Global True Lithuania Encyclopedia of Lithuanian heritage worldwide

Muskegon, Michigan

Muskegon has a Lithuanian club. Despite its name, the club has mostly non-Lithuanian membership these days. However, it tries to keep the Lithuanian traditions up and running. After the original building of the Lithuanian club burned down in 2008 (together with all the historical documents), the club users (~300 in total) rebuilt the club and once again acquired Lithuanian memorabilia such as the flag and images.

Muskegon Lithuanian club

Muskegon Lithuanian club

The club is located in a rather simple single-floored building with a bar inside. That bar is what draws most of the members in. Outside, the Lithuanian flag is constantly waving together with the American one while inside there are more Lithuanian images, while a member of the club has written a cookbook that includes Lithuanian recipes.

Muskegon Lithuanian club corner with Lithuanian memorabilia

Muskegon Lithuanian club corner with Lithuanian memorabilia

Club's bylaws, dated 1952, specify that "Every member is gracefully obliged to defend America first, but he is also earnestly encouraged to perpetuate the memories and to eulogize the glories and beauties of the ancient and honorable people of Lithuania". The fact that the club and its documents were destroyed by fire makes it difficult to surely state when was the club established.

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Illinois Lithuanian sites

Click to learn more about Lithuania: Michigan, USA 3 Comments

Springfield, Illinois

The Lithuanian history of Springfield (the capital of Illinois and home and burial place of President Abraham Lincoln) is immortalized in one of just a few historical plaques/markers for Lithuanian-Americans in the entire United States.

This historical marker, entitled “Lithuanians in Springfield,” was erected in May 2012 on the corner of 7th and Enterprise streets at the southwest edge of Enos Park. It mainly commemorates the several thousand Lithuanians (coal-miners and their wives) who arrived between 1890 and 1914 and from whom the majority of Springfield’s Lithuanian-Americans are descended.

Lithuanians in Springfield commemorative plaque

Lithuanians in Springfield commemorative plaque

Sandy Bakšys, daughter of a World War II Lithuanian refugee, spearheaded the creation of the marker—officially a project of the Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS) and the Lithuanian-American Club of Central Illinois. She wrote the text of the marker, provided proof of its factual accuracy to the ISHS, raised $3,300 for the marker’s creation in an Indiana foundry (including $1,000 of her own money), and obtained permission from the Springfield Park District for its siting.

Several blocks from the historical marker is the parking lot where St. Vincent de Paul Lithuanian Catholic Church (built by Lithuanian coal miners in 1909,) had once stood (at Eighth and Enos streets). The church was simple and towerless, with a basement the coal miners dug themselves after finishing their work day in the mines. It was closed in 1972 over the opposition of its parishioners and demolished in 1976.

The place where St. Vincent De Paul Lithuanian church of Springfield used to stand

The place where St. Vincent De Paul Lithuanian church of Springfield used to stand

Yet for decades, the church had served a Lithuanian community that was scattered around the city due to the scattered sites of mines and miners’ neighborhoods. From about 1900 to 1980, however, there was a “Little Lithuania” with homes, saloons, and groceries about two kilometers north of St. Vincent de Paul’s, along with the southern and eastern boundaries of the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This “Little Lithuania” had the highest concentration of Lithuanian immigrants in the city because it was centered around four active coal mines and two major commercial thoroughfares.

The reason why the Lithuanian plaque was not constructed in the parking lot where St. Vincent de Paul’s once stood was this: The parking lot had private owners (and a city easement), and thus, two different types of owners who might be difficult to negotiate with. Luckily, with the support of the Enos Park Neighborhood Association, the Springfield Park District quickly agreed to the placement of the marker in Enos Park, and even to insure the plaque in perpetuity. Last but not least, the chosen park location was determined to be safer and more stable and scenic for visitors for years to come.

Springfield Lithuanian church before its demolition

Springfield Lithuanian church before its demolition

To the plaque’s sponsors, its care and survival in perpetuity were crucial. The marker was being created to immortalize an immigrant history whose last witnesses had mostly already died. And the only remnant of that community, the Lithuanian-American Club (founded in 1988) was also, already, in steep decline. Sixteen years after the closing of St. Vincent de Paul Church, the Club had formed and had actively lobbied for U.S. support for Lithuanian independence. Yet by 2010, the Club was dying due to a lack of fresh immigration and the disinterest of younger generations with diluted Lithuanian ethnicity.

Therefore, the only solution was to create some form of memory in physical space--to leave behind some concrete mark that could survive. As a result of the plaque, now all the key elements of local Lithuanian history are “in place”--and under the sponsorship of institutions likely to last much longer than any individual human being or community. (Time and again, physical community in the U.S. has proven transient, at least at the lower end of the socio-economic scale.)

The creation of this marker also has led to further Lithuanian historical activity: the creation of a well-populated blogsite (http://www.lithspringfield.com), which, in turn, led to a book (“A Century of Lithuanians in Springfield, Illinois.”) And as a result of all this historical activity, the local Lithuanian-American community also has been temporarily re-energized and revived.

One of the US’s leading senators, Sen. Richard Durbin (born to a Lithuanian immigrant mother), has lived in Springfield since the 1970s. He made a donation for the plaque and has visited Lithuania on numerous occasions, supporting its independence in the U.S. Congress in 1990. Rep. John Shimkus, long-time co-leader of the Baltic Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives, once represented part of Springfield and also contributed to the creation of the plaque.

(The information and text provided by Sandy Bakšys, the author of the book about Springfield Lithuanians)

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Illinois Lithuanian sites

Click to learn more about Lithuania: Illinois, USA No Comments

Waukegan, Illinois

Waukegan city north of Chicago had a significant Lithuanian area centered around the St. Bartholomew Lithuanian church. In 1896 this parish was established as joint Polish-Lithuanian, however, Poles were detached as the numbers of Lithuanians increased by 1903. The parish became the center of life in what was a Lithuanian district; for instance, when Lithuanian would be buried, church bells would ring for each year he lived. The current building dates to 1938 (the previous one burned down in 1933). After the consolidation of parishes in 1991 and 2009, the church has been closed, despite (or perhaps because of) the Lithuanian parish having significant funds while the other local communities lacked them. It is now used for charity giveaways and is stuffed with charity goods.

St. Bartholomew Lithuanian church in Waukegan

St. Bartholomew Lithuanian church in Waukegan

The interior of St. Bartholomew Lithuanian church of Waukegan today

The interior of St. Bartholomew Lithuanian church of Waukegan today

Next to the church, there is a red-brick St. Bartholomew Lithuanian school building where generations of Lithuanians used to receive all their education at. The school has been closed before the church but the cornerstone still remains, with inscription (in Lithuanian) "Šv. Baltramiejaus mokykla A.D. 1912". That building is also used for charity purposes.

St. Bartholomew Lithuanian school

St. Bartholomew Lithuanian school

There is another Lithuanian inscription in the once-Lithuanian part of Waukegan that reads "Petroshius Memorial Funeral Home". As the inscription was made permanent in bricks, even though the owners and the name of the funeral home have changed, the inscriptions still remain.

