Monthly Progress | October 2013

Volume 68 – No. 10

October 2013 —KIRCHWEIHFESTE—

March music trumpets down the Hauptgasse. The streets are filled with the townspeople and many that have also come from neighboring villages to celebrate and see this spectacle! Sun shines down from the heavth ens on youthful faces of the Kirchweihgruppe as they parade to the Gasthaus! The beautiful PERFORMANCES BY girls are a sight to see in their exquisite pleated skirts and vibrant shawls. At the front of the procession a young man with a smile upon his face leads the Kirchweih ram, just one of the sought-after prizes of the Kirchweihfest! Just behind him the Kirchweih Herr and his KirchThe Beautiful “Rosmarein Strauss” Adorned with Colorful Ribbons wiehmädel march proudly with the coveted symbol of the Banater Kirchweihfest, The Authentic “Spruch” Delivered by the “Geld Herr” Rosmarein Strauss! He holds it up for all to see.

A Cultural Exhibit of German-Hungarian and Banat Artifacts and Pictures The lovely colorful silk ribbons sway back and forth with the beat of the music. The men in Music provided by the – 7:30 to 11:30 pm flowered hats that follow him swing decorated bottles of the new wine! The crowds cheer with excitement as they pass on by. Then with boisterous voices they call and respond to their peers.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9

THE GERMAN HUNGARIAN CULTURAL GROUP

IN BANATER SWABIAN TRACHT Heimatklänge Orchestra

Hot Dinner Buffet – 6:30 pm Adult Tickets - $25.00

“BUWE WAS HAM’R HEIT?”

Children Tickets (6 to age 12) - $12.50 | Tickets for Children 5 and Under – No Charge

and the inevitable answer stirs up strong feelings.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Contact Nichole Deely 215.806.1998 | Kirchweih@ughclub.us CELEBRATING | REMEMBERING

CONTINUING A PROUD TRADITION THE MOST IMPORTANT TRADITIONAL GERMAN-HUNGARIAN EVENT HELD AT OUR CLUB

German Hungarian Kirchweih Group in 1949

“BOYS WHAT DO WE HAVE TODAY?”

“KERWEI!” The German-Hungarian People The vivid picture that I aim to illustrate is that of a Banater Kirchweihfest (sometimes written and spoken as Kerwei). In order to educate you on the Festival of the year we must first take a trip to the lands of the AustroHungarian Empire. The countries that are today Hungary, Serbia and Romania were once ruled and populated by ethnically German people that were settled there as far back as the 1700s by the Emperors and Empresses of the German and Austrian realms. While the most popular term for these people today is “Donauschwaben” they go by many names.

German-Hungarians or Ungarn-Deutsche is a slightly older term that relates to the people being ethnically German but living in AustroHungarian lands. The Banat is a region of these lands that many came from and is the region my ancestors came from. It is the Kirchweihfests of Banat that I grew up learning about.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 2)

September 2013

Monthly Progress

Page 2

—STEUBEN PARADE NYC—

—KIRCHWEIHFESTE CONTINUED—

On the weekend of September 21st a few of our members were able to attend and take part in various festivities of the German-American Steuben Parade in New York as part of the Philadelphia Delegation.

Susi and Joe Hartmann attended the Gala banquet on Friday September 20th at the Hilton Hotel along with Philadelphia Parade Chairman, Thomas Markow and the 1st and 2nd Princesses of the Philadelphia Cornflower Court, Jessica Hagmaier and Mikayla Appell.

On Saturday Werner and Michael Fricker as well as Jim Schwartz of the GermanAmerican Police joined the delegation. They attended the Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Following the celebration of mass, they moved onto 70th street where they awaited their time to join the parade as part of division 7. Based on the route of the parade and their place in the line-up they were lucky to see a large portion of the parade go by before it was their time. Once making it through the grandstand and to the close of the parade, they said farewell to some members of their group before walking onto the heart of Central Park for the Oktoberfest.

The members of ours were happy to report that they saw many friends from the New York area clubs and had a wonderful time both at the parade and the following fest. The Spitze band and Die Schlauberger performed at the Oktoberfest to a sold out crowd. The fun did not end there because along with some other friends they made their way to the NY Hofbräu Bierhaus where they closed that evening.

