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DEVELOPMENT OF GYMNASTICS IN CROATIA UP 
TO 1903 
 
Željko Iveljić1, Dan Lanc2, Kamenka Živčić2, Lucija Milčić2 
 
1 »Hrvatski Sokol«, Vinkovci, Croatia 
2 University of Zagreb, Faculty of Kinesiology, Croatia 
 
 
Original article                                                                                          DOI:15.1.5-25 
Abstract 
This manuscript aimed to show the development of gymnastics in Croatia up until 1903. This 
article provided a chronological description of the growth of gymnastics in Croatia from 1859 
to 1903. In Osijek, Croatia's first gymnastics society was founded in 1865. Gymnastics were 
introduced into schools in the middle of the 19th century as a result of increased interest in 
physical education based on by the stronger development of civil society. 1874. was founded 
Croatian Sokol in Zagreb and gymnastics also became a part of a high school program. In 
Croatia, numerous gymnastics societies started to be established, including the Varaždin Sokol 
Gymnastic Society in 1878 and the Zadar Gymnastic Society in 1876. In Dalmatia, central 
Croatia, and Slavonia, new gymnastics societies have been founded. For example, the Croatian 
Sokol was founded in Bjelovar in 1884 and Makarska in 1894. Additionally, the gymnastics 
society took part in open workouts in Prague and Pariz. Women's gymnastics started on in 1891 
in Croatian Sokol in Zagreb where exercises were conducted in three divisions, including 
simple exercises and those on the apparatus. 
 
Keywords artistic gymnastics, Croatia, history, “Sokol”. 
ORIGINS OF GYMNASTICS IN 
CROATIA 
 
 
 
Organized gymnastics appeared 
somewhat later in areas inhabited by 
Croatians, than in other areas, inhabited by 
other European nations. Gymnastics and 
physical exercise, started appearing very 
early, as a form of gymnastics conducted by 
German and Austrian officers during their 
stay in the barracks. In the Military Frontier 
it was modelled from German Turner 
associations on one side, while gymnastics 
had a connection with firefighter tasks, 
which was also the case in some other 
countries (Iveljić, 2012: 10-15). 
Time elapsed from the beginnings of 
organized gymnastics activities, to the 
foundation of the first association, has made 
its beginnings almost completely forgotten. 
Beginnings of organized physical 
activity in Zagreb are tied to the year 1859. 
and Miroslav Friedrich Singer (1821. - 
1876.) Institute for Physical Exercise. 
Although Singer educated a number of 
significant people in gymnastics, it took a 
long time to establish the first gymnastic 
society (Gimnastika, 1891: 11: 166). 
First gymnastic society in Croatia was 
established in Osijek in 1865. Information 
that Pervo društvo gombalach will conduct 
the first gymnastic exercise in the pub 
“Danč”, which shall also be a founding 
celebration, was published on the 23rd of 
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July in the year 1865 in the paper Esseker 
Lokalblatt und Landbote, (Figure 1), which 
was a local paper at the time. (Esseker 
Lokalblatt und Landbote, 1865: 58). The 
society was founded on the proposition of J. 
Wawerke, editor of the paper, under the 
name Pervo društvo gombalacah [The first 
gymnastics club] in Osijek. The announced 
exercise was conducted on September the 
2nd, and the foundations for organized 
physical activity in the city of Osijek were 
placed. A request for approval of societies 
rules and regulations was prepared and 
submitted on September the 9th. Board of 
the society was elected on the first general 
meeting with Ladislav Molnar as the 
principal, Karlo Lehman as vice principal, 
Eduard Gal as leader (gymnastics teacher), 
Mato Danč as treasurer and J. F. Waverka 
as secretary  (Firinger,  1974: 19: 1699).  
 
 
 
. 
 Figure 1. Osijek, July 23rd, 1865., publication in the paper Esseker Lokalblatt und Landbote 
about the new society 
 
 
The most important reason why other 
gymnastic societies could not develop 
properly, was a lack of gymnastic teachers, 
gymnastic apparatus, halls and 
playgrounds, lack of material funds in 
associations, and because of political 
disputes (Iveljić, 2014: 9).  
A stronger development of civil 
society has initiated a higher interest in 
physical education, leading to incorporation 
of gymnastics in schools in the middle of 
19th century. A new attitude towards human 
body can be discerned through 
incorporation of gymnastics as an 
obligatory class in public schools, on the 
basis of a law from the year 1874. 
Gymnastics also became a part of a high 
school program. Special attention was given 
towards construction of gymnasiums, 
leading to their development in most major 
settlements. A large number of exercises 
were performed with and on apparatus in 
sports halls, and during spring and summer, 
in open spaces. A new instruction has been 
issued for swedish system gymnastics, with 
a detailed list of elements of exercise. 
An important gymnastic society was 
founded in Zagreb during the year 1862, 
Croatian singing association Kolo. 
Members of Južni Sokol [South Sokol] from 
Ljubljana visited the singing society Kolo 
during the ceremonial celebration of heroic 
death of governor Nikola Šubić Zrinski, 
which was held during 24th to 26th of 
November in 1866. Around 60 Slovenian 
Sokol members with their flag in Sokol 
uniform arrived in Zagreb, and were greeted 
heartily from Zagreb crowd. An idea of 
creation of a gymnastic society in Zagreb 
was proposed (Zeininger, 1892: 30). 
The society has filed requests and 
amendments for the foundation of 
gymnastic section within the society, on 
numerous occasions, which the government 
rejected (Radan, 1973: 16: 1482). 
 
 
 
 
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CROATIAN SOKOL IN ZAGREB 
 
The first agreement for the foundation 
of the society was in the city hall, on the 
incentive of Josip Fon (1846. - 1899.), with 
the mayor of Zagreb, Ivan Vončina. On the 
meeting held on July the 5th in 1874, 
creation of regulations was trusted to the 
committee. Temporary committee with 
priest Josip Torbar (1824. - 1900.) at the 
head, who became the first temporary 
president, undertakes an action to create the 
scoiety. The committee consisted of 
representatives (founders) Friedrich 
Miroslav Singer, Franjo Pečak (1841. - 
1934.), Oto Jokuš and Đuro Kontak, and 
secretary Mirko Mikulčić (Bučar, 1925: 6). 
Appeal for registration of Society for 
Physical Exercise Hrvatski Sokol [Croatian 
Sokol] (Statuten des Agramer Turnvereines 
„Hrvatski Sokol“), along with regulations, 
was submitted on 18th of July. Society 
regulations were written bilingually, on 
Croatian and German languages (Pravila, 
1874).  
 
 
 
Figure 2. Membership application form of a member of Croatian Sokol in Zagreb, registered 
on November the 18th, 1874., under the number 58. (National University library in Zagreb). 
 
