Monthly Progress | October 2012

Volume 67 – No. 10

October 2012

Inside this issue: Kirchweihfest

2

Majors Corner

2

Schocktoberfest

3

Dancing Around

3

German Pride

4

GH Fury Women

4

Rocktoberfest

4

Penny Party

4

Schedule of Events October, 27 Shocktoberfest A Halloween Party for all ages!

November 10 German Hungarian Kirchweih

The most Important Traditional German Hungarian Event!

November 14 Women’s Auxiliary Penny Party

Reservations: Emily Fricker at Em at 267-470-4828

December 16 Christmas Dinner & Cultural Group Performance

Join us for this special event of Christmas cheer featuring our Cultural Group, a special Nativity scene and a visit from Santa.

Hot Dinner Buffet – 6:30 pm PERFORMANCES BY THE GERMAN HUNGARIAN CULTURAL GROUP

IN BANATER SWABIAN TRACHT Music provided by the

HEIMATKLÄNGE ORCHESTRA – 7:30 to 11:30 pm

Adult Tickets - $25.00 Children Tickets (6 to age 12) - $12.50

SCHNITZEL NIGHT

Tickets for Children 5 and Under – No Charge

(First Wednesday of each Month)

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

5:30 to 7:30 PM Wednesday, November 7th Please contact Kathi Galgon

at 215-542-0868 for reservations or information.

Call Nichole Deely at 215-806-1998 or Email us at Kirchweih@ughclub.us

October 2012

Monthly Progress

Page 2

THE PHLADELPHIA KERWEIHS

As I have stated before, one of the first things I can remember is my father telling me, in his Banater German Dialect, “Mir sin Deitsche Leit, von Ungarn.” Of course, as a little girl, I really didn’t know what that meant. I actually thought I was “dutch”. Later as I understood, he told me about his village named “Botschar” and of a wonderful three day festival that they celebrated each year. This festival called a Kirchweihfest, was celebrated in Botschar on the Saturday before the feast of St. Katharina of Alexandria which is on November 25th. The church in Botschar was also named for St. Katharina.

Upon arriving in the United States in 1921, my parents lived in the neighborhood where a great many of the “German-Hungarian” people lived. This was in an area near Front Street, Girard Avenue, Tenth Street and Lehigh Avenue. Later, when I was born we lived in West Oak Lane and as typical Americans, we celebrated all the holidays that kids love to celebrate throughout the year. However, since we were “German-Hungarians” we also celebrated “Kerweih”.

As I recall, and I am recalling more since I started to write this article, what I call the “Kerweih Season” began in September with an outside celebration at a place I felt was really “out in the country” called Neshaminy Falls. This is presently our clubhouse located in Oakford. My father was a baker and worked every day of the week so my mother and I were either driven by relatives or friends. This was not the only Kerweih we attended. There was a fest called the “Bogaroscher Kerweih” and since my Aunt Anna was from this village our family attended . It was held in Philadelphia at a large clubhouse which we referred to as “The Banater” located at 2nd and Norris Streets.

The Sacred Heart Church, which was a Hungarian and German church located on the east side at Master and Masher Streets, owned a hall which I think was on Germantown Avenue and also held a Kerweih. This was the “Botscharer Kerweih” because the Parish cook was from the same village as my parents. This celebration was the most important to my family. All our relatives and family friends attended. We all got fancy new clothes and these were also for the Christmas season.

The “Andreser Kerweih” was held by the “Gewerbe” located at 2nd and Huntingdon Streets near Lehigh Avenue before Thanksgiving. In later years, when the Gewerbe Gesangsverein closed, this Andreser Kerweih was celebrated in our new clubhouse. Most of these clubs or groups also had another Kerweih called “Allgemeine” which meant the celebration was for the general public since the others were celebrated for a certain village. Of course, everyone was welcome to attend all the festivals.

When we were teenagers, the German Hungarian Sport Club Dance Group participated at a Kerweih at a club in Hilltown on Limekiln Pike. This club was also called the German Hungarian Sport Club and a few years ago some of our members stopped in there and spoke with some locals and they said they didn’t know anything about that club’s history.

