Birthplace of the SPJST
La Grange, Fayette County, Texas
Marker Inscription
On December 28, 1896, twenty-five Czech-Texans gathered in the district courtroom of this courthouse to establish a new fraternal benefit insurance society, the Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas, more commonly known a the SPJST. The SPJST held its first convention in the same room on June 20, 1897. I. J. Gallia served as the society's first president and J. R. Kubena was the first secretary. The SPJST officially began its business in Texas on July 1, 1897. SPJST headquarters now is located in Temple.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On December 28, 1896, twenty-five Czech-Texans met in the district courtroom of the Fayette County courthouse to found the Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas, the fraternal benefit society known as the SPJST. Led by first president I. J. Gallia and secretary J. R. Kubena, the group held its first convention here in 1897 and began offering insurance to its members that July. The society, still active, is now headquartered in Temple.
Why it matters
The SPJST reflects how immigrant communities built their own mutual-aid and insurance societies, weaving Old World traditions of solidarity into the fabric of American life.
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Related people
- · I. J. Gallia
- · J. R. Kubena
Themes & tags
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