Mildred Barcal

HISTORY OF SOKOL, WASHINGTON D.C.



Sokol, a world-wide gymnastic, educational and physical culture organization, was founded in Prague in 1862. The American Sokol was established in St. Louis, Missouri three years later, Feb. 14, 1865, with units throughout the United States.

A Sokol Unit in the Nation’s Capital was a dream and ultimate goal of many Sokols throughout the United States. However, the Czechoslovak community in the Washington, D.C. area was very small in number and it already supported two organizations. One was a fraternal organization established in 1935 called "The Unity of Czech Ladies And Men" now a part of CSA (Czechoslovak Society of America). The other, a social club, named "The Czechoslovak American Centre, Inc., of Washington D.C." was founded in 1937 to promote and preserve their ancestral culture and traditions. One of the Centre’s activities was a monthly meeting followed by a dinner prepared by the ladies, and dancing - to music provided by their own orchestra.

In April, 1941, Br. Frank Rosner and Sis. Mildred Barcal, both new in the area, met at The Centre. They discovered they had a mutual interest in Sokol, and he immediately proposed the possibility of organizing a Unit. However, only the basic ground-work had been accomplished by December 7, 1941.

During World War II, (1941-1945), the influx of new people coming to work for the U.S. Government, and military personnel on leave, brought many individuals searching for Czechoslovak activities or Sokol. They all gravitated to The Centre. Interest in a Sokol Unit was significant, but most were in the area on a short-term or temporary basis and could not offer any long-term commitments.

In 1945, Br. John Vaters moved to Washington, D.C., from Belcamp, Maryland where he had been a charter member of Sokol Belcamp. He and Br. Rosner worked long and diligently to prepare the necessary groundwork. They made numerous trips to Baltimore and Belcamp to seek information and assistance.

In 1946, Br. Vaters, Br. Rosner and Sis. Barcal traveled to Sokol Belcamp to attend their exhibition and to meet with Eastern District President, Br. Jos. Sazama, and Men’s District Director, Br. Frank Capek, for the latest directions and instructions.

On May 4, 1947, an organizational meeting was held at Matejka’s Restaurant, Calvert Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. Temporary officers were elected: President, John Vaters; Secretary, Frank Rosner; Treasurer, Zdenek Ptacek; Director of Men, Jerry Friedrich; Directress of Women, Mildred Barcal; Committee Members: Frank Kracek and Jerry Kroutil.

The first membership meeting was held on May 16, 1947 in the Odd Fellows Hall, 419 - 7th Street NW, Washington, D.C. Eastern District President, Br. Jos. Sazama and Director of Men, Br. Frank Capek were present to welcome our Unit into the Eastern District and to offer assistance. Our immediate goal was to find a gymnasium. Through-out the summer, a diligent search for a suitable gym was undertaken. Finally, the District of Columbia Recreation Department provided the large, but unequipped gymnasium of Central High School, free of charge for adult classes only. Location: 13th and Euclid Streets, NW. The High School and the D.C. Recreation Department had priority if they needed the space.

Gym classes started on Sept. 9, 1947, with eight women and four men in attendance. Later the average attendance increased to 12 women and six men.

While preparing for our first exhibition, we found out what "having priority" meant! We were soon relegated to the back-stage area and/or the corridor. In spite of that, we were ready for our first exhibition and formal initiation into the American Sokol Organization. This event took place on November 23, 1947 in the Pythian Temple, 1012 - 9th Street NW, Washington, D.C. Five men and ten women presented a combined calisthenics number. They were: Brothers J. Friedrich, G. Soltis, Z. Ptacek. L. Sefcik and A. Mach, and sisters V. Aubrecht, L. Cerny, V. Herman, J. Swinney, T. Vaters, O. Dzbanek, S. Dzbanek A. Holubec, J. Droll and V. Basetlik. The Directors were Br. J. Friedrich and Sis. M. Barcal. Thereupon, our Unit was formally initiated into the American Sokol Organization by Br. Karel Prchal, President of the American Sokol Organization, which headquartered then, as now, in Chicago. The rest of the program was generously provided by Units from Curtis Bay, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Chicago, under the direction of the Southern Section (okrsek) Men’s Director, Br. Edward Stetka. All the apparatus were brought in by truck from Baltimore. Dinner and refreshments, prepared by the ladies, were served after the program. Dancing followed. Thanks to all our Brothers and Sisters from other units, we were now duly initiated and ready for work!

While gymnastics were an integral part of the Unit, the educational and cultural aspects of Sokol were soon to be developed by the growing, multi-talented membership. For the sake of clarity, however, we shall cover each aspect separately, starting with the gym activities.





GYM ACTIVITIES

The first project on our agenda, after our initiation, was to learn the calisthenics for the XI Sokol Slet to be held in Prague, Czechoslovakia in June 1948, but the Communist coup d’etat in February, 1948, paralyzed our Unit. Since nineteen members of our gym classes were employees of the Czechoslovak Embassy, we temporarily disbanded classes. Ten of the nineteen resigned from the Embassy and requested asylum in the United States; the other nine returned to Czechoslovakia. Classes resumed in two months, but many of the gymnasts already had moved on to other cities in search of employment and new lives. Women’s classes continued through June even though attendance dropped to three - Libuse Cerny, Vera Aubrecht-Cech and Women’s Directress Mildred Barcal. When classes resumed in September, we found the Central High School Gym again being used for basketball practice ("by priority"), and the stage was occupied by the D.C. Recreation Department Opera group. Our presence in the corridor disturbed the night classes, so we gratefully accepted the offer of Mr. & Mrs. V. Rasin to use the basement and/or the back yard of their home at 5126 Chevy Chase Parkway, NW, Washington, D.C. Sis. Brandeis donated a rug to be used as a mat. This arrangement was not feasible due to lack of space. We returned to Central High School as soon as the basketball season ended and the gymnasium was again available. We continued working on learning the Slet calisthenics and in June, 1949 we participated in our first American Sokol (ASO) Slet in New York’s 71st Regiment Armory. From that time on, the Unit carried a full schedule of gym activities.

From 1949 thru 1970, our Unit presented eight exhibitions, always with the help of Sokols Baltimore, Philadelphia, Belcamp and Curtis Bay - plus Sokol New York on several occasions, and, in 1959, Sokol USA Zupa M.M. Hodza and Jan Francisci. On that occasion, we had 139 participants in our program. We could not have accomplished this without every Unit’s assistance and cooperation. Included were their children and juniors classes as participants. These same co-operating Units also brought in the heavy apparatus such as parallel bars, balance beam, and the side-horse. In turn, we attempted to reciprocate by participating in the Eastern District and Sokol USA Slets in the Boonton, N.J. and New York area, as well as in the Southern Section (okrsek) exhibitions held in Curtis Bay, Belcamp and/or Baltimore, and in the individual Unit exhibitions when invited. Having performed the Czech Beseda in our 1949 exhibition, we were invited to present it at the St. Patrick School (10th and G Sts. N.W.) on Dec. 14th 1949, and again at the District of Columbia Folk Festival on April 27, 1950. Then on May 6, 1952, the women also performed the Slet calisthenics at yet another D.C. Festival.

The Unit participation in the National Slets of American Sokol (ASO) and Sokol USA had top priority in our schedule each year. The men and women participated in TEN American Sokol (ASO) Slets; i.e. in New York City, 1949 and 1964; Cleveland, Ohio, 1950; Chicago, Illinois, 1953, 1957, 1961, 1965 and 1969; St. Louis, Missouri, 1955; and Dallas, Texas, 1967. The SIX Sokol USA Slets were in New York, 1950, 1966, 1968; Chicago, 1954; Cleveland, Ohio, 1958; and Monneson, Pennsylvania, 1970. The Unit also participated in the IV Sokol Slet Festival in Toronto, Canada, 1962.

The average number of our participants in each of these events was ten, six women and four men. Those who participated in some (and not necessarily all) of the Slets were: Vera Cech, Libuse Cerny, Ann Dankulich, Libby Fauver, Rose Friedrich, Mary Soltis, Georgiana Toula and Mildred Barcal; and Jerry Friedrich, George Soltis, Frank Stovicek, Anton Mach, Brano Lajda, Frank Arient and Ludvik Sefcik.

