The 50th anniversary of the SUM 'oselia' in Ellenville: a short history (07/03/05)

The 50th anniversary of the SUM 'oselia' in Ellenville: a short history

by Tania Sawa-Priatka

On the fifth anniversary of the Ukrainian American Youth Association's founding on American soil, the organization, commonly known as "SUM," was experiencing a period of rapid growth, a reorganization and an expansion of its goals, strategies and methodologies.

During the Second World War, thousands of Ukrainians had emigrated to the United States of America. During this time, the goal of the organization in the United States shifted from one of a largely political nature to one primarily focused on educating nationally conscious young Ukrainians. The mission of the organization was, and still remains today, to educate Ukrainian youth about their history and culture, as well as to cultivate them to become active members of their Ukrainian and local communities while serving God and their Ukrainian homeland.

Of primary concern in 1954 was the need to find a space, a piece of property, where SUM's young, active members could blossom in an environment steeped in Ukrainian heritage and pride during the summer camping months. Thus began the search for a little slice of Ukrainian heaven here in the United States.

During the fifth annual gathering of SUM members held in Newark, N.J., SUM's board of directors, called together a Search Committee to be chaired by the late Mykola Semanyshyn. Other committee members included Hryhorij Czebrij, Mychaijlo Furda and Yaroslaw Humeniuk. In addition to identifying a property to suit SUM's goals, the committee would also be responsible for driving a critical and energetic capital campaign. After a thorough examination of the committee's objectives, it became obvious that the ideal property would need to be fairly sizable, have terrain suitable for camping and recreation, be centrally located with the possibility of easy access, and have a close proximity to water (lake, river, etc.).

After months of searching and with thanks to the tireless and selfless efforts of the Search Committee, the perfect property was located along Route 209, approximately one mile north of the town of Spring Glen in Ulster County, N.Y. and nearby to the popular summer vacation destination, Ellenville, NY, located nearly 80 miles north of the city of New York.

At the time it was discovered, this property was called the Fontaine Manor House, a largely forest-covered property of nearly 140 acres in the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains. The property offered a picturesque mountain scene, complete with a small lake and babbling stream, the Soundberg Creek. There were 11 buildings on its grounds, and it was a convenient drive from most major cities along the East Coast. As the property met nearly all of the committee's search criteria, with the generous financial support of hundreds of SUM members, SUM immediately pursued the purchase of the parcel.

To direct the ongoing financial and management needs of the "oselia," as the property became known, SUM's board of directors called together the first directorship. The directorship was headed by Mr. Semanyshyn and included members of the board of directors as well as representatives from the parents' committees of various East Coast branches of SUM.

Combined with the efforts of countless SUM members, the members of the directorship set about actively preparing for the oselia's first summer season. It is necessary to note that the oselia, upon purchase, was found to be in a serious state of disrepair and neglect by its previous owners. Therefore, there was painting, cleaning, renovation and some clearing of forest overgrowth to be done. In addition to the upgrades, the oselia's directorship undertook the building of a physical tribute to Ukrainian heroes ("trybuna").

Countless hours of voluntary manpower and effort eventually paid off and the days of June 18-19, 1955, witnessed the ceremonial blessing and opening of the SUM oselia in the scenic Shawangunk Mountains of upstate New York. From that day forward, the oselia became a center for cultural-educational work and relaxation, a place of summer SUM camps and sports Olympiads, and home to innumerable memories across multiple generations.

Following the first successful summer season at the oselia, discussion began regarding the continuing development of the grounds. It was decided that the primary directive would be to work toward developing better camping facilities for SUM's young members, who were arriving in increasing numbers each summer.

Therefore, heeding the call of the SUM board the SUM branches of Trenton, N.J. and New York, undertook the first major renovation at the oselia: the building of two additional barracks (there were six in existence). Additionally, the branch of Yonkers, N.Y., set to work on building two chapels for the weekly conduct of liturgy during the summer months - one for the Catholic service and one for the Orthodox. Branch members also agreed to completely renovate the main congregational building, known as the "Svitlytsia." The completion of all of this work occurred in 1959.

