Holy Rosary Pancake Breakfasts

Russ and I would pick up my mom, June Jackson Egan at about 7:30 am and then Dolores Saltz and head across town from Washington Park to Holy Rosary Church in the Globeville neighborhood. No need to hurry - the pastor, Father Joseph Meznar, lived right across the street from the church but couldn't seem to get to the 8:00 o'clock Mass until 8:30. If fact, when he strolled in, he didn't have his vestments on, so it was another 10 minutes before the Mass began. It didn't matter.

On the third Sunday of each month, the church held a pancake breakfast, with hearty portions of scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast and coffee. But people didn't really come to the breakfast for the reasonably priced meal. After Mass, the congregation filed in to the school cafeteria, armed with memorabilia and stories. The Polish folks from St. Joe's Polish church a half block away also arrived, as well as people who used to attend Holy Rosary, or who'd been married there, or gone to school at Holy Rosary.

There was sort of an order to the gathering with folks sitting next to family members or others they knew well. And the conversation started with current events - Margie Mauser's granddaughter had been accepted into law school, Bert Gizewski was in the hospital, Bernice Chacon's grandson Isaac was graduating from North High AND was the Valedictorian! 

Once the substantial breakfast was finished, the visual aids were shared.

There were photos, yearbooks, scrapbooks, notebooks, newspapers, and recipes. (A few had X-rays from their most recent procedure - a sure-fire way to get a second opinion). There were stories of working in the smelter, the railroad, Gardner Denver, foundries, packing houses, and the phone company. There were recollections of school plays, the Holy Rosary choir, Sister Magdalene and Sister Rita. People remembered the Slovenian Gardens and Johnny "Pop" Popovich, the Mayflower Lounge and the Logan Grill (former home of St. Jacob's No. 12, the Croatian Fraternal Society). 

Joseph Yelenick was the best! He had newspaper clippings from the 1940s, photos from Western Slavonic dances, picnics and bowling teams, and pictures of Yelenicks, Horvats and Canjars. Old Slavic names like Vucksinic, Videtich and Krasovich peppered the conversation. My mom, June Jackson Egan, could have worked for the CIA. She could recite all thirteen Grabrians, who they married and where they worked. 

The congregation from the second Mass arrived, as well as visitors from other parishes.Veterans from World War II recalled battles fought and won (some apparently single-handedly) and the formation of the Globeville Veterans' Club.  Dick Sadar and Chris Rouse provided well-known Slovenian tunes as well as requests. By12:30 pm, the event was coming to a close. 

The parish no longer has pancake breakfasts because the space is used for religious education. Most of the people are gone now, but their stories and memories live on. 

Dolores Saltz and June Egan share a story

Russ Markowski, Don Snyder and George Putnik 

identify the person in that photo

                               June Egan listens to Joseph Yelenick

The Trostles are a big family

Dick Sadar and Chris Rouse provide accordion entertainment

 

Church festivals in Globeville are the best!

Summertime is full of memorable events and the parish festivals in Globeville are among the best! Family-friendly activities won't break the bank and there is something for every member of the family.

The first of these will be at Holy Rosary Parish at 4688 Pearl Street. Founded by Slovenes and Croats, today's congregation is mostly Hispanic and the mixture of cultures results in a vibrant diversity.  You'll want to try Italian sausage sandwiches, burgers, churros, tacos, gorditas, flautas, and fruit ices. Make a bid for the silent auction items or try your hand at loteria!  

 

Holy Rosary parish bazaar

The following weekend, you'll want to head over to St. Joseph's Polish Roman Catholic Church, serving Polish Catholics since 1902. Celebrate all things Polish, including Polish sausage, potato pancakes, cabbage rolls, pierogi (several different varieties), desserts, and robust Polish beer. The Gama vocal ensemble and the Wiki Polish Dancers from Chicago, as well as the Amber Band will ignite your Slavic soul. Polish crafts make lovely gifts.

St. Joseph's Polish Roman Catholic Church at 517 E. 46th Avenue

 

Graffiti Art Class in Globeville

If anyone knows anything about graffiti, it's muralist Anthony Garcia. His work can be seen everywhere in Globeville: on highway overpasses, businesses, garages and Garden Place School. His impact on the neighborhood is even bigger than the monumental paintings he creates.

