Peoria German American Society

My Great Nieces Dressed up in Trachten
Peoria German American Society
Weekly Update May 25, 2015
Link to our website for more details of all events and more:
www.peoriagermans.net/index.html
News of Interest From You
If you have news you would like to share with the other members please send it to me no later than
the Friday before. Since much of the content is carried over from week to week during the month,
all new, updated, or urgent content will have the main header in RED. This will make is easier for
those of you who are extremely busy to see the changes from week to week.
Feel free to forward this update on to your family and friends! Thanks in advance!
For those of you who would like to share your comments on any of our activities please use our
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/German-American-Central-Society-Inc/111237502243602
Editor’s Comments:
Women’s World Cup Soccer Coming in June
Watch your in-basket for dates the Lindenhof will be open for soccer fans to enjoy
watching the Women’s World Cup Soccer!
http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/fifa-womens-world-cup
Peoria Bachfest
The Peoria Bachfest begins on May 31st. For those of you who love classical music
by a German composer, you may want to check out one of the events during the
week long festival. http://www.peoriabachfestival.org/
For additional information or to help support this year's festival, please call
(309)676-4609. A number of music videos are available on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP56YAdOQe16nPO6r0liMSw/playlists
Publicity and Media
Yearbook—2015-2016
Yes, it is that time of year to start soliciting ads for the yearbook. New this year. Folks who sponsor
an ad will also have their ad posted on one or more of our Facebook pages.
We distribute 2000 copies throughout the year at Oktoberfest, our fests at HG and at the Lindenhof.
Assuming we get the same ads for the front and back covers, we have one inside back page
available. If you have any questions, please contact Judy Slankard 692-9688.
Forms are now available for members to use to for soliciting businesses. Please, as you patronize
businesses, take a yearbook with you and ask if they would consider putting an ad in our book.
This Week's Calendar of Events:
May 29: Beef Rouladen or Jäger Schnitzel
Spaetzle or Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage or Sauerkraut
Al’s Pals
June 5: Zigeunerschnitzel (Gypsy Schnitzel) or Pulled Pork
Au Gratin Potatoes or Spaetzle, Sauerkraut or Mixed Vegetables
Wilanna Vogel on the Accordion
We accept Cash and Checks Only!! Sorry For Any Inconvenience.
All meals are $12 for adults and $6.00 for children. Includes Salad, Bread & Butter. Desserts $2
Extra. Children 5 and Under - Complimentary Hot Dogs!
Please call the Lindenhof and leave a message as to how many you will have in your
party if your party exceed 6 or more people. 309-691-7484
7601 N. Harker Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61615 by Green Finish Line Ford (309) 691-7484
PUBLIC WELCOME
DANKE!!!
The Lindenhof Committee would like to say "thank-you" to Sharon Ferguson for her wonderful job
repainting "Herr Lindenhof". It is greatly appreciated. Also, to Jane Klockenga for her wonderful job
with the landscaping. She devotes a lot of time to make the Hall look beautiful! Thank you too to all
of the members who volunteered and contributed to Chef Bob's benefit. It takes a lot of special
people to keep everything running! God Bless!
Future Dates:
Damenchor Lifetime Member Luncheon – June 2
Damenchor annual Lifetime Member Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at the Lindenhof
starting at 11:30AM. Lunch will be served at 12:00PM. All Damenchor members are invited. This is
always a nice day and a great way to honor our lifetime members who have given so much to our club
over the years. If you would like to attend or to help out, contact Pat Emery at 699-3338.
Damenchor and Harmonie Meetings, Wednesday, June 3rd at
The Lindenhof! 6:00 pm for dinner - 7:00 pm meetings
This meeting will be held at Hickory Grove!!!
Sport Verein Meeting Thursday, June 4th at 7:30 pm The
Lindenhof
GACS Board Meeting, Monday, June 8th 7:00 pm at The
Lindenhof!
Sommerfest at Hickory Grove!!!
June 13th and 14th
Noon to 8 both days. Saturday will feature local contemporary bands. A sandwich line will be
available to go along with our great German Beers.
Sunday will be our traditional German Picnic with German food and entertainment.
Sommerfest kicks off the first of four great German Fests at Hickory Grove. This event is one of
Sports Verein's main fund raisers for the year and helps SVP fund many of our activities. If you are
available this weekend please feel free to volunteeer - contact Tom Franken 256-3170 or Nate
Eisfelder 370-4019 to work at the event.
With 350 members in the club it is very hard for us to determine who is interested and available for
working at one of our events unless you contact one of the chairman, especially those of you who
have joined since last summer. We will need help with the bar, the kitchen, and the shooting tent.
Also, on Saturday morning we need plenty of help peeling potatoes for our fabulous German Potato
Salad!
I'm also looking for a few volunteers to help with the Publicity and Media tent at the front gate. If you
like chatting with new people, then I have a job for you!
Please contact Glenda Franken if you would like to work in the kitchen on either day.
All workers will receive a dinner and beverages for your efforts.
Rock’n Wurst Saturday June 13th – noon to 8 PM
Rock, blues and pop music is featured this day along with Bratwurst sandwiches!
Entertainment: Asbury Fox from 1-3:30 pm. Ed and Judy from 4-8 pm
Bags Tournament – $20 per team. Registration from 1-3 pm. Tournament begins at 3pm.
German beer and wine and other beverages will be available along with a sandwiches: Brats, Heidelburgers,
and hot dogs.
