period that significantly influenced the development of winemaking were the abolition of serfdom and the development of industry. This was followed by the darkest of times at the turn of the twentieth century when existing vineyards were decimated by an introduced pest – the grape phylloxera, originally from North America, which destroyed the roots of wine grapes. The total vineyard acreage reached its historic minimum in 1930, a mere 3,800 hectares (7,628 acres). The use of vines grafted onto American rootstocks led to the renewal and expansion of vineyard acreage. The winemaking industry went through a very difficult period following 1948, a result of collectivization and nationalization and the creation of a Czechoslovak state company, the “Bratislava Wine Company” to control all winemaking. The result of this unfortunate political

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climate was that we were completely cut off from the flow of information and new worldwide trends in the areas of growing grapes and wine production. Emphasis was placed on quantity over quality, something that was further supported by the classifying of varieties based on the amount of grapes they produced and not the quality and maturity of the harvested grapes. A turning point was 1989, with the introduction of the market economy, a return to private ownership of vineyards and most importantly, the opening of our borders. Finally, there was pressure on improving the quality of our wines. This attempt was codified in a new law on winemaking and vineyards in 1995 – a law that brought these areas closer to European standards. This law on wine and winemaking was based on the specific geographic conditions found in our country. The Czech Republic is one of the northernmost winemaking regions in Europe. The quality of our wines is conditioned by this fact and they are similar in quality to Austrian and German wines. Bohemian and Moravian wines are marked by stronger aromatic substances, more fruitiness in both the bouquet and the taste, more acidity (which produces a more refreshing wine), harmony, and a long finish, especially in our white wines. These white wines are also known for the fact that they age better than white wines from southern countries. This also manifests itself more markedly in the quality of individual vintages. This is the reason for the use of the German model of classifying wines, where the emphasis is placed on the quality of the grapes’ ripeness. This model divides wines into three categories: table wines, quality wines and quality wines with special properties. The goal of vinters is to at least produce wines that are in the category of “quality wines,” with main emphasis being on the production of wines in the highest category, i.e., with “special properties,” which are better valued in the current market. Within this category of quality wines with special properties are “reserve” wines (representing the lowest level of grape ripeness in this category – pleasant, light wines) as well as richer, more full-bodied “late harvest” wines and select wines made from selectively harvested grapes, including “berry select harvest,” “dried berry select harvest” and “ice wine.” In this country, it is primarily white wines that are found in this highest category (white wine grapes do not need as much sunshine as red varieties). Evidence for this can be seen in the silver medals won at the Vinalies Internationales in France by a 1997 late harvest Rhine Riesling from Sobes and a 1982 Sauvignon, among others. The varieties of white grapes that are traditionally the most widely represented in the Czech lands are Green Veltliner, Italian Riesling, Pino Blanc and Rhine Riesling. Traditional red varieties include Saint Laurent, Blaufrankisch (Lemberger), Blue Portugal, Blue Zweigelt and Pinot Noir. In addition to these, international varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon are becoming more widely planted. In addition, there are a number of varieties grown in the Czech lands that were developed by domestic cultivators, including Palava, Moravian Muskat, Aurelius, Cabernet Moravia and Andre. The regions Bohemia and Moravia are subdivided into individual wine regions. In Bohemia

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there are the Caslav, Melnik, Most, Prague, Roudnice and Zernoseky regions. Moravia is divided into ten wine regions: Brno, Bzenec, Kyjov, Mikulov, Mutenice, Podluzi, Straznice, Uherske Hradiste, Velke Pavlovice and Znojmo. Over the past twelve years, the quality of wine produced in this country has made a great leap forward. We have moved from a period of uniform, sugar-supplemented and poorly packaged wine to one when our wines meet European standards and are often of exceptional quality. Increasing right along with this has been consumer interest in high quality wines, something that is supported by the improved availability of such wines in specialized shops and increasing media interest in this popular field. One current issue for our winegrowing and winemaking is the attempt to expand vineyard acreage to an acceptable level prior to the Czech Republic’s accession to the European Union. This attempt has also resulted in much-welcomed interest from foreign investors. At the present, a number of small firms have been established following on from the earlier tradition of family winemakers. There are many important winemaking families in southern Moravia, and in Bohemia the house of Lobkowicz is playing a critical role in the Melnik region. Another change for the better is the renewal of ancient traditions. First, there are the many grape harvest festivals, the largest of which are held in Brno, Mikulov and Znojmo. Smaller festivals are also held in many other small towns and villages. During harvest season, people, here drink “burcak,” a half-fermented grape juice that is the first stage in the winemaking process. This is followed by the celebrating and drinking of young wine during the worldwide festivities associated with each year’s Beaujolais or as part of a return to the ancient St. Martin’s traditions of our ancestors, where a baked goose accompanies the drinking of young red wine. At this time white wines may also be tasted and everyone begins to discuss how good the year’s vintage will be. Early February marks the beginning of a period of wine tasting festivals and wine competitions that runs through May, by which time work in the vineyards is once again in full swing and the whole cycle begins anew. The number of wine-tasting events and other similar festivities continues to rise. In recent years, the more solvent wine experts and lovers of wine have begun to create their own personal wine cellars. One of the most pleasant aspects associated with wine is the archiving of wines, following their development and comparing the changes over the years. The most recent trend that has begun to take hold in this country is the “Slow food” movement, i.e. the matching up of wine and food. Slow food is an attempt to produce the perfect combination of wine and food in order to create a unique gustatory experience. It is a movement, however, that has had a hard time breaking into Czech gastronomic circles because of its focus on quality over quantity – something that should be valid for both food and wine. When Czechs come to discuss wine, their linguistic expressivity exceeds all bounds. Debating the qualities of wine with a glass in one’s hand is an unforgettable experience. Come and taste our wines and drink to your health while doing so! Jan Mraz & Zdenka Kaderova - The Heart of Europe ❧

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Czech President’s Visit to Dallas On Monday, September 22, 2003 a delegation of Frank and Mary Pokluda, James and Danna Ermis, Father Paul Chovanec, Robert Dvorak, Effie and Bill Rosene from the Czech Cultural Center Houston was present along with 350 others at an event at the Anatole Wyndham Hotel to hear economist and Czech President Vaclav Klaus in a dialogue with John Goodman, president of the National Center for Policy Analysis, which organization arranged for his visit to Dallas. Mr. Klaus maintained that the Czech Republic’s whirlwind shift from socialism to a free enterprise system proves that markets work and the subject of his visit was to discuss his part in the mammoth change. When Vaclav Klaus was inaugurated as president of the Czech Republic in March, he declined to deliver his first address from a balcony of the spectacular old palace overlooking the square. He chose instead to speak in the square itself after which he ordered the restraining ropes removed and was mobbed by hundreds of his appreciative fellow citizens while the band played “When the Saints Come Marching In.” The road from the “Velvet Revolution” of 1989 through the “Velvet Divorce” of the Czech and Slovak sections of Czechoslovakia at the end of 1992 to the relative prosperity of the present has been difficult. Klaus was appointed finance minister in the first post-communist government. His task was enormous: Change a Soviet-style socialist system into a free-market economy “as fast as possible.” He noted that in 1989, “everything was in state hands.” Not a single private restaurant or hairdressing establishment could be found in gracefully aging Prague. “The people really expected some results,” so the new government decided to make the transition from a centrally planned to a privatized economy as abrupt as possible. Prices were freed with a single stroke of the pen. “At 8 o’clock in the morning, it’s done,” said Klaus. It was a dramatic step that led to an “inevitable” economic contraction that preceded an acrobatic leap to prosperity. Within four years, 80 percent of the country’s assets had been privatized. Klaus joked that Margaret Thatcher has been justly praised for privatizing three or four British firms per year. “We did three to four per hour.” Small companies were sold at public auction. Major enterprises were liberated from state ownership via “voucher privatization,” in which ordinary citizens could pay what Klaus called “a symbolic” (modest) price to acquire shares. “We were really afraid that the people would not understand it,” Klaus explained. But 75 to 80 percent bought in, and “the stock market works.” President Klaus is an economist by academic training, steeped in the free-market principles of the Chicago and Austrian schools. Yet his “thinking was mostly formed by the irrationality of the communist system,” he acknowledged. “In the 1980’s,” he said with a laugh, “there were more Marxists on the Berkeley faculty than in all of Czechoslovakia.” And he added, “I didn’t know anyone who was a genuine Marxist.”

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Fallout of Living under Communist Rule

Klaus’ evolution from economist to politician was spurred by this observation that the “crucial condition” for reforming a dysfunctional economy “is to persuade the people that it must be done.” So he organized a political party and was elected Prime Minister. “Not all the Czech people feel better off,” Klaus admitted. Although everyone enjoys improved material conditions “absolutely,” some have seen themselves decline relative to economic winners. Capitalism does not guarantee that all enterprises prosper. President Klaus observed that he has not won every political battle. He is not happy that his Republic’s membership in the European Economic Union has come at a steep price: adoption of Europe’s absurdly expensive welfare system and rigidly controlled labor markets. As an economist, Klaus understands that these burdens on production are destructive “in the long run.” But as a politician in a free country, the Czech president knows that he must sometimes be flexible. Reported by Effie Rosene ❧

His Excellency, Czech President, Vaclav Klaus (center) and Bill & Effie Rosene.

Frank & Mary Pokluda and Bill Rosene.

Paul Geczi, Effie Rosene, Professor Milan Reban.

Rev. Paul Chovanec, Robert Dvorak.

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The President signs autographs.

James & Danna Ermis, prior to event attendance.

