Bayern-Verein Alpengrün

In the early part of 1930 seven young men gathered together with the same idea and ideals to form a Bavarian Club with sick benefits. The sick benefit headquarters were in Buffalo.

The first meeting of this Rochester group was held in a small church on Wilder St. which had been converted into a clubhouse. The fol1owing young men affixed their names to the charter and were known as the Bavarian Sick Benefit Verein Alpengrün - Branch 76:

President:  Alois Langroff

Vice~President:  George Eckl

Secretary:  William Gerber

Finance Secretary:  Max Eckl

Heine Beihler, Frank Denninger and John Denninger

At this same meeting the name of Alpengrün was given by Frank Denninger and accepted by the majority.

The aims of the young club, besides the sick benefit, were to carry on the old traditions from the native land which they so loved, to help bind the young folks together in their adopted land, to help each other overcome homesickness and loneliness, to build a future together and for generations to come, and to find a place in the social sphere among the German Societies.

By November this group had expanded to about 30 members. The small clubhouse on Wilder St. had,become too crowded. Gustav Koetter, a restaurant proprietor and member, invited the group to hold their meetings at his locale on Lyell Ave. From there, they then moved to the bachelor quarters on Dakota St.

At the first general meeting and election of officers in April, 1931, Andrew Reber was elected as president. Under his leadership this club grew bigger in membership, but in finances it was poor.

In December of 1931,a dance was given for the public which highlighted a small Christmas play "Das Chriskind'l".  The players were Barbara Reilich, Anton Stuhler, Mollie Huber, and Max Gerber. For the first time in Rochester(outside of professional or troupe entertainers), two coupes from the club made their debut by Schuhplattling.  They were John Braun, Helen Mayer, Waldimar Mittermeyer, and Betty Mayer.  This type of dance was a huge success because it brought home old memories from across the sea.  Within 6 months, the Schuhplattler group grew to ten couples under the leadership of Michael Schmauss.

A band of three men organized themselves for the musical branch of the Alpengrün Verein.  Joseph Buettner, violinist and leader, Anton Stuhler, traps and drums, and Walter Teike, accordionist.

In 1932, a large number of these young people became unemployed and unable to uphold the dues of the sick benefit.  On April8, 1932, the club split in two.  The majority reorganised as a social club under the name of the 'Bayern Schuhplattler Verein Alpengrün' and located in the Labor Lyceum on St. Paul Street.  The following were in this group:
 

Allkofer, Frank

Bader, Joseph

Bauriedl, Frank

Bauriedl, Sigmund

Bayer, Andrew

Bayer, Carl

Biehler, Carl

Biehler, George

Biehler, John

Buettner, Joseph

Denninger, Frank*

Denninger, John*

Dobmeier, John

Eckl, Joseph

Eder, Carl

Graf, George

Hauer, Adam

Hauer, Jacob

Mittermeyer, Waldimar

Piehler, John

Piehler, Michael

Reber, Andrew

Schlaffer, George

Schlaffer, John

Schmauss, Michael

Seiler, Anton

Stuhler, Anton

Teike, Walter

 

*Only two of the original signers of the charter went along with the majority.

Andrew Reber was reelected as president of this new club, which had found it's birth through misunderstanding and hard times of unemployment.  This infant club vowed never to become entangles in religious or political affairs, but to participate and help in charitable causes.  Instead of using a gavel at the meetings, a cow bell was to be used, which was donated by Anton Stuhler on June 5, 1932.

On May 21, 1932, the Bayern-Verein Alpengrün announced it's existence officially at a Bunter Abend in the small hall at the Labor Lyceum.

The first official picnic was held on the 24th of July, 1932 at Basshorn Mike on Lyell Ave., starting with a parade at 2:00 PM.

In it's infancy the club acted as host at five affairs during the year. On the suggestion of Anton Stuhler, the first Glückshafen was set up in order to raise more money at the Kirchweih Fest on Oct. 29. 1932. Profit realized at this dance was $135.55.

December, 1932, the chi1drens group came into being, ranging in age from 9-11 years. Oscar Reber, Hugo Stuhler. Anton Reilich and Willy Reilich were the first children in the group.

By-laws for the Schuhplattlers were passed by the committee and became effective on May 6. 1933.

The first new born baby (and hopefully new Schuhplattler) of Mr. and Mrs. John Biehler, born on May 7, 1933, was given a gift of $2.00 in the name of the club.

On Nov. 19. 1933 the club donated $175.QO for costumes for the Schuhplattlers and green was chosen for the color of the skirts.

The first couple to enter into marriage from the club was Mollie Huber and Walter Teike on Sept. 24, 1932.

Under,the direction of Mr. Sonnleitner, the first three act play was presented at the Stiftungsfest in April, 1936. The title of the play was "Der Herrgottschnitzer von Ammergau”.