 
Number of registered members soon 
reached 185 members, consisting of 19 
founders, 66 executive members who 
partake in physical exercise and 100 
backing members, who do not exercise, but 
support the association through 
membership fees (Bučar, 1925: 7).  
First general meeting  was held on 
December the 27th, 1874., in the pub “K 
Caru Austrijskom” in Zagreb. Ivan Vončina 
became principal, Josip Fon vice principal, 
Levin Rojčević secretary, Ivan Stožir 
account liquidator, Milan Lenuci apparatus 
guardian, Antun Stiasni treasurer, Đuro 
Kontak, Franjo Pečak and Friedrich 
Miroslav Singer became representatives, 
with Singer also being the leadern (Figure 
3), (Hajdenak and Bučar, 1878: 1: 6). 
 
 
 
Figure 3. Founders of Croatian Sokol in Zagreb. (Đuro Janči).
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The society began training in Singer 
school of gymnastics located at former 
Strossmayer promenade in the upper Town. 
Gymnastic apparatus located there 
consisted of: wooden horizontal bar, still 
rings, parallel bars, pommel horse, vault 
horse, two training mats, stands with strip 
for horizontal jumps and a springboard, and 
a few smaller kettle bells (Bučar, 1925: 8).   
It was decided that members clothes 
were simillar as of those in Sokol from 
Prague: baggy pants, short coat made from 
Russian linen, red shirt, small hat with a 
plume and a monogram and black shoes. 
For some time, a wide collar with a white 
tie was worn. After some time it was 
replaced by a tight army collar without a tie. 
(Bučar, 1925: 12; Primorac, 1875: 2).  
Croatian Sokol in Zagreb began 
operating in January 1875. Gombanje, or 
strengthening, was conducted in accordance 
to a German method of Adolf Spies, in a 
building on Strossmayer promenade. City 
authorities allowed utilization of apparatus 
(Bučar, 1924: 3: 49).  
Soon, more than a hundred members 
were exercising, with the first frontmen: 
Josip Fon (Figure 4), Wingerl, Vukišević, 
Žiga Stagl, Rudolf pl. Bekh, Gjuro Križ, 
Robert Weiss, Ivan Hörer, Božidar and Ivo 
Mallin. Through the year, the association 
organised a couple of excursions and 
designed an official flag. (Bučar, 1925: 11).   
As there was no Croatian gymnastic 
terminology, Andrija Hajdenak wrote the 
first book about physical exercise on 
Croatian language. The book Tjelovježba u 
pučkoj školi [Physical exercise in the public 
school] written as instructions for teachers, 
„kako metodično mogu poučavati u prostih 
vježbah, u koliko se one u školi izvesti dadu“ 
[“how methodically teach simple exercises, 
so they can be performed at school“] 
(Hajdenak, 1875: 2). 
 
ACTIVENESS OF OTHER 
GYMNASTICS SOCIETIES  
 
Italian Zadar Gymnastic Society (L' 
Associazione Zavratina di Ginnastica) was 
founded on January the 20th, 1876 in Zadar. 
In the society regulations, care of 
gymnastics was on the first place. With 
good organisation, the members exercised 
in the amphiteatre of Guissepe Manzini on 
Nova Obala, where they made good 
progress (Marić - Meštrović, 2013: 70). 
The year also commenced with 
exercises of Croatian Sokol in Zagreb, in a 
small gymnasium on Strossmayer walkway, 
on the South promenade. The association 
decided to hold a first sokol dance on 
February the 4th in 1876. First dance in 
costumes of Croatian Sokol was held on the 
premises of city shooting range in Zagreb. 
Name change was conducted by the 
beginning of April, and was approved on 
the 28th of that month with the name 
changed into Zagreb Gymnastic Society 
Hrvatski sokol (Bučar, 1925: 13; Radan, 
1973: 16: 1455).  
After the death of Singer, Prague Sokol 
recommended Čeh Franjo (František) 
Hochman for the positions of teacher and 
headmaster of the society, who was elected 
on March the 8th in 1876. He began to use 
Croatian language when teaching, and 
incorporated exercising by Tyršev sokol 
model. His effort has shown successful and 
the association began to visibly improve. 
(Bučar, 1925: 11).   
First public gymnastics exercise  with 
Croatian Sokol competition was held in 
Zagreb on the 15th of July in 1876, in the 
garden of civil shooting range. 30 members 
of the association demonstrated exercises 
on horizontal bar, parallel bars, jumping 
over vault horse, exercises in formations, 
and group exercises with sticks. This 
demonstration displayed to the public what 
gymnastics consists of. Hochman, Weiss, 
Kosirnik, Malin and Lenuci stood out in 
these exercises (Bučar, 1925: 19).   
During consecration ceremony of the 
flag of singing society Vila in Varaždin on 
the 19th and 20th of May in 1877, visiting 
members of Zagreb Sokol society initiated 
an idea to start a new society. Along with 
members from Zagreb, students of Varaždin 
high-schools also participated in exercising, 
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while wearing a special gymnastics suit and 
led by gymnastics teacher Nilius. The 
Initiative board prepared rules and 
regulations for the foundation of 
Varaždinski Sokol on May the 27th. A 
temporary board was elected during 
October, with Slavoljub pl. Pump being the 
head of the board (Sokol, 1878: 2: 14; 
Bučar, 1925: 18).     
First number of Sokol was published on 
January the 15th in 1878, under editorial 
work of Andrija Hajdenak and Franjo 
Hochman. With the creation of first journal 
of gymnastics, Hajdenak and Hochman 
highlited that physical exercises, mentally 
guided, should primarily be implemented in 
public schools, through them to the whole 
nation, as they developed and domiciliated 
in other, more developed nations. In 
addition, they wished the creation of 
gymnastic societies, throughout all of 
Croatia. 
 
 
 
Figure 4. Frontman of Zagreb association Josip Fon. 
 
After the foundation of gymnastic 
societies in Osijek and Zagreb, Gymnastic 
Society Varaždin Sokol was formed on the 
1st of March in 1878, in Varaždin. On the 
first general meeting, Slavoljub pl. Plump 
was elected as principal, Stjepan Sekovanić 
as vice principal, Josip Polanec as treasurer 
and Josip Plantić as secretary. In the 
beginnings, the society had approximately 
sixty executive and backing members 
(Svoboda, 1923: 16; Bučar, 1925: 18).    
 
FIRST INTERURBAN GYMNASTIC 
COMPETITION 
 
First interurban public exercise, 
coupled with a competition was held on 29th 
of June in 1878, in Zagreb. Three divisions 
and frontmen of Zagreb Sokol 
demosntrated exercises on horizontal bar, 
parallel bars and on the vault. Three 
members from Varaždin, eight from 
Ljubljana and thirty from Zagreb performed 
(Sokol, 1878: 7: 49). 
Competition was held in disciplines of 
vault and horizontal bar. Prizes were given 
for success in both disciplines combined 
and for each individually. 16 competitors 
were registered for the vault. Length and 
aesthetics of the jump were graded. After 
two jumps, the winners were Širer from 
Zagreb and Gunther from Ljubljana (Sokol, 
1878: 7: 50).   
Ten competitors performed on the 
horizontal bar. Kališnik and Gunther from 
Ljubljana and Kepach from Zagreb were the 
most successful. Judges were Ivan 
Kosirnik, F. Mulaček and T. Wickerhauser. 
With the total score from both disciplines 
combined (Table 1), Gunther from 
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Ljubljana was first, Birnbaum from Zagreb 
second and Kališnik from Ljubljana third. 
At the end of the competition, prizes were 
given for both disciplines. Frontmen of 
Zagreb Sokol did not compete, because they 
acted as judges  (Sokol, 1878: 7: 51). 
 
