croatian hall
THE PROUD HISTORY OF
HRVATSKI IDOM
At the turn of the 20th century, immigration to America was on the minds and in the hearts of millions of people. Thousands of Croatians and people of Slavic descent came to America, the land of opportunity and freedom. Many settled in South St. Paul to work at the Union Stockyards and in the two meat-packing houses, Armour’s and Swift’s. In 1919, Croatians that settled in South St. Paul founded The Hrvatski Dom (Croatian Home). It became THE place for social events such as dances, dinners, weddings, and even funerals.
Originally within the Hrvatski Dom, there was one Lodge 316 and everyone spoke in the native Croatian language. Years later, Lodge 742 was formed and all members spoke English. Some more years passed and the lodges merged to form Kaposia Lodge 316 which is still in existence today. “Lodges” were formed all across the United States to promote fraternalism among the membership and spread the culture of their native land. Many Croatians also migrated to the “iron range” of northern Minnesota to find work in the numerous mines there and ended up starting up their own lodges. Today, the Hrvatski Dom is the only remaining home left in Minnesota. Along with hosting social events, “the Cro” still supports a Tamburitza Orchestra which plays ethnic Croatian music.
Over the years, members have traveled to nation-wide Croatian events by loading up buses with all kinds of food and a bit of adult “cheer” and of course, listening to Croatian music know as Tamburitza. Members have traveled to various cities for National Bowling Tournaments including Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Omaha, just to name a few. The Cro has hosted the National Tournament also in the years of 1972, 1977, 1983, and 1990. 1977 was big year for us as the Women teams claimed the National Team championship, the National Double Championship, and the All Events Championship.
The Lodge has also hosted many other events and personalities including politicians, members of the Supreme Court, professional athletes, as well as local teachers, lawyers, doctors and of course, the proud residents of South St. Paul and the surrounding communities.
There are many family names to remember, too many to list and risk the chance of leaving someone out because all were important. Many of those same names appear on our Board of Directors, and others still help to maintain our Lodge activities such as Sarma dinners and Christmas parties for the children. The continued joint fraternalism is the reason that Hrvatski Dom still flourishes.
Today, the Hrvatski Dom, also known as the Croatian Hall and better known as the “Cro” or “Cro Bar,” is still rented for special occasions such as graduations, weddings, company picnics, retirements, birthdays and many other events. By being proactive and taking advantage of certain business opportunities that arose over the years, the Cro has been able to flourish and grow. Five additional lots were purchased to provide ample parking for events. The upstairs hall recently went through a touch-up while still maintaining its original charm. A private, fenced-in park with a large bar-b-que grill is included in the grounds. Games are available for both children and adults. Contact us for additional information on rental if interested.
The Lodge has also hosted many other events and personalities including politicians, members of the Supreme Court, professional athletes, as well as local teachers, lawyers, doctors and of course, the proud residents of South St. Paul and the surrounding communities.
There are many family names to remember, too many to list and risk the chance of leaving someone out because all were important. Many of those same names appear on our Board of Directors, and others still help to maintain our Lodge activities such as Sarma dinners and Christmas parties for the children. The continued joint fraternalism is the reason that Hrvatski Dom still flourishes.
Today, the Hrvatski Dom, also known as the Croatian Hall and better known as the “Cro” or “Cro Bar,” is still rented for special occasions such as graduations, weddings, company picnics, retirements, birthdays and many other events. By being proactive and taking advantage of certain business opportunities that arose over the years, the Cro has been able to flourish and grow. Five additional lots were purchased to provide ample parking for events. The upstairs hall recently went through a touch-up while still maintaining its original charm. A private, fenced-in park with a large bar-b-que grill is included in the grounds. Games are available for both children and adults. Contact us for additional information on rental if interested.