Petroshus Funeral Home sign

Petroshus Funeral Home sign

The Roman Catholic church has closed all the consolidated churches and instead bought a larger Calvary church, where people from all the closed churches were expected to go to. Catholic details have been brought into that former Calvary church from all the closed churches and stained-glass windows were moved-in from the Lithuanian church at the beginning of the 21st century, thus Lithuanian inscriptions being still visible in the new church that is known as the Holy Family church. That said, stained-glass windows were too many and too large for the new church, therefore many haven't been installed or the Lithuanian inscriptions of donator's names cut off (but they are all listed on a plaque near the entrance).

Lithuanian stained-glass windows at the Holy Family church in Waukegan

Lithuanian stained-glass windows at the Holy Family church in Waukegan

Lithuanians were among the largest communities of the pre-WW1 and interwar industrial Waukegan (together with Finns and Slovenes). Unlike other communities, they were not divided among religious and non-religious. However, as the industries in Waukegan closed the town effectively became a suburb of Chicago and is currently inhabited mostly by Latin Americans.

In the Lithuanian area, there also was a Lithuanian Hall (constructed 1929, 901 S Lincoln Ave) that had been once used for Lithuanian events and meetings of three Lithuanian organizations. Since ~1985 it serves Hispanic immigrants and is known as "La Hacienda Del Norte". There are no signs proving its Lithuanian history, as the "Lithuanian hall" sign is covered by the "Hacienda del Norte" sign.

Former Lithuanian club (now Hancienda del Norte)

Former Lithuanian Hall (now Hancienda del Norte)

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Illinois Lithuanian sites

Click to learn more about Lithuania: Illinois 6 Comments

Rockford, Illinois

Rockford, Illinois's third largest city, has the Rockford Lithuanian club (716 Indiana Ave). It is located in the southern part of the city that was once populated by Lithuanians.

Rockford Lithuanian club. Usually, the Lithuanian flag also waves

Rockford Lithuanian club. Usually, the Lithuanian flag also waves

Today, however, the club became multi-ethnic. Nevertheless, it proudly displays its history in the form of Lithuanian coats of arms, flags and flag colors, images of Lithuania and the club history.

The building is two-floored with the main hall on the second floor while the bar located at the ground floor level. The bar is now the most lively part of the club, open multiple days a week.

The underground bar of Rockford Lithuanian Club

The underground bar of Rockford Lithuanian Club. There are lit patterns in the colors of the Lithuanian flag

The club now has ~250 members while it had ~500 in its heyday. Most members are of European but not Lithuanian heritage. Most of them are over 50 years old as such clubs do not appeal to the youth. The district is now Black-majority. The club moved to this new house in 1954.

Data about Lithuania is posted on the bulletin boards of the club so its members would learn more about Lithuania. Among that data, we have discovered print-outs from the True Lithuania website.

Data about Lithuania is posted on the bulletin boards of the club so its members would learn more about Lithuania. Among that data, we have discovered print-outs from the True Lithuania website.

Lithuanian Club also owns a Lithuanian Park in Southern Rockford with its Lithuanian sign. Both the club halls and the park are rented for activities. The park also has bees and Joninės used to be celebrated there well after the club became non-Lithuanian-majority as even the current non-Lithuanian members try hard to keep the club's Lithuanian history alive and learn about Lithuania.

Rockford Lithuanian park (this sign is more than one mile after driving past the gate)

Rockford Lithuanian park (this sign is more than one mile after driving past the gate)

The importance of Lithuanians in Rockford is also marked by the fact that Rockford ethnic heritage museum (1129 S. Main Street) has dedicated one of its six galleries to Lithuanians (the other five are dedicated to far larger US minorities: Blacks, Irish, Italians, Hispanics, and Poles). The museum is volunteer-run and opens just a day per week for excursions. Each hall has its president and includes various artworks-and-crafts from the country in question.

Rockford Ethnic heritage museum

Rockford Ethnic heritage museum

Rockford Ethnic heritage museum Lithuanian room

Rockford Ethnic heritage museum Lithuanian room

The museum has acquired an impressive mansion of a local 19th-century elite nearby: it is not Lithuanian but it shows the glamour the employers of Lithuanian factory workers lived back then. The massive factory where many Lithuanians worked at now stands abandoned next to the Ethnic heritage museum.

An abandoned factory near the Rockford ethnic heritage museum

An abandoned factory near the Rockford ethnic heritage museum

Recently, the Lithuanian room has been kept by Ann Keraminas who also created many drinking straw ornaments for the museum, a peculiar Lithuanian-American tradition that Lithuanian-Americans created after being unable to find real straws in urban America (in Lithuania, such ornaments are crafted using natural straws).

Drinking straw ornaments by Anna Keraminas at the Rockford ethnic heritage museum

Drinking straw ornaments by Anna Keraminas at the Rockford ethnic heritage museum

Rockford had a Ss. Peter and Paul Lithuanian church (617 Lincoln Avenue), established in 1911 (cornerstone lists 1929 when the new building was constructed). The church survives, however, it has been transferred to Blacks in 1985 and to Hispanics in 1992. Currently, most of the masses there are celebrated in Spanish. The church has no external Lithuanian details and few such details inside, as, unlike many Lithuanian-American churches, it never had Lithuanian stained-glass windows. There is, however, a 1949 plaque in the entrance room with lots of Lithuanian names - these are people who contributed to the organ of the church under the pastor Joseph Reikas. There is also a photo of this pastor. In a rather common design feature of the Lithuanian-American churches, this one is two-floored, with the main hall for the holy Mass on the 2nd floor and secular activity premises on the 1st floor.

Ss. Peter and Paul Lithuanian church of Rockford

Ss. Peter and Paul Lithuanian church of Rockford

Plaque with the Lithuanian names

Plaque with the Lithuanian names

At one time, the Rockford Lithuanian community was so important that the key national revival figures visited here on the eve of the 1918 independence.

Furthermore, in 1951, Rockford Ss. Peter and Paul church was the site of marriage for Alma Adamkienė (nee Nutautaitė) and Valdas Adamkus - a future president of Lithuania. Forced to flee by the advancing Soviets in 1944 and settling in the USA, Valdas Adamkus later returned to his homeland after its 1990 independence, being elected president of Lithuania in 1998 and serving two terms in 1998-2003 and 2004-2009.

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Rockford Lithuanian sites

Click to learn more about Lithuania: Illinois No Comments

Westville, Illinois

In the early 20th century Westville was a coal mining town. The majority of its population of 2500 were ethnic Lithuanians according to some sources. After the mines were closed, many of them left to Chicago. However, Lithuanians make up 4,7% of the local population of 3000 even today.

The most Lithuanian site in the city is undoubtedly the Lithuanian National Cemetery (est. 1909). There, on many graves, you could still find long Lithuanian inscriptions from more than a century ago. The cemetery is especially Lithuanian with three Lithuanian flags waving.

