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Organized Sunday, September 15th, 1945

“FOUNDERS?” of Euclid Vets Club

Front Row: Rudolph “Gus” Perko, Donald A. Boyd, Edwin J. Stoch & Ed Wess

Back Row: Frank Kosten, Jr., Henry F. Sinkovic, Joseph Sustarsic, Tony J. Sustarsic & Anton Mlach

Forty years ago, on a Sunday afternoon, (15th of September, 1945) nine World War II discharged Gl’s met at the Slovenian National Home off Recher Ave., to form a local Veterans Club of their own. Uppermost on their minds, having personally experienced the “horrors” of combat... was a dream of having a “home” of their own!

Through the ambitious work and enterprising deeds of the nine charter members and the periodical entry of newly discharged veterans, the Euclid Vets miracuously achieved that “impossible dream” in less than four one/half years ... of securing 16 acres of land and constructing a large building for their permanent home! The Clubs greatest financial support was secured through the sponsorship of the Annual Euclid Vets Festival with their feature attraction of the affair being the celebrated crowning of a ‘“‘Miss Euclid Vet”.

Due to the tremendous success of the “Vets” Festivals in 1947, 1948, & 1949, the officers of the Euclid Veterans Club were able to secure property at a Sheriffs Sale, and then

mortgaging themselves in excess of $50,000 to construct a substantial building on East 260th St., today called the Spanish Manor.

Editors Note: Above photo was taken on the occasion of the Silver Anniversary of the Euclid Veterans Club. Charter members “Gus” Perko, Don Boyd and Joe Sustarsic are

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— Onigin of The Eudid Veterans’ Club

Or Return to Happy Days! Ed Stach

Edwin Stoch Charter Member First President

Six of us: Rudy Perko, Hank Sinkovich, Ed Stoch, Joe Sustarsic, Tony Sustarsic and Ed Wess... . all disabled (Purple Heart) combat veterans . . . were discharged several months before most of the GI’s started returning to their Euclid and Eastside Cleveland homes.

It was a happy time in our lives for many reasons: First, we were grateful that the War was coming to a climax ... and that we had survived . . . and we were still in one piece. The war was forever behind us. Secondly, we had time to heal the physical and mental scars... and to try to get our lives back in order again. We took time out. . . tuning into the civilian world. None of us worked for a few months... each of

us was on a disability pension and we were all members of the “52/50 Club” . . . collecting Ohio unemployment benefits.

We spent our time wisely. We slept late... had lunch... then played Pinochle, golf or shot pool. We would meet at Recher Hall every day to plan our busy schedules. We did something every afternoon... then drank beer ... went home for supper to clean up...andthen went out... “onthe town” just about every night. We visited every bar and dancehall in the Cleveland area in those months. Everywhere we went people were just wonderful to us. They were all so happy the war was ending, grateful to the guys

who had served, and prosperity was evident. We had good company ... and were offered many free drinks.

But then all good things usually come to an end. We were pretty well re-habilitated and needed some

purpose in life again. A couple of guys actually went to work. Many other guys were starting to get back home... we would have 4 to 6 tables of Pinochle now.

The six of us started the “EUCLID Disabled Veterans’ Club”. As the

sponsored a dance at Recher Hall... which was a phenominal success! The overwhelming response was amazing. Local merchants purchased ads in our posters, the Hall and music were obtained at little cost. . _ mothers, wives and girlfriends cooked and served the food. Every politician and person who wanted to be seen was there. It was a gala affair. It was the largest crowd | had ever seen at the Slovenian Hall... and | lived right next door for many years. People were starved . .. for a return to the “old days”.

The next important step was prompted by Mrs. Gorse, mother of club member Ed Gorse and owner of the popular “Gorse’s Tavern (next to R/R tracks on E. 207th St.). She threw an open house party forall local returning servicemen. Again, it was a huge turnout! This event clearly demonstrated the need fora local service club. We decided to drop the “Disabled” part and open the membership to all servicemen. We elected officers ... drew up acharter anda constitution and applied for State certification as asocial and goodwill service club. Since then, and with the grace of God . . . and many fine leaders and

enthusiastic, hardworking members, the Euclid Veterans’ Club has grown in size and stature and today .. is a proud, Nighly-respected service club in this area.

