For the first time, Stepan Haiduchok's
activities in the society «Sokil-Batko» is investigated, based on various sources: documents of
the Central State Historical Archives of Ukraine in Lviv, statutes, reports,
appeals, minutes of meetings of various structural units of the Ukrainian
gymnastic society «Sokil-Batko» in Lviv; a
private archive of Stepan Haiduchok (Lviv); newspapers «Dilo», «Visty z Zaporozha».
Involving previously inaccessible and little-known documents, his activities
during 1910–1914, were reconstructed. The chronological scope of the study is
defined by the entry of S. Haiduchok into the society «Sokil-Batko» (the lower), and the Shevchenko movement in Lviv, and the
beginning of World War I (the upper). S. Haiduchok's work as an active member
and one of the heads of structural subdivisions of the society, in particular,
«chetar», chief and member of the engine
section is analyzed.
Attention is drawn to the fact that with
the active participation of S. Haiduchok within the organization numerous
significant events and activities took place, including the First Regional
Movement in Lviv on September 9–10, 1911, VI All-Falcon Gathering in Prague on
June 29–July 1, 1912, Shevchenko's Movement in Lviv on June 27–29, 1914. His
noteworthy work as a member, deputy chairman, clerk of the exercising section,
and teacher of exercising is emphasized. Work in «Sokil» centers of Halychyna,
where he trained and taught students freehand exercises, exercises with
objects, folk exercises, and games, is considered. His journalistic activity is
covered, in particular, as a writer to the «Visty z Zaporozha» – the periodical of «Sokil-Batko». Attention is drawn to the interest in various sports that
were widespread in Halychyna at the time. As proved, S. Haiduchok acted
enthusiastically in the organization «Sokil-Batko» before World War I.