 
 
Table 1 
Results of the interurban competition in vault and horizontal bar.  
 
Name country Vault Horizontal 
bar  
1. Josip Gunther Ljubljana 19,5 17 
2. Birnbaum Zagreb 17,5 14 
3. Josip Kališnik Ljubljana  19 
4. Širer Zagreb 19,5  
5. Kiepach Zagreb  17 
6. Majcen Zagreb 17,5  
7. Hojnig Zagreb  15 
8. Stjepan Sekanović Varaždin 15,5  
 
 
 
AN ATTEMPT IN CREATING 
SOKOL ASSOCIATION 
 
Zagreb Croatian Sokol was connected 
with other Croatian societies: volunteer 
firefighters in Zagreb, Osijek, Karlovac and 
Sisak, singing societies Kolo from Zagreb, 
Danica from Sisak, Zora from Karlovac, 
Jeka Samobor and Vila from Varaždin. 
Principal of Croatian Sokol Josip Fon 
wanted to unite Sokol and firefighter 
societies into an association. For that 
purpose, a meeting in Zagreb was arranged 
on the second day of the competition 
(Bučar, 1925: 24).  
Both Croatian and Slovenian Sokol 
societies participated in the attempt of 
creation of Sokol association. 
Representatives of Varaždin Sokol: Stjepan 
Sekovanić, Josip Polanec and Dragutin 
Nilius, Ljubljana Sokol: Josip Gunther, 
Miroslav Hubmayer and Rudolf Rebolj, 
Firefighter society in Sisak: Nikola 
Matković and Antun Eibel, Zagreb Sokol: 
dr. Josip Fon, Ivan Kosirnik, dr. Šime 
Mazzura, Franjo Hochman and Mladen 
Živojnović (Sokol, 1878: 7: 51).  
A special committee was created, and 
had the task of creating the rules and 
organising a general meeting. Fon was 
elected as president, and Živojinović as 
secretary. Regulation propositions were 
created by Hochman, and societies had two 
months to decide if they will join the 
association (Sokol, 1878: 7: 52). 
In an extraordinary general meeting of 
Strengthening Society Croatian Sokol, 
regulations propositions were accepted 
unanimously. Nine representative members 
were elected. Because of the pressure of 
government on Ljubljana Sokol, the 
association did not form (Sokol, 1878: 8: 
57).  
Zagreb Croatian Sokol was 
exceptionally active in conducting 
exercises and Sokol celebrations. On the 
first ball, which was held on 11th of January 
in 1879 in the spaces of Zagreb shooting 
range, music was played by the military 
regiment of archduke Salvatore, and in the 
same location, the first masquerade ball was 
held on 15th of February. Masquerade was 
accompanied by military music and organ. 
Czech Beseda was performed for the first 
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time, with 12 pairs, who were trained by 
Hochman. (Bučar, 1925: 26). 
Zadar Official Gazzette published a 
notification: A gymnastic society has been 
formed between youth. At the start of 
summer, the society has performed a first 
public performance in the theatre Manzin, 
for humanitarian purposes. The exercises 
were led by Borelli, and the audience 
greeted the performance with excitement. 
Members conducted exercises with staves, 
sabres, on parallel bars and horizontal bar 
(Marić - Meštrović, 2013: 70).  
In 1880, the society had conducted 
multiple visits to societies in other places, 
with the most significant being on 27th of 
June in Ljubljana. Members from Zagreb 
were greeted by singers of Slovenian Sokol 
and Čitalnica. After the banquet, which was 
held in the saloon of Čitalnica, a public 
exercise of Croatian and Slovenian Sokol 
was held in the Kozler garden. The exercise 
started with a simple circle dance, which 
was performed by 20 members from Zagreb 
and 20 members from Ljubljana. 
Afterwards, the hosts conducted simple 
exercises with bats and on a gymnastic 
horse, while members from Zagreb 
exercised on parallel bars with one 
exchange with members from Ljubljana 
performing on the table. Afterwards, all 
exercisers conducted freestyle exercises on 
parallel bars (Bučar, 1925:31-32). 
 A great earthquake happened in 
Zagreb on 9th of November. Several 
aftershocks of lesser intensity followed. 185 
tremors were measured after those events. 
Work done by members of Croatian Sokol 
was significantly slowed (Bučar, 1925: 33). 
On the 16th of July in 1881, society in 
Zadar  was renamed into Gymnastics and 
Fencing Society (Società di Ginnastica e 
Scherma), where youth gathered regardless 
of nationality. On the 22nd of July, 
governorship approved societies 
regulations. Exercises were performed in 
arena Manzin (Marić - Meštrović, 2013: 
70).   
Croatian Sokol was drawing increasing 
attention on activities it conducted. During 
the celebration of the twentieth anniversary 
of singing society Kolo, which was held on 
27th, 28th and 29th of May in 1882, Croatian 
Sokol accomodated Ljubljana Sokol, and 
together they performed a public exercise. 
Representatives of Gymnastics singing 
society “Savinski Sokol” from Mozirje and 
Gymnastics society “Sokol” from Ljubljana 
were guests of Kolo. (Zeininger, 1892: 81).   
Members of Zagreb and Ljubljana 
societies performed a public a exercise on a 
hillside in Maksimir. Members from 
Ljubljana performed a circle dance, 
pommel horse exercises and exercises on 
horizontal bar. Members from Zagreb 
performed simple exercises, exercises with 
staves, and on rings (Bučar, 1925: 43).  
 