“Euclid Disabled Veterans” we

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bw’ i NY “4 “TO OUR VETS” i if by Olga Oznowich... € “One of the Member’s Wives” ww) Vi i) In the year of our Lord, Nineteen hundred & forty-five | Our “home town” of EUCLID... suddenly became alive (| When a “Club” meeting was scheduled ... Over a glass of beer Mn Six disabled Vets . . . started to organize here. S$ The minutes were read .. . the motions made wv, Our men quickly agreed . . . and the plans were laid. MA Thru strife and unity .. . the little club grew | . Each year... they added something new. 4, Nothing gained. . . without a loss . A) They “Carried-on” ... regardless of cost! iP it They felt their Club could show good-will ny In desparate cases, they'd pay “the bill”! 3 wi In six years we've learned they’re one swell gang iy lA When they put things over... it's with a bang! (i ) Comradeship, kindness .. . they show in good faith f These special “Deeds” are for our Community’s sake! f Ait All of this kindness began over a glass of beer te Wi These are their thoughts... that are stated here... iN : ~) S S me we ii fi 4 We are the Euclid Vets... united we stand N ff We crossed the high seas .. . hand-in-hand! f V" x We traveled around the World, our battle grounds were wide, Ky fy We crossed all the bridges, always side by side. A mi Thank God we’re Home... but “Our Buddies” lie in distant fields lane i Their souls... with our prayers... well always shield fil Y That their valiant efforts weren't made in vain | AM They lost their lives . . . for all of us to gain. 1} i The strength of Independence... and Justice for all th Cae In our “Day of Days”... may we always see... Os That forever flying Glory .. . of Liberty, @ That we so longingly sought... and heartily fought! th For we are the Euclid Vets... always together, Nh Always searching ... to make life better! fy) ?

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A SAGA OF INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

by STAN MINOTAS

“VE” Day was just 30 days away, when nine WWII veterans were sent hometo Euclid from the European Front, having experienced “R & R” time convalescing in Overseas Hospitals. Despite their physical (Battle) handicaps, to six of the nine Gl’s, there remained a “fighting spirit”... a comraderie to form a social club so as to secure a concrete foundation of “Independence & Pride” .. . thus permitting them to accomplish the many civilian chal- lenges through organization that could not be achieved individually. In 1949, they had their “Day of Glory” when the Euclid Veterans Club dedicated on Armistice Day, Nov. 11th, (now

— Veterans Day) their “New Home”, a $65,000 structure off East 260th Street, and “Euclid Vets” Drive.

Membership in the early 50’s swelled to over 650. Originally, the membership was open only to honorable discharged (disabled) servicemen. The organization now accepts all Veterans in good standing on a basis of “no politics, no pressure, and no lobbying”!

“We wanted aservice club for disabled veterans only” said Tony Sustarsic, one of the nine founders. He lost a leg as a Tank Commander in General Patton’s Third Army, but you’d never know it to look at him.

Ed Stoch, whose feet were frozen at the “Battle of the Bulge”; Joseph Susiarsic, brother of Tony, who came home with a shattered right wrist; Rudy “Gus” Perko, with two shattered hips; Hank Sinkovic, with a shattered leg; Don Boyd, Tony Mlack, Frank Kosten, Jr., and Ed Wess... all were in on the founding. Once home and on the road to rehabilitation, they met at Recher Hall. “What the City of Euclid needed”, they unanimously agreed, “was a ‘strictly local’ veterans organization”.

They wanted, above all, to lead a normal social life.

“We decided” said Tony Sustarsic, “on a club with no national ties, no politics and no pressure programs ...a(Gl) group with nothing but veterans comradeship in common”.

Although our No. 1 goal (priority) was to secure land and consiruct a “home of ourown”, extensive community needs were met head-on by the Euclid Vets. Repatriation in 1947- 1948 of our “buddies” (casualties) from overseas, found the Vets undertaking over 100 War fatalities and giving them their “final rites” with full military funeral provided to each family requesting same. During the late ’40’s the Euclid Vets Honor Guard and Rifle Squad along with 80% of the membership participated in “O.D.” uniforms of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines — in “Repatriations”, Memorial & Veterans observations in Euclid.