The year 1970 was the "end of an era" for the adult classes. After 20 successful years, they left the Roosevelt High School and moved to the All Souls Unitarian Church gym, 16th and Harvard Sts., N.W., Washington D.C., where the children and junior classes were already meeting. Originally organized in 1957 by Br. Frank Stovicek and carefully nurtured through the years, they were ready to move on also. Eight juniors and eight adults participated in the Eastern District Slet in Baltimore in 1972 and immediately prepared for the June 1973 ASO Slet in Chicago where four men, three women and three junior girls participated.

Our good fortune was short lived. The All Souls Church Gym was no longer available to us and all the Sokol apparatus had to be removed. Classes were abolished in Dec. 1973. Through the diligent efforts of Br. Stovicek and Sis. Milada Koepplova, the gymnasium at St. Ann’s School, 4404 Wisconsin Ave. N.W, Washington D.C. was made available to Sokol Washington. Classes started in Jan. 1974. Activity picked up with an average number of 30 gymnasts attending. They were able to master the calisthenics and participate in Sokol Baltimore’s Nov. 17, 1974 exhibition.

In the December 1974 meeting, Br. Stovicek tendered his resignation for reasons of his health and workload. He had brought up a new generation of gymnasts, several of whom proved to be qualified as instructors and two who could take over as Director and Directress. He was willing to continue as Assistant Director of Men during the transition. His request was accepted and he was thanked for his long years of service. At the same meeting, St. Ann’s School informed the Unit that Sokol gymnasts would have to give up their gym classes because changes in the school program placed a high priority on their basketball practices. The decision of the school was appealed but to no avail. Classes were suspended from Dec. 1974 to March 1975 (basketball season). They resumed in March 1975 with only about one-half of the previous attendance. Classes did not resume in Sept. The use of the basement of our Park Road property was suggested but proved to be unacceptable. In November 1975, Br. Logsdon reported that there were no prospects for resumption of classes in the 1975-76 season. He suggested the possibility of obtaining access to a newly constructed gymnasium of the French International School, 9600 Forest Road, Bethesda, Md. Negotiations were conducted by Sis. Milada Koepplova and Br. Frank Stovicek. In the meantime, Sis. Fiala proposed renting a surplus school in the Washington or suburban area. Negotiations with the French School progressed to the point that a contract was finally signed on Feb. 2, 1977. Two whole years of activity had been lost!

Sis. Dagmar Fiala was elected Directress of Women in the December 1976 Annual meeting and Br. Tony Bartos, Jr. was elected Director of Men in Feb. 1977. Classes started on March 1, 1977. Sis. Fiala organized adult, junior and children’s classes in which she received efficient help from Sis. Louise Stovicek, Directress of Girls, and Sis. Jana Kansky and Sis. Paula Cervenkov as instructors of girls. On May 22, 1977, eight women participated in Sokol Baltimore’s exhibition. This was followed by our own exhibition at the French International School on June 19, 1977. Once again, the women, men and junior girls of Sokols Baltimore and Belcamp came to our aid and participated in our program. The following week, on June 24, five women from Sokol Washington took part in the ASO Slet in Chicago. By November, attendance in our classes averaged 10 men, 18 women, three juniors, two second class, five first class and three tots. The Unit was active again. For the next three years, an exhibition was held annually at the French School in the afternoon following the wreath laying Ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. In June 1978, our Unit was well represented in the Eastern District Slet in Towson, Md. with 38 participants. The women won 3rd place in the Indian Club drill competition. The Eastern District and the Southern Section (okrsek) held children’s competitions in Baltimore and in the French School in Bethesda, respectively. Our boys and girls claimed several prizes. In June 1980, four women and five juniors participated in the VI Slet of Canada in Toronto. Sis. Alice Cech placed 2nd in the calisthenics competition. We vacated the French International School premises in 1981 because the rental became exorbitant and some of our equipment disappeared. The apparatus was removed and stored in the homes of Bro. Bartos, Kadlec, Paty and Soltis. Women’s classes under the direction of Sis. Dagmar Fiala resumed in the Bells Mill School in Potomac, Md. Later the Julius West Middle School, 651 Great Falls Rd., Rockville, Md. became available for three hours each Tuesday. Once again, we had to conform to school regulations and schedules. In the 1982-83 season, eleven women were registered and drilled under the direction of Sis. Barbara Babuska, Sokol USA, who had been retained to lead our classes. However, only two (Sisters Vera and Alice Cech) participated in the Sokol USA Slet in Pittsburgh, Pa on June 24, 1983. The distance and the early hours made it difficult for the women to meet this schedule, so classes did not resume in September. So ended the women’s gymnastic activity of our Unit. To date, that activity has not been revived. The men’s contingent, however, elected to concentrate on volleyball since there was insufficient continuing interest in gymnastics. They entered various tournaments. Several of them were organized by Sokol New York and played-off in New York City i.e. 1981, 1994, 1996. Our team won 2nd place in 1994 and 1st place in 1996. They also played in the local Intra City Tournament in 1981, placing 4th and won a trophy in a Baltimore CO-ED Tournament on May 31 1986. They placed 1st in a Montgomery County league in 1985. Fourteen men and six women participated in Sokol USA Slet volleyball tournament held in Washington D.C. in June 1987 and five men and one woman participated in their 1995 Slet competition in Philadelphia. They also devoted time to soccer and participated in tournaments in the New York Area winning a trophy too. They continue volleyball training on a weekly basis with an average attendance of 12 people.

After a long respite, children classes resumed in 1989 at the Wood Acres Elementary School, 5800 Cromwell Drive, Bethesda, Md. where they shared facilities with the Czechoslovak School Children. After 3 years, they moved to the Julius West Middle School where Sis. Babuska taught the gym classes for one season. Three girls and four boys participated in competitions in Baltimore and in New York. They won prizes in both competitions. In Sept. 1992, they moved back to the Wood Acres School. In November, the boys participated in a 3-day clinic in Sokol New York. Since 1993, Director Br. Milos Toth has been teaching gymnastics and karate to six boys and two girls on a regular basis. Zuzana Rokusova taught aerobics for one year, 1993.

From the very beginning our greatest obstacle has been the gym facilities. We have had many "homes:"

Sept. 1947- June 1950 - Central High School - 4 years
Sept. 1950- June 1970 - Roosevelt High School - 20 years
Sept. 1970- Dec. 1973 - All Souls Unitarian Church Gym - 3 1/2 years
Jan. 1974 - June 1975 - St. Ann’s Parish Gym - 1 1/2 years
March 1977- June 1981 - French International School - 4 years

Since 1981 classes are being held in Maryland public schools, based on availability of space and as their schedule permits. We have had the use of the Julius West Middle School in Rockville, the Rock Creek Elementary School in Chevy Chase and the Wood Acres Elementary School in Bethesda.

Lack of appropriate apparatus has also been a problem. Even though some has been purchased, there is no place to keep it. Most of it is now stored in the homes of some of our members.

During these 50 years, many people have been responsible for the success of the technical portion of our activities. Since they are too numerous to mention here, only the Directors will be listed.

Directors of Men:

Jerry Friedrich (6 yrs): 1947-1950, 1956 -1957
George Soltis (6 yrs): 1951-1952, 1954-1955, 1962-1963
Frank Stovicek (10 yrs): 1958-1961, 1964-1965, 1971-1974
Frank Arient (1 year): 1953
Pat Logsdon (1 year): 1975
George Toula (4 yrs): 1966-1970,
Tony Bartos (18 yrs) : 1977-1993
Milos Toth (4 yrs): 1993-1997

Directresses:

M. Barcal (9 yrs director, 4 yrs. Instructor):1947-50, 1952-53, 1956-58, 1967-70
M. Soltis (6 yrs):1954-1959
A. Dankulich (4 yrs):1962-1966
J. Mach (2 yrs):1960-1961
G. Toula (4 yrs) :1967-1970
M. Manon (1 yr.): 1971
S. Dillon (2yrs): 1972-1973
C. Hall (1yr): 1975
D. Fiala (4 yrs): 1977-1978, 1982-1987
H. Splichal (1yr): 1979
G. Dohnal (1 yr.): 1990
M. Rokus (5 years). 1988-1989, 1992-1994


They have all put in many long hours and a great deal of effort to keep the Unit active and are all to be commended for their dedication.