One of the entrances to the Westville Lithuanian cemetery

One of the entrances to the Westville Lithuanian cemetery

Some of the oldest graves at the Westvillle Lithuanian Cemetery

Some of the oldest graves at the Westvillle Lithuanian Cemetery

The cemetery office has originally served as a coal mine building before being moved there. ~5 people are still buried there every year while some 1000 are buried in total.

Sign at the Westville Lithuanian Cemetery office

Sign at the Westville Lithuanian Cemetery office

There are several memorials in the cemetery. The non-Lithuanian World War 2 veterans memorial has been built in 2008, while a small 2002 memorial is dedicated to Mike Laitas, a 30-years-long volunteer who kept the cemetery. As such cemeteries receive no government support, they depend on such volunteers to continue their existence.

Mike Laitas memorial at the Westville Lithuanian cemetery

Mike Laitas memorial at the Westville Lithuanian cemetery

The Memorial to the Holy Cross church reminds of the church that was established in 1914 in a bought-out Presbyterian building. This church was established by the same people who earlier established the Lithuanian cemetery of Westville. The church did not recognize the authority of the Pope: instead, the parishioners would apply for priests at various Old Catholic communions (Old Catholics were Catholic priests who left Catholicism due to disagreement with papal actions). The reason to establish both cemetery and the church was in the conflicts with the local Catholic priests who were said to request fixed donations and not to permit certain people from being buried in the Catholic cemetery.

Holy Cross Lithuanian church has been closed in 1960 but its history still lingers. The memorial to it has been constructed in 2004 as the caretakers of the cemetery brought in the church bell they discovered somewhere as well as the cornerstone of the church.

Memorial for the Lithuanian National Catholic church at the Westville Lithuanian Cemetery

Memorial for the Lithuanian National Catholic church at the Westville Lithuanian Cemetery

One of the most famous leaders of the Holy Cross church was priest Pranas Mikalauskas (1889-1933), buried in a heart-shaped lot in the middle of the cemetery. His "fame" came from his death which was possibly either a murder or a suicide. If it was murder it was unclear by whom and possible suspects have included mysterious men from Chicago, his own estranged congregation or Roman Catholics. A short book has been published on the Lithuanian interreligious conflicts of the era: "A Short History of a Big Lithuanian Row in Westville, Illinois". While Mikalauskas's death was ruled suicide by the authorities of the time, the claims that he was murdered were widely spread by his successor priest Vipartas, who also claimed he was threatened himself and pointed at the Catholics. It was Vipartas who built the heart-shaped memorial for Mikalauskas and who continued to be the face of his parish until his death, after which the Holy Cross parish closed.

Priest Mikalauskas grave

Priest Mikalauskas grave

Priest Mikalauskas grave (close-up)

Priest Mikalauskas grave (close-up)

On the original site of the Holy Cross Lithuanian church, a residential home now stands, with only the former pathway reminding that a church used to stand there.

Still-remaining stone path that used to lead to the now-demolished Lithuanian National Catholic church of Westville

Still-remaining stone path that used to lead to the now-demolished Lithuanian National Catholic church of Westville

The main adversary of the National Catholic church in the battle for Lithuanian souls was the Roman Catholic church of Ss. Peter and Paul, established in 1897 (therefore, one of the oldest Lithuanian churches in the USA). It has been also since closed (in 1989) and demolished, leaving an empty lot.

Lithuanian Ss. Peter and Paul church during demolition

Lithuanian Ss. Peter and Paul church during demolition

Site of the Ss. Peter and Paul Lithuanian church

Site of the Ss. Peter and Paul Lithuanian church

Lithuanian Roman Catholics also had their own Ss. Peter and Paul cemetery (est. 1904). The cornerstone of the church has been located there, near the center, close to the burial place of priest Paukstis, pastor of the church for many decades and a rival of Vipartas. Some of the statues that used to stand in the churchyard have been relocated to the north of the cemetery but they lack Lithuanian details. In general, that cemetery looks much less Lithuanian than the other one, although it has many Lithuanians buried there as well.

Graves at the Westville Ss. Peter and Paul Lithuanian Cemetery

Graves at the Westville Ss. Peter and Paul Lithuanian Cemetery

Cornerstone of the Ss. Peter and Paul Lithuanian church

Cornerstone of the Ss. Peter and Paul Lithuanian church

Westville is said by the locals to have been included in the Guinness World of Records for the vast number of its per-capita bars and pubs. Numerous of these pubs were operated by Lithuanians.

The Depot museum at Central Westville has a few Lithuanian-related materials. It generally hosts memorabilia of the town.

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Westville (Illinois) Lithuanian sites

Click to learn more about Lithuania: Illinois 12 Comments

Spring Valley, Illinois

Spring Valley is one of the most Lithuanian towns in Illinois. It has a Lithuanian church and two Lithuanian cemeteries. According to some sources, it had 40% of Lithuanians at one point and the entire north side was Lithuanian.

Spring Valley Lithuanian Liberty cemetery (est. 1914) is among the most famous Lithuanian sites in Illinois, albeit for the wrong reasons. Supposedly, it is haunted: strange events usually happen at the crypt of three butcher brothers Massock (built 1920). Supposedly, even murders took place there while visitors often see a man with an axe; one side of the crypt feels warmer to the touch than the other side; there has been blood pouring out of crypt and such.

Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery of Spring Valley

Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery of Spring Valley

While locals the author of this site Augustinas Žemaitis met are skeptical of these stories, what is true is that sometime in the 1960s the local youth have robbed a skull from the crypt and drove around the town with it. There was other vandalism too, e.g. somebody once sacrificed a dog there, so police are watching the area. Some locals told that even though the cemetery itself might not be haunted, there may have been "something bad" there from the older times.

The Lithuanian Liberty cemetery indeed looks quite creepy, as it is overgrown and many graves are overturned. It is difficult to find its entrance but the Massock crypt is visible from the road. The ~3 m high main cemetery memorial with cemetery name "Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery Incorporated 1914" stands upright. The cemetery was established by the non-believers and "liberty" likely means liberty from the church. The fact that many communists were likely buried there also may give chills to the modern day people who know the later Lithuanian history.

Massock mausoleum at the Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery of Spring Valley

Massock mausoleum at the Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery of Spring Valley

In total contrast to the Lithuanian liberty cemetery, the town's St. Anne Catholic Lithuanian cemetery (est. 1912) that covers a hill is well-maintained and a nice place to walk. It has numerous large memorials, including two main cemetery memorials. One of them (erected 1992) incorporates a sculpture from now-closed Lithuanian St. Anne church, with an image of that church underneath. On that memorial, seven Lithuanian priests of the St. Anne church are also listed. Another memorial is a cross at the center, with the Lithuanian societies that donated it listed.

Spring Valley St. Anne Lithuanian cemetery new monument

Spring Valley St. Anne Lithuanian cemetery new monument

Spring Valley St. Anne Lithuanian cemetery

Spring Valley St. Anne Lithuanian cemetery

The St. Anne Lithuanian church is one of the oldest Lithuanian-American churches, constructed in the 1897. Its cornerstone has a pre-modern Lithuanian-American inscription "Lietuwiszka bazrimoka Szw! Onos. Budawota dien. 26 liep 1897 m." (Lithuanian St. Ann church opened in 1897 06 26"). Stained-glass windows with the names of Lithuanian sponsors also remain inside. The church was closed in the early 1990s to the dismay of local Lithuanians, some of whom stopped going to the Catholic church at all afterward.