Also many special worthy causes, such as “Blue Baby” Fund with Vets providing thou- sands of dollars for heart operations at John Hopkins Hospital, “Howard Payne” Fund for the rebuilding of a local blind man’s “Broom” factory, “Polio” fund raisers, Euclid Glenville Hospital Building Fund, and many, many more worthy benevolent programs ... were undertaken under the sponsorship of the Euclid Vets in the late ’40’s.

_.. In retrospect, the Euclid Vets many achievements .. . are indeed, “A Monument to Grit”!

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BUILDING /(}. “OUR NEW HOME”

Frank Takacs & Bill Tomko

This section of “The Impossible Dream” is specially dedi-

ated to the Vets Building Committee, Member Hal Demshar 1d in memory of his father, Joe Demshar, founder and ‘esident of the Demshar Builders Co., Inc., the team that ade “The Impossible Dream” become a reality.

ith only $13,000 in the treasury (1949) and no hopes of iditional loans available until 90 days after the completion t the building, Joe Demshar said, “Let’s go ahead and build, e’ll (Demshar's) wait for the money”.

This was the answer to our prayer... to our then “Impossi- le Dream”. The generosity and confidence of the “Dem- hars” can only be measured by the Golden Rule. Their villingness to wait until the mortgage loan approval . \elped tremendously in the “hour of need” of the “future” of he Euclid Veterans Club.

In addition, we must salute all of the 1949 Officers of The Euclid Vets and all of the dedicated members and appointees

The “original” building cost was projected at approxi- thereafter who served on the various committees. There nately $50,000, and only 5% of the total cost would be were so many hard working members and alternates, who sharged by the Demshar Builders, and without interest, dur- donated their energy, their skills, in finishing both the exte- ng construction. This, indeed, was a tremendous contribu- rior and interior of our New Home. Without them, the guys tion in keeping the building costs down and making it and “gals”, “The Impossible Dream” could have been a bossible to forge ahead with our “New Home”! nightmare. We thank you all and God bless you. May He

It is most fitting and proper to also salute the 1949 Presi- PSChibe JOR Baie IY Se OUR OF Aege Lsers «

dent, Ed Eckart, who appointed the very able and efficient Building Committee of Charlie Starrett, Chairman, Hal Dem- shar, Bill Schutt, Joe Zele, Joe Kapler, Bill Tomko and Stan Minotas. When Charlie Starrett, resigned, regretfully, Joe Kapler took over as Chairman until the completion and dedi-

cation of the Euclid Veterans Club Bulding, on Nov. 11th, 1950.

And now ... The Story Begins ... |

After three years of fund-raising festivals, dances, raffles, 4 etc., the Euclid Vetrans Club accumulated almost $14,000, Our 1st choice for our ‘New Home” was Ludwigs Tavern &

Barn. Due to inadequate zoning of this land for our use, it was necessary to request legislation by City Council for rezon- ing. On a Monday evening, Euclid City Council Chambers was overflowing with Vets Club members and by unanimous vote - Council approved our request. We later learned of other complications and miracuously . .. the Vets elected to forego the Ludwig purchase.

Three large land parcels were also available — Lake Shore (Sims Park), Braeburn property (Stecker Olds) and E. 260th along the railroad tracks. This property “way out along R/R tracks” proved to be a God send. Special thanks to Ed Eckart, Ass't. Finance Director at City Hall, learned thru the grape- vine at E. 260th property up for Sheriffs Sale due to delin- quent Taxes. President Ed Eckart and his staff of officers, decided to purchase 16 acres of undeveloped land (lacking utilities, sewers, drainage, etc.), at a sheriff’s sale, at E. 260th St. & Nickel Plate R.R. tracks, in the City of Euclid. Luckily, this land was on the “right side” of the tracks, as it proved later on... time and time again.

The “Dream” Continues

This was one of the most exciting and exhilarating moments in the short history of the “Vets” ...avision anda dream of building our own Home! From the very beginning, the Building Committee met weekly at the Slovenian Home, on Recher Ave., our “adopted” home, in fall of 1949. The Building Committee members spent many hours visiting other Veteran's Buildings, in Cuyahoga and Lake Counties, looking for ideas, costs and best uses for the building.

And only two months later, on Sunday, Nov. 20th, 1949, ground was broken by Mayor Kenneth J. Sims and Pres. Ed Eckart, Club’s 1st Pres. Ed Stoch, turned over the first shovel of dirt. From then on, all the Veteran Club Members “dug in” and never stopped! This, indeed, was a day to remember!

