University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives Department.

Polish Falcons of America. Nest 725 (Milwaukee, Wis.).

Records, 1916-1930, 1946-1994.

Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 60 and Milwaukee Micro Collection 30

.2 cubic ft. (1 small archives box) + 1 microfilm reel (35 mm)

ABSTRACT: Records of a Milwaukee affiliate of the Polish Falcons of America (Sokolstwo Polskie w Ameryce), organized on the city's North Side in 1916 to encourage physical fitness and training, cultural activities, and other youth and civic programs. Included are two volumes of microfilmed minutes in Polish, 1916-1926, of both the men's organization and the ladies auxiliary; Nest 725 anniversary programs and partial histories; several district convention and bowling programs; miscellaneous, and news clippings.

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).

SCOPE AND CONTENT: The records of Nest 725 consist of two minute books, in Polish, of the men's organization, December 1916 to January 1926; and of the ladies auxiliary, December 1918 to 1925, including address and dues lists, 1927-1930; with three Nest anniversary programs, 1946, 1966, and 1976; one other program; and partial histories of the early years of the Nest, probably compiled from the minute books. Also included in the collection are programs of district Falcon bowling tournaments and conventions, 1964, 1968, 1975 and 1976, miscellaneous, and newsclippings concerning Milwaukee and national Falcon events.

ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY: Nest 725 of the Polish Falcons of America (Sokolstwo Polskie w Ameryce) was organized by Milwaukee North Side residents on 10 December 1916. The purpose of the organization, which originated 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 of the Nest competed in local and district gymnastic and military drills and rallies, supported the World War I effort, and in 1922, formed a choir and a band. A girls junior nest (Nest 755) and a boys nest were established in 1919, but both later merged with Nest 725. In 1940 Nest 725 purchased a building on N. Fratney Street to use as its "home" for meetings and social gatherings; five years later a larger home on E. Clarke was purchased. Many members of the Nest served in the military during World War II. Members of the Nest also participate actively in bowling tournaments; in 1942 Nest 725 hosted the Polish Falcons national tournament. Other activities include gymnastic drills and summer camps, sports training and competitions, folk dancing, music contests, Polish language courses, and social events, with emphasis always placed on youth activities. In 1976, the two Milwaukee Falcon Nests had a total of 650 members.

COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:

Polish Falcons of America. Nest 725 (Milwaukee, Wis.). Records, 1916-1930, 1946-1994. Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 60 and Milwaukee Micro Collection 30. Wisconsin Historical Society. Milwaukee Area Research Center. UWM Libraries. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

RELATED COLLECTION:

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

Polish Falcons of America. Nest 786 (Milwaukee, Wis.). Records, 1931-1979. (Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 59)

ACQUISITION: Presented and loaned for copying by Walter Sume of Franklin, Wisconsin in 1981, and presented by Ray Bronk of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1981 (accession numbers M81-379, and M81-399).

PROCESSING: Processed by Menzi Behrnd-Klodt in January 1982.

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 60 MILWAUKEE MICRO COLLECTION 30	BOX	FOLDER
Bowling Tournament Programs, 1968, 1975	1	3
Convention Programs, 1964, 1976	1	4
Histories of Nest 725, undated	1	2
Ladies' Auxiliary, 1918-1925 [Milwaukee Micro Collection 30, reel 1]
Minute Books, Men's Organization, 1916-1926, [Milwaukee Micro Collection 30, reel 1]
Miscellaneous, 1976, 1979, 1980	1	5
Nest 725 Anniversary Programs and Other Programs, 1946, 1966, 1976, undated	1	1
News Clippings, 1976-1979	1	6