Code,800001 Subject,"Dr. George Dobriah, Romanian Cultural Garden" Date,4/3/2005 Interviewer,Kellie Piko Abstract,"In this interview, Dr. George Dobraih discusses the Romanian community of Cleveland and their relationship with the Romanian Cultural Garden. He reflects on how and why the garden started, the bust of George Enescu, and the participation of the local Romanian community in regards to the garden. Other topics include his church community, family history, Romanian culture, and the Romanian Art Museum." Special Notes,Transcript in Participant Release File Folder minutes:, 0,"Background: George lives in Lakewood and is an International Consultant. He grew up in Gary, Indiana. He attended the University of Detroit where he received a Bachelors of Science and Economics Degree." 1,Secretary of the Union and Lee Romanian Societies of America. 2,Family from Romania: Arrived after WWI. Earliest Memory of the Cleveland Cultural Garden being a member of St. Mary's Church. 3,Statue of George Enescu: He was a famous Romanian composer very important in the cultural gardens. Romanian gardens important because it is a place where Romanians can Romanian gardens important because it is a place where Romanians can remember their heritage. 4,St. Mary's choir named after Enescu:This is the only place his name is used in writing. Good Story! Occupation of his parents 5,General Pulmutz: He fought in the Civil War for the North. George Dobrrah would like to add this statue to the Romanian Cultural Gardens. 6,General Pulmutz statue is in the Church courtyard. 7,Only one Statue in Garden: Romanians not very active 8,Romanians do not have as good a relationship with the Romanian government like the Polish and Czechoslovakians do. 9,1940 World's Fair and the Romanian Pavilion 10,Delay in development of the Romanian cultural Garden: because the Romanians were not organized as a community. 11,Romanian Families Settled: around W. 65th and Detroit. Romanian Bank was established here. Many of these residents were proud of the gardens but they were not their top priority. 12,Some Romanians participate in cultural dancing but they should be doing more to celebrate heritage. 13,Placement of the Garden: He would like to see it in a different place because the garden is at the very end of the stretch. Folk Dancing 14,"Che Za Taiu Dance Group: Consists of a group of 5, 6 and 7 year olds. The title of their group means sewing circle. This group was founded at St. Mary's. Good Story!" 15,"Church Museum: St. Mary's museum teaches young people the importance of their heritage. Being Romanian: American first, but Romanian heritage is very important. Romanian Language: Romance language." 16,Romanian Culture: Mr. Dobrrah felt that he should have promoted the Romanian culture a little more with his family. 17,Family involvement in Romanian Culture: All of his children are inter-married and not extremely active in the Romanian culture. 18,Daughter performs at Romanian festivals. Family considers themselves more American then Romanian. The cultural gardens are not their top priority. 19,"Parents emphasis on Romanian Culture: George's parents put a greater emphasis on Romanian culture by sending him to Romanian school, which was part of his church and taught after regular school hours." 20,Language of St. Mary's Mass: The mass is usually said in Romanian as well as English. Some individuals do not like this. 21,Newcomers in Church: Many of these individuals are not the largest financial contributors but they work at many church functions. Lenten Fish Fry accomplishment 22,Romanian Residents Today: Many reside in Parma and West park. George Enescu: Internationally recognized. 23,Dancing 24,George Paris: He has done an excellent job as president. People need to support more. President of Romania: George showed him the museum at St. Mary's as well as the Cultural Gardens. 25,Romanian Art Museum: St. Mary's has the largest Romanian Art Museum outside of Romania. 26,Lack of Statues in Garden: Money is a problem 27,Contributions to the Church: People would rather contribute to the church then invest money in the garden. 28,Improving the Garden: The Cultural Gardens will improve over time because many Romanians are proud of their culture and heritage. 29,Romanian Flag: People upset when the flag fell down. 30,Romanians Born in Romania: Financially stable and some are more interested in making money instead of contributing money. 31,"Supporting the Church Financially (tape cut off), Honorary Council for the State of Ohio: Diplomatic Status. Mr. Dobrrah travels throughout the state." 32,University Work: Worked with CSU and Case to promote Romanian culture. 33,Goals of Diplomatic Work: Helped lobby for Romania to become involved with N.A.T.O. The current goal is for Romania to become part of the European Union. Romanian Independence Day 34,George Paris: Important to the Cultural Gardens. Did not want the configuration of the gardens to change. A resolution was passed to avoid this from happening. 35,Honorary Council Membership: Not a paid position. He helps with immigration problems. He also deals with problems with Romanian pension programs as well as passport renewal problems. 36,Proud of Gardens: Newcomers are proud of the gardens. 37,Support from Romanian Community: Individuals used to give more support. It’s a challenge for young people to get involved. 38,Education: Young people are more educated today. 39,Reflecting on his Family: Feels he should have done more to get his own children involved in the community. 40,Lack of Appreciation for the gardens. Italian Gardens: Are run down but beautiful. 41,Polish Gardens: Larger number of Clevelanders so people pay more attention to the garden. Gardens Run Down: Gardens are run down because of the financial problems. Cleveland has to deal with as well as the safety of the area. 42,Location: Many people would like to visit but sometimes the location of the area is a problem. 43,Visiting Gardens 44,Museum Visit; Romanian Folk Costumes 45,Romanian Folk Costumes 46,"Romanian Food Dishes: Stuffed Cabbage, Beef Stew" 47,Church Weddings 48,History of Easter