USA > Maryland > Annual report of the Society for the History of the Germans in Maryland, 13th-14th, Vol. II > Part 14
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More and still better than by anything else, the true moral value and influence of the German-Virginian element and its love and admiration for the native land and people of the fore- fathers, are illustrated by their public festivals.
On the 14th of September, 1869, the German associations · celebrated the Centennial Anniversary of the eminent German naturalist, philosopher and explorer, Alexander von Humboldt. The German societies: Schiller Lodge, Gesangverein Virginia, Turnverein, the Druids, the Redmen, and the Society for the Relief of the Sick, with banners floating, formed in procession in front of the City Hall under the direction of their marshalls : Charles Klein, Carl Euker, Christian Unkel, A. Blenner, Otto Camman and H. Dabble. They paraded the principal streets to the theatre, where a large number of ladies and gentlemen had already assembled. The stage was handsomely decorated and after the orchestra had performed an overture the curtain
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was drawn and the singing societies, under the leadership of C. L. Siegel, sang Mohr's grand hymn. Next followed the unveil- ing of a fine plaster bust of Humboldt, cast by E. Valentine. Surrounding the bust, globes, maps, telescopes and other em- blems of science were scattered. Dr. Boldeman recited a pro- logue, followed by Prof. G. A. Peple, the German orator of the day; Patrick Henry Aylett delivered the English oration. The speakers were heartily applauded and the singing societies intonated the "German Song of Victory," by F. Abt. Resolu- tions were read and adopted, which had been prepared especi- ally in acknowledgment of the anticipated large participation and the hearty sympathy of the Anglo-American citizens by a committee composed of G. A. Peple, Herman Koppel, Alors Rick, A. Osterloh, G. Klein, Otto Meister, Ch. Simmons, Her- mann Boschen, H. Burchard, H. Diebel, II. Willers, A. Blenner, Christ. Meckel, Henry Demler, F. Thomas, F. Laube and F. Dush.
Although the American population had not taken part in honoring the memory of the great explorer and writer of the American continent in such measure as had been expected, yet the resolutions were unanimously adopted .? 76) The proceed- ings were closed by a "Volksfest" at Hattorf's Garden. The houses and business places of the Germans generally were deco- rated with flowers and evergreens, and the Stars and Stripes and the emblem of the North German Confederation waved from many of them.
A few months previous to the Humboldt Centennial Cele- bration, and as a kind of continuation of the great "Singing Festival" at Baltimore, Md., several singing societies of New York city visited Richmond as the guests of the Gesangverein Virginia.277) They were members of "Socialer Maennerchor," "Teutonia" and "Liederkranz," and on July 16th, 1869, a grand concert of the combined visiting and home societies was given at the Richmond Theatre. Hon. George Chahoon and Prof. G. A. Peple welcomed the New York singers in short but appro-
276.) "The Daily State Journal" of Sept. 14, 1869, Vol. I, No. 275. Richmond, Va. 277.) "Richmond Patriot," July 23, 1869. Richmond, Va.
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priate speeches. On the next day the visitors were shown the city and its environs and on July 18th a picnic at Hattorf's Garden closed the festivities.
Another "Singing Festival"278) of still more elaborate char- acter was arranged September 28th to 30th, 1873. The follow- ing societies took part: "Germania Maennerchor," Baltimore, Md., "Maennerchor," Philadelphia, Pa., "Saengerbund," Wash- ington, D. C., "Gesangverein Virginia," "Germania Maenner- chor," and "Richmond Philharmonic Association," Richmond, Va. A grand concert, assisted by Kessnick's double orchestra, under the leadership of Prof. Carl Lenschow, at Assembly Hall, excited the admiration of a large audience. It was followed by a "Commers" at Monticello Hall, where Prof. Peple, Mr. Wolf of Washington and Oswald Heinrich of Richmond delivered addresses. I. H. Pein recited a poem, "Gruss an die Saenger," composed by him. On September 30th the festival closed with a picnic at the Fair Grounds, where several mass choirs were chanted.
A deep and proud feeling came to the heart of every Ger- man-Virginian, when the news of the brilliant victories of the German armies in France reached America. On August 13th, 1870, an appeal was published to meet on the evening of Au- gust 15th at Monticello Hall, in order to make arrangements for the collection of funds for the relief of the wounded Ger- man soldiers. This appeal was signed by Carl Seibert, secre- tary, and the highest enthusiasm prevailed at the meeting. It was largely attended and a " Deutscher patriotischer Unterstuetz- ungsverein," (German Patriotic Beneficial Society) was organ- ized. A committee was elected for the collection of money, consisting of Eduard Euker, J. E. Fischer, William Euker, W. Wild, C. L. Siegel, G. Klein, Dr. Boldeman, Louis Euker, Dr. Grebe, H. Schmidt, M. Millhiser, S. M. Rosenbaum, G. Hoff- bauer, A. Osterloh, J. Kobbe, I. Preskauer, Dr. Strecker and H. Metzger, and already in the beginning of September one thou- sand, one hundred dollars could be forwarded to the Consul-
278.) "Täglicher Anzeiger," Sept. 30, 1873. Richmond, Va.
