Guide to the Czechs in Cedar Rapids Collection




Repository: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Dates: 1860-2016
Quantity: 16.5 linear feet
Language(s): English
Czech
German

Scope and Content of the Collection

The Czechs in Cedar Rapids collection is a curated collection created by the staff at the National Czech & Slovac Museum & Library (NCSML). Materials in the collection document Czech heritage in the Cedar Rapids are are from multiple donors. These materials include books, photos, organizational records, periodicals, and ephemera.

The collection is open for research use. Researchers interested in consulting the archives of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library are encouraged to contact the librarian at 319-362-8500 before visiting. Many processed and nearly all unprocessed collections require advance notice in order to be retrieved.

Accruals to the Collection

The repository continues to add materials to this collection on a regular basis. The finding aid for this collection will be updated annually.

Processing Information

The original collection was accessioned and processed in March 2016.

Copyright Statement

Permission for publication is given on behalf of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Prefered Citation

Box #, File #, Czechs in Cedar Rapids Collection, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library


Description of Materials

Box SC1.31.1 - Personal Documents

Documents in this collection are photos, certificates, and personal items from Czech descendants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

  • File SC1.31.1.01: Misc. black and white photographs, family on wagon (1916), woman in kroj (1927-8), two men and bell (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.1.02: Marriage certificate of Hajny-Letovsky with copy of newspaper clipping (1900?) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.1.03: Copy of Barta family photographs (3) (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.1.04: Flender’s Studio photograph (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.1.05: Thank you letters to the Lampareks for an accordion performance at Coolidge Elementary School (1994) (19xx.1428)
  • File SC1.31.1.06: Receipts for J. Kocirik (1929-1935) (19xx.1428)
  • File SC1.31.1.07: Photocopied documents relating to Paul Dvorak (1993) (Thompson 1993.051)
  • File SC1.31.1.08: Seminar paper “Czech American Experience in Cedar Rapids” by Marcela Mastikova (1997) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.1.09: Photocopy of Czech driver’s license for Frantisek Machovsky from 1914 (n.d.) (1998.062)
  • File SC1.31.1.10: Letter from Kathleen Williams, Czech descendant (1999) (Williams 1999)
  • File SC1.31.1.11: V.E. Vane artwork and correspondence (n.d.) (Turechek 1999.008)
  • File SC1.31.1.12: Postcard of Cedar Rapids (1912) (1999.050)
  • File SC1.31.1.13: Sarka Hrbkova materials (1885-1947) (20xx.0110) (20xx.0111) (20xx.0112) (20xx.0113) (20xx.0114) (20xx.0115) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.14: Envelope mailed from Czechoslovakia to Cedar Rapids (1931) (Vondra 2000.032)
  • File SC1.31.1.15: Oujiri family documents (1902-1943) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.16: Pisarik baptismal certificates (1908-1910) (19xx.1422)
  • File SC1.31.1.17: Wedding invitation for Josefiny Hajny and Janem Letovsky (1900?) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.18: Tax Receipts for J.M.B. Letovsky (1913-1916) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.19: Theodor Hlubucek residency permit (1903) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.20: Patents granted to Theodor Hlubucek (1917) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.21: Marriage certificate Charles J. Hlubucek and Anne M. Donner (1941) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.22: Receipts and correspondence re: Mr. Chas. J. Hlubucek’s trip to Prague (1966) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.23: Memorial program for Henry J. Hromek of The Gazette (1945) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.24: Hlubucek, Kuba family photographs (n.d.) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.25: Kuba correspondence and personal ephemera (1942-1996) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.26: Postcards- unprocessed (Czech language) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.1.27: Marie Pohorsky certificate of naturalization (1926) (Kuba 2000.050)
  • File SC1.31.1.28: Photographs of George L. Swab family (n.d.) (Swab 2002.025)
  • File SC1.31.1.29: Photographs of Linn County Czechs (c.1900-1950) (Modracek 2002.028)
  • File SC1.31.1.30: Certificate of Naturalization for Joseph Zvaus(?) (1891) (Carson 2002.094)
  • File SC1.31.1.31: Documents pertaining to Frank Teply (1900s-1920s) (Martin 2004.055)
  • File SC1.31.1.32: Letters, postcards, and correspondence-unprocessed (Czech language) (c.1920s) (Schoettmer 2005.105)
  • File SC1.31.1.33: Letters, postcards, and correspondence-unprocessed (Czech language) (c.1920s) (Schoettmer 2005.105)
  • File SC1.31.1.34: Letters, postcards, and correspondence-unprocessed (Czech language) (c.1920s) (Schoettmer 2005.105)
  • File SC1.31.1.35: Letters, postcards, and correspondence-unprocessed (Czech language) (c.1920s) (Schoettmer 2005.105)
  • File SC1.31.1.36: Letters, postcards, and correspondence-unprocessed (Czech language) (c.1920s) (Schoettmer 2005.105)
  • File SC1.31.1.37: Letters, postcards, and correspondence-unprocessed (Czech language) (c.1920s) (Schoettmer 2005.105)
  • File SC1.31.1.38: Novotny family personal documents (c.1980s) (Novotny 2007.035)
  • File SC1.31.1.39: Transcription of Agnes Dvorak(?) diary (1934) (Carter 2011.007)
  • File SC1.31.1.40: Havlik personal documents (1894-1910s) (Hendrix 2012.021)
  • File SC1.31.1.41: Birth certificate of Julie Leopoldine Jilek (1908) (Ralston 2013.030)
  • File SC1.31.1.42: Family history of Jilek-Teply family (n.d.) (Ralston 2013.030)
  • File SC1.31.1.43: Marriage license Jensen and Barnick(?) (1954) (Leonard 2013.107)
  • File SC1.31.1.44: Postcard to Mrs. Anna Pavlicek (1912) (Kosek 2013.169)
  • File SC1.31.1.45: Composition books, recipes and home remedies, household ledger, correspondence (1920s-1939) (DeFrees 2014.028)
  • File SC1.31.1.46: Pechacek family documents and document holder (1902-1930) (Leonard 2013.107)

Box SC1.31.2 - Scrapbook of Libbie Pnovsky Novotny

Libbie Pnovsky (1907-1970) was married to Frank Novotny. They lived in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa.

  • Item: Scrapbook/Memory book of Libbie Pnovsky Novotny. Black buckram cover with tie binding. Black construction paper pages. Items include photographs, invitations, programs, clippings, postcards, tissue paper flowers, correspondence. Pnovsky emigrated from Bohemia in 1911 and lived in Cedar Rapids with her family. This memory book encompasses her later high school years and shortly thereafter.(1922-1927) (Novotny 1993.002)
  • Item: Newspaper clippings (and copies) regarding Libbie Pnovsky (c. 1935) (Novotny 1993.002)

Box SC1.31.3 - Misc. Materials

Miscellaneous items related to Czech culture and heritage donated by Czech descendants in Cedar Rapids.

