Background: Romanians first came to settle in the Windsor area in the early 1900's. Most of the immigrants were from Bucovina , Banat and Transylvania . A Romanian Orthodox church was founded in 1928 and the following year a Romanian Society had its beginning. On September 29, 1929 in Windsor , Ontario , Canada , the new organization was legally established as “Graiul Romanesc: The Romanian Beneficial and Cultural Society”. The Society was granted a charter by the Union and League of Romanian Societies of America on November 29, 1929 .

Graiul Romanesc was formed in order to help Romanians collectively maintain their culture and traditions as they assimilated into life in their new homeland. An affection for their birthplace was encouraged along with a loyalty to Canada . A benevolent fund was established to assist members and their families at the time of death or serious accident to a member.

Over the years the organization continued to grow and become more active. Dinners and dances were organized to celebrate special occasions. A dance group was established and supported. A ladies' Auxiliary was established and made major contributions to ethnic social and cultural activities. Youth groups were established to learn our traditions and perform at concerts. A large facility, Casa Romana, was constructed in 1948 to host weddings, parties, concerts and other events. Windsor 's two Romanian churches were very involved with using the Casa Romana. Descent of the Holy Ghost Romanian Orthodox Church held anniversary banquets and other events there. In addition to their involvement with social events at the hall, the members of St. George's Romanian Orthodox Church were given free use of our facility to hold religious services while their new cathedral was being built.

During the 1970's membership and participation began to decline. Even so, Graiul Romanesc made contributions to the people in Romania who were victims of floods (1970) and an earthquake (1977).

Years later, an insurance program that Graiul carried for members went out of operation. This marked the end of an era and the society was ready for change.

The revitalization of The Romanian Beneficial and Cultural Society began in the 1990's and has continued to this day. Many new events are being organised in our community for the people of Romanian ancestry and their spouses, families and friends.

As its name implies the retention and sharing of culture is a major motivating factor as we plan activities. We've enjoyed many dinner dances including Martisor, Balul Strugurilor (autumn grape dance) and festive New Year's Eves.

The group has also encouraged many outings for our Romanian families: picnics, river cruises, museum visits, symphony concerts and many other activities.

In addition to enjoying social events, our society has contributed to the community. Over 100 books, videos and C.D.'s are available in the Romanian section of the Windsor Central Public Library. Graiul helped organise and now helps maintain this section and assists with new purchases. These materials at the library are available for everyone to use.

The word “beneficial” in our name also reflects our involvement. In the last 10 years, Graiul Romanesc has distributed $15, ooo in scholarship money to university and college students of Romanian ancestry. All of these students obtained high grades and made major contributions to their schools and to the community. Several of them received special awards of achievement and recognition during their years of secondary school education. They are talented young people and are proud of their Romanian heritage.

Generous donations have been made to St. George's Romanian Orthodox Cathedral to assist with projects such as painting the interior and repairing the copola. A donation of $1,000 was made to the Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund. From time to time some assistance has been provided to individuals with special needs.

Over several years contributions have been made to local Romanian dance groups and to university and secondary school Romanian Cultural organizations.

Next year is a very special one for us. We'll be celebrating our 80 th Anniversary. As this time approaches we need to reflect on the future as well as the past. The efforts of all Graiul participants up to this time are to be admired and appreciated.

Our first 80 years have been very good. We're committed to continuing our beneficial projects and to enjoying our wonderful Romanian Heritage and Culture.

 

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