ZAGREB REPRESENTATIVES ON 
THE 1ST CZECH PUBLIC EXERCISE 
IN PRAGUE 
 
In honor of twentieth anniversary of 
Prague Sokol, first Czech International 
Sokol exercise. Guests from USA, Vienna, 
Ljubljana and Zagreb participated in the 
procession. Almost 700 exercisers 
performed in simple exercises on the public 
exercise. Afterwards, 40 divisions 
performed in exercises on apparatus along 
with 74 frontmen in six divisions (Bučar, 
1925: 46). 
A 7 member delegation of Croatian 
Sokol, under the leadership of Franjo 
Hochman attended the celebration. It 
consisted of: principal Josip Fon, leader 
Franjo Hochman, standard bearer Žiga 
Štagl and council representatives Milan 
Lenuci, Vaclav (Viet) Anton, Levin (Lujo) 
Schloosser-Klekovski and Jul. Supanek 
(Bučar, 1925: 45).  
During the year of 1882, Varaždin 
Sokol was reorganized. On a special general 
meeting, which was held on 28th of August, 
society is constituted again, by electing: 
Pump as president, Stjepan Sekovanić as 
vice president, Josip Polanc as treasurer, 
Gjuro Horvat as recording secretary, 
Škender Blašković as secretary, Albert 
Polc, Lj. Koroskeny and Antun Goger as 
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councillors. One of the more significant 
manifestations was a public exercise 
conducted on 8th of September in Graberje, 
where eight exercisers performed on the 
horizontal bar and pommel horse. By the 
end of the year, society had 80 regular and 
45 backing members, along with 9 elected 
councillors (Svoboda, 1923: 16-17). 
  
 
 
Figure 5. Representatives of Croatian Sokol on celebration of twentieth anniversary of Prague 
Sokol in Prague in 1882. From top left: Levin Schloosser-Klekovski, Žiga Štagl, Vaclav Anton; 
sitting:  Franjo Hochman, Josip Fon i Milan Lenuci. (Croatian sports museum). 
 
The Officiall Gazette holds an 
information of an existence of Croatian 
Sokol society in Trieste, with Đuro 
Vučković as president. There was a general 
yearly meeting in 1883, with Andrija 
Longino,  Matija Trinajstić, Franjo Kevesić, 
Franjo Sakser, Franjo Cokelj, Ivan Inamo, 
Martin Krže i Hinko Paternost being elected 
as board members. The society had 100 
members (NN, 1883: 14). 
 
SOKOL BUILDING IN ZAGREB 
  
Zagreb Croatian Sokol held a 9th 
regular general meeting, with 83 members 
present, on the 30th of April in 1883. 
Changes in regulations were the main theme 
of the meeting, as a result of construction of 
a new building, more precisely, the loan 
needed for the construction. As a quarter of 
needed members was not present, a decision 
was made that needed majority of the 
members accept the decision subsequently, 
with their signatures. According to the new 
regulations, administrative board was 
elected on the period of three years (Car, 
1904: 2: 20). 
With the acquired loans and 
contributions from respected members of 
the society, Croatian Sokol started with 
construction of the Sokol building. 
Preparational work which was led by Fordo 
Sejskal, began on 3rd of May, with the 
foundation stone laid on 10th of June. It was 
commemorated by Zagreb societies Kolo, 
Sloga and Lira, along with firefighter 
volunteers from Zagreb and fanfare (Car, 
1904: 3: 36).  
Central part of the building was 
finished on 24th of November, in only six 
and a half months of time. It was 
constructed according to the project of 
Aleksander Seć and Ferdinand Kondrat. 
Construction was supervised by Ferdo 
Stejskal. Multiple contractors took part in 
the construction: carpenters, locksmiths and 
foreign contractors. Stone blocks were 
acquired by Hermann Ehrlich, bricks by 
Franjo Kondrat. At that time, the Sokol 
building was the largest gymnasium in 
Zagreb (Car, 1904: 3: 36). 
 
 
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Figure 6. Croatian Sokol building in 1883 
 
On 9th of March in 1884, executive 
members organised a first public exercise in 
the Croatian Sokol building in Zagreb. 
Accompanied by orchestral music, 
exercises performed various dancing 
figures, circle dancing, cartwheels and other 
rhythmic-dance elements. They were 
followed by exercises on gymnastic horse, 
rings, pole climbing, vault, parallel bars and 
pommel horse, all of them executed with 
high skill. Final exercises were performed 
on the table and horizontal bar, executed by 
the best exercisers: Hanuš, Hoinik, Milec, 
Mašek Jr., Reich, Roje Jr. And Šoštarić 
(Bučar, 1925: 57-58).  
Governing board of Croatian Sokol in 
Zagreb decided to implement a type of 
exercise lady and the mister on 6th of June 
in 1884. It was conducted by Franjo 
Hochman, with Josip Hanuš as a substitute. 
During the female classes, entrance was 
forbidden for men. Over the year, 880 
members participated in exercises, led by 
frontmen: František Hochman, Josip 
Hanuš, Herman Hojnig, Koloman Milec, 
Hrnčić and Dragutin Šoštarić, and 
substitutes Sertić, Mosković and Derkos 
(Car, 1904: 3: 37). 
 
FOUNDATION OF NEW SOCIETIES 
 
New gymnastic societies have been 
initiated in Dalmatia, middle Croatia and 
Slavonia. Excursions and exercises were 
organised by members from Zagreb, 
followed by creation of gymnastic societies 
in various places. With initiative of M. Rajs 
and M. Alušić, a new gymnastic society was 
formed in Bjelovar. On the 5th of October of 
1884, Croatian Sokol in Bjelovar submitted 
a plea, an annex of regulations on 26th of 
November, being approved on 11th of 
December (Radan, 1973: 16: 1455). 
Board of Croatian Sokol in Zagreb 
decided to give five of the apparatus to 
society in Bjelovar for half of regular price: 
parallel bars, gymnastic horse, table, vault 
and rings (Bučar, 1925: 61). 
On 24th of August in 1884, Italian 
minority started the Gymnastic and 
Fencing society in Split (Societa di 
ginnastica e scherma). The society was 
formed on the initiative of youth, after the 
authorities approved the legislature  and 
regulations of the society, which anticipated 
more sections, but the activities were 
mostly limited to gymnastics. First 
administrative board consisted of: president 
Dujam Savo, vice president Stjepan Foretić, 
treasurer Jakov Bemporath and supervisors: 
Josip Gabrijeli, Antun Invernizzi, Henrik 
Pedezzoli and Dino de Rosignoli, while the 
duty of gymnastics teacher was conducted 
by Artur Bonavia (Marović, 1990: 46). 
On the 12th of April in 1885, 
Gymnastic Sokol Society was formed in 
Zadar. After the Dalmatian government in 
Zadar verified regulations of the society, 
first general meeting was held on 23rd of 
May. Hubert Borelli Vranski was elected as 
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president, and Petar (Pero) Klaić, Vicko 
Danilo, Dragutin Kopani,  Niko Večeralo, 
as board members. Manfred Hugo, Alfons, 
Gagliuffi, Babić and Ante Ströll were 
actively involved in activities of the society 
(Klanac, 1995: 104: 16). 
On initiative of youth, a temporay 
board for creation of a new gymnastic 
society was formed on the 24th of June, in 
Karlovac. President of the temporary board, 
Ljudevit Harazin assembled a first general 
meeting on the 5th of July (Svjetlo, 1885: 
51).   
Although faced with problems, 
Karlovac Sokol started to develop. As 
social opportunities were not idle, various 
problems occurred, and many members of 
the board resigned. New administrative 
board was constituted, and new members 
were elected: Ljudevit Harazin as president, 
Vjekoslav Gvozdanović as vice president, 
Pavo Pavešić as secretary, Simeon 
Sladoević as treasurer, and Aleksandar 
Bahorić as technical manager (Bučar, 1928: 
2: 59). 
 
