Neuer Pennsylvanischer Internet: www.germansociety.org Staatsbote Winter 2010/11
Chairman’s Comments President’s Message Our Building Challenge
When I first saw the majestic The fall is quickly coming to a close Like in other German American or- 19th Century building of the German and the Holiday Season is just ahead. ganizations in the Philadelphia area, Society—with its beautiful library— For many of us this is a busy time of our building is our biggest non-human on Spring Garden Street, I was in awe! the year, but also a wonderful time asset. From previous reports, you may I remember that visit well. It was the where we visit and correspond with already be aware of the next steps in day before Thanksgiving in family members and friends. It is also our plan to create a German Society 1999. Gudrun and I had just moved a season where we can count our building that integrates modern im- from Northern Jersey to an apartment blessings. provements with the need to protect in Center City, after our daughter had We at the Society are thankful for the this important historic landmark. beckoned to us with her newly born generous contributions of many volun- During the next several months, we son for whom she needed a babysitter. teers, who give their time, energy and will make preparations for the next Since it had long been our desire to talents to maintain or enhance our phase of renovations, which will live (upon retirement) in a major city programs and activities, and who also take place next summer during the offering a wide range of cultural help us with the necessary mainte- months of July and August. We had events, Philadelphia sounded like a nance and repairs in our buildings. considered the possibility of doing good option, worth trying. We had We were all reminded at our 246th major projects, such as the restroom known all along that at one time that Stiftungsfest on November 6th that renovation, during the winter break city had a very large German popula- some members are exceedingly gener- around Christmas time, but deter- tion. So, we were elated to hear that ous and are very much concerned that mined that a 3 week period would be there was a German cultural institution the Society may continue to live its —Cont’d on page 3 dating back to colonial times. mission and vision for generations to When I tried to find my way to it, not come. yet being familiar with the street pat- Mr. Ulrich Both presented the Society tern of Philadelphia, I got lost some- with a gift of $50,000 to enable us to In This Issue pg. where north of Girard Avenue. I asked start an Endowment Fund for the on- Chairman’s Comments 1 a police officer if he could give me going support of the organization. We directions to Spring Garden will provide more details about this President’s Message 1 Street. Much to my surprise, he es- new Endowment Fund and our plans Our Building Challenge 1 corted me with his patrol car right to for its growth in the next issue of the the door steps of the German Society. Staatsbote. Changing of the Guard 2 After having lived in and around New Our music program will be signifi- Unexpected Generosity 3 York City for most of my adult life, I cantly enhanced with the acquisition Photo Spread of Events 4 thought, "Wow, what a contrast to the of a 7ft Boesendorfer concert piano, New Members 6 Big Apple. What a friendly city!" made possible by a matching grant My feeling has not changed in this from the Barthelmes Foundation, se- Membership 6 respect. Within two years we bought a lected contributions of friends of the Calendar of Events 7 house and settled in our present home our music program, members of the German Unity Celebration 8 on South 17th Street. We have never Board and the generosity of our Chair- regretted our move to Philly. man of the Board, Hardy von Auen- —Cont’d on page 2 mueller. —Cont‘d on page 2 Herausgegeben von der Deutschen Gesellschaft von Pennsylvanien, a publication of the German Society of Pennsylvania Neuer Pennsylvanischer Staatsbote
Chairman’s Comments Cont’d— discussion group, meeting every now President’s Message Cont’d— My first experience with the Society and then, on Saturday afternoon. After One of our goals for the coming year is was rather disappointing. A gig involv- all, it was Otchir Bold, one of to grow our membership, so that we ing a dixieland band from Eastern Ger- our KA attending members, who one might fill our wonderfully restored many was cancelled on very short no- evening expressed an interest in form- Auditorium, the very comfortable Rats- tice. I soon realized that in the non- ing such a group in a private talk with keller or the classic Library space with profit environment things are not al- Tony Michels. From there it “grew its active program participants. If you are ways handled with the same degree of own wings.” still in need of a Christmas present for efficiency as I was used to from my As you may know from the occasional a friend or family member, may I sug- career in the business world. write-up in the Staatsbote, and the gest a Society membership gift? At a At that time, I was still commuting on a regular announcements in the Calendar cost of $ 75 for a family membership, it regular basis from the US to my home of Events, book discussions and read- remains one of the best bargains state of Saxony—as I had done over ings have been part and parcel of around. the previous decade since the "fall" of the KA series. Let me wish all of you a very enjoyable the Berlin Wall. Not wanting to miss As a case in point, at our most recent Holiday Season and all the best for out on the growing up of our grand- session on Tuesday, November 16, 2011. I hope we will be able to spend son, I decided to wind down my activi- Katie Thieck read from her book, and some time together at the Society. ties in Eastern Germany. So, I looked reported on her life in Deutsch Süd- Eine frohe und gesegnete Weihnacht, for volunteering opportunities here in west, now officially known as Ernest D. Weiler Philadelphia. Namibia.
