USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > A History of the city of Newark, New Jersey : embracing practically two and a half centuries, 1666-1913, Volume II > Part 59
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CHAPTER XVIII.
THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS OF THE GERMANS IN NEWARK.
THE NATIONAL GERMAN-AMERICAN ALLIANCE AND ITS PLATFORM-ORGANIZATION OF THE NEWARK BRANCH-CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST GERMAN DAY --- BENEVOLENT AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS-THE GERMAN HOSPITAL-THE GOTTFRIED KRUEGER PIONEER HOME-THE GERMAN BETHANY HOME FOR THE AGED-OTHER SOCIAL AND BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS.
Within recent decades the Germans have made a successful attempt at uniting all the German clubs, societies, etc., into one large national organization. £ This organization has grown into the National German- American Alliance (Nationaler Deutsch-Americanischer Central Verein), which includes societies in every city, State and territory of the United States where there is a German population. The membership is about one million and one-half. The purposes are plainly stated in the platform of one of the early conventions of the society. They are as follows: To
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increase the feeling of unity in the German element of the United States; to pursue worthy aims which do not run counter to good citizenship; to cultivate a spirit of cordiality between America and the Fatherland; to investigate the history of the German immigrations and their influences in America. The purpose is not to found a German State within the United States, or to meddle with party politics, but to defend principles, even if they be in the political field. Questions of religion are to be excluded. The German language is recommended for introduction into the public schools; also the cultivation of the body (a sound mind must dwell in a sound body)-gymnasium work. Public schools are to be divorced from politics and to be totally removed from political influences. Germans are exhorted to become naturalized citizens as soon as possible, and never to fail in or neglect their duties as voters. Opposition is to be made against laws which put needless difficulties in the way of obtaining the rights of citizen- ship (character and reputation to stand above the ability to answer test questions). Opposition is planned against restriction of the immigration of Europeans in good health, with the exception of the criminal classes. The repeal of laws which run counter to the modern spirit is to be striven for, viz., such as to restrict free communication (Sunday laws) and the personal liberty of the citizen (prohibition legislation). Additional aims are: The cultivation of German influence and literature by means of schools, lectures, etc .; investigations of the Germans' share in the history of the United States in peace and war, together with all phases of German- American activity. Such are the main features of the platform of the German-American Alliance. The object on the whole is to preserve and unite what is best in German culture and character and devote it to the best interests of the adopted country. The principle, therefore, which Carl Schurz and Friedrick Muench proclaimed for the Germans in America, namely, that they become American citizens as quickly as possible, without, however, surrendering their ideals and character-has won in our own day. The old fantastic schemes of building separate German states, or influencing American politics for selfish interests, have been buried forever.
The question of joining this central organization was discussed by the Newark Germans in a small circle as early as the summer of 1901. A speech made by Representative Richard Harthold, of St. Louis, Mo., at a directors' meeting of the Northeastern Singing Association, in Washington, D. C., gave the first impetus to the founding of the Central Society (Central Verein). The result was a meeting of delegates from twenty-nine societies, which, on June 17, 1901, determined upon the temporary organization of the Central Society. On the third Sunday in December, 1891, the first general meeting was held, and the permanent officers were elected, namely: Messrs. C. C. Lie- nau, president; Wm. Krause, vice-president; Ferdinand Herder, treasurer; Max G. Grossmann, recording secretary; Noah Guter, corresponding secretary; Gustav Wolber, financial secretary. To-day the Alliance includes practically
It the entire German element. The society has achieved much success. has procured gratuitous, legal aid for needy Germans; it has made possible German dramatic productions and it has supported, with word and deed, every movement which concerned the entire German population. Its most important achievement, however, is the celebration of the German Day- Der Deutsche Tag-which it brought about.
If, in the celebration of German Day in Newark, the Germans have availed themselves of a little of historical license, to the extent that they have transferred the festivities to the verdant, blooming May time, whereas
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the first German settlers set foot on the shore of this country on October 6th, and it is in commemoration of this event that the celebration is dedicated.
The first German Day, which was celebrated here on Sunday, May 18, 1902, in Bay View Park, was a marvellous success. The programme of the festival was in keeping with the significance of the day. President C. C. Lienan welcomed the visitors in an excellent speech, in which he briefly traced the origin and development of the local branch of the German- American National Federation.
