Highlights from the UNA's 110-year history

A special yearlong feature focusing on the history of the Ukrainian National Association,
which this year marks its 110th anniversary.

By the time of the fourth convention of the UNA, then still known as the Rusyn National Association, the fraternal organization has grown in both assets and membership. There were now 1,019 members and $2,944.93 in assets. At the convention, held on June 8, 1897, in Mayfield Pa., delegates decided that members would pay an additional 25 cents in due annually to cover the expenses of delegates who traveled to the UNA's conventions. It was also determined that for each 20 members, there would be one delegate to represent them. The convention re-elected Ivan Glova as president.

The organization's fifth convention took place in Shenandoah on June 7-8, 1898, with 24 delegates in attendance. There was good news on the membership front as 574 new members had joined the UNA and total membership now stood at 1,593. Assets also grew, amounting to $5,688.57.

The convention voted to raise death benefits from $500 to $600. It was also determined that members who could not afford the monthly dues of 50 cents could pay in 25 cents and be entitled to a death benefit of $300.

Other notable convention decisions: conventions would henceforth be held once every two years, while the Supreme Assembly would meet annually. Delegates elected a new supreme president, Yuriy Khyliak, who had held the post of UNA treasurer during the previous three terms.

Source: "Ukrainian National Association: Its Past and Present, (1894-1964)," by Anthony Dragan (translated from the original Ukrainian by Zenon Snylyk). Jersey City, N.J.: Svoboda Press, 1964.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, March 7, 2004, No. 10, Vol. LXXII

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