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The first of May this year was just fine. Years ago when my niece was five she came home from Kindergarten and said “Mommy, it’s OK if you die now, our Daddy Lenin will take care of me.” My sister got one shock after another when soon after that, she caught the little girl cutting out pictures from a fashion magazine she had been lucky to get from somebody coming from the West. “Why are you angry?” she asked. “I’m just cutting out pictures of beautiful Soviet people. Our teacher has told us about them.” When Chernobyl blew up at the end of April sixteen years ago, the air was loaded with radiation. Our communist government tried to keep the information from the people. Their main worry was that the people would not attend the traditional May Day Parade. I went away to the country with my children that fine first of May Day. We were picking dandelions to make dandelion honey. I had excused myself from attending the parade, stating that there were pressing family problems. Later, we threw out the dandelions even though the Party assured us that although there had been an explosion, we had nothing to fear. It’s true that I have always been a peace-loving creature but at that moment my sincere wish was that the Soviet comrades as well as ours, experience the very worst of tortures. The first of May 2003, Czech TV presented its viewers with a lovely surprise. For a whole 24 hours, people were able to watch old programs dating back to 1953 when TV broadcasting had begun. What a variety of programs! The news reports dealing with May Day celebrations were really fascinating, the marching throngs with banners proclaiming “Long Live the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia!” the governing comrades on their tribunals lovingly waving to the working masses. It was mandatory for school children to march from their school onto Wenceslas Square. Only there, were they allowed mixing in with the crowd and disappearing. Nobody wanted to bear the banners and flags since it was then their job to carry them back to school. It is unbelievable that even today, fourteen years after the official fall of communism, there still exists a lot of totally confused people like my little niece. They were there screaming in the Letna Park. They no longer have the Soviet Union; all they have is Cuba and Comrade Fidel Castro. It was in this spirit that this demonstration was being held. Comrade Jirina Svorcova promised us from the tribune that our land should again be happy after the communists gain back their power. Dear God, don’t let that happen! I’d rather be unhappy like I was yesterday as I picked the dandelions with my grandchildren telling them about the May Days of years ago. They laughed, not really understanding, but found it amusing. For you my dear readers, I have a newspaper clipping of those “beautiful Soviet people.” Well, not really Soviet, but Czech communists in Letna Park. Eva Strizovska, Czech Dialogue, May 2003 ❧

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Folk Painting on Glass Folk pictures on glass are from the very beginning of ethnographic activity some of the best known and the most collected products of folk art. Frantisek Mares paid attention to them in 1893, two years before the Czechoslovakian Ethnographic Exhibition was held in Prague. For those who were interested in folk art and for connoisseurs of ethnography these pictures were precious evidence of the folkways of life and their spiritual orientation. The next generations’ attention was directed to the indisputable artistic value of the pictures, refined materials, alluring gaiety of colors and variety of individual themes and subjects. Pictures prove, by their extraordinary form, graphic ability of folks of Czech and Moravian countryside, as they show fundamental orientation of folk spiritual culture issuing from the instigation, endeavor and devoutness of Baroque time. Josef Pekar attempted to make evident that roots of Czech folk culture from both ethnographic and art-historical point of view lie in Czech patriotic Baroque, which is also the source of The National Revival. Similarly to most of folk artifacts, painting on glass is not a pure and sterile outburst of folk aesthetics and folk habit as the romantic enthusiasts wished it to be. As well as folk woodcut and painted Nativity Scenes glass painting creates a transition bridge from “high” norm-setting art to folk expression. It is an evidence of mingling of Czech and Moravian culture and culture of provincial towns and cities as this process was speeded up in the 17th and 18th century. Glass painting substantiates how impulses and stimuli inspired the so-called “culture of high classes” were reshaped in folk and semifolk environment. Nevertheless, to be able to fully understand this process we have to disregard the widely spread supposition about the impoverished and poor countryside. The countryside was fairly well economically self-sufficient and did not lead such a gloomy life. Quite often even the countryside middle classes were on a higher economic level than towns where every adversity of life (poor crop, epidemics, and wars) was easily reflected. Government decrees objecting to the luxury of folk classes are the best evidence of the living conditions in the countryside. A Czech Parliament ruling issued in 1545 (written in Old Czech) censures country people for wearing and buying inappropriate and too showy clothes as gold lace bodices, cambric shirts embroidered with gold, ostrich feathers, etc. The Czech countryside experienced similar economic booms during the time of Marie Terezie’s reforms, during the French wars after 1800 and especially as consequence of the devaluation of the Austrian fiduciary currency, so called “schein” in 1811 and 1817. Pictures on glass together with faience and pewter dishes used to be a part of every cottage or manor house equipment. In addition to their household function they also played some sort of representative role, the quantity of them showed wealth of the householder. People were buying them as suitable presents on various life occasions such as Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, church wedding, and later also saint’s name day. Believers collected them as reminders of pilgrimages to distant places. Pictures on glass created a significant dominant of otherwise whitewashed rustic chamber.

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They, as a rule, used to be placed on a ledge in the corner over a corner cabinet in which the householder used to keep documents, money and prayer books. This part of a cottage room in Vallachia was called for the pictures placed there, “holy corner,” and the place at the table on this side was the most honorable one and was reserved for the householder. Later the pictures were hung symmetrically also in between windows over a door or beds. In the second half of the 19th century they were gradually replaced by attractive pictures, made with industrial graphic techniques as lithography, brominechromatography and color prints. Painting on glass was popular in the15th century. Italian glass works in Venice produced in the middle of the 16th century cycles on Christ life painted with precise renaissance techniques. From here popularity of glass painting was spread to France where at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century two main streams were separated. The old folk stream affected Colmar and Alsace and ultimately Germany. The newer stream developed in the industrial areas of France and was inspired by then trendy miniature paintings. It depicted first and foremost world motives and drew its inspiration partly from Boucher frivolous graphics. The process of transition from the style forming art of glass painting to provincial art of craftsmen and painters of Altar Pieces developed in Bavaria and the Tyrol where some researchers find roots of folk painting on glass in this particular Bavarian - Austrian area of the Sudeten. From this area these pictures were exported in large quantities to Czech lands in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Bohemian Forest (Sumava) is considered the cradle of glass painting in Czech lands. The production of pictures on glass in the south Bohemian town of Pohpro and Buchers and on the Austrian side in the little town of Sandl is documented from the 18th century. Also at the same time some centers in north Bohemia started their production. Painting on glass in Moravia had fairly developed in the 18th century and that is why we can trace a strong influence of late Baroque and Rococo. Approximately till 1700 pictures on glass preserved the character of style arts and crafts and they resembled with their style distemper paintings, if they were not painted with complicated techniques of enamel, grisaille or eglomisee. Not until classicism and empire were the character of pictures more adapted to the style of the countryside with its deeply preserved traditional Baroque aesthetics. Secular themes were excluded and resplendent gaiety of red and gold colors came back again. Rococo surrounded figures with cartouches, medallions replaced more figures or a whole series of scenes in the pictures. Pictures on glass were not produced only by glassmakers or professional glass painters in glass works (as it was thought beforehand), but also by unskilled dilettantes. Authors were taking basic material - most of the time defective sheets of glass - from glass works. It does not mean that the production was concentrated in the centers of glass industry. On the contrary, this gives an evidence of the development of transport and trade. Sheets of glass were delivered to painters even to quite faraway places. Considerable demand caused the necessity to increase production. The production of pictures on glass was quickly manufactured. Specialized

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producers, most of the time whole families, worked using and outlined pattern of the contours of the pictures and then each of the other workers carried out according to his or her specialization a specific stage in the production. For instance one was an expert on faces, others on robe folds, third on flower ornaments, etc. At the end the least skilled workers filled in the background. Folk producers drew their inspiration both from older patterns and almost contemporary art work from woodcuts, color prints and altarpieces and church decorations. There were many more centers of production than we are able to document today. Many were in the Bohemian forest (Sumava), north and west Bohemia, Silesia (Jeseniky), the Ash Mountains, Javorniky (the Maple Mountains), Bohemian-Moravian Uplands (Ceskomoravska vysocina), central and south Moravia, and in the Luhacovice area. The paints were applied on the backside of a sheet of glass. To emphasize the technique of painting “under glass” people used then a trendy term “underpainting.” This method of painting is very interesting. First the contours were outlined, and then the actual painting was carried out with parts of the picture that were closer to the eye of an observer painted first. Fingers were painted before hands, eyes before faces, ornaments and folds of clothes before the actual dress. Then the background decorated with various ornaments was filled in. At the end the picture was covered with the colored surface of background. The colored backgrounds were typical for particular regions and bore evidence of the origin of individual pictures: white from Slovakia; black, south Bohemia and Moravia; light blue, north Bohemia and Silesia; marble, Frydek region. Glasspainters used first distemper or glue colors, later the pictures were painted in oils. We should not forget to mention backgrounds created by glass techniques such as cutting, matting either on regular glass or even on mirror glass as such pictures are considered to be produced in glass works alone. Pictures on glass are predominantly of religious inspiration in folk environment and only rarely find secular motives as such as house numbers, landscapes as in a cycle by Janosik, the folk rebel, which was created at the end of the 19th century and was rather a theme from Slovak or Polish times. Janosik and “upper boys” were folk rebels from mountains and painted out of purely commercial reasons. In the pictures one sees a whole rank of saints. They are patron saints of baptism and epidemics, Rochus, Rosalie, Sebastian; diseases eyes, Ottillie, teeth, Apollonia; cattle pests, Wendelin and Linhart; and of blissful death, Barbara, Ann, Joseph. An important place belongs to patron saints of different crafts and agrarian estate, Isidore, Lawrence, Urban. Some of the most popular are saints on horses, Martin, George, Anthony of Paduan, Francis of Assisi, Catherina, Wenceslas and John Nepomuk. Pictures depict saint of the Holy Family, Joseph; and of the life of Christ, The Miracle in Galilee, Whiplashing, the Last Supper, Ecce homo and Holy Sepulchre. Jesus as a child together with St., John the Baptist is often portrayed. The most widespread are pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There were more than 3000 pilgrim places in Czech lands most of them being St. Mary’s

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Folk Painting (continued from page 13)

Letters

holy of holys. Country people paid them frequent visits as almost every third day in a week was a feast day during the reforms of the emperor Joseph II. Particularly popular in the 18th century and in the beginning of the 19th century was the cycle from legends of Saint Genevieve of Brabany of scenes of the saint life as her burial, wedding, founding. Pictures in evangelic environment were covered with quotations out of the Holy Writ framed in rich decorative flower ornament, sometimes supplemented with symbols of sacrificial table or chalice. Region played an important role in this field of folk art and that not only in the choice of themes but also from the point of geographic location. Paintings on glass are not to be found in the Orthodox environment of Russia or Balkans which is due to strict canonical orders of Orthodox religious art prescribing that solid transportable religious pictures had to be painted in distemper on wood as icons. In this part of Europe are found paintings on glass only in Romanian Transylvania and further to the south among Turkish minority where those were in the form of sheets of glass with quotations out of the Koran caligraphically written on them. Swiss writer Max Picard wrote in 1918, “A picture on glass is like a song in painting.” And he was right. Pictures on glass are not only as beautiful, but both forms of folk art have in common also a wide range of expression. Some of them are tender and delicate, others hide a heart full of emotions under tough skin, others seem like unfinished. In some pictures can be observed a kind of luxury, others are full of devout, inward joy, sadness, the opposite are affected and smooth. Some are calm, some flamboyant, those full of the Sun, others gloomy. All different motifs are bound together with meekness, faith and creative ardor that helped to create them. May you find the same calmness of heart full of inspiration. ❧

Victoria Czech Heritage Society celebrated its 19th Annual Czech Festival on September 28, 2003, beginning with Mass celebrated by Fr. Joseph Hybner of Assumption Catholic Church, Ganado, Texas. The participating Czech Heritage Choir consists of (front row) Alice Wright/director, Irene Hubenak, Mary Spacek, Margie Merta; Ella Merta, Frances Vesely (second row) Hattie Kristynek, Gladys Rod, Aurelia Cerny, Virginia Balusek (third row) Jimmy Hubenak, Mike Martinak/trumpet, Adolph Motal, Charlie Motal, Theofil Kocian, John Novak, Fr. Hybner (top row) Carl Wright/organist, Alan Kristynek/trumpet, Henry Jedlicka, Johnny Dornak, Leon Kristynek and lector, Thadius Polasek. Ed.-Rev. Hybner is a longtime CCCH supporting member.