Garcia was raised in the community. His grandmother was an artist and his mother is an activist, so combining his talent with service came naturally. When he was young, Garcia painted graffiti, sometimes in places that weren't appropriate. But then he worked with the Center for Visual Arts, channeling his talents in constructive ways. At the Center, he built a network to serve local youth as well as up and coming artists. 

In 2009, Garcia founded the nonprofit BirdSeed Collective which provides creative avenues for kids, like this summer's Graffiti Art Class. Beginning Monday, June 8th at 5075 Lincoln Street, classes will be held from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Lessons will cover lettering and style development, spray can control, color their and composition, and graffiti history and culture. Supplies are provided. Ages 10 to 17 are welcome and will collaborate on a piece at the end of the class. 

Don't miss this opportunity to learn a craft and make an impact!

A student works on one of Globeville's

significant murals

Easter Sunday in Globeville, April 4, 1983

"I thought the Russians were coming," said Kathryn Simsik, who lived at 601 East 47th Avenue in Globeville, across the street from Holy Rosary Church. It was not the Russians, but an acrid orange mist rising ominously from the Rio Grande Railroad yards. Simsik said a neighbor called her about 6:00 am to tell her of radio reports about a toxic cloud. Ten minutes later Simsik, her second cousin Nicholas Staresinik and neighbor Marie Mares left as warning sirens wailed. 

The emergency created a reported 2,300 refugees early Easter morning who made their way by RTD buses, private cars and police vehicles to eight Denver area shelters. Simsik and her party joined some 200 other evacuees at Mapleton, at East 64th Avenue and Washington Street. Among them were two young men who brought along their parrot and 75-year-old Angeline Arko, survivor of two heart attacks. Arko barely had time to dress. "I don't have my green pills with me, which I'm supposed to take four times a day."

Red Cross volunteers served 250 sandwiches and tried to connect worried relatives to each other by telephone. Rose Unterfeldner, 66, of 4650 Pearl Street, wondered is the Easter ham she'd left in her crockpot would be overdone and dry when she got home. "Nothing we can do about it, but it's not my idea of Easter. I'm glad I went to church last night."

Skinner Middle School housed 340 evacuees, many who had hastily thrown on clothes and come directly to the school. Some children were still in their pajamas and carried Easter baskets with cellophane grass and chocolate bunnies. 

The Denver Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) was pleased with their response to a plan that had never before been implemented. James Garner, director of the OEP said the Hazardous Materials Response Plan was about 10 years old. It was updated yearly and agencies involved conducted periodic training. When the real thing happened, "the plan worked real well. No doubt training contributed to the success of the operation," said Garner. By 1:00 pm, heavy snow was whipping through Denver and the "all clear" was given.

Residents of the area had a different view. Simsik said, "We were not informed where to go or what to do. In the case of a real disaster, the lack of information could have been a real problem."

According to the Rocky Mountain News story of April 4, 1983, at least 15 chemical spills had led to injuries and evacuations in the Denver area between 1979 and 1983. Since the birth of the RiverNorth neighborhood (RiNo) in 2005, and the expansion of multi-story condos and apartments close to Denver's rail lines, this type of incident is more likely than ever to happen.

Nitric acid is shown leaking from a car in the Rio Grande
(now Union Pacific) rail yards, Sunday
April 4, 1983

 

 

Burglar Captured by Girls While Trying to Rob Church

The Rocky Mountain News headline of July 12, 1906 sums up the bravery of two young women from Globeville. Sisters Lottie Kalamajska and Mrs. Bertha Raczynski stepped into Saint Joseph's Polish Roman Catholic Church to pray when they heard a noise coming from a small cupboard near the altar. They investigated and found Globeville resident Louis Steckley on his knees, not in prayer but vigorously attempting to force the lock on the cupboard door. Miss Kalamajska quickly ran to her home a short distance away and returned with a revolver. Steckley was trying to conceal a silver communion service in his coat and make his getaway when Miss Kalamajska leveled the gun and ordered him to raise his hands. Steckley obeyed the order, then turned around and expressed surprise at the sight of the slender young girl. He became docile as she threatened to shoot. 

Neighbors heard the commotion and called the police. Policeman William Hanley arrested Steckley, who was fined $200 and sentenced to three months in the county jail by Judge Grant L. Hudson.

