Franjo Bučar played a key role in the development of Croatian sports in their entirety whose work took place at the end of the 19th and in the first half of the 20th century. With a doctorate in history, he was a teacher whose entire life was closely tied to sports. He established the foundations of numerous sporting disciplines in Croatia, acted as a promoter, instructor and founder of numerous school sports clubs and organizations, notably participated in international sporting organizations and played the part of news reporter and publisher, as well.
As of 1991, the Croatian National Award for Sports carries his name.
Franjo Bučar played a key role in the development of Croatian sports in their entirety whose work took place at the end of the 19th and in the first half of the 20th century. With a doctorate in history, he was a teacher whose entire life was closely tied to sports. He established the foundations of numerous sporting disciplines in Croatia, acted as a promoter, instructor and founder of numerous school sports clubs and organizations, notably participated in international sporting organizations and played the part of news reporter and publisher, as well.
As of 1991, the Croatian National Award for Sports carries his name.
Franjo Bučar was born on the 25th of November 1866 in Zagreb to the family of the bureaucrat Josip and his wife Franjica. He shared his birth house in Vlaška street with his parents and his two brothers and a sister.
Photograph of Franjo Bučar’s mother, Franjica Bučar, born Mikšić, circa 1870 INV 6523
Photograph of Franjo BUčar’s brother, Viktor, a parish priest at a church on Granešina, Zagreb, 1893. INV 6524
Franjo Bučar was born on the 25th of November 1866 in Zagreb to the family of the bureaucrat Josip and his wife Franjica. He shared his birth house in Vlaška street with his parents and his two brothers and a sister.
After completing his high school at a gymnasium, he departs for Vienna to study history and geography. Following his first semester in Vienna, he returns to Zagreb to continue his education, only to return to Vienna towards the end of his studies, where he graduates in 1890.
Early during his education, he developed a deep and enduring interest in history and writing, traits which he nurtured until the very end of his life. He was inspired by his contemporaries, notables involved in cultural, scientific and public life, people he gladly cooperated with later in his life. These contemporaries include, among others, the renowned historian and, at the time, Rector of the University of Zagreb, Tadi Smičiklas, as well as Izidor Kršnjavi who was Bučar’s professor of History of Architecture, and Vatroslav Jagić, whose lectures Bučar attended in Vienna.
After completing his high school at a gymnasium, he departs for Vienna to study history and geography. Following his first semester in Vienna, he returns to Zagreb to continue his education, only to return to Vienna towards the end of his studies, where he graduates in 1890.
Early during his education, he developed a deep and enduring interest in history and writing, traits which he nurtured until the very end of his life. He was inspired by his contemporaries, notables involved in cultural, scientific and public life, people he gladly cooperated with later in his life. These contemporaries include, among others, the renowned historian and, at the time, Rector of the University of Zagreb, Tadi Smičiklas, as well as Izidor Kršnjavi who was Bučar’s professor of History of Architecture, and Vatroslav Jagić, whose lectures Bučar attended in Vienna.
He cut a dashing figure. Tall for his times, with brown eyes and hair, a joyous and curious spirit, he was quite the social butterfly and widely popular. His melodic voice opened the doors of the Croatian Singing Society, Kolo, during his student days and he would perform as a tenor. His habit of forging friendship began in high school and continued throughout his life, affording him friendships that spanned the globe. In his 80 years of life, he outlived many of them and wrote numerous articles dedicated to passed notables, both in Croatia, but also in the world.
He cut a dashing figure. Tall for his times, with brown eyes and hair, a joyous and curious spirit, he was quite the social butterfly and widely popular. His melodic voice opened the doors of the Croatian Singing Society, Kolo, during his student days and he would perform as a tenor. His habit of forging friendship began in high school and continued throughout his life, affording him friendships that spanned the globe. In his 80 years of life, he outlived many of them and wrote numerous articles dedicated to passed notables, both in Croatia, but also in the world.
A MAN OF HIS TIMES
In his 31st year of life, at Peter’s Church in Zagreb, he married Maria Ehrlich, the widow of the noted Zagreb builder Herman Ehrlich. That same year, he successfully defended his doctoral thesis in Graz, title A history of Protestantism in Croatia. Bučar gladly helped his wife in raising her young children and he remains in contact with them even after his wife’s death in 1926, especially with the architect Hugo Ehrlich.
A MAN OF HIS TIMES
In his 31st year of life, at Peter’s Church in Zagreb, he married Maria Ehrlich, the widow of the noted Zagreb builder Herman Ehrlich. That same year, he successfully defended his doctoral thesis in Graz, title A history of Protestantism in Croatia. Bučar gladly helped his wife in raising her young children and he remains in contact with them even after his wife’s death in 1926, especially with the architect Hugo Ehrlich.