CROATIAN SOKOL IN LJUBLJANA 
 
Gymnastic societies in cities other than 
Zagreb had a problem that they were 
created, operated for some time and faded 
out of existence. Through consistent work 
and success, Croatian Sokol in Zagreb 
motivated other cities in Croatia to partake 
in creation of gymnastic societies. 
Governing board sent out a letter to all 
Sokol societies in Croatia and Slavonia, to 
support, morally and financially, the 
newspaper Sokol in Prague, which had the 
ability to publish discussions and reports on 
Croatian language. A new general meeting 
was held on 29th of April in 1888, with 32 
members present. There was a proposal that 
the society should organise field trips to 
smaller cities as much as possible, and 
interest local citizens to create new 
gymnastic societies. Gymnastics for 
women, which almost discontinued over 
time because response was not great, was 
initiated once more (Sokol, 1904: 4: 67).  
On celebration of the 24th anniversary 
of Sokol in Ljubljana, which was help on 
the 8th and 9th of September, a public 
exercise coupled with a competition was 
conducted. More than 400 members from 
20 Czech, 5 Slovenian and two Croatian 
societies performed. Croatia was 
represented by 24 members from Zagreb 
and 15 members from Karlovac (Sokol, 
1904: 4: 68). 
7 exercisers from Czech, 6 from 
Slovenia, 6 from Karlovac and 4 from 
Zagreb competed in disciplines of vault and 
horizontal bar. Horizontal bar competition 
consisted of 2 prescribed exercises and a 
freestyle exercise. Competitors who could 
not finish the qualification exercise were 
disqualified from further competition. 
Franjo Vitauš stood out with his 
performance and scores. Other competitors 
from Zagreb were Stevo Popović, Mil. 
Novak and V. Mosković. Competitors from 
Karlovac were Ivan Prpić, Ljudevit 
Nehrony, Ivan Abzac, N. Bahorić, S. 
Cvetušić and Nikola Winterhalter (Murnik, 
1973: 14: 1273-1278).  
 
PERFORMANCE OF CROATIAN 
SOKOL IN PARIZ 
 
In the beginning of 1889, Croatian 
Sokol in Zagreb had 255 members. 
Frontmen division was led by: leader Franjo 
Hochman, substitute leader Josip Hanuš, 
secretary Hinko Mašek Bosnodolski, 
treasurer M. Pilar, Herman Hojnig, 
Mosković, Milec, Milan Novak, Dragutin 
Hinterhuber, Srećko Bošnjaković, Žepić 
and Zeininger. On the th of May, a public 
exercise with a competition for a 
scholarship for a trip to Paris was organised. 
34 executive members competed, with the 
best being Milec and Novak (Sokol, 1904: 
4: 68). 
 
 
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Figure 7. Representatives of Croatian Sokol on the celebration of anniversary of Gymnastic 
Federation of France in 1889. From top left: Novak, Franjo Hochman, Koloman Milec, Hinko 
Mašek Bosnodolski and Martin Pilar on the floor. (Croatian Sports Museum). 
 
 
 
Croatian Sokol deputation from 
Zagreb, consisting of Hochman, Mašek, 
Pilar, Milec and Novak, (Figure 7) attended 
the anniversary celebratio of Gymnastic 
Federation of France in Paris on the 9th and 
10th of June. They represented Croatian 
Sokol on a great public exercise, in which 
all French gymnastic societies participated, 
as did those from other countries (Sokol, 
1904: 4: 68).  
After preparations in Gospić, on the 
21st of November, gymnastic society Lika 
Sokol was formed, with society regulations 
approved on 31st of December. M. Ferković 
was elected as a temporary president 
(Radan, 1973: 16: 1455).  
Antun Gavazzi was elected as the first 
president, F. Grospić as vice president, 
Krsto Pavletić as secretary, L. Vukelić as 
treasurer, and N. Pavelić as leader. In the 
beginnings, the society had 44 members 
who exercised in a gymnasium loaned from 
the city, and had acquired all of the basic 
apparatus (Gimnastika, 1894: 2: 28).  
A society for promotion of gymnastics 
in Senj was formed, called Senj Sokol, and 
the regulations of the society were 
confirmed on the 21st of June in 1890. 
Constitutive general meeting was held on 
9th of September. Dragutin Accurti was 
elected as president, Zvonimir Tkalec as 
vice president and leader, Drago Vlahović 
as secretary, Papić as treasurer, Rudolf 
Bach and Kosta Harambašić as frontmen. 
Society had 24 members and leased space 
on Stara Cesta (Gimnastika, 1894: 2: 28).  
 
 
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Figure 8. Srijem Sokol in “Najpar garden” in Vukovar in 1889. First row from the left: Virgila 
Krajčović, Stjepan Ružička, Ivan Peheim; second row: Stjepan Sedeli, Hinko Streim, Ksaver 
Sterl, Karl Koch; third row: Skulteti, Felix Bier, Braun, Polak, Ivo Paleček, Nikola Andrić, 
Ivanić; last row: Gottfried and Tišov. (Gradski muzej Vukovar). 
 
