Local authors John T. Sabol and Lisa A. Alzo teamed up to create two pictorial histories showcasing Cleveland’s ethnic history. The outcome is Cleveland Czechs and Cleveland Slovaks from Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series.
Both authors used their background in history, genealogical research and writing to create these historic accounts using more than 200 vintage photographs in each book. Sabol is a Cleveland native, writer and historian who has published several church histories and genealogical articles. Alzo, a freelance writer, instructor and lecturer, is the author of six books and numerous magazine articles and serves on the board of directors for the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International.
Highlights of Cleveland’s Czechs:
• The book seeks to track the geographical movement of the Czech community from its beginnings to its current status.
• Cleveland's Czech community is one of the area's oldest European ethnic groups, with a presence in the area even before the Civil War.
• The book highlights the contribution Czechs had made to Cleveland cultural, business and intellectual life.
• The photographs give readers a glimpse of Czech neighborhoods and their importance to Cleveland's history.
Highlights of Cleveland’s Slovaks:
• The book seeks to track the history of Cleveland’s Slovak community from its beginnings to its current status, with special emphasis on churches, organizations, Slovak nationalism, adoption of American values, recreation and famous individuals.
• Beginning with a small core of immigrants seeking work aboveground rather than in the coal mines of neighboring states, the Slovak community grew through a giant chain migration.
• Although many of the Slovak churches are closed, Slovak culture still remains strong in the Greater Cleveland Area.
• The photographs show their neighborhoods and family life and give readers an appreciation of the community's legacy.
Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or
(888)-313-2665.
Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.
