September 2003

"Marker Dedication"

The Ohio Bicentennial Commission and the Multicultural and Ethnic Communities Advisory Council nominated The Union and League and Carpatina Society historical sites as one of their targeted historical markers. The goal of the targeted historical marker program is to permanently mark persons, places or events of historical significance. Historical markers are placed after being nominated and then selected by a qualified advisory council. We are very proud to be part of an organization that is involved in a historical marker nomination.

Ohio Historical Marker was erected on September 14, 2003 at The Romanian Cultural Garden in Rockefeller Park, Cleveland, Ohio. Having a 5/8-inch different text on each side, it marks The Union and League of Romanian Societies, Inc on one side, and URS Carpatina Society on the other side.

Obverse:
UNION AND LEAGUE OF ROMANIAN SOCIETIES

The Union and League of Romanian Societies, Incorporated, was formed in 1928 from a unification of two separate fraternal organizations, the Union and the League. The Union, founded on July 4, 1906, was originally organized for the purpose of promoting the general welfare of its members through life insurance policies obtained through individual societies located in the United States and Canada. The societies of the Union and League offer social interaction within their local lodges and through the strength of the larger parent organization. The purpose of the current Union and League is to maintain and encourage Romanian cultural heritage by promoting interest in Romanian ethnic values through cultural activities and to sustain loyalty to the United States and Canada among its respective members.

THE OHIO BICENTENNIAL COMMISION
THE OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2003

Reverse:
UNITED ROMANIAN SOCIETIES CARPATINA OF CLEVELAND

The Carpatina Society, the first Romanian Society in America, was started on November 1, 1902, when a small group of 41 Romanians met and laid the foundation for the society. From its beginning, the society played an important role in the Romanian community in and around Cleveland by providing benefits to its members and helping others in need and by preserving and perpetuating the Romanian culture and customs. Carpatina has been actively sponsoring celebrations of the important dates in the history of Romania. Through efforts of its members, the society was able to erect its own building, Carpatina Hall, which was dedicated on January 17, 1917. Carpatina Society continues to lead the Romanian American Community.

THE OHIO BICENTENNIAL COMMISION
THE OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2003

Group of Romanians at the Romanian      Cultural Garden during the   dedication of the marker

Alex Suba, president of Carpatina    Society cutting the cake