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General of Germany at New York. The young German-Vir- ginian ladies of Richmond also evinced enthusiastic sympathy with the glory of the old Fatherland. On September 10th, 1870, Miss Emma Grebe (now Mrs. Cordes) president; Miss Marie Thilow (now Mrs. Rehling) secretary; Miss Pauline Ly- brock, treasurer, and Mr. Heinrich Phillips, assistant secretary, issued another appeal to the Germans of Richmond to furnish money, to be given for the support of the children of German soldiers killed in battle or who died in the hospitals, A "Fair" was arranged by the patriotic young ladies, and they were de- lighted to be enabled to forward through Consul IIanewinkel three hundred and twenty-seven dollars, the proceeds, to the Consul-General, Mr. Johannes Roesing at New York.
The sons of the city of Marburg in Hessia, residing in Rich- mond, collected among themselves about three hundred and fifty dollars as a contribution to the erection of a "Siegesthurm" in the neighborhood of their native city, and they also shipped a nicely polished quarter-stone of Richmond granite for the same monumental structure. Finally, on March 13th, 1871, a grand " Friedensfeier" was arranged. George Klein acted as president and the festive committee was composed of Carl Sei- bert, I. Rosenfeld, H. G. Miller, Wm. Graeser, R. Senf, H. Dom- ler, A. Blenner and E. Kempe. Paul Ketterlinus, editor of the Virginia Staats Gazette, delivered the festive oration from the portico of the City Hall. The torches borne in the procession were then thrown on a pile and burnt while "Die Wacht am Rhein " was sung. Houses and residences of Germans were everywhere decorated and illumined, and at the banquet at Monticello Hall Consul Hanewinkel, Consul Boehmer and Prof. G. A. Peple addressed the partakers.
In 1881 the Germans of Richmond participated in the "Yorktown Centennial." Mr. G. L. Siegel composed a festive march for the occasion. Although Germany had not been the ally of the American colonies during the War of Independence like France, yet it had furnished them several men who ren- dered very important services. Prominent among those German partisans was General von Steuben, - and his descendants, liv- ing in Germany, participated in the centennial festivities as the
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" Guests of the United States." The representatives of the Steuben family were: Colonel Arndt v. Steuben, Captain Fritz v. Steuben, Captain Eugen v. Steuben, Lieutenant Cuno v. Steu- ben, Lieutenant Berndt v. Steuben, Lieutenant Anton v. Steu- ben and the royal high forester Richard v. Steuben. They were invited by their countrymen to Richmond to attend a "Commers at Saengerhall " arranged in their honor. A grand parade marched through the principal streets of the city and several artistically decorated floats of historical character pre- sented its leading feature.
However the most successful of all festivals arranged by the German citizens of Richmond were the celebrations of "German Day " on October 6th, 1890; September 23rd, 1891 ; September 15th, 1893; October 3rd, 1894; September 12th, 1895, and in 1896 and 1897. The enthusiasm displayed by the citizens of German birth or descent on these occasions was al- most unexampled, while an interest hardly less great was shown by the public in general. The newspapers, English as well as German, contained full descriptions of the proceedings. In
1890 and 1891 the "Richmond Dispatch "279) printed the Ger- man oration and the prologue not only in English, but also in German, while in 1893 the "Richmond Times" published H. Schuricht's "Festive Play" in the original, and in 1896 and 1897 the orations of H. Schuricht, von Rosenegk, Dr. Menzel and Dr. Calish.
The last-named paper, with reference to the first German Day, said280) : "These proceedings were such as to inspire our citizens of German blood not only with a warmer attachment to the land from which they originally sprung, but also with a keener devotion to the adopted soil in which they are now so deeply rooted. The excellent influence of such a celebration was clearly illustrated at every point in its course, and that in- fluence will long survive in the Community." - The "Rich- monder Anzeiger" of October 7th, 1890, had printed in large
279.) "The Richmond Dispatch," No. 12,231, pp. 1, 2 and 4. Richmond, October 7th, 1890.
