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Z.C.B.J Lodge in Richmond, Iowa
The Zapadni Cesko Bratrska Jednota (Z.C.B.J.) organization was supposedly founded in 1897. Prior to that time, members were part of the first organized Czechoslovak fraternal group called Cesko-Slovanske Podporujici Spolecnosti (C.S.P.S.) - in English: Czech Slavonic Benevolent Society. The Z.C.B.J. when translated into English is - Western Bohemian Fraternal Association. There was a lodge (Zora) of Z.C.B.J., organized in Richmond, IA (Lodge number 112). Middle row, 3rd from the left, is supposed to be Anthony Horak (he was a tall man and may be sitting on a hay bale). Meanings for the Czech words on the picture: rad - means lodge, zalozen – means founding, rijna- means October.
Janet Beranek Hume provided this picture. Paul Nemecek of the Czech & Slovak American Genealogy Society of Illinois (CSAGSI) provided the explanation of the organization. If you can identify other people in the picture or have more information on this lodge, please email me.
Last updated 21 Jan 2014