Our thanks to Br. Stovicek who established the Junior and Children classes against great odds and to all the volunteers who so ably assisted him. Thanks, too, to Sis. Dagmar Fiala whose boundless energy reactivated the gym activities of the unit classes.

The directors listed above are only a small part of the overall picture. They were ably assisted by dedicated and hardworking assistants and volunteers. Space does not permit listing them all by name but that does not lessen our deep respect and gratitude for their loyalty and assistance.

The first four years of our existence were devoted to activities in the gym and getting the Unit on firm ground. Although deeply involved in that aspect of Sokol, other social and cultural events and projects were also undertaken. One of the first was a trip to Mt. Vernon in 1957. Under the auspices of the Southern Section (okrsek), a group of about 50 arrived by bus and private auto from Belcamp, Curtis Bay, and Baltimore. After a tour of Mt. Vernon, we assembled at the tomb of George Washington. Br. Juraj Slavik spoke briefly and a wreath was placed there as a tribute from Sokol. Together with the okrsek we also made bus trips to Valley Forge, Gettysburg (1958) and to DuPont Longwood Gardens. We sponsored and enjoyed an "Afternoon with Jara Kohout, a Czech comic. We co-sponsored two Spring Dances in 1954 and 1955 with the Czechoslovak American Centre, as well as a picnic in 1956. Then we embarked on larger projects.

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CZECHOSLOVAK SCHOOL

Early in 1956 Br. Matthew Neumann and Br. Vojtech Nevlud, under the auspices of Sokol Washington, organized a Czechoslovak School to acquaint the children of families within the Czechoslovak American Community in the Washington, D.C. area with their heritage and to teach them the language and the songs and customs of their ancestors. Classes were held every Saturday morning at the All Souls Unitarian Church, 16th and Harvard Streets, NW, Washington D.C. The project was well received and in September of 1956 delegates from all other Czechoslovak groups formed a committee, with Br. General Eret as chairman, leading the school successfully for many years.

Later, adult classes were also organized. The teaching staff was comprised of able volunteers from the Czechoslovak community. Mrs. J. Feierabend and Br. V. Fleischer taught the children a short play based on Babicka, by Bozena Nemcova, which they performed on November 18th, 1956. The children learned many folk songs and poems which they presented at various programs. The Children’s Choir performed at the White House in front of the Christmas Tree. They were thanked personally by Mayor Washington. Unfortunately, as the children grew up, their collective interest waned, and after several years of inactivity the school was discontinued in November, 1975. However, it was revived with the subsequent arrival in the area of young families with small children.

The Czechoslovak School was reactivated on May 10, 1986. It was financed by Sokol, plus regular contributions from SVU and CNCA and fees from students’ families. Again, difficulty was encountered in the search for a place to hold classes. After months of diligent search by the committee, Sister Tanja Sturman arranged for the use of the facilities of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Bethesda. The first session on Sept. 13, 1986, had 15 children in attendance. Spearheaded by Br. Tony Bartos and Sis. Lucia Levendis, the school program progressed rapidly under the proffessional direction of Dana Sablikova and Brother Jan Kocvara and their able assistants. In addition to their Czech and Slovak language classes, (which eventually were also offered to adults,) the children were introduced to poetry, folk songs and dance. Soon they were performing at events presented in the area. These included the 40th anniversary of our Unit and the opening ceremonies of the Sokol USA Slet. The children always presented programs at the annual St. Nicholas parties and were often included in the T. G. Masaryk Birthday (March 7th) and Czechoslovak Independence Day (October 28th) programs. In 1989, the school moved to the Wood Acres Elementary School, in Bethesda, Md where it was held in conjunction with children’s gymnastic classes supervised by Br. Tony Bartos, Director of Men. In November 1991, the school moved again. This time to the Julius West Middle School in Rockville, Md but then, in Sept. of 1992 they were moved back to Wood Acres Elementary School with a schedule from 6.30 to 9.00 PM on Fridays. The schedule was divided into Languages, Folk Songs/Dance and gym classes. Unfortunately, only the gymnastic classes are meeting at the present time.

Among the School’s and Sokol Washington’s proudest moments were the childrens’ welcoming ceremonies in native dress for the initial arrivals in the United States of the Honorable Rita Klilmova, First Czechoslovak Federal Republic Ambassador to the U.S., then President Havel and Alexander Dubcek.

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ST. NICHOLAS (MIKULASSKA) PARTY

The St. Nicholas (Mikulasska) party has become a tradition. It started in 1956 for the children attending the Czechoslovak School and friends. The arrival of St. Nicholas, the angel, as well as the devil, with appropriate gifts always delights the children, as well as the adults, as they observe the activities. Eventually, this affair evolved into a "Jaternice" dinner and dance for adults as well and continues to this day. The children always perform a short program before the festivities begin. A lot of time and effort goes into making this a success. For years, the klobasy, jaternice and hot dogs were ordered from New York. Br. Victor Cech was usually elected to drive to New York to pick up this large order and get it back on time. Sisters Rose Friedrich and Georgiana Toula were in charge of the kitchen for many years. In recent years, Brothers Peter Kukura and Vaclav Slovak have been in charge. Sister Tanja Sturman always managed to have a "fleet" of "volunteers" who baked and donated large quantities of "kolacky" and "vanocky". Sis. Marie Aubrecht and Sis. Vera Cech always served the coffee and dessert. Of course, there are many others who also work tirelessly and long and deserve our thanks and gratitude …. the men at the bar, the team at the box office, and those who decorate the tree, prepare the tables and stockings for children, etc. These annual events have been held in many places i.e. Knights of Columbus, Bethesda, Md.; Holy Cross Convent Recreation Hall, Kensington, Md; but for the past 8 years the St. Phillips Catholic Church, Falls Church, Va.

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SOKOL SINGING SOCIETY

Sokol Singing Society was organized in 1956 with Br. Jaroslav Nemec at the helm and Dr. Wunsch as the Music Director. Their first performance was on November 18, 1956. They presented several concerts and participated in our 5th anniversary program (Exhibition) in 1957 and many programs presented by various local organizations. This group was later re-named "The Dvorak Singing Society" under the tutelage of Br. J. Klimes and the auspices of the Washington Chapter of the Czechoslovak National Council of America (CNCA). They presented a concert on March 5, 1960 in Pierce Hall, 16th & Euclid, NW., Washington D.C. They continued to work closely with Sokol and contributed to our programs for many years.

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NEWS LETTER

In March 1957, the first issue of our local newsletter "The Zpravodaj" was distributed. It is financed by the local Czechoslovak organizations. Br. Joseph Kucera was the first editor. The "Zpravodaj" is published quarterly.

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BUILDING FUND

A Building Fund was established in April 1958 with great hopes of having a National Czechoslovak Hall in the Nation’s Capitol, complete with a gymnasium. An intense drive for funds followed. Future events would be for the benefit of the Building Fund.

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ARTS AND CULTURAL GROUP (Sokol Opera)

In 1959 The Arts and Cultural Group was formed with Sis. Dagmar Hasal-White, Sis. Milica Klavik and Sis. Kveta Schlosberg in the fore-front. They presented Song and Dance recitals in Washington, Baltimore, New York and in Cleveland where they also appeared in a half-hour program on television. During that time Sis. Lida Brodenova joined that group and together they produced their first Czech Opera, Dvorak’s "Selma Sedlak" with Dagmar Hasal-White in the leading role. Since there were only a few Czech or Slovak singers in the area, Sis. Brodenova’s colleagues and/or voice students formed the rest of the cast… And all had to be taught Czech first! It was a most successful undertaking, performed on March 11, 1961, and later in New York and Baltimore. Their efforts did much to increase the balance in our Building Fund.

