
02/09/2021
Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery's cover photo
Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery was founded in 2004 to promote the historical significance, enhance the beauty and preserve the artistic heritage of Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.
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Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2004. Our mission is to promote the historical significance, enhance the beauty and preserve the artistic heritage of Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. We raise funds for the restoration and preservation of the Cemetery. We also hold regular meetings with educational programs, conduct walking tours of the Cemetery, and publish a quarterly newsletter, Heritage Happenings.
Mission: To promote the historical significance, enhance the beauty and preserve the artistic heritage of Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.
Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery's cover photo
Autumn leaves...
A wonderful write-up from the Chicago Tribune! https://www.chicagotribune.com/history/ct-opinion-flashback-bohemian-cemetery-helen-sclair-20201009-qypn5dmjt5edjgayhp23edhjeq-story.html
A tour through Chicago's Bohemian National Cemetery.
Annual Meeting & Lasting Images: History of the J.A. Dedouch Company
Join us Sunday, August 23rd at 1:30 pm central time for our presentation "Lasting Images: History of the J. A. Dedouch Company." You can watch online here on our page or join us via zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81987479588
Meeting ID: 819 8747 9588
Friends of BNC election: If you're a member of Friends, you recently received your ballot for officers as an insert in the latest newsletter. Unfortunately, the ballot has the wrong address for submitting. Please mail your ballots to: Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery, 5255 N. Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60630. Thank you!
If you didn't get to see Lookingglass Theatre's production of "Eastland: A New Musical" in summer 2012, the theatre is hosting a watch party Thursday, August 20 at 7 pm central time.
https://lookingglasstheatre.org/event/eastland-watch-party/
As our next offering in the Chicago Stories initiative, Lookingglass invites audiences to revisit a largely unknown piece of history that unfolded in the heart of the city. On the evening of Thursday, August 20 at 7pm CT, you’re invited to a free online public fundraiser of our acclaimed productio...
Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery
It's a beautiful summer at Bohemian National Cemetery, thanks to the First Czechoslovak Garden Club of America, Gethsemane Garden Center, BNC personnel, and our volunteers!
Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery's cover photo
Bořek Lizec, current Czech ambassador to Canada and previously Consul General in Chicago, announces an opportunity to vote for a day to be designated by the Czech Republic to celebrate Czechs Abroad.
Select a date for / Vyberte datum pro
DAY OF CZECHS ABROAD / DEN ČECHŮ V ZAHRANIČÍ
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mr. Tomáš Petříček, greatly appreciates the crucial role of Czechs living abroad in our history as well today. He will, therefore, propose to the Czech government to declare "Day of Czechs Abroad" that would be annually commemorated.
/ Ministr zahraničních věcí ČR Tomáš Petříček - ministr zahraničí České republiky dlouhodobě vnímá zásadní roli krajanů v našich dějinách i naší současnosti. Domnívá se, že Česká republika by si význam svých krajanů měla pravidelně připomínat. Navrhne proto vládě prohlásit jeden den v roce za „Den Čechů v zahraničí“.
As many of you know, I have great respect for the role of Czech-Americans and Czech-Canadians in the creation of the modern Czech statehood in 1918. Without their help, Czechoslovakia would probably not have come into existence. Of course, their support has remained essential from then on, not at least during World War II, the Cold War and today. In this regard, I wish to personally invite you to help select the most suitable date for the Day of Czechs Abroad.
/ Jak mnozí z vás víte, velice si vážím role Čechoameričanů a Čechokanaďanů při vzniku novodobé české státnosti. Bez jejich pomoci by Československo pravděpodobně nevzniklo. Jejich podpora samozřejmě od té doby zůstala velice významná, přes období 2. světové války, Studené války až do dnešních dnů. V této souvislosti bych vás rád osobně také pozval, abyste pomohli pro Den Čechů v zahraničí vybrat to nejvhodnější datum.
You can choose from the following selection / Vybírat můžete z následujícíh možností:
OPTION / VOLBA 1
December 23 (1989) – The day when foreign ministers Hans Dietrich Genscher and Jiri Dienstbier cut through the barbed wire of the Rozvadov -Waidhaus Czech-German border crossing, in the tumultuous days of 1989, reuniting the long-divided nations.
23. prosinec (1989) - Přestřižení hraničního drátu u Rozvadova. Představuje symbolický pád železné opony. Ostnatý drát společně přestřihli tehdejší ministři zahraničních věcí Jiří Dienstbier a Hans-Dietrich Genscher.
OPTION / VOLBA 2
July 1 (1932) – marks the first congress of Czechs and Slovaks abroad which took place in July 1932, and the meeting of compatriots in 1998 within the first Week of Czechs Abroad
/ 1. červenec (1932) - Den návratu zahraničních Čechů. Připomíná první sjezd zahraničních Čechů a Slováků, který se uskutečnil 1. až 3. července 1932, a setkání krajanů v roce 1998 v rámci prvního Týdne zahraničních Čechů.
