INFORMATION BULLETIN

The “Avram Iancu” Society was founded on February 21, 1909 by Alexandru Bacila, who was also its first president; Ambrosie Neder, Vichente Bugariu, George Zamfir, Corneliu Trambitas, loan Voichita, Alexandru Mosoara, Teodor Morar, loan Stanciu and others. Its other officers were Remus Georgevici, vice-president; George Zamfir, recording secretary; George Flusiu, financial secretary; Vichente Bugariu, treasurer; Vasile Popovici and Stefan Borlea, auditors.

The society’s standards were blessed on May 30, 1916. In a procession on Fifth Avenue, headed by 50 Romanian flags, they were taken to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where they were blessed by five Romanian Greek Catholic priests, led by Rev. Epaminonda Lucaciu.

During World War I, they contributed over $500 to the Red Cross, gave $200 toward buying an ambulance for the Army and also donated to the National Fund, toward a National Fleet, for the University at Valenii-de-Munte, and to the General Dragalina Lyceum in Romania.

On May 6, 1917, a committee of Romanian women under the direction of Mrs. Ambrosie Neder was formed under the auspices of the “Avram Iancu” Society to work with the Red Cross to collect clothing and shoes for Romania. They collected $2,418 and bought thirty crates of bandages, cotton and medical instruments which they sent to Romania.

After the war, the society sponsored various social events, the proceeds of which went to orphans in Romania. In 1927, they contributed $100 toward a fund to help cover expenses of the Romanian professors who were guests of Columbia University.

The society observed its 25th anniversary in 1932 with great pomp. Mr. Friderich Palievici was president at the time. When there was talk of building a church in New York City, they were ready to support the idea, donating $250 to the cause. Today, in its 37th year, the society meets regularly every first Saturday of the month in the social hall of the “St. Dumitiru” Church. Its present officers are: Alex-andru Veres, president; Hie Barbu, vice-president; Emilian Ovesia, secretary; George Bukur, financial secretary and treasurer; John Raica, Vasile Jederan, Pompei Todor, Nicholas Chalamon, Avisalon Marian, George Salajan, Vasile Marincas, and Nick Jiga, members of the committee.

The Avram Iancu Society is a member of the Union and League of Romanian Societies in America. Rev. Ambrosie Neder is the oldest member of the society; he was one of the founders.

(Reproduced from “The New Pioneer,” 3,2.)