Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Garden

Address:
930 East Blvd - between the Czech and Slovak gardens
Architect/Designer:
Unknown
Sponsoring Organization:
Friends of the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Garden of Cleveland Inc.
Dedication Date:
June 25, 1939
Contacts:

Diana Essock, dyeanah@yahoo.com.


History & Design:


The garden is set in a wooded glade sloping down to the lower boulevard by way of a spacious terrace overlooking Doan Brook. The sandstone terrace has parapets of brick and stone. The high and low levels are reminiscent of the Carpathian Mountains in Central Europe that was the homeland of many Rusins. Carpathian walnut and pine trees common to the homeland are planted in the garden.

Statuary/Busts/Reliefs/Monuments:

In 1952, a bust of Father Alexander Duchnovich was dedicated on the lower level. Father Duchnovich was a priest, poet and patriot who was famous for the phrase “ I was, am and always will be a Rusyn”. The bust was designed by Frank Jirouch. Sometime during the 1970’s the bust became lost.

Through the efforts of John Krenisky, a member of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society and others, funds were raised to erect a new bust of Father Duchnovich. It was designed by Wawrytko Studios and Light Sculpture Works. On November 21, 2011 a new bust and pedestal were installed on the upper level facing East Blvd. It had the famous phrase “I was, am and always will be a Rusin” on it’s front. The garden is maintained by Mr. Krenisky and members of the Cleveland Chapter of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society.

Map: