Yugoslavia - Virtual Museum

Vojni Orkestar Sarajevo - LP, 1985

2011-12-03T17:02:00.001-05:00

November 29 was a national Holiday in Yugoslavia, celebrating the creation of a new country based on equality, brotherhood, unity, self-relience and self-management for all of its people. As a gift for this occasion, I have ripped a vinyl record from a 1985 in which Army Orchestra of Sarajevo performs numerous and famous partisan liberation songs. This record was released by Diskoton from Sarajevo.

To download the LP, follow this link:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7W6XGWLE

Vardar Cigarettes Sold in the US, 1960's

2011-11-06T11:12:00.001-05:00

A box of cigarettes "Vardar" from a company in Skopje, Macedonia exported for sale in the United States during 1960's

Pin Collection of Flags and Coats of Arms, 1980's

2011-11-06T10:36:00.001-05:00

A very nice collection of pins released sometime during the 1980's. It's a collection of Yugoslav flags and coats of arms for the country and each individual federal state.

Chicago Tribune on Women in Partisans, 1944

2011-10-27T14:49:00.001-04:00

Here is a nice set of newswire photographs that were used by Chicago Tribune to publish a story on equality of women in Partisan liberation movement in Yugoslavia led by the Communist Party of Yugoslavia. Almost shocked, this newspaper reports that nearly a third of these volunteer Partisan fighters are women, fighting side by side with their male comrades, thus making this a true people's army.

These photographs were taken in allied bases in Italy, islands in Adriatic Sea and Malta, where Partisans were trained by British and American officers in preparation for a final assault on German occupying forces in Yugoslavia.

The caption for this photograph reads:

"September 18, 1944

BATTLE SONG

Singing Partisan warriors of both sexes march to board a schooner from an island in the Adriatic Sea. The fighting men and women will soon be on Yugoslav soil, carrying out a lightning raid on German communications.

Credit: British Official Radio - photographed September 11, 1944"

The caption on this photograph reads:
"August 7, 1944

Girl fighters in a group of guerillas in Yugoslavia. Almost one-third of Marshal Tito's forces is reported to be made up of 'teen aged girls and older women."

The caption for this photograph reads:
"April 25, 1944

Wounded Yugoslav girl warrior learns to operate machine gun while convalescing in Malta."

The caption for this photograph reads:

"March 2, 1944

WOMEN GUERILLA FIGHTERS OF YUGOSLAV PARTISAN ARMY

Girl veterans of General Tito's forces at battle practice. These Yugoslav girls recovering from wounds, are preparing for return to the fighting front. The scene is at an Allied base in occupied Italy.

Photograph taken on February 29, 1944"

First Lady Pat Nixon Visits Yugoslavia, 1970

2011-09-15T23:06:00.000-04:00

President of the United States, Richard Nixon and his wife Pat Nixon visited Yugoslavia in 1970. The First Lady spent time with Yugoslavian 'First Lady' Jovanka Broz visiting various sites of importance around the country, like the "House of the Pioneers", pictured here in this news wire photograph.

The Associated Press text that accompanies the photograph reads:

"(OCT. 1) ADMIRING LOOKS IN YUGOSLAVIA

American First Lady Pat Nixon, left, and Yovanka Broz, second from left, wife of Yugoslav President Tito, Thursday receive admiring looks of teenage girls wearing red scarves during a visit to the "House of the Pioneers," a communist youth organization in Belgrade. The President and mrs. Nixon were in Yugoslavia as part of the President's European trip.

(AP Wire photo via cable from Belgrade) 1970."

Partisans Rescue Americans from Chetniks, 1944

2011-09-14T21:47:00.000-04:00

A newspaper article from The Pittsburgh Press, printed on February 4th, 1944. about daring rescue of American fliers by Tito's Partisans from Nazi Chetnik troops.

The article reads:

"CAIRO, Feb. 4 (UP) — Two U.S. fliers, whose names cannot be revealed, have arrived in Cairo after being shot down in Yugoslavia, captured by Nazi Chetniks, rescued in a raid by Partisans, then brought through German lines to a rendezvous with American naval craft, it was learned here today.

Secret agents of Marshal Josip (Tito) Brozovich [Josip Broz Tito] reported their capture to Partisan headquarters, which ordered a raid on the Chetniks column. The Americans were rescued.

The guerrillas contacted U.S. Mediterranean headquarters and a daring plan was evolved to rescue the fliers. They were led by the underground to a coastal area where after an intensive American bomber attack on military targets, naval craft met the men and a pre-arranged beachhead."

CBS Documentary on Yugoslavia, 1986

2011-09-14T17:28:00.004-04:00

American CBS television network, or more accurately, KCBS affiliate station in Los Angeles, California filmed this tourist documentary in 1986 showing off the beautiful country, tourist hotspots and leisurely and rich lifestyle of those living in Yugoslavia. The guide of the program is Melody Rogers (IMDB) and this was just one of the many countries that were featured on this American program in the 1980's. Interesting to note is that at the end of the show, she summarizes her feelings about what she had just seen by stating that this was one of the most beautiful countries she and her crew ever visited. In her words, "It's spectacular!"

Another interesting thing to mention is that when commenting on Yugoslavian socialism, she states (while climbing castle stairs in Opatija) "All along Yugoslavian riviera there are these beautiful castles that were once used by kings and queens, by the nobility of Yugoslavia. Well, since there's no more nobility, they are now beautiful quaint little hotels that are used by people like you and me."

CBS Television Tourist Documentary on Yugoslavia, 1986

Edward Durell Stone in Yugoslavia, 1976

2011-08-31T15:51:00.003-04:00

Edward Durell Stone, one of the foremost architects of the mid-twentieth century, established an international reputation and designed buildings throughout the world. Though he lived in New York City for most of his life, Stone made a lasting contribution to the architecture of Yugoslavia and its touristic appeal. During 1970's he and his firm design two sprawling resorts on the Adriatic coast in the city of Dubrovnik. They are 'Babin Kuk Resort' and 'Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel', both opened to tourists in 1976.

'Babin Kuk Resort' in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia designed by Edward Durell Stone in 1976

'Valamar President Hotel' in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia designed by Edward Durell Stone in 1976

Edward Stone was born on March 9, 1902, in Fayetteville (Washington County) to Benjamin Hicks Stone, a merchant and businessman, and Ruth Johnson Stone, a former English teacher at the University of Arkansas (UA) in Fayetteville. The youngest of three children, Stone attended Fayetteville’s public schools but was not a serious student. His mother encouraged his talents for drawing and building things and allowed him to have a home carpentry shop. At age fourteen, he won first prize in a countywide birdhouse competition, the judges of which included an architect and the president of UA.

Stone attended UA from 1920 to 1923 before moving to Boston, Massachusetts, where his brother was an architect. While studying at the Boston Architectural Club, Stone met Henry R. Shepley, one of Boston’s leading architects. Shepley hired him as a draftsman and became his mentor. Two years later, Stone won a special scholarship to Harvard Architectural School (1925–26), after which he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1926–27). Though he would receive honorary degrees from several institutions, including UA, he never graduated. He won the prestigious Rotch Traveling Scholarship in 1927 and spent the next two years in Europe.

Stone returned to the United States in 1929 and settled in New York City. He married Orlean Vandiver in 1931, and they had two sons. Stone was enthused by the new buildings he had seen in Europe and became an early proponent of International Style architecture. His first designs, built primarily in New York, include the Mandel house in Mount Kisco; the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, designed in association with Philip Goodwin; and the Goodyear house in Old Westbury. During World War II, Stone served as chief of the planning and design section of the U.S. Army Air Forces.

After the war, he returned to Arkansas to design the Fine Arts Center at UA, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Medical Center in Little Rock (Pulaski County), the Sigma Nu Fraternity house in Fayetteville, and several private residences. At the request of his childhood friend Senator J. William Fulbright, he designed a line of furniture that was manufactured by Fulbright Industries of Fayetteville in the early 1950s.

Stone served as visiting critic at the state’s first school of architecture, which opened in 1947 at UA as part of the College of Engineering. He helped the school obtain accreditation and employed many of its students in his New York office. Fay Jones, a member of the school’s first graduating class, credited Stone’s friendship for showing him what an architect from Arkansas could accomplish in the wider world.

Stone’s first marriage ended in divorce. In 1954, he wed Maria Elena Torchio, and they had a son and a daughter. This marriage coincided with a change in his architecture. Austere modernism was replaced by the ornate formality exemplified by his design of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India. The embassy’s admirers included Frank Lloyd Wright, who called it “the only embassy that does credit to the United States.” For the next twenty years, Stone designed buildings intended to reflect universal and timeless values rather than the “transient enthusiasms” of modernism.

Stone’s principal works include El Panama Hotel in Panama City, Panama; Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California; the U.S. Pavilion at the World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium; the Gallery of Modern Art in New York City; the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington DC; the State University of New York at Albany, New York; the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC; the General Motors building in New York City; and the National Assembly and Presidential Palace in Islamabad, Pakistan.

