By Anna Yoder | Columnist

My grandfather was a 17-year-old Ukrainian immigrant who, along with his immediate family and other close relatives, settled in an ethnic neighborhood of my hometown. The large number of immigrant Ukrainian families who settled there sought out a gathering place where they could enjoy comradery while embarking on their new lives in America. My grandfather happened to be a founding member of this new gathering place called the “Ukrainian Club’’ or the ‘Ukes’ as members called it. It was a family-oriented social hall where Ukrainian families and other local residents would gather to share stories, ethnic food, and culture. Everyone who gathered felt welcomed and safe. A nice memory but what does it have to do with this column?

While on a search for a local option for a fish fry during Lent, my husband and I encountered another family-oriented social hall whose members enthusiastically shared their culture as I experienced growing up at the “Ukes”– it was the Croatian National Hall Javor (CNH Javor).

I know I sound like a broken record when I say that the Northside is steeped in history and CNH Javor is no exception. Based on “love for their homeland, songs and melodies,” Croatians living on the Northside in 1905 formed a “singing society” which flourished. However, the singers longed to have a “DOM” (home) or gathering place for fellow Croatians. In 1917, Old Cecilia Hall was purchased as their gathering place to meet and celebrate. Sadly in 1977, Old Cecilia Hall was razed for the East Street expressway and the singers relocated to the current East Street location. Today, the singing society has been re-invented as an ensemble called Javor Tambura which is its own entity but strongly connected to CNH Javor .

I believe many Northsiders have seen the CNH Javor on East Street from the outside; but it is the annual fish fry which is open to the public that can provide a glimpse into this historic club and their UNBELIEVABLE hospitality. From the moment we stepped into the CNH Javor social hall, I was transported back to the Ukes with my family. We were warmly greeted as if we were long lost friends, politely yet efficiently given the “run down” on the fish fry menu, how we ordered, and how we would be served. My husband and I were then promptly seated at a typical banquet table next to another couple who totally embraced us as if they knew us forever! The club volunteers were cordial, engaging, and super friendly. There were meal choices of fried fish, baked fish or shrimp accompanied by two scrumptious side dishes which included a green salad, macaroni and cheese, or zelje salata (Croatian coleslaw) — a mouthwatering vinaigrette style coleslaw.

However, the real treat of the fish fry was the Croatian desserts bake sale. The desserts are extra but worth a fortune! Meticulously prepared, beautifully presented, and utterly sinful from the baklava, banana cake (yes there is a real whole banana in the center of this mouthwatering concoction), plus torts, marzipan peaches, etc. Talk about temptation during Lent!

According to Mary Sestric — CNH Javor board member — the fish fry is a much-loved public event and one way that the CNH Javor “opens its doors to welcome all” and gives non-members a chance “to get to know them.” It’s also a way for the CNH Javor to be an active part of the diverse fabric of the Northside. What sets this club apart from others in the Northside is that it provides a gathering place for Croatians to “share energy and culture” with all members. And you need not be Croatian to be a social member! Mary further described the fish fry as putting “an extra touch” to the beloved Pittsburgh tradition of searching for the best fish fry during Lent. I can vouch that the CNH Javor fish fry is definitely in the running!

As Mary further explained, CNH Javor desires to be an “open and welcoming part of the community” which has Croatian regular members and non-Croatian friends as social members. CNH Javor is also committed to being a “good neighbor” and strongly desires to “plug into what the wider [Northside] community is doing” combined with “trying to be responsible to [Croatian] traditions … with an eye toward the future.”

CNH Javor also strives to “tie into current day happenings and strike a bal- ance between tradition and the future.” In 2023, the first ever “Croatian Day” at a Pirates game attracted 300 attendees. This event celebrated the old and new world beginning with a pre-game tailgate at the CNH Javor with Croatian food, beverages, and bands which “allowed for a mix of American and Croatian traditions.”

If you drive by and think that the CNH Javor is closed, think again! There is much going on and much more to come! For more information on their beloved public fish fry, membership, and future happenings at the CHN Javor, check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/cnhjavor or email them at cnhjavor@yahoo.com Vidimo se večeras, Javor! (See you soon at the Javor!)

P.S. “Javor” means “maple tree” in Croatian!

Croatian National Hall Javor is located at 805 East St.