Spring Valley St. Anne Lithuanian church

Spring Valley St. Anne Lithuanian church

Cornerstone of the Spring Valley Lithuanian church

Cornerstone of the Spring Valley Lithuanian church

There are a few Lithuanian-related exhibits in the small Spring Valley Historical Society museum

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Spring Valley Lithuanian sites

Click to learn more about Lithuania: Illinois, USA 5 Comments

Springfield, Massachusetts

Springfield, Massachusetts is the birthplace of Lithuania's national sport (basketball); the sport was invented by Dr. James Naismith in the local college. As such the city hosts the massive ball-shaped Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Among the many inductees of this ball-shaped building, there is also a Lithuanian Arvydas Sabonis (2011), widely regarded to be the nation's best-ever basketball player, in addition to being the first European to be selected in NBA draft (as Lithuania was still occupied by the Soviet Union, Sabonis was precluded from leaving for several years). Šarūnas Marčiulionis, also a former NBA star, is another Lithuanian inductee (since 2014).

The interior of Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with the faces of all the inductees

The interior of Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame with the faces of all the inductees

Sabonis face at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Sabonis face at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

As every inductee, both Sabonis and Marčiulionis have their faces on the „dome“ of the ball-shaped building. Their careers are briefly described in the 3rd-floor gallery where all inductees are listed. In addition, Marčiulionis‘s jersey is hanging among the jerseys of the world‘s best point guards, while Sabonis‘s quotation is next to the main entrance to the hall (a rather simple one: „It‘s a dream of every player to play in the NBA“). Only a few players are honored this way, among them Wilt Chamberlain and other main stars.

Jersey of Šarūnas Marčiulionis at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Jersey of Šarūnas Marčiulionis at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

In general, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame offers many activities beyond the Lithuanian-related things. One may, for example, watch short films about the basketball history (including at least one where Sabonis is shown), try to comment a basketball game and listen to one‘s record, compare one‘s height and arms length to that of the various basketball players and so on. As the Hall is in America, NBA receives most of the attention, yet the international basketball also gets some.

By the way, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has another Lithuania-born inductee: Sara Berenson Abbot (1868-1954), who is a Lithuania-born Jewess (inducted in 1984). She is called the „Mother of women basketball“ as she has „updated“ the Naismith‘s game rules for women (at the time, men and women played according to greatly different rules, with Abbot‘s rules greatly limiting moving of the players). Abbot has been relatively unknown in Lithuania, however, as she did her inventions in the USA and did not participate in the Lithuanian activities there (she emigrated with her parents when she was just 7 years old and effectively cut any ties with Lithuania).

Description of Senda Abbot at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Description of Senda Abbot at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Springfield area also had a Lithuanian church: St. Casimir in Westfield (38 Parkside Av, construction started on 1917). Since its closure in 2003, it has been sold to the school system and used as a school for kids with ADHD. Even that school was closed in several years, and the church is now used as a warehouse of the school system. If you look through the glass of the main entrance, you may still catch a glimpse of surviving Lithuanian stained glass windows (with Lithuanian inscriptions) inside. Most of the interior is destroyed, however, and filled with various things; a statue of a saint outside is also removed.

Westfield St. Casimir Lithuanian church

Westfield St. Casimir Lithuanian church

St. Casimir name remained however as the parish was unified with St. Peter (Slovak) to form St. Peter's/St. Casimir's parish. The congregation now prays at the former Slovak church, however (24 State Street).

West of Springfield lies Stockbridge, notable for its Divine Mercy shrine. Divine Mercy is a Catholic tradition that originates in Lithuania. In addition to that, the shrine is led by Marianite priests who are inspired by the Lithuanian blessed Jurgis Matulaitis. His images, as well as those of Our Lady of Vilnius, are also prominent in the church there.

 


The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination - America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Massachusetts Lithuanian sites

 


Destination America expedition diary

2017 09 21: We have also went to Springfield (MA), where the Basketball Hall of Fame has Arvydas Sabonis and Šarūnas Marčiulionis inscribed.

2017 09 24: We have visited Westfield, where Lithuanian church became a warehouse, and Stockbridge, where Marian fathers (an order that would have died out if not Jurgis Matulaitis, a Lithuanian Blessed person) own a Divine Mercy shrine, where copies of the Lithuania‘s Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Vilnius paintings proudly hang.

Augustinas Žemaitis, 2017 09 21, 24.

More info on the Destination America expedition

The man who approached the Destination America team at the Westfield church, offering to tell us some of its stories

The man who approached the Destination America team at the Westfield church, offering to tell us some of its stories

Click to learn more about Lithuania: Massachusetts No Comments

Athol, Massachusetts

Athol (population 11 000) may just be a small town on the Massachusetts map. However, by the surviving Lithuanian sites, Athol area clearly ranks among the top Lithuanian zones of Massachusetts.

The most striking there is the Romance Revival St. Francis Lithuanian church, constructed in 1912-1920 and still operating (105 Main Street) and officially Lithuanian at the time when much larger cities have lost their Lithuanian churches.

Athol Lithuanian church

Athol St. Francis Lithuanian church

The church interior is especially decorated and impressive. It has many Lithuanian signs: on the impressive stained glass windows, on the frescos above the church, at the plaque in the memory of Jonas Vizbaras near the entrance, etc. By the number of Lithuanian inscriptions, it is among the leading churches in America, as much is explained in Lithuanian to the parishioners. While the interior looks especially expensive, only the altar table is actually marble, with much of the rest being wooden imitations.

The interior of Athol Lithuanian church

The interior of Athol Lithuanian church

Bible scenes with Lithuanian explanations in the Athol church

Bible scenes with Lithuanian explanations in the Athol church

One of many Lithuanian-language objects in the Athol church

One of many Lithuanian-language objects in the Athol church

While the church is open largely for the weekly mass alone, there is a 13,5 feet Lithuanian metal cross outside that may be seen by anyone who visits Athol. The cross is unique for being actually made of metal rather than wood, yet still bearing the traditional Lithuanian UNESCO-inscribed forms such as the Pagan-inspired sun around its center. The cross was created by Ramojus Mozoliauskas out of 4,5 tons of Corten steel in 1979. The nearby plaque declares it to be „an original work of art blending the modern and traditional spirits of the original wayside cross“. Among the listed reasons to erect it, a striking one is that crosses were quickly disappearing in Lithuania of the time due to the Soviet atheist persecutions, leading Lithuanian-Americans to seek to transplant the tradition to the USA.

The metal Lithuanian sun-cross in front of the Athol church

The metal Lithuanian sun-cross in front of the Athol church

The cornerstone of the church also has both Lithuanian and English inscriptions.

Athol also has a Amer-Lithuanian Naturalization Club (365 South St).

