Barberton in Summit County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Slovenian Independent Society Home

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 24, 2019

1. Slovenian Independent Society Home Marker

Inscription. In 1918, early Slovene immigrants organized the Slovenian Independent Society Home and later constructed this hall, which became the center for Barberton Slovene cultural, social, and recreational activities. They formed dramatic and singing clubs, conducting performances in their native language. In the early twentieth century, prior to employers providing insurance or health care for their workers, the society acted to ensure sick and death benefits for its members. It also prepared members for citizenship in their newly chosen country. First generation Slovenes provided the labor that helped spur the growth of local industries while succeeding generations have continued to contribute to the community in various business, industrial, professional, and governmental capacities.

Erected 2004 by the Slovenian Independent Society Home and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 33-77.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.

Location.

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41° 0.762′ N, 81° 37.261′ W. Marker is in Barberton, Ohio, in Summit County. It is on 14th Street Northwest north of West Wooster Road, on the left when traveling north. Building now houses the Slovene Party Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 70 14th St NW, Barberton OH 44203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cleveland

and in the Western Reserve.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Freedom Tree (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named The Freedom Tree (approx. half a mile away); Glenn "Jeep" Davis (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named The Freedom Tree (approx. half a mile away); Staff Sergeant Howard E. Woodford (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named The Freedom Tree (approx. half a mile away); Barberton Military Honor Roll (approx. half a mile away); Ohio Columbus Barber (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barberton.

More about this marker. Marker is mounted on the building’s wall.

Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for Slovene Americans. Excerpt:

In 1914, Cleveland was the third most-populous Slovene city in the world, after Trieste and Ljubljana. Within Cleveland, Slovene Americans developed their own cultural and social institutions, including Slovene-owned groceries,
Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 24, 2019

2. Slovenian Independent Society Home and Marker
Marker is on the wall to the left of the entrance.
bars, furniture stores, clothing shops, and other businesses; Catholic parishes and elementary schools; mutual aid and fraternal societies; and even a Slovene bank. By the 1930s, five out of 32 members of the Cleveland City Council were Slovene. Most Slovene Americans living in Cleveland eventually moved to the city's suburbs, although cultural institutions within the city limits remain significant. The Cleveland metropolitan area remains home to the largest population of Slovenians in the world outside of Slovenia.

(Submitted on December 4, 2019.)

Slovene Center and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 24, 2019

3. Slovene Center and Marker

Sl. S. Dr. Domovina, May 6, 1919 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 24, 2019

4. Sl. S. Dr. Domovina, May 6, 1919

Inscription over the left portion of building. “Domovina” translates to “homeland.” The abbreviation “Sl.” is for “Slovenija” or “Slovenski,” “Slovenia” or “Slovenian” in English. The entire phrase translates to “Slovenian National Home.”

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 894 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 4, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.