  • File SC1.31.3.01: Newspaper articles, Czech recipes(1938-1980s) (Follman 1996.079, Finger 2003.xx)
  • File SC1.31.3.02: Festival of Czech Arts papers and booklet (1971) (Sedlacek 1997.159, Klinsky 2005.37)
  • File SC1.31.3.03: Czech restaurant menu for All-Iowa Fairgrounds (1950) (Zlatohlavek 1998.120)
  • File SC1.31.3.04: Cedar Rapids Centennial stickers, programs, postcards, letterhead, article (1956) (Volesky 1999.xx, Hansen 2000.106, Kuba 2000.132, Kosek 2013.169, Kriz 2016.14, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.05: Cedar Rapids Golden Jubliee booklets –Pamatnik (1906) (19xx.1424, Kuba 2000.132, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.06: Masaryk Centennial programs and “Thomas Masaryk, An Enlightened Liberal” booklet (1950) (19xx.1426, Hamous 2013.111, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.07: City of Cedar Rapids proclamation (1998) (19xx.1427)
  • File SC1.31.3.08: Czech Folk Festival program Riverside Park (n.d.) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.3.09: Copy of article relating to travel to and from Czechoslovakia (n.d.) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.31.3.10: Czecho-Slovak Independence Day program (1991) (Volesky 2001.80)
  • File SC1.31.3.11: Pexesco game boards, note regarding rules (n.d.) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.31.3.12: Ethnic Fest flyers, article, & C.R. International Festival program (1981-2003) (Novotny 2007.35, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.13: Strand Theatre poster featuring “Devcata Nedejte Se” (1944?) (Pulkrab 2012.107)
  • File SC1.31.3.14: Czech wind orchestra-Amati brochures, photos, publication (1974) (Pulkrab 2012.107, Modracek 2013.80, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.15: Lyra singing society programs (1931-1948) (Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.16: T.M. Sinclair & Co. Ltd., Semi-Centennial booklet (1921) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.17: South End Community Annual program (1928) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.18: Prague Teachers’ Chorus programs (1929) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.19: C.R. Gazette & Republican band photo and article copy (1931) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.20: Esther M. Hronik piano recital programs (1931-1932) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.21: “Czech Melodies” radio program newspaper article (1941) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.22: “Recall Masaryk Visit” newspaper article (1948) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.23: Iowa Dvorak Centennial brochures, postcard (1993) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.24: Jitro Girls’ Choir flyers (1995-2001?) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.25: Cedar Rapids 150th Celebration newspaper insert (1999) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.26: Advertising for special lecture on Czech Republic at Mount Mercy College (2009) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.27: “The Czechs in Cedar Rapids” drafts (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.28: Cards from American Relief for Czechoslovakia (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.3.29: Bumper Stickers-“Cedar Rapids High in Czechs, High on Tech” (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)

Box SC1.31.4 - School Related Materials

Children of Czech descent attended local public schools for their regular education. These schools included Monroe, Hayes, and Wilson and materials donated relating to that are in the collection. Additionally, a Czech school was an important part of the Cedar Rapids Czech community. It taught the children Czech language, culture and songs. Before a Czech school was built, classes of students met in empty stores and buildings and in the Wilson and Madison Schools during the summer. In 1891, delegate from Czech organizations in Cedar Rapids met to plan a Czech School building and fundraising began. A group of about 30 women interested in supporting these efforts formed Sbor Damske Matice Skolska (renamed the Council of Higher Education in 1954). The school attained legal status in 1893 as Matice Skolska (the Czech School).

The Czech School was built in 1900 for $10,000 and had one lower level classroom, two main level classrooms, and library/auditorium with a raised stage where programs were presented at Christmas and Mother’s Day. Classes were held on Saturdays and Sunday mornings in the winter and for six weeks in the summer. Sbor Damske Matice Skolska continued to support the school through fundraising, maintenance, and janitorial services. The Ustredni Matice Skolska (Czech School Board) consisted of two delegates from all the Czech organizations working on school policies. In 1951, Sbor Damske Matice Skolska could not afford the expensive repairs the school needed and the building was sold. The money was invested to fund a perpetual scholarship program. After the sale of the building, classes were held in various local schools, including Hayes, Grant, and Van Buren. Since 1990, Czech School classes have been held at Wilson Middle School in the summer.

Sources: The History of Czechs in Cedar Rapids published by The Czech Heritage Foundation, “History of Czech School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa” paper donated to this collection, and the 75th Anniversary Program for Sbor Damske Matice Skolska (1967).

  • File SC1.31.4.01: Copy of news clipping of Monroe School “Grade C” (Kindergarten) class of 1891 (c.1940) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.4.02: 50th Anniversary of Woodrow Wilson Junior High School booklet, programs (1975) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.4.03: “Czech Tales” program at Wilson School auditorium (1990) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.4.04: History of Czech School in Cedar Rapids (n.d.) (Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.31.4.05: Czech School photographs (1920s-1930s?) (Kuba 2000.132, Lingo 2013.41, Haverkamp 2015.079)
  • File SC1.31.4.06: Czech School correspondence and articles (1950s-1960s) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.4.07: Czech School Centennial papers, receipts, correspondence, articles (1970) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.4.08: 75th Anniversary ‘Sbor Damska Matice Skolske” program and article (1965) (Kuba 2000.132, Kuba 2001.050, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.4.09: Czech School materials (1970s) (Kuba 2000.132, Kuba 2001.050, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.4.10: Czech School Board minutes, correspondence, application (1980s-1990s) (Kuba 2000.132, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.31.4.11: Czech School programs, articles (1980s-2010s) (Kuba 2000.132, Volesky 2001.80, Drahozal 2013.005) Donor Unknown
  • File SC1.31.4.12: Hayes School photograph (1922) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • Item: School Diploma of Bozena Hradesinska Czech School graduate (1923) & photograph of Hayes Night School class (c.1924) (Kuba 2000.132, Stych 2013.20)

Box SC1.32.1 - Komensky Society

The Komensky Society was founded in 1909 and named after Jan Amos Komensky (1592-l670), a World famous Czech educator, scholar and philosopher. The founding eight students at Coe College, in Cedar Rapids, organized to begin studying Bohemian literature and history. When 1912 Dr. Anna Heyberger joined the faculty at Coe to teach French and Czech languages, she acted as a faculty advisor to the Komensky Club. The Komensky Club sponsored many benefit concerts and fundraisers in support of a health camp for sick Czech war orphans at Cernovice. The camp was run by the Czechoslovak Red Cross, headed by Dr. Alice Masaryk. In 1939, a fundraising drive raised money for a new camp building but the money could not be donated due to German occupation and later communist control of Czechoslovakia and the funds were retained.

The Komensky Club, renamed the Komensky Alumni Society, established a scholarship fund in honor of the beloved teacher, who died in 1952, using the interest from the funds raised in 1939. The first scholarship award was given in 1955. In approximately 2001, the Komensky Society transferred the funds to the Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and the foundation continues the Scholarship Program for students of some Czech or Slovak ancestry, in the name of the Komensky Society.