The Rosenes entertain Texas Czech Physician Exchange Program Drs. Mathias and Steinbach of Charles University Medical Fakulty, Prague, in December.

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We so enjoyed the trip! We had fun; we were happy to hear the president of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus. The banquet was great – good company and good food! The trip to the market (Dallas Market Center) was a pleasant adventure for us…. Mary & Frank Pokluda I was delighted to read of your recognition by the Museum District Alliance. You two have made such a wonderful contribution to the City of Houston Museum District and all our Czech families in Texas. Thanks for all you do. Sandy Pickett You are so very kind in sending the huge packet of thrilling news about the cultural center. The copy of Prime Minister Spidla’s address and of the press release of the marvelous gift of Oleta and Louis Hanus and The News of the Czech Center with its featured foreword by Uncle Bill (Souchek) have been read and reread with intense joy. My great congratulations to you for the reward you are feeling in the culmination of your work. Especially do I thank you for your personal note. I so much appreciate your including Bill Souchek in all the Czech events and work. That’s what is sparking his need to continue living. I am borrowing Mr. Spidla’s farewell: “God Bless the Czech Cultural Center in Houston, God Bless Czech Texans!” (We Iowans remember fondly our Czech growing years too.) S panem Bohem. Helen Graham Congratulations for the well-deserved annual community award for your unprecedented effort to bring the Czech Cultural Center to reality as a meaningful addition to the Museum District. Vlasta Adam, MD & Ervin Adam, MD

This photo was taken…as Joe Rychlik and I were lined up for the Burleson County Fair parade. He was a past King of the Kolache Festival. I believe this car is a 1931 Ford Victoria. He’s a large person (Grace’s words Joe) and he was practically squeezed in – we laughed all around the “square” in Caldwell. I have a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria – My, models have changed! Notice the stamp! Grace Skrivanek – Kolache Festival Queen! Ed: We are proud to have as our Honorary Board Member, Grace Skrivanek, who joined us nine years ago much to our good fortune. She is such a delight personally and always giving of her time and enthusiasm to all of the organizations, especially Czech ones and she is not of Czech heritage! The postage stamp was of a vintage Ford shown in the picture!

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Impact of Czech Heritage Boardmember Beatrice Mladenka-Fowler responded to the Czech Center’s request for return of Census form by noting the impact of her Czech heritage as follows: I grew up on a farm in south central Texas where all the rural folks were Czech. Being Czech was so ingrained in my sense of self that I didn’t really know anyone who was not Czech until I was about twelve years old. My mother and her sisters spoke Czech when they got together for quilting or butchering pigs, and my two grandfathers lived with us and had great arguments over words, politics and religion in Czech. (I recall one calling the other a “Bohemian” in a heated debate once.) When I married, I refused to change my last name, so my compromise was to hyphenate it, rather than lose the Czech name I was so proud of. Overall, being Czech has impacted me in all ways – food, clothing, world politics, the way I speak (mixing up my ‘e’s and ‘a’s at times), and how I feel about myself (mostly good!). I am proud to be a Czech American.

XÅutááç Éy à{x Véxv{ exÑâuÄ|v Dear Mrs. Rosene: It is my pleasure to inform you that the book, Gratias Agit Award Laureates, has been published. I am honored to send a copy of this publication to you, President of the Czech Cultural Center, one of the Awardees. Please accept my congratulations and sincere thanks for all your contributions to preserving the Czech heritage in the United States of America. On behalf of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in the USA, I would also like to wish you and all the officials and members of the Czech Cultural Center a Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Best regards, /s/ Ivo Broskevic Cultural Section, Czech Embassy Holiday Greetings to the Czech Cultural Center from Prague include: Prime Minister Vladimir a Viktorie Spidlova. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cyril Svoboda. Czechoslovak Foreign Institute: Jaromir Slapota, Antonin Simek, Milan Trojan. Prague Post Endowment Fund From Czech Embassy in Washington: Ambassador Martin Palous; Commercial Office, Jiri Kulis, Viktor Danielis and Marketa Janikova; Cultural Section, Jakub Skalnik, Ivo Broskevic and Mary Fetzko. From Mayor Maria Michalicova, Hlohovec, South Moravia. First, I want you to know that I am sorry I did not come by to do my regular Christmas shopping. My car-driver helper has been sick and from time to time she was available and then toward the end of mid-December, she no longer was although I had been looking for her to call me. No Luck! So, I neglected not only coming by but failed to send gifts to some of my nieces and nephews as well. Happy New Year. Naomi Kostom Spencer Ed: We missed you, Naomi.

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We Salute Our Lifetime Members Listed below are more than 200 outstanding individuals that by their financial support (Founder, Benefactor or Velke Kolo membership) have signified a Lifelong commitment to the Czech Cultural Center Houston. We are proud of them and invite you to join them. Karolina Adam, MD & John Dickerson Ervin Adam, MD & Vlasta Adam, MD Cathy Rosene Anderson & Larry Anderson Norma Ashmore Earl & Martha Austin Joy Koym Balderach Marion & Phyllis Bell Alma Mazoch Berger Lynn & Helen Dornak Blankenburg Joseph & Mildred Dziadek Borden Thomas & Burnette Jurica Boyett Jim & Joyce Drapela Braus Victoria Lysek Castleberry Captain Eugene Cernan Norma E. Chernosky Dorothy Chernosky Jean & Marvin Chernosky, MD Rev. Paul Chovanec Mary & Richard Conroy Bill & Edna Petters Cox Elizabeth Cupitt John & Rose Hrncir Deathe Vicki Dressler Robert J. Dvorak Elizabeth & Ted Emr Danna & James Ermis Carolyn Filipp Francine Mikulik Fleming Velma Chernosky Fordtran Cecilia & Robert Forrest Caroline Freeman Marion & J. H. Freeman

Lawrence & Silvie Kelarek Gaventa Cynthia Gdula & L. Charles Westervelt Lorraine Strnadel Rod Green Zahava Haenosh Louis & Oleta Hanus Henry & Virginia Ermis Harper Lynn & Purvis Harper, MD Imogene Hassell Barbara & Leroy Hermes Marietta Hetmaniak Charles J. Heyda Chris Hlavinka Jerry & Victor Holy Ann Hornak Shirley & Jerry Hosek, DVM Roberta & Jimmy Howell, MD Roy M. Huffington Alan & Glen Husak Rev. Joseph Hybner Bobby & Ruby Kocurek Jackson Robert Janak Doris & Edward Janek, Sr. Delores & Arthur Jansa, MD Christie Rosene Johnson & Eric Johnson Edwin Jurecka Gladys & Leslie Kahanek Sonia & John Kahanek, III Jerrie & Frank Kalenda Margaret & Joe Klecka Georgia & John Klesel Tomas Klima, MD & Marcella Klima, MD Julie Halek Kloess Audrey Klump Thomas Kocurek Louis Kocurek, Jr. Lillian & Robert Kokas Darlene Kolaja Barbara & W. C. Kolinek Agnes Kosarek Anna & Edward Krpec Alyce & Joe Krupa, Jr.

Betty & Mark Kubala, MD Michael Kucera Marta R.Latsch Helen Kopecky Layman Woody Lesikar Elbert & Ann Bordovsky Link Cora Sue & Harry Mach Jacqueline & Bennie Marek Stan Marek Judith & Marvin Marek Thelma Burnett Maresh Jeff Masek MBC Foundation John P. McGovern, MD Kenneth & Ethel Kuzell Meek Barbara Mikulik Marcella & W. C. Miley David Miller, MD & Sally Eisen Miller, PhD Beatrice Mladenka-Fowler & Jesse Fowler Johnelle & Edwin Moudry Bobbie & John Nau Kelli & Phillip Nevlud Gerald Opatrny Paul & Judy Tallas Pasemann Stanley Pavlas Charlie E. Pavlicek Mary Grace & Anthony Pavlik Clarence & Bobbie Pertl Dorothy & Larry Pflughaupt Ed & Sally Jircik Pickett Sherry Rosene Pierce & Lindsey Pierce Frank J. Pokluda III Mary & Frank Pokluda, Jr. Janell & Wesley Pustejovsky Georgana Repal Justine Jurica Rivoire & Nita Bagley Ann & Hugh Roff, Jr. Bill & Effie Sojak Rosene Mary Jane Rozypal Charles & Betti Friedel Saunders

Don Sheffield & Nancy Chernosky Sheffield Jennifer Paul Sibille, MD Jean & Walter Skripka Grace Skrivanek Raymond J. Snokhous & Clarice Marik Snokhous Sokol Houston Lil Hornak Sorrels & H.M. Sorrels, DDS William E. Bill Souchek Naomi Kostom Spencer SPJST SPJST Lodge 88 Edie & John Stavinoha, MD Yvonne & Glenn Sternes, PhD John R. Vacek Nina & Ray Vitek JoAnn & Jerry Vojacek John & Patsy Veselka Wells Sallie & Wayne Wendt Dorothy Wheeler Dollye & Kenneth Zezulka Marie Koranek Zinnante

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Czech Cultural Center Houston Honor and Memorial Wall

Your donation for a tile on our honor and memorial wall may be used to upgrade your membership to a higher status, as all contributions to the Czech Cultural Center Houston are cummulative.