George Linder suggested a motto, to be used at the cpening and closing of all meetings and greetings at all gatherings. The motto is "G'mütli San Mir". This motto was adopted on March 13. 1938.

With deep regrets on March 21, 1938, the grim reaper called death, took a good member Louisa Kettler from our midst, leaving a noticeable gap for many years to come.

From l938 to l952, several of our young men from members and Schuhplattlers were called to Uncle Sam's side to fight for the democracy of our country.  The first to leave was a very well liked Jewish chap, Sindey Abraham, who enlisted in the Marines.

The first Christmas play, (which was a picture of beauty) depicting the scene of the birth of Christ, took place on December 14, 194l, directed by Theresa Biehler.  From then on these performances have become the most popular and beloved in Rochester and vicinity.

Since the reorganization of the Verein, over $2000.00 was donated to the following:

 

Flood Funds

German School

Wounded Soldiers Fund

Prisoners of War

Red Cross

U.S.O.

German Relief

Care Packages

European Relief

Polio Fund

Christmas gift packages for
the boys in the service.

 

The Club has also participated in dances in Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo, for the following doings:

German Day August, 1932 – 1952

Deutscher Radfunk Club May 13, 1933, Powers Hotel ballroom.

Lilac Parade May 27, 1933

Monroe County Fair and Corn Roast Sept. 10, 1934, Rush, NY.

First visit to the Edelweiss Verein June 3, 1934, Buffalo, NY.

Edelweiss Verein flag blessing June 2, 1934, as godparent and witness, the Alpengrün officiated at the blessing of the Edelweiss Verein flag in Buffalo.  Mary Mayer was elected as representative to bear good wishes for unity and prosperity.

President's Ball Jan. 30, 1937, at the Armory with proceeds going to the Polio Fund.

N. R. A. Parade June 8, 1941.  The Schuhplattlers marched through the invitation of the 21st Regiment.

Bunter Abend Feb. 7, 1942, Syracuse, NY, given by the Arion Singing Society.

Card Party March 14, 1943, at the German House, proceeds given to the Red Cross.

Dance Sept. 30, 1944, at the German House for the service men.  Each club participating received $44.00 for their boys in service.

Dance Oct.  28, 1944, second dance for service men held at the Labor Lyceum.  Each club received $52.00.

Card Party Sept. 22, 1945.  Proceeds for our boys in service, $48.00.

International Exhibition Feb., 1949 at the Art Gallery.

Folk Dancing Nov. 18, 1949 – junior group at the U. of R.

Folk Dancing 1950 – senior group at the U. of R., under the auspices of Y.W.C.A.

Lilac Sunday May 28, 1952 – performance for Foreign Nations.

Cosmopolitan Club June 18, 1952, at the German House.

United Nations Week Oct. 22, 1952,  at the Eastman Theater.

 

The first $100.00 bond was bought on April 4, 1943. By the 20th anniversary of the Verein, four (4) $100.00 war bonds were purchased by the club.

 

Presidents for the first 20 year's of the Bayern-Verein Alpengrün, taking office on the opening of the Feb. meeting.

Andrew Reber April 1931-1935 3 years, 9 months

Alios Hintzen 1935-1937 2 years

Anton Stuhler 1937- to Aug. 1937 8 months

Joseph Braun Aug. 1937-1938 1 years, 4 months

Waldimar Mittermaier 1939-1941 3 years

Frank Bauriedl 1942-1944 2 years

Ludwig Beyerlein 1944-1946 2 years

Frank Radle 1946-1948 2 years

John Denninger 1948-1950 2 years

Frank Radle 1950-1951 1 years

Joseph Braun 1951-1953 2 years
(honorary member)

 

Instructors for Plattler, taking office on the opening of the Feb. meeting.

Michael Schmauss Apr. 1931-Sept. 1933 2 years, 5 months

Joseph,Braun Sept. 1933-1936

Carl Biehler 1936-1937

George Lindner 1937-1938

Carl Biehler 1938-1941

Henry Mayer 1942-Sept. 1942

Joe Mayer Sept. 1942-Dec. 1942

Carl Biehler 1943-1947

John Spring 1948

John Mayer 1949 to Oct.

Ernest Weissenborn 1949 to Dec.

John Spring 1950-1951

Manfried Weissenborn 1952

 

Military Service:

World War 2

Sidney Abraham      Marines

Werner Hehn      Army

Frank Mayer      Army

Toni Enslein      Army

Frank Schlemitz      Army

William Haefele      Navy

William Oswald      Navy

Henry Mayer      Air Force

Joseph Mayer      Medical Corp.

Korean War

Calvin Radle      Army

Frank Radle      Army

Albert Zimmerman      Air Force

John Mayer      Marines

Ralph Boerschlein      Navy

Ernest Weissenborn      Intelligence

Henry Spier      Coast Guard