American Architectural Magazine on 'Babin Kuk Resort' in Yugoslavia, published in 1978

Stone’s second marriage also ended in divorce. He married Violet Campbell Moffat in 1972, and they had a daughter. Stone retired from active practice in 1974. The next year, he donated his professional papers and drawings to UA.

Stone died on August 6, 1978, in New York City after a brief illness. His ashes were interred in Fayetteville’s Evergreen Cemetery, beside the graves of his parents and his brother.

Stone’s early buildings are important examples of modern architecture, but some critics dismissed his later works. In their view, Stone became a “conveyor of banality” who produced “a plague of dreadful buildings.” Others praise him for breaking from the mainstream and seeking to restore a sense of history to architecture.

Wikipedia link: Edward Durell Stone

10 Dinar Bill Collectable Package, 1980

2011-08-29T16:36:00.002-04:00

This crisp, uncirculated 10-dinar bill was packaged by the United Nations in 1980 for collectors around the world. It features a story of a country devastated by the WWII and yet made prosperous under the leadership of Marshal Tito, a beautiful pencil drawing of Dubrovnik, the flag of Yugoslavia and an official United Nations stamp. On the back the sheet contains historical and geographical facts about Yugoslavia.

Set of 100 20-dinar bills, 1978

2011-08-29T16:21:00.000-04:00

Take a look at a set of 100 unused 20-dinar bills the way that Yugoslav National Bank issued it to the local banks across the country. The sleeve tells the end user to immediately count the money and that it contains 2000 dinars - 100 pieces of 20 dinar bills. This set was issued for general use on August 12th 1978.

Army Officer on Duty

2011-08-29T16:13:00.002-04:00

Sleeve insignia that was worn by an officer on duty of Yugoslav National Army (JNA)

Stamp - XII Congress SKJ, 1982

2011-08-29T16:01:00.002-04:00

Set of stamps issued by Yugoslav Post Office to commemorate the XII Congress of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia (SKJ) held in 1982.

Hotel Soap Packaging

2011-08-29T15:44:00.001-04:00

Hotel supplies corporation 'Metropol' from Belgrade supplied these soaps to hotel 'Jugoslavija', hotel 'Metropol' and hotel 'Slavija' and restaurant 'Vinogradi', all located in Belgrade.

Sport Ticket - YU vs USA, 1980's

2011-08-29T15:37:00.000-04:00

Ticket to a basketball game held in Novi Sad sometime during 1980's for a match between Yugoslavia and United States.

Hotel Palme Luggage Label, 1950's

2011-08-29T15:32:00.001-04:00

Beautiful, art-deco-ish luggage label from hotel Palme in Opatija, Yugoslavia available for sale to its visitors during 1950's.

Yugoslav Airlines Luggage Label, 1950's

2011-08-25T12:55:00.001-04:00

A great luggage label from the 1950's for JAT, Yugoslav Airlines

Pioneer Instructor Card, 1981

2011-08-25T12:41:00.002-04:00

This ID card was issued in 1981 by SSOS (Savez Sočijalističke Omladine Srbije - Leage of Socialist Youth of Serbia - a section of SSOJ Leage of Socialist Youth of Yugoslavia) and is an instructor card for Branka Janic, who was 14 years old at the time, to be a proud guide for the younger in the Pioneer movement.

Union of Pioneers of Yugoslavia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Union of Pioneers of Yugoslavia (Serbo-Croatian: Savez pionira Jugoslavije; Slovenian: Zveza pionirjev Jugoslavije (ZPJ)) was the pioneer movement of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Its members were children between ages 7 and 15.

The uniforms consisted of red scarves as well as navy blue hats called Titovka. These hats were sometimes white, and bore a red star on the front. A white shirt was often worn with the Pioneer scarf (marama) and the Titovka, although this varied depending on which part of Yugoslavia the particular pioneer was from. Boys often wore navy blue shorts or pants, and girls wore skirts in the same color, along with white stockings and black shoes. On special occasions, such as a visit from Josip Broz Tito, Pioniri sometimes wore traditional costumes from their native regions of Yugoslavia.

The organization was founded on December 27, 1942. It was a substructure within the Socialist Youth Union of Yugoslavia. It published Male Novine. The organization was divided into younger pioneers (7–11 years) and older pioneers (11–15 years).

Typically, the induction ceremony took place in school for children aged 7 in the autumn of their first year in school, as part of the Republic Day (November 29) celebrations. The youngest generation that undertook it was born in 1983 and became Pioneers in 1990. The text of Yugoslav Pioneer pledge (pionirska zakletva) may have varied slightly from one school to another. The Pledge in Serbo-Croatian (words pronounceable in more than one way in Serbo-Croatian are presented in a Croatian pronunciation/Serbian pronunciation format):

Danas, kada postajem pionir,
dajem časnu pionirsku riječ/reč -
da ću marljivo učiti i raditi,
poštovati roditelje i starije,
i biti vjeran/veran i iskren drug,
koji drži datu riječ/reč.
Da ću voljeti/voleti našu domovinu, samoupravnu
socijalističku federativnu republiku Jugoslaviju,
da ću razvijati bratstvo i jedinstvo
i ideje za koje se borio drug Tito.
Da ću cijeniti/ceniti sve ljude svijeta/sveta koji žele slobodu i mir!

In English:
Today, as I become a Pioneer,
I give my Pioneer's word of honor -
That I shall study and work diligently,
respect parents and my seniors,
and be a loyal and honest friend.
That I shall love our homeland, self-managed
socialist federal republic of Yugoslavia.
That I shall spread brotherhood and unity
and the principles for which comrade Tito fought.
And that I shall value all peoples of the world who respect freedom and peace!

Tito and Meštrović, 1959

2011-08-15T22:01:00.001-04:00

President of Yugoslavia Tito and a very famous Yugoslav sculptor Ivan Meštrović are captured here at an informal and a friendly talk on the island of Brioni on July 28th, 1959.

Great scans of Yugoslavian Gold and Silver Coins

2011-07-25T20:01:00.002-04:00

There were already a few beautiful scans of Yugoslav coins on this web site, but as the technology gets better, we can find much nicer and truly stunning scans of these coins. Take a look at a few gold and silver coins from 1968 (celebrating 25 years of foundation of Yugoslavia), from 1977 (celebrating 40 years of Tito's leading role in the Yugoslav Communist Party) and from 1979 (issued to commemorate upcoming Mediterranean Games that were held in Split, Yugoslavia that year):

1990: Soviet Medal for Fighters in Yugoslavia

2011-06-13T21:39:00.000-04:00

This is a Soviet medal issued to Red Army veterans that participated in the liberation fights in Yugoslavia. It was issued on May 9th 1990.

1944: Nazi Propaganda in Occupied Yugoslavia

2011-06-13T21:29:00.000-04:00

This is the German war propaganda leaflet in Serbo-Croatian language, printed in Nazi-occupied Serbia. Original hand written number (probably of the circulation) by the censor who approved release of this leaflet #569 and the original stamp of release date: 24. II. 1944. Size: 23 x 30 cm.

Its content is aimed against Winston Churchill and the Partisans liberation movement in Yugoslavia during the World War Two. It allegedly quotes Churchill himself (translated from Serbo-Croatian text on the leaflet):

“…I've been interested in the movement of Marshal Tito for quite a while and I’ve been trying to help it in every way.

...What is King Peter’s situation in this circumstance? There is no doubt that king Peter has lost his authority in the eyes of the partisans. On the islands, we are loyal to the principles of monarchy, but we do not want or intend to impose our monarchist ideas to any other country.“

1944: Marshal Tito and Koča Popović

2011-06-13T21:11:00.000-04:00

Associated Press used this newswire photograph to carry a story of liberation movement in Yugoslavia. It features Marshall Tito posing with one his top generals Koča Popović. The photograph was taken on March 14th 1944.

The caption of this newswire photograph reads:

"March 14 - TITO AND AIDE

Yugoslavia's famed Partisan leader, Marshal Josip Broz (left), better known as 'TITO' appears here with 33-year-old Maj. Gen. Koca Popovic, commander of the partisan First Army Corps. Popovic, a former Belgrade writer, is a veteran of the Spanish Civil War, in which he served for two years with Republican forces.

(AP Wirephoto 1944)"

1978: Double LP Produced By Yugoslav National Army

2011-06-13T01:12:00.001-04:00

This double LP was released on June 5th 1978 by PGP RTB, a major Yugoslavian music label from Belgrade, and it celebrates the upcoming XI Congress of the League of the Communists of Yugoslavia (SKJ). All of the songs were performed by the Yugoslav National Army symphonic orchestra and the Army's choir.

You can download the entire LP by click on this LINK

1955: 'Le Circuit de Ljubelj' Sidecar Racing

2011-06-08T17:06:00.002-04:00

AMS JUGOSLAVIJA LJUBELJ 1955  - scarce 1st place badge handed out to Fritz Hillebrand - winner of the sidecar 500ccm class. His co-driver "Schmiermaxe" was Manfred Grunwald from Berlin. This race in Ljubelj  was part of the World Championships in 1955 - held near Ljubljana, Yugoslavia on wellknown  Race circuit Le Circuit de Ljubelj. Friedrich "FRITZ" Hillebrand was a well known German motorcycle sidecar driver. In 1957 he was the world champion on his BMW Motorrad Gespann. Medal was manufactured by SCHWERTNER & Cie. EGGENBERG of Austria.

