A Brief History

The year was 1926. On Thursday, May 6th of that year a group of twenty-five Americans of Croatian descent met at the office of Stephen P. Stambuk at 110 West 7th Street, San Pedro, California. The purpose of that meeting was to lay the foundation of a club for the benefit of Croatian-Americans. These men foresaw the need for such an organization that:

"Would promote and cultivate good fellowship, higher social, intellectual and economic standards and a true spirit of brotherly love; promote American patriotism and better citizenship by upholding the Constitution and the laws of the United States; promote goodwill and esteem towards all nations, the ethnicity of its members; promote folk art, music, sports and generally carry on as a social organization; support all that is just and lawful for the benefit of all its members and the community, and finally to provide and maintain a Home for social activities and a meeting place for its members."

The following men were present at the first meeting and also became Charter members of the Club: Anton P. Baraka; Nikola M. Baskovich; Martin J. Bogdanovich; Steve Franetovich; Ivan Gabelich; Vincent Karmelich; Andrew Kucich; Steve Lakich; Joeseph M. Mardesich; Mihovil Marinkovich; Anton Milick; James Mirkovich; John Mirkovich; Juslo Pesutich; August Pusich; Dr Anton Sambuk; Luka Sekulich; Simun Simich; Stephen P Stambuk; Marin P Suglian; Jakov Trudnich; Nikola Villcich; Andrew Xitco; Joseph A. Yaksitch; Joseph B. Zokovich.

The first officers of the Club were: Joseph A. Yaksitch - President; Stephen P. Stambuk - Vice President; Mario P. Suglian - Secretary; Steve Franetovich – Treasurer.

On November 30, 1927 the Club was incorporated. Meetings were held regularly twice a month, at the Carpenter's Hall on 9th Street, or at Steve Romich's Point Fermin Cafe. The first social event of the Club was a program and dance held on December 16, 1926 at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 9th and Gaffey Streets, San Pedro, for the benefit of the "Home Fund". Many such events followed to raise money for the building fund.

A "Building Committee" was appointed to complete the project. The members of this committee were: M. J. Bogdanovich, A. B. Jaconi, Paul Marinovich, John Rados, Nick Pericich, August Felando, Dinko Kovacevich, Vincent Karmelich, Jack Despol, Pete Yugovich, S. P. Stambuk and Nick Mardesich. These men started the ball rolling by making personal pledges. Following the intensive campaign for pledges from members, enough money was raised to purchase the property at 17th and Palos Verdes Streets. In the year 1934, the ground was broken and building of the Clubhouse began.

On September 30, 1935 the Jugoslav Club was dedicated. Martin J. Bogdanovich was President at the time, and he served in that capacity for ten years. Under his capable leadership the Club enjoyed great success; and was able to repay members the money they had loaned to the building fund.

During the ensuing years, the membership increased. And, as it increased, the percentage of native-born Americans of Croatian descent joining the Club also increased. To reflect this inevitable trend, in the year 1949, the name was changed to Yugoslav-American Club of San Pedro. In May 1992, the membership, as a reflection of changing world events and to honor the Club’s founding fathers voted to change the Clubs name to the "Dalmatian-American Club of San Pedro."

As the membership increased it became evident that the existing facilities were inadequate. Therefore, in 1959, the second "Building Fund" campaign was initiated. The culmination of that effort came in the year 1961 when the addition to the original building was dedicated.

Presently the Dalmatian-American Club with its concern for the San Pedro community sponsors the following activities or events: Bi-monthly fish luncheons, dances, summer picnic, family dinners, ethnic Croatian events, New Years Eve celebration, academic scholarships, mathematics award at Dana Junior High School and recognizes many local boys and girls youth sports teams.

In addition, the Club publishes an annual Almanac, which includes ads to which patrons subscribe, recipes from Croatia and other information regarding the Dalmatian-American Club. The advertisers in the Almanac are invited annually to Patron’s Night where over 500 people are treated to an "authentic San Pedro Dalmatian/Croatian Dinner" in gratitude to their support of the Club.

With over 650 members in the regular, auxiliary, and honorary memberships, the Dalmatian-American Club continues to be a proud member of the San Pedro community.