German Societies Celebrate – 1910
GERMAN SOCIETIES CELEBRATE
SONS OF HERMANN, SISTERS OF HERMEANN AND MAENNERCHOR HOLD FESTIVITIES
“Wein, Weib and Gesang[1],” for the grownups, toys for the children and refreshments of the fatherland for everybody, were the features at the Christmas entertainment of the German societies of Missoula, given in the Eagle’s hall last night. Each year at Christmas time, it is the custom of the Sons of Hermann, the Daughters of Hermann and the Missoula Maennerchor[2] to get together and have an all-around good time, the affair, however, being more for the benefit of the children. And last night was the time when the German children of the city were remembered. When the guests entered the hall, at 8 o’clock, the first sight that met their youthful eyes was the big Christmas tree in a corner of the room. To one side was a table heaped with toys, and of these there was a great variety. Dolls, doll houses, stoves, miniature dishes, the ubiquitous jumping-jack, games and many nameless toys, were the cynosure of the children’s eyes, and many a little face brightened at the sight.
When all had arrived, an overture was rendered by a four-piece orchestra, after which “Billy” Herweg, one of the leading spirits, made a typical German address of welcome. Charles Schindler rendered a poem of his own composition, a work of such excellence as to earn for him the title of “Schiller, de Zweite.” The Missoula
Maennerchor was at its best and sang several pretty songs of “Das Vaterland.” And then came the presentation of the gifts to the children. Each bright little face beamed with pleasure as the owner received his or her little remembrance, and each recipient immediately repaired to some secluded part of the hall, there to examine the gift. The young ladies, too, were not forgotten, for each one fortunate enough to be present received a present.
The rest of the evening was enlivened with songs by the maennerchor, and music by the orchestra, after which refreshments were served. The affair lasted until a late hour and was a typical illustration of the way in which Christmas is observed in “the old country.”
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
“Maennerchor” (literally translated “men’s chorus” in English) is the name given to German social clubs, primarily in the northeastern United States, Pennsylvania in particular. A Maennerchor was established in Cincinnati in 1857 with the merging of the Liedertafel, the Saengerbund and the Germanic Societies;[1] it was the oldest musical organization of the city.[2] The Indianapolis Maennerchor. founded in 1854 in Indianapolis, Indiana, is another such organization.[3]
The earliest forms of these clubs where “singing societies” that perpetuated traditional choral music, both German and German American culture, providing “Gemuetlichkeit” for new immigrants. Such clubs are typically attended by men and many function as a restaurant and bar, serving German cultural foods and beers.
The Damenchor often serves as the Maennerchor auxiliary for women.