The weekly ledger., 1857-05-09
German May Festival.

SUNDAY AND MONDAY, MAY 4th AND 5th.
Most of our readers have some idea of the
National custom among the Germans, which
was observed for the first time in this county
on Sunday and Monday last-afternoon and
blight In most, if not all the larger cities
of the United States, the Germans have their
Turn-V Societies regularly organized; /;
snd, as in the "Fader-Land," their Annual
Festivities take place in the month of May
6 The particular occasion of which we are
writing was one of especial interest to the
vast number of persons other than Germans
sho visited the "Old Camp Meeting Ground" !"
II was interesting because it was novel; it
vas interesting because it exhibited, in reality,
On old social custom in the Germanic States;
i was interesting because it portrayed in a
pleasing manner the generous and high social
qualties of which our German fellow-ctizens
ee possessed; it was interesting, because
Nose who participated seemed as though they
we're again in their native land, enjoying the
ifstive sports to which they were SO much
attached in the days of their youth.
The patriotism of our German fellow citi-
PENS is proverbial; their devotion, in this
country, to Democratic Republican principles
= universal; and in devotng a season to the
sncent customs of the Fatherland-in living
over again for brief period the happiness of
theIr youthful days-in calling to mind the
Genes in their own native country-they but
mrnsh another evidence that they are true
men, and more worthy if possible than ever
q the coefdence and esteem of the Ameri-
ean people
And lives there man, with soul so dead,
Who to himself hath never said
This is my own my native landw
MeSsrs Denzler and Schlachter had made
extensive preparations for the occasion. The
goye itself is beautiful one, and commands
line prospect of the country around. A
Rrge canvass tent, with good floor, was
qected for the dancing hall, and immedi-
Aely adjoining it laIge space was occupied
Flth benches and undiscovered over with
canopy of green brush. At this place re-
4fSAments were served at any and all times.
1he Turner's" were also provided with
'nfanS OF gymnastic exercise-only, however,
Y limited extent, it being the first attempt
Y The kind in the mountains, and there being
yet no regular organized Turn-verein society
'he county, or, indeed, at any point in the
9puhlans. A target and stand for rifle
upoung were also provided, and those who
~ delight in that amusement enjoyed them
<Fes at pleasure. The Bar was of course
rpVlaed with any quantity Of lager" wines
~ liquors; and the edibles prepared com,
80 pretty much all the luxuries and deli
'eS ot the season. To sum up, the ar
@pgements were much more complete than
@llu nave been expected for FIRST attempt"
! gu sunday afternoon, the company began
= collect, and the evening and night were
Oted to the sports which were afforded
: splendid band discoursed eloquent masic
q .ne festival was duly inaugurated with
sncng, gymnastics, and general mirth. The
-, Sma' hours" came and departed be-
II 'he sports were brought to a close.
Dat ior Monday and Monday night the
I'm OF the whole affair was reserved
llssNSon - Hook and Ladder Co. No. had
81 ~ invited to visit the grounds, and at 10
aOIA A. M. the company marched to
d ~ SURFING music from their hall on Court
's, I'M, Arrived at the grounds, divers and
X were the scenes that occurred. First,
'0u'se' came gentle smile" with Denzler