The Banater Arbeiter Verein, from which our original members broke away to form the Banater Männerchor, also held a Kerweih. I never attended one there, however, a woman from that club and from my parent’s village, lent me a Banater outfit when I first danced in a Kerweih. I believe these were older members (not as old as I am now, but not as young as my children), who participated as Kerweih couples.

The Donauschwaben club in Philadelphia also held a few Kirchweihs in days past.

There may have been other Kerweihs held in the Philadelphia area but I either was not aware of these or never attended. My parents did tell me that when they came to Philadelphia, there were a few other German-Hungarian groups but they did not have a clubhouse and soon gave up.

Our club, the United German Hungarians has continued to celebrate Kirchweihfests throughout the years. From 1975 to 2001 we held a three day festival with was a huge success. Our German Hungarian Dancers not only performed the ancient Kirchweih dances each year, but performed a colorful Musical Revue for 20 years. In 2002, our Kirchweih was held on a Sunday afternoon in September in our Picnic Grove and in 2006 the decision was made to move our Kirchweihfest from September to November and from an outside event to an inside one. This continues to the present day. Our Annual Traditional German Hungarian Kirchweihfest will be held on Saturday, November 10 th. Information is on page one. Our Kirchweih couples still carry the Kirchweih Strauss, a rosemary bush decorated with colorful satin ribbons. The girls still wear their white pleated Banater Kirchweih skirts with their beautiful fringed shawls and the boys still wear their black vests and decorated hats and they still have the enthusiasm that the early villagers had as they dance and cheer.

We invite all to attend and support not only our club but our Youth who still strive to remember and honor the customs and traditions of their ancestors who long ago lived in a far off land; a land that has forever changed over the years. As far as I know, we are the only club in our general vicinity that still celebrates a Kirchweihfest. Kirchweih is still celebrated in many places throughout the world. Won’t you join us at our celebration? ef

MAJORS CORNER GH vs. Predators Match Report Sep. 24, 2012

The German Hungarians played against the Predators in our home opener on Sunday September 23rd as a part of the 134th Oktoberfest. The final score was a 3 -1 loss. German Hungarian Uche Onyedor scored one goal on a penalty kick.

GH ties at West Chester in 2nd game of the Season.

Sep. 17, 2012

The German Hungarians, in the second week of league play, played at West Chester. On September 16th at Delacy Soccer Park the GH kicked off against the West Chester United Majors and the game went scoreless for 90 minutes. West Chester finished in the league last year in second place, and the GH came in right behind them.

GH wins in 2nd Home Game.

Oct. 1, 2012 The German Hungarians played against Donauschwaben on Sunday September 30th at 2:30pm in GH Beneficial Stadium. The final score was 5-1 in favor of the GH. Goals were scored by Uche Onyedor (25th), Mike Pio (31st, 57th), and Wayne Grasela (87th, 88th)! This was the first win this season after ties against both VE and West Chester and a loss to the Predators.

GH Currently in 2nd Place Oct. 22, 2012 The German Hungarians tied against The Ukrainian Nationals on Sunday October 14th in Horsham. This tie marks the fifth game of the season. On October 21st the GH came out with a 1-0 win over the Predators. The GH is currently in 2nd place in the League.

The Cup draw comes out this week and Cup games will begin soon!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

01.| Phoenix SC | 9 pts. (3-0-0) 02.| German Hungarians | 9 pts. (2-3-1) 03.| Vereinigung Erzgebirge | 8 pts. (2-2-0) 04.| Predators | 8 pts. (2-2-2) 05.| West Chester United | 7 pts. (2-1-3) 06.| Ukrainian Nationals | 5 pts. (1-2-1) 07.| Danubia SC | 0 pts. (0-0-5) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPCOMING MATCHES OFFICIAL USL OF PA MATCHES Sun. Oct. 28— vs. Vereinigung Erzgebirge: at the GH Sun. Nov. 4— vs. West Chester United: at the GH Sun. Nov. 11— at Danubia SC: Southampton Road Sun. Nov. 18— at Phoenix SC: Bristol Road *All United League games are at 2:30 unless otherwise noted. Cups begin in the fall and take precedent. Games listed are subject to change.