Source: A Short History of the Komensky Society, 2003 SVU North American Conference, Cedar Rapids, Iowa by Robert J. Stone. Full article: http://svu2000.org/conferences/2003_Iowa/88.pdf

  • Item: Black photo album of Dr. Anna Heyberger, professor at Coe College, of Coe Camp in Cernovice, Czech Republic (1935) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • Item: Minutes and financial records of the Komensky Society (Czech and English) 19221972 (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • Item: “The Komensky Alumni and Former Members Association” record book (Czech and English) (1922-2001) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • Item: Scrapbook of The Komensky Society (Czech and English) (1910s-1970s) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • Item: Binder containing research and articles regarding Anna Heyberger, the Komensky Society, and Coe Camp in Czechoslovakia (n.d) (Raim 2014)
  • File SC1.32.1.01: Photographs of Coe Camp in Cernovice, Czech Republic (n.d.) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.02: Items from Komensky Society history, articles, and ephemera (1909-1970s) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.03: Finances-receipts (1919-1923) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.04: Dr. Alice Masaryk materials (1916-1955) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.05: Mary McDowell articles and event tickets (1919-1934) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.06: Dr. Anna Heyberger materials (1919-1953) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.07: Coe Camp fundraising materials (1920s-1940s) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.08: Reports on Coe Camp children (1920-1931) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.09: Coe Camp reports (1920-1948) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.10: Coe Camp drawing and blueprint (n.d.) (Sedlacek 1997.159, Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.11: Membership/Mailing Lists (1922-2000) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.12: Organizational papers, correspondence, and meetings notes (1945-2001) (Sedlacek 1997.159, Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.13: Charter, Incorporation papers, tax number, bylaws, and constitution (1960s-1970s) (Sedlacek 1997.159, Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.14: Certificates,restated Articles of Incorporation, and audited bylaws (1979-1996) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.15: Heyberger Scholarship Fund history and awards lists (1972-2001) (Sedlacek 1997.159, Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.16: Scholarship winners- correspondence and photos (1980s) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.17: Komensky collection, program, and Coe Camp correspondence (1981-2001) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.18: Komensky scholarship newspaper clippings (1981-2001) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.19: Komensky collection, program, and Coe Camp correspondence (1991-1992) (Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.20: Coe Camp & Komensky Society newspaper clippings (1919-1967) (Sedlacek 1997.159, Komensky Society 2004.44)
  • File SC1.32.1.21: Pages from Komensky Society Scrapbook (1969-1988) (Komensky Society 2004.44)

Box SC1.32.2 - Sokol Scrapbook

Marie J Vitek (1901 - 1992) lived in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa. She created a scrapbook documenting Cedar Rapids Sokol.

  • Item: Brown and turquoise plaid scrapbook (9.5”Wx11”H) originally belonging to Marie Vitek, included in the scrapbook are newspaper clippings relating to the Cedar Rapids Sokol and the Czech community in Cedar Rapids. (1937-1954) (Martin 2012.120)

Box SC1.32.3 - Sokol Cedar Rapids

Sokol in Cedar Rapids began in 1873 with the founding of Jednota Tyrs. The Cedar Rapids Sokol group was founded in 1876. The two organizations merged in 1888. Telocvicna Jednota Sokol, the women’s group, was established in 1888. It was disbanded in 1989, reorganized in 1900, and renamed the Renata Tyrsova in 1914. The gymnasium was built in 1908 on Third Street SE and was dedicated in 1909. The facility was used until the flood of 2008 damaged the building. The Sokol facility was rebuilt at 18th Ave SW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

  • File SC1.32.3.01: Published Sokol exercise books (1922-1925) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.3.02: Published Sokol exercise books (1920) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.3.03: Published Sokol exercise booklet, gymnastics diagrams, Sokol handouts, and sheet music (1899-1918) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.3.04: Sokol correspondence and papers (1970s-1980s) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.3.05: Sokol Miscellany (1970s) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.3.06: Instructors’ plans and exercises for Sokol classes (c.1907) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.3.07: Sokol notes of Betty Smrek (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)

Box SC1.32.4 - Sokol Materials

Sokol in Cedar Rapids began in 1873 with the founding of Jednota Tyrs. The Cedar Rapids Sokol group was founded in 1876. The two organizations merged in 1888. Telocvicna Jednota Sokol, the women’s group, was established in 1888. It was disbanded in 1989, reorganized in 1900, and renamed the Renata Tyrsova in 1914. The gymnasium was built in 1908 on Third Street SE and was dedicated in 1909. The facility was used until the flood of 2008 damaged the building. The Sokol facility was rebuilt at 18th Ave SW.

Katolicky Sokol [Catholic Sokol] was organized at St. Wenceslaus Parish in 1910. In 1921, a women’s class was organized. Gymnastic classes were discontinued in 1930 but Katolicky Sokol continued to support the parish school until it closed in 1968. It then turned its efforts to supporting the Czech School.

  • File SC1.32.4.01: Sokol postcard Sletu Vsesokolskeho v Praze [Prague] (1932) (1998.120)
  • File SC1.32.4.02: C.R. Sokol programs (1930s) (1998.120, 19xx.1437)
  • File SC1.32.4.03: Program cover, 7th Sokol Slet Prague (1920); Page from C.R. Sokol newsletter (1980) (Hanson 1999.034)
  • File SC1.32.4.04: Zlate Jubileum programs, C.R. Sokol- Telocvicne Jednoty Sokol (1923) (Topinka 1999.081, Kriz 2016.14)
  • File SC1.32.4.05: Layout and editor’s draft of C.R. Sokol bulletin (1957) (19xx.1422)
  • File SC1.32.4.06: C.R. Sokol programs (1940s) (19xx.1425, 19xx.1433, 19xx.1436, 19xx.1440, Hamous 2013.111, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.4.07: C.R. Sokol receipts (1949) (19xx.1432)
  • File SC1.32.4.08: C.R. Sokol programs (1920s) (19xx.1434, 19xx.1435, Kriz 2016.14, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.4.09: C.R. Sokol Miscellany (1940s) (19xx.1438)
  • File SC1.32.4.10: C.R. Sokol Telocvicnou Jednotou Sokol song books (n.d.) (19xx.1439)
  • File SC1.32.4.11: Statutes/ Charter of C.R. Sokol (c.1919-1936) (20xx.0108, 20xx.0109)
  • File SC1.32.4.12: 80th Anniversary C.R. Sokol program (1953) (Houser 2000.106)
  • File SC1.32.4.13: Copy of newspaper clipping regarding C.R. Sokol (1956) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.32.4.14: Copy of newspaper clipping regarding Sokol Slet in Prague (n.d.) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.32.4.15: C.R. Sokol- Sokolek Renata Tyrsova- athlete record books (1929) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.32.4.16: Western District Sokol Slet program (1970) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.32.4.17: Catholic Sokol 50th Anniversary Banquet programs, tickets, and namecard (1960) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.32.4.18: C.R. Sokol Pork Supper ticket (1997) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.32.4.19: 40th Anniversary Sokol program (1913) (Kuba 2001.050)
  • File SC1.32.4.20: ‘Prazsti Muzikanti’ Sokol program (1991) (Volesky 2001.050)
  • File SC1.32.4.21: The Associated Czech Lodges of Cedar Rapids, Iowa present The Champion Team of the Workmens Gymnastic Association of Czechoslovakia program (1936) (2013.005)
  • File SC1.32.4.22: 70th Anniversary Telocvicne Jednoty Sokol program (1936) (Hamous 2013.111)
  • File SC1.32.4.23: Na Zdar! C.R. Sokol publication (1911) (Brown 2015.087)
  • File SC1.32.4.24: Sokol May Dance invitation and envelope (1936) (Brown 2015.087)
  • File SC1.32.4.25: C.R. Sokol newspaper clippings (1943-1998) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.4.26: Slet Kat. Sokola photographs, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1916) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.4.27: Copy of photograph of C.R. Sokol (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.32.4.28: Sokol Centennial Banquet program (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)
  • Item: Poster for the 2nd Annual Sibrinky Costume Ball & Czech Plus Band (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)

