Sokol Gymnasium

The historic Sokol Gymnasium building was erected in 1908 by a Czech gymnastics and social organization called the Cedar Rapids Sokols, which continues to operate today. The word Sokol means "firebird" in the Czech language. The Sokol movement was founded in 1862 in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, by Miroslave Tyrs and Jindrich Fugner. Its purpose was to improve the moral and physical health of Czech men (and eventually women) through physical, educational, and moral training. The Sokols used the building until the flood of 2008 forced them to move to their current location. A sports bar and night club occupy the building today. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

Czech immigrants began arriving in the United States in the early 1800s but their numbers rose after 1848. They continued to come in significant numbers until 1930. While Czech immigration to Iowa peaked in 1890, Linn County saw in increase in Czech nationals arriving every year until 1920. As a result, by the mid-20th century, around 25% of the population in Cedar Rapids was of Czech ancestry. The first Czechs to settle in Cedar Rapids did so around 1852.

The first Sokol organization in the United States was founded in St. Louis in 1865. In Cedar Rapids, the first one was established in 1873 and it was called the Jednota Tyrs (the Tyrs Organization). They met in the hall of another Czech organization called the Reading Society. The Cedar Rapids Sokols was founded in 1876 and merged with the Jednota Tyrs in 1888. A woman's Sokol group was established in 1892, and youth group (for 12-16 year olds) was founded in 1936.

The Cedar Rapids Sokols met in the Reading Society's hall until about 1892 when they moved into a house they converted into a gym. This eventually became too small and the Sokols purchased the adjacent lot to build a new facility, which was completed in 1901. The group decided to build Sokol Gymnasium after the Rock Island Railroad announced plans to build a freight depot in the neighborhood. The new building was much larger and could accommodate spectators in the gallery above the gym floor. Members participated in a number of physical activities including basketball, handball, weight training, and trampoline lessons. There were also programs geared towards promoting Czech heritage. Lectures, masquerade balls, monthly dinners, weddings and other gatherings were held at the gym as well.

"About Us." Sokol Cedar Rapids. Accessed December 31, 2021. http://sokolcr.com/about-us.

Full, Jan Olive. "Sokol Gymnasium." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. May 14, 2013. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/20be83d7-0f54-408f-85be-c66b7a9c8ee1.

Gowans. Allison. "Cedar Rapids Sokol exhibit celebrates Czech traditions." May 23, 2017. https://www.thegazette.com/life/cedar-rapids-sokol-exhibit-celebrates-czech-traditions.