Highly educated and well-read, Franjo Bular spoke eight languages. He subscribed to numerous newspapers and scientific magazines both from the country and from abroad. In many of them, he participated as an author of articles, with most of them preserved in his personal archives. He treasured correspondence with foreign colleagues and even institutions, readily exchanging literature and even entertaining personal visits whenever possible, as was typical for the times. He was also a daily visitor of the Hunter’s Horn in Ilica street, a tavern which offered numerous foreign newspapers and magazines, allowing Bučar to keep up with global events.
Highly educated and well-read, Franjo Bular spoke eight languages. He subscribed to numerous newspapers and scientific magazines both from the country and from abroad. In many of them, he participated as an author of articles, with most of them preserved in his personal archives. He treasured correspondence with foreign colleagues and even institutions, readily exchanging literature and even entertaining personal visits whenever possible, as was typical for the times. He was also a daily visitor of the Hunter’s Horn in Ilica street, a tavern which offered numerous foreign newspapers and magazines, allowing Bučar to keep up with global events.
His whole life, he would rise with the dawn sun. In the mornings, he would write entries in his diary, detailing the events of the previous day and, in summers, followed that up by going to his Zelengaj estate which he maintained alongside his wife, Marija. This was followed by mass, generally in St. Catherine’s Church, then classes in the Upper City Gymnasium at which he worked as a teacher. His afternoons were spent participating in the work of numerous clubs, sports federations and initiative groups he presided over or was a member of. It was through this cooperation that he worked towards his vision of the development of sports and physical education in Croatia.
His whole life, he would rise with the dawn sun. In the mornings, he would write entries in his diary, detailing the events of the previous day and, in summers, followed that up by going to his Zelengaj estate which he maintained alongside his wife, Marija. This was followed by mass, generally in St. Catherine’s Church, then classes in the Upper City Gymnasium at which he worked as a teacher. His afternoons were spent participating in the work of numerous clubs, sports federations and initiative groups he presided over or was a member of. It was through this cooperation that he worked towards his vision of the development of sports and physical education in Croatia.
Throughout all this, the Bučar family maintained a yearly subscription for the newly-built Croatian National Theatre. They attended plays regularly and Bučar himself often wrote reviews of plays.
Documents, photographs, personal items and awards, as well as published articles, are to a great extent preserved in the Croatian Sports Museum as the archival fund of Franjo Bučar.
Throughout all this, the Bučar family maintained a yearly subscription for the newly-built Croatian National Theatre. They attended plays regularly and Bučar himself often wrote reviews of plays.
Documents, photographs, personal items and awards, as well as published articles, are to a great extent preserved in the Croatian Sports Museum as the archival fund of Franjo Bučar.
PEDAGOGICAL WORK
The last decade of the 19th century saw a grand reform of Croatia’s educational system. Izidor Kršnjavi, the head of the State Department for Worship and Education at the State Government of Croatia, decided that, in order for the reform to succeed, he first needed to see to the education of one expert in foreign schools, so that that person might pass their newfound knowledge to other teachers.
PEDAGOGICAL WORK
The last decade of the 19th century saw a grand reform of Croatia’s educational system. Izidor Kršnjavi, the head of the State Department for Worship and Education at the State Government of Croatia, decided that, in order for the reform to succeed, he first needed to see to the education of one expert in foreign schools, so that that person might pass their newfound knowledge to other teachers.
Guided by the idea that it was only reasonable to learn from the best caused the government to publish a call for candidates to attend the Central Gymnastics Institute of Stockholm, at the time one of the finest gymnastics centres in the world. Two candidates were chosen, both members of the Croatian Hawk society. After a brief time in Sweden one of them, Srećko Bošnjaković, later a renowned chemist, quits, leaving Franjo Bučar alone in Stockholm.
Guided by the idea that it was only reasonable to learn from the best caused the government to publish a call for candidates to attend the Central Gymnastics Institute of Stockholm, at the time one of the finest gymnastics centres in the world. Two candidates were chosen, both members of the Croatian Hawk society. After a brief time in Sweden one of them, Srećko Bošnjaković, later a renowned chemist, quits, leaving Franjo Bučar alone in Stockholm.
Studies at Stockholm proved demanding and difficult, but Bučar nevertheless finds time to travel across Sweden and neighbouring countries, including visits to numerous sports events and cultural institutions, establishing contacts and acquaintances, as well as gathering experiences which would later prove crucial. All of this, he dutifully records and reports to Croatia via articles published in Croatian newspapers and magazines.
