History

Founding and Activities of the Ottawa Chapter

(An excerpt from the book Memorial of the Czechoslovak Canada as arranged by Karel Buzek, Lidmila Wauthierová, and Alica Haasová for the 25th anniversary of Czechoslovak Republic (CSR), Toronto, October, 1943)

The Ottawa Chapter of the Czechoslovak National Association (CSNA) was founded by Dr. František Pavlásek on November 22nd, 1942. The first meeting was attended by 36 Czechs and Slovaks. Dr. Pavlásek was elected the honorary chair. The committee members were elected as follows: Chair J. Kurtin, Vice-Chair J. Šimurda-Holan, Treasurer M. Stretavský, Spokesperson Dr. L. Hitschmannová, Secretary M. Šipoš, Comptroller F. Svoboda and P. Ivano, Advisors V. Ruda and J. Milčák. In the opening speech Dr. Pavlásek outlined the main objectives of CSNA in Canada and of its members: To support Czechoslovak anti-fascist resistance and the war efforts of Canada both materially and morally. Ottawa’s newspapers The Citizen, Journal, and Le Droit published extensive news about the founding of the CSNA.

The Ottawa Chapter commenced their work right away. One of the goals was to better inform Canadians about the Czechoslovak Republic and to raise material support for the Red Cross in London, England. There were two films presented in the National Film Board on the 6th and 11th of January, 1943: The Czechs our Allies and The Rape of Czechoslovakia. In addition, three film journals were also shown from London, depicting the Czechoslovak revolt in England. Capacity crowds attending these events and cheering articles in the Ottawa press demonstrated true interest and understanding for Czechoslovakia during the WW2.

On January 31st, 1943 the Ottawa Chapter of CSNA organized their first public demonstration in support of the Canadian Aid to Russia Fund in the Capitol Theatre under the sponsorship of the Governor General and Her Majesty, the Princess Alice. This event was a significant financial and moral success. Over 2200 participated and the crowd was quite enthusiastic. Dr. Palvásek made a speech, Czechoslovak music and songs were played, as well as Czechoslovak and Russian films. Net profit was $628.23.

On February 14th of a second demonstration was organized by the Ottawa Chapter, this time for the benefit of the Canadian and Czechoslovak Red Cross (CSRC). However, due to inclement weather attendance was below expectations and the profit was only $86. The efforts for the CSRC continued and up to date $208 was transferred to the central chapter of Toronto.

Important contribution to CSRC comes from the Czechoslovak sculptor Mrs. H. Stonard-Sachsová, who works under the sponsorship of the Ottawa Chapter and earnings from her works are donated to the CSRC in London. To date her efforts total $200 and were transferred to the Toronto Chapter. Work of Mrs. Stonard-Sachsová continues and is expected to bring more financial and promotional results.

On March 6th the Ottawa Chapter celebrated the birthday of the President-Liberator, T.G. Masaryk. Dr. F. Pavlásek delivered a speech, Mrs. H. Popper (a Chapter member) recited Czechoslovak poems, and national songs of Czechoslovakia were played. The chapter members then listened to a record of the speech of the President-Liberator which he had made on the 10th anniversary of the Czechoslovak Republic.

$22 was collected for one of the members of the chapter who suffered in a bad accident. The chapter also organized a celebration for General M.R. Štefánik. A speech was presented by the chair of CSNA Štefan Rudinský. It is in the plans to borrow paintings of the Czech masters from the U.S.A. and organize an exhibition in Ottawa as part of the October 28th celebrations of founding of CSR.

From May 3rd to May 8th a film Hangmen also die was shown under the Chapter’s sponsorship. Eighty parliamentary members and diplomats attended the premiere. The first meeting of the women assembly was held on May 13th. The topic of discussion was the preparation for the upcoming December bazaar. The proceeds from this action is intended for War Aid to CSR. Collection towards this action already started and in 6 days $100 was collected.

On May 18th the Ottawa chapter invited their Canadian friends to YMCA and showed them a documentary about the gathering of Sokol (a traditional fitness organization) and about Czechoslovakia. Mr. J Kash and Dr. F. Stein performed music by Antonín Dvořák. The room was decorated with Czechoslovak posters and passed were flyers about the Czechoslovak revolt.

On June 5th the Ottawa Chapter hosted members of the executive committee of the CSNA in Canada who gathered for the visit of the Czechoslovak president Eduard Beneš.

By Dr. Lotta Hitschmannová

P.S.
Lotta Hitschmanova launched and for 36 years headed Canada’s oldest overseas relief and development agency, the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada (now USC Canada) which helped to thousands of children for years following World War II which extended to the countries of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. More about this remarkable woman, read “Lotta: the Unitarian Service Committee story” by Clyde Sanger, first published in 1986 by Stoddart Publishing Co., Limited.

Translated by Jiří Krupka