Annke Farago, our Executive Director As of this writing, I am pleased to re- of that time, asked me to participate in port that Maria Sturm has agreed to A Changing of the Guard the monthly Konversationsabend disc- take over the administrative leadership His guiding hand will be sorely missed, ussions and report on the social and of the newly merged conversation and but it is very much understandable that economic changes of Eastern Ger- book discussion group. She will be after ten years, Hardy von Auenmüller many, as I experienced them during the assisted by Helga Halbfass, a regular wants to let go of the responsibility of 1990's. After two such presentations, attendant and contributor to our KA- organizing the Konversationsabende. Mike Masko, the leader of that group, Runde. Both, Maria and Helga, are had to withdraw for personal and pro- serving on our Board of Directors. At the same time, it makes sense to look at possible synergies between the fessional reasons. I was asked to take I am sure their joint efforts will prove KA and the recently established book over. to be highly beneficial to this long es- club – which for now has meant newly During the past ten years, I have tablished German forum. Maybe, on recruiting Maria Sturm from the book guided this monthly German discus- occasion they will ask me to give them club while having Helga Halbfass pro- sion forum over a wide range of sub- a hand. I will gladly do that, if time vide continuity from the KA side. jects—with almost 100 sessions and a permits. As to the immediate future, the book cumulative attendance of about 3,000 Other than that, I am off to Washing- club will have its next meeting on people. While I thoroughly enjoyed ton, where new duties await me at the January 29th, followed by a KA on my time at the helm of this group and German American Heritage Founda- February 23rd. In the future, both the interaction with all the participants, tion, and its recently established mu- events could become more fluid – the I believe the time has come for a seum. change in leadership. KA as a venue for the discussion of May the spirit of this Christmas season untranslated German books, the book At the last Board meeting, I broached be with you and your family through- club as a forum also for non-fiction – this matter and recommended that out the coming year. all suggestions are welcome! the KA forum be merged with the book - Hardy von Auenmueller —Maria Sturm & Helga Halbfass Winter 2010/11 Page 2 StaatsboteNeuer Pennsylvanischer Our Building Challenge Cont’d— The Unexpected Generosity of far too short a time to complete a con- struction project of this scope – par- Ulrich A. Both ticularly considering that we have no We wish to share with you an authentic cant starting subsidy." Thus, Ulrich not backup for these facilities. During the story about a generous long-time mem- only identified the problem, but also planning and investigation phase, we ber of our Society who has been the provided the solution. This is how the discovered many unpleasant surprises inspiration and motivating force of two Elevator Project came about. hidden behind walls and multi-covered very important projects: the Elevator ceilings. This time we will do the reno- Ulrich also prevailed upon his long Annex to our building which makes all time friend and former business part- vation right and start from scratch. floors accessible to any mobility- ner, Hans Trustorff, to join him in this We also discovered, while decon- challenged person, and an Endowment venture. He readily acquiesced. He had structing the Schlaraffia room, that Fund--helping the Society to meet been a frequent visitor to the library there is a need to waterproof the foun- ongoing operational expenses, and and saw that an elevator would facili- dation walls of the building from the assuring that the organization will con- tate those visits. The two partners pro- outside. Continuous water intrusion tinue for generations to come. vided a substantial portion of the funds and humidity are compromising the Sometimes we are oblivious to prob- needed for construction of our Beichl structures behind all wall coverings in lems that beset us until they are Tower, dedicated in the summer of the basement. brought to our attention by others. In a 2009. We are applying for a grant to cover the chance meeting several years ago, More recently, Ulrich Both met with cost for this “dig around the building Ulrich Both, a venerable GSP mem- Ernie Weiler. They discussed various and waterproof it” operation. This work topics, including the need to undertake will be done in sections of 20 to 25 feet several construction projects in the and will start as soon as the basement area, and most importantly to weather allows and grant money be- create an Endowment Fund which comes available. would help assure that the Society's We will also continue to address the past history, and the many contribu- problem of building and visitor security. tions of German-Americans, would be Volunteer workers recently completed memorialized for the future. the new security lighting system. We Just as he responded to Dr. Beichl, have also improved our alarm system Ulrich's immediate reaction was, “How and will install a video monitoring sys- much do you need? And can these tem to discourage unwanted visitors and funds be used as seed money so that monitor who is entering the facility. others may also give to this worthy In addition to the planning for these cause?” larger projects, there is an ongoing need At our most recent Stiftungsfest, on for volunteers willing to fix smaller November 6th, Ulrich Both--joined by maintenance related issues and I would his son, Ron, and daughter-in-law, be happy to see more of you at our next ber, asked Dr. Beichl, "Does the Ger- Donna--presented us with a check for th spring clean up on Saturday, March 26 man Society have an elevator $50,000. This is a most generous gift 2011. yet?" When the response was negative, and a real benchmark for further fund- Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten he simply asked further "Why not?" raising! Rutsch ins neue Jahr wünscht Ihnen Whereupon Dr. Beichl replied, "We Who, then, is Ulrich Both? allen have no funds," to which he received —Cont‘d on page 6 —Tony Michels the rejoinder, "I can get you a signifi- Page 3 Winter 2010/11 Neuer Pennsylvanischer Staatsbote
2010 Summer Camp for Kids Oktoberfest “Meine Umwelt” September 18, 2010
Social Gatherings of Young and Old
The wedding of Florian Zach and Iis Tussyadiah in May German Society Historical Marker Magnets Look for them at our next event!
