Guide to the Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol Lodge 255 and Ladies Sokol 124, Leechburg, Pa. Records, 1894-1972 AIS.1979.26
- Repository
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Title
- Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol Lodge 255 and Ladies Sokol 124, Leechburg, Pa. Records
- Creator
- Sokol U.S.A. Ladies Sokol 124 (Leechburg, Pa.)
- Creator
- Sokol U.S.A. Lodge 255 (Leechburg, Pa.)
- Collection Number
- AIS.1979.26
- Extent
- 3.13 Linear Feet
- Date
- 1894-1972
- Abstract
- Lodge 255 of the Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol was founded in 1916 in Leechburg, Pa. In 1925, Lodge 255 founded the Ladies Sokol 124. The Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokols promote physical culture among its members and improve the moral, mental and social conditions of its members, or their families in case of sickness or death. The collection spans the years 1894-1972 and includes records of Lodge 255, Ladies Sokol 124, and the National Organization. The records consist of Constitution and By-Laws, minutes, financial records, anniversary publications, and photographs.
- Language
- English .
- Publisher
- ULS Archives & Special Collections
- Address
- University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
History
The Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol was founded by Dr. Miroslav Tyrs (1832-1884) in Prague, Czechoslovakia, 1862. The first American Sokol was organized in St. Louis, Mo. in 1865. Sokol theories and practices have since been adopted by Americans of other Slavic origin including Poles, Croats, Serbs, Slovenes, Ukrainians and Russians. The American Sokol Federation is formed by the Polish and Czech Sokols in Chicago, Ill.; Russian Sokols in Homestead, Pa.; and the Slovak Sokols in Perth Amboy, NJ.
The objectives of the Sokols are to "promote physical culture among its members and to improve the moral, mental and social conditions of its members, or their families in case of sickness or death." They attempt to fulfill these objectives by holding classes and exhibitions in gymnastics and calisthenics and by offering insurance coverage to members.
Lodge 255 of the Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol was founded in 1916 in Leechburg, Pa, located in Armstrong County. The lodge first met at the Marconi Club (Italian) on River Street. The organization is now housed in the "Slovak Sokol Hall," a two story brick building erected in 1925 on Siberian Street. Several club rooms destroyed by fire in 1960 have since been restored. In 1925, Lodge 255 founded the Ladies Sokol 124. As of 1975, the Leechburg Sokol consisted of 312 beneficial members and 288 social members.
Scope and Content Notes
Records span the years 1894-1972 but are not inclusive. Much of the material is of a national origin including constitution and by-laws, 1942-1966; minutes of national conventions, 1962, 1966, and 1970; anniversary publications, 1962, 1966; and a directory and handbook for Sokol lodge officers, 1955. The collection also contains records for the local chapters, Lodge 255 and Ladies Sokol 124, which are considered Series I and II, respectively. The national materials are interspersed within Series I.
Records specific to Lodge 255 include minute books, 1922-1957; a memoir, 1894-1919; and financial records, 1927-1957. The records of Ladies Sokol 124 are considered Series II and include historical information, 1925; minutes, 1937-1971; and financial records, 1926-1972. Many of the records were kept in Slovak and are indicated as such in the container list.
Photographs from 1943 through 1967 are Series III of the collection. This series contains pictures of the Sokol Club; officers and members; and 26 pictures taken at the 60th anniversary celebration in 1976. The photographs are filed in the ais Pic File under the collection number.
The entire collection besides the photographs has been microfilmed. Series IV pertains to the microfilm format and includes a reel inventory to the microfilmed collection.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol Lodge 255, Leechburg, Pa., July 1979.
Existence and Location of Copies
This collection has been microfilmed in its entirety and is also available on three reels of microfilm located at the Archives Service Center. A reel inventory is included as Series IV of the collection.
Preferred Citation
Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol Lodge 255 and Ladies Sokol 124, Leechburg, Pa. Records, 1894-1972, AIS.1979.26, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Previous Citation
Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol Lodge 255 and Ladies Sokol 124, Leechburg, Pa. Records, 1894-1972, AIS.1979.26, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol, Leechburg, Armstrong County, Pa., Records, 1894-1972, AIS 79:26A and AIS Micro 79:26B, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Katie Kirwan in June 1980.
Revision and rearrangement for the encoded version of the finding aid provided by Jamie Shriver on November 24, 2003. Information about the collection title and the controlled access terms was extracted from the MARC record in the University of Pittsburgh catalog Voyager ID number: 1381809
Copyright
Permission for publication is given on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Subjects
- Sokol U.S.A. Ladies Sokol 124 (Leechburg, Pa.)
- Sokol U.S.A. Lodge 255 (Leechburg, Pa.)
- Sokol U.S.A
- Constitutions
- Directories
- Bylaws (Administrative records)
- Manuals (Instructional materials)
- Slovaks -- Pennsylvania -- Leechburg
- Slovaks -- Pennsylvania
- Women
- Societies
- Women -- Pennsylvania -- Leechburg
- Ethnic groups
- Slovak Americans -- Pennsylvania -- Leechburg -- Societies and clubs
- Fraternal organizations -- Pennsylvania -- Leechburg