OPTION / VOLBA 3
March 7 (1850) - March 7th is the birthday of Czechoslovakia‘s first president T.G. Masaryk. The first Masaryk Day of Czechs and Slovaks Abroad was celebrated in 1934 under the auspices of President Masaryk to highlight the community’s crucial role in the establishment of independent Czechoslovakia.
/ 7. březen (1850) - „Masarykův den československého zahraničí“. Navázáno na tradici tzv. Masarykových dnů československého zahraničí, které připomínaly roli krajanů při vzniku československého státu. První Masarykův den československého zahraničí se konal v roce 1934 pod patronací TGM s úmyslem dokázat, že československé zahraničí je "živou větví jednoho národního kmene". Masarykovy dny se konaly až do roku 1938 a poté v roce 1947 pod záštitou prezidenta Beneše. Zatím poslední Masarykův den československého zahraničí se odehrál již pod vlivem února 1948.
OPTION / VOLBA 4
April 17 (1826) - Vojtěch Náprstek is considered to be the spiritual father of Czech journalism in America and the first “consul” of all Czech expats. He encouraged Czech Americans to organize and publish their own Czech newspapers.
17. duben (1826) - Vojtěch Náprstek jako „český konzul“. Vojtěch Náprstek je považován za konzula všech krajanů. Jako účastník revolučních bouří roku 1848 uprchl před zatčením do USA, kde prožil deset let. Jeho knihkupectví se stalo střediskem pro přistěhovalce z Čech, byl též iniciátorem vzniku prvních českých spolků. V roce 1858 se vrátil do Prahy a rodinný pivovar „U Halánků“ na Betlémském náměstí proměnil v centrum české inteligence a posléze na České průmyslové (dnešní Náprstkovo) muzeum, do nějž se soustředily nejvýznamnější krajanské sbírky.
OPTION / VOLBA 5
February 4 (1628) - the day philosopher and pedagogue Jan Amos Komensky (Comenius) left the Czech Lands in 1628. The Czech philosopher, pedagogue and theologian led schools and advised governments across Protestant Europe in the 17th century. He is considered the father of modern education.
4. únor (1628) - Odchod J. A. Komenského z vlasti. Památný den odchodu J. A. Komenského z Čech a rozloučení se s vlastí na Růžovém paloučku u Žacléře. Představuje symbol českého vyhnanství pro víru a přesvědčení
YOU CAN VOTE AT THE FOLLOWING LINK / HLASOVAT MŮŽETE NA NÁSLEDUJÍCÍM ODKAZU
https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/cz/zahranicni_vztahy/krajane/Anketa.html
You can also send an alternative suggestion to [email protected]
/ Můžete také navrhnout jiné významné datum a zaslat jej na [email protected]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí České republiky
Česká pošta
Nová výplatní známka děkuje všem, kteří byli v první linii.
Motivem nové výplatní písmenové poštovní známky, kterou Česká pošta začne prodávat ve středu 24. června, jsou roušky se zjednodušenými symboly zdravotníků, pošty, armády, policie, hasičů a všech ostatních, kteří si navzájem pomáhali a v nelehké době koronavirové krize drželi při sobě. Autorem výtvarného návrhu známky je Filip Heyduk.
Více: https://www.ceskaposta.cz/-/nova-vyplatni-znamka-dekuje-vsem-kteri-byli-v-prvni-linii
Memorial Day 2015
Walter S. Arnold Sculptor
My friend Wally Lang was able to visit Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago this week, and took this photo of the double tree I carved last year.
The crack through the wifes's name symbolizes her broken heart; the radio and Cubs hat represent how the husband, who was blind, loved to attend Cubs baseball games and sit in the stands listening to the play-by-play on his transistor radio. He played violin, and they loved books (and knew many languages) and picnicing.
A Public Service Announcement from the Czech Republic
A KEY ARGUMENT FOR USING HOMEMADE MASKS: Homemade masks are partly effective in individual protection, but they are essential for slowing the spread of the v...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=St1DV4BDRvw
One of the oldest resting places in Chicago, the Bohemian National Cemetery was established in 1877 as a result of a communal effort to represent Czech cultu...
Chuck Michalek is a volunteer with Friends of BNC and heads up our Columbarium Restoration Project.
https://www.radio.cz/en/section/panorama/bohemian-national-cemetery-in-chicago-tells-the-tale-of-czech-immigrants-who-helped-build-the-city
There are many places in US where you will find Bohemian cemeteries, established wherever Czechs settled in the country. The Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago was formed in 1877 and, with its 120 acres it is one of the largest. Chuck Michalek, Bohemian National Cemetery Association board member....
Stories in the stone!