 
CROATIAN REPRESENTATIVES ON 
THE 2ND CZECH PUBLIC EXERCISE 
IN PRAGUE  
 
On the competition held on the second 
Sokol meeting, which was organised on the 
27th to 30th of June in 1891 in Prague, 
Croatian Sokol was represented by two 
societies and 34 members in total. Zagreb 
Croatian Sokol, Karlovac Sokol and Senj 
Sokol were represented by leaders Franjo 
Hochman, Franjo Bučar and frontman 
Franjo Stipetić. Authorities did not allow 
foreign Sokol societies to perform on the 
meeting. 5 600 foreign members in 
uniforms were attended, with 2 500 
exercisers who performed, and 30 000 
viewers. Franjo Hochman was a judge on 
the competitions. Croatians felt the true 
meaning of being a Sokol on this meeting 
(HSK, 1907: 108). 
Another gymnastic meeting between 
Croatian and Slovenian Sokol was 
organised on the 6th of September in 
Zagreb. Slovenian Sokol appeared in large 
numbers. Sokol society from Ljubljana was 
led by president Hribar, from Celj by 
president Vrečko, From Trieste, Novo 
Mesto and Zagorje by president Medved. 
Croatian Sokol was represented by societies 
from Zagreb, Karlovac, Rijeka and Istria. A 
procession of over 200 members marched 
through the city. On the second day, the best 
exercisers performed their exercises. 
Zagreb Sokol performed an exercise with a 
division of four members, and Slovenian 
with a division of nine members. In the 
evening, Sokol members met on a 
celebration in spaces of Kolo. On the last 
day, all Sokol members participated on a 
ceremonial matinee of all singing societies. 
Sokol members parted on the train station, 
followed by sounds of Zagreb and Ljubljana 
Sokol marching music (Gimnastika, 1892: 
1: 10-13). 
During the year, Podravski Sokol was 
formed in Koprivnica. Most significant 
members of the board were: president 
Koloman Matačić, vice president 
Malančec, leader Sl. Wolf. Malančec and 
Kralje were frontmen of the society, and led 
exercises twice a week in the city school 
(Gimnastika, 1891: 2: 28).  
Women gymnastics started on 15th of 
October in 1891 in Croatian Sokol in 
Zagreb. Exercises were conducted in three 
divisions, including simple exercises and 
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those on apparatus (Gimnastika, 1891: 3: 
47).  
In 1893, members of administrative 
board elected a new executive board: Milan 
Amruš as president, Halper as vice 
president, Car as secretary, Živojnović as 
treasurer and Bošnjaković as temporary 
manager. On the 7th and 8th of July, the 
society attended a Sokol celebration in 
Ljubljana, with 26 representatives in Sokol 
uniforms. Along with 9 Slovenian 
competitors, following members from 
Zagreb participated in the competition: 
Kosatnik, Mosković, Šenk and Mužević, 
who won the first place (Sokol, 1904: 9: 
132). 
Gymnastics in Croatia suffered a hard 
blow on 23rd of June in 1893, when Franjo 
Hochman, founder of gymnastics in Croatia 
and leader of Croatian Sokol in Zagreb died 
in his 43rd year of life, after suffering from 
an illness. (Gimnastika, 1893: 7: 97-100).  
Zagreb gymnastics came to a stop after 
his death. Isidor Kršnjavi used the event as 
an alibi to separate schools from the 
influence of Sokol organisation. By the 
order of government, on the 2nd of August, 
gymnastic exercises were halted in Zagreb 
high schools, and the sum of 2000 forints 
which Croatian Sokol in Zagreb received as 
a reparation for the use of gymnasium and 
apparattus, lighting, heating and teachers 
who conducted classes, was cancelled. It 
was a hard blow to the society which was a 
carrier of Sokol ideology in whole Croatia, 
Dalmatia and Slavonia (Sokol, 1904: 9: 
131).    
 
NEW GYMNASTIC SOCIETIES 
 
Although the creation of Sokol in Split 
started significantly earlier, due to efforts of 
Ivan Mangjer, a constitutional general 
meeting was finally held. Secretary of the 
founding board, Josip Smodlak, managed a 
record of the general meeting held on the 
26th of January in 1893 in the places of 
singing society Zvonimir. 47 executive 
members, 8 founding members and 53 
regular members were present. Gymnastic 
society Croatian Sokol in Split was finally 
founded. (Kučić, 1994: 101: 36). 
Management was eleceted, led by 
president Vice Katalinić and board 
members: regent Eduard Grgić, perfect 
Mate Jankov, secretary Josip Smodlaka and 
treasurer Ante Trumbić. The society resided 
in leased spaces in the basement of 
Diocletian’s Palace. Gymnastic apparatus 
was procured from a facotry in Gradac 
(Gimnastika, 1893: 3: 37). 
  
 
 
 
 Figure 9. Exercisers of Sokol in Split on summer training grounds in 1893. (Robert Kučić) 
 
.
On the 21st of January in 1894, 
Croatian Sokol in Makarska was created. 43 
founding members were registered, and 
seed capital was collected. First president 
was Josip rančić (Hrstić, 2011: 84). Seven 
days later, regulations were composed and 
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submitted to the regency for 
acknowledgment. Regulations approval, 
signed by the regent, arrived on 8th of April 
(Pravila, 1894). 
Founding general meeting of Sokol in 
Brod was held on 30th of March in 1894. 
Otto Popović was elected president and 
Franjo Strgar as secretary. Board consisted 
of S. Matiević, Drag. Radosavljević and 
nine more members. Amendment of 
regulations was requested on 29th of April 
(Radan, 1973: 16: 1456).                                                                                                                                          
On the 30th of April, Croatian Sokol in 
Krapina was founded. Rudolf Seissel was 
elected as president, Franjo Bedenko as 
secretary and Josip Krsnik as treasurer. On 
10th of October, amendment of regulations 
was requested  (Radan, 1973: 16: 1456). 
Under the chairmanship of the new 
president of Croatian Sokol in Zagreb Julio 
Halper, 19th general meeting was held, with 
32 members present. As the number of 
members was only 793 at the time, it was 
agreed that the member count should be 
increased. On 5th of August, 34 members of 
the society attended a celebration in 
Postojna, along with Czech and Slovenian 
Sokol members. After the event, Hyanek, a 
new teacher was employed. On the 5th of 
September, an emergency general meeting 
was called for. A repayment of loan of 34 
000 forints through 37 years was agreed 
(Car, 1904: 9: 174).  
During the year, Gymnastics Union 
(Torna-egylet) was formed in Čakovec. 
Gymnastic teacher and leader of union was 
Imre Gaál (Gal), and left the position 
shortly. Elemér Nagy became the union
leader.  Mihaly Dékany became the new 
gymnastic teacher (Zrinyi, 2005: 272). 
 
IMPLEMENTATION OF 
GYMNASTICS TEACHER COURSE 
 
Gymnastics teacher course, (Figure 10) 
for implementation of the Swedish 
gymnastic system and modern sports, under 
the leadership of Franjo Bučar, was held 
from the 1st of October in 1894, to 1st of 
April in 1896 in Zagreb (Bučar, 1896: 6). 
 
 
 
 
Figure 10. Warm up exercises for attendants of the course in a gymnasium. (Sl. Vaso Margetić, 
(Croatian School Museum Zagreb, Mf 121). 
 
 
Lectures consisted of 16 classes which 
were significant for gymnastics: 
gymnastics, gymnastics history, gymnastics 
seminars, practical exercises in gymnastics 
for high school students, lessons in military 
gymnastics, anatomy, physiology, various 
winter sports, school hygiene, first aid, 
firefighting, swimming and dancing. Key 
lecturers were: Franjo Bučar, Dragutin 
Mašek, Hinko pl. Hranilović, August 
Piazza, Mirko Kolarić, Ferdo Huterer and 
Pietro Coronelli (Bučar, 1896: 6-7). 
 
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PERFORMANCE ON THE 3RD 
PUBLIC EXERCISE IN PRAGUE 
 
From 28th to 30th June in 1885, 
Croatian Sokol in Zagreb attended the 3rd 
Sokol public exercise in Prague, with 36 
representatives. Zagreb Sokol was led by 
Franjo bučar and Anton Hyanek. On the 
competition of lower division, competitors 
from Zagreb won tenth place, with six 
competitors being awarded diplomas: 
Hyánek, Trstenjak, Jambrišek, Šulce, 
Kasvalder and Fezerinac. On the 
competition of higher division, Radoslav 
Mužević won a diploma (Gimnastika, 1895: 
9: 144). 
 