Studies at Stockholm proved demanding and difficult, but Bučar nevertheless finds time to travel across Sweden and neighbouring countries, including visits to numerous sports events and cultural institutions, establishing contacts and acquaintances, as well as gathering experiences which would later prove crucial. All of this, he dutifully records and reports to Croatia via articles published in Croatian newspapers and magazines.
It was during his arrival for a holiday in Zagreb in 1893 that he begins passing his newfound knowledge and experience to members of the Croatian Hawks, who quickly thereafter begin organizing training for football and tennis in their own halls.
At the time, due to the unexpected death of the editor Franjo Hochman, Bučar becomes the editor of the magazine Gymnastics, a magazine of some note not just in Croatia but in Europe as well, published in Zagreb between 1891 and 1899.
It was during his arrival for a holiday in Zagreb in 1893 that he begins passing his newfound knowledge and experience to members of the Croatian Hawks, who quickly thereafter begin organizing training for football and tennis in their own halls.
At the time, due to the unexpected death of the editor Franjo Hochman, Bučar becomes the editor of the magazine Gymnastics, a magazine of some note not just in Croatia but in Europe as well, published in Zagreb between 1891 and 1899.
COURSE FOR GYMNASTICS TEACHERS
Franjo Bučar returned from Sweden with his luggage filled with books and sporting equipment, carrying a pair of skis his shoulder. In accordance with his agreement with Izidor Kršnjavi, Bučar is appointed to head a Course for gymnastics teachers.
This group, gathering 29 carefully selected teachers from all corners of Croatia even includes a woman – the gymnastics teacher Ivana Hirschmann. Participants are well-compensated, paid a teacher’s salary, and well-equipped with clothes for sports such as fencing, skiing and gymnastics, as well as a number of other games.
COURSE FOR GYMNASTICS TEACHERS
Franjo Bučar returned from Sweden with his luggage filled with books and sporting equipment, carrying a pair of skis his shoulder. In accordance with his agreement with Izidor Kršnjavi, Bučar is appointed to head a Course for gymnastics teachers.
This group, gathering 29 carefully selected teachers from all corners of Croatia even includes a woman – the gymnastics teacher Ivana Hirschmann. Participants are well-compensated, paid a teacher’s salary, and well-equipped with clothes for sports such as fencing, skiing and gymnastics, as well as a number of other games.
Equipment is bought from shops in Vienna, Prague and Budapest, as well as the Drucker store in Zagreb, with equipment for hockey, both on ice and grass, tennis, skis, skates and numerous balls. So equipped, these participants trained in the newly renovated spaces of the Upper City Gymnasium and the Public School in Samostanska Street. There they study theory at the foot of eminent professors of the time, undertake practical lessons and, from time to time, go on excursions.
The course lasts from October of 1894 until March of 1896, culminating in five days of exams.
Equipment is bought from shops in Vienna, Prague and Budapest, as well as the Drucker store in Zagreb, with equipment for hockey, both on ice and grass, tennis, skis, skates and numerous balls. So equipped, these participants trained in the newly renovated spaces of the Upper City Gymnasium and the Public School in Samostanska Street. There they study theory at the foot of eminent professors of the time, undertake practical lessons and, from time to time, go on excursions.
The course lasts from October of 1894 until March of 1896, culminating in five days of exams.
A photographer from Petrinja, Vaso Margetić, took numerous photographs of the course, which were gathered into an album. Said album was shown on several exhibitions in Europe by Franjo Bučar. At the end of the course, Franjo Bučar printed a report given out to the members of the Croatian Parliament.
A photographer from Petrinja, Vaso Margetić, took numerous photographs of the course, which were gathered into an album. Said album was shown on several exhibitions in Europe by Franjo Bučar. At the end of the course, Franjo Bučar printed a report given out to the members of the Croatian Parliament.
CROATIAN HAWK
The Zagreb Physical Exercise Society Croatian Hawk was founded in 1874, inspired by similar gymnastics society in other countries. Besides gymnastics and, for a time, holding physical education courses for school-children, they nurtured various forms of social activities. Members, but also those interested in the movement, could enjoy a rich social and cultural life, as the society organized balls accompanied by Hawk musicians. Their processions, decked out in official uniforms, travelled to mark important occasions in Croatia. They participated in the funerary processions of individuals who marked Croatia’s scientific and cultural community – as well as those of members of their society and important politicians. They cared for the graves of worthy individuals. They organized lectures of domestic and foreign lecturers, spreading European cultural influence across Croatia. Ultimately, they were a society of well-educated and forward-thinking people with a clear understanding that there needed to exist a national society for physical exercise.
