Z.C.B.J. HISTORY OF TABOR HALL
No. 74 W.F.L.A.
1899-1984
Lodge Tabor was organized on October 8, 1899, by Frank Fencl in Pleasant Hill, in the courthouse, then the county seat. 14 charter members were John Cerny, Jos. Cihal, Joseph Freeouf, Frank Hajek, Paul Kasl, Anton Koci, Joseph Kozeluh, Jarlim Vrbsky, Vaclav Kucera, Anton Prokop, Vaclav Prokop, Jerry Shestak, Thomas Sokolik, and Frank Zumpfe.
The initiation into the Lodge was witnessed by Lodge Praha No. 54 of Wilber, NE and Lodge Nebr. No. 3 of Crete, NE. The first officers were President, Frank Zumpfe; Senior President, Frank Fencl; Vice President, Paul Kasl; Secretary, Vaclav Kucera; Financial Secretary, Joseph Freeouf; Treasurer, Joseph Kozeluh; Guide Joseph Cihal; Outer Guard, Anton Koci; Inner Guard, Thomas Sokolik; Board of Directors were Joseph Smedjir, Joseph Kaspar, and Frank Pisar. These were appointed later.
On August 28, 1910, a new flag was dedicated. Marie Smedjir was the flag mother and Josephine Anyz and Emily Jonas were God mothers. August Freeouf was the first flag bearer.
in 1914, their own building was desired. A committee was selected, namely John Kotouc, Joseph Smedjir, and Frank Krivohlavek and a plot of ground was bought from James Eret. Contractors were Frank Hoffman and Ed Havelka with the help of Frank and Joe Freeouf, a new building was built. Sept. 27, 1914, it was dedicated and the first meeting was held October 11, 1914.
In October 1924, the Lodge observed their 25th anniversary. Program chairpersons were Clara Vosika and Mary Anyz Mares. A Czech Chorus was organized. Singers were Frank and Henrietta Brchan, Otto and Vlasta Chab, Charles and Mildred Haas, Stanley Hojer, Inez Kumpost Janda, Ema Smedjir Wanek with Helena Hoffman at the piano.
On December 15, 1929, 84 members were initiated into the Lodge with the Lodge also celebrating its 30th anniversary.
A large pavilion was planned in 1934. Adolph Gerner, Eman Jarolimek, Louis Krivohlavek, August Freeouf and Frank Dvorak were selected to plan and execute the same. Builders were Jim Jarolimek, Joe and Frank Freeouf. Eman Hoffman and Eman Jarolimek were helpers besides many others. Opening dance was held June 10, 1934, with the Golden Prague Orchestra from Omaha playing.
On October 8, 1936, a State Convention was held along with the 40th anniversary of the hall. Two charter members Anton Prokop and John Cerny attended.
In 1949 the Lodge celebrated its 50th anniversary.
In 1954 a State Convention was held on September 11 and 12.
To date Tabor had 19 Past Presidents: Frank Fencl, Frank Zumpfe, Joseph Smedjir, John Cerny, Joseph Cihal, Jos. Freeouf, Frank Krivohlavek, Joseph Stich, Charles Anyz, Frank Janecek, Matej Matejka, Joseph Hojer, Sr., James Semerad, Adolph Kotouc, Frank Cochnar, Frank J. Novak, Helena Hoffman, Wm. Mariska and Joe Hojer Jr.
In January of 1981 Walter Rasplicka, Joe Hojer, George Kasl, Orin Duchek, Milo Krupicka, and Emil Veprovsky made plans to restore the hall. Volunteers ages 10 to 80 helped. Advertising signs were sold from business places and individuals, bake sales, cake raffles, pancake and sausage feed were held to pay expenses. Donations and loans (interest free) were offered. An opening dance was held in May of 1981 with Dean Hansen playing. It's an annual event.
Events held are Meetings-Lodge, Cemetery Board, Farm organizations,Political; Showers, Reunions; Graduations; Parties-Christmas, and Birthdays; Flea markets; Dances-Wedding, Anniversary and Benefits.
June 9, 1984, the Lodge observed the 50th year of the pavilion with music by Vern Belik. 33 people attended both the opening 50 years ago and this year.
Officers in 1984 are President, Helen Gerner; Past President, Joe Hojer,Jr.; Vice President, Emil Veprovsky; Secretary, Irma Pracheil; Treasurer, Orin Duchek; Guide, Evelyn Jirsa; Outer Guard, Jerry Pracheil; Inner Guard, George Kasl; Trustees, George Kasl, Richard Kasl, Orin Duchek, Emil Veprovsky and Jerry Pracheil; Historians Helena Hoffman, Olga Bruha and Alice Duchek.
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