German Fest Sunday, June 14th – Noon to 8 PM
A traditional German Fest is on Sunday.
Sunday features a German Car and Motorcycle Cruis’n from noon to 5:00 pm. Anyone with a German car or
bike is encouraged to participate. Admission is free. The driver or rider will receive a coupon good for one
beverage or sandwich.
Also our Arts and Crafts Village offers a variety of handmade items from local handy crafters. A German gift
tent will be open offering a number of imported items from Germany for sale. Many of these gifts are the
perfect gift for Father’s Day!
Al’s Pals and the Vogel Musik will be playing German music in the afternoon along with the Lindenhof Echos,
our Alpine Horn Group.
Other activities will include: soccer, folks dancing, and a shooting tent. Air gun shooters have the opportunity
to earn prizes. A playground is available for the kids along with face painting.
If anyone is interested in practicing their German, we will have a German speaking only table beginning at 1
pm.
Complete dinner available on Sunday as well as a sandwich line. Food served on Sunday includes:
Schweinbraten (roast pork), Bratwurst, Heidelburgers, Hot Dogs, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, and
dessert.
Tracht Consignment Sale at Hickory Grove
Something new for the fests at Hickory Grove! The Publicity and Media Committee
will be providing folks with the opportunity to sell and/or purchase used German tracht
– German clothing.
Anyone who wants to sell any item of German clothing at the event will need to drop
off the item at the publicity and media table at the front gate the day of each fests. On
each item of clothing please pin a piece of paper with the price, the size of the item,
and your contact information.
If your item is sold, the Publicity and Media committee will keep 10% of the sale.
Any unsold item needs to be picked up by the end of the fest unless other
arrangements are made with Jeff Pulfer.
The Weinstube will be converted into a changing room for folks to try on the clothing.
2015 Sportverein Schützenball – 6/27/15
Who: Everybody interested in enjoying traditional German Gemütlichkeit
What: German Food, Drink, Music, Dancing, etc.
When: June 27th, 2015, doors will open at 5:30 PM with dinner beginning at 6:30 PM
Where: the Lindenhof, 7601 N. Harker Drive Peoria, IL 61615
Why: to celebrate our Schützenkameradschaft in the German Tradition
Music and dancing with from around 7:30 – 11:30
Prices: Schuetzenball - $15.00 per person for dinner and dancing
Dinner will be a buffet including 3 meat dishes, side dishes and dessert
For those of you WITHOUT e-mail accounts contact Paul Bishop at (309) 243-9323 by June 20th.
For those WITH e-mail accounts we will be posting a link to make reservations on-line using Google
Docs. Please use this link to make your reservations also by June 20th.
Make checks payable to Sportverein Peoria and leave them at the Lindenhof - Sportverein President’s
mail slot, or mail them to:
Paul Bishop, 838 W Singing Woods Rd Edelstein, IL 61526
Schuß heil!
Paul E. Bishop
Breakfast in the Park
Saturday, July 4th
Sponsored by Harmonie.
From 9:00 am
Harmonie is doing the cooking so you know it will be
awesome!
This is a member and their guest only event!!
Donations accepted! Feel free to bring something to share
Volksfest, Sunday, July 5th at Hickory Grove Park
Featuring the return of Eddie Korosa!
On Sunday, July 5th, 2015, the Peoria German-American Society will be hosting their annual
Volksfest at Hickory Grove Park from noon to 8 pm - Free Admission and Parking. This is a family
friendly event.
Volksfests or People’s Fests began in Germany. There is typically at least one Volksfest in many
larger German cities each year. Stuttgart is considered to host the largest Volksfest in the world.
German emigrants to the United States brought the tradition of the Volksfest with them. The Peoria
German American Society has hosted a Volksfest at their club grounds since the 1930’s.
Entertainment by: Ratskeller Brummers, Lindenhof Echoes, Peoria Volkstaenzer, and Grammy Nominee,
Eddie Korosa from Chicago..
A Classic Car and Motorcycle Cruis’n runs from noon to 5:00 pm, featuring cars, trucks & motorcycles made
prior to 1990. Both domestic and import vehicles can participate. Entry is free. The driver or rider will
receive a pass good for one beverage or sandwich.
We will also be hosting a Fine Arts and Craft Village featuring a variety of handmade items from local
handicrafters. Craft fairs, markets and craft guilds have a long history in Germany. A German gift tent will be
open offering a number of imported items from Germany for sale.
Other activities will include: soccer, folks dancing, 50/50 rafffle, and a shooting tent. Air gun shooters have
the opportunity to earn prizes. A Kinder Park is available for the kids.
Food to be served that day will include smoked pork chops, bratwurst, Heidelburgers, sauerkraut, German
potato salad, and more. Homemade ice cream and assorted deserts are also available.
German and domestic beer are available, along with softdrinks and a cash bar.
URGENT!!!
For those of you who have moved and or planning to move PLEASE!!!!! notify Jeff Pulfer as to your
new address and I will forward the change to the membership secretary in the affiliate you belong to
as to your new address. I maintain the Master Roster for the GACS and due to sending out the
snail mail newsletter I tend to find out that people moved prior to the affiliate membership
secretaries.
If you change your e-mail address please contact us with the change!!!
Affiliate and Committee News
Fine Arts and Craft Villages at Hickory Grove
– The Return!!!