St. Martin’s Parade for Families
Winter 2010/11 Page 4 StaatsboteNeuer Pennsylvanischer
Keynote Address by Congressman Jim Gerlach on German Unity
A technician at Cunningham Piano Co. putting the finishing touches on our new Bösendorfer
Music at the German Society
Duo Parisienne performed on December 12
Piano Duo, Friederike Haufe and Stefan Ahmels on German Unity Day, October 3
Philadelphia Mummers at the 2010 Karnevalsparty Save the date for this event on March 5, 2011
Keystone State Boychoir singing an African spiritual on October 24
Page 5 Winter 2010/11 Neuer Pennsylvanischer Staatsbote
“The Unexpected Generosity” Cont’d-- prenticeship as a tool and die maker Welcome to the New Who, then, is Ulrich Both? with the German Railroad. After mi- German Society Members grating to Philadelphia in 1952, he was He was born in Johannesburg, Ost- employed as a tool maker by Progres- Dr. Isabel Beichl Preussen (East Prussia) in 1929. sive, and then by Atlantic Manufactur- Jason Berning Ten years before, that province had ing, Inc. Then he was drafted into the Andrew Bielen been separated from Prussia by the US Army, and served two years as cor- Randy and Christine Cheshire Treaty of Versailles, establishing the poral in Korea. Won Jung Choi Polish Corridor. Königsberg, the capital He married Ella Suttmann in 1954, and Elizabeth Fox of East Prussia, was the home of Im- continued his successful business ca- Harold Hazen manuel Kant. reer. Eventually, he founded the Turbo- Daniel Hensell After World War II, that city was an- machine Company in partnership with Bettina Hess nexed by Russia, and became known as Hans Trustorff. Carol Javes Kaliningrad. Patricia O’Donnell Kuhn Thereafter, he established his own busi- Rev. Jay Newlin The character of the East Prussians is ness, U.A.B. Manufacturing, for which Rosemarie Pena well described by Hans Helmut Kirst in he served as President until his retire- David and Mary Shultz his book Deutschland deine Ostpreus- ment. sen. He relates an incident which illus- Rev. Dr. Herbert Snyder Ulrich and Ella have two sons, Ulrick trates the respect that the East Prussians David Szewczyk and Ronald R., and four grandchildren, have for their elders, and their readiness Beata Szpura Rikki Lynn, Luke, Marissa and Eliza- to help them. Gert Thurau beth. Paul J. Triggiani An old gentleman wanted to look at the Ulrich was always proud of his German Ralf D. Wiedemann memorial honoring Kant at a square in roots and became an active member of Linda Wilson Königsberg during one of the busiest various German-American organiza- traffic periods. Cars pulled up, and two tions. Among others, he was President We issue a hearty welcome to all of you men alighted, one guiding the old man of the Tricentennial Bikers which in- and hope to see you at many of our to the memorial while a traffic cop sa- volved a bicycle built for twelve. exciting events scheduled for 2011! luted them. That unusual bike was always the fea- —Sharan Knoell When the old man reached the memo- tured attraction of the Steuben Parade rial, he read aloud what was written in Philadelphia. It had been acquired there, about the two things that filled ATTENTION ALL from a group of residents of Krefeld, Kant with ever new and increasing Germany who brought it here to cele- MEMBERS! admiration and respect: th brate the 300 anniversary of the
founding of Germantown by 13 Krefeld OUR GOAL IS THAT EACH Der bestirnte Himmel über mir families in 1683. OF YOU RECRUIT und das moralische Gesetz in mir The German Society has indeed been (The star-filled heaven above me fortunate to have Ulrich Both as an ONE NEW MEMBER and the moral law within me). involved member who recognized TO THE SOCIETY DURING problem areas of the Society and initi- 2011. ated steps that provided solutions. Every schoolchild in Königsberg knew this by heart. For his most generous support, we are ever so grateful. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS In 1940, Ulrich moved with his family to Hamburg, where he served his ap- -- G. Beichl & Ernie Weiler IMPORTANT DRIVE!