 
 
Figure 11. Frontmen of Croatian Sokol in Prague. From forward left: Fezerinac, Kasswalder, 
Šulce. Back row: Trstenjak, Hyanek i Jambrišak 
 
 
First Croatian Sokol in Chicago was 
founded on the 12th of January in 1896 in 
USA. On the first general meeting Matrin 
Polić (son of Nikola Polić, editor of 
Chicago, first croatian newspaper in the 
city) was elected as president, Marko Kazić 
as vice president, George K. Maljevac as 
secretary, Petar Mrakužić as treasurer. 
Members of the board were: Jovo Relić, 
Marijan Santić and Leopold Morgan. From 
the starting 15 members, the count grew to 
50 members. There were attempts to create 
Croatian Sokol societies in other cities, 
sadly, they did not subsist, because of a lack 
of Sokol frontmen and insufficient 
knowledge of the idea of Sokol movement 
(Gimnastika, 1896: 3: 48).   
On a general meeting on 6th of 
December in 1896, Osijek Croatian Sokol 
in the Upper city was founded. First 
temporary board consisted of: president 
Ante Pinterović, vice president Josip 
Kostjal pl. Živanović, secretary Rudolf 
Bach, treasurer Franjo Vrbljančević, 
apparatus custodian Mijat Klas, leader 
Ljudevit Sorlini and board members: Hugo 
Spitzer, Vladimir Virag, Dragutin Franić, 
K. F. Nuber, Kajetan Šeper and Markus 
Berger. In the beginnings, the society 
focused on swedish style gymnastics, rather 
than Sokol gymnastics (Gimnastika, 1897: 
1: 13). 
 
CROATIAN SOKOL MEMBERS IN 
BELGRADE  
 
On the 28th of March in 1897, a 
Gymnastic-sports club was founded in 
Nova Gradiška in Slavonia, led by: 
president Stefan Myohl, vice president 
Drag. Schneider, secretary F. Neterović, 
treasirer I. Malius, club inventory 
supervisor J. Aladrović, leader Fran Galić 
and multiple board members. A woman 
division was also created. There were 
exercises twice a week in a private 
gymnasium (Gimnastika, 1897: 7: 111).   
On the 9th of May, Đuro Gavrilović 
called interested citizens to attend a meeting 
in the city hall in Zemun, to initiate Zemun 
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Sokol. On the initiative general meeting a 
board was elected: president Marković and 
members M. Zdelar, M. Steinlechner, A. 
Mariček and Đuro Gavrilović. The society 
began exercising in a dance hall of the hotel 
“Central”. The board held two general 
meetings, prepared regulations, and then 
held another general meeting, where the 
new regulations were adopted (Gimnastika, 
1897: 8: 124-125). 
On the 11th of June, Croatian Sokol 
from Zagreb attended an event in Belgrade. 
Led by vice president Stjepan Mlinarić, 22 
members attended the event. On the second 
day, a public competition was held in the 
Upper city in the fortress. Members from 
Zagreb that competed were: Haynek, Šenk, 
Trstenjak, Fezerinac, Nehroni and Kos. A 
division of eight members performed 
exercises on the pommel horse, parallel 
bars, horizontal bar and vault. A public 
exercise was held on the evening of the last 
day, with king, queen and members of 
Serbian government in the audience (Car, 
1904: 12: 37-38).  
 
 
 
 
Figure 12. Croatian Sokol in Zagreb on the consecration of the flag of gymnastic society Dušan 
Silni in Belegrade in 1897. 
 
 
Franjo Bučar was invited on an 
Olympic congress, which was held from 
23rd of July to 2nd of August in Le Havre. 
Bučar could not attend the congress, 
because of the poor financial situation. 
Croatian Sokol in Zagreb and Croatian 
Cycling Federation authorised Jiřij Guthom 
from Prague to represent them on the 
Olympic congress (Jajčević, 2007: 14-15). 
On the 24th of September in 1897, 30 
patriots met in Čitaonica in Pula, and 
founded First Istrian Sokol in Pula (Naša 
sloga, 1898: 2). After small adjustments in 
regulations, they were confirmed on the 21st 
of November, from high regency in Trieste. 
First regular general meeting was 
conducted on 8th of December. Elected 
temporary board gave a notice that the 
biggest and most beautiful gymnasium in 
Pula, “Stadt Pola” was acquired for the 
purpose of conducting exercises. President 
Lacko Križ, vice president Ante Mezulić, 
secretary Stijepo Gjivić and treasurer Al. 
Kandušer were elected into the first board 
(Naša sloga, 1905: 14). 
Influence of other gymnastic societies 
led to creation of a new society in Šibenik. 
It was founded on 6th of August in 1889, 
under the nam Sokol in Šibenik. The board 
consisted of: president Filip Smolčić, vice 
president Mate Živković, secretary Ivan 
Marković and treasurer Vladimir Kulić. 
Marko Stojić became the leader, Niko 
Blažević and Josip Tambača frontmen. A 
count of 66 members was achieved 
(Gimnastika, 1899: 12: 143).   
At the start of 20th century, majority of 
gymnastic societies are working with lesser 
intensity. Majority of the societies are 
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dormant except in Zagreb and in lesser 
extent in Dalmatia. 
 
CROATIANS ON THE 4TH PUBLIC 
EXERCISE IN PRAGUE 
 
From 28th of June to 1st of July in 1901, 
4th Czech Sokol public exercise in Prague 
was held. Czech and other Slavic Sokol 
attended, along with French and Danish 
exercisers. 571 society, counting 11 000 
members participated in the event. 860 
women and 1988 youth members 
participated. 40 Croatian members 
participated in the event. Croatian Sokol 
members from Zagreb, along with one 
member from Senj were led by Lazar Car 
(Sokol, 1903: 10: 122-123).   
Competition was held in disciplines of 
horizontal bar, parallel bars, pommel horse, 
rings and vault. Members from Zagreb 
competed in 2nd division, and with 202,5 
points, won the 3rd prize. For the Zagreb 
division, following members competed: 
division leader Dragutin Šulce, Ferdo 
Fezerinac, Ivan Dončević, Stjepan Kravnik, 
Vladimir Maček, Dragutin Retl and 
substitute Mirko Kos. As individuals, 
following members competed: Šulce who 
won the first prize and Fezerinac who won 
the third prize (Sokol, 1903: 10: 124-125).  
Osijek started to become a major center 
of gymnastic activities in eastern Croatia. 
On 26th of May in 1901, representatives of 
the 1st Istrian Sokol from Pula, under the 
leadership of Lacko Križ, of the Croatian 
Sokol from Split, led by Rikard Katalinić-
Jeretov, of the Croatian Sokol fom Zagreb, 
led by Juraj Vrabanić, and a representative 
of Croatian Sokol from Zadar, arrived in 
Osijek. They attended the ceremonial 
consecration of the flag of singing society 
Lipa from Osijek. On the public celebration 
in the City gardens, 40 members from 
Osijek and Zagreb performed simple 
exercises, followed by exercisers on 
apparatus. A great ball was held in the 
evening, for all Sokol members. On the 
second day, on the morning matinee, Sokol 
members from Split performed 
Moreška(Bučar, 1929: 12: 545).   
On the initiative of patriots from Drniš, 
on the 28th of August, a cultural-sports 
society Croatian Sokol in Drniš, was 
created. Majority of founding members 
were musicians. For some time, the 
exercises were conducted in the yard and 
magazine of a trader Mićo Nakić – 
Vojnović (Sokol, 1903: 12: 146).  
Sokol for Opatija and Volosko was 
also founded during the year. Members of 
the society prepared special events and 
exercises during celebrations and holidays, 
and frequently held public exercises on 
Sundays. 
A first temporary board of citizens of 
Sisak was organised, with a purpose of 
founding of a new society in Sisak. On 23rd 
of February in 1902, a founding general 
meeting of Croatian Sokol in Sisak was 
held. The society played a major role in the 
social life of Sisak. President Benjamin 
Šuperina, vice president Matija Sigur, 
treasurer Ferdo Gurski, secretary and leader 
M. Latković were elected. Regulations of 
the society were confirmed on 21st of May. 
Soon, the society had fifteen members 
exercising (Sokol, 1903: 11: 141-142). 
 