On Sunday the two Hartmanns and the two Fricker men met at the Plattduetsche Park with Bob and Kim Walter for the Ohmpahfest that featured Bands from Germany as well as Alex Meixner, Die Schlauberger, the Polka Brothers and the Austrian Boys.

Again they saw and had good times with many Friend before coming back home to Pennsylvania!

The Origins of the Kirchweihfest These German people who settled the Banat carried with them their memories their allegiances and their faith and traditions to this new land. Here they worked to build flourishing societies in various villages and cities. With them they also brought the ancient German celebration of the Kirchweihfest which is celebrated across Europe in many cultures! Literally meaning “Church Consecration” the festival has its “Kirchweih Zug” – F. König roots in the religious. Each town had a Church and a patron Saint. Most often the town Kirchweih could be celebrated on or near the feast of the Saint. They would celebrate a mass as well.

Traditions did vary from town to town though many were similar. The Kirchweih was also a village festival that celebrated the town and its people. Some were multiple days going as far as celebrating and entire week. They celebrate the harvest and success of the year. The new wine was a large part of the celebrations and many households also slaughtered a spanferkel (small pig). They danced and sang as well as ate and drank. The local band played music and the Gasthaus was certainly open.

The young people were essential to these events. It was the unmarried men and women that dressed up and processed. Some villages wore the traditional Tracht while others adapted having the Kirchweih couples dress in more modern suits and gowns. The men collected money to pay for the celebrations and they would often raffle or auction off the Kirchweih ram, a hat and a scarf, and of course the desirable Strauss.

This Strauss is a rosemary bush that is decorated with ribbons. It symbolizes fertility, health and life-creating power. The winner of these prizes were blessed with good luck and fortune for the whole year. Some towns in addition to the Strauss erected a Kirchweihbaum at the center of town. Similar to the maypole it was topped with more rosemary and often danced around.

The Kirchweih Herr or “Geld Herr” was most often elected from amongst the men. He would be the leader that year and he would speak at the celebrations. They spoke about God, their forefathers and the town and its people. They would speak about the fest and the meanings of its celebrations.

Kirchweihfest today in America The German’s of Banat, and a number of other places brought these traditions again with them when they came to America. They re-created their traditions and harkened their memory back to their homelands. When they organized clubs, they celebrated these fests as the highlight of their yearly calendars. Across the United Stated and in Canada, German, German-Hungarian and Donauschwaben clubs still celebrate the festival of Kirchweih. It is the most important tradition that they continue to hold on to. Most often these events while they remain true to tradition have gained a newer and deeper meaning than they did in the home land. The next generations have taken hold and have been educated about their past and their culture through these events. The parents, grandparents and great-grandparents that remember the Kirchweihfest when they were children gain a twinkle in their eyes. They see the men marching in their flowered hats. They smile at the beautiful handmade Tracht that the even more beautiful girls wear. They tap their feet to the music and applaud the dancing. Tears of joy and of memory flow down when they see the Geld Herr take his place atop a table with the Rosmarein Strauss in hand so he can open his mouth and say the “spruch” reminding them of where they are from and how far they have come. It is the young people who re-create this with a vigor and a love of their culture. There are plenty of opportunities in North America for you to have this experience as well. In the fall Kirchweihs take place in Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario in Canada and right in the heart of Oakford in the Keystone State of Pennsylvania. Join us on November 9th for the German Hungarian Kirchweihfest; celebrating, remembering, and continuing a proud tradition!

Michael Fricker

Some Festive Flags at the Steuben Parade NYC

EDITOR’S NOTE: This piece entitled “Kirchweihfeste” was published on the main blog of German Information America, www.germaninfousa.org. With it was printed a list of Kirchweih events from across North America.

September 2013

Monthly Progress

—PETER SCHOCK—

Founder and President

Have you ever made a discovery? Have you ever, as a result of your own curiosity, stumbled upon some item, idea, or fact? Was it incredibly interesting, previously unknown and seemingly right under your nose for some time? Recently the German Hungarians did!