Fritz Hillebrand racing in 1956 in St Ninians

1984: Map of the Olympic City

2011-06-07T19:23:00.003-04:00

This panoramic was map sold to show off the Olympic city - Sarajevo and all of its sports venues prior to and during the 1984 Winter Olympic Games in this city. It contains description in Serbo-Croatian, French, English and German languages.

1978: Concept Banknote with Tito

2011-06-07T17:49:00.002-04:00

Yugoslav National Bank created this conceptual banknote with President Tito on the front side with 1000 dinar denomination. The banknote was printed on August 12 1978, but was never approved for circulation.

1960's: Hotel Slavija Luggage Sticker

2011-06-07T17:41:00.000-04:00

1974: Hockey game Yugoslavia vs. USA

2011-06-07T17:26:00.000-04:00

Picture of the ice hockey game between Yugoslavia and USA as reported by American sports magazines. The game was held on March 23rd 1974 in Ljubljana where the final score was 5:0 for the US team.

The text that accompanied this Associated Press news photographs reads:

"LJUBLJANA, Yugoslavia, March 23

BOOTING AWAY THE SCORE

Roman Smolej (11), captain of the Yugoslav team, in dark uniforms, pushes the puck away from goal after a shot by forward Steve Sertich (7), upper left, of the United States team, during hockey match Friday in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia. Also shown are Yugoslav goalie Rudi Knez, with face mask, teammate Bogo Jan (10), and Doug Palazzari of the U.S. team. U.S. won, 5-0.

(AP Wirephoto via cable from Ljubljana) 1974"

1946: 100 and 50 Dinar Bills

2011-06-07T17:10:00.001-04:00

The 100 dinar bill in 1946 featured pictures of a farmer and a blacksmith on the front side and of a sea-fisherman on its back side. The 50 dinar bill had a miner on the front and a timberman in the back.

1948: Membership Card of WWII Veterans Organization

2011-06-07T16:57:00.001-04:00

Associations of the Veterans of National Liberation War of Yugoslavia (SUBNOR) was one of the socio-political organizations of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY).

Alliance of Yugoslav WWII veterans (In Yugoslavia known as SBNOR) was founded in Belgrade 30th November 1947 as a socio-political organization that has gathered all veterans of WWII who participated in the struggle to liberate the country.

At the IV Congress, 29th June 1961, the Alliance was joined by the Association of Disabled Veterans of Yugoslavia and the Association of Reserve Officers. The new joined alliance was named the National Liberation War Veterans Association (SUBNOR). SUBNOR was formed on the territorial principle (town, city, county).

Membership in veterans organizations was voluntary and individual, a member could be any citizen of Yugoslavia who was involved in the People's Liberation Army or was in prison, internment or forced labor camps during WWII because of their anti-fascist activities. Member could be any citizen of Yugoslavia living abroad who fought against fascism, former participants in the Civil War in Spain, the resistance movement in France, etc. In the 1970's, SUBNOR had about 1,000,000 members.

Take a look at the pictures of the membership card from 1948. The card holder is Joka Solomun.

1979: Youth Baton Arrives to Bitola

2011-06-06T21:44:00.001-04:00

Youth Baton, as a symbol of unity of all young people of Yugoslavia, criss-crossed entire country every year from March to May. Take a look at the pictures of its arrival to Bitola, a city in Macedonia, in 1979. This is only a sample of photos, for the complete footage go to www.bitolamuseum.org

1980: Postcards of Yugoslavian Cities

2011-06-03T21:55:00.000-04:00

Views of several Yugoslavian cities as seen on postcards that were sent during 1980.

Poreč

Bar

Vodice

Slavonska Požega

1963: 150,000 Mexicans Shower Tito with Confetti

2011-06-03T17:05:00.003-04:00

October 4th 1963, President of Yugoslavia, Marshall Tito arrived on a state visit to Mexico. In an open limo parade, presidents of these two countries were cheered on by a crowd of about 150 000 of Mexicans who covered the entire capital city with confetti and flowers.

This Associated Press News Wire photograph reads:

"MEXICO CITY, OCT. 4

WELCOME TO TITO
President Tito of Yugoslavia (left) waves to people lined along Mexico's downtown streets as the visiting Yugoslav Marshal rides in an open limousine with Mexican President Adolfo Lopez Mateos, under a shower of confetti. Observers estimated the welcoming crowds between 100,000 and 150,000. Tito will spend two-weeks in Mexico."

1967: New Velenje Shines as the Youngest City

2011-06-03T16:43:00.002-04:00

New cities were popping up in every corner of Tito's Yugoslavia. Keystone News Agency covered the story of one of those: New Velenje in Slovenia.

The photograph was followed by the caption:

"NEW VELENJE

A small village Velenje, northern Slovenia, has recently got a "twin-brother", modern newly constructed small town New Velenje, to-day inhabited by more than 8000 citizens. Velenje is mostly inhabited by miners and their families who work in Velenje lignite coal mine, is one of the most attractive colony in the country, includes new schools, super-markets, social and health institutions, large parks, etc.

IN THE PICTURE: A general view of New Velenje, now estimated to be the "youngest" town in Yugoslavia, by the age structure of its inhabitants.

Velenje, February 1967."

1986: Delicious Watermelons Go To Waste

2011-06-03T16:31:00.001-04:00

In the spring of 1986 far away in Chernobyl, Soviet Union the nuclear disaster occurred. That summer, throughout Western Europe and Yugoslavia, people were avoiding eating fresh produce due to fears of radioactive contamination.

This photograph is from the archives of the Detroit News and it states that even though they look very tasty, people are simply not buying.

1963: US Helps Earthquake Victims in Skopje

2011-06-03T16:23:00.001-04:00

On July 29, 1963 the United States Air Force delivered help to Skopje, the city hit by a strong earthquake. This is a newspaper clipping published in the States.

The photo caption reads:

"July 29 1963

U.S. SHAKEN, TOO - COMES TO RESCUE

American soldiers carry supplies from U.S. Air Force plane at Skopje. The Air Force and the Army co-operated in bringing needed medical and other supplies to the victims of the earthquake."

Parade Belt of the Officer of Yugoslav National Army

2011-06-02T13:59:00.000-04:00

Pictures of the belt worn by the higher officers of the Yugoslav National Army during public parades and other ceremonies of special nature. The belt is from pre-1963 period as the coat of arms of the Republic features five torches - signifying five nations of Yugoslavia. Later, Bosnian Muslims were recognized as their own nation and the coat of arms was updated to feature six torches burning in a single flame.

Order of Labor with Red Banner

2011-06-02T13:34:00.005-04:00

Order of Labor was a medal established by the AVNOJ on May 1st, 1945. and had the following stages:

Order with the Red Flag (till 1961 The Medal of I order) - 15th in order of Yugoslav awards
Order with the Golden Wreath (till 1961 The Medal of II Order) - 25th in Yugoslav awards
Order with the Silver Wreath (till 1961 The Medal of III Order) - 33rd in Yugoslav awards

This medal is awarded "to individuals and organizations of associated work, other organizations and units of the armed forces of the SFRY, which achieve outstanding successes in the economy and the work of special significance for country's progress in other social activities. "

1947: Youth Brigadier's membership card

2011-06-02T13:08:00.004-04:00

These are the pictures of a participant's card of the 1947 youth brigade "Goce Delcev" to rebuild Strumisko Polje in Macedonia, and was owned by Aleksandar Gavrailov. Unfortunately, the photograph is missing. The color of the paper was light red, but it faded over the years.

Associated Press: Playboy Bunnies in Tito-Land, 1966

2010-12-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

In December 1966, Associated Press seemed a little surprised that Yugoslavians knew how to party. This new wire photograph is from the arhives of the Chicago Daily News, and it features a scene from a night club in Novi Sad in which waitresses were dressed as Playboy bunnies.

The caption of this news wire photograph reads:

"December 12, 1966

BUNNIES IN TITO-LAND

Business was slack in the state-run "Putnik" night club at Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, so the management dressed up two waitresses as Playboy Bunnies to drum up more trade. So, for the first time in a Communist country, another aspect of western civilization came to Marshal Tito's domain.

(AP Wirephoto by cable from Frankfurt)"

The Sun Times: "Adriatic Highway" for Tourists, 1973

2010-12-10T10:40:00.002-05:00

On the June 24th 1973, the Sun Times published a story about the famous coastal highway that stretches the entire length of the Yugoslavian coast, called "Jadranska Magistrala" in serbo-croatian, which was completed in the 1960's to accommodate invasion of domestic and foreign tourists in the summer months. The article is aimed at the British tourists, and as such, it gives the guides of what to do and what to avoid. For example, it urges potential tourists to avoid trying to go inland and connect to the major highways, as mountain roads are "the worst in Europe." Italians were not spared either, as this article warns British tourists to watch out for "Italian automotive suicidal" tendencies.