At the four German Picnics at Hickory Grove this summer we will be hosting Fine Arts and Craft
Villages. These craft village proved to be a popular addition to our events and at Hickory Grove and
we are looking forward to working with many of last year’s vendors as well as meeting new ones.
Each event attracts 500+ people, weather dependent.
Those of you who are members of one of the affiliates or your spouse may rent a space for $10 for a
12 ft x 12 ft area. If you want an additional 12 ft x 12 ft area it is only $5 more.
For non-members of the club space rental is $15 per for a 12 ft x 12 ft area. If you want an
additional 12 ft x 12 ft area $10 more. You'll need to provide your own tents and tables. Tents are
not required. In some cases the trees will provide you with adequate coverage.
Revenue generated from booth space rentals will be used to maintain and upgrade the playground
equipment at Hickory Grove.
Mark your calendars now.
DATES:
Sommerfest - Sun. June 14th
Volksfest - Sun. July 5th
Bratfest - Sun. August 2nd
Schlachtfest - Sun. October 4th
Morning setup at each event will start at 10:00 am Gates open to the public at noon. Expect
vendors to stay until at least 4:30 unless weather turns to the worse.
You can drop me an e-mail if interested in participating in one of these events.
The Traditions Behind Our Fine Arts and Craft Villages at
Hickory Grove Park
Modern Day Mittelaltermarkt in Germany
http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/projects/middleages/town/town.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_town
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&prev=/search%3Fq%3DMittelalter
markt%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1072%26bih%3D814%26prmd%3Divns&rurl=translate.google.
com&sl=de&twu=1&u=http://www.mittelalterabc.de/home.html&usg=ALkJrhjnO0ZIfkDb8CsvzTxF0H4laJKl5g
Same site above, but in German: http://www.mittelalter-abc.de/
http://staedte.ritterturniere.com/
If you want to learn more about other German Medieval Markets type in Mittelaltermarkt in to
your browser.
Classic German & AmericanGerman Car Cruis'ns
at Hickory Grove Park - Summer 2015
Car and motorcycle crusin’s return this summer to Hickory Grove. Once again folks who show their
vehicle will receive a coupon for a free drink or sandwich upon filling out a contact form day of the
event.
Sommerfest - Sun. June 14th
German Cars & Motorcycles
Volksfest - Sun. July 5th
Pre-1970 Classic Cars, Trucks, & Motorcycle made anywhere in the world
Bratfest - Sun. August 2nd
Muscle Cars, Hot Rods, Sports Car, Convertibles, & Customized Motorcycles made anywhere in the
world
Schlachtfest - Sun. Oct. 4th
German Cars and Motorcycles
SVP Mixed Golf League
Attention all golfers! Our fee for the SVP Mixed Golf League is $15.00 per person (this goes towards prizes at the end of the season) so please have that when you come to the meeting. We golf at the Kellogg Executive Nine course every Tuesday 4:00 p.m. starting on April 7th and play through to August 25, 2015. Green fees this year are $11.75. Please come join us at our meeting if you are interested in golfing this season. Contact information for the league is Jane Klockenga ([email protected]) SVP Schützen (Shooters)
Our 2015 Airgun League is off to a good start, and it is a great time to join us in this fun and challenging
traditional German activity. We shoot on the odd Thursdays each month (1st, 3rd and 5th) from 5-7:30 or 8 PM.
The club provides both instruction and equipment for those looking to participate with our winning group of
Schützen. Contact Hauptmann Paul Bishop at [email protected] or call 231-4620 if you have questions,
or simply visit us on any of our league evenings to see what we are all about.
Volunteer Opportunities: Contact Paul Bishop if you are interested in supporting Sportverein in the shooting tent
at each of our 4 fests at Hickory Grove, or with our serving team for Friday evening dinners at the Lindenhof. I
am also available to answer questions if you are interested in our Thursday night airgun league at the Lindenhof.
Phone 243-9323.
SVP (Sport Verein) Youth Air Rifle League - Ages 17 and Below
Same nights as the seniors. Contact Dick Barth at (309) 264-0714 if interested.
RUNNING:
As always ANY SVP member can accumulate points to be "Runner of the Year". All
you have to do is sign up and complete sanctioned races. Any distance - Any speed!
Contact Nate Eisfelder at 370-4019 if you would like more information.
Some Races to keep in mind:
June 20th - SteamBoat Classic
July 4th - FireCracker 5000
Sept 20th - DAS BIER RUN (AT OKTOBERFEST!!!!)
October 18th - Peoria Marathon
Music and Culture Committee News:
We are always looking for people interested in the German Kultur.
Volkstänzer
Our folkdance group practices most Sundays at 5:00PM at the Lindenhof. We learn dances from Germany, Austria and
Switzerland to perform at GACS functions as well as other venues around the area. We are always looking for new
dancers who would like to join our group. Children starting age
6 and adults of all ages are encouraged to participate. For more information about dancing, contact Debbie Hedemann at
[email protected]
Alp Horns – The Lindenhof Echoes
Interested in playing? Contact Al Hedemann 685-7217
Damenchor and Harmonie Singing
Save the Date - Our chorus is currently planning and practicing for our Spring Concert and Dance which will be held
Saturday, April 18, 2015. ickets will soon be available for purchase from any chorus member. Prices are $10.00 in
advance. his is a great evening full of music, food, dancing, raffles and lots of fun.Come support your Damenchor and
Harmonie singers!