Sis. Dagmar Hasal-White left the Washington area in that same year for several years. Sis. Lida Brodenova became Director and subsequently changed the group’s name to "Sokol Opera Group". They prepared and presented various program as requested by the Sokol Unit, or the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences (SVU) and/or the Czechoslovak National Council of America (CNCA). Their aim was to, wherever possible, present the programs in the Czech or Slovak language. Therefore, their next project was a classic play based on Bozena Nemcova’s book, "Babicka". Except for the leading role, the entire cast was comprised of local amateur talent including all the children. They presented "Babicka" in Washington on March 10, 1962, in Baltimore on April 8th and in New York on April 29th. They won accolades with each performance!

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SOKOL OPERA GROUP

Between 1963 and 1983 the Sokol Opera Group produced eight (8) operas under the sponsorship of Sokol and/or the Society of Arts and Sciences (SVU) and all the Czechoslovak Organizations. The operas were: Blodek’s "V Studni" (In the Well); Smetana’s "Hubicka" (The Kiss) and "Dve Vdovy" (Two Widows); Dvorak’s "Jakobin" (The Jacobin), "Cert a Kaca" (The Devil and Kate), "Tvrde Palice" (Hard Heads), "Dratenik" (The Tinker) and "Psohlavci" (The Dogheads). They were presented in various auditoriums i.e. Lloyd Hall, Mt. Vernon College; Cafritz Auditorium; The Lizner (GW.U.) Auditorium; and the J.F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Each of these productions took countless hours, days, and months of training the cast and preparation of stage props and wardrobe. Behind the scenes, costumes had to be made or acquired; stage decorations prepared and stage props constructed or acquired. Through the tireless efforts and boundless energy of Sis. Lida Brodenova and her crew of volunteers, each production came to a successful conclusion. Regardless of the time and effort required, they were always ready and willing for the next production. We owe them all a debt of gratitude. Unfortunately, these productions came to an end when Sis. Brodenova retired and gave up her studio in 1986. She passed away September 10, 1990. To date, no one has picked up her banner. She is greatly missed!

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All local Czechoslovak organizations try to co-operate and not infringe on each others activities. Since March, 1959 delegates from the Washington Chapters of the Czechoslovak National Council of America (CNCA), the Czechoslovak Society of Arts & Sciences (SVU), The Council For a Free Czechoslovakia, the Czechoslovak American Centre of Washington, and Sokol Washington meet annually to prepare a combined schedule of events for the year.

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T. G. MASARYK’S BIRTHDAY AND CZECHOSLOVAK INDEPENDENCE DAY

Programs in observance of T.G. Masaryk’s March 7th Birthday and the October 28th Czechoslovak Independence Day are co-sponsored by all the local Czechoslovak organizations. However, CNCA, SVU and Sokol take turns in preparing the programs but they share the financial burden of all of them equally.

March 7 and October 28 are two important days on the Czechoslovak annual calendar of events. Both programs of commemoration consist of recitations, musical numbers (singing and/or musical instrument selections) and guest speakers. Sis. Lida Brodenova directed the programs and also accompanied the singers at the piano. Both annual programs date back to the early fifties.

T.G. Masaryk’s Birthday (March 7) - The musical portion of these programs (or mini-concerts) were usually provided by local talent (including the children’s choir) and by members of the Sokol Opera Group. Guest singers and musicians were numerous. Over the years, some of the guest speakers were: Sis. Marie Provaznikova; Dr. Frantisek Schwarzenburg; Br. Vavro Rysavy; Br. Karol Bednar, Br. Jan Kocvara, Br. Cestmir Jesina and Dr. Karel Steinbach to name a few. The Snizek Community Theater traveled down from New York to present a play in honor of T.G. Masaryk (1975). Two of the operas and "Babicka" were dedicated to this first President.

Independence Day Oct. 28. Programs for the observance of this day followed much the same pattern as T.G. Masaryk’s birthday. Three of the operas were dedicated to this important observance. Between 1973 and 1984 there have been five receptions at the House of Representatives, Rayburn and/or Cannon Buildings. Guest speakers have been Hon. John Tabor, Hon. Carl Albert, Hon. Roman Hruska and others. In the earlier years, an integral part of the annual Oct. 28th program was the placing of a wreath at the tomb of President Woodrow Wilson in the Washington Cathedral and at the memorial plaque of President T.G. Masaryk (16th + Crescent St. NW). In 1968, a Memorial Service was held at the tomb of President Wilson for the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Czechoslovak Independence.

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PAYING HOMAGE AT ARLINGTON

A long-standing tradition beginning in May, 1959, and sponsored by the Eastern District and Sokol Washington, DC is the solemn and impressive mid-day ceremony of placing a wreath at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldiers (now known as the Tomb Of The Unknowns) in Arlington National Cemetery in the name of American Sokol. In the beginning, since members from Baltimore and Belcamp came by bus for this short ceremony, it was usually followed by a picnic in a near-by park. This informal get-together was always enjoyed by all without detracting from the solemnity of the occasion. The wreath laying ceremony continues to this day, but the picnics have been discontinued.

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SIBRINKY

The first (Sibrinky) Masquerade Ball was held January 23, 1960, in Coral Hills Hall, Coral Hills, Md. The costume theme was from Jirasek’s "Lucerna." The music was furnished by the Svitak Orchestra from Baltimore, Md. This ball became an annual event; each year a different theme i. e. Around the World; Mardi Gras; Gypsy Baron; South Pacific; etc. Short programs were put on at midnight. Pepich Ballet School and Sokol Opera personnel often participated. Music was always furnished by either Svitak or Buddy Kaspar-Czech orchestras from Baltimore. Prizes were awarded for costumes in several categories. The ball has been held in numerous places such as the Presidential Arms, Naval Officers Club, Navy Yard, Washington; Knights of Columbus Hall, Bethesda, Md.; Almas Temple, K Street NW, Washington; Patton Hall Officer Club, Ft Myer, Va. This custom continued for 29 years, thru 1989. Hopefully, it will be reactivated soon.

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GARDEN PARTIES

A series of Garden Parties at the home of Sis. Kveta and Bruce Schlosberg were held for the benefit of the Building Fund. These were always gala affairs, well attended. Our thanks to the Schlosbergs for their generosity and support of our activities.

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MASARYK STAMP

Mar. 7, 1960, the U.S. Post office issued an 8 cent stamp with the picture of T.G. Masaryk in the "Champion of Liberty" series. A record number of members of all Czechoslovak Organization from all parts of the U.S. arrived for the "first day issue" ceremonies. Br. Charles Prchal presented a check to Postmaster General Summerfield in the amount of $200,000 for stamps ordered by Czechoslovak organizations only. The Masaryk stamp set an all time record for the sale of a stamp on the day of issuance. (Our Washington share was $2,000.-).

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MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES

Sokol and SVU sponsored a lecture by Sis. Marie Provaznikova on "100 years of Czechoslovak Sokol." The lecture was later issued in book form.

Several Dances and Social Evenings and three Majales Balls were held under the co-sponsorship of the Czechoslovak National Council of America and Sokol Washington. Some of the dances were held at Hotel 2400, Hotel Statler and Home of the Catholic Daughters of America. The Majales Balls were at Shoreham Hotel.

Song Recital was held at Cafritz Auditorium on May 4, 1963 featuring Lida Brodenova, Samko Kristofik, Donald Boothman, Ramona Nevros and others.

Eastern District, ASO, Tour - on May 24, 1964, three busloads from New York area and one from Baltimore toured Washington, and placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and President J.F. Kennedy’s grave. Our Unit hosted 200 visitors with a banquet at Kenneth Hall, Washington D.C.

On June 24 - an ASO - CNCA Tour arriving from Chicago, toured Washington, placed wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknowns and president J.F. Kennedy’s grave. Washington unit hosted a dinner in Presidential Arms.

In the 1990's Sokol Washington also organized the screening of two films. One was about Dr. Milada Horaková, a female democratic member of the Czechoslovak Parliament who was put to death by the Communists after the 1948 coup d'etat in Czechoslovakia. The other film called "The Forgotten Men," documented the horrible treatment suffered by the Czechoslovak Pilots that had served in World War II fighting Nazism, at the hands of the Communists, also after the 1948 coup.

