How Did the new bust of father duchnovich come to be?
The odyssey began in 1983 when Dr. Paul Robert Magocsi visited Cleveland and wanted to view the bust of Father Duchnovich in the Rusin Garden located in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. He was appalled to view an empty pedestal. The bust had been gone since the 1970's or 80's when vandalism was rampant in the gardens and weeds were everywhere. He went home to Toronto and wrote an article for the Carpatho-Rusyn American, a publication of the Carpatho-Rusyn Research Center to document his findings that day. This started a campaign to return a bust of Father Duchnovich to a place of honor.
(Cover photo courtesy of Carpatho-Rusyn Research Center publication Carpatho-Rusin American - Spring - Issue 1 -1983 - Cover - Page 4 - Page 5)
Carpatho-Rusyn American
Archived issues of the Carpatho-Rusin American can be found at c-rrc.org then go to Archives on the far right on the home page.
how did the new bust of father duchnovich come to be?
The page above has a picture of the Tremont area of Cleveland where many Rusyns lived upon their arrival in the US. The steel mills were located in the valley, within walking distance, and provided a source of income. There were schools for their children. However, in 1983, the area had become akin to a war zone. This was a difficult time for Cleveland.
Did your family live in Tremont?
how did the new bust of father duchnovich come to be?
The Rusin Garden Was in Ruins
The area around the Cultural Gardens changed. There seemed to be little or no respect for personal or public property. The bronze busts placed in the various ethnic gardens with love and care were stolen to be sold for their metal content. Grafitti covered the lovely stone work done by the WPA. The area was not safe to travel through and the gardens became nearly abandoned. Weeds went untended and flowers were not planted. It was truly a grim time for our garden.
About 1994 John Kreniskhy and Florence Orris began to tend the garden. In 1999, the 60th anniversary, One World Day was held in our garden. A small bust of Father Duchnovich was borrowed from St. John Cathedral and placed on the pedestal in the lower garden for the day.
However, it wasn't until about 200 that John Krenisky made it his quest to see that the bust was returned to the garden. This began a long and arduous task.
Photos?
Do you or anyone you know have photos of this time in the gardens? We would love to see them.
how did the new bust of father duchnovich come to be?
Fundraising
Permission From City of Cleveland
Permission From City of Cleveland
John was able to get funds from Holden Parks Trust, the Burik Family, Victor Ptak and Greek Catholic Union
Permission From City of Cleveland
Permission From City of Cleveland
Permission From City of Cleveland
Permission was granted by the Cultural Garden Landmark Committee of the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation and the Department of Parks and Recreation of the City of Cleveland, owners of the property.
How did the new duchnovich bust come to be?
Drawing of the new Duchnovich Bust in the upper Rusin Garden
In order to get approval from the Landmark Committee of the Cultural Garden Federation and the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Cleveland, a drawing was necessary to show the proposed change/addition to our garden. Thanks to Paul Burik, architect, John was able to have the required drawing.
Who Owns the Garden?
The City of Cleveland owns all of the gardens.
The individual organizations, representing the various ethnicities, caring for the garden must seek approval for any changes to be made. This can be a very long process
how did the new duchnovich bust come to be?
Quote for the Mold Needed
The New Bust is a Reality!
The New Bust is a Reality!
John was able to get the help of a local artist, Mary Frances Wawrytko and Ron Dewey, to create the clay sculpture needed to create the mold for the new bust.
The New Bust is a Reality!
The New Bust is a Reality!
The New Bust is a Reality!
With the new bust complete it was now time to find the stone for the pedestal. John found the sandstone used for the pedestal in Pennsylvania, where his family first settled after immigration to the U.S.
How did the new bust of father duchnovich come to be?
The bust is installed!
On a cold November 21, 2011, Marcia Benko, John Krenisky along with Paul and Fran Burik watched as the new pedestal and bust of Father Duchnovich were installed in the Rusin Garden. This was the result of many years of effort.
The taller pedestal was needed to deter theft and vandalism.
Installation
The installation of the pedestal and bust was no minor fete. A crane was necessary to place the pedestal and the bust.
how did the new bust of father duchnovich come to be?
Dedication of the new bust - June 24, 2012
The years of hard work came to fruition in November 21, 2011, with the installation of the pedestal and bust.
A dedication ceremony was held June 24, 2012, led by President of the Cleveland Chapter of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society, Bonnie Burke and Mistress of Ceremony, Laurel Tombazzi. Anna and Joe Tombazzi shared the traditional offering of bread and salt. In attendance were members from many states, including the President of C-RS, John Righetti, from Pittsburgh; James Kaminski from DC, Thomas Brenzovich from Oklahoma; Charlotte Conjelko from Illinois and President of the Youngstown, Warren, Sharon Chapter, Jim Basista with many affiliates of that chapter.
The Mayor of Cleveland. Frank Jackson and Councilman of Ward 8, Jeffery Johnson, represented the City of Cleveland. Marty Gelfand represented Congressman Dennis Kucinich
A blessing was given by Most Reverend John M. Kudrick, Bishop of the Eparchy of Parma.
Ja Rusyn Byl was sung by Living Traditions Folk Ensemble
John Corpus read Ja Rusyn Byl - in English
Isiah Nagrant read part of the poem by Father Duchnovich "School Rules."
Shirley LaFleur read the note from GCU Lodge 302
See more aobut the dedication under the History dropdown for Dedication 2012