I've been asked about the titles on the book, on this treestump tombstone that I carved. The couple met when they were both studying linguistics at the Univ. of Illinois, and the titles reflect the languages they knew. In addition, his job included computer programming (hence the Cobol book) and she has a love of cooking (the Recipes book). This was installed in September at Bohemian National Cemtery in Chicago.
Walter S. Arnold Sculptor
My friend Mike Smith, a superb photographer who leads Afterlife Tours, Inc. just visited Bohemian National Cemetery, and took this autumnal photo of my double treestump tombstone. Don't you think it has settled into its permanent home very nicely?
All Souls' Day (November 2nd) in the Czech Republic. "The official Czech name is Památka zesnulých ('a remembrance of those who have passed'), but everyone calls the day dušičky ('little souls') or všech svatých ('of all saints')." https://www.praguemorning.cz/dusicky-all-souls-day-in-the-czech-republic/
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Walter S. Arnold Sculptor
Preempted. They put a lot of work into filming the gargoyle segment, perhaps they'll run it some time in the future.
update- CBS Sunday Morning has posted the segment online.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/the-art-of-gargoyles/
Tune in to CBS Sunday Morning tomorrow to see more worm by Walter S. Arnold, who carved the double treestone recently installed at Bohemian National Cemetery.
This Sunday morning Oct. 27, CBS Sunday Morning has scheduled a special Halloween segment on gargoyles. They will be featuring my work, that of JHCarpenter Studios and the Washington National Cathedral , where I carved this one,the Crooked Politician, from Jay's model. Hope you'll tune in and watch us!
Some interesting information about some treestones (but remember, not all treestones denote Woodmen of the World membership).
On our recent visit to Charleston, SC, I spotted this tombstone at Bethany Cemetery. It's a pretty standard Woodman of the World (WoW) tree, from about 1902. WoW (now called WoodmenLife) is a non profit fraternal benefit society, They provide insurance benefits to members, and from about 1890 to 1920 this included paying for a treestump tombstone. This greatly helped popularize this type of memorial. They had a number of standard designs which they would send to local stone shops, but each carver could customize and individualize the memorial. It's been about 100 years since Woodmen provided treestump tombstones, but you can still find these in old cemeteries throughout the United States.
Walter S. Arnold Sculptor
The finished monument, installed in Chicago's Bohemian National Cemetery. I hope you'll visit it some day; if you do, please share your photos.
Walter S. Arnold Sculptor
Follow my Instagram feed to see how we used ice cubes to help install this limestone monument.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B21_VqSnkTt/
Many of us have ancestors who lived in Pilsen.
CHICAGO — Looking for somewhere new to explore? Chicagoans may not have to go very far. In TimeOut's list of the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world, Pilsen was in the top 10! With its thriving street art community and up-and-coming gallery scene, the neighborhood has become a major art hub in C...
Walter S. Arnold Sculptor
A cat on a branch, carved on the double tree stump tombstone that I just completed. It is now installed at Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago. I hope you will visit it.
Don't miss the mention of Bohemian National Cemetery!
St. Luke’s 1957 Pilgrimage Service. ©Historic Saint Luke's Church / Historic Saint. Luke's Church When it comes to green spaces, we're a bit spoilt in New York City. There are over 1,700 parks (even if it doesn't always feel that way) for our picnics, parties, and general frolicking to unfold.
A magnificent memorial at its new home!
Bohemian National Cemetery, Chicago
Walter S. Arnold Sculptor
Crated and ready to go. It may not look it in the photo, but this crate is quite robust and secure. Lateral cross bracing keeps the tree from moving in any direction, and will hold the 4x4 framing from any compression when strapped to the truck or lifted with slings. The crane truck will set it right on the foundation, then we'll remove the bottom 2x4's and lower it so it's just 2" above the foundation. Then we'll remove all the framing, and gently lower it the last 2 inches.
Be sure to read Walter's comments on the photos - he explains how weather and settling have affected some of the treestones..
Covering 126 acres, Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago is home to a virtual forest of tree stump tombstones. Hundreds of beautiful examples grace the grounds of this beautiful place.
Walter S. Arnold Sculptor
The double tree is almost done; I just need to finish the inscriptions, and it will be ready for installation.
It's happening!
The foundation for my double tree stump tombstone was poured this week. Its at Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago, about 50 feet north of the Cubs Fan Columbarium.
The PVC pipe sticking up is a place holder and will be cut off. It creates a hole for a large stainless rod that will extend into the base of the limestone monument. It's simpler to put in the pipe while pouring the concrete, instead of drilling a hole after the concrete hardens. The foundation is four feet deep (1.2 meters), extending well below the frost line to ensure it will be stable for hundreds of years.
Walter S. Arnold Sculptor
If a monk who dwells among the books is a scribe, what do you call a chip-munk who dwells among the books?
5255 N Pulaski Rd
Chicago, IL
60630
Contact address: Friends of BNC P.O. Box 72746 Roselle, IL 60172-0746
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