Partners In Preservation - Chicagoland Initiative


Explore > Bohemian National Cemetery > Story Archives
	The Cemetary Story Submitted by Lynda, Lisle While I am not of Bohemian descent, I am of Polish. Our cemetery is Resurrection. However, I am a SOKOL and I know quite a bit about the Bohemian people. They are warm, gracious, and proud of their ancestry. Just think that Charles University in Prague is 1000 years old and still there! The Bohemians build buildings to last. Many may have left Chicago physically, but they have many memories from Chicago and the near suburbs. Here in Lisle the Bohemians have a rich history with Illinois Benedictine University and the Monastery. Saving the Bohemian National Cementary would be a grand tribute to their fine craftsmanship. Lynda Filipello, President Sokol Naperville Tyrs Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Cemetarys should not be forgotten Submitted by Ginny, Kansas and Georgia I'm not sure I have any Czech relatives left in Chicago, but when it comes to restoring Cemeteries, they are so often forgotten. If you have ever taken a vacation and visited cemeteries, you would get an education like my husband and I did. They are so peaceful and the stones are beautiful when preserved. Please, do not forget them!!! There are many memories in them. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	bohemian national cemetary Submitted by Bonnie, chicago My grandparents are buried here...when Bohemians were not looked about fondly in the city. We would make the pilgrimage from Chicago's South Side to this North Side location...do our services and have a wonderful Bohemian luncheon across the street at a little restaurant. My family would speak Bohemian and the plot we had was a family plot. There are great black and white oval-style photos on our headstone. My grandfather worked at Chicago's Union Stockyards. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Bohemian National Cemetery in the late 1920's and early 1930's Submitted by J.A.S., Chicagoland Fond memories of the Bohemian National Cemetery in the late 20's and early 30's, which was the start of the Great Depression. Many People lost their jobs and life savings, which caused them to sell their automobiles, so they would have some funds to sustain them for the future. The cemetery became a very popular place for the week-ends to many people, since it was located at 5500 N. Crawford Avenue (now known as Pulaski Road) and a few hundred feet North of the Bohemian Old People's Home (which has since relocated to Naperville, Illinois). Since Crawford Avenue had a street car (trolley car) running from 3100 South to 50 some hundred North, it became the main route by street car to the cemetery and the Bohemian Old Peoples Home for the week-ends. People would pack their lunches and lawn chairs and walk to Crawford Ave. and take the street car to the Home and the cemetery for the days stay, visiting family and friends at the home and maintaining grave sites and spending time with friends and relatives at the cemetery. For many the agenda for the day would be to walk to the Czecheslovenska Hostinec (sometimes called the Chez Paree) located at 2644 Crawford Ave, owned by the Adam Storcel Family and have their breakfast consisting of a small sandwich and coffee and rum to wash it down, board the street car and settle down on the straw seats for the next hour to sleep or converse with others till they got to the Bohemian Old People Home and Cemetery. On their return trip they would again stop at the Hostinec and have a good night cap, looking forward to the next weekend. I remember the funeral processions from the Hostinec down Crawford Avenue with 12 or more musicians walking and playing an instrument that whole distance of 12 miles to the cemetery and then perform the services. That was what I called dedicated friendship. John A. Storcel Comments (1) \| Comment on this story
	Guided walking tour of Bohemian National Cemetery Submitted by Anna, River Forest, IL The Friends of BNC are sponsoring a 2 hour, guided walking tour of BNC Sunday, October 7, 2007, at 1 p.m. starting at the 1891 Victorian Gatehouse. Full details are available at www.friendsofbnc.org. It's a tour led by an experienced tour guide and historian and well worth attending to learn more about the founding of BNC and its unusual features; the special and unique features of the turn-of-of-the-century monuments and their cultural, social and historical significance. Vitame vas! (We welcome you!) Come CZECH us out! Anna Schnedorf--Publicity Chairman - Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Cultural continuity Submitted by Edie Folta, Connecticut I was watching the Czech movie "Kolya" awhile ago. One scene is set in a columbarium in Prague where one of the main characters sings at funerals. It was amazing for me to see the resemblance to the columbarium at BNC. Clearly our Bohemian forebears brought a lot of the old country with them when they built BNC. It was a way to return to Bohemia for a little while, without crossing the sea. Restoring and preserving BNC is a wonderful way to honor our ties with our heritage, which continues on both sides of the ocean! Comments (1) \| Comment on this story