Professor Marion D. Learned, of the University of Pennsylvania, deliv- ered the oration. He pictured in it the German immigration into America and what it did for this country. Splendid vocal selections by the United Singers alternated with the speeches, and a gathering of the German families closed the first day of the celebration. The second day brought an exceed- ingly enjoyable public and children's celebration. Especially the children's choruses' rendition of "America" and the "German Hymn," which resounded under the leadership of Mr. Carl Heller, immediately after Governor Murphy had finished his short speech, had an effect and made a noticeable impression upon all. Amid the gay songs of the singing societies, music, dancing and social intercourse, the celebration came to an end.
To-day, 1913, after an existence of about twelve years, the National Confederation stands like a mighty German oak on American soil. No gaily hued plant, but a gnarled trunk, which spreads its roots farther and farther among the Americans of German descent and German blood. This mighty movement has already penetrated into thirty-four states and the time is not far distant when a united German-America will exist under the banner of the National Confederation.
The work of the National Alliance can hardly be expressed more beautifully than has been done by Franz Heim, when he told of it to the Germans of another land:
Not war and not weapons, nor blood shed in hate, Only faith, valor, striving, early and late; To cherish our heritage with joy in our heart, The trees of which we, as leaves, are a part.
To the crown's smallest branch aid to afford, Let that be our pride and that our regard; And then will posterity honor our lot, What the root promised, the leaves ne'er forgot.
In practically every city where Germans dwell in large numbers, phil- anthropic institutions are established for the care of their sick, the orphans and the aged, and frequently the privilege of entrance is not restricted to persons of German blood or speech alone. Newark's Germans have not been remiss in this regard.
Probably the first society in our city (as has been stated) was formed at the beginning of the year 1833. It was the "Deutsche Gesellschaft zu Newark" (German Society of Newark) which, as its name indicates, was to bring about a close union of the Germans of this city. Its object was mutual aid.
THE GERMAN HOSPITAL.
The largest German philanthropic institution is the German Hospital. The first effort to found a hospital was made in 1857 by organizing the Newark German Hospital Association. The founders of this society, Louis
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Greiner, Jos. Christl, Ferd. Welir, John Schnellbacher, Gottfried Rippel, Jacob Wendell, Leopold Graf, F. D. Rumpf, C. F. Seitz, C. F. Gotthold, Chris. Staehlin and A. Neigert, signed the deed of foundation. In April, 1869, the land at Bank and Newton streets was acquired and thereupon the construction of the hospital, which was to cost $25,000, was immediately begun. On September 14, of the same year, the cornerstone was laid. This day had been chosen because it was the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Alexander von Humboldt; a day in commemoration of one of Germany's most famous sons, one in whom German science and culture had found one of its most brilliant representatives. In 1887, a new wing, costing $37,000, was added. Since its erection the income has been about $400,000, but the outlay, on the contrary, has been over $415,000; since figures speak an unmistakable language, it is evident that even to-day a burden of debt rests upon the hospital. The patients who have been admitted since its opening number over 20,000. Differences of race, nation- ality or religion have no influence upon the admittance of a patient to the hospital.
About 17 years ago the directors recommended the establishment of a training school for nurses, and Mrs. Christine Trefz generously contributed the means for the establishment of such a school. The dedication of the building took place on November 30, 1895.
THE GOTTFRIED KRUEGER PIONEER HOME FOR THE AGED.
Situated in a beautiful and healthful region, shaded by splendid old trees and surrounded by a large garden and many fruitful acres, lies the "Gottfried Krueger Pioneer Home for the Aged," founded by Mr. Gottfried Krueger at a cost of about $30,000, at a meeting of the German Pioneer Society (founded in 1884). On October 28, 1889, the institution was incorporated and on May 30, 1890, the opening of the Home took place. Gov. Abbett and many State, county and municipal officials were present. The first board of directors consisted of Messrs. Gottfried Krueger, presi- dent; John Otto, vice-president; F. C. Adler, recording secretary; John Herpich, financial secretary; Julius Stapff, treasurer. At this opening of the Home for the Aged, Mrs. F. C. Adler, president of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Pioneer Society ( Pionier Frauen Verein) agitated the question of the founding of a Home for the Aged Women, a proposal which found such great approval that on that same day $2,400 was subscribed. The cause was energetically furthered and, thanks to the liberal contribution of Mrs. Trefz, and to the soliciting of contributions carried on so successfully by Mrs. Eugenie Kirchhoff, Mrs. John Otto and other ladies, the new Home for Women could be opened on October 2, 1892. The officers of the Pioneer Frauen Verein at that time were: President, Mrs. F. C. Adler; vice-president- Mrs. A. Autenrieth; secretary, Mrs. Elise Weller; financial secretary, Mrs. Anna Maria Schlenker; treasurer, Mrs. Geiger.