The month of March has been designated "Women's History Month" and these young Globeville sisters are worthy of remembrance for their quick thinking and courageous actions.

 Louis Steckley

Three Historic Denver Neighborhoods

Future Ancestors, Crossing Timelines

with three historic North Denver Neighborhoods: 

Join the Globeville–Elyria–Swansea Coalition (GESC) for a one-night journey through time – an immersive experience that reveals how these three neighborhoods were made: shaped by historic disinvestment, redlining, labor struggles, industrial zoning, and highway expansion, and transformed by neighbors organizing for racial, environmental, and economic justice for more than a century. 

Then we step forward across timelines into a thriving, community-owned
future, where neighbors have built a neighborhood model rooted in collective governance, healthy housing, land stewardship, and community-led investment.
This is their story, a celebration, and a public invitation:
become excellent ancestors to the next generation of GES.

Hosted by the Forney Museum of Transportation
at 4303 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
Friday March 6, 4-7 pm

Doors: 4pm
Time Warp: 5pm

More information: info@ges-coalition (720) 432 - 1188
forneymuseum.org 

Last chance to indulge before Lent

Pączki  (pronounced "poonch-key) are tasty Polish donuts with a rich history. Originating in Poland, they were made to be enjoyed from Fat Thursday (the Thursday before Lent begins) to Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) - a final opportunity to indulge before 40 days of fasting begin.

Pączki are fried donuts usually filled with marmalade, jelly, or vanilla pudding and sprinkled with powdered sugar. If you have a Polish grandmother to show you how to make these treats, you are truly blessed.

But you can purchase genuine Pączki made by the scout troop at St. Joseph's Polish Church at 525 East 46th Avenue in Globeville, Sunday February 15th, beginning at 11:00 am, in the school cafeteria. Your fasting will be more meaningful when you remember what you're missing and you'll be supporting the scouts and the church!

Biscuits and Gravy at Holy Transfiguration of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

The invitation posted on Facebook

It's hard for me to resist biscuits and gravy on any day, but on a frosty 3-degree morning, I could hardly wait. When I arrived at Holy Transfiguration 9:00 am, Justin and Kristine Clark were busy in the kitchen and their son Henry was occupied at one of the tables. The purpose of the breakfast was for Globeville's residents to check out Holy Transfiguration and for the members of the church to become acquainted with their neighbors in the community.

I helped myself to the hot breakfast and sat down to visit with Justin and Kristine. We were soon joined by two-year-old Winnie and her mother Meghan, then Matthew. I asked about Orthodoxy and what brought each of them to this church. All found something lacking in churches they had attended and were actively seeking a richer religious faith. Justin had experienced hypocrisy in the Southern church he once belonged to - with a pronounced difference between the preaching on Sundays and the practices during the week. Carla Fabrizio, who is related to half of Globeville, took a break from working in the kitchen. She explained her journey from Catholicism to the more substantial Orthodox faith and now teaches Sunday school in her home next door. The process of learning about and becoming part of the Orthodox faith can take up to three years. This is not a rash decision but an informed commitment. 

I then talked a little about the history of Holy Transfiguration and of knowing Father Hirsch and Matushka Paulette Hirsch. They revitalized the parish and the community during their twenty five years in Globeville (1984 -2009). The walls of the parish hall are covered with historic photos, and treasures from the past.

I enjoyed the breakfast and the conversation. Another breakfast is planned for the third Saturday of February, the 21st. Invite your friends and get to know members of this Globeville treasure.

Justin, Kristine and Henry Clark

Holy Transfiguration of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
at 349 East 47th Avenue
was built and dedicated in 1898,
which makes it the oldest of Globeville's 
active congregations. If you attend any
 of their parish festivals, the church
will be open for tours - make a mental note
 to see the inside of this jewell.

 

Emma J. Webber, and the Globeville Suffrage League

In the years when Globeville was an independent town, Emma J. and her husband John H. Webber were well-known in the community. John served as the town clerk for four years from 1898 to 1901, and on the school board in 1902. Emma was an election judge in 1898 and postmistress until 1900. According to the Denver City Directory, John's full-time employment was as a tinner at the nearby Eaton-Ritchell Company.

But it's Emma who captured my attention. The Rocky Mountain News of December 7, 1893 describes a meeting of the Globeville Suffrage League held in the Webber home at 639 Watervliet. "The league is in flourishing condition, enrolling twenty-five new members." A month earlier, women had won the right to vote in local elections in Colorado and were eager to participate.