German Language
The Music and Culture Committee is currently sponsoring a Stammtisch at the Lindenhof the second Friday of the month
at 6:00PM. A Stammtisch is an informal group meeting held on a regular basis around a large table. 1 or 2 tables will be
reserved on these Fridays for practicing and/or learning to speak German. The conversation is informal but held in
German. Come out, get a good German meal and have some fun with language.
Milwaukee Trip
From Christine Strelecky
Our last trip was to Milwaukee in March, 2015 to enjoy the many German clubs in the area at Germany Under Glass which
was held in the Mitchell Park Domes, a horticultural conservatory consisting of three large glass domes devoted to tropical
jungle plants and desert oasis plants. The third dome contains five seasonal displays of flowers. Amidst all this color, the
German clubs displayed their annual activities from folk dancing, German language school, partnership programs, art and
craft activities for all ages and of course German food and beer.
The afternoon was spent sampling the cheeses of the Clock Shadow Creamery, making cheese on site to view. One of
their specialties is German Quark, which is very tasty. Next we took a historic beer tour at Best Place to learn about the
history of Pabst Brewery, of course the tour included a glass of Pabst Best! We visited the Bronze Fonz from Happy Days
TV fame on the Milwaukee Riverwalk in downtown Milwaukee. To finish off our day we stopped at the Butterfly Club near
Freeport for a wonderful dinner.
Editor’s Note: Christine organizes at least two trips per year to area locations for the participants to learn more about
German culture. Last year the group also went to New Glarus for the William Tell play over Labor Day weekend and also
to Chicago’s Christkindlmarkt.
New Peorians: The Germans (DVD) - $20
Some of you may be interested in purchasing a copy of this DVD from WTVP covering
Germans in Peoria.
http://shop.wtvp.org/New-Peorians-The-Germans-DVD_p_27.html
History of Bratwurst
Making of bratwurst in Germany is almost as rigid as that of making
beer! In most cases, bratwurst is either
grilled or roasted before serving. At the
festivals sponsored by the German Club,
we buy our brats from Rabers. After
typically simmer the brats and then brown
them on a butter coated griddle or roast
them over a hot flame. Browning the brats
enhances the flavor.
http://www.kitchenproject.com/german/Bratwurst/history.htm
http://hotdogforum.com/history/bratwurst-history/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2007/12/01/AR2007120101513.html
Click on the link below for an excellent article on Germans in America. Might be
worth saving for posting in our Heritage Tent at the Oktoberfest.
History of the Frankfurter
Alternate titles: hot dog; wiener; würstchen
Frankfurter, also called wiener, or (in the United States) hot dog, highly seasoned sausage,
traditionally of mixed pork and beef. Frankfurters are named for Frankfurt am Main, Ger., where they
were sold and eaten at beer gardens. Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, is traditionally credited with
originating the frankfurter.
In 1987, the city of Frankfurt celebrated the 500th birthday of the hot dog in that city.
It's said that the frankfurter was developed there in 1487, five years before Christopher Columbus set
sail for the new world. The people of Vienna (Wien), Austria, point to the term "wiener" to prove their
claim as the birthplace of the hot dog.
Frankfurters were introduced in the United States in about 1900 and quickly came to be considered an
archetypal American food. The first so-called hot-dog stand, selling the sausages as a sandwich on what
was to become the standard long hot-dog bun, was opened at Coney Island, New York, in 1916. The hot
dog remained popular in the United States throughout the 20th century, being especially associated with
barbecues, picnics, and athletic events.
History of the Hot Dog!
Straight From The "H" Files:
The Hot Dog's True History
The origin of the word "hot dog" stirs as much debate as the existence of UFOs. Conflicting stories
abound and everyone wants to claim ownership of the catchy moniker of America's favorite food.
Why are there so many stories about how the hot dog got its name and who invented the hot dog
bun? Could there be a conspiracy involved?
The truth is out there and with the help of avid hot dog historians and linguists, the Council set out to
find that truth.
The infamous story about cartoonist Tad Dorgan of New York Journal?
"Forget about it," says Bruce Kraig, Ph.D., hot dog historian and professor emeritus at Roosevelt
University in Illinois.
As the legend goes, Dorgan observed vendor Harry Stevens selling the "hot dachshund sausages"
during a game at the New York Polo Grounds and shouting "Get your red-hot dachshund
sausages!" Dorgan illustrated this scene with a dachshund dog nestled in a bun with the caption
"get your hot dogs."
No one has found a copy of the cartoon said to have given the hot dog its name. Maybe the cartoon
never existed. Or maybe it is buried deep within the National Archives or the maze of the Pentagon.
Kraig suggests the cartoon began as a joke between Dorgan and the vendor who were reputedly
good friends, but was by no means the first reference to "hot dogs." In fact, one report the Council
came across suggested the story may have come from Stevens' obituary in the New York Herald on
May 4, 1934, in which the events are recorded.
But references to dachshund sausages and ultimately hot dogs can be traced to German
immigrants in the 1800s. German immigrants brought not only the sausage with them in the late
1800s, but also dachshund dogs. Kraig says the name hot dog probably began as a joke about the
Germans' small, long, thin dogs. Ever the butt of humor and rumor, the moniker that stuck was likely
a joke regarding the provenance of the tasty sausage served on a bun cut lengthwise.