Names of men and women have been remembered by our club because of the impact they have had on our development, our social culture, our successes and even our failures.

Read the many issues of The Monthly Progress or glance upon our history books to find those names dotted throughout the details of the text. Names like Frank Follmer, Werner Fricker, Ted Kereczmann, Frank and Teresa Kirsch, John Mayersfeld, Rudy Rack, John Weber, Susi Welsch and Andy Weyershaeuser come to mind just to name a few. There are, of course, many more. They will be forever in the identity of who the United German Hungarians are.

There are other names which are written in our histories, though over the years we have forgotten or lost information about them. Until the near end of the summer of 2013, we knew very little about Peter Schock, the man who was elected President of the Banater Männerchor in 1910.

“The suspended section met three days later on November 16th to discuss its future and it decided to form the BANATER MÄNNERCHOR. A temporary eight man board of directors was appointed for a three month period. Peter Schock was elected President.” (United German Hungarians written history) Those five words are the only words ever written about Mr. Schock in regards to our club.

Why is someone who held such an important position and played an important role in our founding not given more space in our records? Why do we not know anything else about him? The answer to that question is that by 1913, just two years after the founding of our club, Peter Schock, founder and president, was in another city and was quite busy founding another club!

The Discovery Always the history minded that I am, I searched the website of the Detroit Carpathia Club for their history. It was a simple plan with even more simple motives. In August the GermanHungarians would be traveling to that club for the Landestreffen der Donauschwaben. I am always interested in the histories of clubs and it pains me all the more when fellow clubs fail to keep and make available accurate records of these things. That being said, when I see the link to club histories on websites I try to make it a point to at least glance at them. The page opened. I read over the title and its many subtitles. “The Carpathia Chronicles” under which read, “Part 1: Genesis” in italic face. There was an immediate familiarity with that. Anyone who is well versed in our histories in our souvenir books will remember a similar titling “Genesis” followed by “Development” before “Metamorphosis” and “Renaissance” in the history from the 1972 50th Anniversary of Sports and Soccer. (Interestingly some of those legendary names listed above are among the writers of that history.) It gave me that feeling “similar wording, similar clubs” but I did not expect it to go any further.

Reading the first paragraph a name stuck out. You guessed it, Peter Schock. It was familiar; it sounded like someone I had heard of.

“The date was January 5, 1913. In the German community of Detroit’s East Side, the wind howled through the streets, adding a chill to the already bitter cold Sunday afternoon. But inside Beecher Hall on Michigan Avenue, a roaring fireplace provided warmth for 57 men who had gathered in response to an advertisement published in the "Detroiter Abendpost", a prominent German newspaper. The ad called for the creation of a German-Hungarian Singing Society and anyone interested was invited to attend. Now, they sat in the room, listening attentively to the man who spoke; the man responsible for the summons, Peter Schock.” (The Carpathia Chronicles. Part 1: Genesis) (CONTINUED ON PAGE 5)

Page 3

—DANCING AROUND— On September 26th, our dance group made their way to South St. in Philadelphia for the fifth annual Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest. We have performed at this venue twice before, the first was the fourth annual Oktoberfest, and the second was their first Maifest. This time, we were especially excited because we knew what to expect. We danced four sets, each dispersed between our band, the Heimatklänge. It is a really cool experience to see such a large group of people embracing the German culture.

Throughout the day, many people asked questions about our costumes, asked us for a picture with them, and we even got the occasional, "I'll give you twenty bucks for that hat!" Some of the dances performed were Schnacklewalzer, Figurentanz and three of our boys did the Holzhacker. We have a great relationship with the owners of the restaurant and they enjoy our music and dancing.

We were also asked to perform the next day at the Reading Terminal Market Wursthaus Schmitz Oktoberfest. It is a small area, so we only brought two couples to perform. These couples were Alex Blank and Mikaela Malofiy and John Reiter and myself.

After performing, we had the chance to explore around the market and spend a few hours there. It was overall a good weekend and we can't wait until next year's Oktoberfest on South Street!