Beginning in 1960 the oselia entered a new period of growth in two distinct directions: the building of new camp facilities for youth and the building of a new hotel for the ever-increasing number of families and older adults who spent their summers at the oselia. Back in the winter of 1959, the oselia's director, Mr. Semanyshyn, prepared a detailed account of the oselia's financial standing and presented it at the plenary meetings of the board of directors of SUM. In this plan, Mr. Semanyshyn outlined the following plan for the continued development of the oselia: the construction of two additional camping barracks; the construction of a second hotel; the construction of a new kitchen along with a separate mess hall for campers and a formal restaurant for vacationers; and, the construction of a large casino/Svitlytsia with a ballroom.

The aggregate of this work was to be completed over the course of the next 15 years, according to Mr. Semanyshyn's plan. All of the attendees at the plenary gathering confirmed this plan and, with a vision for the future, eagerly set about realizing it.

In 1964, the SUM board voted in a new group of directors for the oselia. From 1964 to 1971, the committee of 16 was chaired by Volodymyr Kostyk. With comparable enthusiasm, the new directors continued the plan set in motion by the previous board with slight modifications of the priorities.

It became obvious that a new, larger hotel was necessary for vacationers, parents coming to visit their children at camp, and visitors during Zlet, Zdvyh and other events. Thus, on Sunday, July 4, 1965, just prior to the opening of the new summer season, the ceremonial blessing and opening of the building Krynytsia took place. This new building offered 32 rooms and could house nearly 80 occupants.

During the years 1967-1970, the directorship of the oselia focused in earnest on the renovation of many of the older buildings, upgrading the plumbing systems, separating and fencing off the camps from the general resort areas, and renovating the Svitlytsia and kiosk. In this fashion, the oselia became increasingly updated and accommodating in subsequent years.

Additional projects included the building of a new camp "komanda" building, led by a committee comprising members from the SUM branches of Passaic, N.J., Willimantic, Conn., and Bayonne, N.J. A modern Svitylytsia, heated and air conditioned, was built with two main entrances, a large terrace, a large ballroom on the second floor able to accommodate between 450 and 600 guests, restrooms, a large buffet, kitchen and two additional rooms for miscellaneous uses. This new addition hosts multiple conferences, seminars and social events, such as weddings, banquets, etc.

In 1962, during the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), the oselia unveiled its tribute to Ukrainian heroes during the celebrations taking place on July 21-22, 1962, in which nearly 5,000 Ukrainians participated. The tribute was built in the center of the oselia on a natural hill and from left to right features stone busts of Symon Petliura, Yevhen Konovalets, Roman Shukhevych and Stepan Bandera. All of these heroes sacrificed their lives in the battle for Ukraine's sovereignty and nationhood, and serve as an inspiration to all Ukrainian youth.

Dr. Lev Dobrianskyj, then head of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, led the opening ceremonies along with representatives of various other leading community organizations. To this day, the tribute to heroes stands on the oselia grounds and, at every summer camp, Zdvyh and Zlet, SUM members pay their respects and give recognition to these fallen heroes with a salute.

While undergoing such major changes, the oselia truly became a community center during the summer months. As such, it was appropriate that major community events take place here.

On August 8, 1967, Patriarch and Cardinal Josyf Slipyj, with assistance from Bishop Joseph Shmondiuk of the Eparch of Stamford and other clergy, paid a visit to the oselia. They were greeted by Evhen Hanovskyj then SUM's head of the board of directors, and five members of "yunatstvo" in uniform, carrying the traditional Ukrainian symbols of greeting - bread and salt. Cardinal Slipyj spent the day meeting with community leaders and SUM youths and celebrated a moleben to the Mother of God. The words of his homily were inspirational and highly patriotic, and he gave credit to SUM members for holding dear the highest ideals of God and Ukraine.

With nearly 3,000 in attendance, this historic visit was covered broadly in both the Ukrainian and American press. It continues to be a significant moment in the memories of those fortunate enough to have been involved.