CROATIAN HAWK
The Zagreb Physical Exercise Society Croatian Hawk was founded in 1874, inspired by similar gymnastics society in other countries. Besides gymnastics and, for a time, holding physical education courses for school-children, they nurtured various forms of social activities. Members, but also those interested in the movement, could enjoy a rich social and cultural life, as the society organized balls accompanied by Hawk musicians. Their processions, decked out in official uniforms, travelled to mark important occasions in Croatia. They participated in the funerary processions of individuals who marked Croatia’s scientific and cultural community – as well as those of members of their society and important politicians. They cared for the graves of worthy individuals. They organized lectures of domestic and foreign lecturers, spreading European cultural influence across Croatia. Ultimately, they were a society of well-educated and forward-thinking people with a clear understanding that there needed to exist a national society for physical exercise.
The most valuable contribution of the Croatian Hawks, as far as promotion of sports went, was the organization of three Croatian All-Hawk Gatherings. The gathering of participants from across Europe in Zagreb represented an acknowledgement of Croatia’s status in Europe. It was these Gatherings that resulted in the 1907 decision of the European Gymnastics Union, in Prague, to accept the Croatian Hawk Federation into their membership. This act saw the first appearance of Croatian participants at a sports event under their own national flag – at the 5th Gymnastics Championships in Torino 1911.
A Hawk in body and soul, Franjo Bučar’s first contact with the organization was in 1878 at Tuškanac, when he attended a public exercise by the Croatian Hawk organization in Zagreb, an event in which Franjo’s brother, Josip Bučar, participated in.
The most valuable contribution of the Croatian Hawks, as far as promotion of sports went, was the organization of three Croatian All-Hawk Gatherings. The gathering of participants from across Europe in Zagreb represented an acknowledgement of Croatia’s status in Europe. It was these Gatherings that resulted in the 1907 decision of the European Gymnastics Union, in Prague, to accept the Croatian Hawk Federation into their membership. This act saw the first appearance of Croatian participants at a sports event under their own national flag – at the 5th Gymnastics Championships in Torino 1911.
A Hawk in body and soul, Franjo Bučar’s first contact with the organization was in 1878 at Tuškanac, when he attended a public exercise by the Croatian Hawk organization in Zagreb, an event in which Franjo’s brother, Josip Bučar, participated in.
Following his studies and appointment to the Rakovac Gymnasium, as one of Karlovac’s Kupa Region Croatian Hawks, a society where he was a secretary and leader, he attended the All-Hawk Meeting in Prague in June of 1891. It is here that me meets many gymnastics and Hawk notables from various countries, establishing connections which would serve him well in coming years and bloom into friendships and acquaintances. In his 25th year, Franjo Bučar, attending a formal dinner event in Prague, speaks publicly, formally greeting the attendees in the name of the Croatian Hawks. The Croatian Hawks would continue to be closely connected to the Czech Hawks until 1920 – they would not only exchange literature, but also people – helped along by the Croats studying in Prague and Czechs, mainly bankers, but also businessmen, who worked in Croatia and openly joined the Croatian Hawks.
Franjo Bučar was a Hawk official, an editor of numerous Hawk publications and an organizer of Hawk events. He remained tied to the Croatian Hawks until the last day of their existence – December 15th 1929 when an extraordinary session of the Federation came to a decision to disband the Croatian Hawk.Po završetku studija namješten je na gimnaziji u Rakovcu i kao Pokupski sokol u Karlovcu, društvu kojem je tajnik i vođa,odlazi na Sokolski slet u Prag u lipnju 1891. godine. Tu upoznaje brojne gimnastičke i sokolske prvake iz raznih država i s njima uspostavlja bliske kontakte. U 25. godini života, na prigodnoj večeri za višednevnog boravka u Pragu drži pozdravni govor u ime Hrvatskih sokola. Hrvatski su sokoli sve do 1920. godine u najužim vezama sa Češkim sokolom. Uz razmjenu literature tu je i značajna razmjena ljudi – Hrvata koji odlaze na školovanje u Prag i Čeha koji rade uglavnom u bankama, ali i drugim poduzećima u Hrvatskoj i aktivno se uključuju u rad Hrvatskih sokola.
Bučar je bio sokolski dužnosnik, urednik brojnih sokolskih publikacija i organizator bezbroj priredbi i događanja. Ostaje vezan uz Hrvatski sokol do zadnjeg dana njegova postojanja – do 15. prosinca 1929. godine, kad je na izvanrednoj skupštini Saveza donesena odluka o raspuštanju.