During construction of the building, the following members were appointed to head the various and important operations:

Hal Demshar & Joe Zele, Construction Stan Minotas, Exterior Grounds Lay-Out Ed Eckart & Joe Kapler, Public Relations and Advertising Bill Schutt, Liquor and Refreshments Bill Tomko & Pete Kotorac, Co-Chairmen for Financing - Building Costs Ed Nachtigal & Joe Zele, Personnel & Liaison Problems Bob Cigoy, Ed Nachtigal and Lou Noda, Purchasing & Equipment Installation

Jack Subel & Tom Raplan, Purchasing/Tables & Chairs

Alternates:

Charlie Starrett, Andy Paul, Frank Kosten, Stan Milo, Ed Meyers, Bill Frank, Ed Sustarsic, Jonn Dombrowski and so many, many Volunteers, both guys and gals.

As in all building projects, cash-flow was very important and the Building Committee originated the idea of building “Bonds for Members”. The bonds, or certificates, were issued in $10.00 denominations, non-interest bearing. This simple and workable plan was actually a loan from members only, instead of lOU’s the Club initially issued. The certifi- cates were redeemed at face value as the Club became more solvent. Joe Zele, Hal Demshar and Joe Kapler were instru- mental in securing a permit to sell to our members up to $25,000 of club certificates and they also initiated negotia- tions with Central National Bank and S.D.Z. for a building

loan.

The tentative and anticipated sources of income for 1950 were as follows:

Central National Bank or S.D.Z. Loan ....... $30,000 Bonds for Members .................e00e eee 5,000 FRAINOSH 2) ccc dececete ee od wine Bees Gin en ei 3,600 BO BOOM pS be alee eretbe hb bh ete te ihe 2,500 Membership Dues ................ 0.0 ...0. 0000.0. 300 New Members Dues .......................0.... 500

Casn:on Hand. 2.34 dienceieiwedisn cs ods e eee bes 8,100 Total - $50,000

So, with renewed hope and spirit, and positive leadership, our New Home was started ...and it was a Good Feeling! The first phase of the building project was a concrete block structure, with building front faced in cream-colored brick. The foundation was 81’ x 53’, one-story, with specifications for a second-story, if needed for future expansion. However, we stayed on the ground level instead of going up, and saved on both heating and cooling costs.

A basement was excavated for the heating and cooling system and a large hot-water tank. The ceiling was acousti- cal tile and terrazzo tile floor throughout. The Meeting and/or Social Hall was about 40’ x 60’. Additional space fora working kitchen, restrooms, office space and storage area were also included. Also planned were windows all-around, but this was not feasible, because of projected high heating and cooling costs.

The New Home was rather stark and bare-looking at first. In fact, some “nay-smith” suggest hanging hoops at each end of the hall for basketball, but the real guys and gals got busy and painted and decorated the interior and soon the building took a “New Home” look.

Detour Ahead...

As construction continued, the Building Committee was suddenly told “that there was a severe energy crisis” and all non-essential buildings were not eligible for installation of utilities. This, of course, was a sever blow and of grave concern, but again, Hal Demshar, came through and obtained a permit to allow the installation of utilities for a “Special Building Project for Veterans”.

In November of 1950, our own “New Home” was com- pleted and plans were made for the “Dedication” and a new 3-man Board of Directors accepted the responsibility for the “day-to-day” operations... Joe Kapler, Frank Klaus and Bill Tomko.

Certainly of Interest...

Here are some of the excerpts from an article released by President Ed Eckart in the Euclid Vets “Scuttlebutt”:

“The Dedication of our New Home”

“On Armistice Day, Nov. 11th, 1950, at 3:00 p.m., the Euclid Vets will dedicate its ‘New Home’ and flag pole to the honored dead of World War II. The name of the Euclid Vets Club has been and always will be recognized as an organiza- tion which is a credit to ‘Our Community’ and mighty proud in the part they had in serving their country. We will be forever in the eyes of the public, reminding them that the war has united men from all walks of life into a strong bulwark for peace. Dedication of our ‘New Home’ will be a living symbol to all those present, now and in the future, That we, the Euclid Veterans Club, shall not forget the real heroes of World War II. So, attend the Dedication of our new building on Armistice Day and honor the memory of our fallen comrades.”