	Bohemian National Cemetery Submitted by Helene, Plainfield, Il All four of my grandparents were born in the Czech Republic. My maternal grandparents Frank and Agnes (nee Kodad) arrived in 1911 and 1921 respectively. They got married in Crown Point, Indiana in 1923. My paternal grandparents, Rudolph and Zdenka (nee Bartak)Souta were married in the then Czechoslovakia and came to America when my uncle Rudy was three years old, 1911. Frank and Agnes were delegates to the Bohemian Cemetery from their respective Lodges of the Czechoslovak Society of America. This year I became a delegate to the cemetery from my Lodge, Thomas A. Edison, #375. Rudolph died when I was six months old. Zdenka died in April, 1983, three weeks short of her 100th birthday. Frank Hruska died in February, 1955 and Agnes died in February, 1993. All four are at rest at Bohemian National, along with my paternal aunt and her husband, as well as numerous other cousins and close family friends. From the time my "Deda"(grandfather) Frank was buried at the cemetery, it became a ritual to go there with Babi (grandmother) Agnes, Mom, and my younger brother, Jerry . Several times a year or more, to plant flowers and tend to the graveside. We often packed a picnic lunch and either ate there or went to the Forest Preserve just west on Foster Avenue. Our trip would also include a visit to the mausoleum to see Grandpa Souta's urn with his remains in the small space on the top row in the small room where he was placed. The cemetery was never a scary place, even though the Hruska gravesites are near the statute of the "Grim Reaper". It was a place of beauty and wonderment and death was accepted as a part of life. There are many more projects, besides the water tower, to be done to keep the cemetery up to standards, now that we have been place on the National Historic Registry. I can proudly say I will have a role in helping keep a place of Czech culture remain beautiful. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Oh, How Well I Remember! Submitted by Betty, Dixon, IL It was a long, long time ago, but oh, how I remember my mother taking my sisters and me to The Bohemian National Cemetery where her mother and grandparents, aunts and uncles were laid to rest. Her sister, Bessie Dvorak, who was a victim of the Eastland Disaster, and who lost her life at the age of 18 going on 19, was also buried there in 1915, when my mom was 15 years old. When walking around the cemetery, I being so little, looked at the statues with awe and with understandable fear...they seemed to loom above me and I wondered if they might topple down and crush me. We had come a long distance, from our home in Lombard Illinois. The trip was long, the stay was long for this little girl. Now, all these years later as I reach my time to leave this earth, I still see my mother, down on her knees in front of gravesides, planting flowers at one graveside to another. Mom always packed a lunch and we would go to some Park and eat it there. Now when I think about it, since we walked such a long distance, we may have still been at the cemetery. It was a long day and we'd ride the streetcar...I didn't realize it then, but my mom's brother, my Uncle Tom Dvorak was the streetcar conductor and he is is also buried at the Bohemian National Cemetery with his wife, Ella. Later, Mom's father, Thomas Dvorak Sr. and her younger brother, William Dvorak, were buried there. My father's Kepka family is also buried at the Bohemian National Cemetery. You see, there are many ties for me at the Bohemian National Cemetery. Recently, I went there to look up my ancestors gravesides and what a beautiful place it is. Just walking around, I could almost hear my ancestors calling out to me..."Betuska, Betuska, thank you for coming once again. We have missed you." Comments (2) \| Comment on this story
	Blood lines Submitted by Frank C. Kovacik, Maitland, Florida Everyone in our family is a true bred Czech; Mothers, Fathers, Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Grandchildren, etc. Everyone I have known is buried in the BNC. Our roots run deep in the Chicagoland history. We have had many success', and all responsible offspring. I am very proud of my family and the achievements they have attained. My brother Charles F., and I were the first college graduates in our Czech family. I can remember going to attend the graves on birthdays, holidays, and on the fall days to spruce up the graves for winter. The entrance through the gates always called for respectful silence for us children. We knew that this was where we too someday would come to rest. I have traveled all over the world and have seen many other cementaries but none with the same respect that overwhelms one when you enter this site. There are very few cementaries that are as dramatic as The BNC. A