Box SC1.33.1 - Church Materials

Materials in this collection are related to churches, church organizations, and events in Cedar Rapids. Czech cemetery and related Memorial Day services are included in this collection. Churches include Czech Evangelical and Reformed Church (also known as “the old Czech Church”), Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church, Spojene Ceske Evanjelicke Cirkve [Czech Evangelical United Church], People’s Church, Hope Mission Sunday School (Third Presbyterian Church), St. Ludmila’s Catholic Church, and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Related organizations include spolku Panny Marie #119 [St. Mary’s Society], Council Catholic Welfare League (C.C.W.L) of the Knights of Columbus, Cedar Rapids, and Friends of the Bohemian National Cemetery. Cemeteries include St. John’s Cemetery, Bohemian Catholic Cemetery, and Druzstva Ceskeho Hrbitova [Czech National Cemetery].

Editions of 'Letopisy sv. Vaclavske' [Chronicles of St. Wenceslaus], a periodical put out by St. Wenceslaus Church in Cedar Rapids are so included. It was the Annual Report of Catholic parishes: Cedar Rapids, Chelsea, Oxford Junction and Prairieburg.

  • Item: Ledger for the Czech Evangelical and Reformed Church (also known as “the old Czech Church”, 15th Ave. & K St., Cedar Rapids, IA)-Czech language (1909-1957) (Leonard 2013.107)
  • Item: Ledger for spolku Panny Marie #119 [St. Mary’s Society]-Czech language (1916-1930) (2005.006)
  • Item: Ledger for spolku Panny Marie #119 [St. Mary’s Society]-Czech language (1931-1949) (2005.006)
  • File SC1.33.1.01: Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church programs (1964-1991) (Kuba 2000.132, Naxera 2010.47, Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.33.1.02: Spojene Ceske Evanjelicke Cirkve [Czech Evangelical United Church] Husuv Lid-Husovi booklet, Jubilee memorial of Jan Hus (1915) (Pulkrab 2012.107)
  • File SC1.33.1.03: People’s Church annual picnic photo (1932) (Haverkamp 2015.079)
  • File SC1.33.1.04: Hope Mission Sunday School (Third Presbyterian Church) letters and card (c.1885-1889) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.05: St. Ludmila’s Catholic Church articles (1940s-2000s) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.33.1.06: St. Ludmila’s Catholic Church programs, booklets, letter, member’s list-C.C.W.L bulletin (1930s-1980s) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.07: Archdiocese of Dubuque- Installation of Archbishop Kucera materials (1983-1984) (Kocab 2008.33, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.08: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church materials (1990s) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005, Drahozal 1998, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.09: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church prayer cards, programs, church directory, and brochure (1910s-2000s) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.10: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church articles (1904-2000) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.11: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church 50th anniversary [Zlate Jubileum osady sv Vaclava] books (1924) (Kuba 2000.132, Holubar 2013.123, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.12: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church articles (1932-1955) (Kuba 2000.132, Kuba 2001.050, Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.33.1.13: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church financial reports (dinners & bazaars) (1934-1943) (Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.33.1.14: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church publication “The Voice” (1951-1982) (Kuba 2000.132, Kuba 2001.050, Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.33.1.15: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church materials related to Cardinal Beran’s visit to Cedar Rapids (1966) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.33.1.16: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Centennial materials (1974) (20xx.0118, Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005, Drahozal 2013.175)
  • File SC1.33.1.17: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church materials related to Archbishop Vlk’s visit to Cedar Rapids (1992) (Kuba 2000.132, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.18: Letopisy sv. Vaclavske [Chronicles of St. Wenceslaus] regional publication (1912-1913) (1998.149, 19xx.1441, 19xx.1442 Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.19: Letopisy sv. Vaclavske [Chronicles of St. Wenceslaus] regional publication (1914-1919) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.20: Letopisy sv. Vaclavske [Chronicles of St. Wenceslaus] regional publication (1921-1925) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.21: Letopisy sv. Vaclavske [Chronicles of St. Wenceslaus] regional publication (1927-1929) (Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.22: Letopisy sv. Vaclavske [Chronicles of St. Wenceslaus] regional publication (1930-1932) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.23: St. John’s Cemetery bylaws and copy of article clipping (c.1928) (Kuba 2000.132, Kuba 2001.050)
  • File SC1.33.1.24: Bohemian Catholic Cemetery record book (1921-1931) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.33.1.25: Druzstva Ceskeho Hrbitova [Bohemian Cemetery Association, now Czech National Cemetery] bylaws (1930) (Kuba 2000.132, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.26: Ceskeho Narodniho Hrbitova [Czech National Cemetery] programs and brochure (n.d.) (Novotny 2007.35, Hamous 2013.111)
  • File SC1.33.1.27: Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery Springfest materials (2013) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.1.28: Czech National Cemetery Czech Memorial Day programs (1943) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.33.1.29: Czech National Cemetery Czech Memorial Service photographs (1947) (Sedlacek 1997.159)
  • File SC1.33.1.30: Czech National Cemetery Czech Memorial Day photographs and negatives, letter and schedule (1981-1992) (Kuba 2000.132)

Box SC1.33.2 - Theater Programs & Materials

There were multiple dramatic societies in Cedar Rapids and these group put on many performances in Cedar Rapids. Most were performed in the fraternal halls, Z.C.B.J. and C.S.P.S, although there were other locations including Benjamin Franklin Junior High School and St. Wenceslaus. Dramaticky sbor Katolickeho Sokola “Ceska Lipa” (Cech Linden), the St. Wenceslaus Club, was organized in 1892 and benefited the St. Wenceslaus School. Ochotnicke Druzstvo (The Amateur Dramatic Society) was started circa 1901 by members of other early amateur dramatic organizations who came together to present dramatic productions. Dramticky odbor Ctenarskeho Spolku [The Dramatic Club of the Reading Society] (changed to Prokop Velky c. 46, C.S.P.S. as noted on a program in 1930) began producing plays in 1916 or 1917. Dramaticky Krouzek Z.C.B.J. (Z.C.B.J Dramatic Club) was founded in 1932 as an independent auxiliary to ZCBJ. The Czech School (Matice Skolska) also produced dramatic performances, notably for Mother’s Day. Other programs indicate performances by the Dorostovy Klub Mladeze, Lodge Cedar Rapids No. 262 Western Bohemian Fraternal Association, Ochotnici Sv. Ludmily, and Dramaticky a Pevecky Klub Dvorak.

