History

 

On December 29, 1930, the Srpska Vila was organized. The first meeting took place in Laza Vosovic's building with Fr. Paul Velko presiding. Mrs. Dragica Vranes was chairperson, and during the first meeting seventy members were enrolled. The first elective board officers were Dorothy Vranes, President; Martha Evosivic, Vice-President; (two months later, replaced by Anna Medich); Marta Studen, Treasurer; Eva Momich, Secretary; (also replaced two months later by Martha Trbovich); Sophie Vuletic, Smilja Bratich, and Ann Bomestar, Auditing board.

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During the first few years, the organization spent most of its efforts on becoming better established through various social events such as dances, picnics and banquets where their financial stability was gained.

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The first major accomplishment occurred with the purchase of two lots on Midland Avenue for the location of the church. This land, however, was determined unsuitable as a church location. As a result, the Sisters gave these lots plus one hundred dollars to the fund to build a Serbian National Home. Four years later, actions were taken to start the building of the American Yugoslav Club. The club, in turn,was held responsible for the purchasing of the land for the location of a new church.

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Throughout their years of existence, the Sisters have been very instrumental in the perpetuation of our Serbian Club. Because of our Kolo, the club was supplied with a complete commercial kitchen and donated on countless occasions to the Club.

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The Sisters have been the source of major contributions, refurnishings, and improvements throughout our community, both secular and religious.

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This was written for the Sisters 50th Anniversary. We are now in our 89th year and still trying to honor the traditions of the Sisters before us. We want to thank those who have supported us through the years and continue to support us now.