Original scientific paper
THE CRAFTSMAN-LABORER’S ASSOCIATION “BANOVAC” IN PETRINJA (1855-1905)
Ivica Golec
; Croatian Institute of History, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The Craftsman-Laborer’s Association “Banovac”, as the first association in the territory of Petrinja and Banovina, founded in 1885, and functioning until 1945, significantly contributed to the development of the crafts industry in this region, and in elevating the technical, cultural and humanitarian awareness of its members. Until the beginning of the 20th century, it was the only association in Banovina that significantly influenced craftsmen and laborers in this region, especially in its efforts surrounding the foundation of similar associations in Glina and Kostajnica.
Not a single political party could secure significant support from the association. After a meeting of the association in Sisak in 1889, relations with “socialist circles”, whose ideas governed the agenda of the Craftsman-Laborer’s Association in Zagreb, became visibly chilled. In the meantime, the Association remained open to cooperation with associations, which were called worker’s associations, and under the influence of socialists, as well as with organizations under the influence of other political parties, particularly the Pure Party of Right.
The Association was not burdened with Croatian-Serbian relations, which were present in a large portion of Croatia, especially in Banovina, right at the turn of the century. Considering that at that time, a total of 90% of tradesmen in Petrinja were of Croatian ethnicity, and only 10% of Serbian ethnicity (while in Petrinja the proportion of merchants of Serbian ethnicity was much more favorable), it is clear why “Banovac” from its foundation, until 1905, did not witness any conflicts with national omens.
However, the activities of the Craftsman-Laborer’s Association “Banovac” are not justly evaluated on the basis of political assessments, considering that its greatest achievements were reached in its technical, cultural and humanitarian work. Cooperation among craftsmen was encouraged, the situation of craftsmen was improved, and ties between all Croatian Craftsmen-Laborer’s Associations were improved, regardless of their political persuasions. The Association already founded a library in 1888, whose library fund in 1905 amounted to nearly 1000 books, a Singing Association also in 1888, a Tamburica section in 1890, and in 1901, a reading room. From 1899, a theatrical section was founded in the Association, which at that time, was the only theatrical association in Petrinja, and with its performances, enraptured the craftsmen and laborers of Glina, Kostajnica, Dvor, Sisak and other places.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
208502
URI
Publication date:
1.7.2001.
Visits: 1.081 *