University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives Department.

Polish Falcons of America. Nest 786 (Milwaukee, Wis.).

Records, 1931-1979.

Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 59

.4 cubic ft. (1 archives box, and 1 volume)

ABSTRACT: Records of a Milwaukee affiliate of the Polish Falcons of America (Sokolstwo Polskie w Ameryce), organized in 1910 to encourage physical training, gymnastics, and military training. The collection includes a volume of dues records, listing names of members, 1932-1947; a cash book, 1932-1967; a volume of receipts and disbursements, 1931-1953; and miscellaneous regarding Nest 786. Also present are copies of minutes of District II of the Falcons and of national conventions. The records of Nest 786 consist of a volume of dues records, listing names and addresses of members, 1932-1947; a cash book, 1932-1967; a volume of receipts and disbursements, 1931-1953; and miscellaneous;. Noteworthy among the miscellaneous is a copy of Zlot i Zjazd, a printed record of the 1933 national rally and congress. Also included are minutes and scattered programs from District II conventions, 1967, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1979; and from national conventions, 1956, 1964, 1972, and 1976. These minutes may be useful in reconstructing the history and activities of Nest 786, as the minutes of Nest 786 apparently no longer exist.

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY: Nest 786, Jozef Pilsudski Nest, of the Polish Falcons of America (Sokolstwo Polskie w Ameryce) was organized June 1910 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with Joseph Kruszka, president; Anthony Gutkowski, vice-president; Felix Skupski, secretary; Anthony Jazwiecki, treasurer; and John Krukar, physical director. The purpose of the organization, originally founded in Poland in 1863 and in the United States in 1887, was "to train the body, to spread brotherhood and cultural activities, and to discipline and to submerge the personal 'I' for the betterment of the community." Members competed in local and district gymnastic and military drills and rallies, the latter in preparation for participation with the American and Polish armies in World War I. Nest 786 split in 1947, with the seceding group forming Nest 249, which met at the Polish Army Veteran Association Post 94 home. In 1978 the two Nests merged at Nest 786. The former Nest 786 home was a meeting hall at 1573-1575 West Becher Street; in 1981 the building was owned by Stanley Szymczak, president of the Nest since 1938. In 1976, the two Milwaukee Falcon Nests had a total of 650 members.

Nest 786 is included in the Falcons District II, headquartered in Chicago. Other Nests which belong to District II are located in Milwaukee, Chicago and Rockford, Illinois, and St. Louis. The Stevens Point, Wisconsin Falcons left the national Sokol in 1928 and is not a member of District II.

COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:

Polish Falcons of America. Nest 786 (Milwaukee, Wis.). Records, 1931-1979. Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 59. Wisconsin Historical Society. Milwaukee Area Research Center. UWM Libraries. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

RELATED COLLECTIONS:

Krukar, Phyllis. Papers, 1928-1956. (Milwaukee Small Collection Oversize 3)

Polish Falcons of America. Nest 725 (Milwaukee, Wis.). Records, 1916-1930, 1946-1994. (Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 60 and Milwaukee Micro Collection 30)

Polish Falcons of America. Nest 755 (Milwaukee, Wis.). Minute book [microform], 1919-1926. (Milwaukee Micro Collection 31)

ACQUISITION: Presented by Stanley Szymczak of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1981 (accession number M81-367).

PROCESSING: Processed by Menzi Behrnd-Klodt in December 1981.

MARC RECORD SEARCH TERMS: The following terms were used in the online bibliographic MARC record to this collection:

Community organization--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Friendly societies--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Milwaukee (Wis.)--History--Sources.
Physical education and training--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Polish Americans--Wisconsin--Milwaukee--History.
Youth--Wisconsin--Milwaukee--Societies and clubs.

MILWAUKEE MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION 59	BOX	FOLDER
Cash Book, 1932-1967 [volume 2]	1
Convention Records, District II, Minutes, 1967, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979	1	1-2
Convention Records, National Convention, Minutes, 1964, 1972	1	3
Convention Records, National Convention, Programs, 1956, 1976	1	3
Dues Book, 1932-1947 [volume 1]
Miscellaneous, 1933, 1965, 1976, undated	1	4
Receipts and Disbursements, 1931-1953	1