Barry Popick, a prominent hot dog historian and linguist at the university, says the word "hot dog"
began appearing in college magazines in the 1890s. Students at Yale University began to refer to
the wagons selling hot sausages in buns outside their dorms as "dog wagons." Kraig said one of the
popular stands was dubbed even "The Kennel Club." It didn't take long for the use of the word "dog"
to become "hot dog." Popick found the first reference to "hot dogs" in an article published in the
October 19, 1895, issue of the Yale Record which referred to folks "contentedly munching on hot
dogs."
The equally infamous story about the vendor who loaned his customers white gloves to hold the hot
sausages, but ultimately implored a local baker to design a bun?
Not a chance, says Kraig. "Everyone wants to claim ownership of this invention," he said.
But the truth is that Germans have been eating their "little dog" sausages with bread for ages, Kraig
said. Some reports say German immigrants first sold them from push carts in New York City's
Bowery in the 1860s. Another story claims Charles Feltman, a German butcher in 1871, served the
sausages with milk rolls from his stand on Coney Island. The hot dog bun made its popular debut at
the Colombian Exposition where visitors enjoyed large quantities of the sausages. Since the
sausage culture is German, it is likely that Germans introduced the practice of eating the dachshund
sausages, which we today know as the hot dog, nestled in a bun.
While the hot dog's precise history may never be known, perhaps it is this mystery that adds to the
hot dog's mystique and has helped the hot dog maintain its position as one of America's favorite
foods!
Learning the German Language
Jeff Briggs, one of our newer members of SVP suggested this. He would like
someone to post German words of phrases on the hall bulletin board or elsewhere in
the hall for folks to pick up some German words. I would like someone besides me to
take this on. While we are waiting for someone to step forward I found a couple of
websites for those who may want to learn a bit of German on their own.
German Phrases on Facebook
This Facebook page has lots of links to learn more about the German
Language.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/German-phrases/525452394208197?sk=timeline
DUOLINGO
This is a free language training site. Seems to be a good place to start. If anyone
tries it, I would be interested in some feedback to share with others.
https://www.duolingo.com/
Get Germanized on YouTube
Great place to start for those who like to learn via video.
https://www.youtube.com/user/MeisterLehnsherr
German-Americans: The silent majority
America’s largest ethnic group has assimilated so well that people barely notice it
http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21642222-americas-largest-ethnic-group-hasassimilated-so-well-people-barely-notice-it
History of Germans in Peoria – Beer in Peoria
Ever since the Germans began to settle in Peoria, the manufacture of beer has been deemed
essential. Frederick Mueller is the pioneer in this business. He established a brewery, and for some
years had the whole business in his hands; and had not much to boast of at that, for there were but
few Germans here then, and the Americans had not learned to relish 'lager'. But the Germans have
greatly increased since then, and many of the Americans, English and Irish have proved to be apt
scholars in learning to use this beverage, and Friend Miller no longer has the whole thing his own
way. There are now several breweries in the city, one, at least, of which makes more beer than Mr.
Miller ever made.
Sommer-Sonnenwende and Johannisnacht
During my years in Spain, we always looked forward to the Summer Soltice on June 21st. In Spain we called it Noche
de San Juan or St. John’s. If the day did not fall on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, the party was usually postponed
under the weekend. And what parties they were. The parties started on the evening before June 21st, so at Midnight
things could get crazy. In Spain we held them on the beaches. Large bonfires were built. We were suppose to jump
over the bonfires at Midnight to purify ourselves and then run into the Mediterranean for additional cleansing. Some
partiers made it to dawn the next morning.
Germany also celebrates the Summer Soltice with large bonfires and more.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art172089.asp
http://mygermantravels.com/2011/06/german-summer-solstice-celebrations/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer
http://www.drikpanchang.com/seasons/season-summer-solstice-timings.html?l=4390
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/throw_a_summer_solstice_party/
Perhaps it is not too late to even have a bit of fun at Hickory Grove Park yet this year to celebrate the Midsummer Night!
Wanted!
Hey folks, we’d could use a few more members or even non-members to volunteer to
help in the kitchen at our events at both the Hall and at Hickory Grove. Some of
these tasks are pretty easy such as working the serving line. While other tasks are a
bit more challenging such as food preparation and cooking. We really need a couple
of folks to step up and help with the cooking.
If interested in getting involved or want to know more please drop me a note and I will
direct you to the appropriate personnel.
FACEBOOK
If you are interested in German Culture you should consider checking out our
Facebook pages. A number of different German and Swiss Groups post to our home
page for our following pages:
German American Central Society
https://www.facebook.com/home.php
Kristkindlmarkt of Peoria, IL
https://www.facebook.com/home.php
Birthdays of German Leaders/Celebrities
Late May
Andreas Schluter – May 20, 1660 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andreas_Schl%C3%BCter
Emil Berliner – May 20, 1851 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Berliner
Albrecht Durer – May 21, 1471 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer
Richard Wagner - May 22, 1813 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Wagner
Otto Lilienthal – May 23, 1848 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Lilienthal
Lilli Palmer – May 24, 1914 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilli_Palmer
Nicolaus Ludwig Zinzendorf – May 26, 1700 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolaus_Ludwig_Zinzendorf
Elizabeth Charlotte of the Palatinate – May 27, 1652 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Charlotte_of_the_Palatinate
Maximilian I of Bavaria – May 27, 1756 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilian_I_Joseph_of_Bavaria
Friedrich Baumfelder – May 28, 1836 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Baumfelder
Gottfried Heinrich Graf zu Pappenheim – May 29, 1594 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gottfried_Heinrich_Graf_zu_Pappenheim
Oswald Spengler – May 29, 1880 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oswald_Spengler
Johann Georg II – May 31, 1613 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_George_II,_Elector_of_Saxony
Rainer Werner Fassbinder – May 31, 1945 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainer_Werner_Fassbinder
Member News:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The following spot is for information on special dates and happenings of the members. Please feel
free to send me news on Birthdays, Anniversaries, Births, Relocations, Special Recognitions,
member heath news, etc and I will post in the next e-mail.
