St Vid Lodge No 541
The St. Vid Lodge No. 541 and the Junior Nest No. 203 of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America once gathered at 301 Cavitt Ave in Trafford. This building initially served to house the First National Bank of Trafford from 1904 to 1906. Multiple tenants followed the bank operations until the St. Vid Lodge purchased the building in 1946 making it an ideal location for social and business meetings. The Trafford Lodge was founded in 1915, with the Junior Order being organized in 1922.
Betty Sonovick Manalovich (1941-1993), Trafford High Class of 1959, once served as Treasurer for the CFU Nest 203 and was actively involved in carrying on the cultures and traditions of her Eastern Europe heritage by performing and teaching traditional folk dances. Her father, Robert Sonovick, once served as Trafford’s Mayor. These photos were shared with us by Betty’s family. We hope that by posting them here you may be able to recognize one of the participants who belonged to the former fraternal club or perhaps a classmate of hers from the 6th Grade Class of 1953 or the Senior High Graduating Class of 1959.
Betty Sonovick (1941-1993) is seen here in the back row of this young dancer’s troupe. Photo not dated.
6th Grade Class - Trafford - 1953 - The back of the photo lists only the teacher’s names Miss Wichmeyer and Mrs. Carnack
Trafford High Class of 1959 with Supervising Principal Charles Hostetler standing on the far right and High School Principal Leo Semes.
