A Brief History of the Croatian Radio Club
The American-Croatian Radio Club traces its beginnings to 1953. At that time, the Federation of Croatian Societies, Inc., which is a coordinating committee made up of representatives of most Croatian civic, cultural, religious and sports organizations in Milwaukee and vicinity, felt there was an urgent need for a weekly radio hour in the Croatian language. As a result, the Federation of Croatian Societies, Inc. bought a Sunday time slot from 8 to 9 am on WTMJ for $600 and sponsored the Croatian Radio Hour for six months. Before the end of the year, to be exact, on December 6th, 1953, the American Croatian Radio Club was established and put in charge of the weekly Croatian Radio Hour. The first fundraiser was organized in 1954, to cover the expenses of $50 per hour for broadcasting the program. The first sponsors advertising their businesses were: Schaff Funeral Home, Avenue Discount Liquor, Rupena’s Fine Foods and Dr. Matt Dejanovich. Father Vendelin Vasil, o.f.m., then pastor of St. Augustine’s Parish in West Allis, was the language and program consultant. To this day, the American Croatian Radio Club maintains the Croatian Hour.
Since 1953 the American-Croatian Radio Club has steadily grown, so that today it still has active and supporting members. If one were to give a detailed history of the Club, they would have to mention hundreds of names of active members, supporters, friends and participants in the Croatian Radio Hour. The American Croatian Radio Club continues to have the support of the Croatian community of Milwaukee and vicinity.
The listeners of the Croatian Hour enjoy listening to the Croatian language, music and information regarding activities in the Croatian community, including births, marriages, birthdays and also the sad news on who has left us for their eternal rest.
The American-Croatian Radio Club has always supported the idea of a free, independent and democratic Croatia.
We celebrated 73 years of existence on October 25th. 2016. May we continue to enjoy the Radio Hour for many more years to come and with the help and support of our dedicated listeners we will. Your help and support is vital in keeping us on the air.