Following his studies and appointment to the Rakovac Gymnasium, as one of Karlovac’s Kupa Region Croatian Hawks, a society where he was a secretary and leader, he attended the All-Hawk Meeting in Prague in June of 1891. It is here that me meets many gymnastics and Hawk notables from various countries, establishing connections which would serve him well in coming years and bloom into friendships and acquaintances. In his 25th year, Franjo Bučar, attending a formal dinner event in Prague, speaks publicly, formally greeting the attendees in the name of the Croatian Hawks. The Croatian Hawks would continue to be closely connected to the Czech Hawks until 1920 – they would not only exchange literature, but also people – helped along by the Croats studying in Prague and Czechs, mainly bankers, but also businessmen, who worked in Croatia and openly joined the Croatian Hawks.
Franjo Bučar was a Hawk official, an editor of numerous Hawk publications and an organizer of Hawk events. He remained tied to the Croatian Hawks until the last day of their existence – December 15th 1929 when an extraordinary session of the Federation came to a decision to disband the Croatian Hawk.Po završetku studija namješten je na gimnaziji u Rakovcu i kao Pokupski sokol u Karlovcu, društvu kojem je tajnik i vođa,odlazi na Sokolski slet u Prag u lipnju 1891. godine. Tu upoznaje brojne gimnastičke i sokolske prvake iz raznih država i s njima uspostavlja bliske kontakte. U 25. godini života, na prigodnoj večeri za višednevnog boravka u Pragu drži pozdravni govor u ime Hrvatskih sokola. Hrvatski su sokoli sve do 1920. godine u najužim vezama sa Češkim sokolom. Uz razmjenu literature tu je i značajna razmjena ljudi – Hrvata koji odlaze na školovanje u Prag i Čeha koji rade uglavnom u bankama, ali i drugim poduzećima u Hrvatskoj i aktivno se uključuju u rad Hrvatskih sokola.
Bučar je bio sokolski dužnosnik, urednik brojnih sokolskih publikacija i organizator bezbroj priredbi i događanja. Ostaje vezan uz Hrvatski sokol do zadnjeg dana njegova postojanja – do 15. prosinca 1929. godine, kad je na izvanrednoj skupštini Saveza donesena odluka o raspuštanju.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO SPORTS
Fencing
Towards the end of the 19th century, the fencing traditions in Croatia are largely tied to the military, but also to private fencing schools. As a sport, fencing begins developing with the establishment of the First Croatian Fencing Club in 1902, headed by Franjo Bučar. It was in that year that the Italian Gisueppe Galante, aiming to promote fencing, opened a fencing school in Zagreb’s Shooting Range at Tuškanac. A grand fencing academy would be held in the hall of the Croatian Hawk, attended by numerous masters, among them Slunj’s famed fencer Milan Neralić, teacher of fencing in Vienna Neustadt. This academy would draw a great deal of attention from the wider public. The hall was overflowing with guests, including the celebrities and notables of the time. It was Bučar’s resolute argument in favour of fencing that saw it introduced into the final years of gymnasium high schools. Franjo Bučar would continue fencing recreationally until his death and he remained an active member of the fencing federation his entire life.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO SPORTS
Fencing
Towards the end of the 19th century, the fencing traditions in Croatia are largely tied to the military, but also to private fencing schools. As a sport, fencing begins developing with the establishment of the First Croatian Fencing Club in 1902, headed by Franjo Bučar. It was in that year that the Italian Gisueppe Galante, aiming to promote fencing, opened a fencing school in Zagreb’s Shooting Range at Tuškanac. A grand fencing academy would be held in the hall of the Croatian Hawk, attended by numerous masters, among them Slunj’s famed fencer Milan Neralić, teacher of fencing in Vienna Neustadt. This academy would draw a great deal of attention from the wider public. The hall was overflowing with guests, including the celebrities and notables of the time. It was Bučar’s resolute argument in favour of fencing that saw it introduced into the final years of gymnasium high schools. Franjo Bučar would continue fencing recreationally until his death and he remained an active member of the fencing federation his entire life.
Ice-skating
Franjo Bučar actually began skating in his early life, inheriting the love his father Josip had for the sport – as a ten-year-old boy Franjo was often taken skating on whichever icy surface could be found in the city. He kept up the habit even in Sweden and would later on participated in the work of the European Ice-skating Federation, founded in 1892, owing to his friendship Viktor Balck, a member of the International Olympic Committee who presided over the Federation’s work. Bučar also worked as a skating referee and, for many years, presided over the First Croatian Ice-skating Society founded in 1877..
Ice-skating
Franjo Bučar actually began skating in his early life, inheriting the love his father Josip had for the sport – as a ten-year-old boy Franjo was often taken skating on whichever icy surface could be found in the city. He kept up the habit even in Sweden and would later on participated in the work of the European Ice-skating Federation, founded in 1892, owing to his friendship Viktor Balck, a member of the International Olympic Committee who presided over the Federation’s work. Bučar also worked as a skating referee and, for many years, presided over the First Croatian Ice-skating Society founded in 1877..
Cycling
Franjo Bučar followed cycling since its beginnings, starting with the establishment of the First Croatian Cycling Club in 1885. His personal archives contain invaluable programmes of Zagreb’s first cycling races and numerous photographs of cycling competitions and tracks from the end of the 19th century. In those photographs, Franjo Bučar is regularly found at the starting line alongside racers, referees and other organizers. With a cycling licence of his own, Bučar was an avid cyclist and cycled regularly. He was the author of numerous articles published in sports sections of daily newspapers and magazines, informing the public of cycling competitions in Europe and the world.
Cycling
Franjo Bučar followed cycling since its beginnings, starting with the establishment of the First Croatian Cycling Club in 1885. His personal archives contain invaluable programmes of Zagreb’s first cycling races and numerous photographs of cycling competitions and tracks from the end of the 19th century. In those photographs, Franjo Bučar is regularly found at the starting line alongside racers, referees and other organizers. With a cycling licence of his own, Bučar was an avid cyclist and cycled regularly. He was the author of numerous articles published in sports sections of daily newspapers and magazines, informing the public of cycling competitions in Europe and the world.
Tennis
Bučar contributed significantly to the development of tennis in Croatia. Starting in 1893, he organized courses in which he taught how to play tennis and he participated in the establishment of a number of tennis courts in Zagreb, Samobor and Krapina. The first tennis tournament would be organized in 1909 by the First Croatian Ice-Skating Society, a group that would count multiple national champions among its ranks in the Interwar period.
Tennis
Bučar contributed significantly to the development of tennis in Croatia. Starting in 1893, he organized courses in which he taught how to play tennis and he participated in the establishment of a number of tennis courts in Zagreb, Samobor and Krapina. The first tennis tournament would be organized in 1909 by the First Croatian Ice-Skating Society, a group that would count multiple national champions among its ranks in the Interwar period.
Skiing
Though interested in what we today consider winter sports since his youth. Franjo Bučar developed an avid love for skiing during his time in Sweden, where his two years of study included numerous skiing trips with friends. Afterward, he took up recreational skiing in Zagreb and its surroundings and Skiing would be part of the curriculum of the Course for Gymnastics Teachers. The skis used during the course were gifted to the attendees at the end of their education. Invited by the Czech Ski Club in 1896, he participates in the skiing race that they organized and wins the 2nd place medal. In his later years, he could be found during the opening of the Ski Jumping Ramp at Sljeme in 1939.
Skiing
Though interested in what we today consider winter sports since his youth. Franjo Bučar developed an avid love for skiing during his time in Sweden, where his two years of study included numerous skiing trips with friends. Afterward, he took up recreational skiing in Zagreb and its surroundings and Skiing would be part of the curriculum of the Course for Gymnastics Teachers. The skis used during the course were gifted to the attendees at the end of their education. Invited by the Czech Ski Club in 1896, he participates in the skiing race that they organized and wins the 2nd place medal. In his later years, he could be found during the opening of the Ski Jumping Ramp at Sljeme in 1939.
Football
Having become acquainted with football in Sweden in 1893, Franjo Bučar launched an initiative that saw the Croatian Hawk publish an invitation in the magazine Horizon to announce lessons in football in the Hawk Hall in Zagreb. One of the attendees of the Course for Gymnastics Teachers would, as part of his work, translate the Rules of Football to Croatian and so translated the rules would be published in the magazine Sport in 1896. The first footballs would be bought from the merchant Drucker in Zagreb. Franjo Bučar would go on to lead the football representation participating in the 1920 Olympiad in Antwerpen. Even afterwards, he would follow football, publishing articles in daily newspapers that covered football matches. As a close friend of numerous football officials, he would participate in the writing of the monograph marking the 10th anniversary of the Zagreb Football Subfederation in 1929 by writing a text covering the beginnings of football in Croatia.
se s nogometom upoznao za vrijeme studija u Švedskoj 1893. godine. Na njegovu inicijativu Hrvatski sokol je objavio oglas u Obzoru s pozivom na učenje nogometa u dvorištu Sokolane. Jedan od polaznika Tečaja za učitelje gimnastike, kao stručni rad preveo je Pravila nogometa, koja su potom objavljena u časopisu Sport 1896. godine. Nogometne lopte nabavljao je kod trgovca Druckera u Zagrebu. Bučar je bio vođa reprezentacije nogometaša koji su 1920. godine nastupali na Olimpijskim igrama u Antwerpenu. Prati nogometna zbivanja, a o utakmicama izvještava u športskim rubrikama dnevnih novina. Prijateljuje sa s nogometnim dužnosnicima i u monografiji o 10 godišnjici Zagrebačkog nogometnog podsaveza 1929. godine piše tekst o počecima nogometa u Hrvatskoj.
