Ukrainians in Syracuse, New York
Encyclopedia
The history of the Ukrainian immigrants in Syracuse, New York
began in 1885 with the arrival of the Hungarian Rusyns
which continued through 1888. A second group, known as Lemkos
, from an area in Ukraine
called Lemkivshchyna
, came to the city between the years 1890 and 1895. A third group, from a region called Eastern Galicia or Halychyna, were the last to arrive in 1900.
Regardless of what section of Austro-Hungary they came from, these first Ukrainian
immigrants were forced to leave their native country because the land fell into the hands of the rich landowners and there was not enough left for the people to make a decent living. Immigration to the United States
gave the Ukrainian people hope for greater economic opportunities and freedoms.
area arrived in three separate waves and were three disparate groups of people. This is because Ukraine
had been occupied by Austro-Hungarians and each group of Ukrainians were known by different names, depending on the nationality of the controlling group in the section of the country they were raised. As a result, most Ukrainians who immigrated to America knew very little about their own culture and the history of their people or country because they were raised in the culture of the occupying nation and educated in occupied schools.
Syracuse's neighborhoods reflect the historically divided population of the city. Traditionally, Ukrainian-Americans settled in the Near Westside
on West Fayette, Marcellus, Otisco, Geddes and Delaware Streets; or the Far Westside
near Wilbur and Ulster Streets and also the Westside
in the Sacred Heart Church area.
, or Rusyny or Rusnacky. Some of these Ukrainians thought of themselves as Austrians
because their immigration passports showed their country of origin as Austro-Hungary and their nationality as Austrian.
The second group arrived between the years 1890 through 1895 from a part of Ukraine
known as Lemkivshchyna
and were referred to as Lemkos
. This group was significantly larger than the first group of immigrants.
Five years later, in 1900, a third group of Ukrainians arrived from a region called Eastern Galicia or Halychyna. Later this group was called Western Ukraine
(Zahidna Ukraina). These individuals had retained more of their Ukrainian ways; as they had a better chance for education in their own language and history and they attended Ukrainian schools.
The early immigrants worked under harse conditions in the foundries, steel mills, factories and the railroad "as common laborers." Despite many hardships they managed to save and finally were able to send for their families. Soon after the families arrived, ideas about building their own place of worship became an important goal.
After working in the factories or the railroad for a few years, many of the early Ukrainian immigrants bought farmlands and became farmers, a skill they brought with them from their homeland. Most of the farmland they purchased was located in areas including East Syracuse
, Minoa
, Mattydale
, Camillus
, Split Rock
, Jamesville
and even communities further away such as Constantia and Cazenovia
.
faith, they became members of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church. Many others, who were of the Ukrainian Orthodox faith attended services in the Orthodox churches in Syracuse. As more Ukrainian Orthodox immigrants arrived, St. Luke's Ukrainian Orthodox Church was established.
, originally known as St. John the Baptist Greek Catholic Church, was constructed in 1913 at the corner of Tompkins Street and Wilbur Avenue. It was the first "Eastern Catholic" (Greek Orthodox) church in the city and was built by the local Ukrainian population on the city's Far Westside
neighborhood of Tipperary Hill
.
. The parish is a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States under the Omophorion of the Archbishop of Constantinople. The church was founded in 1950 by a "new wave" of Ukrainian Orthodox Christian immigrants under the direction of Father Simeon Hayuk.
During the first few years, the church rented various facilities; however, not long after, the "parish family" bought a wooden building at 201 North Lowell Avenue on the Far Westside
located on Tipperary Hill
which became the Holy Sanctuary.
The parish continued to grow and additional land was purchased in 1973 under the direction of Father Pawlo Szpiruk who was appointed in 1968. In 1979, a cemetery was established and construction of the church hall was begun with completion in 1980 which is used for wedding receptions, meetings and other gatherings. The Church was built to accommodate 150 parishioners and was blessed on November 3, 1985, by His Emminence Metropolitan Mstyslaw. The rectory was completed in 1986.
The church's members are mainly second generation Ukrainians and services are conducted in both English and Ukrainian.
region at festivals, museums, colleges, libraries and the annual New York State Fair.
