Category: Family Stories & Narratives

FRANK FILIP SR.

Biographical Profile

Career Overview
“With large capacity for labor and wise in its distribution and application,” Frank Filip worked his way upward from a humble position to a prominent place in the financial circles of Cedar Rapids, serving as cashier of the Security Savings Bank.​

Early Life and Immigration
Born in Bohemia on September 20, 1875, Frank Filip was the son of Anton and Marie (Seidl) Filip, both natives of Bohemia. The family left their native land in 1887 and landed at Baltimore, Maryland, on August 12, arriving in the United States as strangers in a strange land.
After receiving reports concerning Cedar Rapids, the family directed their steps to this destination and arrived safely. Frank’s father initially worked as a millwright and later gave his attention to the trade of a machinist, remaining in that industrial field until his death on February 28, 1908. His wife survived him and resided with their son Frank.​

Education and Early Career
At age twelve, Frank Filip accompanied his parents to America, supplementing his education acquired in Bohemian schools by study in Cedar Rapids public schools and instruction from a private tutor. During his youthful days he manifested notable ambition and enterprise, and during vacation periods was always employed, seeking service that would yield good remuneration.​
At sixteen years old, Frank was apprenticed to John Thomas, a harness-maker, where he remained for three years, diligently applying himself to master the business. Though he became very competent and could command good wages, a misunderstanding with the foreman led him to give up his position.​

Banking Career
Frank Filip began as a laborer earning $1.15 per day for the old Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway Company. Through the intercession of John E. Playter, then teller at Cedar Rapids National Bank, he became a messenger in the Security Savings Bank on December 21, 1894.​
From this humble position, he gradually worked his way upward, advancing in recognition of his industry and ability. After filling various positions in the bank, he was appointed assistant cashier in January 1904. His work became a training school for the duties that now devolve upon him as cashier, appointed on January 12, 1909. ​
“His labors are now contributing to the success of the institution and his record proves the efficacy of unfaltering industry and perseverance, combined with business probity above question”.​

Personal Life
On November 12, 1902, Frank Filip married Marie A. Burianek of Cedar Rapids. They had three children: Frank, Edward, and Rosemary. ​

Community Involvement

Political Affiliation: Republican, exercising his right of franchise for the best interests of the community while remaining untrammeled by party ties in local affairs. ​
Fraternal Organizations:
Sokol Gymnastic Association (member, 1909 coach and trainer)
Crescent Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M. (past master, now treasurer)
Trowel Chapter, No. 49, R. A. M.
John Plus Lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F.
Lodge No. 251, B. P. O. E.
Bohemian Amateur Dramatic Club
C. S. P. S. and several other Bohemian fraternal societies​
Athletic Achievements: In 1909, Filip coached and trained a team of six men from the Sokol society that competed nationally against all Slavonic societies. The team won the Amateur Athletic Union gymnastic championship of the United States in Chicago on April 29, 1910. ​

Character Assessment
The historical account describes Filip as “a perfect specimen of the athletic man, of splendid physical proportions,” who has won considerable fame in athletic circles. He is characterized as “a self-made man, for from boyhood he has been self-dependent and self-reliant,” having worked in a grocery store in summer and chopping wood in winter after serving his harness-making apprenticeship.