The caption of this news wire photograph reads:

"June 24, 1973 - Makarska, Adriatic Coast, Yugoslavia

YUGOSLAVIA'S ADRIATIC HIGHWAY

This hugs a craggy, island-studded coastline, known as the coast of a thousand islands - for 621 miles from Rijeka near the Italian border in the north all the way to the Albanian border to the south. You can explore all or part of the route, perhaps just as far south as the lovely, old walled city of Dubrovnik, with its romantic towers and turrets and half-hidden gardens of oleander, bougainvillea and wisteria.

The miles of precariously winding road and craggy cliff could become rather tedious if you try to travel in both ways. Also, inland routes leading to the only major north bound highway, the Belgrade-Zagreb-Ljubljana route, are among the worst roads in Europe. Best consider one of the auto ferries to Italy for route homeward (departing Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar), or better still, sail to Dubrovnik from Italy. The number of wild Italian drivers gambling with automotive suicide along European roads make it more comforting to be heading north on the inner rather then outer lane that drops precipitously to the sea."

Denver Post: Rapid Build Up of Sporting Facilities, 1965

2010-12-10T10:10:00.000-05:00

This was a world news story from March of 1965 about the immense attention that all levels of the Yugoslav government paid to the importance of sport activities in Yugoslavia. This news wire photograph comes from the archives of the Denver Post and was used to tell that story.

The caption of this news wire photograph reads:

"Yugoslavia - Cities

PLAYGROUNDS, GYMNASIUMS AND SPORTS HALLS

The State invests considerable material means to advance physical culture. The largest sum was invested in building up sport objects. In the last 16 years 85 sport buildings were erected. The largest stadium, with football playngrounds, housing 60,000 spectators, is in Belgrade. Another largeer and more modern one for over 100,000 people is just being built.

View of the swimming pool and sport playground at Tasmajdan.

(Photo by Z. Milutinovic)"

"The Great Prize of the Adriatic Sea" Races, 1965

2010-12-10T09:49:00.002-05:00

The moments before a motorcycle race for "The Great Prize of the Adriatic Sea" begins was captured by world news agency to publish stories about this international sporting event on the coast of Yugoslavia during March of 1965. This particular news wire photograph is from the archives of the Denver Post newspaper.

The caption on the back of the photograph reads:

"Yugoslavia - Sports

THE GREAT PRIZE OF THE ADRIATIC SEA

The most exciting auto-moto races take part in the reconstructed track at Preluka, near Opatija. This competition for the "Great Prize of the Adriatic Sea", in a picturesque landscape at the coast, attracts a large number of home and foreign competitors and guests.

On out photo: Motorcycle start before the race."

Belgrade in Postcards, 1978

2010-12-03T16:49:00.000-05:00

Take a look at Belgrade, the capital of Yugoslavia, as it looked in the 1970's - this collection of postcards was issued in 1978.

Click on the pictures for a better view.

Yugoslav Soccer Team Scores 9:0 at World Cup, 1974

2010-12-03T15:35:00.001-05:00

Interesting picture showing Branko Oblak celebrate as he scores the seventh goal for Yugoslavia at the World Cup 1974. The Zaire's goal keeper is seen hammering the ground in anger.

The caption on this news wire photograph reads:

"June 18, 1974 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

VICTORY AND DESPAIR

Yugoslavia's Branko Oblak, background, raises his arms in joy after scoring the seventh goal while Zaire's goalie Muamba Kazadi hammers the ground in anger in Tuesday's World Cup soccer tournament. Yugoslavia won the game, 9-0, equaling the all-time World Cup soccer scoring record set in 1954 by Hungary.

(AP Wirephoto via cable)"

New Belgrade International Airport Opens, 1962

2010-12-03T15:23:00.000-05:00

With ever growing importance of Yugoslavia in the world's political, cultural and sport affairs, there was a huge need for a modern international airport to accomodate the influx of tourists and foreign delegations. This is how the opening of the new international airport in Belgrade in 1962 was covered by the world media:

The caption on this news wire photograph reads:

"Beograd - the capital of Yugoslavia has the ideal geographic position as it is the cross road between main international roads. Here international airways between Near, Middle and Far East, North America and Canada cross with the roads loading from West Europe and the lines between Central and East Europe cross those coming from Africa and South America. The new airport which has been built near Belgrade shortens distances of many international lines. The planes flying on 33 domestic and 16 international lines land here as well as the planes on many charter flights."

Ready to Die for Yugoslavia, 1949

2010-12-03T15:03:00.002-05:00

Acme Telephoto, a news agency, used this photograph to publish a story of the escalating conflict between the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, after which Yugoslavia (peacefully) split with the Iron Block countries and joined the rest of the world.

The caption on the back of this news agency photograph reads:

"September 3, 1949

READY TO DIE FOR YUGOSLAVIA

With five Russian armored divisions said to be massed on the Yugoslavia border, Marshal Tito's personal elite guard, estimated at 300,000, has publicly pledged itself to die fighting if Yugoslavia is invaded. Members of the guard are here shown cleaning their light machine guns at Belgrade

(Acme Telephoto)"

Sophia Loren meets President Tito in Yugoslavia, 1969

2010-12-02T14:05:00.001-05:00

Italian actress Sophia Loren with her husband Carlo Ponti paid a visit to Yugoslavia and President Tito in June of 1969. Here is the Associated Press news wire photograph covering that meeting.

The caption of this news wire photograph reads:

"June 25, 1969

STAR BRIGHTENS UP THE PICTURE

Italian actress Sophia Loren and Yugoslav President Tito share smiles during meeting on Tito's vacation retreat on the Island of Brioni. The actress was accompanied on the flying visit by her husband, producer Carlo Ponti. Photo was received from Belgrade, Tuesday.

(AP Wirephoto via cable from Belgrade, 1969)"

Che Guevara meets President Tito in Yugoslavia, 1959

2010-12-02T13:57:00.001-05:00

Associated Press news agency covered the meeting between the President Tito and the Cuban goodwill delegation, headed by Ernesto Che Guevara. They met on a Adriatic island of Brioni in the summer of 1959.

The caption of this news wire photograph reads:

"August 24, 1959

TITO WELCOMES CUBAN GOODWILL GROUP

Yugoslav President, right, shook hands with Ernesto Guevara, head of Cuban goodwill delegation, when group visited him at his summer home on Brioni Island last week. Between them is Omar Fernandez Camizares, of the visiting group. Guevara is one of the top lieutenants of the Cuban Premier Fidel Castro.

AP Wire Photo"

Personal Dinner Invitation by President Tito, 1968

2010-12-01T13:14:00.005-05:00

This is an official invitation to the Dinner Party organized by the President Tito's while in a state visit to Pakistan in honor of that country's president. The invitation is extended to one of the Yugoslavian state officials.

Click on the image for a larger view

The invitation reads:

"The President of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Madame Jovanka Broz request the pleasure of the company of Zvonko Micic at an Official Dinner at the Hotel Inter-Continental, Rawalpindi on Thursday, January 11th 1968 at 8 p.m. in honor of His Excellency Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Lounge Suit or National Military Uniform, ribbons.

Expo '67 and Expo '86 Handouts

2010-12-01T13:06:00.001-05:00

Take a look at a few of the handouts that visitors to Yugoslavian pavilion would recieve at EXPO shows.

Very nice EXPO '86 pavilion badge, held in Vancouver, Canada. This is from the Yugoslavia pavilion and measures 2 1/8" in diameter.

EXPO '67 Montreal, Quebec - 2 sided leaf "La Yougoslavie en resume". Contains description of Yugoslavia in French language. Page handed out to the visitors as they entered the pavilion.

Participant's Pin - Youth Volunteer Brigades, 1946

2010-12-01T10:51:00.000-05:00

This is a pin issued to each participant of the Youth Volunteer Brigades, named "Youth Railroad - 1946." It was the very first completed project by these young volunteers as the country started to rebuild.

Sinjska Alka, Set of Silver Proof Coins, 1985

2010-11-22T14:47:00.001-05:00

The "Sinjska Alka" is a knight tournament which has been held every first Sunday in the month of August in the city of Sinj since 1715, commemorating the victory over Ottoman Turkish invaders.

Alka is also the name of the object used in the tournament; it is made of two concentric rings connected with three bars 120° apart. The object is hung on a rope 3.32 metres above the race track. The contestant (called an alkar) rides his horse down the race track and tries to hit the central ring of alka with his spear in full gallop. Depending on which part of the alka he hits, he receives from 1 to 3 points, and no points if he misses. If, however, alkar sends alka in the air away from its holder and hits any part of it on its way down, he will be awarded 1-3 points for a target hit and additional three points, thus increasing the maximum to 6 points in one run. The contest consists of three rounds.

The National Bank of Yugoslavia released a set of Silver Proof Coins in 1985 to commemorate this event.