Source: The History of Czechs in Cedar Rapids published by The Czech Heritage Foundation.

  • File SC1.33.2.01: Theater programs- Ochotnicke Druzstvo (1900-1910s) (Vyskocil 1998.017, Kuba 2000.132, Hamous 2013.111)
  • File SC1.33.2.02: Theater programs- Ochotnicke Druzstvo (1920s) (Vyskocil 1998.017, Volesky 2001.080, Pulkrab 2012.107, Hamous 2013.111, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.2.03: Theater programs- Ochotnicke Druzstvo (1930) (Vyskocil 1998.017, Volesky 2001.080, Hamous 2013.111)
  • File SC1.33.2.04: Theater programs- Ochotnicke Druzstvo (1931) (Vyskocil 1998.017, Volesky 2001.080, Hamous 2013.111)
  • File SC1.33.2.05: Theater programs- Ochotnicke Druzstvo (1932) (Vyskocil 1998.017, Volesky 2001.080, Hamous 2013.111)
  • File SC1.33.2.06: Theater programs- Ochotnicke Druzstvo (1933-1939) (Vyskocil 1998.017, Hamlett 1998.168, 19xx.1418, Volesky 2001.080, Hamous 2013.111)
  • File SC1.33.2.07: Theater programs- Ochotnicke Druzstvo (1940s) (Vyskocil 1998.017, Hamous 2013.111, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.2.08: Theater programs- Ochotnicke Druzstvo (1950s) (Drahozal 2013.005, Hamous 2013.111, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.2.09: Theater items- Ochotnicke Druzstvo (c.1911) (Hamous 2013.111)
  • File SC1.33.2.10: Theater program- Dramticky odbor Ctenarskeho Spolku (1897) (19xx.1418)
  • File SC1.33.2.11: Theater program- Dramticky odbor Ctenarskeho Spolku (1910s) (Vyskocil 1998.017)
  • File SC1.33.2.12: Theater program- Dramticky odbor Ctenarskeho Spolku (1920s) (Vyskocil 1998.017, Volesky 2001.080, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.2.13: Theater programs- Prokop Velky c. 46, C.S.P.S. (formerly Dramticky odbor Ctenarskeho Spolku) (1930s) (Vyskocil 1998.017, 19xx.1418, Volesky 2001.080)
  • File SC1.33.2.14: Theater programs- Dorostovy Klub Mladeze (1925) (Pulkrab 2012.107)
  • File SC1.33.2.15: Theater program- Matice Skolska(1937-1946?) (Christophersen 1998.099, Vyskocil 1998.017, 19xx.1418, Pulkrab 2012.107, Drahozal 2013.005, Hamous 2013.111, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.2.16: Theater programs and photos- Dramaticky sbor Katolickeho Sokola “Ceska Lipa” (1921-1946) (Vyskocil 1998.017, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.2.17: Theater Programs- Lodge Cedar Rapids No. 262 Western Bohemian Fraternal Association (1931) (WFLA 2013.119)
  • File SC1.33.2.18: Theater Programs- Dramaticky Krouzek Z.C.B.J. (1930s) (Istvan 1998.012, Vyskocil 1998.017, Volesky 2001.080)
  • File SC1.33.2.19: Theater Programs- Dramaticky Krouzek Z.C.B.J. (1940s) (Vyskocil 1998.017, Volesky 2001.080)
  • File SC1.33.2.20: Theater Items- Z.C.B.J Dramatic Club (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.2.21: Theater Program- Ochotnici Sv. Ludmily (1922) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.2.22: Theater program- Dramaticky a Pevecky Klub Dvorak (1922) (Donor Unknown)
  • Item: Poster for the performance of “Tam Na Horach” [There on the Mountains] but on by Dramaticky Krouzek Z.C.B.J. in Cedar Rapids, IA. (1945) (Donor Unknown)
  • Item: Poster for the performance of “Romanek Krasne Tonicky” [A Beautifully Intoxicating Novella] but on by Dramticky Odbor of Chicago, Ill. in Cedar Rapids, IA. (1971) (Donor Unknown)

Box SC1.33.3 - Cedar Rapids/Czech Organizations' Materials

This collection was curated from materials from various donors. The materials include records, photographs, programs, articles, and ephemera related to a multitude of organizations that were organized by or had members who were Czech descendants in Cedar Rapids. Materials are organized by organization.

  • Item: Ledger of Bozina Letovsky Sbor Zofie Podlipska, No. 25 J.C.D (Jednota Ceskych Dam) [Unity of Bohemian Ladies]- Czech Language (1885-1931) (Zacek 2006.109)
  • Item: Ledger for Sbor Ceske Vlastenky, Cislo 1 J.C.D. (Jednota Ceskych Dam) [Unity of Bohemian Ladies]- Czech and English (1957-1983) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.3.01: Sbor Ceske Vlastenky, Cislo 1 J.C.D. (Jednota Ceskych Dam) account book, photo, and charter (1922-1983) (Kuba 2000.132, Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.3.02: Sbor Anna Naprostkova, Cislo 24 (Jednota Ceskych Dam) account book- Czech language (1913-1936) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.33.3.03: Jednota Ceskych Dam [Unity of Bohemian Ladies] booklets (c.1931-1945) (Kuba 2000.132, Kuba 2001.050)
  • File SC1.33.3.04: Jednota Ceskych Dam a Panu [Unity of Czech Ladies and Men] correspondence (1950) (Kuba 2001.050)
  • File SC1.33.3.05: Praha Rebekah, Lodge No. 5, I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) materials (1934) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.33.3.06: Jan Hus Lodge, No. 51, I.O.O.F. booklets and envelope (1935) (Nejdl 1983, Kriz 2016.14)
  • File SC1.33.3.07: Katolicky Delnik (Catholic Workman) materials (1940-1992) (Kuba 2001.050, Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.33.3.08: South Side Red Cross program, officers, accounts, and photograph (1940s) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.33.3.09: Local politics- campaign ephemera, program, and copy of advertisements (1946-1948) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.33.3.10: Ceskeho Narodniho Sdruzeni [Czech National Alliance] program (1925) (NCSML Purchase 2007)
  • File SC1.33.3.11: Czech Catholic Union General Convention booklet (1994) (Kocab 2008.33, Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.33.3.12: Czech Plus Band papers and articles (1990s-2000s) (Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.33.3.13: Czech Fine Arts Society booklet and scrapbook (1930s) (Kriz 2016.14, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.3.14: Boddicker Czech Showcase article and program (1981-1988) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.3.15: Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International (CGSI) brochure for 3rd CGSI Conference (1993) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.3.16: Czechoslovak Society of Arts & Sciences (SVU) North American Conference booklets (2003) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.3.17: Lodge Zdenka Havlickova, No. 23, S.P.J. (Sesterska Podporujici Jednota) envelope and photograph from semi-centennial parade with Hvezda Pokroku (1906) (Kriz 2016.14)

