Sokol/Sokolice Milwaukee, Inc.

On April 23rd, 1899, delegates from three Czech societies â€“ Martha Washington, Libuse and Slavomira founded Telocvicna Jednota Pani a Divek (The Gymnastic Society of Ladies and Girls). The ladies formed their by-laws and as soon as their charter was approved, an election was held.

The first elected officers were:
President ....................... Alzbeta Janecek
Vice President ................ Ruzena Mencel
Secretary .......................... Johanka Kus
Treasurer ........................... Anna Jelinek

SOKOL and SOKOLICE have continued to work as a team, dedicated to educate to the highest physical efficiency, a high standard of morality and service to the community. Within the group was a dramatic association and singing society which gave plays and concerts in the Czech language. Delicious Czech dinners became annual events, as well as picnics, dances and gym programs.

In 1943, SOKOLICE became a leader in the community and initiated an ethnic fair with three other slavic nationalities. This event has grown into a three day event called the Holiday Folk Fair and is now sponsored by the International Institute with over 50 nationalities participating. SOKOLICE Milwaukee prepares for the Holiday Folk Fair all year and participates in all aspects of the International Marketplace, International Cafe, Cultural Exhibits and our young gymnasts perform in the Young People's Matinee. There is also an annual performance by the Czech Moravian Dancers in the Folk Spectacle. Monies earned are used to help finance our gymnastic youth program, scholarships and other events that enrich the SOKOL ideals.

( Source: SOKOLICE Milwaukee - 95th Anniversary Celebration Brochure)
- Sunday, April 24th, 1994 -

FIRST MINUTES of MILWAUKEE SOKOL

At a meeting of individuals held at the "Slovanske Lipy" Hall, on June 14th, 1868,
plans were made to organize a gymnastic association to be known as "SOKOL"

The following individuals became charter members of "SOKOL":
Jos. Braun, Fr. Bures, M. Cada, Tomas Cejla, Fr. Drahoz, Fr. Frana K. Janecek, Fr. Hudecek, Vacl. Ircing, Fr. Kostlan, Jos. Kostlan, Vacl. Kesner, Jan Krozek, Ant. Novak, Al Rothbauer, Fr. Steiger, Karel Vrabec, Jos. Zima.

From this group Frantisek Bures was elected President pro tem and Anton Novak, Secretary.

First order of business was as follows:

1. To apply to the "Slovanske Lipy" trustees for rental of hall for beginning
gymnastics.

2. To pay 1/2 year's tuition for Br. F. Bures to attend an American speaking
gym class as student so that he could later instruct Sokol gym classes.

3. To elect a committee to prepare within 14 days By-laws for the new Sokol
organization. Elected to serve on this committee were Anton Novak, Fr.
Steiger, and K. Vrabec.

4. Decision made that Sokol gym classes be held every Thursday.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Fr. Bures Anton Novak
President pro tem Secretary