Silver Medal for the XXIV International Regatta in Bled, 1976

2010-11-22T14:38:00.001-05:00

24th International Regatta Championship took place in Yugoslavia, on the Lake Bled in Slovenia during 1976. Here is what the silver medal looked like:

First Flight: Swiss Air - Zurich to Zagreb, 1966

2010-11-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

Swiss Air established a regular flight route between Zurich and Zagreb on May 3rd, 1966. To commemorate this event, a special envelope and stamps were issued that were flown on that flight, and stamped at each city as the plane arrived.

Esperanto Congress, Zagreb Yugoslavia, 1953

2010-11-22T10:56:00.000-05:00

International Esperanto language congress took place in Zagreb, Yugoslavia in 1953 from July 25th to August 1st. This is the stamp that was released by the Yugoslavian Postal Service to commemorate this event.

Car Grill Porcelain Badge - City of Belgrade Coat of Arms, 1980's

2010-11-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

This porcelain badge features the City of Belgrade coat of arms and was sold to car enthuisasts who would attache it the car grill. It was sold in the 1970's and 1980's.

"Partizan - Yugoslav Sports Club" pin, 1980's

2010-11-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

Nice looking pin for one of the most popular Yugoslavian sport clubs - Partizan from Belgrade.

Postcard of Belgrade International Airport, 1973

2010-11-22T10:29:00.001-05:00

Take a look at the postcard that shows off the the Belgrade International Airport in a small suburban town of Surcin as it looked in 1973 when this postcard was available for sale.

Associated Press: Yugoslavia as a Tourist Mecca, 1949

2010-11-19T15:56:00.002-05:00

The new communist government of Yugoslavia under the leadership of President Tito worked hard to modernize the country that was very backward under the old monarchical dictatorship. One way of doing this was to open borders and let tourists from across the world roam free and enjoy the natural beauty of the country, which brought more money for development and to its people.

This news wire photo from September 13, 1949 was featured along with a story on Yugoslavia as a true tourist mecca. This photo originates from the archives of The Denver Post.

The caption of this news wire photograph reads:

"September 13 1949, 11 am - YUGOSLAVIA WELCOMES TOURISTS

Palm-lined promenade with the old fort and town of Dubrovnik in background, a picturesque Yugoslavian resort overlooking the Adriatic. The government has extended a new and friendly reception to foreign tourists.

(For use Sunday, Sept. 25 1949 with Alex H. Singleton's Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia AP-N story on Yugoslavia as a Tourist Mecca)"

Chicago Sun-Times: Sarajevo Winter, 1983

2010-11-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

Chicago Sun-Times news photo from December 25, 1983 featuring new and old buildings in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia during gloomy December of 1983 in anticipation of the upcoming Winter Olympic Games. This photo originates from the archives of The Chicago Sun-Times.

The caption on the back of the new wire photograph reads:

"Sunday December 25, 1983 - NEW MIXES WITH OLD

The XIV Sarajevo Winter Olympic mascott greets motorists from an old building near an area of new high rise apartments."

Associated Press: Worker Awards for Top Performers, 1948

2010-11-19T15:24:00.001-05:00

Associated Press news photo from September 16, 1948 featuring workers in Yugoslavia assemble to receive prizes and honors for demonstrating incentive. A huge portrait of president Tito is in background. This photo originates from the archives of The Denver Post.

The caption of the news wire photograph reads:

"September 16, 1948 - YUGOSLAVS REBUILD

The accent in the land of Tito is on rebuilding and modernizing Yugoslavia. Here, workers assemble to recieve prizes for demonstrating incentive. Not missing very often is huge portrait of Tito, seen in the background. (Acme Telephoto)"

Associated Press: Yugoslav Women in Auto Industry, 1947

2010-11-19T15:16:00.000-05:00

This is an Associated Press news wire photo from August 25, 1947 featuring two Yugoslavian women working in an automobile factory. This photo originates from the archives of The Denver Post, and it was used to tell a story of rebuilding Yugoslavian economy and the equal rights of women in the new, communist Yugoslavia.

The caption on the back of this news wire photograph reads:

"August 25, 1947 - YUGOSLAV AUTO WORKERS

Radmila Jovanovic (left) works at a lathe in an automobile factory in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, only plant of its kind in the Balkans. At right Danica Ladjevac inspects a truck engine on the plant's assembly line. (AP WirePhotos)"

YU FEST - Country-wide Theater Festival, 1987

2010-11-18T11:32:00.002-05:00

This is the official booklet of the first YU FEST, "a unified Yugoslav cultural space" (Jedinstveni Jugoslovenski Kulturni Prostor) from 1987. An amazing festival that was held in all large cities in Yugoslavia simultaneously and featured many Yugoslav and international theater groups and classical concerts.

The slogan of the Festival was: "Kazaliste, Pozoriste, Gledalisce, Teatar - KPGT. The word THEATER in four Yugoslav languages and an acronym made from the first letters of these words. A unified Yugoslav cultural space. Yugoslavia, utopia? KPGT."

The four main theater sections for this Yugoslavian Festival were Grad-Teatar Budva, KotorArt, MolierFest, and ShakespearFest. The locations were across Yugoslavia, in the following cities: Subotica, Budva, Kotor, Belgrade, Ohrid, Sarajevo, Zenica, Mostar, Novi Sad, Skopje, Titograd, Bar, Niksic, Cetinje, Ljubljana, Ulcinj and Herceg-Novi.

Renault Dauphine Marketing Roadmap, 1950's

2010-11-17T15:00:00.001-05:00

This booklet contains advertisiment for Renault Dauphine car in Yugoslavia published in late 1950's or early 1960's. The roadmap shows that the Highway "Brotherhood and Unity" is not yet fully completed.

The map also shows Renault dealerships in Yugoslavia at that time (red diamonds), authorized service mechanic stations (blue diamonds) and spare parts locations (black diamonds).

UHDE Oil Refinery Sisak Yugoslavia Ad, 1957

2010-11-17T14:46:00.001-05:00

In 1957 German oil refinery company UHDE had this marketing poster as a part of their series "All Througout the World" - with this one advertising their refinery facilities in Sisak, Yugoslavia.

"Hotel Zlatibor" Titovo Uzice Luggage Sticker, 1980's

2010-11-17T12:11:00.000-05:00

This is a nice luggage sticker that was available for purchase in the gift shop of the Hotel Zlatibor in the city of Titovo Uzice. These kind of stickers were often used on luggages of travelers, or on car windows.

Detergent HERO for American Markets, 1960's

2010-11-17T12:06:00.001-05:00

Pictured here is a very nice "VariVue Motion Lenticular", also called Flasher, Flicker or Wiggle. This one is a vintage late 1960's Hero Detergent/Soap (Made in Yugoslavia) Vari-Vue walk-by store advertisement.

On the front of this flicker, we have a neat effect as we see two pictures on one that change back and forth depending on the angle this item is held or viewed. We see the words: "I clean with strength, yet I make your wash feel soft." The logo "HERO" changes to a picture of ??? (I guess he is a Hero! :-). A Great effect! (both images are shown in the picture below). Measures approximately 1 1/8" high by 6" inches long.

Silver Proof Coins: 40 Years of Uprising and Winning 1981, 1985

2010-11-16T15:37:00.001-05:00

These two stunning proof coins contain .925 of silver and were released by the National Bank of Yugoslavia and were minted by the Majdanpek Mint.

The first coin was issued in 1981 to celebrate 40 years of uprising of Yugoslav people against Fascism occupation. The second coin, released in 1985, commemorates 40 years of liberation of Yugoslavia. From the pictured certificate, we can see that it was minted in 100,000 pieces, was 38mm in diameter and it weighed 23.5 grams.

TANJUG Informs the World of the IX Congress, 1969

2010-11-16T11:26:00.003-05:00

TANJUG (The News Agency of New Yugoslavia) send out this new wire photograph to the world newspapers regarding the IX Congress of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia (SKJ - Savez Komunista Jugoslavije). President of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito gives the opening speach in front of delegates from accross the country and the foreign visitors.

The caption of this news wire photograph reads:

"THE NINTH CONGRESS OF THE LEAGUE OF COMMUNISTS OF YUGOSLAVIA.
In the picture:

The Congress Presidium (background) and heads of foreign delegations (left and right) during the opening address of President Tito.

Belgrade 11.3.1969 - Foto Tanjug."

Crown News Agency Covers Youth Work Brigades, 1950's - Part II

2010-11-16T11:10:00.001-05:00

Here is another photograph that Crown News Agency used in the 1950's to cover stories of the Yugoslavian Youth Work Brigades. This one features a scene from a brigadier village.

The caption on the back of the photograph reads:

"YUGOSLAVIA

Relaxation for the International Voluntary Youth Workers. Various nationalities stroll around the road-building camp before a few hours' rest."

Engraved Tourist Medallion for Visitors of Dubrovnik, 1984

2010-11-12T16:31:00.001-05:00

Tourists staying at one of many hotels in Dubrovnik on the Yugoslavian coast had a chance to buy a nice medallion with the dates of their stays engraved. This particular medallion was bought buy a tourist staying in "Dubrovnik" hotel, and the engraved text says "On the occasion of your stay in Dubrovnik, November 27-30, 1984" The medallion was issued by the Hotel and Tourist Organization ("Hotelsko-Turisticko Poduzece") of Dubrovnik.