German Hungarian

October 2012

Monthly Progress

Page 3 DANCING AROUND

SCHOCKTOBERFEST Halloween Party

H.B.ENTERPRISE, INC.T/A HATBORO BEVERAGES

Beer-Porter-Ale-Stout-Soft Drinks-Ice Large Draft and Imported Microbeer SelectionFine Imported Cigars 201 Jacksonville Road, Hatboro, PA 215-675-1078

MONTHLY PROGRESS founded by Ted Kereczmann† in 1946.

Published by The United German Hungarians of Philadelphia and Vicinity 4666 Bristol Road, Oakford, PA 19053 Phone: 215-357-9851 Fax: 215-357-1560 Web Site: www.ughclub.us President: William Galgon, 1641 Loretta Avenue, Feasterville, PA 19053 Publicity/Editorial: Emily Fricker, 654 Manor Drive, Horsham, PA 19044 267-470-4828, ehfricker@hotmail.com

The German Hungarian Cultural and Schuhplattler Groups have been very busy lately! The Schuhplattlers rocked our dance floors first this season at our own ROCTKOBERFEST performing among others the Holzhacker, and the fünfer tanz! Then they spent two days right at home at the 134th Oktoberfest!! They kicked things off marching proudly down Frankford Avenue for the German-American Steuben Parade, where they performed at the grandstand. With dance sets all day at the club and hard work put in by all in the kitchen, bar, and everywhere else they made sure to fit in some fun as well and as always. Over the festivities of Oktoberfest the dance groups were able to achieve a great feat. Under the direction of Susi Hartmann, Cultural Group Chairman, the dancers provided entertainment displaying an incredibly significant portion of their extremely extensive repertoire.

On September 29th the GH Dancers were at Brauhaus Schmitz with the Heimat Klänge dancing for the masses on South Street.

The weekend of October 6th is always a busy one for the dancers. Being the national GermanAmerican day, proclaimed by Ronald Reagan in 1983, the phone of our chairman are often ringing off the hook around that time! The evening of Thursday October 4th a group entertained the Tacony Lodge of Masons. The next evening a group of dancers spent their Friday together with HK at the Princeton Elks Lodge. Finally on Saturday the sixth, our dancers and the HK performed at a block party in Mt. Laurel.

Saturday October 13th took them to Mercer County NJ, for the Cultural Festival. Our group was one of many dance groups and bands that participated.

Hungarian, Chinese, Polish, Italian, German, Caribbean, and many more cultures were represented.

These above anecdotes are only the most recent in Dancing Around. There are all sorts of events, jobs, and fun things to come before we close out the year. Look forward to seeing the Kirchweih Group on November 10th at our club. This is our most traditional and important event and the dancers intend to prove that to all of you.

As a club member I often think about how we present ourselves on the stage that that is outside our own membership. An active member of the Cultural Group has the privilege to represent their club not only locally but, in the entire Mid-Atlantic region and sometimes even further. Where ever they go, you as members can trust that they carry our name high and with the proper respect. The best thing they can do to uphold our reputation is to have fun. I’m sure they will continue to do that!

Mischka

October 2012 GERMAN-AMERICAN PRIDE I would be shocked to hear of anyone who calls themselves German, but has never marched or for that matter never enjoyed marching. Its something in our blood, when we hear that 2/4 March time music our feet just follow that beat. Even when we are standing still, you can look around and see German feet stepping in place.

There is not more concrete evidence to this truth, then two young German-American boys, not more than five years old, stopping their play and arguments when Alte Kameraden begins to play on the living room stereo. The march music churns up these feelings of pride and the feet move along without hesitation. To march is a necessary part of being German. We march together. We march in to a dance performance. We march ourselves into any event we hold or attend. We march to get where we are going. We march to show where we have been.

