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Our Story
A history of the Saint Joseph Young Men's Society
From the St. Joseph Young Men's Society 2006 Centennial Yearbook. Compiled with the aid of Brother John M. Ramion, Sr., Charter Member and holder of membership card No.5, Society President twelve years, Club Steward from 1939 to 1945. Digitized in 2011 by Mike Hale.
It was mainly due to the diligent and earnest efforts of our organizer, Father John Kasprzykowski, that a get-together meeting of several young men was called in the basement of the old Church-School Building, on the 20th day of September 1906. Subsequently (in October of the same year) an organization meeting was held, with Father Kasprzykowski being elected the Society's first President. Although the charter members were most enthusiastic about the formation of their group, the men met with what seemed insurmountable difficulties, mostly because there were four or five male organizations of the Parish in existence at the time.
Greatest appeal was concentrated on the young men of the Parish; unmarried young men to the age of thirty were entitled to apply for membership until 1940. Membership requirements were then eased and the age limit was raised to thirty-five with married men qualified to join our ranks. Finally the age limit was increased to forty for applicants who met all other requirements (being past forty, one might join the Associate as a Social Member with no disability or death benefits).
Our budding Society began to grow and it was only after a few years of activity that the group began searching for larger meeting quarters, for they were ready to leave the second floor of the well-known Orlowski Hall at the South East corner of Barker Avenue and Wabash Street. The members spent many an enjoyable social hour in the evenings and on Saturdays (had to work Saturday morning and even afternoons in those days) at the "Club" and the Society was already then buzzing with activity.
The depression era, although leaving us unscarred, took a deep toll on the membership. The men just could not meet the monthly payments and although dues were waived for the period of several years, it seems that, proud as our boys were, many would rather resign from membership than be "carried" on the records without dues payment. The main objective was, of course, to keep our members together at all costs and this was accomplished to the satisfaction of the officers at the time.
Shortly after Anthony G. Kominiarek, Jr., became the Society's President, things began to take on another pattern. St. Joseph Young Men's Society was on the threshold of a bright future. Undaunted by criticism and ridicule, Tony, the possessor of keen foresight, courage, and determination, along with his masterful ability promoted the erection of our present Hall Building. Among those present at the groundbreaking ceremonies on March 12th, 1939, ready and willing to do their share, were:
A. G. Kominiarek, Jr.
John Wantuch
Joseph Proll
Leo L. Kniola
Ted C. Pawlik
Leo Konieczny
Alphonse Przybylinski
Roman Sobecki
Al. J. Dominowski
Roman Stupek
Wilhelm Noveroske
Clem Noveroske
Walter Mikulski, Jr.
Joseph Mikulski
Victor Malicki
Marvin Kominiarek
This was without doubt the biggest step forward in our Society. We all had our doubts about the eventual success of the Building Program except Tony.
Just about the time everything began to roll smoothly, World War II came upon us. The Society's membership was again sorely affected, with over one hundred members either enlisting or being called to active service. Dues of actives in the service of our country were suspended for the duration of the war. Gifts were mailed to our service men all over the world, and the Society was proud to have such a large representation of members in all fields of military and naval service. Our group also interested itself in the sale of War Bonds, with many a public rally disposed towards a successful promotion of these endeavors. The Society received several evidences of congratulations from Messrs. Charles Jones and Edward Paine for its contributions.
The happiest event in our history was the Mortgage Burning Ceremony on October 29th, 1942. You can rest well assured that Brother Tony was the happiest person in the organization when he applied the match to the then paid-up mortgage.
Most of you members recall the days of our Society's fame in baseball, mostly because of the efforts of men like Brothers Ben M. Topolski, Clem Goralski, Frank E. Nespo, and others, along with the fine caliber of member-players with whom we were endowed, with the Society's baseball fame spreading throughout the entire Middle-West.
World War II coming to an end, we began to breathe a bit easier and all returning Brothers were welcomed with open arms. Golfing and bowling activities once again occupied a prominent spot within the Society circle. Our annual golf tourney assumed new life.