 
 
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Figure 13. Frontmen of Croatian Sokol in Zagreb in 1902. (Croatian Sports Museum). 
 
 
On the 17th of June in 1902, Croatians 
in Mostar founded a society under the name 
Herzegovian Gymnastic Sokol in Mostar. 
An administrative board was elected: 
president Dragutin Kohler, vice president 
Janko Ašperger, secretary Cesar Vlajo, 
treasurer Marko Glavina and gymnastic 
president Toma Pališa (Sokol, 1903: 5: 56).  
Sokol and gymnastic ideas have been 
well understood and over the year an 
increasing number of societies developed 
their work throughout middle Croatia, 
Slavonia, Dalmatia, Bosnia and 
Herzegovina and Istria. Sokol societies 
have expanded and existed in: Zagreb, 
Osijek, Varaždin, Sisak, Karlovac, Gospić, 
Senj, Vukovar, Zadar, Split, Šibenik, 
Sarajevo, Mostar, Volosko and Pula (Sokol, 
1903: 1: 8). 
A specialised magazine was created for 
easier access to news and new exercises of 
Croatian Sokol societies. Sokol, a magazine 
of Croatian and Slovenian Sokol 
movement, started being published on 15th 
of January in 1903, with the main editor 
being Franjo Bučar. Front page of the 
magazine depicts unity of Croatian and 
Slovenian Sokol societies. Croatian and 
Slovenian crests are positioned in the 
middle, with crests of Slavonia, Dalmatia, 
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Istria to the 
left, and crests of Štajerska, Koruška, 
Gorica and Trieste to the right (Sokol, 1903: 
1: 1).     
 
 
 
 
Figure 14. Administration of the First Istrian Sokol in Pula in 1903. (Historical and Nautical 
Museum of Istria, PPMI-37970). 
 
 
Delegations of Croatian Sokol 
societies organised a meeting on 28th of 
June in 1903 in Zagreb, for an agreement 
about major common issues of joint 
performances, collaboration and possible 
merger. Hanuš, Švarc, Hirt, Bučar, Car and 
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Vrbanić from Zagreb, Skarpa from Senj, 
Zima from Varaždin and Fezerinac from 
Pula, were present at the meeting. Car 
represented Drniš, Vrbanić represented 
Makarska, while societies from Split, Sisak 
and Karlovac apologised for being unable 
to participate in the meeting (Sokol, 1903: 
7: 87). 
 There was a discussion about 
regulations, methods of organization, 
manners of publishing the magazine Sokol, 
courses for Sokol frontmen and teachers, 
lectures based on the Sokol idea, manner of 
work in each society, various sports 
activities in societies, Sokol division, 
dicipline in public exercises, records of 
statistics of members, means of field trip 
organization, flag design and various other 
details (Sokol, 1903: 7: 88-89).  
In the Polish city Lavov, from the 27th 
to 30th of June, a Polish Sokol public 
exercise was organised. Zagreb Sokol was 
represented by Franjo Bučar, secretary 
Lazar Car and teacher Šulc with six 
exercisers. Pula Sokol was represented by 
Fezerinac, and Senj Sokol was represented 
by Scarpa. Sokol from Karlovac was 
represented by: president Božo Vinković, 
vice president Janko Modrušan, secretary 
Ivo Badovinac and total of 11 members 
(Sokol, 1903: 8: 77). Croatian divison, 
comprised of members from Zagreb and 
one member from Pula competed on the 
competition along with 25 Polish and 28 
Czech division. Croatians displayed a good 
practice in exercises on pommel horse, 
horizontal bar and parallel bars, and were 
rewarded (Sokol, 1903: 9: 105).  
 
 
 
 
Figure 15. Croatian Sokol from Makarska in Metković, on the 26th of July in 1903. (Makarska 
City Museum, GMM, F-1759c). 
 
 
On the 23rd of August,Croatian Sokol 
in Drniš prepared a major public exercises, 
which involved other Croatian societies 
from that region. Along with the hosts, 
members of Sokol societies from Split, 
Makarska, Šibenik and Zadar were present. 
Procession counted 76 members from 
Šobenik, 40 from Makarska, 100 from Split, 
58 from Drniš. There was a meeting, led by 
Smodlaka. It was decided that a board will 
be created, consisting of all leaders and 
presidents of Dalmatian societies (Sokol, 
1903: 12: 145).  
On 27th of August, Josip Linić from 
Trsat proposed that old regulations from the 
former society should be ammended, and 
that it should be reorganized into Sokol in 
Šušak, which was accepted on 27th of 
September in 1903, on a general meeting. 
By the end of 1903, there was 16 
societies, with 15 honorary, 203 founding, 
1160 backing and 1622 executive members, 
from which more than one third exercised 
regularly. From all the gymnastic societies 
in Croatia, Zagreb Sokol was the only 
society that had a personal gymnasium, 
Iveljić et. al.: DEVELOPMENT OF GYMNASTICS IN CROATIA UP TO 1903                                  Vol. 15, Issue 1: 5 - 25 
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while the majority of the societies practiced 
in school gymnasiums, and four societies 
owned personal summer training ground. 
All societies owned almost all of the 
apparatus, or at least the basic ones. Some 
of the societies conducted exercises for 
women (Sokol, 1904: 11: 166-168). 
 
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Corresponding author: 
 
 
Lucija Milčić 
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of 
Zagreb, 
Horvaćanski zavoj 15 
1000 Zagreb 
Croatia 
E-mail: lucija.milcic@kif.hr   
 
 
Article received: 13.12.2022 
Article accepted: 3.2.2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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