The Syracuse Ukrainian National Home (UNH) was established in 1933 and throughout the years has been a center for social and cultural activity in the community. The preservation of Ukrainian tradition and ethnic pride has been a chief goal of the organization. This is the home of the Odesa Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Syracuse CYM (SUMA) Ukrainian American Youth Organization and Ukrainian Sports Club. The organization is located at 1317 West Fayette Street and contains 13,000 square feet on three floors. There are five meeting rooms and a bar on the main floor as well as a small dining hall with a full kitchen and a large dance hall with a stage and parking for 300. The building is used to maintain "the custom and livlihood of the Ukrainian way and many Ukrainian ethnic foods are served including Kovbasa (smoked ham sausage), Kapusta
Varenyky Pyrohy (cabbage perogies) and Holubtsi (cabbage rolls).
The Ukrainian Cultural Center of Syracuse was established to encourage study, knowledge and interest in the Ukrainian language and culture. Additionally, to act as a service organization to the community in the areas of social, medical, legal and senior assistance for local Ukrainians. The association provides contacts to various Ukrainian affiliations in the city including funeral homes, credit unions, soccer clubs and churches.
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
began in 1885 with the arrival of the Hungarian Rusyns
Rusyns
Carpatho-Rusyns are a primarily diasporic ethnic group who speak an Eastern Slavic language, or Ukrainian dialect, known as Rusyn. Carpatho-Rusyns descend from a minority of Ruthenians who did not adopt the use of the ethnonym "Ukrainian" in the early twentieth century...
which continued through 1888. A second group, known as Lemkos
Lemkos
Lemkos , one of several quantitatively and territorially small ethnic groups who also call themselves Rusyns , are one of the ethnic groups inhabiting the Carpathian Mountains...
, from an area in Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
called Lemkivshchyna
Lemkivshchyna
Lemkivshchyna sometimes called Lemkovyna, Lemkivshchyna, Lemkovshchina or Łemkowszczyzna, is the region traditionally inhabited by the Lemkos. It forms an ethnographic peninsula 140 km long and 25–50 km wide from the Ukrainian border within Polish and Slovak territory...
, came to the city between the years 1890 and 1895. A third group, from a region called Eastern Galicia or Halychyna, were the last to arrive in 1900.
Regardless of what section of Austro-Hungary they came from, these first Ukrainian
Ukrainians
Ukrainians are an East Slavic ethnic group native to Ukraine, which is the sixth-largest nation in Europe. The Constitution of Ukraine applies the term 'Ukrainians' to all its citizens...
immigrants were forced to leave their native country because the land fell into the hands of the rich landowners and there was not enough left for the people to make a decent living. Immigration to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
gave the Ukrainian people hope for greater economic opportunities and freedoms.
History
Ukrainian immigrants in the Syracuse, New YorkSyracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
area arrived in three separate waves and were three disparate groups of people. This is because Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
had been occupied by Austro-Hungarians and each group of Ukrainians were known by different names, depending on the nationality of the controlling group in the section of the country they were raised. As a result, most Ukrainians who immigrated to America knew very little about their own culture and the history of their people or country because they were raised in the culture of the occupying nation and educated in occupied schools.
Syracuse's neighborhoods reflect the historically divided population of the city. Traditionally, Ukrainian-Americans settled in the Near Westside
Near Westside, Syracuse
The Near Westside is one of the oldest Syracuse neighborhoods. In the early 1900s there were many wealthy families, including the Mayor of Syracuse, living along West Onondaga Street in many very large homes. A beautiful fountain with many statues was located at Onondaga Circle, the junction of...
on West Fayette, Marcellus, Otisco, Geddes and Delaware Streets; or the Far Westside
Far Westside, Syracuse
The Syracuse Far Westside is one of 26 recognized neighborhoods by the City of Syracuse, USA. Until this area joined the city in 1886 it was known as the village of Geddes.-History:...
near Wilbur and Ulster Streets and also the Westside
Westside, Syracuse
Westside is a Syracuse, New York neighborhood, directly west of Downtown Syracuse. It corresponds to Onondaga County Census Tracts 21 and 22....
in the Sacred Heart Church area.
Ukrainian settlers
The first group to settle in the area arrived during the years 1885 through 1888 from a section of Austro-Hungary dominated by Hungarians and were known as Hungarian RusynsRusyns
Carpatho-Rusyns are a primarily diasporic ethnic group who speak an Eastern Slavic language, or Ukrainian dialect, known as Rusyn. Carpatho-Rusyns descend from a minority of Ruthenians who did not adopt the use of the ethnonym "Ukrainian" in the early twentieth century...