Birthdays
Keli Briggs
Anna Markgraff
4-May
5-May
Jennie Hartlep
Monica Wilson
Carol Hedeman
Cindy Kipfer
Doug Orear
Margaret Haisch
Al Hedeman
Jeremy Barrick
Brent Caras
William Saathoff
Jeff Briggs
Christopher Gienow
James Schneider
Louis Hofer
Linda Philabaun
Margaret Rademaker
Al Haisch
Lottie Bell
Agnetta Stanesa
Amanda Dippel
Melissa Tobin
Albert Zeller
8-May
8-May
10-May
10-May
12-May
13-May
13-May
14-May
14-May
17-May
18-May
18-May
18-May
20-May
20-May
21-May
22-May
25-May
25-May
29-May
29-May
31-May
Welcome New Members!!
Kathy Preckshot – Damenchor
Scott Diestelkamp – Harmonie
Christopher Ita – SVP
Heath Lowman – SVP
Carmen Paar – SVP
Kaljuy Paar – SVP
Karoline Seitz-Goddard – SVP
John Rosenbaum – SVP
Media Person Wanted for Harmonie!!! Harmonie is in need of a member to serve on the Publicity and Media Committee. I represent the GACS and NOT Harmonie on the committee. The individual would need:  to have computer access  be willing to attend a couple of committee meetings a year  work at the PR table at the Bratfest for a couple of hours  work at least one shift at the Kristkindlmarkt at the PR and Media table  give publicity reports at Harmonie meetings if I’m not present Please contact me if interested: Jeff Pulfer 309‐444‐4656 NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS
WORLD WAR II COMES ALIVE!
June 6th and 7th
Sommer Park near Peoria, Illinois
Return to Normandy, 1944!
USO Dance DInner Dance Sat. Night!
Public Hours are 10:00-4:00 Saturday.
10:00-3:00 Sunday.
Battles: Saturday 11:00 & 2:00 Sunday: 1:00
Dinner Dance from 6-10pm.
NOTE: The re-enactors will be visiting the Lindenhof on Friday, June
5th for dinner in full military attire.
Taste of Wisconsin June 20th
Beaver Dam
With each $30 ticket, you receive a souvenir tasting
glass, a souvenir program to let you evaluate each
beer and cheese, unlimited sampling of over 100
Wisconsin Beers and over 60 Wisconsin Cheeses,
free live entertainment, and a coupon for a free drink
at Johnny's Lounge.
http://www.tasteofwisconsin.net/index.html
317 Locust St, Delavan, IL 61734
(309) 244-7000
If you have not tried out the Harvest Café in Delavan a surprise is in store for you!
Their chef has been recognized as the top chef in the area. They use farm to table
fresh ingredients in all of their menu food items. They also feature a nice selection of
craft beers on draft as well as a good wine list.
If you like wine, they have a liquor store, Home Town Wine and Spirits, next door that
allows you to buy your wine there and then pay no corkage fee in the restaurant. You
may have to do a bit of searching, but you can find some nice selections in the $12 to
$15 range mixed in with their more expensive product. I would suggest trying the
Beronia Crianza from Spain or perhaps trying the Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon
if you like reds.
Either before or after dining they also operate a tavern, the Excange, next the liquor
store, which is very well done in a upscale Western Theme. They have a different
menu and some great beers on draft.
Wheel’s Of Time Museum
The museum is open again for the summer.
http://www.wheelsotime.org/
Please see the attached flyer
News for Beer Lovers!
Urban Chestnut is opening a new brewery in Bavaria as part of the trend in
American Craft Brewers setting up shop in Europe.
Urban Chestnut is one of the few brewers in the US who makes a German
style Zwickel Beer. They also brew a number of other great beers and
ales.
http://urbanchestnut.com/2015/01/09/urban-chestnut-to-open-smallbrewery-in-hallertau-bavaria/
Mackinaw Winery:
International Music, Wine and Beer Festival
May 30 & 31, 2015: 11:00 am-11:00 pm
This year's festival will be bigger and better for our 12th Anniversary year, feature over 55 wines and
55 beers for tasting and purchase from around the world. Morton Community Bank is again our
corporate glassware sponsor and the Lions Club will be providing food concessions with the
proceeds going for charity. Artisan cheese sampling and sales will be by Ropp Jersey Cheese in the
pavilion. Saturday and Sunday there will be music performed throughout the day.
Saturday music schedule: 11-3 Turas Irish, 3-6:30pm Greg Williams, 7-11pm Biscuits and Gravy Band
Sunday music schedule: 12-3 Sally Weisenburg, 3-6pm Colt 45 and Johnny Walker.
$10pp admission includes a souvenir tasting glass and 5 tasting tickets for ages 21 and over, $5pp admission
ages 13-20, age 12 and under free
http://www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com/mvv/default.asp
Maifest Chicago
May 28th – May 31st Lincoln and Leland
Ave
http://www.mayfestchicago.com/
Kelleher’s Street Parties to Begin in late May. Check out their website for
details.
http://www.kellehersirishpub.com/
www.facebook.com/kellehers.onwater
Open Every Saturday morning
8 a.m. - Noon
2015 Extended Season...
May 23 ~ September 26!