Winter 2010/11 Page 6 StaatsboteNeuer Pennsylvanischer Calendar of Events December Dec. 25—Jan. 2 Closed for Winter Holidays
January 2011 Sat. Jan. 8 Women’s Auxiliary Monthly Meeting in the Ratskeller,10:00am Sun. Jan. 9 “Wister and More!” Series presents Pianist Claire Huangci, 3:00pm Selections include Beethoven, Liszt, and Schumann Jan. 10 - Mar. 31 Winter Session of German Classes for Adults (beginner through advanced) Fri. Jan. 14 Friday Film Fest, “Wir Wunderkinder”, 6:30pm, Shown in German with German subtitles Jan. 15—April 2 Winter Session of German Classes for Children (3-12 years old) Mon. Jan. 17 German Society Board of Directors Meeting, 7:00pm Fri. Jan. 21 Evening in the Black Forest at City Tavern with Chef Walter Staib, 6:00pm Supports the Women’s Auxiliary of the German Society Sat. Jan. 29 Book Club Meeting, 1:30-3:00pm, Books: Niederungen/Nadirs by Herta Mueller and Gemeindekind/Their Pavel by Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach Sun. Jan. 30 “Wister and More!” Series presents American Virtuosi, 3:00pm Selections include Mozart, Francouer, Debussy, Borowsky
February Sat. Feb. 5 Women’s Auxiliary Monthly Meeting in the Ratskeller, 10:00am Fri. Feb. 11 Friday Film Fest, “Effi Briest”, 6:30pm, Shown in German with German subtitles Mon. Feb. 21 Closed for President’s Day Wed. Feb. 23 Konversationsabend, Topic TBA, 7:00pm
March Sat. March 5 Karnevalsparty, 8:11pm Sun. March 6 “Wister and More!” presents the Wister Quartet, 3:00pm Selections include Mozart, Shostakovich, Schubert Fri. March 11 Friday Film Fest, “Romy”, 6:30pm, Shown in German with German subtitles Sat. March 12 Book Club Meeting, 1:30-3:00pm, Title TBA Mon. March 21 German Society Board of Directors Meeting, 7:00pm Sat. March 26 Spring Clean-Up, 10am Sun. March 27 “Wister and More!” presents Delius Society Concert: Lloyd Smith (cello) and Davyd Booth (piano) Selections include Elgar, Delius, and Grieg
April Sat. April 9 Hamburger Abend, 7pm—Save the Date!
Page 7 Winter 2010/11
Celebrating 20 Years of German Unity The German Society of The Start of a New Congressional German American Initiative Pennsylvania On October 3rd, 2010 we hosted a gala concert commemorating the th 611 Spring Garden Street 20 anniversary of German unity. For that event we brought over two very tal- ented musicians, the piano duo Friederike Haufe and Volker Ahmels. Philadelphia, PA 19123-3505 They performed five pieces from various romantic composers whose lives were Phone (215) 627-2332 intertwined in true pan-European fashion. With Volker hailing from Hamburg Fax (215) 627-5297 and Friederike's Dresden family roots, they perfectly symbolized the re- Email: [email protected] unification of Germany. Web: www.germansociety.org Our keynote speaker at that event was Congressman Jim Gerlach. He spoke of his German family roots in Pennsylvania, which have prompted him to organize an initiative in the House of Representatives to foster a greater appreciation of,
and to fortify the German-American connection. A newly established congres- The Neuer Pennsylvanischer Staats- bote is published by the German Soci- sional caucus will serve as an informal, bipartisan group dedicated to maintaining ety of Pennsylvania. The German and strengthening the relationship between the US and Germany. It will empha- Society reserves the right to edit all size the extensive economic ties between the two countries, and draw attention to submissions. the heritage of German-Americans as well as their achievements in building the United States. The official registration information of the German Society of Pennsylvania may After all, Germany is the third largest economy in the world and America's most be obtained from the Pennsylvania De- important trading partner in Europe. Yet it plays hardly any role in the US media partment of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. or politics. Nonetheless, according to the last US census, there are 43 million Registration does not imply endorsement. Americans claiming German ancestry. Thus, numerically German-Americans are the largest ethnic group in this country! —Hardy von Auenmueller