280.) "The Times," No. 2486, p. 2. Richmond, Va., October 7th, 1890.
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letters at the head of its report of the first "German Day ": "Great Success! 8000 participants! The grandest German festival ever held in this city !" - The celebration of 1891 was fully as well attended. The visitors at the festival grounds were estimated at from 8-10,000.
The officers of the First German Day were Alfred von N. Rosenegk, president; IIon. Wm. Lovenstein, first vice-president ; H. G. Miller, second vice-president ; Wm. Felthauss, third vice- president ; F. C. Ebel, fourth vice-president; Carl Ruehrmund, first secretary ; C. T. Loehr, second secretary ; and W. H. Zim- mermann, treasurer. A committee of ladies, of which Mrs. B. Hassel was president, assisted in the arrangements for decora- tion of the hall of the Exposition Building, and also arranged and managed the plays for the children about the grounds. The officers of the " Young German-Americans" were C. F. Kohler, president; John C. Seibert, first vice-president ; A. H. Felthaus, second vice-president; W. P. Klein, third vice-presi- dent; George C. Ditrich, Jr., and A. Vonderlehr, secretaries ; and H. Schott, treasurer. Mr. C. F. Kohler acted as chief-mar- shall and his assistants were J. C. Seibert, P. W. Klein, Henry Schott, Tony Felthaus and G. C. Ditrich, Jr.
The day was opened with the parade of the Young German- Americans, which took place at 9.20 o'clock in the morning. Long before the time to start a large crowd had collected in front of Saenger Hall, where the procession was to form. This building, as well as many residences, was beautifully decorated with a profusion of flags and streamers, bearing the American and German colors, and every window was filled with ladies and girls who were to follow the parade in carriages. The scene was an inspiring one and calculated to arouse to enthusiasm the most staid individual. At the head of the column rode ten mounted policemen. Next followed Chief-Marshall Kohler and Grand Chief-Marshall von Rosenegk with their aides. All of the marshalls of the young Germans wore soft white felt hats and sashes, bearing the German and American colors. The aides of Grand Chief-Marshall Rosenegk were clothed in black suits, silk hats and regalia, and also wore sashes with the American and Teutonic colors. Several of the horsemen, who were all
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finely mounted, bore the flags of both nations. Behind the marshalls followed several young men, who were also mounted, and a squad of twenty-two policemen on foot. Next came Voelker's Band, followed by seventy young Germans, employees of the Richmond Locomotive and Machine Works. Behind these came the young German-Americans, who numbered about three hundred. They carried at their head a handsome white satin banner with the name of their organization printed upon it in gold letters. This was presented by the German ladies of the city. Their uniforms were very pretty and elicited general admiration. Carriages containing the ladies followed in the rear and ended the procession. Along the entire route the side- walks were filled with people, Broad street from Seventh to First being impassable for a short time. The beauty of the procession was enhanced by the magnificent horses ridden by the Germans.
At twelve o'clock the formal ceremonies were opened in the large main building of the Exposition Grounds. On the plat- form were seated Governor Phil. Mckinney, Mayor J. Taylor Ellyson, Members of Congress, the Board of Aldermen and the City Council, Judges, Rev. Menzel, many other distinguished invited guests, the orators of the day: H. Schuricht and Wm. Lovenstein, the Committee members, members of the Gesang- verein Virginia and the Chorus. In front of the platform a space was reserved for the five music bands and below this the front row of seats was occupied by the oldest German citizens, among whom were : M. Kaiser, G. Albrecht, John Lintz, W. Graser, J. C. Lange, J. J. Kuhr, C. Reitz, S. Boltz, C. Wendlinger, F. · Krainzler, A. Bensal and John Does. There were about two thousand chairs occupied by the ladies ; the aisles and galleries were also filled.
After the overture Mr. J. J. Spilling, chairman of the Re- ception Committee, introduced President A. von N. Rosenegk of the German-American Association of Richmond, who welcomed the vast assemblage. Next a selected choir of mixed voices, composed of members of the " Virginia" and a large number of ladies, rendered the "Festive Song," composed by Prof. E. L. Ide, and then Rev. Paul L. Menzel offered the prayer. Next the
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Soldier's Home Band played the " Bridal Rose " overture, and then followed the German and English orations, being replete with valuable historical information and breathing a fervent spirit of patriotism and devotion to the Fatherland and the Union. The orators were frequently interrupted by applause and they were, together with Mr. von Rosenegk, Rev. Menzel and Mr. Siegel, the recipients of beautiful floral tributes. Mr. Schuricht was the special recipient of a beautifully worked banner by Miss Emma L. Brimmer, as a token of remembrance of the occasion. After the execution of several musical selec- tions, Governor P. Mckinney and Mayor Ellyson were intro- duced, who in appropriate terms complimented the Germans of Richmond upon their loyalty, patriotism and love for their native land, and the success of the festival. At the conclusion of the set programme German hospitality was lavishly manifested and the rest of the day was given over to amusements until the grand torchlight procession for the evening was formed.
