WAUKEGAN – The Slovenian National Home (Slovenski Dom Slovenic Hall) will mark its 100th anniversary in 2018.
When foreigners come to a new country, whether they build, cook, dance, farm, sing, teach or heal, they bring their traditions. The Slovenian table, called Slovenska Misa, is where ideas are discussed and plans implemented.
Slovenian immigrants decided in 1913 that they needed a center for their activities in Waukegan. They also wanted a large meeting hall for the wider Slovenian community. Fundraising began, selling shares for $25 with raffles, dances, bazaars and soliciting door-to-door. Four years later, the building began with shareholders doing all the work. There was no credit. They saved until they could pay in full.
The cornerstone of Slovenic Hall was laid Nov. 3, 1917, with completion and grand opening in November 1918. The founding fathers emigrated from then-Yugoslavia’s province of Slovenia to pursue freedom and dreams while preserving their culture.
The location at 424 10th St., Waukegan, was just a few blocks away from American Steel and Wire (Wire Mill), where many Slovenians worked. Also, 10th Street was the south side immigrant community’s downtown, and perhaps most important, it was located just east of Mother of God parish and school, the Catholic Slovenian parish.
On Oct. 21 at Bonnie Brook Golf Banquet Hall, 2800 N. Lewis Ave., Waukegan, there will be a celebratory Slovenska kuhinja, or Slovenian Sunday meal, at noon. Entrees will be created by chefs using authentic recipes from the Slovenian Union of Americas Slovenian Holidays Cookbook. Attendees are urged to wear the national costume from their family’s region and are asked to bring a Slovenian dessert for the sweet table.
Photos and memories/stories for the event presentation are needed. Email mary.carmody@yahoo.com or janellenagy@sbcglobal.net., or drop off or mail to Janelle Koncan Nagy, Octagon Salon Spa, 1333 N. Delany Road, Gurnee, IL 60031
For information, visit www.SlovenicHall.com.