“Our guest speaker will be Brig. Gen. Robert W. Chamber- lin, of the 83rd Infantry Division, together with Kenneth J. Sims, Mayor of Euclid.

Today, of course, we are not Strictly only members of World War II, many of our new and younger members, served in the Vietnam and Korean conflicts. We hope that in years to come, these younger members will carry on the good name and tradition of our fine Euclid Veterans Club.

The Story Goes On...

“The Impossible Dream” came true. but we were almost broke. Now the reality set in. The Vets Social Hall was occa- sionally rented out for much needed income and often, the use of the new facility was made available to other focal organizations, rent-free

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One of the first was St. Felicitas Catholic Church, who for many months, celebrated Sunday Mass in our new Veterans Hall, while their own church was being built on Richmond Road. Perhaps, that’s why God was so good to us, and was on our side.

The second, the Jewish War Veterans, held their monthly meetings at our club until other arrangements could be made. All told 75 or more organizations were accomodated in our New Home, mostly nonprofit, local organizations, either rent-free or for a small minimal cost.

We also had growing pains and needed more storage space. Fortunately, we had five members of our Club employed by the Austin Co., Lou Noda, Bill Nicholson, Al Pertekel, Ed Zivkovic and Frank Takacs. When a small struc- tural steel job was cancelled, Lou Noda persuaded the Austin Co. to donate the steel for our expansion needs.

Just imagine, the “Strong Five Members”, using a com- pany lift-truck, loading the steel on a flat-bed truck provided by Lou Tarantino, hauling the steel to the Club grounds, and literally constructing off the truck, with nothing but “arm muscle” and strong backs. Using a borrowed acetylene torch and a gas-driven arc welder, the “Strong Five” completed and erected to specifications, the steel skeleton structure, affectionately known as “The Noda’s Annex”. And this was done in one Saturday of '52.

Unfortunately, “Noda’s Annex” was never completed, or even closed in. It stood there, stark and naked for two years, a reminder of our many ambitions. It was finally dismantled and the steel sold for scrap. “Noda’s Annex” died a timely

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However, history can’t wait. On Feb. 10th, 1954, Bill Tomko signed an agreement with Demshar Builders, to build an “Exclusive Club” expansion for $17,298, designed for our own Veterans’ needs. Construction started in March, 1954, adding not only a storage room to the existing building, but also enlarging the kitchen and providing a smaller meeting hall and Club offices.

Demshar Builders erected the block shell, roof, walls and concrete walls. The shell was serviceable, but not attractive. Members, volunteers and many guys and gals donated their time and energy into a“L” shaped room, complete with a bar. So, the “Noda’s Annex” became the “Flamingo” Room...

and that’s a “L” of a good ending!

Perhaps the climax of “The Impossible Dream” was the formal “Open House” Gala on Saturday, March 26th, 1955. The public was invited and for only $5.00 a couple. Johnny Pecon’s Band, featuring Lou Trebar, started the Gala festivi- ties at 9:00 p.m., with Pierre Honegger (Caterer) and his able and capable staff serving an attractive buffet “Midnite Snack”. Then a Special Dedication Program for our New Home, featured all those who helped to make “The Impossi- ble Dream” come true. Behind every Euclid Veteran, there was a good woman ...and the Ladies Auxiliary were deeply involved. They created a “home-like” look, were responsible for general house-cleaning, polishing, providing the drapes, chair covers, party and restaurant table linens. They even “chipped in” for the new tile floors and the many attractive accessories were a significant addition from our generous “gals”. Truly, the New Flamingo Room, is our Ladies Dream!

Time Marches On...

And with it, added responsibilities. For too many years, the Vet’s Club lost money on various unprofitable business man- agement operations. With only part-time volunteer help and without a full-time supervisor, the Board of Directors real- ized that the Club needed both a full-time manager and a food caterer. And even then.’ we didn’t succeed and continued to lose money. Were it not for the annual Euclid Vets Festivals - we would have never succeeded. To attract other local business clientele, the Euclid Veterans Club sign (on the front of bldg.) was removed. This helped, but it was not the answer to our financial problems.

