Croatian residents have inhabited the Mon Valley for more than 100 years.
Two Croatian factions conducted a celebration Sept. 15 to celebrate their heritage and to affirm their resolve as community minded organizations.
Monessen Croatian Fraternal Lodge 194 celebrated its 100th anniversary.
In addition, the Monessen Croatian Club observed its 85th anniversary.
The booming steel industry of the early 1900s brought many Croatian families to the Mon Valley.
Lodge 194 formed May 8, 1902.
During its first 15 years, the Croatian Club met in makeshift meeting rooms and rented halls.
The lodge built a social hall on Schoonmaker Avenue in 1917 and the Croatian Club began to meet there.
The social hall moved to a former grocery store on Summit Avenue in December 1972.
The following year, the lodge gained 40 members when it merged with Lodge 11 in Fayette City.
The move boosted membership to nearly 700.
The Croatian Ladies Auxiliary formed in 1942 to help fill vacancies in the community caused by World War II.
The lodge expanded its community involvement in 1950 when it established an athletics program comprising softball and basketball teams and a staff of sports directors.
Lodge officials are involved in disaster relief programs in America and abroad.
The lodge contributes to the Statue of Liberty Fund and maintains membership in the Four County Lodges of Western Pennsylvania.
The lodge and club continue to celebrate Croatian heritage through music, drama and sporting events.
On Sept. 15, the organizations joined in celebrating of their long histories.
The following were honored: 50-year lodge members Steve Beck, Leonard Zoretich, Peter Jezerniak, Stanley Povich, Pete Povrzenich, Helen Prezgar, George Almasi, Velma Bukovac and Catherine Loulis.
This year's Lodge 194 officers are Thomas G. Luketich, president; John Gaspich, vice president and sports coordinator; Wilma Thomas, financial secretary; James Billick, treasurer; Steve Thomas, medical claims director; Barbara Luketich, Junior Nest 87 manager; John Yurkovich, president of trustees; Emily Gaspich, trustee; and Damara Krukowsky, recording secretary.
Club officers comprise Nick Milinovich, president; Steve Thomas, vice president; Thomas G. Luketich, financial secretary; James Billick, treasurer; Frances Yakovac, recording secretary; Michele Popovich, president of trustees; and Wilma Thomas and Barbara Luketich, trustees.
