History

           The Ukrainian American Citizens’ Association was founded on August 22,1909 with 35 members. By year's end, membership had increased to 68 and plans were made to acquire a building.

            In 1910, the Association rented a building located at 822 N. Franklin Street . At the general meeting of December 18, 1910 , it was recorded that the Association had 204 members. The total income in 1910 was over $400.00 and the cash in the treasury increased from $25.55 to $143.41.

            Between 1911 and 1915, the Association saw continued growth in membership and cultural activities. A significant event was the purchase of 822 N. Franklin Street and the building of a new hall at a cost of $12,533.97. To put this figure in perspective, a gallon of whiskey cost $2.50, a gallon of wine was $1.50 and a full barrel of beer cost $6.50. The rental fee for the Club hall was $8.00.

            During the war years of 1916 to 1918 and postwar years, the Association provided financial aid to Ukrainian causes and assisted in resettling Ukrainian refugees arriving in America . In those years, $150.00 was donated for refugee assistance.

            A landmark achievement occurred in 1922. The former “Mercantile Hall” located at 847 N. Franklin Street was purchased. The hall was dedicated and opened on December 3,1922 and remains the home of the Association until the present day. The new hall rapidly became the center of community life in Philadelphia . A variety of Ukrainian organizations were headquartered there.

            Continual growth of the Association in community activities occurred as Ukrainian involvement in the American political process began. In 1931, the Ukrainian community sponsored the candidacy of Major Michael Darmopray for Philadelphia City Council. The members of the Association provided many hours of volunteer work and a donation of $50.00. As an example of the vigorous health of the Association at that time, the total income in 1931 was $12,546.87 and in 1935 was $17,482.68. Remember, those were the Depression years when a brand new Ford could be purchased for $350.00.

            As America entered World War II, community and cultural activities of the Association continued. Many members entered the Armed Forces while those remaining on the home front participated in the general American war effort. An honor roll of members in the Armed Forces was prepared and assistance to the wives and children of these servicemen was provided. Food packages averaging $10.00 to $15.00 were periodically sent to all members serving in war zones.

            In 1944, a massive relief assistance effort for Ukrainians began. From 1945 to 1950, the foremost activity of the Association, and indeed all other Ukrainian organizations in the United States , was the resettlement of Ukrainians displaced by the war in Europe .

            The Displaced Persons Act of 1948 permitted over 300,000 immigrants to enter the United States. The Association responded by sponsoring immigrants, providing shelter and food to any in need of such assistance, assisting in the teaching of English, and in general helping them become acclimated to life in Philadelphia . The financial report of that time shows that over $5,000 was spent on such assistance. As a contrast, the average median salary of an American worker in 1949 was $47.00. This influx of Ukrainian immigrants led to the rapid growth in both community activities and membership.

            The 1950’s and early 1960’s saw the beginning of a massive redevelopment effort by the Philadelphia City government in the areas surrounding the Association. This entailed the demolition of a large number of buildings and was the direct cause of the eviction of many Ukrainians who lived there.

            In the spring of 1963, the Association purchased the city block bounded by Poplar Street on the north and Parrish Street on the south, Franklin Street on the west and 7^th Street on the east. This property was purchased for $40,000.00.

            The short-sighted City Redevelopment effort and subsequent deterioration of the neighborhood led to the gradual decline in membership and an erosion of the financial health of the Association. The late 1970’s saw the lowest point of this decline as most Ukrainian families had moved to other areas.

            The 1980’s saw the involvement of a new generation of Ukrainians in the Association. This generation whose parents immigrated to America after World War II, began the work of restoring the Association to its former active role in the Ukrainian community. Many new and varied projects were begun and foundations laid for others. The year 1984 saw a significant improvement in both new membership and renewed financial vigor. 

            The new Millennium has seen the Association continuing to make strides in its renewal. New immigrants are becoming members as well as participating in the governing of the Association. Although many problems remain, we are confident that the Association will survive to celebrate 100 years of service to the Ukrainian community in 2009.