BOOK NOTES

"A tribute to Ukrainian Chicagoland"

"Ukrainians of Chicagoland," by Myron B. Kuropas, Ph.D. Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia Publishing, 2006. 128 pp., softcover, $19.99. ISBN: 0-7385-4099-4.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - "A tribute to Ukrainian Chicagoland" is how Dr. Myron B. Kuropas' latest book is described by Arcadia Publishing, which specializes in books on local and regional history.

And, indeed it is.

"Ukrainians of Chicagoland" is a 128-page book filled with more than 200 photographs of the Ukrainian community from the Chicago area that has been active there since the late 1880s, arriving, as the author notes, during four separate periods: 1885-1914, 1923-1939, 1948-1960 and since 1991. Many of the high-quality photographs - of groups, individuals, events and institutions - are vintage photos of historic significance. Accompanying the photos are captions that tell the story of the community's endeavors in myriad fields.

The book is divided into seven chapters:

• "God and Country," focusing on Ukrainian Churches and Ukrainian Americans' service in the U.S. armed forces;
  
  
• "Fraternal Institutions," including the Ukrainian National Association, the Ukrainian Fraternal Association, the Providence Association of Ukrainian Catholics and the Ukrainian National Aid Association (which merged with Providence in 2000);
  
  
• "For an Independent Ukraine," focusing on Ukrainian Americans' efforts to secure the independence of their ancestral homeland;
  
  
• "Education, Youth and Sports," which covers the diverse organizations active in preserving Ukrainian identity, among them youth groups, choirs, dance troupes, sports teams;
  
  
• "Drama, Music, Art," focusing on the Ukrainian cultural heritage and the individuals and artistic groups that work in this field;
  
  
• "Ukrainian Village," a special section devoted to the Ukrainian neighborhood of Chicago and how it has developed through the years; and
  
  
• "Bridges to Ukraine," spotlighting programs that connect Chicago's Ukrainians and all of its residents to Ukraine.

Each chapter is richly illustrated by photos and accompanied by informative text that provides a capsule history of the specific topic. In addition, outstanding Ukrainian Americans who have made contributions in the political, economic and artistic realms are highlighted. Among them is Volodymyr Simenovych, a physician and multi-talented community leader whom the author describes as "the first ethno-nationally aware Ukrainian immigrant in Chicago." Thus, the book lives up to its billing as "a historical snapshot of one of the most dynamic ethnic communities in the United States."

"Ukrainians of Chicagoland" is clearly a labor of love, as the author is not only an immigration historian, but also a native son of Chicago. The author's inspiration for the book, he says, "was my immigrant parents, who spent their entire adult life working on behalf of the Ukrainian American community." Furthermore, he says his latest book is a gift to Ukrainians in the Chicago area.

Dr. Kuropas says he hopes his book introduces readers to "the rich, multi-faceted culture which continues to attract talented and committed people willing to preserve and develop it." He also says, "I hope that my book will clarify many of the misconceptions readers may have about Ukrainians."

Dr. Kuropas noted that if this book sells well, there is an opportunity to publish books about the Ukrainian communities of other areas, for example, Detroit, New York, Cleveland, Philadelphia and New Jersey. "I really hope other communities will take advantage of this opportunity and publish similar books through Arcadia," he added.

Arcadia Publishing is the largest publisher of regional history books in North America. It has published more than 3,000 titles, telling the stories of towns and cities, as well as focusing on regional topics such as industry, architecture, ethnic groups, transportation and other areas.

Dr. Kuropas holds a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and is the author of three books on Ukrainian immigration history. Currently he is an adjunct professor at Northern Illinois University.

"Ukrainians of Chicagoland" was officially launched on November 17 with an event at the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago and in conjunction with Chicago Ukrainians' celebration of the centennial of their formal presence in the area, which was marked by the establishment of St. Nicholas Parish.

The book is available at area bookstores, independent retailers and online book sellers, as well as such bookstore chains as Borders and Barnes & Noble, and directly from Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or by calling 888-313-2665.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, December 10, 2006, No. 50, Vol. LXXIV

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