Ten years ago, the Veterans Club leased the social facili- ties to the present Manager/Caterer. For business reasons, the building was renamed “The Spanish Manor” and we are both happy with the very successful arrangement.

Now, at long last, we are pleased with the financial com- mittment. We are good for each other, for we still own the entire property and the Supervision and Catering isin good hands. Substantial additions, alterations and improvements have been made, and today, the present structure is almost twice the size of the original building.

The Euclid Veterans Club has its own private club room, kitchen, bar, and offices. This last addition was made for the exclusive use for members only ... and reni-free. Of course, it cost money, almost $200,000, plus $90,000 for interior remodeling for the entire building. We made it and we are

proud:! Today, “The Impossible Dream’ is for real. From its hum- ME, Lyi of way conicrete blocks, our Euclid Veterans Yb, $ undeniably the orize showplace for “Veteran Homes” in, all of Ohio! A great deal of sweat, blood, and yes, even Sears, brought us where we stand today... and we would

have it no other way!

This is our Dedication and Salutation to the Tall, P and Strong ... the original members of the New He Building Committee of 1949! The men who envisioned Impossible Dream” and made it happen!

These are the original officers and members of theE LID VETERANS NEW HOME Building Committee dese a 21-gun salute:

Officers:

Ed Eckart, President

Lou Tarantino, Vice President Ed Nachtigal, Secretary

Pete Kotorac, Treasurer

And officially ...itall began when Bill Tomko stoodup made a motion to have the Treasurer, Pete Kotorac, seta ¢ he New Euclid Veterans $43.000 from our treasury for the | fa Building. Andy Paul seconded the Slacaa ancy approved ynanimously by the DO oe sd coe

Aetober 17, 1949. “One Vet stood up ann Ne all who were there committed themse ve

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- PRESIDENT’S PROFILE | Edwin Stoch

President Vice President, Don Secretary, Tonyh Treasurer, Ed '

BENEFIT DANCE

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1 JOHNNY PECON AND HIS ORCHESTRA|

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Hall, to reminisce their overseas experien!

On a Sunday afternoon, six (Purple Heart) Gl’s assembled at Recher “Service” Club. Their ultimate aim, andit!

and most importantly of all, to form a GI Veterans goodwill and social only a “dream”... was to some day to have a “HOME of their own’! | _Ed Stoch, Tony & Joe Sustarsic, Hank Sinkovich, Ed Wess & Tony Me

These six (medically) discharged Gl's.. JO' appointed Joe Sustarsic acting secretary. A copy of their original minutes follows:

ese six determined GI’s ventured upon their 1st major public evell k

Following just two, informal caucuses th ipo public dance at Recher Hall on Nov. 3rd, with Johnny Pecon hired to play. Admission - $.60 - 1000 admissionti¢ printed. Suddenly, a major domestic obstacle appeared. Quantities of liquor and beer, were impossible to sec! since rationing was still in effect. Can you imagine a “WETS” dance and NO refreshments. Word spread quickly.’ at Recher Hall, Starman, then manager, learned thru the grapevine of some 200 cases of “imported”’ Red! (Indiana) beer at 55th and St. Clair. Under cover of darkness, a truck was commandeered to secure the “Suds”. A’

came forward and presented their Ra"

procurement of the liquor, all the neighbors and friends of the “Hall” coupons to the “Vets”.

Sufficient quantities became available to satisfy the thirst of the 950 ‘Friends of the Vets” who attendeg..-! result to the Euclid Vets 1st event exceeded $800.00

Recognizing “Instant Success” it was a foregone conclusion that the “Original Six” needed more “Troops”. It! decided that all Honorably discharged “GI's” were welcome .. . with open arms. Official meeting times established, with the 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoons of each month. ist formal election of officers took place of’ 25th of November, 1945 resulting in Ed Stoch, the Euclid Vets first President: Don Boyd, Vice President: Af Miach, Secretary; and Ed Wess, Treasurer. And because “Order” to the meeting was necessary, Sgt. John Za?

managed the chore with ease.