From the earliest days of the oselia's history, SUM's board of directors and the oselia's directorship felt a strong need to build proper sports facilities to be used by campers each season, including volleyball courts, a soccer field, track and field terrain, and tennis courts. Admittedly, there were tennis courts on the grounds of the oselia prior to its purchase by SUM, but they had long ago been neglected and were in need of serious repair.

In April of 1967 it was decided that work on the construction of a new sports field would begin. The late Yaroslav Petryk was called by the SUM board to chair the committee that was formed to lead this undertaking. Under his guidance and expertise, the sports field was successfully completed in the summer of 1972.

Originally it was decided that ceremonies to mark the new sports field would be held in June 1973 with a SUM Olympiad, however, this plan was altered when youths from other Ukrainian diaspora organizations voiced their interest in participating in these activities. Subsequently, on June 25-26, 1973, the first-ever Sports Olympiad auspiciously took place on the field with nearly 485 competitors from SUM, Plast Ukrainian Youth Organizaton, the Organization of Democratic Ukrainian Youth (ODUM) and the Canada Sports Federation of the U.S.A. and as well as, nearly 3,000 spectators. Following the Olympiad that summer, SUM held its first successful sports camp, in which 85 youths took part.

In subsequent years, the remainder of the original 15-year construction plan was realized, with many new features being added to the oselia's grounds. In 1980 two regulation tennis courts were opened and tennis became an activity enjoyed by campers and vacationers alike. In 1982 the oselia completed and opened an Olympic-sized pool, which instantly became a hit with its seasonal visitors and the camps' children as well. Due to the pool's construction, instruction in swimming became a part of the summer sports camp. And, you could always count on finding vacationers at the oselia lounging on the chaises surrounding the pool and relaxing among friends.

The oselia continued to flourish and grow in popularity, hosting not only summer camps and vacationers, but also honorable Ukrainian dignitaries such as political activist, historian and former political prisoner Valentyn Moroz; past President of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk; former President of the Ukrainian World Coordinating Council Mykhailo Horyn; and Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, worldwide.

This year, SUM celebrates an important and impressive milestone in the history of the oselia - its 50th anniversary. A number of celebratory events are being planned, including an anniversary banquet and post-banquet cocktail benefit (July 9); an Oselia Family Day, including a volleyball tournament and dance (July 23); a Wilderness Camp (Praktychnyi Tabir) Reunion (August 6); and, a culmination of the year's anniversary with special events planned during the Labor Day weekend at Oselia. Details of these events can be found in the Ukrainian Weekly, as well as at www.cym.org/US/ellenville. The entire Ukrainian community is invited to participate in these planned activities during the upcoming summer months.

Over the years, the oselia in Ellenville, N.Y., has become much more than just a piece of land dedicated to SUM camps. It has thrived and blossomed into a pivotal center of Ukrainian culture, patriotism and community in the diaspora. It is a unique place where parents can confidently send their children and expect them to make lasting friendships and have positive experiences. It continues to welcome thousands of guests each year and to receive eminent dignitaries and clergy.

The oselia is currently experiencing a renaissance. New and modern camping facilities were completed in 1994 on the infamous Blueberry Hill; a beautiful new chapel in the Lemko architectural style is being built in commemoration of the lives destroyed during Akcja Wisla and its ceremonial consecration is scheduled for June 26; and, the oselia has proudly attained a mortgage-free status due mainly to volunteerism and the kind financial support of SUM members, along with with the help and generosity of Ukrainian financial institutions.

With the kick-off of a new Capital Improvements Fund, the oselia's accommodations, roads and other infrastructure will be upgraded or rebuilt, getting ready to welcome the next generations of SUM members.

All are invited to join in celebrating the oselia's 50th anniversary. Whether they are returning to the oselia after many years or arriving for the first time, guests will no doubt find something that will enchant, and entertain them, and keep them and their families returning for many years to come. For further information on the 50th anniversary celebrations, readers may log on to www.cym.org/US/ellenville.

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