little part of me live in BNC and someday a little more. - Frank C. Kovacik Maitland, Florida Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Past to the Future! Submitted by Joey, western suburbs I remember many trips to the Bohemian National Cemetery to plant the graves of my grandparents. With the long drive from the Western Suburbs, it truly was an all day event for a child. Mom would work hard to make sure that the graves looked especially nice when she was done. As Mom wrote earlier, the special treat (or bribe) was a trip through the greenhouse. I am sad that I was never able to share the banana trees with my own children. I also remember my grandmother's funeral in 1966 when I was 11. The processing took forever to get there! I remember the huge mounds of flower arrangements and the grounds keepers lowering her casket into the ground with ropes. I still find this amazing that the men were able to accomplish this task without dropping one end or another! The Bohemian National Cemetery is a very beautiful, peaceful place. It's full of history, past and present, happily looking toward the future! Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Our bequest Submitted by magda, North Chicagoland I think that the cornerstone ceremony of the Crematorium/Columbarium building in 1913 had a comment that totally fits what we of Bohemian National Cemetery feel about this special place. "Let us remember that this building will survive us, that it will stand when those who speak our beautiful Bohemian language are probably fewer in number. And if, by the cessation of immigration and by the complete assimilation of our fourth or fifth generation into an American nation of one single language, the Bohemians should disappear in this country, this building will remain as a permanent monument to their efforts and to their Bohemian characteristics, the most marked feature of which is courage - courage to seek truth and to fight for liberty." It's this inheritance that makes so many of us willing to donate so much time to preserving and enhancing BNC!! - Marge Comments (1) \| Comment on this story
	A part of our neighborhood... Submitted by Karen H., North Chicago It's down the street from us, a part of our neighborhood, we bike around and through it, BUT we didn't know how cool it was until we went to the Open House on Saturday. The history and statues were amazing but the most eye-opening part of our walking tour was the Columbarium. Wonderful little windows into the past, little family shrines honoring their roots -- I've never seen anything like it! We plan to attend the tour on Oct. 7th. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Memories Submitted by Dan, Chicagoland Like others have noted, I have both sets of grandparents, great grandparents, an aunt and uncle, and numerous other relatives who rest at BNC. Like many Bohemians, my parents moved to the western suburb of Brookfield right before I was born, and I remember many long trips up to the Cemetery especially on Sundays. Some of my earliest memories were from the Decoration (Memorial) Day visits when my dad would plant at family plots. I can see in my memories all the different plantings that were done there--some by families and some by the professional staff of the Cemetery. There were also bunches of peonies from family gardens at that time of year. Like many of my cousins, I did some practice driving lessons there, too. Having taught history and having brought students to cemeteries to help learn about our past, it is imperative that we preserve such gems as BNC. Peace, Dan Jares Comments (1) \| Comment on this story
	Bohemian National Cemetery Submitted by Anna, Western suburb of Chicago, IL Bohemian National Cemetery presents one with a unique overview of the historical, cultural and social aspects of our Bohemian forebears. A visit to BNC presents one with a sense of serenity and a display of artwork unseen at any other cemetery--the Albin Polasek bronzes; the John Mallin artwork in the Columbarium; the 100+ carved 'living trees' grounds; outstanding war memorials honoring those Armed Forces members who served in the U.S.A. Armed Forces since the Civil War; the Anton Cermak mausoleum; and the wooden water tower(one a few left in the City).Support BNC--"Without a past--we have no future." Restore the water tower-join all including Friends of BNC.org to preserve this historical and architectural gem. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	I'm one of Helena's kids Submitted by Vlasta, Chicago Western Suburbs I remember with great fondness the long drives to get to the Bohemian National Cemetery with my parents and Babi to visit my grandfather's grave. The steamy greenhouse had sidewalks zig zagging through the plants and trees - I'd pretend we kids were in a jungle somewhere. That was the highlight of our visit - I was too young to understand the significance of our frequent visits until Babi passed on and we would visit both graves. I'm so grateful that the group Friends of the Bohemian National Cemetery exists and are working so hard towards maintaining this wonderful historical site, which could certainly make good use of this money. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	bohemian national cemetery Submitted by Barb, willow springs Coming from a Bohemian family, we were all excited to see this place in the movie US Marshalls with Tommie Lee Jones! Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Memories Submitted by Helena, Westmont, IL My relatives have been at BNC since the late 1800s and the plot is right near the exit gate. When my dad died in 1953 I used to take my mom there every Sunday and in order to get my small kids to go with I bribed them with a trip to the greenhouse. It was quite an attraction with its banana trees and high humidity.My kids felt like they were in a jungle. I can understand it was not cost effective, but it sure is missed by this family. I was there recently and saw that the water tank was leaking. We really need some of that money! Helen Florian Zulas, Westmont, IL Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Save Bohemian National Cemetery Submitted by Joyce Helen, Western Springs I am of Czech descent, and spent many hours traveling from the South Lawndale area, home to many families of Czech descent, up to Bohemian National, taking 2 streetcars (26th St. & Pulaski Rd. lines), to visit the graves of my mother's parents, aunts and uncles, and great-grandparents. We often went on Memorial Day, when groups of veterans would conduct ceremonies near the various military monuments at crossroads within the cemetery. Inspiring, patriotic band music, speeches, and the ceremonial firing of rifles filled the noontime program. Peonies were in bloom, and a few lilacs lingered. Fresh flowers filled the small bronze vases near the gravesides, and we always brought some for Grandpa Novacek, with my grandmother standing by. He had passed away when he was only forth-nine, leaving a couple of school-aged children in her care, as well as three already out working. A high school and Illinois National Guard buddy of my Dad's was the Superintendent of the Cemetery then, and we always looked forward to seeing Jerry, and sometimes his Dad, who had been superintendent before him. I loved looking at the monuments, some very grand, some poignant, especially those of children, but they all signified love and respect for those people who had gone before. I have not visited there in decades, but I'm determined to go within the next year. - Joyce Hewitt Comments (1) \| Comment on this story
	Bohemian National Cemetery Submitted by Kathy, Chicago North suburbs My grandfather, John A. Mallin, decorated the chapel at the Bohemian National Cemetery, originally in 1916, and later with updates and redecorations. He was a Czech immigrant who decorated more than 100 churches and other buildings in Chicago and elsewhere in the U.S. He has a crypt in the BNC Crematorium Building, which includes the Chapel. The chapel is non-denominational and includes many decorations from Czech lodges and other non-religious Czech organizations. Many of my Czech relatives are either buried there or are housed in the crematorium. Visiting the BNC is a unique experience, and even if you are not Czech and have no relatives interned there, it is a trip worth taking. Whenever I visit, I feel like I am transported back in time to the 1920s or 1930s. A little known treasure is the artwork in the attic above the dropped ceiling in the office, which was decorated with beautiful flowers by my grandfather but has been hidden away for years. Though not visible to the public, perhaps with sufficient funding, it may be restored to its original beauty one day, along with the artwork in the crematorium. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Historical Part of Chicago's Bohemian Culture Submitted by Kathleen, Northwest Side Bohemian National Cemetery has been a Historical landmark on the City's North side of Chicago. I am a Bo Hock! That is Slang for Bohemian (also known as Czechoslovakian). Yes, this cemetery holds a special meaning for me! My Great-Grandmother (Merkva) is buried there & along side her is my Uncle Richard (Nemec). Obviously I never met either one, however, I know I have my Great-Grandmother's spirit, vitality, perseverance, stubbornness, patience, & the will for life & the pursuit of happiness. My Great Grand-mother (she was Czech & Austrian) came to this country on July 4, 1901 with her 6 children. She left Vienna, Austria seeing Emperor Franz Joseph for the last time. Some people wouldn't have left Vienna, however, my Great Grand-mother's husband died and she wanted to take her children to Land of Opportunity America! My Aunt Ruth Martinek & her parents (Aunt Lilly Martinek) are also buried at this wonderful cemetery. As a child I grew up hearing the saddest story of how Little Baby Richard died. My Grandparents had gone to a funeral and at that time the restrooms were not heated at the Cemetery. Baby Richard caught a