Another meeting of the league was held in the Webber home on April 1, 1894. The Rocky Mountain News reports, "The parlor was filled to overflowing ... much interest was shown in the coming election. After carefully considering the merits of the respective candidates, the league decided to support the Citizen's ticket.

The women of Globeville used their vote to improve the lives of women and children. They campaigned for an end to child labor, and for compulsory education for all children between the ages of eight and eighteen. Their achievements included requiring signatures of both husband and wife on mortgages, valid wills for married women, and assurance that women had the right to own property regardless of their marital status. They also worked to establish a minimum wage.  

Not everyone was pleased with Emma's success. The Rocky Mountain News of September 19, 1905 carries the story of Emma and John's home at 639 Watervliet being destroyed by an arson fire in the early hours of the morning. There was speculation that the perpetrator may have been the same arsonist who had set fire to the home of labor organizer, Maximillian Malich in September 1903.

The Webbers moved away from Globeville to a house at 2615 Federal Boulevard. Emma died in October of 1916 at age 64 and John in May of 1925 at the age of 75. A daughter who died in 1886 lies in the same plot at Riverside Cemetery: Block 21, Lot 112. 

Affordable Home Ownership in Globeville/Elyria/Swansea

The Tierra Colectiva Community Land Trust, will be holding an orientation meeting on Tuesday, October 7th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at 4700 Claude Court. A dinner will be held at 5:00 pm and the meeting at 5:30 pm.

Learn about Tierra Colectiva and how we keep homes affordable in the GES neighborhoods and how to join out waitlist. (Attending this meeting is a requirement to join our waitlist).

The Tierra Colectiva Community Land Trust, operating under the umbrella of the GES Coalition, helps people on income-restricted budgets find permanent housing. In a market like Denver, renters end up spending more than half their income on housing per month.

Tierra Coletiva has sold 15 homes at or below market rates, with 23 more homes in its planned pipeline. The organization is also part of a program at 49th Avenue and Washington Street that will bring 170 rental units below market rates for income-restricted renters.

More information is at ges-coalition.org/community-land-trust.
720-432-1188

What makes Globeville special?

Globeville maintains a thoroughly distinctive sense of place. Like an archaeological site, every stage of its development is visible. Barns and sheds constructed from railroad lumber are present in many back yards. "Shotgun" houses on tiny lots still exist on most streets and generations of families occupy homes close to each other. Ethnic churches dedicated more than a century ago support robust congregations. Like life in a small town, everyone seems to know everyone. People look out for each other and take care of each other.

Globeville has endured shoddy treatment by the City of Denver, the division and destruction by two interstate highways, and inadequate city services. Encroachment from industry and gentrification threaten the community.

In 1991, in the face of overwhelming odds, 568 residents mortgaged their homes to pay lawyer Macon Cowels. On their behalf, Cowels sued the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO), the multi-national smelter trust. Globeville won remediation and restitution - a real David and Goliath story.

Residents are proud of their community and unified in defense of its survival. For more than a century, Globeville has persevered.

Sundays in Globeville

There once was a time when most businesses were closed on Sundays, with the exception of a few bakeries, cafes (that also sold newspapers) and family-friendly taverns. Every chore - laundry, baking, cooking, bathing and housekeeping - was completed by Saturday night so that the "Day of Rest" could be observed.  

Globeville's homes were made for Sundays, with front porches deep enough for several chairs, and some with railings to rest your feet on. Porches were the places where people could wave to neighbors walking by, or welcome relatives who stopped to visit. Women made sure there was coffee, Potica, ham and rolls or cinnamon buns to welcome company. 

There were other places to socialize where it was acceptable to bring the children and the grandparents, like the Logan Grill, also known as the Sidewinder on the 4400 block of Logan Street. Not far away was the Portulaca where Joe Shinall and Ray Videtich served beer and burgers, and candy bars for the kids. On the 4800 block of Washington was the Mayflower and on the 4500 block of Washington was the Slovenian Gardens, where Johnny Popovich (Jonny Pop) knew everyone's name.

Sundays were a time to rest, recharge your batteries and spend time with folks and family in the neighborhood. It's a tradition worth reviving.

