Library
BOOKS
We have over 3,000 books in mostly four languages. Now over 95% are cataloged. This includes many from an early 1900s immigrant’s lending library ( one is “Hrabe Monte Kristo”, etc. – did you see the movie?). Our original and unique records are estimated to number 500 archives, with about 20 % cataloged. The credit for much of the cataloging of books and archives goes to Jirka Vichta, from the State Archives in Prague, and the Czech Government for funding his visits.
ARCHIVES
The cataloged archives include records from Sokol Morrisania, Sokol Fuegner Long Island City, Sokol Casablanca, Morocco, and other organizations in the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as 15 boxes of the papers of Marie Provaznikova. Hundreds of archives remain to be cataloged, including the building plans, the Edison bill for conversion to electric from gas, and fading playbills from Sokol musicals and dramas.
PAST MEMBERS
The early membership rolls from 1877 to 1971 are on Excel for genealogy purposes with over 3,000 members from 1877. Unfortunately, the records are incomplete. The archives were not always treated with the best of care, and the building had two fires (1930s and 1970s).
ARTIFACTS
The photographs, kroje, old Sokol uniforms, musical instruments, folk art, Sokol memorabilia, and banners number in the hundreds. The AAU championship banners (Amateur Athletic Union) from 1909 and 1910 are on display along with other memorabilia and trophies. This collection is not currently cataloged. Fortunately, Sokol’s largest artifact, our1896 building, is in the good hands of volunteers, and the building staff.
PRINTS
Over 50 prints are installed on the balcony. The scenes are a good representation of early Sokol members’ “old country.” A walk around the gym’s balcony becomes a tour of Czechoslovakia in 1923.
EVENTS & DONATIONS
The Sokol NY Library Committee was reactivated in 2001 to organize, enhance, and exhibit the collection of books, archives, photos, and artifacts. The committee meets most Wednesday evenings at 7PM from Sept. to June.
Contact Ed Chlanda by email at:library@sokolnewyork.org if you would like to be informed of the next lectures or tour of Sokol Hall, or if you have some materials that you are considering donating. Due to limited space, not all items can be accepted.
Sokol New York Library Committee.