The director of the first film, Mr. Jan Mudra, was subsequently invited to the United States by Sokol Washington, to make a documentary about Czechoslovak exiles living in the USA and Canada. This effort came to fruition when Director Jan Mudra, primarily with the organizational and financial help from the membership of Sokol Washington, produced a 13-part TV series for Czechoslovak Television called "Lidé, kterí k nám patrí" (People, that belong to us). The entire TV series has thus far been broadcast twice on Czechoslovak and Czech TV. On a later visit to the United States, Mr. Mudra recounted to us how many of his colleagues at Czech TV were astounded that production costs for the entire 13 programs was only about $6,000. For that type of quality, content, and quantity of material covered, they expected the costs to easily be over $100,000. Mr. Mudra reminded them that this difference was made up by countless hours of volunteering effort provided by our Sokol membership.

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SOKOL STAMP

The Sokol Centennial was observed by the issuance of a Five Cent U.S. postage stamp commemorating Sokol Physical Fitness. It was a 3 day gala celebration in Washington D.C. A Gymnastic Exhibition took place Feb. 13th , 1965 in the Commerce Auditorium with a 24 number program. Br. Edward Stetka, Southern Section, was the Program Director, with Br. Frank Stovicek assisting. Sokol organizations participating were the ASO (3 districts), Polish Falcons, Sokol USA, D.A Sokol. Slovak Catholic Sokols. The Banquet took place in the Statler Hilton Hotel on Sunday Feb. 14th. The Banquet Chairman was Br. Charles Kropik and Co-Chairman was Sis. Mildred Barcal. The Sokol stamp was issued on the first day of the Sokol second century Feb. 15, 1965 at 10.30 AM in the Interdepartmental Auditorium, Constitution Ave., between 13th and 14th Sts. NW. It was a public ceremony with Postmaster General John A. Gronouski and other high government officials participating. 120 million stamps were issued and sold in a very short time.

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SOKOL PROPERTY

On Jan 9, 1979, Sokol Washington purchased a 2.6 acre tract of land in the vicinity of Oxon Hill Recreation Club. It is the east parcel of 1661 Tucker Road, Oxon Hill, Md. Cost $30.000,- plus closing cost of $2,065.-. Preliminary plans have been drawn but property is located in a rural residential and recreational zone. Zoning variance is needed. In addition, balance in Building Fund is still insufficient to attempt a project of this magnitude.

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FUEGNER MEMORIAL

A memorial program was held on Nov. 14, 1965, in observance of the 100th anniversary of Jindrich Fuegner’s death. Sponsored by the Sokol Washington, it was a concert of arias and folk songs presented by the Sokol opera group.

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TENNIS TOURNAMENT

The first Tennis Tournament was held on May 3rd and 4th, 1980 at the Oxon Hill Recreation Club. There were 24 participants (16 men and 8 women) from Baltimore, Cleveland, California and the D.C. area. Seven prizes were awarded. The next 7 annual tournaments were also held at Oxon Hill with a varied attendance of 25 - 30 participants. Subsequent tournaments took place at the Naval Air Station, the Navy Club and the Bluemont Park in Arlington, Va. Food and refreshments are available for participants and visitors alike. From 1985-88 those attending the wreath laying ceremony in Arlington cemetery came to watch the Tennis Tournament and enjoy the picnic. This annual event continues.

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STEFANIK’S CHAIR

On July 20, 1980, commemorating the 100th anniversary of General M.R. Stefanik’s birth, a delegation of Sokol members attended the dedication of a Stefanik Chair in the Opera House in the J.F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It is located next to the chair previously dedicated to president T.G. Masaryk. This was a joint effort of Washington’s Czechoslovak fraternal and cultural organizations.

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EVENINGS WITH CZECH ARTISTS

May 26, 1984 - A Musicale "An Evening with Karel Kryl" was held at Lyons Park Community Center.

Mar. 21, 1981 - "An Evening with Jara Kohout", Czech Comic was enjoyed at the Lyons Park Community Center, Arlington, Va.

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"JOSEFSKA & KATERINSKA ZABAVA"

During 1982, two social events were added to the already active schedule:

In March - a "Josefska Zabava" (St. Joseph’s Day) and November "Katerinska Zabava" (St. Katherine’s Day). Each is an informal social evening of song and dance, with food and refreshments provided by the committee. Music is furnished by members and guests who bring their own instruments. These socials were first held at the Lyons Park Community Center in Arlington, Va.; then in Almas Temple in Washington DC; and most recently in the Carderock Springs Tennis Club in Bethesda, Md. They have, more or less, become annual events and continue to this date.

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TRIBUTE TO TYRS

On Sept. 16, 1984, Sokol Washington and Sokol Baltimore presented a Physical Culture Festival in the Immaculata Gymnasium. It was a tribute to Dr. Miroslav Tyrs, the founder of Sokol. Besides songs and dance numbers, the program included tumbling and acrobatics by Sokol Baltimore men and calisthenics by women of Sokol Washington.

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ETHNIC DAY

Ethnic Day "American by Choice" Festival, held Sept. 21st 1986 in Constitution Hall, Washington DC was a great success. Representing the Czechoslovaks, Sis. Brodenova presented a Style Show of the many Czechoslovak native costumes with appropriate musical accompaniment. Sokol Baltimore’s gymnastic program was an excellent presentation of the teachings of Tyrs.

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LECTURES

On Sept. 24, 1988, Mr. Jiri Kratky presented an outstanding lecture on "The Life and Career of Gen. M.R. Stefanik" in Lyons Park Community Center in Arlington, Va.

May 9, 1991 Melantrich Editor Karel Sedlacek lectured on "What is new in Czechoslovakia after the Velvet Revolution". This event, held at Lyons Park Community Center, was cosponsored by SVU, CNCA and Sokol.

Throughout the years, a series of short lectures were presented during our regular meetings by Br. Vavro Rysavy, our Educator. He covered a multitude of subjects and events relative to our heritage and the history of Czechoslovakia.
__________

On Dec. 2, 1992, The Barton House Management informed us that we could no longer hold our meetings there. This was devastating news. We held every meeting and many receptions there for more than 30 years at no cost through the kindness and generosity of Sis. Kveta and Bruce Schlosberg. We are deeply grateful to them. We are now meeting in the Bethesda Public Library, Bethesda, Md.
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July 1 thru 6, 1994 five members attended the XII Sokol Slet in Praha. They were Bro. Jaroslav Kaspar-Paty, Tony Bartos, George Toula, and Ronald Soltis and Sis. Mildred Barcal. Dressed in parade uniform, they marched in the big parade through the streets of Praha. It was an unforgettable experience.
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August, 1994 - Br. Milos Toth attended the Sokol USA teachers course in Barryville, NY.

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ANNUAL ACTIVITIES

A number of annual out-door activities are designed for the benefit of members, their families and friends rather then a large profit making project. These activities are:

1. (May) - Canoe Trips - 15 miles down the south fork of the Shenandoah River (5-6 hours)

2. (July 4) - A two day holiday at the beach
3. and (Labor Day) in Chincoteague, Va. (camping)

4. (October) - C&O Canal walk and members picnic. Food and soft drinks
provided to Sokol members at no cost


These events have become popular social gatherings. All annual activities have been listed only once and that is in the year of their inception. They must, however, all be included when accounting for each years activity. They are:

St. Nicholas Party (Mikulasska) (1956)
Wreath laying Ceremony in Arlington Cemetery (1959)
Tennis Tournaments (1980)
Josefska (1982)
Katerinska (1982)
Masquerade Ball (Sibrinky) (1960-1989) Hopefully, this once popular event will be reactivated.

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SUMMARY

This recapitulation of (50) years of gymnastic, cultural and social activities shows just how active Sokol Washington has been. However, we are aware that some events or activities may not have been fully covered. We have worked from the records available to us. The events cited herein are identified by only the title and a few words of explanation but in no way does it describe the long hours of preparation and planning needed for a successful event. Since the facilities are always rentals, all supplies and equipment must be brought in just hours before the event begins. For certain activities the bar and the kitchen must be set-up, the food must be prepared in short order and served. The usual committee for these events were: Brothers and Sisters: Jerry and Rose Friedrich, George and Georgiana Toula, Victor and Vera Cech, Marie Aubrecht, Mildred Barcal, Tanja Sturman, Libuse Cerny, and many others. More recently these "volunteers" have all been replaced by new ones, i.e. Brothers Vaclav Slovak, Peter Kukura, Jiri Barak, Milos Toth, Oliver Gunovsky, Sisters Rita Kukura, Radka Bartos, Marie Aubrecht and many others. The box office had always been managed by Sis. Gerta Manhal, Sis. Libuse Cerny, Sis. Tanja Sturman and/or Sis. Mildred Terry but now Br. Milan Blaha and Sis. Libuse Cerny have successfully handled this function. All in all, the close cooperation of everyone is what makes our Unit so successful.