Porches in Globeville are made for visiting

The Logan Grill and the Sidewinder

The Portulaca was a local watering hole

Johnny Popovich remembered and welcomed everyone
at the Slovenian Gardens

Globeville's Ben Dreith - NFL Referee

        As the 2024/25 NFL season is nearing its conclusion, fans have cheered their home-town teams, followed their favorite players and paid attention to certain officials. For many years, NFL referee Ben Dreith was recognized for his knowledge, fairness and adherence to the rules. Former director of NFL officials Art McNally said, "When Ben stepped onto the field the game was under control, no ifs, ands or buts about it. He was an outstanding referee."
        Benjamin Dreith was born in Globeville February 1, 1925 to Anna Marie and Johannes Dreith, who emigrated from the village of Beideck on the Volga River. With his three brothers and three sisters, he grew up in the neighborhood, attended Garden Place School and then North High School, where he excelled as an athlete.
        In World War II, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from June 1943 to March 1946 on the USS Teak in the Philippines. After the war, he graduated from the University of Northern Colorado (then known as Colorado State College) with a BA in Education, and lettered in three sports: football, basketball and baseball. In the 1950s Dreith played both semipro baseball and basketball in Denver.
        After college, Dreith taught physical education for 38 years in the Denver Public Schools, most of those at Lincoln High School His officiating career began at the high school level, and then the college ranks in the Skyline Conference, which became the Western Athletic Conference.
        In an article in the Rocky Mountain News Spotlight, January 25th, 1998, Dreith remembered, "In 1960 a friend called me and said 'How would you like to wrok professional football?' I said yeah and signed up with the American Football League (AFL). That's how things worked. Friends would call friends."
        When Dreith went to the professional ranks in the AFL, he was also teaching high school, and officiating high school and college level games. In 1996, the AFL merged with the National Football League (NFL), and the NFL restricted its officials to pro games only.
        During his NFL career, Dreith was awarded 27 post-season games, including eight Conference Championships, 13 Divisional Playoffs and two Pro Bowl games.        Getting to the Super Bowl was a mark of achievement for officials because the appearance was based on a rating system from the entire season. The officials with the highest ratings went to the Super Bowl, a coveted assignment awarded to Dreith four times.
        Dreith was not a fan of instant replay, which was introduced in 1986. "We'd stand there and wait and wait and wait, and then 96 percent of the time our call would stand." Also in 1986, Dreith issued one colorful, no-nonsense penalty call that was forever tied to his name. In a game between the Jets and the Bill, Jets' defensive tackle Marty started punching Bill's quarterback Jim Kelly after the play was over. Dreith threw his penalty flag, and with his robust baritone voice echoling through the stadium, he announced the most famous call in NFL history, "There's a personal foul on number 99 of the defense. After he tackled the quarterback, he's giving him the business down there. That's a 15-yard penalty."
        Dreith retired from both the NFL and from teaching in 1990. He was inducted in the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. When he died on April 25, 2021, many of his former high school students posted memories to his obituary.
        "What an amazing guy. I loved his gym classes and his gruff exterior, but he had a funny side too. His officiating in the NFL was great to watch as well. I can't help but think of the many young lives he influenced over those many years, including mine." Roger Colburn, May 07, 2021

Former NFL referee Ben Dreith
Photo: Denver Public Library

Both Ben Dreith and the Denver Broncos made it
to the big leagues in 1960. Dreith wore number 53
and worked as a Line Judge in the 1960 season.
Mary Lou Egan, personal collection

Turkeys in Globeville

Before raising backyard chickens and geese was cool, it was common in Globeville. Flaunting city regulations, some families even kept a pig or cow. Youngsters raised rabbits to sell and learn not to form an attachment to a source of income.

Most residents also cultivated substantial gardens with beans, peas, tomatoes, onions, carrots and asparagus - and would "put up" the surplus to sustain them all winter. And there were peaches, cherries, pears and plums to preserve. Pickles were the best, though. Crock pickles, bread and butter slices, dill and sweet pickles - ah the aroma of pickles! 

Self sufficiency was borne of necessity, but there was a great deal of pride too. Nothing was wasted. 

Andy Jackson poses with the turkeys he raised in the 
back yard of his home on Sherman Street. 