Find us in the 200 Block of SW Water Street directly across
from the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Olde English Faire
Jun. 27-28, 2014, Sat. and Sun.
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sound ye trumpets, shine thine armour, sharpen ye olde sword, lace thy
corsets and braid thy long, shining tresses. Gather thy children and challenge
their imaginations with tales from ye Middle Ages. The Olde English Faire
returns for the fourth time to Wildlife Prairie State Park. This fundraiser for Wildlife Prairie Park pays tribute to
the sights, sounds, aromas, speech and activities of the Middle Ages. Come cheer on sword fighters, jousters
and archers as they compete in mock battles. Take in the tales, tricks and tunes of roving story tellers,
magicians and musicians. Watch the acrobats, musical acts and comedians amongst the flora and fauna of
the park. You can shop with our fine artisans for treasures galore. There will be plenty of hearty food and
beverages offered throughout the Park, as well as shaded areas to rest, restroom facilities and free parking.
Join us for chaos, comedy, combat and calamity. Our Day of Enlightenment which puts a focus on educating
children in grades 4-8 about life in the Middle Ages. The Knights of Valour Jousting Troupe and other
merchants will conduct educational seminars on Friday, June 26. You won't want to miss this special day as
your children will learn about 12th century jousting vs. 16th century jousting, the traits of chivalry, the
weapons and armor of the times, and why falconry was important. A young girl and boy will be selected to be
knighted so please have your children dress in costume.
Olde English Faire is yet another unique opportunity for people of all ages to get involved and
volunteer at Wildlife Prairie Park. We are seeking volunteers for a variety of tasks involved with Olde
English Faire.
If you have an interest in volunteering with us at this event, please contact either Kate Durham or
Joan Trotter at(309)495-6711.
German Fest Milwaukee held at the
Summerfest Grounds!
Celebrate our 35th Year!!!!
Welcome to German Fest Milwaukee, Southeast Wisconsin’s premier German ethnic
festival and “Milwaukee’s Original Haus Party” held at the Summerfest Grounds in
downtown Milwaukee, WI. German Fest occurs during the last full weekend in July from
Friday, July 24th to Sunday, July 26th, 2015.
Since August 1981, German Fest has been celebrating German culture and tradition,
including all things German - food, travel, history, music, and much more!
Some of the best German cuisine can be found at the German Fest festival. Many wellknown German restaurants and food services from Southeast Wisconsin make the trip to
provide attendees with great authentic German cuisine. http://germanfest.com/
GERMAN BEERS
While doing some research for Bock Beers I came across with this great
website on German Beers:
Suggest reading the link on the Beer in History as well.
German Beer Institute: The German Beer Portal for North
America
http://www.germanbeerinstitute.com/index.html
http://www.germanbeerinstitute.com/styles.html
29 Breweries In The U.S. You Must Visit
Before You Die
http://www.buzzfeed.com/laurenpaul/places-in-the-us-every-craftbeer-lover-must-visit#.ntyxBy7vVR
German Immigration
Below is an excellent link pertaining to German Immigration to the US. I found it to be
very informative.
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/pre
sentations/immigration/german.html
Suggested Facebook pages:
https://www.facebook.com/GermanAmericans?ref=strea
m
The Swiss Corner
Swiss Center of North America
http://www.theswisscenter.org/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swiss-Center-of-NorthAmerica/111433115241?fref=ts
Swiss Club of Chicago
PO Box 11639 Chicago, IL 60611-0639
Mr. Martin Lagler, President E-mail [email protected]
Website: swissclubchicago.com
31 Reasons Why Switzerland is the Happiest
Country
http://www.newlyswissed.com/31-reasons-why-switzerland-is-the-happiest-country/
Coming to Germany? Willkommen!
Welcome!
http://www.journey-togermany.com/festivals-in-germany.html
The German Tunes of The Queen City.
WAIF 88.3 Great German Music from Cincinnati, Ohio. Streaming live on line every
Wednesday Evening from 4pm - 7pm C.S.T
http://www.waif883.org/
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/waif-cincinnati
Music of the Mountains
With radio Heimatmelodie , your internet radio station for
folk music, folk music and popular hits.
http://www.radio-heimatmelodie.de/
Quick German Recipes – Just Like Oma’s
http://www.quick-german-recipes.com/
German American Cultural Heritage
http://webpages.charter.net/onkelken/ Tour beautiful German castles! Learn wonderful German Folksongs! Visit the Black Forest! Look up your German genealogy roots! Listen to Oktoberfest music! Experience German/Swiss/Austrian wonders!
http://www.germanworldonline.com/
http://www.germanpulse.com/
German Culture Links
http://www.bellaonline.com/site/germanculture
Germerica: On-line German-American
Newspaper http://germerica.net/
Americka Woche - German Language On-line
Newspaper from Chicago http://amerikawoche.com/
http://www.nasaengerbund.org/
http://www.pghmannerchor.com/
http://www.americanturners.com/
http://www.auroraturners.com/Home
German-American Heritage Foundation
http://www.ugac.org/index.html
American/Schleswig-Holstein Heritage Society
http://ashhs.org/
Immigration Links
I came across these two links recently, that I found to be of interest at least to me.
