[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17975]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 AMERICAN SERB HALL, THE FIRST 50 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2000

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I wish to join in the tribute to a true 
southside Milwaukee landmark, the American Serb Memorial Hall, as the 
community celebrates the hall's 50th birthday this month.
  Located at South 51st Street and West Oklahoma Avenue, on Milwaukee's 
southside, Serb Hall, as it's commonly known, has been a fixture in the 
city for the last half century for wedding receptions, banquets, 
lunches and dinners, political rallies and yes, even bowling leagues. 
When constructed in 1950, Serb Hall was by far the most complete and 
modem facility of its kind on the south and southwest side of 
Milwaukee. The hall was expanded in 1987 to accommodate increasing 
business and renovated in 1999.
  The hall was originally dedicated on September 1, 1950 to honor the 
local members of the Serbian orthodox faith who served in the American 
armed forces. 15 of those young men lost their lives in defense of our 
nation. They are honored today in a full-wall memorial in the lobby of 
Serb Hall. I was honored to attend the very moving dedication ceremony 
for that memorial.
  Any mention of Serb Hall is not complete without focusing on two very 
traditional events--the Friday fish fry and visits by political 
dignitaries. The first fish fry was held at Serb Hall in 1967 and the 
lunches and dinners continue to this day supplemented by a drive-
through window and carry-out service. The line of cars in the drive-
through oftentimes circles the parking lot and can even extend into the 
street during the Lenten season.
  Without a doubt, many individuals seeking major political office 
realize the historical and cultural significance of holding a rally at 
Serb Hall. From Milwaukee mayors, police chiefs, US congressmen and 
Wisconsin Governors to United States Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, 
Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush and Clinton, all have spoken at Serb 
Hall either as elected officials or candidates.
  It is my pleasure to wish the Milwaukee Serbian community all the 
best as you celebrate 50 years of Serb Hall success. Best wishes for 
the next 50 and well beyond.

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