Football
Having become acquainted with football in Sweden in 1893, Franjo Bučar launched an initiative that saw the Croatian Hawk publish an invitation in the magazine Horizon to announce lessons in football in the Hawk Hall in Zagreb. One of the attendees of the Course for Gymnastics Teachers would, as part of his work, translate the Rules of Football to Croatian and so translated the rules would be published in the magazine Sport in 1896. The first footballs would be bought from the merchant Drucker in Zagreb. Franjo Bučar would go on to lead the football representation participating in the 1920 Olympiad in Antwerpen. Even afterwards, he would follow football, publishing articles in daily newspapers that covered football matches. As a close friend of numerous football officials, he would participate in the writing of the monograph marking the 10th anniversary of the Zagreb Football Subfederation in 1929 by writing a text covering the beginnings of football in Croatia.
se s nogometom upoznao za vrijeme studija u Švedskoj 1893. godine. Na njegovu inicijativu Hrvatski sokol je objavio oglas u Obzoru s pozivom na učenje nogometa u dvorištu Sokolane. Jedan od polaznika Tečaja za učitelje gimnastike, kao stručni rad preveo je Pravila nogometa, koja su potom objavljena u časopisu Sport 1896. godine. Nogometne lopte nabavljao je kod trgovca Druckera u Zagrebu. Bučar je bio vođa reprezentacije nogometaša koji su 1920. godine nastupali na Olimpijskim igrama u Antwerpenu. Prati nogometna zbivanja, a o utakmicama izvještava u športskim rubrikama dnevnih novina. Prijateljuje sa s nogometnim dužnosnicima i u monografiji o 10 godišnjici Zagrebačkog nogometnog podsaveza 1929. godine piše tekst o počecima nogometa u Hrvatskoj.
Croatian Sports Federation
Franjo Bučar began the process of establishing a Croatian Sports Federation in 1909 and would go on to serve as its president. Following the outbreak of World War I, he would organize charity events, competitions intended to support Croatian soldiers fighting in the war.
Croatian Sports Federation
Franjo Bučar began the process of establishing a Croatian Sports Federation in 1909 and would go on to serve as its president. Following the outbreak of World War I, he would organize charity events, competitions intended to support Croatian soldiers fighting in the war.
PUBLISHING ACTIVITIES
Since his youth, Franjo Bučar was a prolific writer, branching out into being an editor later on. For seven years, he was the editor of the magazine Gymnastics which was started in 1891 by Franjo Hochman with government support. While in Sweden, Bučar acted as the editor of the magazine, aided by his colleague Bošnjaković. After returning to Croatia, Bučar expanded the monthly magazine’s title into Gymnastics – paper for school and social gymnastics, games and school hygiene.
PUBLISHING ACTIVITIES
Since his youth, Franjo Bučar was a prolific writer, branching out into being an editor later on. For seven years, he was the editor of the magazine Gymnastics which was started in 1891 by Franjo Hochman with government support. While in Sweden, Bučar acted as the editor of the magazine, aided by his colleague Bošnjaković. After returning to Croatia, Bučar expanded the monthly magazine’s title into Gymnastics – paper for school and social gymnastics, games and school hygiene.
His work attracted a great deal of attention in expert circles and he was regularly consulted by the government of the time in the writing of acts and plans related to physical education. He wrote almost daily and in his 60 years of writing, more than 1.500 articles were published, most related to physical education.
His work attracted a great deal of attention in expert circles and he was regularly consulted by the government of the time in the writing of acts and plans related to physical education. He wrote almost daily and in his 60 years of writing, more than 1.500 articles were published, most related to physical education.
Physical education was also the subject of his first published book – a translation of a Swedish book written by C. H. Liedbeck in 1891, titled Gymnastics for public schools. Published in 1895 by the Royal State Government, the book would be used as a handbook for physical education classes for more than 15 years. Expert have, however, proclaimed his most important work to be the book Games for groups and schools. Published as part of the Hawk Library in 1906, it would see two further, expanded, editions in 1913 and 1925.
Physical education was also the subject of his first published book – a translation of a Swedish book written by C. H. Liedbeck in 1891, titled Gymnastics for public schools. Published in 1895 by the Royal State Government, the book would be used as a handbook for physical education classes for more than 15 years. Expert have, however, proclaimed his most important work to be the book Games for groups and schools. Published as part of the Hawk Library in 1906, it would see two further, expanded, editions in 1913 and 1925.