The climax of scenic effect and enthusiasm was reached, when, after dark, the grand torchlight procession formed in line. The streets were thronged with spectators. Housetops, windows, telegraph poles, lamp-posts, etc., were considered ad- vantageous points for look-out. At the corner of Eighth and Broad streets a large bonfire of the torches was made and amid a grand pyrotechnic display "Die Wacht am Rhein " and the "Star Spangled Banner" were sung by a chorus of thou- sands, and with an intensity of feeling never before exceeded.
The festival closed with a "Commers" at Saenger Hall, which was attended by the Governor and the Mayor of the city. This first celebration of "German Day" in Richmond proudly deserves the adjective "glorious," and the author has given it such a detailed description because, in his opinion, it illustrates the sentiment and influential strength of the Ger- man element in the city. It has also left some useful traces. On January 12th, 1891, the " German-American Association of Virginia" (Die Deutsch-Amerikanische Gesellschaft von Vir- ginien) was organized, to further German immigration into the State, to aid settlers with advice and also pecuniarily, and to cultivate German customs. About three hundred persons joined
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the Association and the officers elected were : A. von N. Rose- negk, president; H. T. Miller, F. C. Ebel, Joseph Wallerstein and H. Mittendorfer, vice-presidents ; Carl Ruehrmund, secre- tary; Ch. T. Loehr, financial secretary ; C. Wippermann, treas- urer; and W. Flegenheimer, J. Strauss, F. Tholl, Hermann Schmidt, Theo. Moecker, J. C. Seibert and F. W. Wagner, di- rectors.
The Association soon gained acknowledgment by the lead- ing Anglo-American citizens. On October 17th, 1894, an " Im- migration Convention " assembled at Richmond and the Ger- man-American Society was invited to be represented by delegates. Rev. Dr. Paul Menzel, as chairman of the delegation, addressed the convention on281) : "The class of immigrants most desired and the sections or countries abroad from which it is most de- sirable to secure them," and his remarks received universal approval.
In March 1891 a branch of this, society, " The Young Men of the German-American Association," was formed and the following officers were chosen: Fred. Koehler, president ; J. C. Seibert, H. Bromme, A. Felthaus, vice-presidents ; Geo. C. Dietrich, Jr., secretary ; E. H. Metzger, financial secretary ; H. Schott, treasurer; A. Dietz, C. Guenther, H. Metzger and H. F. Grimmel, directors. The "German Day " also indi- rectly prompted the establishment of the "Teutonia Club; " Carl Ruehrmund, president; C. Burgdorf, secretary ; F. C. Ebel, treasurer; and also of the "Alert Social Club" of young German-Virginians.
The second " German Day" and the " Theodor Koerner Centennial Celebration " on September 23rd, 1891, was inaug- urated on the eve of the 22nd by an imposing torchlight pro- cession. The programme for the occasion was as follows : Parade of the Young Men's German-American Association to the Exposition grounds, including the German-American pu- pils of the public schools; at 12 o'clock the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Koerner's Birthday at the large mu- sic hall, followed by plays and dancing. The "Koerner Actus"
281.) In print by A. E. Strauss Printing Company, Richmond, Va.
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opened with a musical overture. The rear of the platform had been transformed into a stage282), in front of which and to the right the invited guests and members of committees and to the left the singers were placed. Vice-President Mil- ler and President von Rosenegk welcomed the large audience and bespoke the twofold character of the celebration, and they were succeeded by Hon. Mayor Ellyson, who illustrated the qualifications of Germans as citizens. The speakers were heartily cheered and then the Singers, led by Prof. E. L. Ide, under accompaniment of the orchestra, intonated with grand effect Theodor Koerner's " Prayer during battle," (Gebet wah- rend der Schlacht.) As soon as the applause had subsided, Christian Droste stepped to the front and delivered an ex- cellent biographical speech of the youthful German poet and martyr-hero and happily succeeded to excite the due admira- tion for the patriotism and talent of Theodor Koerner. The Virginia Gesangverein next sang Koerner's "Schwertlied;" then Judge Flournoy made some eloquent complimentary re- marks, followed by the culminating point in the ceremonies. H. Schuricht took the stand in front of the curtain and re- cited a " Prologue " composed by him,-the curtain was raised and amid a group of beautiful exotic plants, on a high pe- destal, the fine plaster bust of the poet, cast by a true friend of the Germans, Mr. Fr. Moynihan, of this city, was exposed to view. In front of the pedestal and on the steps leading up to it knelt " Clio," the Muse of History, the hand raised, engraving on the marble the name of Theodor Koerner, and from the left side " Germania " approached the bust, a laurel wreath in her hands, to decorate the poet's brow. Clio was personified by Miss Lizzie Euker, now Mrs. Dr. Meyer, and Germania by Miss Maria Menzel. When Mr. Schuricht con- cluded his poetical explication of the tableau, the Singers in- tonated the "German Song" or "Das deutsche Lied." The tableau, the prologue and the singing were received with rapturous delight.