Celebrate your contribution to the Czech Cultural Center Houston by honoring someone important in your life or your association with the Czech Cultural Center Houston. Inscribe your name or your honoree’s name on a tile as a lasting and meaningful memento of thoughtfulness and support of the mission to provide a unique new site to celebrate the culture, language, scholarship and the arts of Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia and Silesia. The inscribed tile will be mounted in an appropriate location in the cultural center building. A personalized tile, in your name, memory or honor of family and friends, will forever be a part of the history and tradition of our organization.

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Glassart in Northern Bohemia The northern Bohemian region is inextricably linked with the most important stages in the development of the production of glass in what is now the Czech Republic. The earliest known producers of glass date back to the Middle Ages, when the Kingdom of Bohemia was just rising to prominence on the European stage. The country’s border region, covered in deep forests, provided glassmakers with the hardwood they needed for the production process. So much was consumed, however, that once they had felled all the trees in their vicinity they were forced to move higher up into the foothills and mountains to get closer to further supplies of wood. The medieval glassworks produced round panels of glass of window glazing and beads; later they also turned to hollow glass. The change lifestyle that came in with the Renaissance brought with it a greater demand for glass products. In addition to the green tinted beakers and other drinking vessels in a variety of shapes produced in this period, glassmakers were also known for their large “welcoming cups,” enameled with imperial eagles. Many families, whose members enjoyed great social prestige, were freed of feudal obligations, benefited from various privileges and in some cases were even raised to the nobility by the emperor in recognition of their services, dominated Glassmaking at the time. One such case was that of the Wander family from Mseno in the Jizera Mountains. In the Baroque period, Bohemia was known for its ruby glass and for “Bohemian crystal;” thick, hard, crystalline brilliant glass. After the glass was produced in rough form in the glassworks, glassmakers ground it and more typically, engraved or cut it according to designs based on contemporary graphic works. Once again glassworks from northern Bohemia played a particularly important role in the creation of glass whose main purpose was to advertise the wealth and taste of its owners. The eighteenth century witnessed the appearance of another type of glass product that in fact represents one of the great achievements of Czech glassmakers in the Baroque period – doublewalled tumblers, which clearly came from a glass works in northern Bohemia but whose name has been lost. Gradually glass became a very valuable trade item. Despite many difficulties, traders carried it off to distant lands in back-

baskets, wheelbarrows and later on in carts. Merchants established glass-exporting firms with representatives scattered throughout the Western world. In the Rococo period, the outstanding glassworks were those belonging to the Counts Harrach. Here the most up-to-date production processes and methods were employed, in cutting, painting, engraving, gilding and many other techniques. From the 1760s the local glassmakers blew elegant opaque milk glass as an imitation of the more expensive porcelain, with painted allegories of the elements, continents and months of the year. The production of chandeliers with crystal pendants flourished in Novy Svet and the environs of Ceske Lipa. The development of the production of mirrors owed much to the efforts of the Counts Kinsky. The Turnov region held substitutes for precious

Tankard – 1647

Flagon – 1830

stones, a specialization that led later to the world-famous production of costume jewelry in Jablonec. In the Biedermeier period Czech glassmaker’s skills were such that they were able to meet the current demand for highly colored glass. In the 1820s they carried out successful experiments with new glass-metals and ways of decorating glass surfaces. One of the best known was the glass merchant Friedrich Egermann (1777-1864), a tireless experimenter in the town of Plevsko and later in Novy Bor. He rediscovered the secret of yellow glazing and invented red glazing and was the father of lithialine glass, which resembles semi-precious stones. In southern Bohemia, glassmakers invented a superb black

glass. Typical types of glass in this period included one made of several layers of different colors that was then ground, painted opaline glass, uranium glass and threaded glass. The rich tradition of engraved glass in Bohemia was carried on by the brilliant Dominick Biemanjn, a native of Novy Svet famous for his delicate portrait. Other outstanding engravers worked in Kamenicky Senov and in the Bohemian spa town of Karlovy Vary, the “Glass King of the Jizera Mountains,” Josef Riedel, expanded his glass empire. The activities of the oldest specialized Glassmaking School in the world, founded at Kamenicky Senov in 1856 had a major influence in supporting glass production. At the turn of the twentieth century glassmakers, inspired by Art Noveau, decorated their work with stylized vegetation and abstract forms. In the 1920s glass was produced in the Art Deco style in Kamenicky Senov. Following World War II the main challenge facing Czech glassmakers was how to deal with the loss of large numbers of highly qualified workers who were forced to leave the country as part of the expulsion of the country’s German speaking population. But the movement of individuals from the interior of the country to the border regions was crucial for the development of the twentieth century artistic glass. Czech glass won awards at many important competitions, including that at EXPO 58 in Brussels. The work of designers came to be increasingly differentiated from that of artists working in the field of glass sculpture. Thanks to the highest technical standards of glass production, it was there that many leading artists produced their most important works in glass. Historically speaking, the production of glass in northern Bohemia was closely linked with the economic and political situation of the country and changing artistic fashions; even more important, however, was the natural competition between the Czech minority and the German-speaking majority in the region. This coexistence was shattered by the tragic events of World War II. For devotees of glass art you owe it to yourself to visit the many museums in north Bohemia and when in Prague a visit to the Museum of Applied Arts has an outstanding collection you would not want to miss. ❧

Wheat Weaving Wheat weaving is a very old practice dating back to ancient times. No exact date or place of origin has been found, but it is believed people created weavings as early as 8,000 years ago. Wheat is known to have been cultivated in the Nile Valley in Egypt at least 5,000 years ago. Even early cave drawings show the use of gathered fibers in simple totems. Early agriculture was an inexact process dependent on favorable conditions of weather and soil. Farmers relied on an ample harvest to sustain their communities throughout the year and realized the relationship of planting and harvesting cycles to their own process of human birth and death. Wheat stalks were woven into items of beauty to act as a “home” for the spirits T h e

of the grain and saved until the spring seeding. At that time, the weavings were returned to the field to ensure a plentiful harvest the next year. Generally, any artistic work done with straw is referred to as “wheat weaving.” In parts of Europe the craft was also referred to as making “corn dollies” - “corn” being the common term for almost any grain. Not all weavings were dolls, however. Depending on the place of origin, some of the more popular shapes were hearts, cages, spirals, small farm figures and crosses. Wheat weaving almost died out with the arrival of threshing machines which tattered the stems. Fortunately the art has been conserved in Bohemia, Moravia and

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Slovakia and other countries where wheat is a staple. Woven wheat items will last for decades once dried. Some have been found which are over 100 years old. It is easy to maintain woven wheat. If it appears too dry, simply mist some water on it once or twice a year to restore moisture content. It can also be brushed gently with a soft brush in the direction of the fine wheat whiskers to remove excess dust If readers would like to begin the tradition of keeping or giving a Czech wheat weaving, The Market Place at Czech Cultural Center Houston, has a beautiful new shipment of these intricate folk art items. ❧

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The Sickle’s Assault This is the third in a series of excerpts from a book by Bishop Petr Esterka titled “Never Say Comrade,” which chronicles his life beginning with the realism of an underground bomb shelter and ends with his escape from communist Czechoslovakia. Just when does a priestly vocation begin? What is it that actually prompts a boy to want to be a priest? Only God Himself knows for sure. In my case, perhaps the first seed of a vocation was planted when I was very young. My father spent hours with me at night, telling me about the universe with its moon and stars, and the glories of God who made them. Bible stories became my fairy tales and my adventure stories. He had a way of telling stories so vividly about Noah’s ark, Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, Moses, Joseph and many other biblical personalities that they seemed to come to life. The picture he showed me of the Christ Child in the temple, of Saint Peter, the horrible face of Judas at the Last Supper, the crucifixion and others made a life-long impression on me. This was the beginning of my education. I loved these times with my father and the wondrous doors he opened for me. Even though he did not have the opportunity to get a good formal education himself, he was very wise in many ways and wanted me to have a chance to scale the intellectual heights he could not hope to attain. However, like most young boys everywhere, I loved the thrill of sports better than the drudgery of intellectual pursuits. Soccer, a game as popular in Czechoslovakia as football in the United States, especially appealed to me. Since I disliked sitting for hours to study and memorize, I often omitted my homework to play soccer with my friends. As a result, my grades in grammar school were not so outstanding as my soccer playing. From the age of about eight, I particularly loved being an altar boy, and made it my responsibility to be at weekday Mass frequently and always at both Masses on Sunday. In my home every priest was respected. Never had I heard one word against him. Consequently, I thought that perhaps being a priest would be a cherished vocation. Somehow, from the very beginning, I felt the priesthood was a life of sacrifice and of great responsibility. But the final decision of my vocation was far from settled. The Bishop of our diocese realized there was an urgent demand for well-trained lay readers, as well as priests, so after the war, he opened a Catholic high school in Brno, the capitol of Moravia. Since this was the only Catholic school for boys in the diocese, it was a combination high school and minor seminary. The school was designed for accelerated students with high standards to meet the ever-increasing needs of the Church. My parents and my pastor were most anxious for me to attend this school in order that I might get a higher education, and perhaps they had a secret hope of my finding my religious vocation. I, myself, was not aware of a priestly

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calling at that time – who can at such an age? – but I was happy to be accepted by the school. So, at the age of thirteen, I was sent to Brno to be trained by the Jesuits. I was placed in the second class at the school, experiencing all the nostalgia of every other young boy away from home for the first time. As a consequence of my attendance at the small school in a village where the standards were not particularly high, I experienced very great difficulties in my studies. I had to study very diligently to catch up with my classmates. Initially, my grades were quite poor, and had it not been for the patience of my teachers, I would probably have been sent home. Another drawback was the fact that I spoke Czech in a provincial dialect. I was mocked and mimicked by the other boys. Their ridicule made me feel very bad, but I was determined to fit into the new life. The Jesuits were very good to me, as they were to all the boys. They understood my problems and helped me as much as they possibly could. Slowly I began to adjust to the other boys, the studies, and the whole environment. Before long, I actually began to enjoy life at school. The second year was a happier one; my studies were very much improved; I was placed in charge of the students’ store. I still loved soccer and I also took a great interest in track. I played these sports every chance I had during our free time, becoming rather good in both of them. I practiced hard, won several events in track, and was on the first soccer team. By the spring of my second year, I felt that life in general was quite good. Soon school would be out for the summer vacation, and I was looking forward to my visit home with my family and to carrying out of all the plans I had made for the summer. I went to bed on the night of April 13, 1950, with a wonderful feeling of well being – not knowing that night would be one of the most memorable nights in my life. About 2:00 a.m. the lights of our dormitory were suddenly flashed on. Imagine the reactions of twenty-five sleeping boys who were suddenly awakened by three men who wore the hated leather jackets that were the symbol of the STB (communist secret police)! The three men entered the room, trying to conceal their revolvers in their pockets. We were young but still we had an idea of what was going on. One man stationed himself near the light switch, while the other two inspected the room. When they were convinced that there was only a roomful of startled boys, they nonchalantly said they had come to check our sleeping accommodations. We were not so stupid as to believe such a story as that, and we fully realized the implication of what was meant when each of us was made to answer: “What is your name? Place and date of birth? Parents’ name? Where do they live?” The replies were recorded in a notebook by one of the secret policemen. The men left with a sardonic “Goodnight” and a warning not to