Athol Amer-Lithuanian naturalization club

Athol Amer-Lithuanian naturalization club

While the club today serves more as a multi-ethnic pub where patrons of various ethnicities are welcome, it still has many Lithuanian details in its interior, such as the Lithuanian National Anthem, the picture of Grand Duke Gediminas. The name is often shortened to „Lith Club“.

Lith Club Sign inside the Athol Lithuanian club

Lith Club Sign inside the Athol Lithuanian club

The reason for so many Lithuanians arriving at Athol, like in many more cases, was the agitation of those who already came there for their relatives and former neighbors to join them.

In the nearby Gardner, there is a Lithuanian Outing Association, a kind of club near the lake (23 Airport Rd). It is open in summers and Eastern European meals are sold there. The interior is also especially Lithuanian, bearing a flag, coat of arms, flag-colored tablecloths, maps and (the most interesting to an outsider) many images from the area‘s Lithuanian history. It also had a shrine to Our Lady of Šiluva that was destroyed by non-believer descendent of Lithuanians. However, Gardner Lithuanians never were united enough to build their own full church.

The tricolor interior of the Lithuanian Outing Association of Gardner

The tricolor interior of the Lithuanian Outing Association of Gardner

 


The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination - America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Massachusetts Lithuanian sites

 


Destination America expedition diary

2017 09 24. We were even more surprised in Athol (MA), a town of merely 7000 inhabitants, we found an open Lithuanian church and a Lithuanian club. Both now include non-Lithuanians as members as well, some of whom we met. However, the church‘s decor is especially Lithuanian, and the club still has some Lithuanian details too, despite offering non-Lithuanian meals. We have also passed another working Lithuanian club in nearby Gardner.

2017 09 25. Further on, we have visited Westfield, where Lithuanian church became a warehouse, and Stockbridge, where Marian fathers (an order that would have died out if not Jurgis Matulaitis, a Lithuanian Blessed person) own a Divine Mercy shrine, where copies of the Lithuania‘s Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Vilnius paintings proudly hang.

Augustinas Žemaitis, 2017 09 24-25.

More info on the Destination America expedition

Augustinas Žemaitis of Destination America together with the leaders of the Gardner Lithuanian club

Augustinas Žemaitis of Destination America together with the leaders of the Gardner Lithuanian club

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Kewanee, Illinois

Kewanee has an old Lithuanian wooden St. Anthony church of 1913, built by and for the local Lithuanian factory workers.

Kewanee St. Anthony Lithuanian crhuch

Kewanee St. Anthony Lithuanian crhuch

The parish has been closed in 1982. Nothing Lithuanian remains there, though, with even the cornerstone plastered off by the later Black-majority church that used to own the building (the new words "Church of God in Christ 1982 1992" are chiseled on the plaster). That church folded as well and the building is left as it was during its last mass, with all the benches and even musical equipment still inside. In the interior, though, nothing reminds that it was a Lithuanian church either.

Kewanee St. Anthony Lithuanian crhuch cornerstone, plastered over and chiselled anew by the new owners, the African American church

Kewanee St. Anthony Lithuanian crhuch cornerstone, plastered over and chiselled anew by the new owners, the African American church

Since some 2010 the church has been for sale, although high asking price did not attract potential buyers.

Abandoned interior of the Kewanee St. Anthony Lithuanian crhuch

Abandoned interior of the Kewanee St. Anthony Lithuanian crhuch

So many Lithuanians lived in Kewanee that in the year 1929 alone 150 Lithuanian kids were confirmed in the church.

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Illinois Lithuanian sites

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Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown, once a mighty steel city, has also been one of the American cities most affected by the white flight. It has lost 62% of its peak population of 1930.

Before that peak, Lithuanians established a modest St. Francis Lithuanian church there. It still stands, although the entire districts that were inhabited by Lithuanians around it are now turned into vast areas of grass and forests with a single abandoned house here and there. The few homes that are not abandoned are mostly inhabited by Blacks as Whites (and Lithuanians) moved to the suburbs ~1950s. The church was closed in the 1979.

Youngstown Lithuanian church

Youngstown St. Francis Lithuanian church

The church in its golden era when it was still surrounded by homes owned by Lithuanians

The church in its golden era when it was still surrounded by homes owned by Lithuanians

Interestingly, the Lithuanian church itself is not abandoned, even though it looks so. It is used only in Sundays by a non-Catholic congregation much of which comes from a suburbs. There is nothing on the church building that would remind of its Lithuanian history.

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Ohio Lithuanian sites

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Oglesby, Illinois

Oglesby, Illinois is now a small town of 3500. In the start of the 20th century, though, it was a coal mining community that attracted many Lithuanians.

Oglesby still has a building inscribed Lithuanian Opera House, KS, 1909 at E Walnut Street (near Spring Ave). Currently, it serves as a restaurant while its top floor is abandoned. It was likely closed in the 1930s. It is unclear how much of the Lithunian Opera House activities were actually operas and how much other Lithunian actvities. If you have more knowledge, please write in the comments.

Lithuanian Opera House

Lithuanian Opera House

Lithuanian Opera House inscription close-up

Lithuanian Opera House inscription close-up

Oglesby also had St. Constantine Lithuanian church built in 1919 that once had some 200 churchgoers. It used to be served by a Lithuanian priest from the nearby Spring Valley. In 1944, however, the church merged with a Slovenian parish. The Lithuanian-Slovenian parish continued to use the St. Constantine church building. The merger document called for finding a priest that would speak English, Lithuanian, and Slovenian, however, that probably proved futile. Lithuanian priest from Spring Valley and Slovenian priest from LaSalle thus likely continued to perform the duties at the merged parish. Soon afterward, in 1953, the united Lithuanian-Slovenian parish was merged with Sacred Heart into Holy Family parish, a united Catholic parish of Oglesby.

According to the testimonies of the locals, St. Constantine church building still stands on the corner of Spring Ave and Florence St, now housing the Knights of Columbus. The building, however, looks somewhat different from the old images due to reconstruction works.

The former St. Constantine Lithuanian church (remodelled)

The former St. Constantine Lithuanian church (remodelled)

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Kansas

Kansas City Lithuanian community developed in Kansas City around 1900 as Lithuanians immigrated to staff some of the largest stockyards in the world, second only to Chicago by some accounts.

The hub of their community was St. Casimir Lithuanian church which they managed to open having acquired a small church from the Baptists (1912) where they also built a Lithuanian parish school (early 1920s) and had other activities.

Empty lot where St. Casimir Lithuanian church of Kansas City stood

Empty lot where St. Casimir Lithuanian church of Kansas City stood (Broadview and Ridge Ave)

The church had a sad history, however: while 150 Lithuanian parish members had lots of plans and were raising money to build a larger church, there came a bishop who disapproved of the ethnic churches and merged the Lithuanian and Slovak churches in 1947. The Lithuanian church was closed and demolished – only an empty lot sits there ever since. With the money they raised for the parish essentially taken away, many Lithuanians dispersed from the district.

