Through a collection of images, Cleveland Slovaks show their neighborhoods and family life and give readers an appreciation of the community's legacy.
Cleveland's Slovaks can best be characterized as survivors. Many survived ethnic persecution and poverty so they could have a chance at something better. Beginning with a small core of immigrants seeking work above ground rather than in the coal mines of neighboring states, Cleveland's Slovak community grew through a giant chain migration. Their neighborhoods flourished close to their jobs and their churches. Many of the ance... Read More
Format: Paperback
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Through a collection of images, Cleveland Slovaks show their neighborhoods and family life and give readers an appreciation of the community's legacy.
Cleveland's Slovaks can best be characterized as survivors. Many survived ethnic persecution and poverty so they could have a chance at something better. Beginning with a small core of immigrants seeking work above ground rather than in the coal mines of neighboring states, Cleveland's Slovak community grew through a giant chain migration. Their neighborhoods flourished close to their jobs and their churches. Many of the ance... Read More
Through a collection of images, Cleveland Slovaks show their neighborhoods and family life and give readers an appreciation of the community's legacy.
Cleveland's Slovaks can best be characterized as survivors. Many survived ethnic persecution and poverty so they could have a chance at something better. Beginning with a small core of immigrants seeking work above ground rather than in the coal mines of neighboring states, Cleveland's Slovak community grew through a giant chain migration. Their neighborhoods flourished close to their jobs and their churches. Many of the ancestors of today's Slovaks came to the United States classified as Hungarians. In their hearts, though, they knew what they were and what language they spoke. They held onto their native language even as they learned English and unwaveringly encouraged their children to strive for the opportunity America offered. According to the 2000 census, 93,500 northeast Ohioans claim Slovak heritage.
Details
Pages: 128
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Imprint: Arcadia Publishing
Series: Images of America
Publication Date: 5th October 2009
State: Ohio
Illustration Note: Black and White
ISBN: 9780738552422
Format: Paperback
BISACs: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Cultural Heritage HISTORY / United States / State & Local / Midwest (IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI) PHOTOGRAPHY / Subjects & Themes / Historical SOCIAL SCIENCE / Ethnic Studies / General
Reviews
Title: New books recall the accordion days of Cleveland Czechs and Slovaks
Author: Robert L. Smith
Pubisher: The Plain Dealer
Date: 12/3/09
John Sabol's publisher suggested he try to capture Cleveland's Czech and Slovak communities in a single book, but the Seven Hills historian knew better.
The two peoples came in separate waves and didn't do much mixing once they got here. Czechs and Slovaks built their own churches, ethnic halls and traditions, despite the unity portrayed by the former Czechoslovakia.
"They did not give up on that identity," said Sabol, a former reporter and editor for the Cleveland Press. "Cleveland was not so much a melting pot but an area of interesting enclaves."
Arcadia Publishing conceded and Sabol worked with Ithaca, N.Y. writer Lisa Alzo to complete two books, "Cleveland Czechs" and "Cleveland Slovaks," for its Image of America series.
The slim volumes of black and white photographs recount a time when "there was no lack of places providing good accordion lessons" along Broadway Avenue. But the books also point out a lasting legacy.
From the Czech community came Mayor Ralph Perk, Our Lady of Lourdes Church and the landmark Bohemian National Hall. From the Slovak community emerged Paul Newman, Benedictine High School and St. Andrew Abbey.
"The people are still strong," said Sabol. "If you go to a Slovak event, they have good turnouts. I went to the Czech Christmas fair at the Bohemian National Hall. It was jammed."
Both books are available at local booksellers or through www.arcadiapublishing.com.
Through a collection of images, Cleveland Slovaks show their neighborhoods and family life and give readers an appreciation of the community's legacy.
Cleveland's Slovaks can best be characterized as survivors. Many survived ethnic persecution and poverty so they could have a chance at something better. Beginning with a small core of immigrants seeking work above ground rather than in the coal mines of neighboring states, Cleveland's Slovak community grew through a giant chain migration. Their neighborhoods flourished close to their jobs and their churches. Many of the ancestors of today's Slovaks came to the United States classified as Hungarians. In their hearts, though, they knew what they were and what language they spoke. They held onto their native language even as they learned English and unwaveringly encouraged their children to strive for the opportunity America offered. According to the 2000 census, 93,500 northeast Ohioans claim Slovak heritage.
Pages: 128
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Imprint: Arcadia Publishing
Series: Images of America
Publication Date: 5th October 2009
State: Ohio
Illustrations Note: Black and White
ISBN: 9780738552422
Format: Paperback
BISACs: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Cultural Heritage HISTORY / United States / State & Local / Midwest (IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI) PHOTOGRAPHY / Subjects & Themes / Historical SOCIAL SCIENCE / Ethnic Studies / General
Title: New books recall the accordion days of Cleveland Czechs and Slovaks
Author: Robert L. Smith
Pubisher: The Plain Dealer
Date: 12/3/09
John Sabol's publisher suggested he try to capture Cleveland's Czech and Slovak communities in a single book, but the Seven Hills historian knew better.
The two peoples came in separate waves and didn't do much mixing once they got here. Czechs and Slovaks built their own churches, ethnic halls and traditions, despite the unity portrayed by the former Czechoslovakia.
"They did not give up on that identity," said Sabol, a former reporter and editor for the Cleveland Press. "Cleveland was not so much a melting pot but an area of interesting enclaves."
Arcadia Publishing conceded and Sabol worked with Ithaca, N.Y. writer Lisa Alzo to complete two books, "Cleveland Czechs" and "Cleveland Slovaks," for its Image of America series.
The slim volumes of black and white photographs recount a time when "there was no lack of places providing good accordion lessons" along Broadway Avenue. But the books also point out a lasting legacy.
From the Czech community came Mayor Ralph Perk, Our Lady of Lourdes Church and the landmark Bohemian National Hall. From the Slovak community emerged Paul Newman, Benedictine High School and St. Andrew Abbey.
"The people are still strong," said Sabol. "If you go to a Slovak event, they have good turnouts. I went to the Czech Christmas fair at the Bohemian National Hall. It was jammed."
Both books are available at local booksellers or through www.arcadiapublishing.com.