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enter the corridor. Who could sleep after being awakened in such a manner? At first the dormitory buzzed with subdued whispers. Gradually, the speculation grew louder. The most adventurous students cautiously edged to the door. One even slipped out into the corridor. “Where are you going? Get back in there immediately,” came the gruff sound of a male voice. “But I have to go to the restroom,” stuttered the surprised student. The light in the corridor was turned on and the student recognized the man as one of our recent visitors. The rest rooms were at the opposite end of the corridor, so the boy was able to pass the room of the dean of studies. “The dean’s door is sealed with tape,” was the report he brought back to us. Naturally, the rest of us wanted to see the dean’s door for ourselves, and soon other boys “had” to go to the rest room. Reluctantly the guard assented, but he stationed himself by the stairs so no one could escape. Up to that point, escape had not occurred to us. Around 7:00 a.m. we were allowed to leave the dormitory. It was only then that we discovered the extent and the seriousness of what had actually happened. All the professors and superiors, all the brothers and priests in our school had been arrested during the night. We learned later that the Church throughout the entire nation had been ravished. Only a very few religious who worked with the sick and old, escaped the onslaught of the hammer and sickle. The arrested were allowed to take only the bare essentials. Then they were herded into large transport trucks and taken away. Years later, I learned that the rector of our seminary died of tuberculosis in a concentration camp at the age of fifty-three. He was a very intelligent man, fluent in Russian, German, English, and other languages. He was an excellent preacher, educator and professor, but he was in the way of the communist take-over of young minds, and he, as so many others, was expendable. We also found that the upper classmen had been even more rudely awakened than we had been. Their visitors made no pretense of concealing their revolvers in their pockets. They brazenly flourished them until they were sure there would be no trouble from the older boys who slept in smaller dormitories with ten boys in each. They were questioned in the same manner we had been. On the morning of April 14, the school was without superiors. In their stead were the secret police, who wore their hated leather jackets. Two hundred students waited in vain for Mass to be said. Usually classes began at 8:00 a.m., but that bleak morning there were no teachers and the professors that came from town were not allowed to enter. There was nothing to do…. “All students will gather on the field in front of the college where an interclass tournament of soccer will be organized,” blared the loud speaker. Such an announcement under normal circumstances would have made the walls swell with echoes of cheer and enthusiasm. But not this morning. There was gloom and an air of evil foreboding everywhere in the Bishop’s school.

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The Sickle’s Assault (continued from page 17) Since we were ordered to go, we went. We played because we were ordered to do so. No one was interested in the outcome of the game…About noon we were allowed to enter the building only long enough to eat…Soon we were again sent outside for more soccer until 6:00 p.m. When we returned to our dormitories, everything looked as we had left it. However, upon closer scrutiny, we could see that our desks, chifforobes, and night tables had all been searched. Instead of the cheer and feeling of well being of the night before, we went to bed terribly lonesome and sorely frightened. We missed our friends and wanted the comfort and security of families and homes. The second day was like the first. During the second day the police and militia was replaced by a group of civilians. Only the leader of the whole action, Comrade Zahradnik, stayed and became the director of the boarding school, the seminary and the day school. Our new tutors were men we had never seen before, but the insignias on their coats denoted them as communists. The communists adhered to the predecessors’ time schedule, but everything else was changed. The cross was replaced by the communist red star and with the hammer and sickle. The catechism classes were replaced with the doctrine of Marx, Engel, Lenin and Stalin. We were indoctrinated in the importance of the socialist state, the necessity of fighting against capitalistic exploitation and American imperialism and the interest of the Soviet Union for happiness and peace for all the people. Another thing that I personally could not abide was their demand that we address each communist by the title of “Comrade.”

After a few days, the usurpers agreed to allow a priest from town to celebrate Mass for us. As was the habit of many students, one of the upperclassmen stopped by the chapel for a visit during an afternoon break in classes. He was shocked at the sacrilege being perpetrated on the altar before his eyes. Standing at the altar with a set of scales was a member of the STB and Comrade Zahradnik. The locked tabernacle had been broken open and the consecrated hosts were spilling out on the altar cloth. The chalice, monstrance and ciborium were conspicuously on the altar. Since these vessels are rich in gold or silver plating and often have jewels or semi-precious stones set in them, the communists were evidently interested in their monetary value. “Don’t you dare touch those things. In God’s name, get away from the altar immediately,” the boy shouted as he rushed toward the men at the altar. He was shaking with holy indignation and rage. “Who do you think you are talking to?” haughtily inquired Comrade Zahradnik. Trying to regain his composure, the student stammered, “What do you think you are doing here? That’s no way to treat the consecrated hosts and vessels.” “We are your superiors now. We will give the orders. As for you, you had better get out of here before I arrest you,” the secret policeman in the leather jacket warned. The student saw it was useless to argue, so he left and ran to the school. “The new superiors have broken into the tabernacle,” he called to his fellow students. Before he could finish his incredible story, the whole group swarmed toward the chapel. The news of the desecration spread through the school like wildfire. The intruders were in the act of weighing the ciborium when the doors flew open and the first group

of boys streamed into the chapel. The students were horrified at the spectacle. As if forced by some inner command, they all knelt down and bowed profoundly, adoring the Sacred Hosts scattered on the altar table. They wanted to amend the sacrilege committed against God in their chapel. The two intruders looked up in amazement to see the adoration of the students. Before they could finish weighing the ciborium, the most daring of the students charged at them and pushed them from the altar. By that time, the entire student body was in the chapel and seeing the heated temper and bold resolve of the students, the two men slunk out of the chapel. In reprisal for their action, not one of the first arrivals in the chapel was allowed to finish his studies for a degree. The student who discovered the desecration and informed the others, was treated the worst of all. As a punishment, he was expelled from school, was refused admission to every other school, and was denied the completion of his studies. When my parents heard what had happened at the school, they came and took me home. I left two months before the school year was over. At the close of the school year, all remaining students were notified not to return after the holidays. The Bishop’s school, along with his hopes for dynamic new priests and laymen, was suppressed. It is rather ironic that in less than a year after that communistic sacrilegious action, Comrade Zahradnik committed suicide in one of the buildings of the seminary he had tried to “re-educate.” Ed: Bishop Esterka is Moravian born in Dolni Bojanovice. He lives in California and serves as Priest in Diaspora to Czech expatriates in America, Canada and Australia. ❧

Tepla, The Premonstratensian Monastery Czech nobleman Hroznata founded the monastery of Premonstratensian Tepla in the year 1193. The oldest part is the Roman-Gothic church Zvestovani Pane; Krystof Dienzenhofer built the Baroque convent and prelature from 1690 to 1721. The north wing, which contains the museum and library, are in the new Baroque style from the beginning of the 20th century. Nearly eight hundred years of the monastery’s history ended in 1950 on expropriation by the communist government.

Ceiling Painting in Convent

The monastery’s area was used as a military barracks. In 1958 the museum and library was opened to the public. It was returned to the

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Premonstratensian order in 1990 and reconstruction began. The public tour consists of the convent, the library, which is the second largest historical library in the Czech Republic with over 100,000 books, and the exhibition of artifacts from the collection of the monastery’s museum. Castle Becov nad Tepla The remarkable complex of the Gothic fortress and Renaissance and Baroque castle stands on the rocky tongue of land over the river Tepla. The fortress was built in the 13th century as a customs duty station. Expansion during the next centuries was made without significant changes to the previous buildings. The historic event of recent time is the exhibition to the public of the relics of St. Maur. This unique important European artifact of immense magnitude was found under the floor of the castle tower in the year 1985. The discovery of the shrine of St. Maur was called the find of the century. It ranks as the best of similar items in Europe because of its outstanding visual and artisan art. The shrine of St. Maur is the work of the artist of KolinMosel area from the first quarter of the 13th century. It shows the exceptional craft and artistic quality of the Romanesque goldsmiths. Statues of Christ and St. Maur are placed in the richly molded sides under the gables. After

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Reliquary St. Maur in Castle

extensive restoration the shrine is exhibited in its full beauty in the castle. Ed. Tepla is located eight miles from Marinanske Lazne in western Bohemia’s famous spa country. The Monks were aware of the healing properties of the water when they established the village of Auschowitz near the springs in 1341. A pilgrim’s lodge was later built and the springs were tapped with the Monks decanting the water into barrels selling it to prosperous cities and nobleman’s estates. Eventually the water was evaporated cutting transport costs marketing the much more convenient Tepla salt! ❧