THE GERMAN BETHANY HOME FOR THE AGED.
The need of an institution in which old people, especially Germans, could find, in their declining years, a Christian home and physical as well as spiritual care, was long felt in the circle of the German-Evangelical parishes of Newark. In the fall of 1900, steps were taken to Interest all the German "Evangelleal clergymen and congregations In the city and vielity in this undertaking. In February, 1901, the land and building on
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Park avenue, near Stuyvesant avenue, Irvington, were purchased for $6,500, and on October 9, 1901, the dedication of the Home took place. Especially worthy of praise, for his share in the founding of the Home, is Pastor Dr. Seibert, who also contributed a very considerable sum. The institution has done much good and has offered many people a home in which they could pass their declining years free from care.
The number of lodges, social organizations and mutual aid societies, whose membership is exclusively German, is very large. There are three German Lodges of Free Masons, Diogenes Lodge, chartered in 1852; Schiller Lodge, organized in 1865, and Germania Lodge, organized in 1870.
The Wine, Fruit and Horticultural Society, with a clubhouse at 15 Newark street, was organized for the furtherance of gardening and the cultivation of the vineland and fruit. The Technical Society, which is affiliated with the German-American Technical Association, has a member- ship which consists entirely of men employed in the different branches of applied science. The Gottfried Krueger Association is a social and political organization, with a very fine clubhouse on Belmont avenue, and with a large membership. The Plattdeutsche Verein and the Pionier Verein, the latter consisting of Germans of at least thirty years' residence in this country, are social organizations and very popular. Old soldiers who have served in the German Army during the German-French War have organized the "Post of Veterans, No. 1870," a mutual aid society. Other organiza- tions of old German soldiers are Landwehr and Krieger Kameradschaft, and the Deutsche Militaerverband.
Besides these societies there are a large number of well-conducted sick and death benefit and mutual aid associations in existence. They have done much good, have alleviated much misery, and have protected families from extreme destitution. Some of these societies have long since passed the quarter century mark.
The Germans of Newark have always taken a decided stand on all public questions and affairs, be they of home interest or of importance to the world at large. This was done with particular emphasis when England warred with the Boer Republic in South Africa. Under the leadership of ex-Judge Wilde, Sheriff Lehlbach, Mr. B. Prieth, Mr. Gustav Lehlbach, Major Carl Lentz, and other interested citizens, an organization was formed. A large number of meetings were held and over $1,000 was collected for the relief of the widows and orphans of the brave men who fell in defense of their homes and hearths.
The mass meeting on June 22, 1900, when the Boer delegates, Messrs. A. Fisher and C. H. Wessell, spoke, was a very impressive demonstration.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE INTENSE INTEREST THE GERMANS IN THIS COUNTRY FELT FOR THE CREATION OF A NEW GERMANY.
EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY FOR THE GERMAN ARMY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR OF 1870-71-THE NEWS OF THE BATTLE OF SEDAN ENTHUSIASTICALLY RECEIVED-THE WAR FOR THE UNIFICATION OF GERMANY AND THE FORTY- EIGHTERS-THE GREAT PEACE CELEBRATION-THE WORK OF THE LADIES' AID SOCIETY IN THE INTEREST OF THE GERMAN SOLDIERS WOUNDED IN THE WAR-THE GERMAN PIONEER JUBILEE.
No foreign event has found such an enthusiastic echo here as the struggle for German unity, which was waged on French soil during the years 1870 and 1871.