The concerts, operas and miscellaneous musical programs took endless hours of coaching and teaching on the part of Sis. Lida Brodenova and Sis. Dagmar White. The participants, singers and dancers alike, spent untold hours and days learning their parts and practicing. The contributions of Sis. Milica Svehla and Irena Prochotsky and their respective Ballet Schools can not be minimized. Neither can the services of Zdenek Rakusan and Br. Antonin Svehla and others for stage preparation and design as well as costume and wardrobe preparation team of Sis. Marta Jaros, Sis. J. Klimes, and Sis Marie Aubrecht. Those mentioned here are only a small number of individuals responsible for the Sokol Opera. Groups’ splendid success in so many undertakings.

The gym activities already mentioned did not make reference to the many months of preparation for the national and local slets or the other programs and exhibitions. Neither did it refer to the time and travel required to attend these functions, usually taking place between April and July. This takes a lot of dedication to Sokol.

Our accomplishments over the past half century speak for themselves. If so much could be accomplished in spite of all the drawbacks, think how much more could have been possible if Sokol Washington had had its own building! Following this history through the years, one realizes how different things could have been…and easier. The gym activities suffered much when we had to move around so much. There was no place to keep or store apparatus and other equipment so a real Sokol program could not be carried out. Limited to calisthenics and games, we could not enter competitions at the Slets. Due to location changes and a 2 year lull when there were no facilities, we lost most of our children and juniors as well as the adults.

The time consumed in searching for appropriate facilities to hold all of our varied functions could have been spent on other productive projects. We had been fortunate in one area, however, and that was having a place to hold our monthly meetings. At first, we met at Central High School, then in the homes of our members. Later, we had the use of facilities in the Barton House, 2525 N. I0th St., Arlington, Va. for all our meetings and many receptions….at no cost! That was our "Home" for more than 30 years. Since leaving there, we have been meeting at Bethesda Public Library. In short, we still need a building of our own.

Throughout the 50 years of its existence, Sokol Washington has been under the able leadership of only 5 presidents: Br. John Vaters, (Sept.) 1947-1958 (11.5 years); Br. Matthew Neumann, 1959-1977 (19 years), Br. Jaroslav Kaspar Paty, 1978-Jan. 1995 (17 years, 4 mo.); Sis. Tanja B. Sturman, Jan.-Sept. 1995 serving out the term of Br. Kaspar Paty, who passed away in January. (Sis. Sturman moved to California in October 1995). Br. Vaclav Slovak was elected in Sept. 1995 and is currently serving our unit admirably. Our presidents have led us successfully through many trials and tribulations and were an inspiration to everyone. However, they were supported by many loyal and hard working individuals who also manned their posts (elected and /or appointed) for many many years. Elected officers with more than 25 years of service in one office are: Sis. Gerta Manhal (32 years) Financial secretary; Sis. Libuse Cerny (34 years) Recording secretary; Sis. Rose Friedrich (31 years) Treasurer and Sis. Lida Brodenova (30 years) Artistic Director. There are many others with more then five years in various offices and are listed separately.

We cannot speak of our history and our accomplishments without recognizing the ones who have been the driving force in making it all happen ... even though some of them may no longer be amongst us. (The deceased are identified with a † before their name). They all have their own place in our history. Without them this unit’s success would not have been possible. The faithful members of our Sokol family who should be remembered are:

† Br. John Vaters, 1st President - who led us through the first eleven difficult years. We must thank him for the Unit’s healthy roots.

† Br. Frank Rosner, 1st Secretary - he was one of three responsible for the founding of this unit. He left the area in Dec. 1947.

† Br. Zdenek Ptacek - 1st Treasurer for 4 years and Vice President for 2 years.

† Br. Jerry Friedrich - 1st Director of Men who later served as Corresponding Secretary and Vice President for a total of 27 years. His assistance on many committees was invaluable.

Sis. Mildred Barcal - 1st Directress - also served as Instructor (2nd assistant Directress); Vice President; Recording Secretary, Educator, and auditor plus many working Committees. Total of 26 years in elected office.

† Br. Frank Kracek - Replaced Br. Rosner - served as Recording and Corresponding Secretary for 4 years until he moved to California.

† Br. Juraj Slavik - the Czechoslovak Ambassador to U.S. attended our first meeting and became our pillar of strength, an advisor and a staunch supporter of Sokol throughout the years. Later, he served as Vice-President, Educator and Correspondent of our unit for a total of 9 years (after Feb 1948).

† Sis. Jean Havelka-Lindsay served as Financial Secretary (3), Corresponding Secretary (1) and Vice President (3) - a total of 7 years of dedicated service.

The eight brothers and sisters listed above are those elected to office in the first 3 years of our existence i.e. 1947, 1948 and 1949. The remainder will be listed in the order of total years of service in elected office as follows:

† Sis. Gerta Manhal - holds the record for length of service to this unit .... a total of 35 years from the date she became a member until her death in 1987. She served as Recording Secretary (1), Corresponding Secretary (2), and Financial Secretary (32).

Sis. Libuse Cerny had served as recording Secretary for 34 years until a disabling accident curtailed her attendance at the meetings. She has served ably throughout her tenure in a very difficult position.

Sis. Rose Friedrich - one of the Unit’s mainstays. She served as an assistant Directress of Women for 2 years and as Treasurer for 29 years. She also was in charge of the kitchen for many of our varied social events, i.e. Sibrinky, St. Nicholas etc.

† Sis. Lida Brodenova - our tireless director of the Sokol Opera Group, served for 30 years. In spite of a crippling stroke, she regained her health through sheer will and worked diligently for another 20 years. She was the driving force behind all of our programs other than the gymnastics. We would never have had the successful concerts and operas without her.

† Br. Matthew Neumann - our second President served the Unit for 25 years .... 6 years as Corresponding Secretary and 19 as President. Much could be written about him, but the fact is that we probably would not have a Sokol Unit here had it not been for his boundless energy and ideas for the good of the Unit. He devoted his life to Sokol without regard to the time and the toll it took on himself. He gave up the presidency in December 1977 to write a book on "his 25 years in Sokol". Unfortunately, four months later, (April 1978), he died of a heart attack in Singapore while on a world tour.

† Br. Jaroslav Kaspar Paty - served as our third President for 17 years and as Vice President and Educator for another 7 years. He worked diligently to coordinate and plan all the activities and programs of the Unit. A great disappointment to him was that his dream of a Sokol Building was not fulfilled.

† Br. Frank Stovicek - Director of Men for 19 years, he is credited with the establishment of the children and junior classes and for having the largest classes during his tenure. He worked hard under a great odds and trained a whole generation of young gymnasts to continue in his footsteps.

† Br. George Soltis - Director of Men, Vice President, and Property Custodian for a period of 18 years. As Director, he composed special numbers, which were performed at several exhibitions. His contribution to the Unit was invaluable.

Br. Anton Bartos - Director of Men for 18 years and responsible for reactivating and managing the Czechoslovak School for children and adults. As director, he led the children’s gymnastic classes and coordinated their participation in District Competitions. He lends his musical talent to numerous cultural functions.

† Br. Victor Cech - Vice President and Assistant Director of men for a total of 16 years. Always available to pick-up and/or deliver what ever was needed for our programs and social affairs. This included making trips to New York, Baltimore, etc. on short notice.

Sis. Tanja B. Sturman - Vice President for 16 years and President from February to September 1995 (serving out the balance of Br. Paty’s term). She then moved to California. As Vice-President she worked closely with the President and the local Czechoslovak organizations. She chaired AD-Hoc Committees and gave of her time to all our programs and activities. No job too large or too small. She coordinated the pastry program for all our events. As sunshine lady, she kept in touch with all our members, especially the shut-ins.