Karina Fricker

—43rd STEUBEN PARADE— A group of German Hungarians attended the yearly Steuben Parade Banquet at the Cannstatter Volksfest Verein on Friday September 27th. Our very own past President and Board of Governor Werner Fricker Jr. served as Master of Ceremonies.

The following Saturday morning some participated in the Ecumenical Service at Saint Mathew's Catholic Church before joining the rest of our club members at the Brown Elementary School to line up for the parade. The Steuben Day Observance Association always does its best to have our club placed near the beginning of the order so that we can still participate and get back to our own fest. With the HK Orchestra on our float, the German Hungarians represented our culture with pride. As always the fellow clubs and organizations also march with festive colors and excitement! Rumor has it some grand improvements coming to the parade.

More information will be forthcoming!

German Hungarian

September 2013

Monthly Progress

Page 4

SCHOCKTOBERFEST

Halloween Party

SATURDAY OCTOBER 26th

6-10pm | $5.00| Children 12 & Under Free | All Ages Welcome DJ | prizes for best costume | food & drink available for purchase

COSTUMES PREFERRED

Women's Auxiliary Holiday Penny Party WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 13th $3.00 | Doors open at 6:30pm | Numbers called at 8pm | includes coffee and cake

Reservations are a must | call Emily at 267-470-4828 Set Up - Tuesday November 12 at 10am

Donations of new or unused items are appreciated

Celebrate Christmas With Us! Club Christmas Party SUNDAY DECEMBER 15th Entertainment and Nativity Scene featuring

UNITED GERMAN HUNGARIAN CULTURAL GROUP Special Visit from SANTA!

All Are Welcome!

MORE INFORMATION TO COME!

September 2013

Monthly Progress

Page 5

—PETER SCHOCK CONTINUED— Where had I seen that name before? I continued reading. The second paragraph gave me a tiny feeling of possibility, a small shred of a clue that led me where to look next.

“Schock considered himself an "Ostschwabe", or "East Swabian", having migrated from Austria-Hungary’s eastern frontier to Philadelphia, before making his home in Detroit. He had been witness to the all too often harsh treatment of his fellow Schwaben by the numerous singing societies and other organizations prospering in Detroit’s booming German ethnic community of the time.” (The Carpathia Chronicles. Part 1: Genesis) I almost would not have caught it if I was not looking for it. It was interesting; he came to the States where he arrived in Philadelphia first. Now my thought was, maybe he was a member or even just a patron of the club. His name could have been in an ad in one of our books. So I went digging. I went digging electronically as I was away from my paper copies at the time. I started with the latest book, from the 100th Anniversary. It has the most up to date history covering 100 years. Reading the opening page there it was the name I was looking for. He was our first president.

Wait could it be? Was this the same Peter Schock? Do any of my elders already know this information or did I just make this discovery? These and many other questions populated my mind. My eyes rushed and read over the parts of our history again! Then I ran back to the Carpathia chronicles. I tore through the first few paragraphs. It was coming together now. Peter Schock, Banater Männerchor, Philadelphia, Detroit, Carpathia club; what did all this mean? Now I reached the sixth paragraph where it all would come together.

“Few things kindle human resolve more than not being fully appreciated as an equal and, according to writings by Schock’s associate Peter Gänger, ‘...Schock would not have been Schock had he not mustered his entire oratory skills to remedy the unpleasant situation which had befallen the Detroiter Ostschwaben’. It was no wonder that, on this memorable afternoon, with unanimous consent and enthusiasm, a new Singing Society was created with Peter Schock as its first President. The Society called itself the ‘GermanAustrian-Hungarian Singing Society’, and within days, established a constitution and elected its first board of directors.” (The Carpathia Chronicles. Part 1: Genesis) Now there were too many coincidences not to be sure. Their club, the Carpathia Club, was founded as a singing society much like ours.

In addition, its name was similar to what would become our name. It was not until the next year, in 1914 the club, after a split with another group, rebranded itself the Carpathia Club.

