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Velen and other clubs in Boskovice

The first clubs appeared in our state territory during the first half of the 19th century but most of them were in Prague or in capitals of constituent lands. Since the second half of the 19th century (in connection with a new constitution) clubs appeared also in small towns and then clubs spread into rural regions. That period of time includes also Boskovice and its surroundings. Being a member of a club gave people a chance to influence politics, manifest their political orientation and nationality. In this room, you can also see an old bicycle. This type of bicycle was really difficult to ride. The upper shelf of the showcase which is located in the middle of this room presents us several objects connected with life during the 19th century and 20th century: a card for a member of “Orel” club, driving licence or two bankbooks.

Clubs and their building in Boskovice

Velen club

Velen was founded in 1863. It is necessary to mention several people who are connected with its founding. The first of them is Libor Scholz, the local chaplain who is the author of the idea about a club for readers and singers. The second important name is Petr Bilem, a local wealthy man who gave enough money to buy books for this club. Last but not least we should mention Frantisek Kucera, owner of one of the houses on the square who allowed members of the club to meet in his house. Members of the club applied themselves to reading, singing and later also acting.

The part of the flag that is usually hidden from our eyes.

The flag of this club has been preserved to this day and you can see it in this room. We know that the right side is white, the left one is blue. There is a coat of arms of the town of Boskovice and writing with the year of the founding. On the right side, you can see wreath and the name of the club.

Culture in Boskovice

Socially beneficial clubs

Sport in Boskovice

Patent of Josef II. - regarding firefighting, 1787 (in Czech and German)

A helmet for a fireman, nickel-plated with brass decorations, very good condition, 27 x 22 cm

A button coming from a fireman’s uniform. It is decorated with a symbol of firemen.

A bucke belonging in a fireman’s belt, diameter 7 cm.

The uniform jacket for firemen in dark blue comes from Mladkov, a small village near Boskovice. This piece is dated back between 1920 and 1940. It is interesting that the jacket is well preserved. It means it is complete, including beautiful buttons, blue epaulettes with red edges on the shoulders, and red epaulettes on its collars.

A fireman axe with a wooden handle. The axe is encrusted with nickel and attached with little straps to a belt. In very good condition. The length of it is 45 cm.

Lamp for firemen This lamp was used by voluntary firemen in Boskovice. Its size is 50 x 20 x20 cm. We can see the writing “Sbor Boskovice” on its front side.

Used sources

Lenderová a kol.: Dějiny každodennosti „dlouhého“ 19. století. Pardubice 2005.
https://ohlasy.info/clanky/2018/08/velen.html

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