Promotional Material for Visitors of the Postojna Caves, 1970's

2010-11-12T14:59:00.001-05:00

This is one of the promotional materials sold to tourists visiting the famous Postojna Caves (Postojnska Jama) in Slovenia, Yugoslavia during the 1970's. It contains a nice booklet, LP and a set of projector slides. The LP was poblished by the Postojna Cave Tourist and Hotel Organization, pressed by Yugoton Records, Zagreb and was available in Slovenian, Serbo-Croatian, English, Italian, French, German and Dutch languages.

Click on each photo to get a larger view.

Jimmy Carter Visits President Tito's Grave, 1980

2010-11-12T13:53:00.001-05:00

Former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, lays floral wreath on the grave of Yugoslavian President Josip Broz Tito in 1980. First Lady Rosalynn and daughter Amy look on.

Associated Press: Youthfull Yugoslavs Help Rebuild, 1945

2010-11-11T15:47:00.001-05:00

An Associated Press News Journalist took this photograph of Yugoslavian youth already hard at work at rebuilding the country after the WWII. It was taken on May 30th 1945 on Adriatic island Vis. Notice that many of these boys wear characteristic hats of the Tito's Partisan soldiers.

The back of this Associated Press News Agency photograph reads:

"YOUTHFULL YUGOSLAVS HELP REBUILD

(This picture is for use in papers of Sunday June 10 and thereafter, with William B. King's AP Newsfeatures Story on REBUILDING YUGOSLAVIA)

It's real man's work these youthfull Yugoslavs are doing, and they perform it cheerfully. The youngsters, former Partisans who helped free their country of the Germans, now work enthusiastically while aiding in the rebuilding of the liberated Dalmatian island of Vis. The gigantic job of the reconstructing the economic life of Yugoslavia goes forward at a slow but heartening pace.

May 30, 1945"

Crown News Agency Covers Youth Work Brigades, 1950's

2010-11-11T15:20:00.002-05:00

Crown News Agency reported on the rebuilding activites of the Yugoslavian youth through Youth Volunteer Work Brigades ("Omladinske Radne Brigade"), which were responsible for building up most of the countries brand new cities, industry and infrastructure. Intrestingly enough, the caption of the news wire photograph was corrected to state that these were international youth volunteers, as many of these brigades had international participation.

The caption of this news wire photograph reads:

"YUGOSLAVIA

Labor of Love.
International Voluntary Youth Workers build a new motor-road. Their camp in the background is moved as road-building progresses."

Deadly Train Accident Near Belgrade, 1975

2010-11-11T15:10:00.001-05:00

On July 19, 1975, a deadly train accident occured in Zemun near Belgrade, when an express train hit the passanger train. This photograph and the story were reported by the Yugoslavian daily newspaper "Borba" and taken over by the Associted Press for coverage in the world media.

The caption on this Associted Press news photo reads:

"Belgrade, July 19

At least 15 persons were killed and over 30 injured Saturday when a speeding express train crashed into a standing passanger train at Zemun Polje station six miles from hire.

(AP Wirephoto BORBA 1975)"

The second photograph contains more information in the caption part:

This photograph's caption reads:

"BELGRADE, YUGOSLAVIA - JULY 19 - TRAINS COLLIDE

Rescure worker surveys scene after two passanger trains crashed Saturday in Zemun, a station six miles outside fo Belgrade, Yugoslavia. A rescue worker said 15 persons were killed. More then 30 persons were taken to hospitals. (AP Wirephoto) (See AP AAA wire story) 1975."

Marketing Photo Still for "Cudna Devojka" Film, 1962

2010-11-10T11:24:00.002-05:00

Original movie photo showing one of the scenes from the Yugoslavian film from 1962 "Cudna devojka" ("Strange Girl") featuring the actress Špela Rozin in leading role. The film portraits a paradigmatic case of an urban girl living in Yugoslavia in the early 60's.

IMDB link for this movie is http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0176626/

There is inscription and some scrabbles on the backside of the photo. Dimensions: 19, 9 x 13, 9 cm.

The photo is from the archive of the film magazine „Filmska kultura“ which was published in Zagreb, Yugoslavia since 1957 until 1990’s. It was one of the most significant and long-time movie magazines in Yugoslavia. Editors were Fadil Hadžic, Stevo Ostojic, Fedor Hanžekovic and Mira Boglic.

Help Arrives in Post War Yugoslavia, 1948

2010-11-10T10:27:00.001-05:00

This is a Crown News Agency story and a photograph covering relief efforts during the first years after the WWII. It praises Yugoslavians for rapidly rebuilding the country. On the mountains above the sea-port, the word "TITO" is clearly visible.

The caption on the back of the news agency photograph reads:

"RELIEF FOR YUGOSLAVIA

Of all countries in Europe that have suffered from the ravages of war, Yugoslavia is possibly making the greatest efforts to re-organise. Shortages of all materials is making the work difficult, but much is being done by hard work and improvisation. Military Lisison started the work of relief for Yugoslavia, and UNRRA have now taken over, but the bulk of the work is done by the Yugoslavs themselves. There are many small ports on the Yugoslav Adriatic coast, some are only able to take sohooners laden with relief supplies, but at the main ports of Sucrurae (near Split) and Cruz (near Dubrovnik) Liberty ships, as well as sohooners are able to put in, and large quantities of goods can be handled.

Photo shows: A sohooner unloads Red Cross relief supplies at SPLIT."

UPI News Agency: 20th Anniversary of Yugoslav Navy, 1962

2010-11-10T10:10:00.005-05:00

UPI News Agency covered the story of the 20th Anniversary of the Yugoslavian Navy during the summer of 1962. In this photo, we see President Tito with other high ranking military officials salute passing ships and observe the excersise in the Adriatic near the city of Split.

The caption on the back of the news agency photograph reads:

"FLEETING JOY

Split, Yugoslavia - Shielding his eyes from the bright sun with a white-gloved hand, Yugoslavia's President Tito (second from left) stands on the bridge of his favorite ship, the Galeb, as he reviews units of the fleet near Split, Yugoslavia. At left is Yugoslavian Defense Minister General Ivan Gosnjak, one of the high-ranking officers on hand to review the ships in connection with the 20th Annuversary of the Yugoslavian Navy.

Credit (UPI PHOTO) - October 1, 1962"

Chicago Sun-Times Features Sveti Stefan, 1963

2010-11-05T14:33:00.001-04:00

For the beginning of the 1963 summer tourist season, Chicago Sun-Times, Denver Post and other newspapers in the U.S. ran a story on Sveti Stefan in Montenegro, Yugoslavia. This is the scan of the actual photograph by journalist Horace Sutton that was used in the news story.

The caption on the back of the photograph reads:

"This is an unusual hotel, especially in the 20th century. It is located in Sveti Stefan on the Yugoslavian coast, and contains 116 hotel apartments in 36 houses. Rooms are under $5 a day.

June 1, 1963 Sun-Times. 3 Columns and Sutton"

World Bank Loans In Action, 1965 [Part III]

2010-11-05T11:09:00.003-04:00

This news-wire photograph currently sits in the archives of the Chicago-Sun Times and was used to publish a story about reconstruction and modernization of Yugoslavia. As such, the story was carried by many other world newspapers. The photograph was taken by Philip Boucas for the World Bank in June of 1965.

The text that accompanied this photograph reads:

"International Bank For Reconstruction and Development, Washington, D.C., 20433
Yugoslavia and the World Bank - a World Bank Photo Feature

This small beach on the peninsula of Lapad near Dubrovnik is a growing tourist attraction due to the completion of the new Adriatic Highway between Split and Bar.

The World Bank is helping to finance the completion of Yugoslavia's two most important highways, the Central Highway and the Adriatic Highway. The Central Highway, which extends 720 miles from the Austrian to the Greek border, serves the main centers of population, agriculture and industry. The Adriatic Highway will run 465 miles along the Dalmatian Coast, renowned for its scenic beaty, ancient towns and temperate climate.

Since 1949, when the World Bank made its first loan to Yugoslavia for development of industry, it has lent Yugoslavia a total of $260.7 million. These funds have been used to develop agriculture, hydroelectric power, industry and transportation.

No. 5 in series of 10 pictures.

Photo: Philip Boucas for World Bank, June 1965."

Associated Press News Photograph - Sarajevo Olympics, 1984

2010-11-05T10:10:00.002-04:00

One day before the opening ceremony of the XIV Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia an Associated Press journalist takes this photograph of a downhill skier on the slope of Mt. Bjelasnica. This is a scan of the original news wire photograph and comes from the archives of the Detroit News.

The back of the photograph has a newspaper clipping containing first few paragraphs of the original article that included this photograph.

Click on the photos for a larger view.

Caption reads: "A lone skier races down the Mt. Bjelasnica course in preparation for the downhill event neat Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. (AP) Feb.5, 1984 - 9:53 pm"

Stamps celebrate Youth Volunteers in Yugoslavia, 1946

2010-10-15T07:55:00.001-04:00

Set of stamps released in 1946 celebrating work on the first railroad built by the Youth Volunteer Brigade.

