USA: Hungarian-American Athletic Club of New Brunswick celebrates 100th anniversary

In 1913, a group of 13 Hungarian men, who won a competitive baseball game, decided to organize a club. A century later, the Hungarian American Athletic Club (HAAC) of New Brunswick continues to preserve its rich heritage, while remaining an integral part of the community. The Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary today.

The Hungarian American Athletic Club continues to be one of the leading social organizations serving the greater New Brunswick area. With annual donations, the Club actively supports the area Hungarian churches, organizations, scouts and the Szechenyi Magyar School to directly contribute to the growth and enrichment of the Hungarian American youth.

Immigrants from Hungary have been coming to Central! New Jersey since the 1880’s The majority of them arrived during three time periods; around the turn of the century, after World War Two, and following the Revolution of 1956.

The first Hungarian association in New Brunswick was the Szent Imre Herceg Egylet This burial and sick benefit society was founded in 1899 other mutual aid societies followed such as the Magyar Building and Loan Association and the newspaper Magyar Hirnok. Between 1904 and 1914 six churches, a synagogue, and the St Ladislaus School were built they served 4,500 first and second generation Hungarian-Americans.