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Thirty-Five Years Ago in Prague With the fall of communism in Europe several years behind us, it’s hard to remember what Cold War tensions were like. Yet thirty-five years ago this month, the Cold War became extremely cold when the Soviets invaded Czechoslovakia. As so often in modern warfare, radio was there to play an important role. Events preceding the invasion began on January 5, 1968. With the economy in bad shape, there was unrest among both the Czechoslovak people and the ruling communist party. First Secretary Antonin Novotny and his hard-line compatriots responded with the usual suppression, but the rest of the party elite revolted, voting him out of office and replacing him with Alexander Dubcek. Gradually Novotny and his allies were pushed out of most important party and governmental posts. Dubcek and his faction launched a reform campaign unheard of in the Soviet block. Under the slogan “socialism with a human face”, they ended press censorship, freed political prisoners, allowed free travel abroad, decentralization of the economy, and totally turned the old Stalinist system on its head. Others dubbed the awakening the “Praque Spring.” Yet, Dubcek’s government continued to insist that it supported communism and planned to remain allied to the USSR, especially in foreign policy matters. Nevertheless, Moscow saw Dubcek’s movement as a threat to its dominance in Eastern Europe. Tensions between the Soviet and Czech governments rose as the Soviets denounced the reforms and worked behind the scenes with Dubcek’s opponents. But, Dubcek remained solidly in control. At the end of July, Dubcek and Soviet leader Leonid Breshnev and their advisors met for several days, and produced an agreement called the Bratislava Declaration, which seemed to guarantee Czechoslovakia’s freedom to follow it’s own path. In reality, everything was far from rosy. Secretly, the Soviet government had been preparing an invasion of Czechoslovakia under the guise of the Warsaw Pact. At 10:00 p.m. on August 20th, at least 250,000 Warsaw Pact troops - mostly Soviets, but also East Germans, Poles, Bulgarians, and Hungarians crossed into Czechoslovakia. News of the invasion traveled slowly to the capital, and not until 1:00 a.m. did Czechoslovak radio broadcast the first news of it to a startled world. A nearby Associated Press TV audience at 1:25 a.m. {9:25 p.m. EDT}, about the same time the Soviet ambassador visited the White House to inform President Johnson. Short-wave listeners, however, reported that Radio Prague’s external services carried on with their normal prerecorded broadcast, without any mention of the invasion. As the invaders moved into key towns and eventually Prague itself, they took over government buildings, intersections, and other strategic points. Reformist leaders, including Dubcek, were captured and arrested. Everything started out very smoothly, just as expected. But, the Soviets had no idea of what really awaited them. The Soviets knew that controlling the flow of information would be key to the success of their invasion. But, the Czechoslovaks knew that also. The Prague Radio Building on Vinohradska Street, just behind the National Museum in the Central City, would be the center of resistance. Within minutes of the radio’s invasion announcement, Czechoslovak youths began gathering on Vinohradska Street. Using wood, stones, buses and trolley cars, they began constructing massive barricades across the street.

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At 8:00 a.m. Soviet troops surrounded the station building. A woman announcer reported this to the listeners, noting that, “They are going to silence our voices, but they cannot silence our hearts.” The microphone was passed from hand to hand as the announcers asked the audience to remain calm and have courage. One man held the microphone to the window so the listeners could hear machine gun fire outside. As her companions sobbed in the background, the first woman announcer came back on and reported, “They have entered the building, but we are still here and will be with you as long as we can hold out. We are behind Dubcek and we will never give up, never!” Then the national anthem was played. In fact, the troops hadn’t entered the building yet. As they moved onto Vinohradska Street they were met by thousands of people waving Czechoslovak flags and screaming, “Russians, go home!” When the tanks moved towards the barricades, students ran out on the street with Molotov cocktails and flaming rags and newspapers to set the tanks on fire. Old mattresses, garbage, and wooden crates were added to the fires. The invaders were shocked by the strong resistance. They retreated, leaving one tank and two munitions trucks in flames in front of the barricades. Radio Prague would remain on the air a little longer. But, the Soviets regrouped and a few hours later launched another attack, this time smashing through the barricades. Just before 11:00 a.m. Troops stormed into the radio building, the last in Prague to fall. The station went off at 11:00 a.m. Surprisingly, only seven Czechoslovaks were killed in the two battles for the radio station, out of a total of 23 killed in Prague and other cities. Later in the afternoon, thousands of citizens carrying a blood splattered flag made a funeral procession along Vinohradska Street in honor of the fallen in the battle for Radio Prague. Contrary to their earlier declarations, the staff did not wait around for the Soviets to storm into the studio. A few people, including Director Karel Hrabal, stayed at the microphone until they were arrested. But most of the technicians, announcers, and reporters slipped away into the crowds once it was apparent the building would fall. They were not deserting their cause in its hour of need. They had plans for another fight that the Soviets hadn’t counted on. Within half an hour of Radio Prague’s fall, a clandestine anti-Soviet broadcaster came on the air in Prague. Gradually others were added elsewhere in the city, and in cities such as Brno, Pilsen, and Ceske Budejovice. Around the country, local radio staffs left their studios and took to the airwaves from secret locations. At first, the clandestine provided news and moral support for the resistance. As they became more organized, the stations actually began to orchestrate the resistance. Then, as the resistance centered on the clandestine network, the stations became a sort of quasi-government for a nation without a real one. Their slogan was “Jsme s v mi; bud’te s n mi!” or “We are with you; be with us!” Although the underground stations denounced the Soviet invasion, they always stressed their loyalty to the Socialist system as represented by Dubcek and his “Prague Spring.” Rather than being anti-communist, they supported a liberal form of communism. And they always pointed out that they were “free, legitimate” radio stations of the Czechoslovak people. Surprisingly, in concentrating on closing down official Czechoslovak radio studios, the Soviets didn’t bother to occupy several key medium and long wave transmitter sites. Radio technicians

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then set up makeshift studios and connected them to the usual high-powered transmitter on their normal frequencies! This not only made it easy for local listeners, it allowed BBC monitors at Caversham Park to record almost all of the key output of the clandestine broadcasts during the first few days of the invasion. Soon, however, the Soviets wised up and also occupied the transmitter sites. By that time, the free radios had set up a number of a hodgepodge of true clandestine transmitters. Some came from the Czechoslovak army and others from factories, especially the Tesla Electronics Equipment plant. In other cases amateur transmitters were pressed into service. Still others were put together at the moment with whatever parts were at hand. As one staffer with the clandestine network said, "We always swore about our obsolete equipment, which was always breaking down, but it made our technicians into masters of improvisation, and that is what they are now.” Equipment was limited, however. For example, often listeners were asked to record the broadcasts for future generations, as the stations lacked the equipment to do so. The stations worked together, and soon a true clandestine network came together. Up to nineteen stations took turns broadcasting for fifteen minutes at a time on the same frequency. Each station had local and national news, plus coded messages for members of the resistance. Numbered codes signaled the end of a transmission so the next station in the link could come on. At first the breaks between stations were choppy with as much as five minutes of dead air. Later the engineers became so proficient that the switches were often not even noticeable. During their time off the air some stations moved their transmitter to a new site before their next turn, as a further guard against discovery. The network operated 24 hours a day, giving the announcers and technicians little chance for sleep. Listeners provided food and other supplies. In some cases stations made live broadcasts from streets or parks; watchful citizens warned them if the Soviets were coming near. Most programming was news about the invasion and resistance against it, but this was no propaganda operation. The broadcasts were always objective, telling good and bad. Sometimes it was difficult to get accurate information, but when information turned out to be incorrect, it was always corrected on the air as soon as possible. Everyone at the stations knew that the truth was important to their people. The quiet, calm, unemotional reading of news and announcements on the free radio stations became the symbol of the resistance. Still, with highly critical events, women announcers were used because it was believed their voices would create a more emotional reaction in the audience. Only a few breaks were taken for music, and those were to allow the announcers time to compose upcoming news and announcements. Most of the broadcasts were on medium wave, but several, including Radio Bratislava, used short wave. Frequencies included 233, 428, and 492 meters on medium wave and 1103 meters on longwave. In Prague, the international service’s normal 7345 and 11990 kHz outlets was taken over by Radio Free Prague with lower-powered clandestine equipment. Both frequencies were logged in North America. The invasion gave Dxers some unwanted signals to tune in as well; the Soviets began jamming the VOA and BBC for the first time since 1961.

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Thirty Five Years Ago (continued from page 19) While Czech and Slovak were the primary languages used, clandestine broadcasts were also aimed at the invading troops and listeners abroad. Other languages used at different times included Russian, Polish, Ruthenian, Hungarian, Romany, German, French, and English. When appeals in Russian for the soldiers to go home were broadcast, listeners took their transistor radios out into the streets and held them up so that the soldiers could hear. The clandestine operators didn’t limit themselves to radio either. They put on at least four underground TV stations also. The broadcasts were highly professional, and in addition to news carried a lot of comedy programs making fun of the invasion. Humorous Russian lessons were especially popular, as was a satirical tour for visitors of the sites of occupied Prague. Ironically, the Soviets were indirectly responsible for the clandestine network. Years before they had suggested that Czechoslovak radio make plans for clandestine operations in case of a Western invasion. Soviet generals in 1968 probably wished that the Czechoslovaks hadn’t been so compliant on this one instruction! The stations reported fighting against the invasion in many cities with many dead and wounded. A few broadcasts even ended with the sounds of Russian troops storming in, firing machine guns. Yet, this was not the way Dubcek or his supporters wanted it. The Free Radio stations always urged passive resistance; no one wanted another 1956 Hungary, when hundreds were killed fighting Soviet troops. On August 22nd at noon, 20,000 people demonstrated in central Prague’s Wenceslas Square as part of an hour-long general strike across the country. As cars and buses stopped in the streets, everything was paralyzed, even the invaders’ military traffic. But when an evening demonstration was planned and the Soviets threatened to impose martial law, the free radio network urged the demonstration be canceled, and no one showed up. Young people stood on nearby streets and directed passers-by to take other routes so the square would remain empty. Instead of confrontation, listeners were told to resist without getting shot. School children, who learned Russian in school, were told to pretend they didn’t understand the language if questioned by soldiers. When KGB agents were identified, the license numbers of their cars were given to the stations for broadcast. Listeners then painted the numbers everywhere. It may not have stopped the KGB, but it certainly made them spend a lot of time changing cars! One of the easiest and most effective way to resist the invaders was to confuse them. The Soviets and their allies did not know their way around Czechoslovakia and its cities and towns. House numbers were taken down and street and highway signs were switched around. In some towns, all the street signs were renamed Dubcek Street. When the resistance learned of additional Polish troops coming in along a certain route, listeners were told to change the road signs. The column followed the signs and about the time they expected to be arriving in Prague, they found they had taken a circuitous route back to the Polish border! The free radios also urged compassion. Most of the invading soldiers were naive 18 year old Russians. Listeners were told to treat them kindly, as the soldiers were not responsible for their actions and often didn’t even know where they were. Some units had been told they were invading Germany and others that they were putting

