These are Croatian Americans who arrived in Biloxi in late 19th or early 20th centuries. They took on all aspects of the seafood industry, with an emphasis on work. Fofo Gilich, who is proud to be “Ich”, Biloxi’s mayor and second-generation Croatian American, says that “they worked hard and had fun.” “They did the work that no one else wanted to do.” Nick Skrmetta, the first Croatian immigrant to Biloxi in 1897. He was hired in a seafood cannery factory, and it is said that he worked as a normal man. Nick answered the shop foreman’s question about whether there were other people like him from his hometown. He said that there were many. The foreman replied, “Tell them all to come over there,” They found jobs for them all. They settled down. Their numbers quickly grew with large families. The first Croatian Americans placed a strong emphasis on education. Fathers didn’t want their daughters and sons doing the same dirty, smelly jobs they did. There are now doctors, lawyers, and business owners from Croatia – third, fourth and fourth-generation Croatian Americans. Many of them have ich or vich at the end their names. Around 200 people gathered at the Croatian American Culture Center Sunday morning to witness tiny Croatia, which is home to just over four million people, play against France in the World Cup championship. They waved Croatian flags and wore Croatian jerseys. They enjoyed delicious Croatian pastries. They cheered again and waved the flags more. There was a lot of alcohol flowing and toasts were made to both the old country as well as Luka Modric, the outstanding midfielder and captain for the Croatian team. Michael Kovacevich (also known as the Slavonian lodge), said, “Win or lose it, it’s a source of pride that such an small country like Croatia could be among the last two teams in the world championship match.” This is especially remarkable considering that the United States with 327 million people didn’t even qualify. Croatia is home to fewer people than Alabama. It was perhaps predictable that France, which is home to 67 million people, beat the Croatians 4-2, dampening what was otherwise an amazing party. It will take more than just a World Cup loss to destroy the spirit of these people who arrived here from nothing and have become a vital part of the community. After Hurricanes Camille and Katrina, they rebuilt from scratch. The Croatian-American Culture Center was founded in 1913 and is currently in its third building. It was completed in 2010 at a total cost of $4million. Gilich, the mayor of the city, stated earlier this week that it was already paid for and no public money was involved. He had been in Cuba on business, but he said the same thing. Gilich, like many other Croatian-Americans living in Biloxi, has been to the country several times. He and Serena celebrated their 50th anniversary in Croatia, where they witnessed a Croatian victory in the early rounds of the World Cup. Gilich stated, “Imagine the excitement of seeing the Saints win in New Orleans.” A French Club is also located in Biloxi, two blocks away from the Croatian club. The French Club didn’t host a similar World Cup party. I checked. Eugene Ellzey who manages French Club watched the championship match at Croatian-American Cultural center as a special guest. Ellzey stated, “We are all good friends.” They work on some of the same projects together, but that didn’t stop them from placing a wager. Ellzey and his club would prepare French toast for American-Croatian members if Croatia won. Since France won, Kovacevich provided Ellzey with Pusharatas, a delicious Croatian pasty, and his club gave him a bag. Beverly Kovacevich is Michael’s mother and could show you how to make them. She is also able to tell you a lot about the hardworking, hard-playing Croatian Americans on the Gulf Coast. Michael hosted the 90th birthday party of his mother recently. Michael Kovacevich stated that his mother closed down the house at 4 AM. “She can still get.” Beverly was raised in the Croatian lifestyle. Her heritage? French.