In 1908, a group of immigrants from Slovenia formed a lodge on the south side of Milwaukee
in order to collect and disburse funeral and sick benefits for its members, and called
themselves Sloga. Most of the immigrants left their homeland in Slovenia, which was ruled at
that time by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, in hopes of creating a better life for themselves
and their families. They coped with language and cultural differences in their new homeland,
but a main concern was financial protection for their families. Forming a fraternal
organization fulfilled the need for these Slovenian Americans to gather together socially
and support each other in times of need.
With over 100 members, Sloga became one of the strongest lodges of its type in Milwaukee at
that time. In the next few years, additional Sloga lodges were formed in Port Washington,
Sheboygan, Grafton, and West Allis. The original group in Milwaukee became Sloga Lodge
#1.
In 1910, the lodge drafted its first by-laws. Around 1915, delegates from five lodges
convened at 163 Reed St. (now S. 2nd St.) on the south side of Milwaukee and voted to rename
the organization "Jugoslovansko Podporno Zdruzenje Sloga" (JPZ Sloga), Yugoslav Aid
Association-Unity. In 1915, the organization was incorporated in the State of Wisconsin. The
organization eventually changed its name to SSBU Sloga (South-Slavic Benevolent Union-Sloga)
and later, Sloga Fraternal Life Insurance Society.
In 1994, the last convention of the Sloga Fraternal Life Insurance Society voted to merge
with the Croatian Fraternal Union of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since 1994, the membership
has been known as CFU/Sloga Milwaukee Lodge #1994.
Over the years, Sloga had faithfully continued its concern with the betterment of its
members. In addition to offering various life insurance products, Sloga instituted sick
benefits, a mortgage program, and a university scholarship program.
Sloga had a rich history of sponsoring social and athletic activities for members of all
ages. These included Slovenian singing and theatrical groups; softball, basketball, bowling,
and fishing events; children's Christmas parties, annual picnics, and Slovenian cooking
schools. Currently, Sloga Milwaukee Lodge #1994 continues to offer the Sloga Scholarship
Program to its members. In addition to supporting activities in the Slovenian American
community in the Milwaukee area, the lodge makes annual contributions to the Milwaukee
Hunger Task Force, the Ronald McDonald House, and Salvation Army.