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On Sunday evening, July 17, 1870, a large number of Germans assembled in the Turn Hall on Plane street to express their sympathy for the German nation in its struggle against Napoleonism. Dr. L. Greiner was chosen chairman, and Dr. C. F. Lehlbach, secretary. Then a manifesto was read by Dr. Lehlbach, which was adopted with stormy applause and cheers.
The news of the magnificent victory at Sedan aroused great exultation. It was on Saturday morning, September 3, that the report of the capture of the French Emperor and his entire army was first circulated by extras of the "Freie Zeitung" and then by extras of the American press, and its effect was absolutely stupefying. Like a thunderbolt it fell upon the popula- tion of our city. Everyone had awaited with anxious hope the result of
the battle, which had raged for three days. The New York "World," as late as Saturday morning, had definitely announced a complete victory for French arms, and the "Times" had spoken of the trap into which the German Crown Prince had fallen. People were, it is true, prepared for a German victory, but the capture of an army of 100,000 men, after a great battle in the open field, surpassed the boldest dreams of the most sanguine patriots. However, all doubt disappeared when all later dispatches con- firmed the contents of those which had arrived first.
Nothing else was discussed the entire day. Whoever possessed a Ger- man flag, raised it. Every street corner in the more populous part of the city was the rallying point for eager war discussions, and in the afternoon and evening there were just as many mass meetings as there were cafés, and the toasts of a victorious, united and free Germany could find no end.
One of the most noteworthy events of those never-to-be-forgotten days was the enthusiasm with which the "Forty-eighters," who had found an asylum on American soil, espoused the cause of the old Fatherland. The injustice which they had suffered was forgotten, and with unwearied devotedness they made the German cause their own. They followed the call of their hearts, and felt instinctively that the great moment had come which was to bring to realization the ideal for which they had fought and suffered. And so we then saw a General Sigel, a Carl Schurz; in Newark, Pastor Lehlbach, Benedict Prieth, Dr. Ludwig Greiner, Franz Umbscheiden, and others, all the old fighters for freedom of the "storm and stress period," enter the lists with pen and word for the Fatherland which had disowned them.
But the people did not content themselves with merely celebrating the German victory; each one did what he could to alleviate the terrible mis- fortunes of war, and the women in particular distinguished themselves in this work. A number of them gathered together in Dramatic Hall on Friday, July 22, 1870, and formed a Ladies' Aid Society, after Mrs. Ottilie Gerth, in a brief and convincing address, had set forth the aim, namely, the assisting of the Germans who had been wounded in the war. A society was organized and chose as president, Mrs. Gerth; as secretary, Mrs. Eurich, and as treasurer, Mrs. Wiss. By April 18, 1871, no less than $10,137.31 had been sent by the society to the Fatherland for German soldiers wounded in the war, certainly a very considerable sum for the Germans of our city, who, at that time, were by no means wealthy. May the occasion for such self-sacrifice never return.
The mighty national storm, which at the time of the war passed through all the provinces of the old German Fatherland, made itself felt here and was manifested in the celebrations which were held everywhere in honor of the formation of the German Empire. And in this, too, German modesty and discretion were evident in their full scope. In several cities, New York
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in particular, the plan was agitated at the conclusion of peace, of instituting a triumphal celebration, but this idea justly met with strong opposition, and so a peace celebration was preferred. A celebration of the victory would necessarily have offended the French living among us, whereas a peace celebration could have a conciliatory effect on all sides
The peace celebration was distributed over two days. On the eve of the festivities, Monday, April 7, 1871, the Society of Women Patriots, whose president was Mrs. Ottilie Gerth, held a preliminary celebration in the opera house. Vocal and instrumental music and orations composed the programme. But the climax of the evening was the tableaux, in the pre- sentation of which no less than forty young ladies took part. The tableaux consisted of three pictures. The first portrayed the old Germany of 1866. In the foreground one saw "Austria" and "Prussia" fighting, while the smaller states were grouped on both sides in accordance with their political bias. One saw "Germania" in the background, bowed down, enveloped in mourning crape, and at her side "Rhenus" (Father Rhine). From the distance Napoleon III viewed the conflict. The second picture represented the "Watch of the Rhine"-"Germania," with all her states, in battle array, mighty and powerful. The third picture represented the new Germany in 1871. In this tableau "Germania" appeared as gigantic in size and at her side, in addition to the German states visible in the preceding pictures, stood the two children, long lost, but finally found again, in Alsace and Lorraine.