Br. George Toula - Vice President and director of men. Served for a total of 14 years. Also spent long hours working on various social committees.

Br. Stanley Kalkus - Served as 2nd Vice President for 12 years and was a member of the Board of Trustees. Assisted in Tennis Tournaments and various committees.

† Sis. Frances Shroff - former head of Social Activities Committee, member of the board and for years giving her help to make the Unit prosper.

Br. George Parma - A member of Audit Committee for 12 years and a Building & Property Committee member.

† Sis. Mary Soltis - former Directress of Women. Corresponding Secretary and auditor served for a total of 12 years. Always ready to step in to take over whenever someone could not complete their elected post. She personified the true spirit of Sokol.

Br. Vaclav Slovak - our current president for the past three years. He has already "run the gamut" by serving as Auditor for 3 years; Treasurer - 1 year and handling the combined functions of Corresponding Secretary and Financial Secretary for 4 years. He already has eleven years of experience and has proven that he is "the man for the job" to lead this Unit onward.

† Br. Frank Arient - former Secretary and Public Relations Officer.

Sis. Ann Dankulich - former Directress of Women with excellent record of meritorious work for the Unit.

Sis. Marie Aubrecht - Social Activities Chairman for the past 10 years and a member of the board. Her volunteer service to all the committees and the Opera Group is immeasurable.

Br. Vojtech Nevlud - former Secretary and Educator for a total of 9 years. He worked very actively in the Unit for a number of years and rendered most valuable services to Sokol Washington and especially to the Czechoslovak School and to Sokol in general.

† Sis. Elena Paty - former Social Activities Chairman and Member of the Board for 9 years. Assisted all officers and committees to bring our programs to a successful conclusion.

Br. Peter Kukura - has been our Treasurer for the past 7 years and also served as Auditor for 1 year. He keeps a close watch over the Unit funds and is destined to continue doing so for a long time.

† Br. Jan Klimes - Units Reporter for 6 years but he must also be recognized as the Director of the "Dvorak Singing Society" from our early years.

† Br. Vavro Rysavy - former Educator for seven years, he delivered many short lectures at the close of our regular meetings as a part of the Educational Program. He also delivered enlightening lectures to the compatriotic community in Washington.

Sis. Lucia Levendis - Former Artistic Director, coordinated the Children’s Czechoslovak School Activity and was involved with training the children in cultural matters and presentations.

† Sis. Georgiana Toula - a 4 term Directress of Women and 2 years as Social Activities Chairman. Her diligent work in other areas of the Unit is immeasurable.

Br. Milan Blaha - has served as one of our Auditors for the past 6 years. He also is helpful and accommodating in assisting at all our functions no matter what the job.

Br. George Levendis - our 1st Vice-President for the past two years, he has also served as Auditor for the past 6 years.

† Ludvik Sefcik - former Treasurer for 6 years and a charter member.

Sis. Vera Cech - former 2nd Assistant Directress of women for 6 year period and member of the Social Committee.

Br. George Barak - our Secretary since February 1995 has already served 2 years as Treasurer and one year as Auditor. Responsibility for the three categories of Secretary i.e. Recording, Correspondence, and Financial) have been assumed by Br. Barak and doing very well.

Br. Milos Toth - Director of Men for the past 4 years teaching gymnastics and karate to children and managing volleyball for adults. We hope he can rebuild the classes to their former strength.

† Br. Jaroslav Polach - former Recording Secretary, Member of the Board, the Building Committee and the Board of Trustees.

Sis. Dagmar Fiala - former Directress of Women for 4 years - to her goes the credit and our deep gratitude for reviving our gymnastic activities.

Sis. Milada Koeppl - former Educator for 3 years, assisted Sis. Brodenova in the preparation and production of many of our programs. She was instrumental in obtaining the gym facilities in St. Ann’s and the International French Schools. Her contributions have been invaluable.

Sis. Monica Rokus - former Directress of Women taught gymnastics to children and a talented artist who prepares our varied announcements, "flyers", and invitations.

† Br. Frank Wolf - former auditor, member of the Board and of the Building Committee, a staunch supporter of the Sokol Organization.

† Br. George Stoklas - former member of the Board and Chairman of the Building Committee, a generous supporter of the Unit gym activity through donations to the apparatus fund.

A number of brothers and sisters who held an elected office for lesser number of years should also be recognized in this review. They have rendered a substantial contribution to the Washington Unit. Listed alphabetically they are:

Sis. Pavla Baginski - Recording Secretary and Auditor
Edward Dvorak, M.D. - Health Director
Sis. Anne Havelka - Recording Secretary
† Anton Hasal - Vice-President and Correspondent
Br. Allan Hart - Corresponding Secretary
Sis. Sonia Hart - Membership Committee Chairman
† Br. Bohumil Jaros - Treasurer
Br. Cestmir Jesina - Recording Secretary and Educator
Sis. Marta Kalkus - Corresponding Secretary
Br. Stefan Korec, M.D. - Health Director
Br. Jan Kocvara - Correspondent (Publicity)
Br. Brano Lajda - Correspondent and Membership Chairman
Br. Miroslav Neovesky - Educator
Sis. Alice Pavelka - Corresponding Secretary
Br. George Svejda - Correspondent, Board of Trustees

Directors and Assistant Directors:

Men Women
Br. M. Hasal 1st and 2nd Ass’t. Sis. C. Bierwagon 2nd
Br. C. Holloway 2nd Sis. S. Dillon 1st
Br. M. Holt 1st and 2nd Sis. G. Dohnal (1yr)
Br. J. Jarolim 1st and 2nd Sis. V. Hermann 1st
Br. P. Logsdon Dir. and 2nd Ass’t. Sis. G. Holoubek 1st
Br. N. Naylor 2nd Sis. C. Hill 1st
Br. G Podkova 1st and 2nd Sis. J. Mach Dir.
Br. J. Plachy 1st Sis. M. Manon 1st
Sis. M. Rokus Dir.
Sis. L. Stovicek 2nd
Sis. H. Splichal Dir.
Sis. C. Stevens 1st
Sis. Vozarik 1st



We should not by-pass those who have been active and supportive of our Unit:

Sis. Kveta Schlosberg - a loyal Sokol who has given us moral and generous financial support throughout the years.

Sis. Milica Svehla and Sis. Dagmar White who had been active in the Sokol Opera as well as on an individual basis for the good of Sokol Washington.

Br. Josef Kucera - writer and reporter of our early history and activities.

† Br. Jaroslav Nemec - staunch supporter of our Unit and organizer of the Sokol Singing Society.

Br. Samko Kristofik - our soloist in all our early programs and a member of the original Arts and Cultural Group (Sokol Opera).

† Br. Paul Sturman - served on the Board of Trustees, the Building Committee, and others. Wrote Articles, and gave speeches as needed.

Last but not least, let us recognize the countless number of Sokols and friends who have worked so diligently for the benefit of our Unit. They are the ones who worked "behind the scenes". They cook and bake and then donate everything for our gain and profit; They help set up everything before each event and clean up afterwards; They may help in the gym or assist in mailing etc. Unfortunately, they remain nameless but to them we owe a debt of gratitude. Their only reward is their inner satisfaction for jobs well done. None the less, to the known, the unknown and to the modest ones in the background belong our eternal thanks and our pleas that they remain loyal and faithful to us and the Sokol ideals in the future.

For historical purposes we record the Composition of the Executive Board of Sokol Washington during it’s Golden Jubilee.

Officers of Sokol Washington D.C. during 1997:

President: Br. Vaclav Slovak
Vice-President: Br. George Levendis
Corresponding Secretary: Br. George Barak
Financial Secretary: Br. George Barak
Recording Secretary: Sis. Libuse Cerny*
Treasurer: Br. Peter Kukura
Educator: Br. Anthony Bartos
Social Secretary: Br. George Barak
Auditor: Br. Milan Blaha
Auditor: Br. George Levendis
Director of Men: Br. Milos Toth
Director of Women: -


* Br. George Barak has been "standing in" for Sis. Cerny during her recuperation.




