By Anna Yoder | Columnist

My grandfather was a 17-year-old Ukrainian immigrant who, along with his immediate family and other close relatives, settled in an ethnic neighborhood of my hometown. The large number of immigrant Ukrainian families who settled there sought out a gathering place where they could enjoy comradery while embarking on their new lives in America. My grandfather happened to be a founding member of this new gathering place called the “Ukrainian Club” or the ‘Ukes’ as members called it. It was a family-oriented social hall where Ukrainian families and other local residents would gather to share stories, ethnic food, and culture. Everyone who gathered felt welcomed and safe. A nice memory but what does it have to do with this column?

While on a search for a local option for a fish fry during Lent, my husband and I encountered another family-oriented social hall whose members enthusiastically shared their culture as I experienced growing up at the ‘Ukes’– it was the Croatian National Hall Javor (CNH Javor).

Check out the February issue of The Northside Chronicle for the full story.