Pálka Family and its Changes over the Centuries

The family of Pálka played a significant role in cultural and economic development of the Liptov region and also in politics of the country. We can follow the destiny of the family members from the beginning of the 18th century when they had been living in Vrbica and Vrbický Hušták. Lot of family members had been occupied as shoemakers and tanners and only later as merchants. They took part in the national movement, gave it their financial support and participated in publishing of literature. During the World War II, several family members were forced to exile and took part in resistance. Some of them participated in the Slovak national uprising. The family enterprise was nationalized and several family members chose to live abroad, others had been persecuted by communists. Women from the Pálka family also played a significant role in corporate and cultural life. Some of them were mothers of important and well-known personalities (Makovický, Stodola and others). The family members live today in all corners of Slovakia and in other countries and have chosen various career options.