#2013.mo.466

[polishfalcons]

Members of Polish Falcons Nest 761 in New Haven, Conn., pose in front of their meeting hall.  Nest 761 was organized in 1919.

To learn more about the Polish Falcons of America Nests, check out the photographs in our Nests Collection! 

[polishfalcons]

Members of the Polish Falcons of America from Pittsburgh, Pa., perform a gymnastics routine under the direction of Druh Edward Brodala.  Brodala was an avid gymnast from a young age.  In addition to drilling with the American Boy Scouts, he studied acrobatics and dance at the Olympic Studio in Pittsburgh.  He was offered a job with Barnum and Bailey Circus and would have accepted, but for his father's refusal to sign the contract.

Barnum and Bailey's loss was the Polish Falcons' gain.  Brodala joined the Polish Falcons Nest 8 when he was 16 years old.  As Physical Education Instructor for the District from 1941 to 1983, Brodala organized a group of acrobats that traveled throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio giving performances.  His performers were well known for their daring human pyramids, like the one pictured here. 

To learn more about gymnastics in the Polish Falcons of America, check out the photographs in our Athletics Collection!