The "literary" part of the title was represented by a lending library. The "sick and benevolent" part of the title included the group purchase of plots at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, NY.
When I visited Mt. Hebron, I took a close look at the society's pillars and gates. The left gate reads: "Kossuth Ferencz" and the right gate reads: "H.L.S. & B. Ass'n."
See the small plaque in the center of the right gate? It's dedicated to my great-uncle Alex Farkas, Chairman of the Cemetery committee, August 1929. He was one of the society's organizers in 1904.
One more thing I learned from visiting the Kossuth plot: My great-aunt Jennie Katz Farkas, who met her husband Alex Farkas through Kossuth, was enough of a mover and shaker to get her name listed on the pillars of the plot gate--separate from her husband. Way to go, Aunt Jennie! She also thought up the idea of the Farkas Family Tree--thank you, Aunt Jennie.
I was going through my Mom's pictures this afternoon and trying to identify photos. She's 97 and I am trying to capture her stories on paper while she remembers them. Anyway, my grandfather (her father) was Dezso (David) Deutsch who I understand was the first President of the Kossuth Ferenc Society. The picture I took home with me today is from the 25th Anniversary Jubilee. Albert, Sadie and Jennie Farkas are isted as members of the Jubilee Committee that year along with my grandfather. Albert Farkas wa a Trustee at that time. I believe you can see my grandfather's name at the cemetery gate at Mt. Hebron. I am overwhelmed with the number of pictures (and stories) that my mother has. I hardly know where to start. I have a fairly good family tree that goes back to her grandparents in Hungary.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, this is wonderful! You are incredibly lucky to be able to hear your mother's stories first-hand and have her narrate the photos. Plus you've got a family tree that stretches back to Hungary?! I'm sure you're going to enjoy this genealogical journey. Wow. Thank you so much for getting in touch!
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