chill when my grandmother changed his diaper. Shortly after that baby Richard died of pneumonia at age 1. For 4 years I passed everyday this particular landmark Bohemian National Cemetery when I was attending Good Counsel High School. It stood out back then and it continues to STAND OUT today! It sure has historical history (Mayor Anton Cermak final resting place) & architectural history! We need to protect these historical & architectural landmarks in Chicago. I am so proud that it has been placed on the National Register of Historical Places. Ghee, Great-Grandma & Baby Richard you're buried in a historical place!!! Thank God that the Czech community organized this beautiful cemetery and park. Mayor Daley please restore Bohemian National Cemetery as it was back in 1877. You don't want my Great-Grandmother coming after & spooking you!! Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Where the cancelled Czechs are kept Submitted by Remford, Chicagoland Tongue in cheek aside, BNC is one of Chicago's great and unique cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks that speaks to the depth and breadth of both Chicago's cultural and ethnic diversity and its unity. It is one of a handful of iconic, non-cliched locations that embodies the essence of both the place and people that are "Chicago". Comments (2) \| Comment on this story
	A Chicago Treasure Submitted by John, Chicago (NW Side, in cvity) This cemetery has threefold importance: 1. It is an architectural delight, not only for it castle shaped entrance building and beautiful chapel, but also for it fascinating monuments and mausoleums, some of which are quite unique. 2. It celebrates and remembers the contributions of Czech immigrants to the Chicago area. 3. It is the resting place of Mayor Anton Cermak, one of Chicago's best mayors, assassinated by a bullet intended for FDR. It is also fascinating in that it is ethnic in nature yet non-sectarian. Comments (1) \| Comment on this story
	It's a photographer's delight Submitted by Teresa, Chicago As a local resident and professional photographer I have marveled at the mystic of Bohemian National Cemetery. The architectural structures exhibit brilliant examples of the late 19th/early 20th Century masterpieces. The beauty of the statuary throughout the cemetery provides a visual appreciation of people and events spanning 130 years. The various wildlife that can be seen throughout the grounds add a tranquil setting to this beautiful property. Bohemian National Cemetery is a Chicago marvel to be preserved and enjoyed for all who respect the past and understand its importance to the future. - Teresa J. Potasiak, Photographer Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Find the spirit of Chicago Submitted by Margaret, Chicago As a life-long resident of this community, I have long been aware of the significance of Bohemian National Cemetery. Having the honor of serving the 39th Ward as their alderman, I am proud that such a historic landmark is being recognized for its natural and architectural beauty. It is one of only three Chicago cemeteries listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Bohemian National Cemetery's beauty, history and commitment to excellence symbolizes the spirit of Chicago. - The Honorable Margaret Laurino Alderman, 39th Ward Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	A lifetime of memories Submitted by Philip, Chicago I have been employed with Bohemian National Cemetery for 37 years. During this time, I have seen people mourn loved ones; celebrate lives passed; preserve historic treasures and cultural traditions. As the cemetery's superintendent, I take pride in maintaining and enhancing the property. For me, Bohemian National not only represents the final resting place for over 114,000 individuals, but chronicles several historic and architectural aspects of Chicago over the past 130 years. In 2006, all of us at Bohemian National celebrated its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.This honor solidifies our commitment to preserving this Chicago treasure. - Philip G. Roux, Superintendent, Bohemian National Cemetery Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Preserving Chicago's Czech heritage for the future Submitted by Judy, Chicago Bohemian National Cemetery is special to me both personally and professionally. Being of Czech decent, the cemetery is a 130 year chronicle of our people and events. Professionally, I take great pride that during my tenure as Illinois State Treasurer, my office's collaboration with Alderman Margaret Laurino and Northeastern Illinois University was instrumental in attaining National Register of Historic Places designation for Bohemian National Cemetery. Preserving our treasures from the past become the building blocks to our future. Understanding the importance of the past while building for the future is why Bohemian National Cemetery is a true Chicago treasure. - Judy Baar Topinka, Illinois State Treasurer (1995-2007) Comments (2) \| Comment on this story