We march to show who we are. Most importantly we march to show our Pride in being German-Americans. We should all march because we enjoy marching. We should all march because we feel that pride. We should all march because we need to stand up and say, “We are German-Americans. This is our Parade. And we are here to show Pride in our People. We will march!” I was given a translation of a passage titled “The Character of the Karlsdorf People.” This was written in the Karlsdorf book that is like my father’s bible. The passage ended with this statement about the Karlsdorfers, “people liked to see them, and they also liked to be seen.” I believe this is true of all people of Germanic descent. We need to be seen.

We need to support the German American Steuben Parade by marching together in the parade. Those of you who can’t march anymore should be there watching! The group that does attend faithfully every year always has a good time. We need to march with pride and show our city that we as Germans exist. And so we march.

Michael Fricker

Monthly Progress DEFENDING PA STATE CHAMPIONS

Page 4

The German Hungarian Fury, one of two Women's Major Teams at the club, are off to a good start as defending PA State Champions. Neshaminy High School and Rutgers alum, Ashley Jones of Feasterville has already scored 8 goals in just 3 games. Ashley was a standout forward for the Division 1, Big East Conference, Rutgers Scarlet Knights and ranks 7th All-Time in career game winning goals for Rutgers. The GH Fury play at home in the stadium this Sunday, October 28th.

Games begin at Noon. It's a great opportunity for our youth girls teams and players to see some very good women soccer players.

Mike Gilligan More information here: http://www.unitedsoccerleague.us/teams/52136708/19628994-52136795/TEAM.html ROCKTOBERFEST by Franco Sicilia There is sometimes an unspoken battle between the two (although there are many more than two) sides of our club. From the outside you have your soccer people and your cultural people. After 5 years I am glad to say that I fall somewhere in the middle.

I have always loved Oktoberfest; the food, the drink, the bands, and the dancing. Rocktoberfest was born out of simple means and reasons. Why not have a third day on the Friday night before the Oktoberfest with an American band. Not a bad idea. Rocktoberfest has been more recently tasked with finding a way to bridge the gap and create a new brand for all our “Club People”! It was attached to Oktoberfest for many years and this fall was decided to try something new, move it to a Saturday. Have two bands, one inside and one outside and invite the community to come see what makes the German Hungarians special. It was a gamble that paid of with over 700 adults on the property. So many new faces enjoying the club, the grounds and music by the Kirko Brothers outside and Bigg Romeo’s 9 piece dance band inside.

Joe Reiter serenaded the crowd on accordion as the Schuhplattler group delighted everyone young and old.

It was an amazing evening and I am very proud to be a part of the German Hungarian family as we continue to spread the word to the area that we are here and have so much to offer everyone.

Women's Auxiliary Holiday Penny Party Wednesday, November 14th, Doors open at 6:30 PM; Numbers called at 8 PM; Ticket Price is $3.00 and includes coffee and cake; Reservations are a must; call Emily at 267-470-4828 Set Up - Tuesday November 13 at 10 AM Donations of new or unused items are appreciated.

SOCCER SHORTS Congratulations to our Under 10 Boys Lightening who achieved runner up in the YMS Columbus Day Weekend Soccer Tournament. Good work, boys!

Books for purchase at the GH A compilation of German Recipes of the people of the United German Hungarians in celebration of the 100th anniversary of our founding.

$15.00 Kirchweih Fest: A Danube Swabian Celebration from Europe to America

$25.00

GH Archiving Committee is looking for Photos: The German Hungarians are always looking to preserve our history and our culture as a club. We will accept donations of German Hungarian Memorabilia, Photographs, and Documents. It is not necessary for us to keep your items. We are looking to document them, by taking pictures, scanning and researching them. If any members have historical items that they are willing to lend for these purposes please contact Michael Fricker at 267-736-4390 or at mfricker92@hotmail.com

The Great Swabian Migration: Learn how and why the Donauschwaben settled in their new homes along the Danube in the epic historical novel by Adam MüllerGuttenbrunn, now translated into English!

$22.00 Available for purchase at the Schnitzel Nights in both November and December as well as at the Kirchweihfest in November.