Ukrainian National Association Branch No. 63 (Ford City, Pa.) Records, 1907-1966, AIS.1979.29, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
Ukrainian National Association Branch No. 63 (Ford City, Pa.) Records, 1907-1966, AIS.1979.29, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
This collection was processed by Samantha Keenan in January 2011.
The volumes in the Insurance Policy Books section were microfilmed and originally given the accession number AIS.1979.37. It is available in the Archives Service Center reading room microfilm cabinet.
The records of the Ukrainian National Association Branch No. 63 document the existence of the organization in Ford City, Pennsylvania, from 1907-1966, with the bulk of the material from the years 1925-1955. The collection contains a variety of material including branch event information; a limited amount of correspondence; several publications in Ukrainian, including one issue of the UNA's newspaper, Svoboda; branch tax receipts and licenses; meeting minute books; account books; and a variety of membership material, including applications and cards. It is important to note that most of the material is written in Ukrainian. In the meeting notes, sometimes an English translation follows the Ukrainian entry. The meeting minute books provide information on Branch No. 63's monthly or bi-monthly meetings of the trustees and officers, with discussions on recurring themes such as financial matters, membership, and activities taking place at and maintenance of the Ukrainian National Association Home in Ford City. Many of the ledgers include loose-leaf material, such as correspondence and liquor license renewals. The account books show monthly membership dues and branch and UNA Home income and expenses. There are only membership applications and cards from 1953-1966, while account and minute books stop in 1955.
The Ukrainian National Association (UNA) was founded in 1894 and is the oldest and most progressive Ukrainian fraternal order, with branches in the United States and Canada. The organization sought to help the first wave of immigrants from Ukraine to adjust to their new surroundings, while at the same time celebrating and preserving their social and cultural heritage through music, dance, cuisine, language and religious customs.
Branch No. 63 of the Ukrainian National Association was founded in 1903 in Ford City, Pennsylvania. Original members consisted of a small group of eighteen Ukrainian immigrants who settled in the region. Michael Beck served as the first president of the branch, with Sam Ball as the secretary. In 1909, Branch No. 187 was formed, but merged with Branch No. 63 on July 26, 1914.
Charter members first met at St. Joseph's Hall on Fourth Avenue in Ford City. After the flood of 1913, members loaned the organization enough funds to purchase a building at 600 Sixth Avenue from the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company for $3000. The building had formally housed the community's first public school and was turned into the Ukrainian National Home. In 1916, Branch No. 63 purchased some adjoining land in Ford City. The organization's work, meetings, and social activities, such as weddings, concerts and dances, took place at the home.
By 1952, the year the branch celebrated its Golden Jubilee, membership reached 528 men, women and children; the UNA Branch No. 63 was reportedly the largest branch in Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1957, a new building was constructed for the Ukrainian National Home and a dedication ceremony held in February 1958.
The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.
No restrictions.
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