Welland Lodge 617, Croatian Fraternal Union of America can be proud of its history on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

From meetings in the homes of members, to a cherished “hall of memories” on Fifth Street for more than five decades, to its present home at Croatian National Home, the Lodge, a cultural organization, can lay claim to a celebrated history.

A publication by the City of Welland provides insights into early Croatian history including the Lodge’s.

“Historical and Architectural Reflections of the Founding Peoples of Welland”, by the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (1992), noted that Welland, in 1905, was the site of the first Croatian settlement in Ontario.

Between 1920 and 1930,  a “new wave of settlement occurred in Welland.” Croatian arrivals found work in industries, with the railroad and canal projects, according to the book. And then this:

“The Croatian Fraternal Union Welland Lodge 617 ‘Croatian Sons Club’ located on Fifth Street was the first C. F. U. Lodge organized in Ontario, in 1924.”

Something to be proud of!

According to one account, in 1911 Croatian customs and traditions were showcased by seven Croatians who became friends. Handmade tamburas and lessons under the direction of Steve Skvorc produced the first tamburitza orchestra.

The Croatian immigrants with no families and no knowledge of the English language heard about the Croatian National Society (later the CFU),  about it being a mutual benefit society and organization which would provide security and preserve national identity.

Here are some key dates:

• April 9, 1924: The immigrants founded Lodge 617 for the adults;
• January 13, 1925:  The “nest” for the children was organized;
• March 16, 1925:  Property was purchased on Fifth Street and the first Croatian Hall was established – a home to Lodge 617 Hrvatski Sinovi/Croatian Sons. It became the centre of social, cultural and sports activities of the Croatian people;
• 1977:  The hall was sold. Lodge 617 moved to the Croatian National Home as an affiliate and the two have continued to work together.

Throughout its existence, Lodge 617 promoted Croatian culture and heritage through cultural associations and tamburitza groups. In addition, league bowling was like a glue that bonded young and old members over the years.

In 1962, the first Welland Junior Tamburitzans group was formed. In 1980  a second group, Veseli Hrvati, was organized. This group was sponsored by CFU Lodge 617 and the Croatian National Home and continued for 12 years. After a 10-year hiatus it reunited and formed the Veseli  Hrvati Adult Tamburitzans. As juniors and then adults, members have participated in many CFU Tamburitzan Festivals.

Today we celebrate 100 years of Lodge 617 – an organization founded on brotherhood, love and the work of humble immigrants who travelled into the unknown with humanitarian ideals. They brought with them cherished traditions of the old homeland, sharing them and working for their continuance in Welland.

Lodge 617’s legacy is to be proud of, including donations to diverse initiatives in Croatia over the years. Here in Welland, a donation was made to Welland Heritage and Multicultural Centre toward its Welland Canal Memorial Monument in Merritt Park, honoring immigrants –  many Croatians among them – who worked on Welland Canal construction.

Here is a list of some of the lodge’s activities: monthly meetings, first Sunday of each month; Mother’s Day lamb and pork barbeques; hosting performers from Croatia with dinners and concerts; and annual Christmas parties for members. But with an aging membership, activities are slowing down. Young members need to get on board and do their part to ensure the lodge’s legacy continues, hopefully for years to come.

The members of the Lodge 617 are proud of the ongoing commitment over many years to uphold Croatian culture, language, culinary arts and music in Welland, the province of Ontario and Canada.

The 100th anniversary active membership roster as of Sept., 2024 shows 204 members of Lodge 617, and 43 members of Nest 247.

The anniversary will be marked by a gala reception and concert on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Croatian National Home, Broadway Avenue, Welland. For further details, telephone 905-735-5089.