Elected Officers With Five or More Years of Service
During 1947-1997 (50 years)

Gerta Manhal 35 Vaclav Slovak 11
Libuse Cerny 34 John Vaters 11
Rose Friedrich 31 Frank Arient 11
Lida Brodenova 30 Ann Dankulich 11
Jerry Friedrich 27 Marie Aubrecht 10
Mildred Barcal 26 Vojtech Nevlud 9
Matthew Neumann 25 Elena Paty 9
Jaroslav Kaspar Paty 24 Frank Kracek 8
Frank Stovicek 19 Peter Kukura 8
George Soltis 18 Milan Blaha 7
Anton Bartos 18 George Levendis 7
Victor Cech 16 Jean Lindsay 7
Tanja B. Sturman 16 Jean Lindsay 7
George Toula 14 Vavro Rysavy 7
Stanley Kalkus 12 Georgiana Toula 7
Frances Shroff 12 Ludvik Sefcik 6
George Parma 12 Vera Cech 6
Maria Soltis 12 George Barak 5



Charter Members, Living and Still Members:

Mildred Barcal
Vera Cech
Libuse Cerny
Rose Friedrich
Juraj Slavik, Jr.


Remembering Our Dead

Frank Kracek Josef Kucera
Zdenek Ptacek George Soltis
Terezie Vatersova Karla Gregorova
Dr. Juraj Slavik Miroslav Schubert
Dr. Matej Josko Vladimir Fleischer
Jan Vaters Elena Kaspar-Paty
Luisa Szalatnyova Ludvik Sefcik
Pavla Zenklova Raimund Teichman
Frantisek Klatil Josef Vlcek
Gen. Ant. Hasal Mila Lewisova
Anna Skrybova Ellen Blahova
Ruzena Kocourkova Gerta Manhalova
Gen. Josef Eret Jaroslav Suster
Dr. Th. Vozarik Paul Sturman
Frank Brody Lida Brodenova
Dr. Petr Zenkl Tanja Neumannova
Amalka Ptackova Albina Teichmanova
Josef Martinasek Georgiana Toulova
Eugene Koeppl Frantiska Foglova
Josef Brandejs Jerry Friedrich
Matej Neumann Jaroslav Polach
George Stoklas Victor Cech
Frank Stovicek Jaroslav Kaspar-Paty
Josef Gregor Vera Arientova
Anastasie Brandeisova Jaroslav Drabek
Frances Shroffova Bohumil Jaros
Jean Havelka Lindsayova Wesley Wolf
Jan Klimes Mary Soltisova
Frank Arient Mildred Terryova



During recent years our membership has dwindled. Many of our members have gone to their eternal rest and left a big void in our midst. Some have left the area and others have resigned. We now have a total of only 80 members .... about 1/2 of the number we had in our prime.

We have taken the time to look back over the past 50 years. Now we must look to the future and rededicate ourselves to rebuild our unit to, at least, its former strength and activity. The past is prologue -

We have a past to honor and a future to mold!



This history was gathered from available minutes of the meetings, programs, and other publications.



Our thanks and gratitude to Sis. Pavla Toth for the many hours of typing and computerizing this history. Also thanks to Sis. Helen Vahldick in assisting in the research and typing of background material.

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The Future of Sokol Washington
Vaclav Slovak, President of Sokol Washington

In celebration of our existence, we can reflect on our rich history, and
the projects we have undertaken and successfully brought to fruition. As
you read the history of Sokol Washington that was written by Milie
Barcal, one has to be amazed at what a small group of people dedicated
to a single cause can accomplish, be it the laying of the wreath at the
tomb of an unknown soldier or organizing an opera performance. In the
past, one of our uniting causes was to rid Czechoslovakia of its
totalitarian government and to restore democracy. Since this became a
reality through the Velvet revolution in 1989, one may conclude that
there will be a reduction of interest in our organization. Indeed, based
on the current level of our active membership, it appears that this in
part may be true. However, there also are other factors which have
contributed to our recent reduction in membership: the aging of our
members and the decrease in the steady influx of people from the Czech
and Slovak republics. When one looks at these obstacles, and they are
formidable, it may seem that we at Sokol Washington are fighting a
losing battle. But, let us not give up the fight yet.

One thing that my emigration here to the United States has taught me is
that you have to be flexible and be able to adapt to changes in
environment and circumstances, while not losing sight of your mission,
if you want to survive and flourish. I therefore propose that from this
principle we attain our motivation. We have to accept the fact that we
are now living in dynamic times. We have to recognize that times are
changing and that we have to be able to adapt to this dynamic situation
while at the same time staying true to the Sokol motto sound mind in a
healthy body, if we mean to persevere and grow.

Sokol deserves a future that is as rich and successful as its past. In
view of the circumstances I mentioned earlier, this is not going to be
an easy task. Most ethnic organizations that are part of American
history strive to shape its future. So should Sokol make every effort to
remain a player in this field, in the battle of ideas. Specially our
Sokol Washington, which is strategically located and does not have to
make as much effort as others to gain access to places where important
decisions are made. It therefore is imperative that we pool our ideas
and resources in searching for the optimum way to ensure our continued
participation in the process that would strengthen our organization.
This can only be accomplished if Sokol and its agenda are attractive to
both people of the Czech and Slovak origin as well as anyone else
interested in the Sokol heritage of physical education. We have to make
every effort to have programs that are attractive to the whole spectrum
of the Sokol community. I therefore appeal to each and every one of you
to do your share in staking the future for Sokol at which we will look
with pride when celebrating its next anniversary.

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What Sokol Means to Me
Milos Toth, Director of Men

When, in 1989, Communism in Czechoslovakia collapsed, I was 27 years old and had never heard about SOKOL. I have been involved in sport since I was fourteen. I competed in karate. Later, I was a karate instructor (in a club belonging to Slovan-Imuna-Sarisske Michalany), a judge and a member of our regional karate committee. I also ran marathons.

Under the Communist regime, sport organizations did not suffer. They were sponsored by the government. Every year they received money for their activity. It sounds nice, however, it was also a perfect example of how the Communist government buys and controls people who participated in any sport.

The year 1989 was very important in Czechoslovak history. After 41 years, Communism was overturned and changed to democratic government. Among the first things that people in the new country could enjoy was the possibility to travel wherever they wanted. In my case, I could run the Vienna Marathon in Austria and later, in 1990, the New York City Marathon.

In 1991, I came to the USA again. I was studying English at George Mason University and later Computer Science at George Washington University. I met people from the Czechoslovak community and through them I learned about Sokol and started participating in Sokol Washington activities.

It was a big surprise to me that such a large organization as Sokol exists, thanks to people who voluntarily work for their organization. I became a member of Sokol Washington and joined Sokol activities, such as volleyball, gym classes and social functions.

A committee from Sokol Washington came to me with an idea to send me to the Instructor’s Course at Sokol Woodlands in Barryville, NY (August 1994). I successfully completed that course and then started to work with the children together with then Director of Men Tonda Bartos. We had about ten children and I enjoyed working with them.

Later on I became Director of Men. Since my sport background is a little bit different I started to integrate a little bit of marshal arts. My classes begin with thirty minutes warm up that include simple karate techniques, then we drill on the gym apparatus that are available to us and the last ten minutes we play the game that the children select. I think that the children enjoy those classes.



The number of children that participate is different each year. I remember when I started my work with the children there were mostly boys and girls from the families who live here in the Washington area. The following year I had children mostly from the Slovak Embassy. Now, almost all are children of parents working at NIH (usually those families are here temporarily). I have had those children for just two years. However, I can see how their performances have improved. If I should mention the best one, I have to mention all of them: Lukas and Jacob Pospisil (hope their sister Kristinka will join them soon), Urosh and Bojana Milojkovic, Matej and Samuel Misik, Barbora and Kristinka Pavliak, and David Ilavsky (who is now enjoying classes in Sokol Praha).

I encourage all parents to take their children somewhere where they can enjoy sport activities. Sokol Washington’s gymnastic program is one good possibility. There is just a small annual membership fee and a lot of fun every Friday night during the school season.

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