Old image of Kansas City Lithuanian church (since demolished)

Old image of Kansas City Lithuanian church (since demolished)

The lack of Lithuanian church by the late 1940s also meant that the First Wave Lithuanian immigrants of ~1900 were not joined by the Soviet Genocide refugees after World War 2 as there were no Lithuanian institutions to invite and help them. Therefore, the community was not replenished.

In 1980, however, rather uniquely, Lithuanians and their descendants reestablished a club, albeit without any building. They concentrate on activities such as a Lithuanian folk dance group ("Aidas"). These are conducted in English, now the lingua franca for Lithuanians who were spread all over Kansas City for a long time and thus assimilated language-wise into the wider American community.

In 1988, Strawberry Hill museum was established in a building near a still-surviving Croatian church of St. John the Baptist that had previously served as an orphanage by Croatian nuns and previously was a house of an affluent family (built 1887). The goal of this museum is to collect and present materials of ethnic communities from the area. Former cells of the nuns have been converted into „ethnic rooms“, one of which is a Lithuanian room. Tours in the museum present the stories of these ethnicities, as well as those of the affluent family life and orphanage life, that way introducing various sides of the Strawberry Hill interethnic neighborhood. Lithuanian club functions (such as Independence Day or Kūčios) also take place in this museum.

Strawberry Hill Museum

Strawberry Hill Museum

The Lithuanian room of the Strawberry Hill museum includes ethnic artifacts and artworks.

The Lithuanian exhibit of Strawberry Hill museum includes Christmas tree toys made of drinking straws (a Lithuanian-American tradition - people back in Lithuania used natural straw for this) as well as a highly symbolic painting by Danas, representing Lithuania

The Lithuanian exhibit of Strawberry Hill museum includes Christmas tree toys made of drinking straws (a Lithuanian-American tradition - people back in Lithuania used natural straw for this) as well as a highly symbolic painting by Danas, representing Lithuania

Lithuanian Room of the Strawberry Hill Museum in Kansas City

Lithuanian Room of the Strawberry Hill Museum in Kansas City

Furthermore, the Lithuanian community managed to recover the bell of St. Casimir church as, while it had been initially relocated to another church, it was no longer used at the time. The bell was relocated into Wyandotte County Museum where it is located prominently beyond the entrance with the descriptions of St. Casimir church. The Lithuanians who donated for the bell are cast on the side of the bell.

St. Casimir bell at Wyandotte County Museum

St. Casimir bell at Wyandotte County Museum

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Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

Champaign-Urbana is home to the major campus of the University of Illinois. This campus is especially popular among the Lithuanian-American community. Lithuanian students have created a Lithuanian Club that has since evolved into a Baltic Club that also accepts Latvians and Estonians (but typically is Lithuanian-majority). Established in 1955, the club once even had a Baltic House where Baltic students lived together (in the early 1980s). As of 2021, the club has some 80 members of which 20-30 are active. Alumni would also join in during the biggest events. The university library also has a collection of Lithuanian books.

That said, for a long time, there was little visible Lithuanian heritage in the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. That changed in 2019 when a statue for one of the university‘s most famous alumni – Dick Butkus – was unveiled near the stadium of the university‘s Fighting Illini team. One of the most famous American (Gridiron) Football players altogether and a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Dick Butkus played for the university in 1962-1964 as the center and linebacker.

Dick Butkus statue in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

Dick Butkus statue in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

The impressive statue depicting charging Butkus was donated by Joyce family with inscription „As a Chicagoan, I‘m thankful that Dick Butkus went to Illinois when every other school in the country wanted him. But he chose to stay home(...)“.

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New Mexico

The only Lithuanian site of New Mexico is the Statue of Our Lady of Šiluva in the desolate landscape Rincon, New Mexico, with the inscription „OUR LADY OF ŠILUVA, LITHUANIA“ on its foundation.

Our Lady of Lithuania sculpture in New Mexico

Our Lady of Lithuania sculpture in New Mexico

It has been built in 1964 by a Lithuanian priest Justinas Klumbis, who served the parish in the 1950s-1960s (until 1968).

At the time, Soviet Union had recently occupied Lithuania. As Lithuanian priests were among the targets of Soviet Genocide, a disporportionally large number of them fleld Westwards to avoid likely death. As such, there were more Lithuanian priests in America than there was a need for them in Lithuanian parishes and many were sent to service in non-Lithuanian parishes, such as Rincon.

In Rincon, Justinas Klumbis built a Way of the Cross with at least two statues: one dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe (in a nod to the Hispanic population of the parish that is near the Mexican border) and Our Lady of Šiluva, dedicated to the country of Klumbis's own roots.

Our Lady of All Nations church of Rincon, NM

Our Lady of All Nations church of Rincon, NM

Interestingly, these two appearances of Virgin Mary are among the earliest church-recognized apparitions in the world, having happened in years 1531 and 1608, both becoming a key part of the religious life of their respective countries (Mexico and Lithuania). You may read more about Šiluva here.

As time passed, the desolate-landscape Way of Crosses fell into disrepair and was vandalised, with Our Lady of Šiluva‘s nose and the head / arms of the baby Jesus she holds head broken off. As such, Our Lady of Guadalupe was moved elsewhere, while Our Lady of Šiluva was put in front of the small church of Our Lady of All Nations, built in 1953 and named this way by Klumbis in 1959 (Klumbis served both this and the St. Francis de Sales church in nearby Rodey, where he lived). The church was repaired by local benefactors Carson family who own Del Rio chili nearby.

The semi-repaired remains of the original Way of the Cross with the foundations of Klumbis's statues are located on the hill behind the church of Our Lady of All Nations.

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Akron, Ohio

Akron Lithuanian community has a rather sad history: while Lithuanians there managed to establish their own St. Peter church in the 1910s, by the 1920s already their parish was made territorial - that is, its Lithuanian nature removed. The remains of it then dissipated and the church demolished.

The sole reminder of the city's Lithuanian past is its Biruta street where the church used to stand. It is named after Birutė (100 years ago often referred to as Biruta), a semi-legendary Grand Duchess of Lithuania (Grand Duke's wife). The area where Biruta street is now laid has been once owned by the Lithuanian Land Development company.

The start of Biruta street with the site where the Lithuanian church used to stand in front

The start of Biruta street with the site where the Lithuanian church used to stand in front

Akron is surrounded by the villages of another minority which saved its heritage much better: the Amish, who still live similar to the lifestyle they led 100 years ago.

Canton south of Akron is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame where two of the most celebrated players are of Lithuanian origins - namely Johnny Unitas (original name Jonas Jonaitis) and Dick Butkus.

Dick Butkus at Pro Football Hall of Fame

Dick Butkus at Pro Football Hall of Fame

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Ohio Lithuanian sites

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Du Bois, Pennsylvania

Although DuBois is a rather small city (pop. 20000), it had an especially old St. Joseph Lithuanian Church that was founded in the 19th century. The current Romance Revival building was erected in 1924 (State St and South Ave corner). Inside there are pretty stained glass windows with the names of Lithuanian donors, while the basement used to serve as a parish hall. In 2012, after some older Lithuanian parishes were closed, the DuBois church became the oldest surviving Lithuanian parish in the Americas. However, the church was closed and sold to the Orthodox Christians in 2018. The cornerstone says "St. Josephs Lithuanian R C Church AD 1924".