I was convinced. I knew too much was the same. I had to tell someone. I had to find out. I called my father who was possibly more excited than I. He informed me of a list that existed in our 25 th Anniversary Book from 1936. The book contains a list of our founders along with their whereabouts. One did not have to read far to find what we were looking for. First on the list: “Peter Schock, 434 S. Lakewood Str., Detroit, Mich.”

Now we knew. This was previously unknown truth. It was a piece of the puzzle that brought the name of Peter Schock back into the identity of the German Hungarians in a big way. We could now be proud of an aged but new-found connection to the Detroit Carpathia club.

We could now construct this story. Peter Schock comes from Austria-Hungary to the United States in the early 1900s. He arrives in Philadelphia where he helps to found the Banater Männerchor along with a number of other men. They gathered in Fred Schnabel’s Saloon and named an eight man board. He is elected President of the organization and they name August Beuchse as Musical Director.

Sometime in the next three years he moves to Detroit. With the founding of one German-Hungarian Singing society under his belt he put out the call to form another one in his new home city. Many of whom have been persecuted; having been considered the lesser “Volks-Deutsche” gather inside Beecher Hall. The cold of that night was mirrored in the feelings of these people. The history eloquently states, “a roaring fireplace provided warmth” from the winds that “howled through the streets, adding a chill to the already bitter cold Sunday afternoon.” On another level, the connections and the purpose of this meeting warmed them as well. It was the Peter Schock who “mustered his entire oratory skills to remedy the unpleasant situation which had befallen the Detroiter Ostschwaben.” The heat and I’m sure the drink warmed their bodies, but Schock’s vision warmed their hearts. Out of this came what would become the Carpathia Club. It grew to succeed with seeds that go all the way back to 1910 in Philadelphia.

We shared this with the key people of our club and we waited for the day we would make this reveal at the Carpathia club in Detroit.

The Revelation At the end of the German-Hungarian Czardas music, our dancers ran waving from the floor under the great tent at the Carpathia Club in Detroit. It was Sunday, September 1st and we planned to make a presentation to our host club. With our supporters in tow and our leaders at the forefront we gathered with the leaders of their club who were able to spare a few moments from their hard work of running an event of that magnitude. On the patio outside their members bar, President Galgon opened the presentation by thanking the club for their hospitality. We presented them with a wood carved plaque as a congratulatory gift for their 100th Anniversary. Along with our two club shields were inscribed the words “In Recognition of Our Friendship through Soccer, Song and Dance.” They were very appreciative and thanked us for our attendance as well as our hospitality when we hosted the Landestreffen in 2010, when we were the hosts of the 2010 USASA National Cup Finals of which they were a finalist team and our hosting of the 2011 Landestournier Soccer Tournament.

As I did the research and made the discovery, our club leaders left it to me to make this revelation about our origins and connection to Peter Schock as clubs. So as all eyes turned to me and I told my little story you have read here. Luckily I had their vice president and friend, Mike Talan to put words into my mouth earlier that weekend.

Before we made this presentation Mr. Talan said to me, “When these two clubs come together,” he paused and patted his hand over the patch over my heart and then over his, “This emblem and this emblem are like sisters. Only good things come.” It was perfect and I knew that was the way to open my story. In an instant our already strong relationship was that much stronger. I think needless to say they were glad to know this new information and I hope happy to be as my father put it our “Patenkind.” Of course we were then ushered into the bar for a schnapps under the toast of “Welcome Home Family!”

Michael Fricker

September 2013

—MAJORS CORNER—

Monthly Progress

—135th OKTOBERFEST—

Page 6

—SCHNITZEL NIGHT— Every first Wednesday of the Month - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Record as of 10/7/2013: (1-3-0)

A fairly healthy crowd on Saturday and a comparable one on Sunday left this GermanNovember 6th & December 4th Hungarian feeling rather content with our A delicious schnitzel dinner including two Bavarian Style fest. side dishes plus a salad, bread and butter, Of course the “our” I refer to is that hostand coffee or tea are served for the price of ed by the Bayerischer Volksfest Verein and $10.00 for adults the United German Hungarians. We, our two $5.00 for children. clubs, host this event together. We share Dessert and drinks are available for purchase because in many ways we are partners as clubs. There are always little speed bumps or —BAYERISCHER ECKE— what seem to be disasters but when we pull Herbst Tanz—Saturday, October 16 back in retrospection we realize may not UPCOMING MATCHES with the Joe Weber Orchestra have been so big. And we also handle them OFFICIAL USL OF PA MATCHES BVV Ladies Penny Party Sun. Oct. 13 — at Phoenix Sport Club, 341West well (usually.) This is a testament to our clubs Wednesday, October 23 at 6:30pm and our members.