, or Rusyny or Rusnacky. Some of these Ukrainians thought of themselves as Austrians
Austrians
Austrians are a nation and ethnic group, consisting of the population of the Republic of Austria and its historical predecessor states who share a common Austrian culture and Austrian descent....
because their immigration passports showed their country of origin as Austro-Hungary and their nationality as Austrian.
The second group arrived between the years 1890 through 1895 from a part of Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
known as Lemkivshchyna
Lemkivshchyna
Lemkivshchyna sometimes called Lemkovyna, Lemkivshchyna, Lemkovshchina or Łemkowszczyzna, is the region traditionally inhabited by the Lemkos. It forms an ethnographic peninsula 140 km long and 25–50 km wide from the Ukrainian border within Polish and Slovak territory...
and were referred to as Lemkos
Lemkos
Lemkos , one of several quantitatively and territorially small ethnic groups who also call themselves Rusyns , are one of the ethnic groups inhabiting the Carpathian Mountains...
. This group was significantly larger than the first group of immigrants.
Five years later, in 1900, a third group of Ukrainians arrived from a region called Eastern Galicia or Halychyna. Later this group was called Western Ukraine
Western Ukraine
Western Ukraine may refer to:* Generally, the territories in the West of Ukraine* Eastern Galicia* West Ukrainian National Republic...
(Zahidna Ukraina). These individuals had retained more of their Ukrainian ways; as they had a better chance for education in their own language and history and they attended Ukrainian schools.
The early immigrants worked under harse conditions in the foundries, steel mills, factories and the railroad "as common laborers." Despite many hardships they managed to save and finally were able to send for their families. Soon after the families arrived, ideas about building their own place of worship became an important goal.
After working in the factories or the railroad for a few years, many of the early Ukrainian immigrants bought farmlands and became farmers, a skill they brought with them from their homeland. Most of the farmland they purchased was located in areas including East Syracuse
East Syracuse, New York
East Syracuse is an incorporated village and a suburb of the City of Syracuse in eastern Onondaga County, New York. United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the village had a population of 3,178....
, Minoa
Minoa, New York
Minoa is a village in Onondaga County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the village population was 3,348.The Village of Minoa in the northern part of the Town of Manlius and is east of Syracuse.- History :...
, Mattydale
Mattydale, New York
Mattydale is a hamlet in Onondaga County, New York, United States. The population was 6,367 at the 2000 census.Mattydale is a community in the northeast of the Town of Salina and is a northern suburb of Syracuse....
, Camillus
Camillus, New York
Camillus, New York is located in Onondaga County. There are two parts to Camillus, New York:*Camillus, New York *Camillus, New York...
, Split Rock
Split Rock, New York
Split Rock is a hamlet in the Town of Onondaga in Onondaga County, New York. Today more a historic place than a community, Split Rock is a site of great interest to industrial archeology. The Solvay Process Company developed quarry operations here, delivering limestone used for the Solvay process...
, Jamesville
Jamesville, New York
Jamesville is a hamlet in De Witt, Onondaga County, New York, United States, part of the greater Syracuse area.The history of the community is documented in the book Water, Wheels and Stone: Heritage of the Little Village by the Creek, Jamesville, New York, written by Jean Schutz Keough, and...
and even communities further away such as Constantia and Cazenovia
Cazenovia, New York
Cazenovia is a town in Madison County, New York, United States. The population was 6,481 at the 2000 census. The town is named after Theophilus Cazenove, an agent of the Holland Land Company.The Town of Cazenovia has a village also named Cazenovia...
.
Ukrainian churches
Since most of the immigrants were of the Ukrainian Greek CatholicUkrainian Greek Catholic Church
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church , Ukrainska Hreko-Katolytska Tserkva), is the largest Eastern Rite Catholic sui juris particular church in full communion with the Holy See, and is directly subject to the Pope...
faith, they became members of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church. Many others, who were of the Ukrainian Orthodox faith attended services in the Orthodox churches in Syracuse. As more Ukrainian Orthodox immigrants arrived, St. Luke's Ukrainian Orthodox Church was established.
