Hungarian Immigration to Cleveland, Ohio: a Microcosm of the U.S. Immigration Experience

A diaspora is a scattering of a people of the same cultural group from one location to a new location far from the original.  The diaspora of a people can happen for many reasons:  force, war, economic collapse, or even cultural absorption.

For over 100 years, a Hungarian community existed in Cleveland, constantly supported by new waves of immigrants.  However, during the 1960s and 1970s, an increase in crime and decline in business and residences by Hungarians left the Buckeye road community forever changed, and besides St. Elizabeth's, perhaps even a "community of the past."  Today, the traditional Hungarian culture is supported mainly by 3rd or 4th generation Hungarians, primarily through folkdance groups or cultural or church organizations.

Examine the first two pictures and the first chart together.  The pictures are of St. Elizabeth of Hungary church in 1930 and 2009.  (1)  What are some obvious differences between the two pictures?  (2)  What information in the chart tells you about what happened to this parish and community?  (3) How could such a strong, populous, religious community break apart so quickly?  (4) How and why do you think the population changed?

Next examine the 3rd and 4th pictures along with the second chart.  The pictures are of the Hungarian "Buckeye Road" neighborhood in 1956 and 2009.  (5)  What are some obvious differences between the two pictures?  (6) What information in the chart tells you about what happened to the business in this community?  (7)  What happened to the number of residences in this community?  (8)  Where do you think all the residents and businesses went?