On December 2nd, the second official meeting. membership expanded beyond expectations - and anol! dance scheduled for the 26th of January. Each member was charged to bring one boitle of liquor and to sell three’ for the program of the dance... andto “scout” for beer. Aseven man committee was formed to “search” for full c® of beer, and soon, over 100 cases of beer were provided. Ed Meyers located 4 cases of wine at the Kozar wir _ Pres. Ed Stoch. Frank Kosten Jr., and Treas.. Ed Wess accepted the task to aré

A special committee . . _for State Charter application.

resolution indicating the “Purpose of the Euclid Veterans Club” . This important “TRIO”... Stoch, Kosten and Wess also authored the Vets First Club Constitution. This docu

was ready for the membership's approval at the Dec. 16th meeting. Also in January. we received from Columbus. State Charter declaring the E.V.C. as a fraternal organization. Since club dues were not required, each mempberf

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for their membership card and lapel pin.

President 30) 1946 ICE Prag. ec sal 7 Trew. FrarcuStarsic | 8Sure, st Kosten y Y Zore trustees. In the Sy" were purchased. 'Y'46 9 , $25.00 awarded e of stock h English and sg; S€Cong investment ie Neu leant ares anecte: as ten s ads In bot Venian, © as ; A - time, it was necessary to prepare Northeast aes first public appeal was; a ’ ; : in the ix. Our ‘ , ; 0 audience of returning GI's who lived - ached orty-$)~ ernational situation in Trieste" Goy Frank J [ ateeets By February '46, the club membership le garding 4 oncern of the Club to hein, ; SSG

at which time a petition was sent to ane ater admitted as an Honorary Men ic

d Co

. in nee Mmunit Serious thought was also given to Need and W | this resulted in their inabina ber. y needs. Disabled Vet Ronald Bluet was given ding schoo Ytos

“Ve in t — In May of '46, with many of the officers ane months. re changed to the 4 nat Capacity, it was decided to limit the term of office to eetings We ee St and 3rq wa tthe club ™ d from the Euclid Fire Dept, With Jo During the summer of '46, the time O urchase on entered into all Bie Recher Hall. Surplus baseball equipment was P b sO S eche ;

lu of the C Capt. of the Vets Baseball Team. The | . Headind setting up rules and regulations. ted officer is to serve for a period of One yea Sipedec abies ee an organized club aie dy to the propsosition of buying “Ludwi re ©Wn" scheduled a ie a al janwanyic prepare a feasability study 9S" Tavern and Barn or special mee

to build a new home of our own!

B Club colors were approved.. Red, Gold eee member Dick Dugan) was also OK’d. Amen

few months. Purpose of the Euclid Veterans Club

ACtivities,

a club emblem submitted by Stan :

Club Constitution were gj Minotas (ar

jue and t SCussed repeatedly

ts to the Prepared by

for the next

on composed of veterans of World

hip, and a background obtainable ho by their

izati The Euclid Veterans Club is an organlé Only by honorable

service in the armed forces ee ee and faithful service to their country. radii |

St ite together for the ‘ecliei — me vie RAR ala S by uniting __ Their purpose is to un nd aggressive organization. The At rol at all times be civic into a Ui pliMeita ede 0 improve our community. It a oe ! subversive forces or ee eeone tno to destroy the ideals and freedom for which allo ts members fought for. organ

t an extensive social and athletic program to Provide i he Euclid Veterans Club will carry Ou faa sen Paysite and their families. diversified, complete and original recreation.

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Edward 9. Sustansic

1947

President

Don Body, Vice President Joe Ule, Secretary Bob Cigoy, Treasurer

This year was the first time Officers held a full 1-year term, and meetings were held ona regular basis in a more business-like manner. The Club dues were set at $10.00 semi- annually to either be paid in cash or worked off at 1 dance detail every six months.

The suggestion of a carnival was introduced to help raise money for the Club.

A motion was passed that each member sell at least 3 raffle books for the Festival to remain a member.

New members were to be actively sought, and members who showed no interest were to be discharged from the Club.

The first Memorial Day Parade brought out 115 members in full uniform to participate in the affair, with a dance being held in the evening.

The Club’s Repatriation Program was headed up by Ed Meyers, Joe Zele, and Joe Stich.

Preparations for the Vets 1st Festival were in full swing. All of the committees and club

members were hard at work finalizing the details to ensure a successful event. There was so much to do!

A “Big Blow Out Party” committee was appointed. This event was held on September 14, 1947 at Kraincic’s Farm.