St. John the Baptist Ukrainian church
St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church of Syracuse, New YorkSyracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, originally known as St. John the Baptist Greek Catholic Church, was constructed in 1913 at the corner of Tompkins Street and Wilbur Avenue. It was the first "Eastern Catholic" (Greek Orthodox) church in the city and was built by the local Ukrainian population on the city's Far Westside
Far Westside, Syracuse
The Syracuse Far Westside is one of 26 recognized neighborhoods by the City of Syracuse, USA. Until this area joined the city in 1886 it was known as the village of Geddes.-History:...
neighborhood of Tipperary Hill
Tipperary Hill
Tipperary Hill, sometimes known as Tipp Hill, is a district in the city of Syracuse, New York, largely settled by immigrants from Ireland, especially from County Tipperary. It makes up half of Syracuse's Far Westside neighborhood.-History:...
.
St. Luke's Ukrainian Orthodox church
St. Luke's Ukrainian Orthodox Church is located at 3290 Warners Road in Warners, New YorkWarners, New York
Warners is a hamlet in Onondaga County, New York, United States....
. The parish is a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States under the Omophorion of the Archbishop of Constantinople. The church was founded in 1950 by a "new wave" of Ukrainian Orthodox Christian immigrants under the direction of Father Simeon Hayuk.
During the first few years, the church rented various facilities; however, not long after, the "parish family" bought a wooden building at 201 North Lowell Avenue on the Far Westside
Far Westside, Syracuse
The Syracuse Far Westside is one of 26 recognized neighborhoods by the City of Syracuse, USA. Until this area joined the city in 1886 it was known as the village of Geddes.-History:...
located on Tipperary Hill
Tipperary Hill
Tipperary Hill, sometimes known as Tipp Hill, is a district in the city of Syracuse, New York, largely settled by immigrants from Ireland, especially from County Tipperary. It makes up half of Syracuse's Far Westside neighborhood.-History:...
which became the Holy Sanctuary.
The parish continued to grow and additional land was purchased in 1973 under the direction of Father Pawlo Szpiruk who was appointed in 1968. In 1979, a cemetery was established and construction of the church hall was begun with completion in 1980 which is used for wedding receptions, meetings and other gatherings. The Church was built to accommodate 150 parishioners and was blessed on November 3, 1985, by His Emminence Metropolitan Mstyslaw. The rectory was completed in 1986.
The church's members are mainly second generation Ukrainians and services are conducted in both English and Ukrainian.
Cultural groups
ODESA Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Syracuse was established in 1950 and provides a program that promotes "pride in national heritage through song and dance." The group consists of 50 Ukrainian dancers in designated groups from 4 to 25 years of age. They perform throughout the Central New YorkCentral New York
Central New York is a term used to broadly describe the central region of New York State, roughly including the following counties and cities:...
region at festivals, museums, colleges, libraries and the annual New York State Fair.
The Syracuse Ukrainian National Home (UNH) was established in 1933 and throughout the years has been a center for social and cultural activity in the community. The preservation of Ukrainian tradition and ethnic pride has been a chief goal of the organization. This is the home of the Odesa Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Syracuse CYM (SUMA) Ukrainian American Youth Organization and Ukrainian Sports Club. The organization is located at 1317 West Fayette Street and contains 13,000 square feet on three floors. There are five meeting rooms and a bar on the main floor as well as a small dining hall with a full kitchen and a large dance hall with a stage and parking for 300. The building is used to maintain "the custom and livlihood of the Ukrainian way and many Ukrainian ethnic foods are served including Kovbasa (smoked ham sausage), Kapusta
Kapusta
Kapusta [kah-POOS-tah], the Russian, Hungarian, Polish, Ukrainian, and Slovak word for cabbage, is a popular dish in Polish and Slovak cooking. Its primary ingredient has been pickled into sauerkraut and, in some places, kapusta simply refers to this plain sauerkraut...
Varenyky Pyrohy (cabbage perogies) and Holubtsi (cabbage rolls).
The Ukrainian Cultural Center of Syracuse was established to encourage study, knowledge and interest in the Ukrainian language and culture. Additionally, to act as a service organization to the community in the areas of social, medical, legal and senior assistance for local Ukrainians. The association provides contacts to various Ukrainian affiliations in the city including funeral homes, credit unions, soccer clubs and churches.