Box SC1.33.4 - Czech Heritage Foundation, Czech Fine Arts Foundation, & Czech Village Association Materials

Czech Heritage Foundation (CHF) was formed May 17, 1973 to protect and honor Czech heritage. Early initiatives included outreach programs within the Cedar Rapids Schools and other local organizations, such as nursing homes, and sponsoring a series of Czech-themed concerts with the Cedar Rapids Symphony and guest musical groups. CHF played a large role in the foundation of the NCSML and were involved in the building of the Bridge of Lions in Czech Village. The organizations sponsors the Prince and Princess, Miss Czech & Slovak Iowa, Homestay, and scholarship programs. The organization has raised money for relief during natural disasters. The Czech Heritage Foundation has a quarterly newsletter Nase Ceske Dedictvi (Our Czech Heritage). For more information visit: http://www.czechheritagefoundation.com/.

Czech Fine Arts Foundation (CFAF) was organized in 1974 by several second and third-generation Czech Americans to preserve and promote Czech heritage and culture by arranging concerts by Czech artists and dance groups. Early on, they started collecting Czech artifacts and books, creating the Czech museum and library in 1978. These efforts grew into the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) in 1995. Additional materials of the Czech Fine Arts Foundation are in the NCSML institutional archives.

Czech Village Association (CVA) was organized in 1975 by the businesses on 16th Avenue to revitalize the area into the Czech Village. The CVA sponsors annual Czech Village festivals and events including Czech Village Festival in September and Houby Days in May. For more information, visit http://czechvillagecedarrapids.com/.

  • File SC1.33.4.01: CHF & CFAF- Directory, organizational papers, and brochures (1970s-1990s) (Novotny 2007.35, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.4.02: CHF- Letterhead (n.d.) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.4.03: CHF- Czech Princ and Princezna papers, newspaper clippings, and photos (1980s-2000s) (Reif 1996.xx, Novotny 2007.35, Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.4.04: CHF- Educational programs and papers (1980s) (Novotny 2007.35, Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.33.4.05: CHF- Organizational correspondence, papers, and articles (1970s-1990s) (Kuba 2000.132, Novotny 2007.35, Volesky 2001.80) Donor Unknown
  • File SC1.33.4.06: CHF-Correspondence articles, papers, and receipts for Ames trip (1984-1985) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.4.07: CHF- St. Joseph’s Day Dance papers (1984-2014) (Novotny 2007.35, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.4.08: CHF- Mistrinanka performance materials- Cedar Rapids (1986) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.4.09: CHF- Slovak State Folk Ensemble correspondence, receipts, and ephemera- Iowa City (1986) (Novotny 2007.350
  • File SC1.33.4.10: CHF- Veselka- Czech Brass Band performances- Cedar Rapids and Waterloo (1986-1987) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.4.11: CHF- Hungarian State Folk Ensemble correspondence, receipts, and ephemera- Iowa City(1987) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.4.12: CHF- Czech Night at the Symphony- Cedar Rapids (1988) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.4.13: CHF- Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa (c.2009) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.4.14: CHF- Photographs (1980s) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.4.15: CHF & CFAF- Correspondence, articles, ephemera regarding (1970s-1980s) (Novotny 2007.35, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.4.16: CHF & CFAF- Photographs (1978-1983) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.33.4.17: CHF- Organizational papers, correspondence, and articles (1990s) (Volesky 2001.80, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.4.18: CVA- Regular meeting minutes (2003) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.4.19: CVA- Newspaper clippings, correspondence, and brochures (1970s-1980s) (Volesky 2001.80, Novotny 2007.35, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.4.20: CVA- Czech Village Festival Days articles, flyers, and brochures (1970s-1980s) (Novotny 2007.35, Vondra 2012.26, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.4.21: CVA- Sv. Mikulas in Czech Village articles, ads, photographs, and flyers (1980s-1990s) (Novotny 2007.35, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.4.22: CVA- St. Joseph’s Day articles (1980s-2000s) (Drahozal 1999, Novotny 2007.35, Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.33.4.23: CVA- Houby Days flyers, articles, posters, ads, etc. (1980s-2010s) (Novotny 2007.35, Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • Item: Gray three-ring binder “1980 Iowa Community Betterment Project Book” “Category IX” submitted by Czech Village Association, Czech Heritage Association, and Czech Fine Arts Association (1980) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • Item: Yellow three-ring binder “Iowa Community Betterment 1982 Project Book” “Category IX” submitted by Czech Village Association, Czech Heritage Association, and Czech Fine Arts Association (1982) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • Item: Green three-ring binder with copies of files from Roland Raim’s tenure as a board member of the Czech Heritage Foundation (1974-1980) (Raim 2014)

Box SC1.34.1 - CSPS (CSA) & ZCBJ (WFLA)

The Cesko-Slovanska Podporujici Spolku (Czecho-Slovak Protective Society or CSPS) was founded in 1854 in St. Louis, MO. The Cedar Rapids CSPS, Prokop Velky #137 was founded in 1879. The Supreme Lodge was located in Cedar Rapids from 1915-1919. CSPS merged with other organizations and became the Czechoslovak Society of America (CSA) in 1933. The organization became CSA Fraternal Life in 1982.

Zapadni Ceska Bratska Jednota (ZCBJ) or Western Bohemian Fraternal Association (WBFA) was organized at a special convention in 1897 in Omaha, NE when a group of western lodges broke away from CSPS. It was incorporated under Iowa law in 1897 in Cedar Rapids with the supreme office in Cedar Rapids. At the 1971 National Convention, members voted to change the name to Western Fraternal Life Association (WFLA).