DuBois Lithuanian church.

The interior of DuBois Lithuanian church.

The bottom of the stained glass window with the name of the organization that sponsored it written.

DuBois Lithuanians are traditionally buried in a separate St. Joseph Lithuanian cemetery. The cemetery has wooden freestanding stations of the cross (a unique arrangement) that mark the cemetery quarters. Each station has a name of a Lithuanian donor on them (some stations have been lost, however).

DuBois Lithuanian cemetery with the wayside shrine in the distance.

Moreover, the cemetery has a large Wayside shrine that was built with the support of the Knights of Lithuania organization in memory of the parish priests Urbonas, Barr, and Rakauskas in 1979. The three crosses once had wooden sculptures on them but they have since deteriorated and were removed. St. Joseph statue that used to stand in front of the now-closed Lithuanian church has also been moved to the cemetery.

Wayside shrine of the DuBois Lithuanian cemetery.

Lithuanians make up 3% of the Du Bois inhabitants.

Previously, Du Bois also had a Lithuanian Independent Club which has been closed since ~2002 after alleged financial improprieties by some officers. It had been opened in 1900 and had its current building completed in 1960 (according to the cornerstone). The "Litts Club" name still remains on one sign, but the main name is now "Luigi's Villa" and the building is used for wedding receptions and other functions. As a Lithuanian Club, it failed to outcompete the nearby Polish club, which, jokingly, was mentioned as one of the goals when erecting the new clubhouse.

Surviving sign of the DuBois Lithuanian club.

 


The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination - America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Pennsylvania Lithuanian sites

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Vermont

Vermont has few Lithuanians but it is there, in the town of Battleboro, where the famous Neringa Lithuanian camp stands.

Entance to Camp Neringa.

The camp has been established in 1970. Every summer it attracts many children, teenagers, and currently also adults from all over America to numerous Lithuanian vacation programs. Currently, art programs, culinary programs are also available. Some of the programs are meant for those who speak Lithuanian, others are for English-speakers, but all of them are Lithuania-related.

Camp Neringa houses.

As such, Camp Neringa has an especially Lithuanian ambiance. For example, the camp visitors have constructed a symbolic sculpture of an Iron Wolf and a replica of Gediminas castle. Gediminas castle (its sole surviving red-brick tower) is a symbol and the most famous building of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Iron Wolf, on the other hand, is the mythological creature that has a firm place in Vilnius legends: according to those legends, grand duke Gediminas dreamt of an Iron Wolf and the wizard Lizdeika explained this dream as an order to Gediminas to build a new city (at those times somewhat synonymous with a castle) in that location. That city is what is now Vilnius.

Gediminas Castle and Iron Wolf in Neringa.

Moreover, the camp Neringa has a Lithuanian cross and a Lithuanian chapel-post (a.k.a. elevated shrine). These are UNESCO-inscribed traditional Lithuanian folk arts. The camp has been established by the Lithuanian nuns of Immaculate conception from Putnam, CT (the predecessor of this camp used to take place at their monastery) – this is another reason for its Christian decor.

Traditional Lithuanian chapel-post in camp Neringa.

A traditional Lithuanian cross in camp Neringa.

The key site in Neringa is its 1989 chapel which reminds the Lithuanian village church belfries in its forms. In 1989, these belfries were still largely inaccessible to the Lithuanian-Americans, they were a part of that long-lost far-away homeland. That‘s because Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union at the time. The stained-glass windows inside the chapel have been crafted by a famous Lithuanian designer of church interiors V. K. Jonynas.

Camp Neringa chapel, built in 1989. Inside, it houses the stations of the cross by the famous designer V. K. Jonynas, moved here from the closed Albany Lithuanian church

The camp that became "Neringa" was founded in 1958 as a girls-only camp led by the Lithuanian Sisters of Immaculate Conception in their motherhouse in Putnam, CT. In 1976, the current "Neringa" campsite was acquired and developed ever since. In "Neringa", the girls-only camp from Putnam was combined with a boys-only camp that used to take place in the Lithuanian Franciscan Fathers convent at Kennebunkport, ME, thus becoming a both-genders camp. As the Sisters of Immaculate conception grew scarcer in numbers, "Neringa" was sold to a secular Lithuanian non-profit, mostly led by "Neringa" alumni. In total, 120 people may camp in "Neringa" at a single time.

The only other Lithuanian heritage site in Vermont is the grave of Charles Bronson (Karolis Bučinskis) who was the most famous Lithuanian Hollywood actor. It is located in West Windsor.

Charles Bronson grave in Vermont

Charles Bronson grave in Vermont

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by our "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of New Hampshire and Vermont Lithuanian sites

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Alaska

For a long time, the northernmost state in the USA had no true Lithuanian community or heritage. That was changed by Svaja Vasnauskas Worthington, who established the Little Lithuanian Museum & Library in the Chugiak suburb of Anchorage in 2021.

Little Lithuanian museum in Chugiak

Little Lithuanian museum in Chugiak

Before that, Svaja was thinking about putting her family items in storage.

However, her family was quite important in Lithuania. The family's history follows well the history of up to 100 000 Lithuanians who were forced to flee the Soviet occupation of Lithuania in 1944. Svaja‘s grandfather was Stasys Šilingas, a minister of justice of Lithuania before World War 2, who was exiled by the Soviets in 1941 to the Gulags for 20 years because of his pro-Lithuanian-independence activities. It was his and other relatives' fate that forged the decision of Svaja‘s parents to leave Lithuania as the Soviets reapproached.

Part of the exhibit

Part of the exhibit

Understanding this, Svaja decided to acquire a house and open a museum instead; the initial collection of family items was expanded by other items related to Lithuania that Svaja had acquired. Typically, she meets every visitor in person and tells the story of Lithuania through these items. Among them is the luggage that her parents left Lithuania with, the map of their journey (followed by so many other soon-to-be Lithuanian-Americans at the end of WW2), as well as printouts of the family history. As the family history, artworks and quotes are meant to represent the history of the whole of Lithuania, these are supplemented by the maps of Lithuania, Lithuanian sports memorabilia, linens, weaving, information about famous Lithuanians and Lithuanian-Americans, and more.

The museum consists of a small yellow building (a former beauty salon). The building is decorated with Lithuanian symbols, a Lithuanian flag, and is also surrounded by other Lithuanian elements such as the "Lithuania Dr." sign.

Svaja plans to expand the museum with a Lithuanian painting gallery nearby, from her family collection.

Lithuanian artworks inside the museum

Lithuanian artworks inside the museum

Alaska Alaska's Little Lithuanian Museum & Library became quite well known quickly and has been described in both Alaskan and Lithuanian media, Alaskan official guides, and tourist sites, with many Lithuanian tourists and local Americans visiting it.

The museum is typically opened only in summer and one needs to inform Svaja about the visit as it is open by arrangement only. Still, the museum receives visitors daily as it received quite singnificant media attention both locally and in Lithuania.

