Wonderful new developments in my efforts to produce a Museum exhibit about Pillar for Peace, Charles J. Vopicka - Czech Immigrant, American Ambassador. New documentation shows that Charles J. Vopička commissioned famous sculptor, Albin Polášek to create a bronze bust of himself.

 

The Back Story: Charles J. Vopicka convinced his nephew Otto J. Kralovec, on November 30, 1934, to purchase stock in his company, Atlas Brewing Company, so that he (Vopička) could have some liquid assets in order to commission famous Chicago sculptor Albin Polášek of the Art Institute here in Chicago, to sculpt a bronze bust for him. Vopička paid Polášek $1,200.00 to have it done. Less than a year after Kralovec granted Vopička his wish, Vopička passed away.

 

 "Vopička Project Miracle": You see, Charles J. Vopička is listed as one of the top 4 Notable Interments in Bohemian National Cemetery according to Wikipedia. In Vopička´s Original Will, he listed that one of his wishes was for there to be a monument at his grave in Bohemian National Cemetery. Many of his contemporaries have a large mausoleum, such as Vopička´s close friend and former mayor of Chicago, Anton Čermák. Other of my relatives have a larger than life size sculpture by Albin Polášek. However, due to there not being enough monies in the estate for such a project, this was never done, and Vopička´s grave site is quite humble. 

 

My heart cried and wished that Polášek was not yet dead and could also create a bronze statue for Vopička´s grave site. But alas, my desire was not possible to fulfill, Polášek too has passed. Until, a very cold Wednesday morning, February 18th, 2015 while riding the train on my commute into downtown Chicago for work, there was one document from CJV´s probate file that I happened to read that happened to document the existence of a Bronze bust of Charles J. Vopička by famous sculptor, Albin Polášek!

 

If you or anyone you know has seen or has any knowledge as to the whereabouts of this bronze bust of Charles J. Vopička, sculpted by Albin Polášek or would like to donate toward this project please contact Anna Cooková by telephone at 715-651-7044 or by email: annacookova@gmail.com.

 

Thank you!

 

Anna Cooková