Trustees Honor Roll

Mlakar, Joe Sr.

Accordionist and Bandleader (1923)
Inducted on November 30, 1991

An ambassador of Cleveland-style polkas, Joe Mlakar has extended his influence across Minnesota, Ohio, and California. Joe began his musical career on a button box in Chisholm, Minnesota, at age 15, graduating to a "Mervar" after moving to Cleveland in 1941. Joe returned to Minnesota's Iron Range after his tour in the service where he organized his first orchestra and, in 1950, the Slovenian Men's Choraleers. Moving to Fontana, California, in 1959, Joe purchased Mlakar's Elbow Room, Fontana's "Home of Slovenian Polka Parties," and helped to organize the Fontana Slovenian Button Box Club. Joe has recorded five LP albums with bandleader Frankie Zeitz and three with his sons Joe and Fred.