LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden upon the
occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary on May 29-30, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden upon the occasion of its 100th Anniversary
to be celebrated at its Annual Czech and Slovak Festival on May 29-30,
2010; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, Bohemian Hall and Beer
Garden has been owned and managed by the Bohemian Citizens' Benevolent
Society of America; and
WHEREAS, Founded over 100 years ago, Bohemian Citizens' Benevolent
Society of America is comprised of members and volunteers committed to
maintaining a home for Czechs and Slovaks and people of Czech and Slovak
ancestry, in which the Czech and Slovak cultures may be taught and
blended with American traditions and cultures; today, it consists of 250
members and volunteers; and
WHEREAS, In the late 1800s many Czechs and Slovaks emigrated from
Austria-Hungary, and made their way to America; many found a home in
Astoria, Queens; in 1892, the Bohemian Citizens' Benevolent Society was
formed, named after the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia; and
WHEREAS, Eighteen years later, in 1910, the Bohemian Citizens' Benevo-
lent Society of America began raising funds for a home for the Czech
people in the local community; it was to be a haven where the traditions
of the homeland were to be maintained; and
WHEREAS, Two adjacent lots, part of a farm, were purchased, and on
October 1, 1910 the cornerstone of Bohemian Hall was laid; it was built
in three sections; what serves as the entrance today was the first hall,
but it soon became obvious more space was needed; and
WHEREAS, The Sokol Gym or Main Hall was added, and in 1919 the outside
Bar and Park were finished, just in time for prohibition, but Bohemian
Hall survived and continues to carry the proud tradition into the new
millennium; and
WHEREAS, The success of Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is in direct
correlation to the efforts of the members and volunteers of the Bohemian
Citizens' Benevolent Society of America, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeav-
ors on behalf of the Society and the population it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those
organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment that provide
opportunities to celebrate their rich ethnic flavor and which strive to
preserve their cultural heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden upon the occasion of celebrating
its 100th Anniversary on May 29-30, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden.