By: Thomas Stepec
With what is likely to be highly anticipated by our Cleveland area readers, we will soon be enjoying the arrival of Spring at the Slovenska Pristava. 2026 marks a heralded and exciting milestone event for our members: Our beloved Slovenska Pristava will be celebrating the 65th anniversary of its formation. We hope you will join us at Pristava this season and celebrate with us.
How it all began!
For so many forced to flee Slovenia after WWII, there was a longing for anything to fill the void of leaving their homeland, their families, friends, and their culture. Though many of the existing Slovenian parishes and cultural organizations in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area offered places to assemble and share in our Slovenian culture, many felt the need to create a place, away from the concrete and noise of the city, molded and built by this community of Slovenians. It would be a sanctuary where families could gather and share stories and their common history and celebrate life, all in their own language. It would be a place where children could play, safely and freely, and form lasting bonds.
During 1961, the vision became a reality. A committee of inspired leaders of the Slovenian community set out to find a place. A piece of land was acquired that was large enough to support the vision; close enough to town so that people would be willing to make the trip regularly; scenic, to be reminiscent of images of the Slovenian countryside that were becoming a fading memory; and, of course, affordable enough for a community of people that in 1961 had modest incomes.
Slovenksa Pristava’s roots can be traced back to the purchase agreement, signed in May, 1961, to purchase the Busch Farm from George and Ethel Busch. The approximately 76-acre farm, located in a remote, idyllic country setting in Harpersfield, Ohio, was purchased for a price of $21,000, with a deposit of $300 paid to finalize the purchase with the agreement signed by Jerry Slak, Marko Sfiligoj, and Frank Zalar, Sr. In raising the monies needed to finance the purchase price, dedicated volunteers diligently sought investors among the Slovenian community by asking for an investment of $100 per share.
For those who have visited Slovenska Pristava in recent years, many have found themselves in awe of the remarkable evolution of the facility. Those of us who have been members, coming here for decades, all appreciate the immeasurable efforts that have been expended over the years that transformed what was once merely acres of open field and overgrown woods to the extraordinary facility we enjoy today.
How was it built into what it is today?
Slovenska Pristava today represents the culmination of 65 years of the unrelenting resolve of determined, dedicated, hard-working volunteers who committed their time and skills for the benefit of ongoing generations of the Slovenian community.
During Pristava’s formative years, early to mid-1960’s, these volunteers were primarily tradesmen: carpenters, electricians, masons, very skilled in their trades. And let’s not forget those who came to cook and serve meals that satisfied the hearty appetites of these hard workers.
As a testament to the resolve and dedication of these volunteers, many worked their trade occupations all day, then drove, many all the way from Cleveland, a one-hour drive, to volunteer weeknights and weekends. Personal accounts, as described over the years by many of the volunteers from those early years, made clear to anyone listening, that although the work was hard, they all relished working together as a community to build their vision.
First, in the early 1960’s came a structure that included restrooms, a modest sized kitchen, a bar and enclosed hall which were outgrown not long after construction. Then came the Chapel, dedicated as “Orlo Vrh”, perhaps the first observation a visitor would have while driving the long, winding, entrance driveway. The Chapel was built to memorialize those lost during and after World War II. The first swimming pool arrived a little later along with balinca courts. And, in the early 1970’s, came Lobe Hall named in honor of founding member, Hinko Lobe.
Over the years to come, additional generations of volunteers successfully constructed, (not necessarily in chronological order) a more spacious bar area; a new and updated kitchen; an outdoor, covered, pavilion large enough to hold cultural performances; a reception hall, known as Lausche Hall, named after the prominent Slovenian, Frank Lausche the former Mayor of Cleveland and Governor and U.S. Senator from Ohio. In 2010 came a second upgraded swimming pool, one of world-class size and caliber; followed by renovations to the chapel, the building of new volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, and the expansion of the campground area to accommodate cabins built by members.
With all these amazing amenities, Slovenska Pristava evolved into an ideal setting for members to hold various family events such as weddings, wedding and baby showers, and family and other group reunion events. Slovenska Pristava has also become a “mecca” for hosting of a broad range of cultural events such as concert bands, choral groups and dance performances. The experience would rival that of any country club.
Many of our readers have experienced the pleasure of attending various picnic events held year after year on the grounds during “picnic season,” June into early October. Memories abound for those attending these picnic events that enable members, particularly young members and children, to socialize, deepen social connections, perpetuate our Slovenian culture and heritage, and celebrate life.
One of the star attractions of Slovenska Pristava is its outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool. For many of our “sun worshipping” members, it is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the sun and refreshing waters of the pool, and connect with many members and guests. Since the completion of the first pool in 1964 and later its replacement in 2010, the pool has helped create many fond memories for those who have enjoyed it including many generations of Camp Pristava participants.
The Camp Pristava Experience
Approximately 60 years ago, during the Summer of August 1965, “Camp Pristava” held its first children’s summer camp. This endearing demonstration of Pristava’s community dedication to our children, has been a wonderful and delightful, annual event and highly anticipated each year by the attending youth.
With the consistent support of various volunteer groups of dedicated counselors and cooks, our young people have had the opportunity to spend a week at Pristava’s grounds engaged in hiking, swimming, playing a wide array of games, performing skits, and learning about our Slovenian heritage. To this day, memories abound amongst adult members who had attended Camp Pristava as children. Through Camp Pristava, lifelong friendships have been made. Many, over the years have suggested that those behind the planning and organizing of Camp Pristava for children should organize a version for adults, 50 and up. We will keep you posted should that suggestion ever come to fruition.
Slovenska Pristava, a Legacy and Tribute to Generations of Slovenians
It seems to be commonly understood, among many circles globally, that Slovenians have a reputation for being very hard-workers. Much of this trait is driven by a strong sense of pride and love for their Slovenian heritage. Slovenska Pristava certainly reflects the physical manifestation of the Slovenian work-ethic and Slovenian pride for their heritage.
For those founding fathers, living and deceased, far too many to mention here by name, who unselfishly and diligently pursued their vision in creating Slovenska Pristava 65 years ago, one can only envision the proud and joyful smiles on their faces as they witness, from above, the fruition of their vision. As members, we are forever indebted and eternally grateful to them all!
It also goes without saying that much gratitude is also extended to those deserving key volunteers that go above and beyond in maintaining Slovenska Pristava today. Again, too many names to be mentioned here, but we know who you are. Your consistent and diligent efforts truly reflect your pride and love for our Slovenska Pristava and of the community it serves. We thank you immensely!
What does the Slovenska Pristava mean to the Cleveland Community?
Slovenska Pristava continues to be an integral part of Cleveland’s cultural landscape and continues to foster a sense of community among its members and general Slovenian American population. With God’s grace and the continued support of members and volunteers, may Slovenska Pristava continue to flourish and continue to serve as a sanctuary and haven for future generations. For many members of our Slovenska Pristava community, their family’s steadfast engagement and visits to Slovenska Pristava span up to five family generations. That is a remarkable statistic, reflecting a testament to the significance of the legacy of the Slovenska Pristava.
Come Visit Us/ Learn More!
If you are not familiar with the Slovenska Pristava, we invite you to learn more. If your Summer, 2026 travels bring you near Cleveland, Ohio, come see it for yourself. One visit and you will understand why so many love it so much.
In 2024, Slovenska Pristava conducted a new membership drive that was warmly received and positively yielded the addition of approximately 80 new members. New members are always welcome. The addition of new members, particularly young families, will help solidify the ongoing legacy of the Slovenska Pristava, benefitting generations to come. To learn more about the Slovenska Pristava, membership requirements and application, and the fun-filled 2026 Calendar of Events, please visit our website at slovenskapristava.com.
For those not aware, there is a heartwarming video on YouTube.com showcasing the Slovenska Pristava, it is entitled: “Slovenska Pristava – Bringing Slovenija to the United States”. (Note: The URL Link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cZG4nsNYl8). The video offers a touching, historical insight into its origin and video highlights of the Slovenska Pristava premises and various events.
Of the many hosts featured in the video, the following profound and touching quote from our beloved, late Dr. Edi Gobetz, captures the essence and strength of our Slovenian heritage: “We will eventually be buried, but our Slovenian culture won’t. It will survive.”. So true, Edi!
Happy 65th Anniversary, Slovenska Pristava! We wish you many years of “Slovenia in America.”
