Bohemia Historical Society
Video Archive
Presentations, oral histories, and historic moments from four decades of the Society’s work
Presentations & Talks
Guest Lecture
Vera Truhlar: From Bohemia to Bohemia
In this presentation, Vera recounts her departure from Czechoslovakia in 1969 following the Soviet invasion, arriving in America with just a suitcase and five dollars. She shares the heartwarming story of how she found her footing on Long Island, built her family, and discovered a profound sense of belonging in Bohemia—a community founded by Czech immigrants from her native region.
Guest Lecture
Islip Town in the American Revolution
Teachers have long told the Islip Town Historian that “nothing happened here” during the Revolution. As this presentation shows, the truth is far darker: Islip spent six years under British occupation, remaining part of Great Britain until 1783.
Presented for the first time, this talk traces the story from the founding of the Islip precinct — its five original families, their piracy ring, and a century of creative tax avoidance — through the Articles of Association of 1775, the Battle of Long Island, and the occupation that followed. Residents saw their farms and livestock confiscated, oaths of allegiance forced upon them, and troops quartered in their homes, while whaleboat raiders from Connecticut plundered both sides of the Great South Bay.
Along the way you’ll meet Isaac Thompson of Sagtikos Manor, who lived in the attic directly above the bedroom of British General Clinton; Benajah Strong, the whaleboat warrior with ties to the Culper Spy Ring; and the thousands of prisoners who died aboard the British prison ships in New York Harbor. The talk closes with Revolutionary-era sites you can still visit today, including Sagtikos Manor, St. John’s Church in Oakdale, and the original South Country Road at Connetquot River State Park.
For research appointments at the Town Records Center (401 Main Street), or to receive the quarterly Vignettes of Islip Town History, contact the Islip Town Historian’s office.
Presented by Ken Nocar
Bohemia’s Interaction with the Town of Islip
Join Ken Nocar and the Bohemia Historical Society for a nostalgic look at the history of Bohemia, New York. Ken provides a fascinating tour of the town’s past, blending personal memories with historical facts to show how the hamlet grew alongside the Town of Islip.
Ancient Trails: The history of the Vovva Trail, an indigenous path used to reach the Great South Bay.
Mapping the Past: Ken uses a vintage Hagstrom map to explain why streets like Johnson, Lakeland, and Ocean Avenue exist as they do today.
Local Industry: Stories from the Schwanda Button Factory and the Neoth Pocketbook Factory.
Community Evolution: A look at the “Great Zoning Change” of the 1960s that led to the development of modern Bohemia and the Connetquot School District.
August 13, 1995 • Barney Stejskal
Local Restaurants, 1855–1995
In this engaging oral history presentation filmed on August 13, 1995, long-time resident Barney Stejskal takes the audience on a journey through the “evolution of hotels and taverns” in Bohemia. As the son of the owner of the former Central Hotel, Barney offers a firsthand look at the social hubs that defined the village from the late 1800s to the 1990s.
The Central Hotel: Barney shares the personal history of his family’s establishment (purchased by his father in 1928), recounting its destruction by fire in 1936, its rebuilding, and the “family style” Czech hospitality they served for decades.
Historic Establishments: He details the origins of other local landmarks, including the Normandie Inn (originally built by “Baron” Jivvish), Charlie Mazanic’s Tavern, and the Prohibition-era “Ranch” run by the Rusky family.
War & Romance: The talk weaves in personal anecdotes, including Barney’s service in the Pacific during WWII and his return home to Bohemia to marry his wife, Elsie.
A Snapshot of 1995: The video concludes with a review of the village’s dining scene at the time of filming, mentioning spots like Two Co-eds, Four Provinces, and Mustachio’s.
Documentaries
Bohemia Then & Now
The history of Bohemia as told by long-term local residents. Funded by the Robert D. L. Gardiner Foundation; produced by Chip Williford.
Tour of Bohemia
Oral Histories & Interviews
Interview with Stanley Thuma
A direct descendant of one of Bohemia’s most pivotal founding figures, Stanley Thuma is the grandson of Joseph F. Thuma (1857–1944) and the son of Anton “Tom” Thuma.
Stanley carries the legacy of a family that was instrumental in the village’s development. His grandfather, Joseph Thuma, was known as Bohemia’s “problem solver” — serving as the village interpreter, unofficial dentist, legal advisor, and the author of the History of Bohemia Village. Through his father Anton, Stanley maintains a living link to the era when the Thuma family home on Union Street was a central hub for civic life, legal aid, and community organization.
September 10, 1995 • Mrs. Edward King
The Stohl, Haselbauer & Vavra Families
In this presentation filmed on September 10, 1995, Mrs. Edward King shares the rich genealogy and personal stories of the Stohl, Haselbauer, and Vavra families. Speaking on behalf of her mother, Gladys Stohl Smith, she traces the family’s roots from the Czech lands to their establishment in Bohemia, NY.
A “Wild” Romance: A humorous anecdote about her mother, a local Bohemia girl, falling for a “wild boy” from Patchogue.
The Stohl Legacy: Details about her grandfather, who operated a bicycle and confectionery shop on Church Street (1906–1918) and served as a founder of the Bohemia Fire Department and the local Republican Club.
The Haselbauer Origins: The dramatic story of her great-grandfather, Anton Haselbauer, a decorated Austrian soldier who emigrated to America, eventually settling in Bohemia with his wife Antonia.