Kolekcija poštanskih markica izdatih 1946 godine u znak građenja prve Omladinske pruge u Jugoslaviji i stvaranju Omladinskih Radnih Akcija.

"Bridges of Railway Belgrade-Bar" Stamps, 1976

2010-10-14T20:43:00.000-04:00

Here is a portion of the set of stamps released by the Yugoslav Post Office (PTT) in 1976 to celebrate the many great bridges of the railway Belgrade-Bar.

Bijelo Dugme - Signed LP from 1975

2010-10-12T23:09:00.000-04:00

Bijelo dugme (trans. White Button) is a highly influential Yugoslav rock band, stationed in Sarajevo. Active between 1974 and 1989, it is widely considered to have been the most popular band ever to exist in Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and one of the most important acts of the Yugoslav rock scene.

Take a look at the signed LP released in 1975 by all members of the group:

50,000 Visitors - Thank You, Hvala!

2010-06-04T11:40:00.001-04:00

Let's pause for a moment and observe a small milestone of this website - on June 3rd, we reached 50,000 visitors. Considering that the web site 'opened for business' on April 15th 2009, that means that on average there have been 121 visitors per day. Thanks to all of you for making this website noticed and popular, and for keeping the progressive ideas of Yugoslavia alive.

Let us toast with the traditional Yugoslav drink :) This product's label is off of a bottle of "Manastirka - Stara Sljivova Prepecenica" from July 16th, 1984. Bottled by Prokupac in Belgrade.

A Few Songs From Youth Day Celebrations in Belgrade

2010-05-25T08:33:00.004-04:00

25 Maj 1979 - Stadion JNA, Beograd. Snimak jedne numere sa sleta. Autor pesme "Tito Je Nase Sunce" - Muzika: Kornelije Kovač, tekst: Pero Zubac, pevač: Zlato Pejaković

Actual video recording of the Youth Day Celebrations in Belgrade on May 25th, 1979 - the very last year Marshal Tito was able to attend. The Youth Day celebrations took place in a Stadium of Yugoslav Army in Belgrade on every May 25th.

Predaja Štafete Mladosti 1982. godine
Youth Day Relay of 1982 - Final run and handover

Jugoslovenska operska diva Dubravka Zubović izvodi numeru "Rožica sem bila" uživo za Dan Mladosti 25. Maja 1984.

Yugoslav opera diva Dubravka Zubovic performs live during the Youth Day Celebrations in Belgrade on May 25th, 1984.

AKUD "Španac" igra za Dan Mladosti 1984 na Stadionu JNA u Beogradu.
Youth Cultural Group "Španac" dances during the Youth Day 1984 in Belgrade.

Predivna pesma hora Kolibri koja je bila izvedena na velikoj svečanosti za Dan Mladosti 25. Maja 1982. Video napravljen uz slike velikih spomenika narodnooslobodilačke borbe

Yugoslavian children's choir Colibri (The Hummingbirds) sing a popular song of freedom that was performed on Yugoslav Youth Day May 25, 1982. The accompanied pictures are of monuments to the freedom fighters and are true architectural marvels.

Video napravljen na muziku koju izvode Kemal Monteno i grupa Mostarske Kise. Pesma je snimljena 1983, i izvedena kao deo programa za proslavu Dana Mladosti na Stadionu JNA.

Kemal Monteno and all-female group Mostarske Kise performed this song during the Youth Day celebrations in Belgrade on May 25th, 1983.

Mika Bosnić - National Hero of Yugoslavia

2010-05-25T07:02:00.001-04:00

Mika Bosnić was born in 1928 in the town near Drvar. As soon as Tito's Partisans organized uprising against the nazi invaders, she joined in and started helping within the youth resistance organizations. Just days before the "Raid on Drvar" she became a member of SKOJ (Union of Communist Youth of Yugoslavia) and began more active participation in the resistance. She was a currier for the local partisan brigades.

During the "Raid on Drvar", on May 25th 1944, during fierce fighting, a partisan tank was in grave danger of being captured by the Germans. All partisans in the tank were wounded, and Germans threw heavy blanket over the visors of the tank. At that time, Germans were organizing captured partisan fighters very near the tank. Mika Bosnić, who was one of the captured youth, jumped out of the column and threw herself at the partisan tank, removing the blanket. Partisans inside the tank were finally able to see and started firing at the Germans.

Mika Bosnić was brutally stabbed with bayonets numerous times by the angry German soldiers. She was sixteen years old. During the "Raid on Drvar" Mika Bosnić's mother and brother Zdravko were killed. Few days after her death, her other brother Djordje was also killed in fighting.

She was honored with the highest award of Yugoslavia - an Order of People's Hero on May 17th, 1974.

Stamp - 40 Year of "Raid on Drvar", 1984

2010-05-25T06:38:00.000-04:00

This envelope and its stamp were issued on May 25th, 1984 to commemorate 40 years of battle in Drvar - named "Raid on Drvar." It features Tito's Cave, the location of Partisan HQ during the nazi parachute raid, and the picture of Tito as the leader of Partisans.

Raid on Drvar - Nazi Attack on Partisan HQ, May 25th 1944

2010-05-25T06:02:00.001-04:00

President of Yugoslavia, Marshal Tito, celebrated his birthday on May 25th, even though he was born on May 7th. He often talked about the fact that he felt reborn after barely surviving a Nazi Raid on Drvar - a parachute attack aimed at eliminating Tito with other Partisan leaders and British Military guests.

Raid on Drvar

Part of the Yugoslav Front of World War II

Date	May 25 – July 3, 1944
Location	Near Drvar, Bosnia
Result	Partisan victory

Belligerents

Germany

Ustashe of Croatia

Serbian Chetniks

Yugoslav Partisans

Commanders

Kurt Rybka

Josip Broz Tito

Strength

some 3,500 German troops, several thousand collaborationist troops

One infantry brigade

(at the LZ)

Casualties and losses

Partisan claims:

788 killed

881 wounded

50 missing

German claims:

789 killed

929 wounded

57 missing

Partisan claims:

500 killed

1,000 wounded

2,000 civilian casualties

German claims:

approximately 6,000 civilians and soldiers killed

The operation is generally known as the Seventh anti-Partisan Offensive, or the Seventh Enemy Offensive (Sedma neprijateljska ofenziva/ofanziva) in Yugoslav sources.

Despite the name, "Raid on Drvar", the offensive was much wider than the airborne raid on the HQ, as it also included a combined Axis attack on Partisan positions in Bosnia designed to take advantage of the command disruption.

This attack included local collaborationist forces: the Independent State of Croatia and the Serbian Chetnik movement, both helping the Nazis in the Raid.

The Partisan General Staff headquarters were in the hills near Drvar, Bosnia at the time (in Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Representatives of the Allies were also present. Randolph Churchill (son of Winston Churchill) and Evelyn Waugh were at Tito's headquarters at the time of the attack.

Marshal Tito in Drvar, May 1944 with Partisan leadership

Ivan Milutinović, Slavko Rodić, Sreten Žujović

Otto Skorzeny was involved in planning of the operation and was supposed to command it but gave up on it after his visit to Zagreb where he realized that the operation's secrecy was compromised. In addition to their own intricate network, the Partisans were provided with intelligence by the British and knew that the Axis would launch an offensive operation around Tito's birthday, but they did not know that it was to be an airborne assault. Orders received by the Partisan units, 48 hours before the air raid commenced, were to block all roads leading from Bosanski Petrovac and Ključ to Drvar and to stall or slow any Axis movement coming from those areas. In addition, strong Partisan formations were positioned southeast of Drvar. Whole Partisan brigades and divisions were moved from northwestern Krajina to Ključ and Bosanski Petrovac. Only one Partisan company of Tito's Escort Battalion was left defending the cave.

At 5:00am the parachute and glider German SS and paratroopers fought their way to Marshal Tito's cave HQ and exchanged heavy gunfire resulting in numerous casualties on both sides. In addition, Serbian Chetnik formations under Draža Mihailović flocked to the firefight in support of the Germans, also attempting to capture Marshal Tito. By the time German forces had penetrated to the cave, however, Tito had already fled the scene and escaped: a train was waiting for him that took him to the city of Jajce.

Nazi's "Raid on Drvar" in progress, May 25th 1944

There were fewer than 100 Partisans in the town when the operation started. Most of the Partisan troops were dispersed in the surrounding area. The students of the Partisan Officer's School, around 60 of them, joined in a fight, sometimes taking arms from fallen German troops, prevented a flanking attempt by the German paratroopers. This proved to be crucial for saving the foreign guests (giving them more time for escape) that were hosted by Tito. When elements of the Partisan 6th Lika Division arrived at the battlefield, the air raid was already a disaster and the brigade was ordered to wipe out the remaining Axis troops in the area and to evacuate the wounded and civilians, since it was already known that the Axis tanks and infantry were approaching Drvar from north west.