This closed the proceedings in Music Hall, and the rest of the day was spent in mirth and gayety. The German News Company had published a Fest-Blatt of "Der Sueden."
282.) "Der Sueden," Vol. 1, No. 39, pp. 12 and 13. Richmond, Va., Sept. 27, 1891.
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In 1892 the observance of the " German Day" was con- fined to an all-day picnic at Blandon Park. The attendance was a large and devoted one.
In 1893 the celebration of " German Day" was arranged by the junior association, in which the senior society participated. It took place on September 14th and was a pronounced success.
Long before 10 o'clock, the hour fixed for the starting of the parade, the German- Americans began to flock to Saenger Hall, their usual rendezvous, while President von Rosenegk as- sembled the members of his organization at the corner of Sixth and Grace streets, from where they joined the column of the parade. A carriage followed, containing " Germania," (Miss L. Wolff), " Columbia," (Miss M. Senf), and " Virginia," (Miss E. Schumann.) The rear was brought up by about thirty aides on horseback.
The procession started shortly after 10 o'clock in the fol- lowing order: Squad of police; chief-marshall and aides ; Presi- dent von Rosenegk and aides; Blue's Band; Young Men's German-American Association ; German Pleasure Club; other organizations ; Social Home Band; members on horseback ; members in carriages and children in wagons.
Immediately after arrival the grounds were turned over to the children, who indulged in all sorts of games and out-door sports. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon all the visitors repaired to the large music hall, which had been tastefully decorated. The Blue's Band opened this part of the proceedings with the march " Wien bleibt Wien," followed by a festive performance or "Festspiel," entitled "Der deutsche Tag im Jahre 1893," composed and dedicated by Herrmann Schuricht of Louisa county, whereupon the entire audience sang "Die Wacht am Rhein."
A. von N. Rosenegk, president of the German-American Association, next delivered an address of welcome. The music played the Oriental Overture and a chorus of eighty children from St. Mary's Parochial School sang " Ich habe mich erge- ben," Prof. C. F. Mutter conducted the singing, while the
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music played the accompaniment under direction of Rev. P. Gregory, S. O. B.
H. G. Miller, orator of the day, was then introduced and delivered an oration on the subject "Objects and Purposes of the German-American Association."
The fifth Celebration283) in Richmond of "German Day," October 3rd, 1894, which was held at Saenger Hall, proved no exception to the rule : that whatever the German-Americans of the community undertake they do well and with genuine en- thusiasm. The day was generally observed as a holiday by the German population.
The festivities commenced at 2 P. M. under the auspices of the German-American Association, the officers of which were as follows : A. von N. Rosenegk, president; HI. C. Miller, first vice- president; Joseph Wallerstein, second vice-president; E. A. Stumpf, third vice-president; Carl Ruehrmund, fourth vice- president ; T. Moeker, recording secretary ; Ch. T. Loehr, finan- cial secretary ; C. Wippermann, treasurer ; directors : J. F. Koh- ler, Peter Stumpf, A. Pohlig, E. Kersten, C. Dunker and M. F. Richter.
The celebration opened with an entertainment for children in the garden of Saenger Hall. The City School Board had or- dered that all German pupils in the public schools be given a half-holiday in order that they might participate in the cele- bration. The grounds had been tastefully decorated and the little ones were quick to crowd them. A happier, healthier set of children were never gotten together.
At eight in the evening, when the second part of the pro- gramme commenced, Saenger IIall was packed almost to suffo- cation ; most of the audience were ladies. The programme opened with an overture by the orchestra; song, St. Mary's Church Choir; addresses by the President and C. Ruehrmund, chairman of the Executive Committee; chorus, Gesangverein
283.) From "The State," October 3, 1894, and "The Richmond Dispatch," October 4, 1894.
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