Ludwig's Barn and Slovenian Home on Recher Avenue were still the meeting place ofthe Club, but much effort and time was being exerted to find a “Home of Our Own”. Braeburn Administration Building and Ludwig’s Barn were some possibilities being looked into.

The new Constitution of the Club was approved and ratified as read.

The November meeting for nomination of officers produced a large slate of nominees.

During this year, membership almost doubled and the first Vets Festival took place which was a tremendous success. It was a great year, and the start of what we have today.

PRESIDENT’S PROFILE Edward J. Sustanic

President

1948

Joe Zele, Jr., Vice President Ed Debenjak, Secretary Bill Tomko, Treasurer

Plans to bid on the Braeburn Administration Building as our “New Home” were dropped and efforts were redirected to Ludwig’s Barn on East 200th Street.

A scrap book containing all newspaper articles about the Vets was started, headed up by Ivan Kotoric.

The Blue Baby Fund was introduced with several fund raising efforts taking place including a dance and bowling match.

Applications for the State Bonus were made available. Help in filling out these applica- tions was offered by Joe Zele, Jr. who was on hand along with a typist.

A motion to present a plaque to the most Outstanding member of the Club was brought up.

The bowling and basketball teams were still going strong, and a baseball team was being started in motion. A golf team was also discussed.

The new Club Banner was introduced.

The Second Vets Festival was held. The hard work and never-ending efforts of Club members again made this a successful event.

In October, 38 members were expelled from the Club and another 15 were fined for lack of participation in Club affairs.

This year showed more financial stability and a firm committment to the Club and community affairs which is still evident today.

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PRESIDENT’S PROFILE | Edwand 9. Exkant

President

Vice President, Lou Tarantine Secretary, Edward Nachtigal - Treasurer, Pete Kotorat

A watch was raffled off at the Jan. 17th meeting. The proceeds of $39.50 went to Howard | Payne, a blind man whose broom factory had burned down. On Feb. 7th, there was | combined dance and basketball game for our “Blue Baby” project. Admission was donation only. The Cleveland Browns were on hand for the main game of the evenin Late Ryance and Al Strukel, along with a number of other bands, furnished the musicf

ancing.

After considering the terms of the seller, the Club lost interest inthe at could be purchased at®@

purchase of Ludwig |

Barn. Pres. Ed Eckart mentioned various parcels of land in Euclid th tax sale for a future home of our own. n military funerals.

Tarantino was Festiva

Joe Zele requested volunteers for the upcoing repatriatio Committee and Lou

Ed Meyers was appointed chairman of the Memorial Day

n first place in the

Chairman. Softball players turned out en masse in April for indoo

th, a home of our own was discussed for the first time. The Club was dit

st Pitch softball team was !

On April 18 erties as a site for said home. As of July 18th, our Fa

ro Powerful Cleveland Muny Class “A” League. Eckart mentioned the 16 acres of vacant land on E. 260th St., that the Club was hoping te the land was ours. Cost was $14,000.

Pres. ape urchase at a Sheriff's Sale. Two weeks later, he announced On Sept. 6th, Pres. Eckart introduced the first members of the Building Committee. They were: Hal! pemshar, Bill Schutt, Jim Gilles, Joe Kapler, Charlie Starrett, Joe Zele and Stan Minotas. Alternates were to be chosen by the committee. | al Demshar and Charley Starrett toured the 16 acres purchased by the Club on E. 260th St. The juded everything from a hobo camp to topgrade topsoil.

rounds inc Charley Starrett reported on the progress of the Building Committee. upmitted by Hal Demshar. $43,000 of the treasury was set aside for the building fund. After comments by Hal Demshar and Joé the Club accepted the plans and the committee was authorized to begin construction. n to begin the next

Kaper : | _-breaking ceremonies were scheduled for Sun., Nov. 20th, with constructio

ynd Gro». 21st. ber of Trustees from 6 to &.

Nov. ub Constitution was amended, increasing the num the members for needed cash flow. y of Euclid to bettef

he Club was certified to sell non-interest-bearing bonds to thwhile Move.

af) Pie Sy Sie ormait the Club sponsor a Joint Veterans Council in the Cit City ganizations. The Club agreed to move head with this wor | Demshar requested volunteers to show up at the construction site of our home and help backfill @ gil with dirt. average attendance at the meetings for the year was 68 members.

The

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