Svaja's relatives persecuted in the Soviet terror

Svaja's relatives persecuted in the Soviet terror

Svaja had also become an honorary consul of Lithuania and organizes various Lithuanian events in Alaska. While Alaska never had Lithuanian immigration, the community actually consists of people of Lithuanian heritage (typically, descendants of pre-WW1 immigrants) who relocated to Alaska from other parts of the USA over time. Lithuania's honorary consulate is formally located in the museum, thus the museum has its sign. The museum's website is www.lithMuseum.org .

Svaja Worthington near the museum entrance

Svaja Worthington near the museum entrance

At least two locations in Alaska's Katmai National Park may be related to the early Lithuanian immigrants to America. One of them is Walatka Mountain range, named after John Walatka (1909-1970), a pilot whose father August Walatka immigrated from Lithuania. He owned an air taxi service and was the chief pilot of Northern Consolidated Ailines bush fleet. He founded lodges not far (on Alaska's distances) from what is now Walatka Mountains (Bristol Bay).

Another is the Fure's cabin, built of wood by Roy Fure, a trapper and prospector who claimed that he was an immigrant from Lithuania. He tried to build the cabin in order to claim land, something that was then possible in Alaska. However, this was precluded by the fact he wasn't a citizen of America and so the cabin became a property of the National Park Service after his death in 1962. His cabin was later inscribed into the National Heritage Sites list "as an exeptional example of historic log craftmanship, and for its representation of the lifestyle of early 20th-century non-native Alaskans". It can now be rented by hikers and other tourists from the National Park Service (as Fures Public Use Cabin). It is possible to spend a night there, however, it is some 50 km from the nearest roads. The cabin has a single room and is likely constructed in 1916. A windmill tower (without a windmill) stands nearby.

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Osceola Mills

Osceola Mills is a town of 1500 in Pennsylvania. Originally a coal mining and a lumber mill town, it has attracted a considerable Lithuanian community ~1900. To this day, their Osceola Mills Lithuanian club operates.

Entrance to the town of Osceola Mills

Entrance to the town of Osceola Mills

The Lithuanian club is a white wooden building with no external signs. Inside, there is a bar hall and a larger events hall. There are details reminding us of the clubs' Lithuanian heritage, such as Lithuanian emblems and flags, which also appear on the club‘s shirts. However, since some 1960s, non-Lithuanian members have been also allowed to join, and, by now, with the settlement of the town having taken place so long ago, most of the town inhabitants are mixed or know relatively little about their heritage.

Osceola Mills Lithuanian club

Osceola Mills Lithuanian club

Osceola Mills Lithuanian club

Osceola Mills Lithuanian club

The shirt of Osceola Mills Lithuanian club

The shirt of Osceola Mills Lithuanian club

The Lithuanian club also owns a large Lithuanian cemetery. Most of the land there is, however, empty, as the community never reached the expected size, likely due to the Great Depression of 1929 obliterating the town's coal mining industry (which never fully recovered, and thus never really attracted that many immigrants anymore). Less than 50 people were buried in the cemetery. At first, only those who joined the club below 40 years of age had a right to be buried there but this has been extended to 50 years since. Other Lithuanians are buried in Polish or general Catholic cemeteries of the town.

Osceola Mills Lithuanian cemetery

Osceola Mills Lithuanian cemetery

Lithuanian club started as the St. Anthony Beneficial Society, incorporated in 1907 (and, in the Lithuanian cemetery, there is a cross dedicated to the St. Anthony's Beneficial Society). In many historic Lithuanian communities of the era, Lithuanians would establish such religious fellowships which typically would then become Lithuanian parishes that would have built their own churches, with secular activities and schools also becoming a part of those parishes. With Osceola Mills being heavily hit by the Great Depression, however, no Lithuanian church was ever built, while the club itself slowly lost its semi-religious character, operating more like a bar these days.

Original documents of the Society has some 100 members listed ~1919. A 1916 document hanging on the wall in the club also shows that the organization (or some of its key members) was affiliated to Lithuanian Alliance of America as its Lodge No 256. Society's documents were written in the Lithuanian language until ~1940s and in English since then.

In addition to the Lithuanian club, there is a Slovak club in town while the Polish club no longer exists. There is a Polish cemetery and a Russian Orthodox church and cemetery, as well as the (largest) general Catholic cemetery. There are likely Lithuanian graves in the Polish and the general Catholic cemeteries as well.

Osceola Mills is far from any other Pennsylvanian towns that have Lithuanian heritage sites. The closest Pennsylvanian town has a Lithuanian cemetery is Portage almost 100 km away. While there are numerous burials with obviously Lithuanian names there, only one lists the buried person as a Lithuanian. Many burials date to the era around World War 2.

The only grave in Portage Lithuanian cemetery with Lithuania specified on gravestone

The only grave in Portage Lithuanian cemetery with Lithuania specified on gravestone

As was common in the times, Lithuanian names changed in America. In this case, the same woman's name is written differently on different memorials on her own grave; while the main gravestone has hear as "Agota Ambrazevicze", the smaller post has her as "Agata Ambrazatas". Likely real name was "Agota Ambrazevičienė" or "Agota Ambrazaitienė".

As was common in the times, Lithuanian names changed in America. In this case, the same woman's name is written differently on different memorials on her own grave; while the main gravestone has hear as "Agota Ambrazevicze", the smaller post has her as "Agata Ambrazatas". Likely real name was "Agota Ambrazevičienė" or "Agota Ambrazaitienė".

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Easton, Pennsylvania

Easton (pop. 70 000, ~0,5% Lithuanians), a suburb of Allentown had its St. Michael Lithuanian church. It is a pretty Gothic Revival building with an old rectory.

Easton Lithuanian church

Easton Lithuanian church

The church building has been originally constructed in central Easton in 1854 by the Presbyterian church and used by Civil War veterans in 1896-1916. It has been acquired by Lithuanians in 1916. The art deco stained-glass windows were installed then. In 1958, the original wooden spire has been replaced by a metal spire after being destroyed by lightning. In 1971, the interior of the church has been simplified.

St. Michael Lithuanian church closed in 2008 and acquired by a film studio Lou Reda Productions in 2011.

The studio uses the building for storage of their material and as an office for post-production. According to the current owner of the studio Scott Reda, they purposefully searched for a church to acquire in order to have an expansive space for cinema reels.

Easton Lithuanian church interior

Easton Lithuanian church interior

No Lithuanian details remain on the building and most likely few existed even before the sale of the building.

Storage in the interior of Easton church

Storage in the interior of Easton church

Since 1934, the Easton Lithuanian parish had its own Mary Magdalen Cemetery. The land was donated by a local Lithuanian Martin Lychius, whose name is now thus inscribed on the cemetery gate.

Easton Lithuanian cemetery gate

Easton Lithuanian cemetery gate

 


The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination Lithuanian America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Pennsylvania Lithuanian sites

Click to learn more about Lithuania: Pennsylvania, USA 1 Comment