The German inhabitants of the city decorated their houses and places of business for the celebration, and appropriate poems were not lacking. They were characteristic of the sentiments of the time.
The celebration which took place in the evening in the rink will never be forgotten by those who were present. The spirit which ruled these thousands of Germans, who, on Tuesday, April 18, 1871, filled the great hall of the rink from top to bottom, could not be better characterized than by the immortal words of Lincoln: "With charity for all, with malice toward none."
Dr. F. Greiner delivered the oration, in which he alluded in powerful words to the great events which were being enacted in the old Fatherland, and at the same time drew for his hearers a picture of the future of the newly-created German Empire. Dr. Julius Bruck read a festival poem, composed by himself, and then Pastor F. A. Lehlbach, Dr. F. Ill and Fidel Schlund gave stirring addresses, in which these three "Forty-eighters" extolled the men, who, by their endeavors at that time, had prepared the way for the formation of the German Empire. Mr. Benedict Prieth, in a toast to German-Austria, said this country would in the future break the fetters of slavery, just as the doughty Tyrolians had fought against the Corsican. "The Watch on the Danube" would be the watchword of the future, he said. The rest of the speeches were: "The Children of Ger- mania, Whom We Believed to Be Lost, But Who Have Been Found Again- Alsace and Lorraine," by G. Lorenz; "German Science and Art-the German School; Destined to Rule the World," by J. P. Huber; "The City of Newark," by Mayor Ricord; "German Women," by C. Schwarz; "The German Army Recruited from the People," by Dr. M. Kuchler; "The American Press and its Position in the Franco-Prussian War," by Dr. S. B. Hunt, editor of the "Daily Advertiser."
Other great peace celebrations were held by the Germans in Orange, Paterson, Rahway and New Brunswick. Nevertheless, the greatest demon- stration, and it had to be so because of the number of participants, was the
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peace celebration in New York. Never had there been such a festive pro- cession there. A description would lead us too far afield; it must suffice to quote the opinions of a prominent English newspaper concerning the demonstration. The "New York Herald" called the demonstration "the greatest spectacle of our century"-"the greatest, most magnificent and most imposing city fete which has ever been seen in this city or this part of the world."
That all these demonstrations made a more than ephemeral impression and suggested the thought of making them bear fruit was, after all, only to be expected. Therefore, it came to pass that the Central Committee for the celebration in New York attempted the founding of a permanent federa- tion among the Germans in America; i. e., wanted to found a centre and a vital organization, having its root in a common nationality-regardless of political partisanship, religion or other differences of opinion.
Yet this endeavor led to no lasting results and three decades had to pass before the thought, lying at the basis, was rehabilitated, and this time energetically executed. However, before the formation of the German- American National Confederation and the celebration of German Day are mentioned in more detail, it is but fair to mention an event which might, to a certain degree, be regarded as a precurser of the later German demon- strations, namely, the celebration of the "German Pioneer Jubilee" in com- memoration of the landing of the German settlers on American soil, under Franz Daniel Pastorious, in 1683. The local celebration here of the "German-American Pioneer Jubilee" on October 8, 1883, was indeed a brilliant and effective demonstration, which was celebrated by a splendid parade and by exercises at the Union Park. A citizens' committee, at whose head stood Mr. W. H. F. Fiedler, had issued a proclamation, inviting all German-Americans to participate. The call was promptly answered and the following gentlemen were chosen as officers: President, Wm. H. F. Fiedler; secretaries, F. Kuhn, Jos. Knorr and H. von der Heide; vice- presidents, C. Kniep, F. Kirchmayr, C. Lentz, Dr. Kuechler, C. Thiersch, G. Krueger, J. Wegle, C. Selemeyer; treasurer, C. Schumacher. The celebra- tion was brilliant and everything passed off in the best possible way. In the procession arranged with artistic skill, there were eighteen splendidly decorated floats, which represented Scenes from the history of the country and the immigration and many bands. The expenses amounted to $4,996.28, but since opposed to this there had been an income of $6,288.06, this left a balance of $1,221.78, which was expended for benevolent purposes.
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