Pickles were the best, all winter long

  

 

Peter Pan of the Preps - Globeville Sportswriter Manny Boody

Colorado newspapers were a really big deal in the 1940s and 50s, and sports coverage was also a big deal. Sports stories were covered in great detail, with lots of photos and colorful language. Sportswriters were minor celebrities, too and had their own nicknames. From the Rocky Mountain News, Chet Nelson was called the "Prophet of the Press Box" and Manny Boody was tagged the "Peter Pan of the Preps." Boody was also know as a "Bulldog for Details."

Manny Boody was born Manuel Budisavljevich in Trinidad, Colorado in 1913, the son of John and Ellen (Yelena) Budisavljevich, who were immigrants from Lika, Serbia. His father worked as a machinist in Tabasco, Colorado, a coal town that served the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company in Pueblo.

In 1915, the family moved to Globeville, where his father was employed in meat packing for the next 40 years. Boody and his brother Pete attended North High School and Manny eventually graduated from the University of Denver. His career as a sportswriter began at the Denver Post, but was interrupted by Pearl Harbor.  He returned to the Post after his service in the Army, but in 1948, he switched to the Rocky Mountain News. At the News, Boody covered high school sports while moonlighting as a scout for the Brooklyn, later Los Angeles, Dodgers.

In 1962, Boody was elected president of the Denver Press Club and served on the board with Gene Amole and Dusty Saunders. In 1990, he was named to the Colorado High School Association's (CHSA) Hall of Fame.

"Manny was the legend," said Bert Borgmann, assistant commissioner of the CHSA. No one knew more than Manny."

The CHSA's Hall of Fame remembered Manny Boody as . . . "one of the most popular and respected media persons ever associated with high school sports. . . Manny Boody covered prep sports for 30 years for the Rocky Mountain News. His personal attention to the students who played elevated him to a revered status within the prep community. Boody believed that as many names as possible needed to be in the newspaper to recognize those who played."

Manny Boody died on March 5, 1996 and is buried at Fort Logan.

Manny Boody in 1990
Photo courtesy of the Colorado High School Association

Homecoming at Holy Rosary • October 5th, 2024

This October 5th, Holy Rosary Church in Globeville will host our fourth "Homecoming" event.

If you've attended any of our previous gatherings, you know how much fun we had visiting and sharing memories. If you haven't been to Homecoming, you'll want to join us and invite your children and grandchildren to come with you.

We'll begin with Mass at 10:00 am in honor of the feast of Our Lady of Holy Rosary in our century-old church. There will be a few traditional Latin hymns (Can you remember the Tantum Ergo?), Slovenian and Spanish hymns. The stunning stained-glass windows, statues, and stations of the cross are a testament to the devotion of the church founders.

After Mass, we'll enjoy coffee, beverages, Potica, fruit and sandwiches while folks rekindle old friendships and make new ones. Bring those photos of First Communions, choirs, pageants, bingo night, posadas, quinceañeras, Our Lady of Guadalupe processions, pancake breakfasts and Christmas programs. Check out the 41 graduating classes from Holy Rosary School and see if you can find your relatives in them. Check out the classrooms - which teachers do you remember?

At our three previous Homecoming events, people shared their memories of teachers, classmates, events and antics in a video. There will be a video set up to record your favorite story about Holy Rosary!

Saturday, October 5th 2024 at Holy Rosary
4688 Pearl Street  •  Denver, CO 80216
Mass at 10:00 am  •  Refreshments, fellowship and sharing
RSVP (so we'll have enough food):
Mary Lou Egan  •  303-584-9812
maryloudesign@comcast.net

For updates, see www.holyrosarydenver.org
https://www.facebook.com/HolyRosaryChurchDenver

Orthodox Food Festival 2024

In 2003, the historic Holy Transfiguration of Christ Orthodox Cathedral combined its annual church celebration with the neighborhood civic organization to put on the "Orthodox Food Festival and Old Globeville Days." It was a two-day extravaganza of ethnic food, entertainment, live bands, crafts, and games. The festival was featured in guide books as one of the best celebrations of Globeville's ethnic diversity.

In recent years, changes in Denver's city administration has resulted in the loss of Argo Park for the festival, with the celebration limited to Logan Street and the church property. COVID severely impacted the event.

In 2024, Transfiguration received a new dean Reverend Seraphim Robertson and the parish will again be hosting its festival celebration. 