Tito and Partisan HQ escape route. "Pećina" means "cave"; where HQ was located.

Notice the church on the right, then look below

Germans firing at Tito and Partisan HQ from the church

It would appear that Tito and his staff were prepared for a quick escape. The commandos were only able to retrieve Tito’s Marshal's uniform, which was later displayed in Vienna. After fierce fighting in and around the village cemetery, the Germans were able to link up with mountain troops. By that time, Marshal Tito, his British guests and Partisan staff were fêted aboard the British Royal Navy destroyer HMS Blackmore and her captain Lt. Carson, RN.

German and domestic traitors only success: captured Tito's Marshal uniform

Tito's Marshal uniform was angrily shot at by the Germans,
then put on display in Vienna

According to a German report XV. Gebirgs-Korps suffered 213 killed, 881 wounded, and 51 missing. The same reports, claimed that 6,000 Partisans were killed. In addition to that, 500th SS Parachute Battalion was virtually annihilated, suffering losses of some 71 per cent of its effectiveness. The Partisans denied suffering such losses and reported they lost around 500 fighters and had over 1,000 wounded, mainly due to heavy bombing by the Luftwaffe. Moreover, Partisan reports claimed over 2,000 civilians were killed by German troops around Drvar, that were likely counted among the alleged 6,000 dead fighters reported by the SS.

Tito's Cave in Drvar - Location of Partisan HQ with British guests in May 1944

Set of Youth Day Relay Pins

2010-05-25T04:00:00.001-04:00

Take a look at this great collection of 28 Youth Relay pins assembled in a nice blue album with a picture of President Tito.

The Relay of Youth (in Serbo-Croatian: Štafeta mladosti, Serbian Cyrillic Штафета младости, Macedonian Штафета на младоста, Albanian Stafeta e Rinise) was a symbolic relay race held in Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia every year. The relay carried a baton with a pledge of Yugoslav youth to Josip Broz Tito from all corners of Yugoslavia. The relay usually started in March and was carried through all major towns and cities of the country. It's final destination was Belgrade, Stadium of Yugoslav Army on May 25, Day of Youth, a national holiday. The relay first took place in 1945 and was formalized as a national holiday of Yugoslav Youth in 1957.

Rally Saturnus - Press Plate, 1986

2010-05-17T05:35:00.000-04:00

Rally Saturnus is a car racing championship that took place yearly in May in Slovenia, Yugoslavia since 1978. Here is a picture of a journalist car plate for 1986 rally.

List of Rally Saturnus Winners:
1978	Brane Kuzmič	Marjan Ravnikar	YU	BMW 1600

1979	Brane Kuzmič	Dušan Bastar	YU	BMW 1600

1980	Stojan Pirjevec	Srečko Pirjevec	YU	Zastava 101

1981	Antonio Zanussi	Roberto Fassina	ITA	Porsche 911 SC

1982	Gerhard Kalnaj	F. Hinterleitner	AUT	Opel Ascona 400

1983	Brane Kuzmič	Rudi Šali	YU	Renault 5 Turbo

1984	Brane Kuzmič	Rudi Šali	YU	Renault 5 Turbo

1985	Graziano Quartesan	Pierro Vianello	ITA	Porsche 911 SC

1986	Rolf Petersen	Andre Bockelmann	ZRN	Opel Manta 400

1987	Andrzej Koper	Krzysztof Geborys	POL	Renault 11 Turbo

1988	Franz Wittmann	Jorg Pattermann	AUT	Lancia Delta HF Integrale

1989	Franz Wittmann	Jorg Pattermann	AUT	Lancia Delta HF Integrale

1990	Georg Fischer	Thomas Zeltner	AUT	Audi 200 Quattro

Brits shoot a film in Yugoslavia, 1955

2010-05-16T05:24:00.000-04:00

Original movie photograph showing the director and the producer of the British drama film "The Divided Heart" (1955) Charles Crichton and Michael Truman discussing during the filming. The film features Cornell Borchers, Yvonne Mitchell and Armin Dahlen.

This is the first British movie that was partly filmed on the territory of Yugoslavia. It tells a story of an orphan adopted by German couple after the WWII who finds out that his mother, a Yugoslav refugee, is still alive and wants him back, so the court must decide with whom the boy should live.

The movie won two BAFTA Film Awards. Dimensions of the photograph: 25, 4 x 20, 2 cm.

This news-wire photograph was used to publish a story regarding the filming in publications around the world. The back side reads:

"For the first time a British film has been made partly on location in Yugoslavia, the Michael Balcon-Ealing Studios film "The Divided Heart", and in the streets of Skofja Loka where the shooting took place producer Michael Truman and director Charles Crichton discuss filming problems."

Chess olympiad back in Yugoslavia, 1990

2010-05-15T05:10:00.000-04:00

Yugoslavia hosted three times world chess olympiad. First time in 1950, then in 1972 and finally in 1990. I have already posted on this blog a long story on the 1950 olympiad, and you can read it HERE.

Here is some basic information on the 1990 olympiad, which was held in the city of Novi Sad:

29th Chess Olympiad
Date:	16th November - 4th December 1990
City:	Novi Sad, SFR Yugoslavia
Venue:	Vojvodina Sports and Convention Center
Head of Organizing Committee:	Mr. Vlada Popović (YUG)
Tournament Director:	Mr. Janoš Kubat (YUG)
Chief Arbiter:	IA Georgios Beskos (GRE)
Teams participating:	108 (incl. Yugoslavia "B" and "C")
Players participating:	636 (incl. 103 GMs, 121 IMs and 67 FMs)
Games played:	3020 (21 games were forfeited)
Competition format:	Four board 14 round Swiss.
Final order decided by:	1. Game points; 2. Buchholz; 3. Match points
Time control:	40 moves in 2 hours, then 1 hour for each next 20 moves
Official logo:
Downloadable game file:	90olm.zip
Special thanks to Mark Orr for help.

Commemorative coin released by the National Bank of Yugoslavia for this occasion:

Advertisement Keychain for FB "Partizan", 1950's

2010-05-14T00:47:00.000-04:00

Bicycle Corporation "Partizan" from the city of Subotica released this keychain as a form of advertisement in 1950's or 1960's. Front side features the Company's amblem, and on the back side it states "Always buy bicycles and motorcycles from the FB Partizan Subotica"

This company is famous for producing many different styles of bikes for people of all ages and sizes with now legendary names: "Mini", "Pony" etc.

Signiture FB "Partizan" Subotica chainwheel for its bicycles

Jovanka Broz Lays Flowers on Her Husband's Grave

2010-05-04T15:19:00.000-04:00

Tito's Final Resting Place - "House of Flowers" in Belgrade

2010-05-04T15:14:00.001-04:00

"House of Flowers" (Kuća Cveća) is the mausoleum of the leader of the Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito, who died on May 4, 1980. It is located on the grounds of the Museum of Yugoslav History in Dedinje, Belgrade. This museum also keeps the gifts Tito and Yugoslavia received during his presidency.

The name "House of Flowers" comes from the fact that many flowers surrounded the tomb, but today there are only white rocks where the flowers used to be. It was internally called "flower shop" during Tito's life when it served as his auxiliary office with covered garden.

Yugoslav Magazine "8" reports on Tito's Funeral, May 1980

2010-05-04T14:51:00.001-04:00

Three decades have passed since the death of Yugoslav president Marshal Tito. He died in Ljubljana, Slovenia at 3:05 pm on May 4th, 1980 and was buried in Belgrade on May 8th, 1980. His funeral drew many world statesmen. Based on the number of attending politicians and state delegations, it is the largest state funeral in world history. They included four kings, thirty-one presidents, six princes, twenty-two prime ministers and forty-seven ministers of foreign affairs. They came from both sides of the Cold War, from 128 different countries.

Click on the pictures for the much larger version.

Labor Day Gift: Collection of Youth Brigadier Songs from Yugoslavia

2010-05-01T05:55:00.008-04:00

May 1st - the international Labor Day and one of the most popular public holidays in Yugoslavia. In order to celebrate it and to honor a very specific kind of workers in Yugoslavia - members of the volunteer 'Youth Brigades', I bring you a collection of 6 LP's containing mostly songs of the brigadiers. Youth brigadiers literally built half of Yugoslavia, including entire new cities, like New Belgrade, New Skopje etc. This collection contains songs that were created to entertain them or were created by them.

Za proslavu Prvog Maja, donosim vam kolekciju od 6 albuma sa brigadirskim pesmama. Uživajte.
Kliknite OVDE!! da bi ste skinuli albume [370 MB]

To download this collection [370 MB], click HERE!!

Here is one of the songs you can find on these albums:

Collection includes following albums:

Album 1. - Brigadirska Pesma [1975] PGP-RTB

Album 2. - Da nam zivi, zivi rad [1976] PGP-RTB

Album 3. - Hej, Haj Brigade [1974] Yugoton

Album 4. - O'ruk Generacija - ORA Morava [1980] BeogradDisk

Album 5. - Suncane Pruge - ORA Samac-Sarajevo [1978]

Album 6. - Otok Mladosti [1975]