The erection of a formidable monument at our Parish Cemetery was followed by intense activity on the then President Conrad S. Kominiarek, who with the cooperation of true Boy Scout lovers like Brothers Anthony Ramion, Leo Walotka, George Shebel, Nick Przybylinski, Simon Karnilowicz and others who lent a hand, resulted in the beautiful Mohawk Scout Cabin at Camp Topenebee for the Society sponsored scout Troop No. 22. We do not wish to boast in the least when we state that our Troop has the largest number of Eagle Scouts of any Troup within our Council. Brothers Ralph Proll and Purl Retseck are serving faithfully and well as our Scout Leaders, following in the footsteps of Brothers Frank Nespo, Frank Spychalski, Edward Spychalski, Stephen Proll and others, and to them must be given credit for the splendid record of attainment.
Just as our Society awards over 1000 rides at the park, distributes over 2000 hot dogs and over 1800 bottles of soft drinks at our annual school children's picnic each June, and just as we distribute over 800 Christmas gifts at the annual Christmas party, we also care for our Boy Scouts and are very proud to sponsor Troop No. 22, now known as Troop No. 922.
One of the more serious events of the Society is the annual Corporate Communion and Breakfast held on the Sunday preceding the Feast of St. Joseph during the month of March. Ever since its inception by then President Marvin Kominiarek in 1946, the attendance becomes greater with each passing year. This year some 347 Brothers participated in this splendid evidence of true Christian spirit.
Yes, much as been accomplished throughout the years, what with the Children's Christmas parties, School children's picnic, Big-time baseball games for the eighth grade boy graduates, Christmas baskets for the needy, and a truly benevolent spirit towards our St. Stanislaus Church. One can almost state that our growth has been synonymous with that of our Parish - we have been blessed with exceptionally good Pastors, viz., Monsignor Joseph Bolka, Pastor The Very Reverend Julian F. Doktor, and our current Pastor Reverend Walter M. Ciesla have been most cooperative in our Society's endeavors, for which we are appreciative.
In 1974 the Polish Ethnic Days were started in conjunction with the Michigan City's celebration of our Country's bicentennial. Tents were erected in our parking lots with polka music, dancers and the most popular Polish food being served by our lovely ladies. This Polish festival has now become one of the biggest in the area, getting bigger and better with each passing year.
The Society has shown its concern for the preservation of concertina music in sponsoring the St. Joe Concertina Club in 1976. This club has entertained in the area of nursing homes, helping to bring good cheer to the residents. They have also appeared in Civic affairs and church sponsored picnics.
Our club room has received constant updating as the need arose. The exterior and interior have been changing in appearance, with a major remodeling program in the lounge and kitchen area taking place in 1979. This was done to enhance the lounge, making it more enjoyable for our Brother members and their families.
As the years progress we have seen our membership increase. Activities in the club room have helped support us. The addition of a big screen television and 4 other televisions allowed members to enjoy their favorite sport telecast with friends and family. NASCAR, football, The Super Bowl, baseball, basketball and golf have all filled the club room at various times of the year. Monday night bingo in the upstairs hall was always crowded with the Boy Scouts selling refreshments. The summer festivals continued as always bringing in a good crowd enjoying the music, food, dancing, drink and friends. Dyngus Day at St. joe's has alway been the best place to on be the Monday after Easter. The Club room is filled with members and guest enjoying a wide array of Polish foods, dancing to live Polka music and just enjoying all the family and friends. It has always by far been the best place to enjoy Dyngus Day. The Wednesday night drawing was another favorite of club members and their families. And Tuesday night brought the introduction of the 50/50 game. Tuesday night was so successful that the club was able to purchase a new sign with a marquee.
In the early 2000's, tailgaters, who were also members of the St. Joe Club, filled the room Sundays supporting the Chicago Bears. This too was a very successful day at the Club as club members would enjoy tailgating outside for 2 hours before the game started and then come in and watch the game on the big screen TV. Much of the proceeds the Tailgaters collected will go to the club and Boy Scouts. The Spring Bazaar, kids Halloween parties, kids Christmas parties and New Years Eve parties have continued with much success. And we can't forget going to the horse races and baseball games.
There are always activities the members and their families can get involved in. The belief of strong family values has continued and has helped make the St. Joseph Young Men's Society a strong organization.
This then is OUR STORY... a century of organization, struggles and success. Our story must not end here, however, for a look at the past is of little value if our attention is not thereafter directed towards the future with the experiences of the past as a guide. For in the future lies the history that our sons and ourselves will write. May God and St. Joseph grant that we may write it as well as these men who have preceded us in their dedication to our Society.