Scan the QR code on the poster to receive updates on the activities. You'll want to take a tour of this historic church, built in 1898. The parishioners did much of the work themselves - this after putting in a ten or twelve hour day in a smelter or foundry. The incense, beeswax and stunning icons are a tribute to the faith of the founders and the dedication of the current congregation.

http://orthodoxfoodfestival.org/

 

See the stunning interior of Holy Transfiguration 

 

GES Open House

The GES Coalition works with residents in the Globeville, Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods on issues that impact these communities. This meeting will be held at the Globeville Recreation Center at 4496 Grant Street from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. This looks like a lot of information to cram in an hour and a half period, and the meeting ends before a lot of working folks can make it.

But these meetings usually have a moderator to keep thing moving, so you might pick the one project that affects you the most - like construction on Washington Street or the 44th Avenue Pedestrian improvements. (Are there sidewalks on 44th Avenue now?)

Take notes and ask questions.

 

Two Festivals to Celebrate in Globeville

Holy Rosary Bazaar, Sunday, August 18th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Church festivals are the BEST! And those in Globeville won't disappoint you. Holy Rosary will hold its parish bazaar on Sunday, August 18th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in the church parking lot and the space in front of the rectory. It's a tradition that dates to 1919 when the working class Slovenians and Croatians were trying to raise money to build their own church (a half a block away from St Joseph's Polish Church).

The first festival lasted four days and included plays, concerts, and an auction of livestock. The 2024 bazaar will feature enchiladas, soft tacos, gorditas, chilidrinas, hamburgers,hot dogs and Italian sausage sandwiches. There will be some Potica and pizzelles for sale at the Homecoming booth, (where you can find out about our Homecoming event in October).

A clown will amuse the kiddos, while the Heritage Irish Step Dancers, Aztec Dancers, Atravesados de la Sierra, and the amazing Banda "La Patrona" will get you moving. There will be crafts, and religious articles for sale, and a silent auction of gift baskets, too. Top it off with Karoke! 

Check our website:https:holyrosarydenver.org

or our facebook page: https://facebook.com/HolyRosaryChurchDenver

Lots of food choices!

A small selection of Potica

Banda La Patrona

St. Joseph's Polish Roman Catholic Church

One half block away from Holy Rosary Church is St. Joseph's Polish Church, whose red spire is visible from I-70. Dedicated in 1902, the parish has always had a Polish-speaking pastor and is a center of Polish faith and culture. Immerse yourself in all things Polish at the festival on Saturday August 24th, from noon to 9:00 pm, and Sunday, August 25th from noon to 5:00 pm.

Enjoy robust Polish craft beers, kielbasa, potato pancakes, cabbage rolls, pierogi, sauerkraut, and pastries.  Powisle, singers and dancers from Poland, and Krakowiacy Polish Dancers will perform traditional dances, the Amber Band and DJ SKI will provide dance music. Check out the Polish crafts and gifts. This is one festival you don't want to miss!

facebook.com/polishfoodfestival/

Krakowiacy Polish Dancers

It's the real deal - Pierogi

Polish guys admiring Polish sausage

Get off I-70 at Washington Street, head west on 47th Avenue

Ephemera - the classification of postcards

Collectors call it "Ephemera," meaning something fleeting, short-lived or temporary. But these romantic postcards meant a lot to my Grandma Ida Jackson, and she saved them in a cigar box. There are postcards from the "Old Country" written in Slovenian to Andrej Jakin from his mother and his in-laws. There are some to Ida in Swedish from her Swedish cousins in Oregon, and from friends in Pueblo, Leadville and Salida. My favorites are those from Andrej Jakin to Ida MacOwen. His English is rough and his handwriting is crude, but his heart is all hers for all the world to see.

They would marry in May of 1907 and he would Anglicize his name to Andy Jackson. The postcards continued because sometimes he could only find work in Red Cliff, Salida and Pueblo.

When I knew my grandparents they were "old." My grandpa was active at Holy Rosary Church and the Knights of Columbus, and my grandma was busy helping family members and neighbors. I treasure the postcards in the cigar box from grandma's "Affinity." They offer me a glimpse of a young couple in love, navigating the challenges of their lives together: a growing family, unpredictable employment and family separated by jobs. They were married for 54 years. Nothing temporary about it.