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down a rebellion in the Soviet Ukraine. The stations also discouraged listeners against taking action against Czechoslovaks who were collaborating with the invaders. Not only was this against the spirit of passive resistance, in many cases the evidence against supposed traitors was little more than gossip. In one instance, a man spying for the resistance by collaborating with the Soviets was beaten up by other members of the resistance. Although the Czechoslovak clandestine broadcasts caught the Soviets by surprise, the Soviets had their own clandestine stations, too. Just a few hours after the invasion began, Radio Vltava came on 210 meters, claiming to be a Czechoslovak station and justifying the invasion as the will of the Czechoslovak people. The broadcasts, however, were in Russian-accented Czech and broken Slovak. The free radios announced Radio Vltava’s frequency to their listeners and invited them to listen to it for amusement. Radio Vltava was actually located in East Germany, and eventually its frequency was taken over by Radio Berlin International. Later at least three other Soviet-operated clandestine stations broadcast briefly to Czechoslovakia. One, Vysilac Zare (Dawn Transmitter), pretended to be pro-Dubcek, but careful monitoring proved it to be a subtle attempt at spreading misinformation among the underground. Of course as soon as the Soviets realized the scope of the free radio network, they set out to close it down. However, the use of multiple and ever-changing frequencies and locations made triangulation to find the stations difficult if not impossible. Furthermore, the Soviets had been so confident of an easy invasion that they hadn’t even brought along the equipment to do it, and it took several days to get it shipped in. Meanwhile, the Soviets frequently drove right by clandestine studios without even knowing it. Gradually, frustrated officers began ordering their troops to confiscate transistor radios out of people’s hands in the street. When the Soviets tried jamming equipment from Poland to Prague, the resistance found out and Czech engineers refused to run the trains bringing the equipment in from the border. When compliant engineers were found, someone cut the electric line powering the train, delaying it some more. Finally, the invaders located a list of government-registered hams and the troops systematically began shutting them down one by one. Indeed, quite a few had been using their equipment to relay the clandestine broadcasts. Direction-finding equipment and police state tactics helped them shut down more stations. Other stations realized the fight was over and shut down on their own. By Wednesday, August 28, most clandestines were off the air. One of the last messages was “People, from now on you will have to think about what you read and hear. You have always been good at reading between the lines. Now our writer will have to practice the art of writing the truth by concealing some of it.” On Thursday, August 29th, the last free radio station, on 950 kHz at a location near the Austrian border, closed down. The radio battle for Czechoslovakia was over. Epilogue In the end, the Czechoslovak clandestine radio network only delayed the eventual Soviet takeover. But, it did show how easily radio can be used to bring together a vast passive resistance movement, and that people dedicated to a cause can make a difference. The Soviets may not have

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been defeated on the streets, but they were clearly routed on the airwaves. Thanks to the passive resistance sponsored by the clandestines, the political battle for Czechoslovakia cooled down. The Soviets were not interested in the political embarrassment of a long, difficult occupation, and Dubcek and his government supporters realized that they could never defeat the USSR. The two sides reached a compromise in favor of “normalization.” The Soviet troops withdrew from government buildings, including radio and TV facilities, to camps outside the cities. Dubcek’s government was returned to power, intact. Theoretically, life continued for Czechoslovaks with the freedoms of before the invasion, but it was difficult to take advantage of them with the invaders watching nearby. This stalemate continued until March 1969 when a Czechoslovak ice hockey victory over the Soviet team at an international match produced a wave of anti-Soviet protests and vandalism across Czechoslovakia. This caused Moscow to send a high level delegation to Prague. Either Dubcek and his most important advisors would resign, or there would be another intervention. There was no question that with the current tensions the new invasion would be far bloodier than the first. Dubcek and his allies resigned and Gustav Husak, a close Soviet ally, took over. Husak set about systematically to dismantle the “Prague Spring” and return Czechoslovakia to a hardline communist rule that would last until once again the people of Czechoslovakia took to the streets, in December, 1989, to overthrow communism for good. Radio Free Prague ❧

Sarah Lynn Rosene Pierce Slavic Festival Princess Third generation Czech-American, daughter of Lindsey and Sherry Pierce, granddaughter of Bill and Effie Rosene. Sarah was 16 at the time of the festival. A Junior at Bellaire High School, Houston, Texas, she is involved with cheerleading, member of the Fashion Board at Nordstrom’s, a volunteer with the Children’s Museum and the Czech Cultural Center Houston. Sarah reigned as Czech Princess at the October 19, 2003 40th Annual Slavic Festival held at St. Rose of Lima Church in Houston. This past summer she concluded her fifth visit to the Czech Republic. An Honors student her current plans include making the best grades possible in order to attend college without financially burdening her parents. She plans a college study program of a degree in business management to some day be President/CEO of her own company involved with fashion industry. Ed: Sarah turned 17 before this article went to press! ❧

Sarah Lynn Rosene Pierce, Slavic Festival Princess

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Heydrich’s War In the 1960s in a time when we should have been enjoying our happy youth, Czechoslovakia was under the Protectorate of Hitler in the worst type of war, which was documented in history under Heydrich war. Czechoslovakia was forced to sign the Munich agreement on August 30, 1938 to give up and surrender Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland without fighting to Hitler’s Germany. Hitler promised that he would not have any other requests, and Chamberlain returned to England as a heroic figure peacemaker, a savior of peace. Soon thereafter, March 15, 1939, without warning and reason, Hitler occupied what remained of Czechoslovakia. Neighbors Poland and Hungary took what they believed was rightfully theirs. The world noticed too late that Hitler’s promise could not be believed. Hitler made out of Slovakia a satellite state and with the remaining of our state ironically called the Protectorate of Czechia and Moravia. Following K. Von Neurath, Reinhardt Heydrich, SS and General led the protectorate and installed a terrorist regime. So that the world is drastically aware and conscious how badly Czechoslovaks suffered, it is important to describe the following horrendous punishing experiences from the Heydrich era. At the end of May 1942 England sent to Czechoslovakia a group of members in exile that were parachutists with the assignment to liquidate Heydrich. Before graduation from Middle School at the end of May and beginning of June we received two weeks free to study for our oral examinations. I spent them at a student friend of mine in a castle in Svihove. Vlasta often lived with us at Klatove during the school year. The assassination occurred on May 27, 1942, just as our 2 week long study period began. We studied in Vlasta’s room on the first floor often even in the night and we went down only for food. That morning I walked down the stairs before Vlasta. Tired after a long night of studying and hungry, I was looking forward to a good hearty breakfast, which was prepared for us each day. As I opened the door, I stood still as if frozen. Vlasta’s mother was seated by the table and was crying into a white handkerchief, which was covering her face. Vlasta’s father was pale and sat like an unmovable statue with his hands on wrinkled newspapers and stared at them in horror. In the corner by the stove the maid sat hunched and raised her arms towards the ceiling and made such horrible sounds, as if she were a criminal that had been ordered to death row and was now praying out of despair and yet at the same time horrified. It was a scene of indescribable tragedy. Vlasta pushed me roughly aside and went to the table. “What is? What happened? Talk, tell me!” Her mother’s hand raised the handkerchief onto the table glancing at Vlasta with her red eyes and said: “All are dead, everyone has been shot.” Vlasta leaned over to her parents with her chest tightened and stared at them in disbelief. She tried to say something, but she couldn’t get words to come out of her throat. Finally, with a restricted voice she threw out a few words: “Who is dead? What are you talking about? What happened?” Her father raised his eyes, which were filled with sorrow and sadness, as though he were apologizing to his one and only dear daughter that he couldn’t protect her from the horrible happenings. The palm of his hand fell heavily onto the table onto the newspaper laid out in

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front of him. Instead of the most interesting article of the day as was usual on the front page, was a list of names of people and above the list of names of people was the title: “In Reciprocation for the Attempted Murder on the Head of the Protectorate SS R. Heydrich, the Following People Have Been Killed.” Among the names were several names of friends of Vlasta’s parents. On the orders of Hitler that day the SS and Gestapo shot many innocent people, chosen by chance from offices or on the streets. That day there were many German spies. When the spies heard that someone said something about the attempted murder, they were immediately jailed and killed the second day. Day after day the first page of the newspaper was filled with names of people, who were killed the day before. The fury of Hitler knew no mercy. He proclaimed that until they found the guilty persons that attempted the assassination, every 10th Czechoslovak would be killed. Surrounded by this horror we studied long days and nights for our oral exams. Hitler’s threat hung over me like a black cloud. Will we be put in a line and will I be the 10th person in the row pulled out of the row and be shot before the eyes of my loved ones, or will it be my dearest mother or dearest father or my dearest brothers? Two towns, Lidice and Kladna and Lezaky and Chrudimi were leveled, all men were shot, women were ordered to concentration camps and children were given to German families for German upbringing. On Friday June 20, 1942 our final exams ended. With eagerness we waited to hear our class professor tell us the results. Not all students passed. The Germans ordered that a certain percentage has to fail and so with sadness we listened to those names called out that were chosen to repeat the 8th grade. With relief and happiness that such an important final stage of my life is successfully completed and behind me, a group of my friends went home with me. Mother promised us a celebration dinner. Before my house waited a policeman. I had to sign a statement that stated that I had never before seen the bicycle and coat that he showed me. They were items that were left at the place of the attempted assassination. Horror of the time period surrounded me. For dinner we received hot dogs with apologies from mother. She said, she had been at church to pray for me for most of the afternoon and no time left to cook. On Sunday we went for a walk with mother. I don’t remember what we talked about, but as I held my mother by her hand, I felt such a closeness and love towards her, mixed with unbelievably painful sorrow, that it might be the last time that we are together, that I could lose her in the days we are closest. The day was sorrowful and cold despite that it was mid-June. Even the sun seemed to be crying with its weak golden rays. On Monday morning instead of going on a trip to the seaside of Yugoslavia, as my father had promised before the war when I complete middle school, I entered work at the train station. Totally out of place. In that time when we didn’t know if we survive until tomorrow, my only relief was that I don’t have to go to a factory in Germany. That was the beginning of three lost years of my youth. How many lost years and lost lives. We saw their names daily on the title page in the newspaper. Once there was the name of our

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math professor. With my friend we went to an empty train wagon and cried in each other’s arms. She had loved him. They also came for my future husband. He wasn’t at home and the next day Heydrich’s assassins killed themselves in the crypt of the church, which I passed by almost daily after the war. The assassination attempt was carried out May 27, 1942. Heydrich died of injuries June 4, 1942. The threat of that time scared us all and we carry that in us until today, which I realized by writing this article. I had to stop writing often, as my memories shook me. Maruska Sedlackova, Czech Dialogue, May 2003 Ed: On one of our recent visits to Prague we were surprised to find ourselves passing the church where the brave Heydrich parachutists were forced to take their lives. A plaque on the wall, their names, a wreath of flowers and burning candles gave one a pause to consider. ❧

Tyler & Parker Sherrill, grandchildren of Rudy and Jerrydene Kovar.