  • Item: Ledger for Czecho-Slovak Protective Society (CSPS), Cedar Rapids, Iowa –Czech language (1887-1890) (Donor Unknown)
  • Item: Record book for Czechoslovak Society of America (CSA) [formerly called CSPS] Central Committee, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (1958-1967) (Zacek 2006.109)
  • File SC1.34.1.01: CSA Degree Team photograph & CSPS Hall photograph (n.d.) (Nejdl 1983, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.02: CSPS/CSA Photograph (1947) (Sedlacek 1997.159)
  • File SC1.34.1.03: CSA Get-Togethers (1937) (Sedlacek 1997.159, Kriz 2016.14)
  • File SC1.34.1.04: CSPS/CSA articles (1929-1963) (Kuba 2000.132, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.05: CSPS/CSA programs (1934-1971) (Kuba 2000.132, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.06: CSPS/CSA illustration (n.d.) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.34.1.07: CSPS Hall Centennial (1991) (Volesky 2001.80, Naxera 2010.47)
  • File SC1.34.1.08: CSPS/CSA correspondence (1967) (Zacek 2006.109)
  • File SC1.34.1.09: Articles on CSPS Hall and exhibit (1991-1996) (Volesky 2001.80) Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.10: Karla G. Masaryk, CSA materials (1947-1970s) (Nejdl 1983, Kuba 2001.050, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.11: Junior American Czech, CSA ritual and photographs (n.d. & 1958?) (Sedlacek 1997.159, Zacek 2006.109)
  • File SC1.34.1.12: Bryant Washburn’s visit to Cedar Rapids (1937) (Sedlacek 1997.159)
  • File SC1.34.1.13: Junior American Czech, CSA minutes (1969-1985) (Zacek 2006.109)
  • File SC1.34.1.14: Junior American Czech, CSA minutes (1986-1995) (Zacek 2006.109)
  • File SC1.34.1.15: ZCBJ/WFLA membership materials (1910s-1940s) (Jordan 1994.039, Kuba 2000.132, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.16: ZCBJ/WFLA National Convention program (1963) (Poehlena 1998.020)
  • File SC1.34.1.17: 1960 Masaryk commemorative (1960) (Krejci 1998.101)
  • File SC1.34.1.18: Theater program- Okrskovy Vybor Statu Illinois ZCBJ at ZCBJ Hall, Cedar Rapids (1976-1977) (19xx.1419)
  • File SC1.34.1.19: ZCBJ/WFLA drill team (1958-1973) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.34.1.20: ZCBJ/WFLA publications (1941-1961) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.21: ZCBJ/WFLA murals (n.d.) (Kuba 2000.132, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.22: ZCBJ/WFLA post-flood fundraising (2008) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.23: ZCBJ/WFLA articles (n.d.) (Nejdl 1983, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.24: ZCBJ Hall & CSPS Hall (1977) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.1.25: ZCBJ 65th Anniversary nametags (1962) (Kriz 2016.14)
  • File SC1.34.1.26: ZCBJ Lodge Karel IV papers (1977) (Donor Unknown)

Box SC1.34.2 - ZCBJ Lodge Karel IV, no. 13 Record Books

Zapadni Ceska Bratska Jednota (ZCBJ) or Western Bohemian Fraternal Association (WBFA) was organized at a special convention in 1897 in Omaha, NE when a group of western lodges broke away from CSPS. It was incorporated under Iowa law in 1897 in Cedar Rapids with the supreme office in Cedar Rapids. At the 1971 National Convention, members voted to change the name to Western Fraternal Life Association (WFLA).

  • Item: Ledger for ZCBJ Lodge Karel IV, no. 13, of Cedar Rapids –Czech language (1942-1950) (Karasek 2006.102)
  • Item: Ledger for ZCBJ Lodge Karel IV, no. 13, of Cedar Rapids –Czech language (1950-1961) (Karasek 2006.102)
  • Item: Ledger for ZCBJ Lodge Karel IV, no. 13, of Cedar Rapids –Czech language (1961-1967) (Karasek 2006.102)
  • Item: Minute book for ZCBJ Lodge Karel IV, no. 13, in Cedar Rapids –Czech language (1920-1935) (Heisler 2005.132)

Box SC1.34.3 - ZCBJ Record Books

Zapadni Ceska Bratska Jednota (ZCBJ) or Western Bohemian Fraternal Association (WBFA) was organized at a special convention in 1897 in Omaha, NE when a group of western lodges broke away from CSPS. It was incorporated under Iowa law in 1897 in Cedar Rapids with the supreme office in Cedar Rapids. At the 1971 National Convention, members voted to change the name to Western Fraternal Life Association (WFLA).

  • Item: Membership record book for Western Bohemian Fraternal Association of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, last name A-R (1960-1968) (Karasek 2006.102)
  • Item: Membership record book for Western Bohemian Fraternal Association of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, last name S-Z (1960-1968) (Karasek 2006.102)

Box SC1.34.4 - Federation of Czech Groups

The Federation of Czech Groups was founded in 1937 by Czech societies in the Cedar Rapids areas including Damska Matice Skolska, Czech Heritage Foundation, Western Fraternal Life Association lodges, CSA Life lodges, Catholic Workman branches, St. Mary’s Society, Sokol Cedar Rapids, Czech School Board, Czech Plus Band, Czech Heritage Singers, Czech National Cemetery, and the Komensky Society. The purpose of the organization was to support Czech and Slovak people during Nazi expansion. These efforts included moral and financial support through fundraisers in cooperation with the Czechoslovak National Council of America. The Federation of Czech Groups also promoted and participated in programs related to sharing and preserving Czech customs and heritage in the Cedar Rapids community.

  • Item: Minute book for the Federation of Czech Groups [Sdruzeni Ceskych Spolku] in Cedar Rapids –Czech language (1936-1949) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2005.181)
  • File SC1.34.4.01: Federation of Czech Groups history and membership card (1986) (Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.34.4.02: Federation of Czech Groups correspondence- Czech and English (1930s) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.34.4.03: Federation of Czech Groups correspondence and report- Czech and English (1940s) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.34.4.04: Federation of Czech Groups correspondence and report- Czech and English (1950s) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.34.4.05: Federation of Czech Groups correspondence- Czech and English (1980s) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.34.4.06: Federation of Czech Groups correspondence- Czech and English (1990s) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2005.181)
  • File SC1.34.4.07: Federation of Czech Groups correspondence and meeting notes- Czech and English (n.d.) (Kuba 2000.132, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.4.08: Ochotnicke [Amateur] Theater Group notebook (1966-1985) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.34.4.09: Federation of Czech Groups programs and tickets (1940s-1990s) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.4.10: Federation of Czech Groups- Copy of newspaper articles (1937-1986) (Kuba 2000.132, Novotny 2007.35, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.34.4.11: Federation of Czech Groups- Map and plates of Czechoslovakia (c.1940) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.34.4.12: Lyra Concert hosted by Federation of Czech Groups tickets, program, correspondence, and statements (1982) (Donor Unknown)

Box SC1.35.1 - Czech Village businesses & Landmarks

The first part of this collection was developed by Jan Stoffer during research on Czech Village for her NCSML walking tour. Other materials in this box have been donated to NCSML. These include business ephemera, copies of newspaper articles, photographs of businesses/landmarks in the village and festivals, brochures, articles relating to the village, and business ephemera, such as business cards and receipts.