Bristol Rd. call Thea at 215.464.5564 A huge thank you is in order for all the Sun. Oct. 20 — vs. Ukrainian Nationals at the GH members and officers of both the BayerBunter Abend—Saturday, November 16 Sun. Oct. 27 — vs. Erzgebirge at the GH ischer Volksfest Verein and the German Hunwith the Emil Schanta Band *All United League games are at 2:30pm unless garians for a fest that was successful. Thank —FOR PURCHASE AT THE GH— otherwise noted. Cups begin in the fall and take You again!

As with any team, the endeavor will always have some growing pains when players and team dynamic change. We can be assured that the team is working hard to build and move forward. Commitment and common goals are being stressed to move toward a united team striving to be successful.

Though they may seem to be off to a slow start, the German Hungarians can always use your support on Sunday!

precedent. Games listed are subject to change.

—GH FURY WOMEN— Record as of 10/7/2013: (4-0-0)

The German Hungarian Fury Women are off to a great start to the season! Having won their first four games they are currently in first place in the women’s division of the United Soccer League. It is always interesting to see familiar faces from within the club playing on our first teams! Recently Michelle Paul, member of the Cultural Group and longtime club member, joined the GH Women’s team. Good luck to the team and all the players in the season!

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Roster as of 10/2/2013: Lauren Arcury Jen Burke Brianna Costello Kelly Diviny Stephanie Ferretti Lindsay Fisher Seraphine Hamilton Katie Helkowski Ashley Jones Megan McCaffrey Kelly Norton Michelle Paul Kerriann Prinz Lauren Rutter Brittany Shields Devon Swain Whitney Weinraub

UPCOMING MATCHES OFFICIAL USL OF PA MATCHES Sun. Oct. 6 — at GH Dragons Sun. Oct. 13 — at Philadelphia Flames, Whomsley Field, Riverside NJ Sun. Oct. 20 — at Vereinigung Erzgebirge, Warminster PA *All Women’s Division Games are at 12:00pm unless otherwise noted. Games listed are subject to change.

—IT’S TOUGH BEING US— On long weekends that are long not because they have an extra day or two but because they are packed with the action excitement and fun of the fest, it’s easy to say "It’s tough being us."

Between the hard work and the performances of the dance group you may find time to have yourself a nice meal and a beverage before strutting right back into the kitchen, the bar, or the stage.

But on the final night as your friends seem funnier, your cocktails seem tastier and each musical track seems to grow more and more familiar you realize just that. "It is tough being us!"

We have it so bad! Oh fiddle sticks, I have to spend two full days with my 100 plus best friends! Darn it!

I hope it is obvious that I’m being facetious. IT’S GREAT BEING US! President of the Bayern club, Alex Paraker said at the Oktoberfest this year, "It’s like a big family" The night owls gather in the clubhouse bar for some last minute fun and relaxation after the fest. In the corner some men may gather around to sing a "Schönes Schwowisches Lied.” And they sing it well. Across the bar the young and the young at heart are engaged in interesting and exciting conversation. The boys are telling jokes over their Williams and women are dancing with joy.

It is tough being us and we couldn't be us without us. We are who we are.

So thank you for being US! Michael Fricker

A compilation of German Recipes of the people of the United German Hungarians. $15.00 Kirchweih Fest: A Danube Swabian Celebration from Europe to America $25.00

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 Müller-Guttenbrunn, now translated into English! $22.00

Millions Cried… No One Listened: You will receive 6 distinctly different DVDs covering a wide range of history the Eastern European German Expulsion following WW2. An Ann’s Films production.

Available for purchase at the Schnitzel Nights as well as the Kirchweihfest in November.

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