Foreword
The United States of America has always been a popular destination for waves of immigrants bringing
thousands of Czechs and Slovaks to the “new world.” Louisiana definitely belongs among the
territories with prominent Czech and Slovaks communities whose members cherish the heritage of their
forefathers. The book reminds us that the history of Czech Louisiana beings in the middle of the 18th
century when two brothers, Hans-Jacob and Jean-Jacques Tutzek, both born in Prague, arrive and
settle down with their families. They were the first ones followed by many others from Bohemia,
Moravia, Silesia and Slovakia.
The importance of the port of New Orleans can be compared to that of Ellis Island in New York,
Galveston in Texas or Baltimore in Maryland. Hundreds of the Czechs and Slovaks came to America
through this port of entry. Many of them continued to Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas,
Oklahoma, Minnesota and elsewhere to find their new homes and start their new lives. The reasons
for leaving their homeland in the center of Europe have always been numerous – social, political,
religion, philosophical. The port was their gateway to the new world.
Though his book, Jim Hlavac presents exciting stories of Czech and Slovak individuals and families
that settled in all parts of Louisiana – for example, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Florida Parishes
and the German Coast – often mingling with other nationalities, such as French, German and others.
Compelling passages describe the past and present days of the two communities in the central part of
this state, in Rapides Parish – Libuse and Kolin. It is always very pleasing to the heart to know that
these two names, so closely tied with the Czech Republic, have their place in a land so far away from
Central Europe. Furthermore, the family names of Beranek, Cervenka, Holoubek, Konvicka, Laska,
Noha, Prochaska, Zelenka, to name only a few examples representing many Louisiana residents,
unequivocally prove the “Czechness” of their bearers. Delving into Hlavac's writing, we proudly learn
about the work, activities and destinies of these Czech descendants.
We are thrilled to discover that non-Czech inhabitants have also joined in the efforts of protecting
Czech culture and traditions in this part of the United States by starting a Czech dancing group. We
are gratified to read that the non-Czechs together with the Czechs in Louisiana were eager to sponsor
the Kolin and Libuse historical markers. These instances of collaboration and mutual understanding
make us optimistic in regards to the future of Czech causes in this corner of America.
The book is a tremendous achievement. Jim Hlavac managed to compile a publication describing the
history, contemporary life and activities of the Louisiana Czechs and Slovaks. The author laudably
mentions Leo Baca from Texas, giving him credit for his research which resulted in assembling long
lists of Czech immigrants coming to the United States in the second half of the 19th century. There is
no doubt that Hlavac's work will serve, like Baca's endeavors, as a precious source of knowledge for
those searching for detailed information related to Czech-American issues, in Louisiana and
elsewhere. A lot of hard work and meticulous research can be felt on each and every page.
It is also highly significant and symbolic that the author was able to persuade officials in various
repositories, courthouses, libraries and archives that there really are Czechs and Slovaks in
Louisiana, and not only a few. They might be surprised to learn that it was from the Czech lands that
the beads so popular during the Mardi Gras festivities were imported to the United States soon after
the Reconstruction period. It is even more important that in many cases Jim Hlavac, a New Yorker
himself, managed to help various local groups and individuals of Czech and Slovak origin get to know
each other and realize how big and strong their presence in the state is. For them, the book offers
valuable information and guidance related to Czech and Slovak history, languages, cultures, folklore,
cuisine and more, as well as for future generations.
In reading the final pages of the book, we learn that its primary motive was to help establish a Czech
and Slovak museum in Louisiana. The significance of the Czech and Slovak communities in this
region is enormous, and they absolutely deserve an official museum. We are certain that through
cooperation of all those involved the goal can be achieved. This publication has contributed
immensely.
Martin Palous
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States of America
The United States of America has always been a popular destination for waves of immigrants bringing
thousands of Czechs and Slovaks to the “new world.” Louisiana definitely belongs among the
territories with prominent Czech and Slovaks communities whose members cherish the heritage of their
forefathers. The book reminds us that the history of Czech Louisiana beings in the middle of the 18th
century when two brothers, Hans-Jacob and Jean-Jacques Tutzek, both born in Prague, arrive and
settle down with their families. They were the first ones followed by many others from Bohemia,
Moravia, Silesia and Slovakia.
The importance of the port of New Orleans can be compared to that of Ellis Island in New York,
Galveston in Texas or Baltimore in Maryland. Hundreds of the Czechs and Slovaks came to America
through this port of entry. Many of them continued to Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas,
Oklahoma, Minnesota and elsewhere to find their new homes and start their new lives. The reasons
for leaving their homeland in the center of Europe have always been numerous – social, political,
religion, philosophical. The port was their gateway to the new world.
Though his book, Jim Hlavac presents exciting stories of Czech and Slovak individuals and families
that settled in all parts of Louisiana – for example, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, the Florida Parishes
and the German Coast – often mingling with other nationalities, such as French, German and others.
Compelling passages describe the past and present days of the two communities in the central part of
this state, in Rapides Parish – Libuse and Kolin. It is always very pleasing to the heart to know that
these two names, so closely tied with the Czech Republic, have their place in a land so far away from
Central Europe. Furthermore, the family names of Beranek, Cervenka, Holoubek, Konvicka, Laska,
Noha, Prochaska, Zelenka, to name only a few examples representing many Louisiana residents,
unequivocally prove the “Czechness” of their bearers. Delving into Hlavac's writing, we proudly learn
about the work, activities and destinies of these Czech descendants.
We are thrilled to discover that non-Czech inhabitants have also joined in the efforts of protecting
Czech culture and traditions in this part of the United States by starting a Czech dancing group. We
are gratified to read that the non-Czechs together with the Czechs in Louisiana were eager to sponsor
the Kolin and Libuse historical markers. These instances of collaboration and mutual understanding
make us optimistic in regards to the future of Czech causes in this corner of America.
The book is a tremendous achievement. Jim Hlavac managed to compile a publication describing the
history, contemporary life and activities of the Louisiana Czechs and Slovaks. The author laudably
mentions Leo Baca from Texas, giving him credit for his research which resulted in assembling long
lists of Czech immigrants coming to the United States in the second half of the 19th century. There is
no doubt that Hlavac's work will serve, like Baca's endeavors, as a precious source of knowledge for
those searching for detailed information related to Czech-American issues, in Louisiana and
elsewhere. A lot of hard work and meticulous research can be felt on each and every page.
It is also highly significant and symbolic that the author was able to persuade officials in various
repositories, courthouses, libraries and archives that there really are Czechs and Slovaks in
Louisiana, and not only a few. They might be surprised to learn that it was from the Czech lands that
the beads so popular during the Mardi Gras festivities were imported to the United States soon after
the Reconstruction period. It is even more important that in many cases Jim Hlavac, a New Yorker
himself, managed to help various local groups and individuals of Czech and Slovak origin get to know
each other and realize how big and strong their presence in the state is. For them, the book offers
valuable information and guidance related to Czech and Slovak history, languages, cultures, folklore,
cuisine and more, as well as for future generations.
In reading the final pages of the book, we learn that its primary motive was to help establish a Czech
and Slovak museum in Louisiana. The significance of the Czech and Slovak communities in this
region is enormous, and they absolutely deserve an official museum. We are certain that through
cooperation of all those involved the goal can be achieved. This publication has contributed
immensely.
Martin Palous
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States of America
With a Foreword by:
Martin Palous
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States of America
Martin Palous
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States of America
| A Hidden Impact The Czechs & Slovaks of Louisiana From the 1720s to Today. Foreword |
