History of our Club

Early in 1923, a group of twelve Croatian men from the Lorain community, under the leadership of Rok Dominick, met and organized the American Croatian Political Club. The group originally met monthly at “Dominick’s Hall” located at 1688 East 28th Street, Lorain, Ohio. On May 11,1923, the following founding members created and signed the Articles of Incorporation: Rok Dominick, Michael G. Pozega, M.E. Lukesic, John Zvosecz, Mike Kanoti, Joseph Rebok, Martin Knezetic, Frank Kostelich, George Marks, John Radman, Frank Fertalj, and Paul Siladi. By May 12th the Articles of Incorporation were registered at the Lorain County Courthouse, Elyria, Ohio. Then on May 14th, the Secretary of State, Thad Brown, in Columbus, Ohio, granted the Charter to the American Croatian Political Club with the following purposes of the organization:

To assist in the Americanization of Croatians and those of Croatian descent in Lorain

To stimulate interest and study of city, state, and national forms of government and to actively participate in the election of the officials thereof

To instruct Croatians and those of Croatian descent who were not citizens of the United States of America and to enable them to become citizens

To promote social and educational advancement of Croatians and those of Croatian descent in the City of Lorain, Ohio

To maintain clubrooms for social entertainment and education which can be lawfully conducted for physical and intellectual development of the members of the club

To participate diligently in promoting of the progress of this locality in moral respect according to its means, to aid all cultural and educational organizations, such as sports, singing clubs, and libraries

The American Croatian Political Club (the Club) elected Martin Knezetic, the first President, who continued to serve for 25 years and Steve Keshery, the first Secretary. As soon as Saint Vitus Church located at 1785 East 32nd Street, Lorain, Ohio, was fully constructed; the meetings quickly moved to the church basement.

In 1947, under the leadership of then President Joseph B. Grubic, father of current President Richard J. Grubic, the Club applied to the Department of Liquor Control, State of Ohio, for a license. Once the license was granted on January 11, 1948, the Club leased the original Grove Theater, utilizing the building for general club and meeting space.

In 1950, under the leadership of then President Joseph M. Katkic, the Club purchased Dianne’s Recreation on Grove Avenue which included bowling lanes and a restaurant. The restaurant was renovated into the new clubroom while the lanes were modernized and opened to the public.

In 1953, under the leadership of Katherine Lukesic, American Croatian Ladies Auxiliary was formed and Mary Pribanic Sislowski was elected the first President in December 1953. The Auxiliary was very active in providing social events for the club while hosting exclusive, women only events, such as card parties and luncheons. As a result of declining membership and participation the Auxiliary disbanded in November 1986.

The American Croatian Ladies Auxiliary was resurrected in April 2000 with the installation of Eleanor Pulgine, as President. The purpose of the Auxiliary was to preserve the Croatian heritage for future generations. They were instrumental in providing kolo outfits for the Veseli Plesači (Happy Dancers) and Ladies Auxiliaries’ aprons to wear during their fundraising and participation in club activities. The Auxiliary disbanded because of declining participation.

In 1960, under the leadership of then President Joseph Katkic, the Club purchased the Grove Theater and remodeled it into the new clubroom. The existing clubroom was renovated into the “Lira Room,” by the generous support of the Lira Tamburitzans, American Croatian Ladies Auxiliary, CFU Lodge 136, CFU Lodge 140, and individual members of the Club. The “Lira Room” provided space for meetings, tambura and kolo practices, plus availability for rental to members and the public for social gatherings, graduation parties, as well as bridal and baby showers. The clubroom boasted a “Block W” bar counter design which was extremely rare and very unique construction; it was said to be the only one between Chicago and New York.

In 1997, under the leadership of our current and longest presiding President Richard J, Grubic, serving faithfully nearly 30 years, the name of the club was officially changed to American Croatian Club. In October, the South Lorain location at 28th Street and Grove Avenue was sold with mixed feelings to Rite Aid Pharmacy. Even though many members left behind happy memories at the South Lorain location, the move provided the Club with the ability to stay solvent while increasing its ability to promote the social and educational advancement of Croatians and their descendants. The Club meetings were temporarily moved back to Saint Vitus Church until a new location was secured.

In April 1998, under the leadership of Club President Richard J Grubic, Riviera Swim Club, located at 4850 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, Ohio, was purchased from Tom and Sandy Ivancic. The over three-acre recreation facility originally included three swimming pools, tennis courts, playground area, picnic pavilion, as well as volleyball, basketball, and shuffleboard courts. On the suggestion of member Steve “Tuffy” Derifaj, the name of the facility was soon changed to Adriatic Swim Club. New construction on the clubroom and rental hall began in April 1999. Plans were also created for a dedicated space to house a Croatian Cultural Center.

As interest in Croatian and social memberships grew, so did interest in additional social gatherings and rental facilities. Continued membership growth prompted the need for further expansion of the clubroom and bar in 2002. Even though social membership and Croatian participation in club activities saw continued growth, the swim club membership drastically declined. Years of declining swim club members, increased expenses, and ever-increasing pool maintenance prompted active members to vote on the removal of the main pool in 2017, and dropping the name Adriatic Swim Club. By 2019, unburdened by the ever-rising swim club costs, the Club facility was redesigned and renovated; doubling both the bar size and clubroom space. The clubroom now includes other amenities such as dart boards, a pool table, and gaming machines as well as many large screen televisions for members to view their favorite sporting events. In 2022, the last pool was removed to provide more space for future development.

The American Croatian Club only exists because of the vision of its founding members and the continued hard work and dedication of their descendants. The collective pride of our heritage has enabled our Club to promote and preserve the Croatian Culture to Lorain, Northern Ohio, and Croatian Diaspora. The hardworking individuals who contributed to our Club’s success, passed down their work ethic and Hrvatski Ponos (Croatian Pride) from generation to generation.

Thank you to the countless number of volunteers and dedicated Croatian descendants who are participating today to keep this Club alive and strong; the future of the American Croatian Club looks very promising. Živjeli!