Holden, Alex and Amy, children of former boardmember Trey Havlick and Ellen, who writes “we love tracking the growth of the Czech Center.”

Tori, Dustin, Zachary, Grant, the Victor & Ellen Oelsen group.

Building Progress Report You may recall that as a result of the largesse of Oleta and Louis Hanus, we were faced with the pleasant task of enlarging the scope of our first phase construction project to include the completion and finishing of the second floor. The second floor comprises sufficient space to accommodate from 300 to 330 persons for a seated banquet. We were delighted to have this chore as it means that use of this area will allow an income stream from additional rentals. Necessarily, there were architectural plans to be provided for rest rooms, storage area for chairs and tables, cleaning facilities, area for use by caterers and all the attendant design for plumbing, electrical, partitions, fire sprinklers and alarms, etc. Of course, all the work had to be permitted by the City of Houston. This has all been completed and the contractor is working on this change order to the contract. He has given us a tentative date for completion by early April 2004, however, we are hoping that it will perhaps be sooner in order to have our own Members and Scholarship Award Dinner in our new building. We will notify you as soon as we have a firm timeline. Meanwhile you are welcome to view the progress of what we have all accomplished by driving by 4920 San Jacinto at Wichita. S panem Bohem! Effie Rosene

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A Son’s Tribute In 1989, after years of oppression under a As a boy, Josef Hurka helped other Czechs Communist regime, the newly formed Czech fight against the Nazi invaders, smuggling Republic emerged as a free democracy. Four dynamite from Nazi-controlled mines in one years later, Joseph Hurka, the son of a Czech instance. As a young man, he worked with the émigré, decided to visit his paternal homeland anti-Communist underground, escorting imporand write a travel article. But while waiting in tant Czech figures out of the country to safety. the airport for his flight home, he instead found In one of the book’s more dramatic sequences, himself sketching stories of his father, Josef Hurka’s father and a partner are ambushed. His Hurka, and his Aunt Mira. narrow escape through the “Their story was going to be streets of Prague with a bullet in the focus of my writing,” he his back reads like a scene from recalls. a cold war spy novel. He was The result is Fields of Light: A later smuggled out of the counSon Remembers His Heroic try and eventually immigrated Father, the winner of to the United States. Pushcart’s 19th annual In another chapter, Hurka visEditor’s Book Award. The its Pankrac prison where his book, which was nominated father was imprisoned on for the award by the late short- Josef Hurka, a hero of the Czech trumped-up charges and where story master Andre Dubus, has anti-communist underground and his grandmother would visit his son, Joseph. garnered critical praise from daily, bringing her son packages the Boston Globe to the Prague that he never received. This, Post and was called “a welcome change from Hurka says, was the hardest section to write. other memoirs” by Publishers Weekly. “There was grief and silence inside me,” he Part travelogue, part memoir, the book melds writes about the visit, “for my grandmother and Hurka’s trip to Prague with the story of his my father and for all the people who had been father’s life. While retracing his father’s steps, here.” Hurka was able to draw a portrait of a compliThe trip allowed Hurka to come to grips with cated man and patriot. “I felt like he had been his father’s past and to understand more fully erased from history,” Hurka says. “I wanted to what his family had been through. Emotions ran write him back in because of my profound high on the trip, from anger, remembering what respect and love for him.” his father had endured, to affection, feeling an In the book, Hurka, who teaches creative writaffinity for the Czech people – “realizing that ing at Tufts, gives a concise history of you actually come from someplace.” Czechoslovakia, weaving his family’s story into Ultimately, the book is the story of a son’s love that of the country. Hurka’s father witnessed and respect for his father. Today, when booktwo of the darkest periods of Czech history: the stores are often filled with bitter memoirs that invasion by the Nazis and the Communist lay blame on parents, Fields of Light is refreshingtakeover shortly after the end of the war.

Czech Class & Souchek Birthday Celebration December 8, 2003.

ly free of parent bashing. “I’m grateful that my parents brought me up,” says Hurka. “I don’t have any resentment against them. And after seeing what my father went through, I’m amazed that he’s here and that he was able to survive.” Of the many people who helped Hurka along the way with his story, one was his mentor and friend Andre Dubus. Dubus read two drafts and encouraged his work. “Andre taught me patience,” Hurka says. “He watched over me as a young writer and taught me to be thorough and take my time with what I was doing. Fields of Light took seven years to finish and often, while I was working on it, I was reminding myself of Andre’s insistence that art only comes form going deep, no matter what the commitment of time.” In the spring, the Czech countryside is ablaze with repka flowers. These bright yellow flowers appear to glow, creating “fields of light.” These fields, which inspired the title of the book, reminded Hurka of St. Wenceslas, who legend says will rise from the fields with his soldiers to help the Czech people in their time of need. To Hurka, the luminous flowers symbolize the souls of the people who sacrificed everything for their country’s freedom, his father included. Josef Hurka, who is retired and lives in Vermont, is pleased with his son’s book. Hurka tried for years to get the Czech government to recognize his father’s heroism. He has, as a writer, found his own way. Michele Gouveia, Tufts Magazine Ed: Fields of Light may be purchased at The Market Place. Please see www.czechcenter.org or call 713 686 6362. Joe Hurka is a long-time CCCH supporting member. ❧

Remembering the 2003 Gala

Joseph Pesl, Roger & Susan Mechura, Hope Hruska.

Consul Raymond Snokhous, legendary speaker, Bob Murphey & Effie Rosene. Ray Snokhous & Bill Souchek; those two are up to no good!

Effie Rosene, Helen Black.

Robert Ermis, Stanya Sestakova.

Happy Hours!

A couple of youngsters; Hilda Mikulik & Bill Souchek.

The Looks from Florida, the Kreneks from Brno, CR, parents of Dale Look & Petra Krenkova Look.

Chris Konikowski, Melanie Pasemann, Charles Waligura.

Consul Ray & wife Clarice Snokhous at honorary Czech Frankie Mandola’s.

Former Boardmember, Charlie Pavlicek & Czech language instructor Marie Mann at Bill Mraz Since 1948 Dance Hall.

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“Command Performance,” at their ninth Gala – the Rosene children and grandchildren!

Sights and Sounds of the Holidays Childrens Christmas Traditions Party December 6, 2003

Christmas Elves include: Robert Dvorak, Effie Rosene, Malinky the Christmas Clown nee Leroy Hurta, Barbara Mikulik and Guenter Merkle. Cathy, Judy & Mom, Angie Jalufka.

Chris & Claudine Skucius.

Vicky Castleberry, Boardmember emeritus and daughter, Therese Lewis of Pittsburgh enjoying their tree of Santas.

Petra Krenkova Look and Marie Mann, fellow Czech instructors.

Malinky and Molly Balderach.

Anne Dybala & daughter, Christie.

Chris Hlavinka, CCCH architect.

Robert J. Dvorak, Boardmember.

Christie Rosene Johnson and E.J. from Wharton.

A rapt audience.

Volunteers Appreciation Party December 11, 2003

Barbara Horak Matlock, brother, Frank Horak & sister, Lillian Horak Dulaney.

Effie & Bill Rosene, CCCH volunteers. Hosts John & Rose Deathe and Effie & Bill Rosene.

Jerry Hurta builds antique wood nativities.

Rudy & Jerrydene Kovar, Gladys & Leslie Kahanek, Elsie Pecena.

Fr. Wm. Vela & Fr. David Zapalac – men of the cloth.

Carolyn Lightfoot, Pres. & Esther Simon, Vice Pres. San Jacinto Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas with Christmas tree filled with Czech Center ornaments. Bob & Cecilia Forrest, Lillian & (not pictured) Bob Kokas, James & Danna Ermis.

Henry Ermis, Jr., forensic architect.

Mary Lee Grant of the Houston Chronicle.

T h e

High school friends meet in The Market Place: Johnnie Mae Svrcek Brokmeyer, Jerrydene Kovar & Henrian Svrcek Schumacher.

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C z e c h

Tony & Mary Grace Pavlik, Dan & Mildred Mohel, Paul Pasemann. (Unable to attend: Judy Pasemann, Marta Latsch, Linda Vondra Smith and Carol Williams.)

C e n t e r

Calendar of Events January 12, 2004, Czech Language Conversation Classes. Mondays 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Enjoy the challenge and have fun! No charge for members, workbook/tape is recommended and available for sale. The Market Place, Northwest Mall, 290 at 610 West Loop. All levels of learning offered. Call 713 686 6362 to register. Special Fundraising Events to be announced: in private homes featuring special food, refreshments and entertainment. These small private events are not to be missed. Three were held to rave reviews with funds raised supporting the Capital Campaign Building Fund. Tuesday Socials, January 20, February 10, April 26 at the Czech Cultural Center Houston, The Market Place, Northwest Mall, Contact Robert Dvorak for information 281 342 1312.

Annual Members Dinner and Scholarship Awards, 6:30 p.m. (Normally held in March.) Date and location to be announced. Parents, Grandparents and Friends. Please note the Czech Cultural Center Houston awards three $1,000 scholarships to full-time undergraduate degree candidates of Czech heritage. Mary Karele Milligan Scholarship application available at www.czechcenter.org Submit by February 21, 2004. Building Dedication Ceremony – Dedication ceremony for the new Czech Center building at 4920 San Jacinto in the Museum District of Houston. (To be announced.) Czech Center Building Grand Opening Ceremonies - Grand Opening Ceremonies predicated on completion tentatively scheduled spring 2004. (To be announced.) ❧

The Czech Cultural Center Houston

“When we build let us think that we build forever. Let it not be such for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will think of us for. And Let us think, as we lay stone upon stone, that a time is to come when these stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, ‘See this our father did for us’.” John Ruskin

VOL. VIII, No. IV

Museum • Library • Archives

Winter 2003

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PA I D Houston, Texas Permit No. 10259 Czech Cultural Center

H o u s t o n , Te x a s

The News of The Czech Center Czech Cultural Center Houston 2315 Del Norte Houston, Texas 77018-1018 Tel: 713-682-4608 The Market Place: 713-686-6362 “The Czech Cultural Center Houston belongs to all of Czech heritage, not just a few of us and everyone needs to be reminded of that. We know no one who can not give something. Everyone can give to the level of their capacity so that the Center represents all of Czech heritage.” John R. Vacek

( K U LT U R N I C E N T R U M C E S K E )