Hopefully, some of you will also.
http://fusion.net/justice/story/wave-mexican-immigration-germany-719292
http://www.authentichistory.com/1914-1920/2-homefront/4-hysteria/
German Radio Programs in The U.S.
http://www.ugac.org/resources/res_lang.html
Vacation Planning Ideas:
Bavarian Alps Travel
http://www.bavarian-alps.travel/en/index
http://www.austria.info/us
WISCONSIN
Milwaukee
Milwaukee Summer Lakefront & Ethnic Festivals
A Listing of Summer Festivals in Milwaukee
http://milwaukee.about.com/od/festivalsevents/a/MilwaukeeFests.htm?nl=1
Monroe:
http://www.explorewisconsin.com/BaumgartnersCheeseStoreandTavern/
http://greencounty.org/restaurants.iml?Category=8
http://www.minhasbrewery.com/
New Glarus
http://www.swisstown.com/
http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/
http://www.puempels.com/
INDIANA
Berne, Indiana
http://www.bernein.com/
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/culture/Clock_Tower_rings_out_in_Berne,_Indiana.html?cid=19372906
Swiss Days 2011
http://www.berneswissdays.com/
Fort Wayne
http://www.germanfest.org/
http://www.prostfortwayne.com/Home.html
Missouri
Hermann Missouri
http://www.hermannmissouri.com/
http://www.hermannmissouri.com/monthly.htm
Welcome to BeerFestivals.org, home of The Beer Festival
Calendar!
http://www.beerfestivals.org/
This is THE place to get info about great places to drink beer around the world. It's
brought to you by Ludwig, the beer drinking lion, and his hard-working staff, Maryanne
Nasiatka and Paul Ruschmann.
Tracht/Clothing and More!!
Rare Dirndl http://erikaneumayer.com/
Ladies, just in time for your man to buy you the dirndl of your dreams for Christmas. Rare Dirndl is
new this year to the Peoria Oktoberfest!
German Import Haus http://www.germanimporthaus.com/about-us.html
Returning once again with a variety of German Tracht and other items are our friends from the
German Import Haus. Geat prices on both men and women’s attire.
Novelty Trade Inc. www.MyGermanTShirts.com (website up and running!!)
This site has ball caps, great T-shirts, soccer apparel and more! Novelty Trade participates in our
annual Oktoberfest on the Riverfront.
http://www.tracht-shop.eu/en/
http://www.bavarian-superstore.de/e/index.htm
http://www.trachteria.de/
www.ernstlicht.com/German-Importers.html
http://germanwear.net/
http://www.mydirndl.com/shop/page/1?shop_param=1
http://fancygoodsofeurope.com/cgi-bin/store/imageFolio.cgi
http://www.germanimporthaus.com/
www.bavarianspecialty.com/
www.trachten.de/
www.trachtenstore.com/shop/index.php/language/en/
http://hausofbavaria.com/
www.sternberg-trachtenstube.de/
www.berglandtrachten.com/
www.oktoberfestproducts.com/
www.germanbavarian.com/
http://www.europesfinestimports.com/
http://www.alpenlandstore.com/
www.mygermantshirt.com
MEMBERSHIP INFO:
NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS:
Anyone who is interested in checking out one of the affilates is welcome to attend any
of their membership meetings as well. Please contact the respective affilate president
before doing so, if you are not attending with one of there current members:
Damenchor: Debbie Hedeman (309) 444-8489
The purpose of the this all female group is to promote German music, heritage, and traditions. We
do this by continuing to participate in various civic and social events in the Peoria area, ensuring a
German cultural presence in Peoria and surrounding communities.
Harmonie: Jeff Pulfer (309) 444-4656
This all male group strives to preserve the German traditions through both German and American
music. Harmonie, along with The Kaiser Wilhelm Ratskeller Brummers, our sponsored band Our
meetings are at 7:00 the first Wednesday of the month,
Sport Verein: Tom Franken (309) 256-3170
Our co-ed Sport Verein group supports several disciplines of sports: soccer, air gun shooting,
archery, bicycling, golf, hiking and running. The Sport Verein Peoria holds its business meetings on
the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm at Lindenhof. We welcome anyone who is interested to
participate with the Deutsche Kultur.
Smart Phone URL to Peoria German Society
For those of you with Smart Phones, if you enterer our URL:
www.peoriagermans.net you will be accessing our phone friendly website. This new site allows easier
viewing of information about the GACS. The site includes hotlinks to our main website as well as our various
Facebook pages and our Oktoberfest website.
Want to find out more of what is going on in Peoria?
Checkout www.peoria.com and www.peoria.com/events If you create an account, you will get a
weekly e-mail with links to what is going on in the Peoria area.
Also, www.Peorianightout.com is an excellent resource of finding out about entertainment, events,
and dining specials. http://www.peorianightout.com/events/dining
Also, the Peoria Visitor's and Convention Bureau has a very comprehensive site as well:
http://www.peoria.org/
More:
http://www.whofish.org
http://www.eventcrazy.com/
http://eventful.com/
http://www.explorepeoria.com/pages/EventsCalendar
http://www.peoriachamber.org/calendar/
Peoria Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events
http://pjstar.eviesays.com/
Peoria Journal Star and other area Newspaper event calendar
http://www.ciproud.biz/events.amp - WMDB event calendar
http://www.artspartners.net/
Prost!
Jeff Pulfer
Home phone: 309-444-4656
e-mail: [email protected]