  • File SC1.35.1.01: Bohemian commercial historic draft (2002) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.02: Czech Village walking tour papers (2002?) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.03: Skola Damske Matice Skolske, 925 2nd Street, Cedar Rapids (n.d.) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.04: Papers and articles regarding 14th Ave, 16th Ave, St. Wenceslaus Church (2002?) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.05: Joseph Podhasky photo, article, and paper (n.d.) (Wright 2013.111)
  • File SC1.35.1.06: Records of Czech Village citizens’ addresses, photographs, papers, articles, and walking tours(1880s-2000s) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.07: Reports of early Czech immigrants & copy of early map of Cedar Rapids (n.d.)(1880s-2000s) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.08: Copy of east side maps & city directory (n.d.)(1999-2012) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.09: Copy of east side maps & city directory (2002?) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.10: Miscellaneous ads, copies of newspaper articles, and statistics ((1906-1999) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.11: Notes and lists of merchants (n.d.) (Krejci 1998.101, Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.12: Papers and articles- 2nd and 3rd Street, Cedar Rapids (2002?) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.13: Papers for Czech Village Walking Tour research (2002?) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.14: Papers for Non-Extant properties near Southeast Cedar Rapids (2002?) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.15: Photographs, negatives, and postcards of Czech Village (n.d.) (Stoffer Research)
  • File SC1.35.1.16: Copy of articles on Cedar Rapids and merchant list (1956-2008) (Reif 1996.xx, Wiley 1998, Volesky 2001.80, Novotny 2007.35, Vondra 2012.26, Drahozal 2013.005, Kriz 2016.14, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.1.17: Bridge of Lions (16th Ave Bridge) photographs, papers, article, and programs (1987-1988) (Reif 1996.xx, Kuba 2000.132, Kuba 2001.050, Volesky 2001.80, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.1.18: Cards for Cedar Rapids businesses (n.d.) (Erickson 1995.102, Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.35.1.19: Brosh Funeral Home card and photograph (c.1933) (Breslin 1998)
  • File SC1.35.1.20: Broulik Bros. store invoices and photographs (1956) (Miller 1998.78, Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.35.1.21: Daniel’s Park Grocery Store newspaper clippings and ad (1946-1980s) (1999.032)
  • File SC1.35.1.22: Matyk & Sons Dry Goods tissue (n.d.) (Serbousek 1999.59)
  • File SC1.35.1.23: Slovan Americky, Letovsky a Syn Correspondence (1920) (19xx.1421)
  • File SC1.35.1.24: Invoices and statements-C.R. businesses (1901-1947) (Kuba 2000.132, Kuba 2001.050)
  • File SC1.35.1.25: C.R. Hat Works photographs and materials (1962) (Kuba 2000.132, Kuba 2001.050)
  • File SC1.35.1.26: Czech Mutual Insurance Association (Ceskeho Vzajemne Pojistujiciho Spolku) (1904-1932) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.35.1.27: Bohemian Savings & Loan Association (Ceskeho Vypomocneho a Sporitelniho Spolku) statements, letterhead, and nameplate (1919-1979) (Kuba 2000.132, Kuba 2001.050, Karasek 2006.102)
  • File SC1.35.1.28: Items from Josephine Letovsky’s Hosiery Mending Shop (n.d.) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.35.1.29: Kuba Funeral Home statements and letterhead (1924-1948) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.35.1.30: Masaryk Park programs and correspondence (1994) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.35.1.31: Rathje Bakery Co. ad (c.1925) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.35.1.32: Sinclair Park materials (c.1947) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.35.1.33: Tower Grove invitation, brochure, and articles (1972-1974) (Kuba 2000.132)
  • File SC1.35.1.34: W.F. Severa Co. letterhead, correspondence, and ‘Health Guidelines for Women’ booklet (c.1928) (Kuba 2000.132, Drahozal 2013.005, Opatrny 2013.28)
  • File SC1.35.1.35: J.F. Heabel & Co., Contractors contract (1927) (Kuba 2001.050)
  • File SC1.35.1.36: Mateju Merchant Tailor Letterhead (n.d.) (Kuba 2001.050)
  • File SC1.35.1.37: Czech Village brochures (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.1.38: Gordon’s Little Prague (Mala Praha) restaurant menus (1988) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.35.1.39: Kosek’s Dime & Dollar Store photographs and postcard & C.K. Kosek’s Bakery photographs (1906-1970s?) (Novotny 2007.35, Janss 2012.027, Kosek 2013.169, Hlas 2015.089)
  • File SC1.35.1.40: Sporitelna Security in Cedar Rapids documents (1920) (Janss 2012.027)
  • File SC1.35.1.41: Sykora Bakery (Czech Village Bake Shop) photographs, postcard, stickers, brochures, and articles (c.1975-1994) (Novotny 2007.35, Drahozal 2013.005, Hlas 2015.08, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.1.42: Morris Plan advertisement (1980) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.1.43: Photographs of Czech Village (c.1980) (Kuba 2000.132, Novotny 2007.35, Drahozal 2013.005, Sedenka 2014.27, Hlas 2015.089, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.1.44: Photographs of Wenceslaus Square, Czech Restaurant (1978) (Novotny 2007.35, Hlas 2015.089)
  • File SC1.35.1.45: Standing Clock, Boddicker School of Music, and Bandstand photographs (c.1970s-1980s) (Novotny 2007.35, Drahozal 2013.005, Hlas 2015.08)
  • File SC1.35.1.46: Parades and festivals photographs (1980s) (Hlas 2015.089)
  • File SC1.35.1.47: Jakoubek’s Bakery article (1956) (Kriz 2016.14)
  • Item: Two three ring binders (purple and pink) with copies of articles related to Czech heritage in Cedar Rapids (n.d.) (Raim 2014)
  • Item: Three ring binder (red) with copies of articles about visits by T.G. Masaryk (n.d.) (Raim 2014)

Box SC1.35.2 - Czechs in Iowa

This box contains a scrapbook, ephemeral material from events across the state of Iowa, brochures and booklets from area organizations, press releases, papers, and photos of families of Czech descent in Iowa. The documents are organized by city alphabetically and followed by materials related to Czech news, and heritage.

  • File SC1.35.2.01: Chelsea, Iowa materials (1926) (Volesky 2001.80)
  • File SC1.35.2.02: Clutier, Iowa materials (2000) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.2.03: Durant, Iowa materials (1988) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.35.2.04: Iowa Rangers & Golden Memories band scrapbook, Ely, Iowa (n.d.) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.2.05: Ely, Iowa materials (c.1920-2013) (Erickson 1995.102, Swab 2002.25, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.2.06: Iowa City, Iowa materials (1992-1994) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.2.07: Osage, Iowa materials (1988) (Volesky 2001.80)
  • File SC1.35.2.08: Oxford Junction, Iowa materials (2001) (Kuba 2001.050)
  • File SC1.35.2.09: Protivin, Iowa materials (1945-1997) (Jung 2013.12, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.2.10: Solon, Iowa materials (1996-1998) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.2.11: Spillville, Iowa materials including Dvorak Centennial, Bily Clocks, and St. Wenceslaus (1960-2011) (Volesky 2001.80, Novotny 2007.35, Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.2.12: Swisher, Iowa materials (c.1930-2016) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.2.13: Traer, Iowa materials (1982) (Novotny 2007.35)
  • File SC1.35.2.14: Waukee, Iowa materials (n.d.) (Volesky 2001.80)
  • File SC1.35.2.15: Press release regarding Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia (1968) (Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.2.16: Czech Connection copies, The Gazette (1990) (Reif 1996.xx, Donor Unknown)
  • File SC1.35.2.17: Czech Connections clippings, The Gazette (1990) (Drahozal 2013.005)
  • File SC1.35.2.18: Newspaper clippings- Czech heritage (1948-1990) (Drahozal 2013.005, Donor Unknown)