Life in Early Bohemia: Personal recollections of growing up in the village, including stories about the local cigar factories, the “Peanut Man,” and childhood games played in the open fields of the hamlet.
December 17, 2008
Reflections of Growing Up in Bohemia with Rose Emer
In this heartwarming oral history interview filmed on December 17, 2008, Rose Emer (1909–2010) shares memories from her nearly 100 years of life, focusing on her arrival in Bohemia in 1925 and her deep connection to the village. Interviewed by Judy Pedneault and Vera Truhlar at her home, Rose offers a vivid look at the hard work, humor, and traditions that defined the community.
From Pearl Buttons to Butcher Shops: Rose recounts her father’s history in the pearl button trade (originating from Žirovnice, Czechoslovakia) and his partnership with her husband, Joseph Emer, in running a local meat market on Smithtown Avenue. She shares a humorous story about their delivery horse running wild into the cemetery during a parade.
The “Last Old-Fashioned Wedding”: She describes her 1926 wedding as the last traditional Czech wedding in the village, featuring a reception at the CSA Hall where the entire community was invited for pork, sauerkraut, dumplings, and dancing to the Melody Masters.
Community Leadership: Rose reflects on her decades of service, including her role as an Air Raid Warden during WWII, her long tenure as President of the Bohemia Senior Citizens, and her critical work reorganizing the Bohemia Union Cemetery (serving as treasurer for over 20 years).
Founding the Historical Society: She reveals how a group performance of the Beseda (Czech national dance) at MacArthur Airport helped spark the idea to form the Bohemia Historical Society in the 1980s.
Historic Moments on Film
October 16, 1988
BHS Property Dedication
Filmed on October 16, 1988, this video captures the official dedication ceremony of the Bohemia Historical Society’s new permanent home on Locust Avenue. Led by then-President Fay Pagels, the event marks a major milestone in the society’s history, securing a place to preserve the village’s heritage for future generations.
Guest Speakers: Remarks are given by local dignitaries, including Reverend William Daly of St. John Nepomucene Church and Michelle Landi, representing her father, former Supervisor Michael Landi, who was instrumental in securing the land.
The “One Dollar” Lease: In a memorable moment, President Fay Pagels presents a symbolic, laminated “one dollar” bill to Islip Town Supervisor Frank Jones, representing the full payment for the society’s 99-year lease on the property.
Community Contributions: The ceremony honors the volunteers who made the site possible, including Larry Maize and Frank Perry (who installed the sign) and Terry Mura (who designed and painted it).
Ceremonial Flag Raising: The event features the raising of an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol, a gift from Congressman Thomas Downey.
February 8, 1990
The Kouril House Move
This video documents a major preservation effort by the Bohemia Historical Society: the physical relocation of the historic Kouril House on February 8, 1990. Originally located on the corner of Locust Avenue and Church Street, the house was slated for demolition after the property was purchased by developers Raynor & D’Andrea.
Under the leadership of then-President Fay Pagels, the Historical Society successfully arranged to save the structure. The footage captures the remarkable sight of the entire house being lifted and transported down the road to its new permanent home at 1519 Locust Avenue, where it joined the society’s museum complex.
A “Strange Sight”: As noted in historical newsletters, this event created quite a spectacle for residents on Locust Avenue, who watched a full-sized home rolling past their front yards.
Preservation in Action: Footage of the house being lifted from its original foundation and moved intact along the streets of Bohemia.
Community Effort: Captures the work of the moving crews and the Historical Society members who gathered to witness the rescue of this piece of village history.
September 26, 1993
100th Anniversary of the Jan Hus Statue
This video documents the centennial celebration of the Jan Hus statue in Bohemia, NY, held on September 26, 1993 — exactly 100 years after its original unveiling. Due to rain, the main ceremony was moved inside St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, followed by a gathering at the statue in Union Cemetery and a reception at the Bartonek House.
Distinguished Guests: Features speeches by the President of the Bohemia Historical Society and special guest Ambassador Karel Kovanda (Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations), who reflects on the Velvet Revolution and the Czech Republic’s new future.
Historical Context: Speakers recount the history of the statue, noting it was the first statue erected in the United States to honor a foreigner.
Community Celebration: Includes footage of local residents, descendants of founding families (such as the Vavra and Kratochvil families), and a performance of the American and Czech national anthems.
The Bartonek House: The video concludes with a tour of the historic Bartonek property on Smithtown Avenue, which serves as a museum for the Historical Society.
Videographer: Charlie Bosch
September 30, 1995
140th Founders Day Celebration
Filmed on September 30, 1995, this video documents the community celebration marking the 140th Anniversary of the founding of Bohemia. Commemorating the arrival of the first Czech settlers in 1855, the event features a parade and gathering to honor the village’s rich heritage.
Ceremony: The gathering includes speeches and presentations celebrating 140 years of history, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of the original immigrants who established the hamlet.
Parade & Procession: Footage of the Founders Day parade, featuring local fire departments, marching bands, and community organizations moving through the streets of Bohemia.
Costumed Participants: Residents and Historical Society members dressed in traditional Czech attire and period clothing to represent the founding families (Vavra, Kratochvil, and Koula).
More from the Archive
Albina Wcela’s 90th Birthday (November 7, 1991) — Watch • Alternate view
BHS Trip to Astoria & Christmas Party (May 25 & December 3, 1986) — Watch
Memory Lane: Community Oral History Project by Connetquot Public Library — a place for people of the Connetquot community to share their memories of our district and stories of the people who lived and worked here.