Franjo Bučar also served as the editor of the magazine published by the Croatian Hawk and the Croatian Hawk Federation. He also served as a reviewer of works in the field of physical education.
Franjo Bučar also served as the editor of the magazine published by the Croatian Hawk and the Croatian Hawk Federation. He also served as a reviewer of works in the field of physical education.
OLYMPISM
A mere two months after the founding of the International Olympic Committee in Paris, Franjo Bučar publishes this momentous news in the magazine Gymnastics in August 1894. Two years later, he goes into great detail on the events at the first modern Olympiad.
OLYMPISM
A mere two months after the founding of the International Olympic Committee in Paris, Franjo Bučar publishes this momentous news in the magazine Gymnastics in August 1894. Two years later, he goes into great detail on the events at the first modern Olympiad.
It would be in 1908 that Bučar personally came into contact with Pierre de Coubertin, starting a correspondence with the father of the Olympiad with the intention of including Croats into the International Olympic Committee. A prior attempt to allow Croatian sportsmen to participate at the competition in Athens in 1906 was blocked, in spite of an invitation by Greek organizers. Despite Bučar’s efforts, he was again met with failure at the 1912 Olympiad in Stockholm.
Letter from Jirji Guth, member of the International Olympic Committee for Czechia, written to Franjo Bučar, dated 14th of April 1910, INV 7216
It would be in 1908 that Bučar personally came into contact with Pierre de Coubertin, starting a correspondence with the father of the Olympiad with the intention of including Croats into the International Olympic Committee. A prior attempt to allow Croatian sportsmen to participate at the competition in Athens in 1906 was blocked, in spite of an invitation by Greek organizers. Despite Bučar’s efforts, he was again met with failure at the 1912 Olympiad in Stockholm.
The collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and the establishment of new states from its ashes would see Franjo Bučar launch an initiative to establish a Yugoslav Olympic Committee, which Bučar would preside over between 1920 and 1927. In 1920, Franjo Bučar would become a member of the International Olympic Committee and would remain actively involved in its sessions and congresses until the end of his life.
The collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and the establishment of new states from its ashes would see Franjo Bučar launch an initiative to establish a Yugoslav Olympic Committee, which Bučar would preside over between 1920 and 1927. In 1920, Franjo Bučar would become a member of the International Olympic Committee and would remain actively involved in its sessions and congresses until the end of his life.
They will remember me
Franjo Bučar died on the 26th of December 1946 at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, in his apartment in Katančićeva Street in Zagreb. He was laying in bed, recovering from a cold. His housemaid Jelka was in the kitchen, preparing a midday meal. Earlier, upon her arrival to the apartment, she informed him that there was no mail in his mail-box, jokingly noting that everyone has forgotten him. “Let them forget, they will remember me” – answered Bučar.
He was buried in his family’s grave at Mirogoj cemetery.
They will remember me
Franjo Bučar died on the 26th of December 1946 at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, in his apartment in Katančićeva Street in Zagreb. He was laying in bed, recovering from a cold. His housemaid Jelka was in the kitchen, preparing a midday meal. Earlier, upon her arrival to the apartment, she informed him that there was no mail in his mail-box, jokingly noting that everyone has forgotten him. “Let them forget, they will remember me” – answered Bučar.
He was buried in his family’s grave at Mirogoj cemetery.
The inheritance process following his death ended with a note: “The deceased has left behind no mobile or immobile items nor treasure”. This dry bureaucratic phrase best illustrates the person that Franjo Bučar was in life and the times he lived through. His contribution to physical culture and sports in Croatia is immeasurable and, yet, he drew no material gain from it at all.
The inheritance process following his death ended with a note: “The deceased has left behind no mobile or immobile items nor treasure”. This dry bureaucratic phrase best illustrates the person that Franjo Bučar was in life and the times he lived through. His contribution to physical culture and sports in Croatia is immeasurable and, yet, he drew no material gain from it at all.
Perhaps equally importantly, his prophecy, “… they will remember me” came true. Today, his work is recognized and valued appropriately. The highest award the Republic of Croatia gives out for exceptional achievements and contributions to the development of sports carries Franjo Bučar’s name.
The personal archives and personal items of Franjo Bučar are part of the Franjo Bučar fund of the Croatian Sports Museum.
Perhaps equally importantly, his prophecy, “… they will remember me” came true. Today, his work is recognized and valued appropriately. The highest award the Republic of Croatia gives out for exceptional achievements and contributions to the development of sports carries Franjo Bučar’s name.
The personal archives and personal items of Franjo Bučar are part of the Franjo Bučar fund of the Croatian Sports Museum.