The first Slovenian settlement in San Francisco began to develop in 1882. In 1885, the Slovenian settlement increased by a couple hundred new immigrants, who worked in various factories as hired laborers. In 1903, a Slovenian priest, Frances Turk, arrived and went to work to establish a Slovenian parish. When the great earthquake and fire hit San Francisco in 1906, destroying almost the entire city, the Slovenian immigrants fled toward the southern part of the city and settled on the then empty hill which they named “Kranjski Hrib.” The Slovenian community flourished on the “Hill” and beneficial societies and lodges soon were organized to support the newly established community of Slovenes residing there.

Educational and Dramatic Club Slovenia (Dramaticni in Izobrazevalni Klub Slovenia) was organized on October 15, 1922 with the intent of eventually purchasing a Slovenian meeting hall. The progress of Club Slovenia was attributed to Lodge Tabor Slovanov, S.N.P.J. Lodge 304, which financially backed the new Club.

1857

Arrival of first known Slovene settlers to California

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1882

First Slovene settlement in San Francisco

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1903

Establishment of Slovenian parish in San Francisco and construction of church

Membership is open to all persons of Slovenian heritage and their families and to those who support the mission of the Club. Membership meetings are held quarterly in the months of March, June, September and December at the Slovenian Hall, 2101 Mariposa Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. Yearly membership dues are $10 for each member.