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| 6/2/2006 6:00:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | An American dream in a Czech Crystal Palace
Joyce Laabs
When George Pelc came to America from the Czech Republic in 1997 he had a specific goal in mind.
"I came on a six-month tourist/work visa to earn enough money to go back to the Czech Republic and start a business," he said. "But, as I traveled across America, eventually visiting 47 states, I changed my mind. I really liked it in America and knew there were more opportunities to succeed here.
"There are only 10 million people in the entire Czech Republic. You can cross our country in five hours. It was Czechoslovakia under Communist rule until 1989, then the country was divided into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
"Under the Communists, we had rationing. In fact, the major difference since the Communists left is that there is more merchandise for the residents.
'I had a good life'
"I had a good life. I went to a good school and I played sports. In the Czech Republic, once you are 18 years of age you are required to spend a year in the Army. I did that.
"I was surprised that we have more transportation in our country (than in the U.S.). We still have many trains and buses."
Pelc spoke no English when he landed in America.
"I had a little book of English," Pelc continued. "It was supposed to help you learn the language in three months. I learned words, but I found if I listened to the people I could understand English better. I liked to talk with people. The young people liked my accent.
"I think anyone who migrates to this country should have to learn English. How can you live in a country and not know the language?"
Similar to his hometown
Pelc's travels finally brought him to the cranberry marshes of northern Wisconsin - first in Eagle River and then Manitowish Waters. The communities in northern Wisconsin are similar to the resort town in which he lived. It was in Manitowish Waters that he met Marilyn Gray at the company where they both worked.
"I was born and raised in Mercer," Marilyn said. "My dad works as a fishing guide and my mother as a waitress. Most of my family still lives there. Some went away - but they returned.
"When I first met George I couldn't understand what he was saying, but that soon changed and we were married three months after we met."
Pelc has a cousin, Ladislav Adamek, who owns a factory in the Czech Republic that makes jewelry.
Adamek visited the United States three years ago and he and Pelc decided a Czech jewelry shop in Wisconsin's Northwoods might be a good business for the Pelcs, with Adamek supplying the product.
A little over two years ago, Pelc took the first step toward the realization of that dream when he and Marilyn opened the Czech Crystal Palace in Woodruff.
Try it for six months
"We lived in Woodruff and so decided we would open our shop in that community. Space was available, so we went ahead. We thought we would try it for six weeks and see how it went," Marilyn remembers.
"We opened mid-November and stayed open through Christmas in 2003. It really turned out good. Lots of nice people stopped in."
In fact, the trial run turned out so well they made a decision to stay there and remain open year-round.
"The Czech Republic is known for its garnet," Pelc said. "We mine it there and it is "the diamond" of our country. Our jet-black crystals are also well-known. They are all hand-set into jewelry pieces - many in vintage style."
They have expanded the inventory of their shop, and, in addition to the jewelry, offer glass ornaments, art glass and glassware, beads, special bridal and prom jewelry, hanging crystals, tablecloths, religious items and Kraslice-handpainted eggs.
"We also travel to Czech festivals throughout the country," Marilyn continued, "and have made some wonderful contacts. In fact we now have our product in the gift shop of the National Czech & Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and in the gift shop of the National Shrine of Infant Jesus of Prague in Prague, Okla.
Display at gem show
"The Oklahoma Czech Festival is huge - drawing more than 50,000 visitors each year. The Pelcs also travel to the Czech fests in Phillips and Kaukana.
"We display at the gem show at Lakeland Union High School each July and enjoy that. We love it when people of Czech heritage drop by to visit us. They like to talk of their heritage and how they came to America."
Although their business gets better every year, financial security is important to Pelc.
"Three years ago I opened a painting business," he said. "I paint both the interior and exterior of residential and commercial buildings, but I only take jobs that I can handle well. I also do yard maintenance.
"Marilyn runs the shop (which is open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-2 p.m. Sunday). I run my business and this has worked out fine."
They have traveled to the Czech Republic just once since their marriage - after his father died in 2004.
Mother's first visit
"I am an only child and I needed to be there to support my mother, Sidonia, during this time. This summer my mother will be visiting us here for the first time.
"I would like her to live here, but she wants to continue working until she is eligible for her social security. She works in a factory that makes electronic car parts.
"One week she works the day shift, the next week the afternoon shift, and the next week the evening shift. If she misses her bus and can't get home, she returns to the factory and works an additional shift."
Pelc said that Wisconsin and Florida are his favorite states.
"I'm a biker, so I particularly like Florida in the spring. But, I like it at other times too, for there is something going on there all yearlong - and you can work year-round."
He has no regrets on his decision to open his business in Woodruff. "I'm glad I did this. I am on my way to realizing my dream."
The Pelcs - along with two dogs and a cat they rescued - are happy and looking forward to the day when their business totally supports them. That's when the dream will come true.
Joyce Laabs can be reached at joyce@lakelandtimes.com.
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