The New York herald., 1877-09-03
SUABIAN HARVEST FESTIVAL.

THE 'rRICnTENsErLE" OR THE COLUMN OF
tRUIrs-MUsIc, SONG AND WINE.
The annual Harvest Festival OF the Suabians was
opened yesterday at tho Schuctzen Park Union Hill
This season OF thanksgiving has u double significance
to the people who celebrate IT, The origin OF tho Gus
tom 10 as ioows:-Whcn In 1919 the King OF Wurtcm-
burg gave to his people constitution, they by general
mpu apart thrco days tho end OF tho harvest
season for rejoicing and the Offering OF thanks. Tho
place where tho national thanksgiving held was
at Cronstadt, near Stutigardi. A column composed
OF fruits Of the harvest erected and PROFESSIONS
and games. with music and dancing wero played.
This custom has grown upon the hearts and imasina
lion of the people, and has beer transplanted to
America by those who lett the Vaderland TO better
their fortunes The celebration Of this festival the
suburbs Of New York began in ls62 when the same
ten gentlemen who form the suaban society,
nauguraied similar gathering at Jones' Woods.
Entering tho main gate OF the Schue,zen
Park yesterday, and picking ones way through
S s sroups % pcone 10 snd o
cEildren IN great numbers, dressed IN the gala day
costumes Of German villagers were everywhere no.
ticeaDle. They ran htber aud thhor IN great glce,
iu OF song tie birds were and bright with
smiles. Tho music stands were nearly all deserted
but from OF tho way hooks md strains OF
music reached the ear The dancing pavions were
decorated and IN the evening were brilliantly lighted,
but 10 dancers gided over the smooth floors
CHANGING 1T last upon pathway more crowded than
The others and following this u littie dis.
;auce the walls of the castle" came In view The
building Is a sort Of architects dream OF q Rhine.
land rain Turning the angle OF tower ono Game
full upon scene OF enchantmcnt ia the twilight,
two OF girls OF from twelve 10 fifteen ycarss
arrayed In peasant costumes. with Trimmings Of silver
and gold flashing upon bright cloths, were bcsiy
gagged IN lighting long rows aud earlands Of Chncse
lanterns and decorating poles with wreaths and
baskets Of l0wcrs. They sang snatchos of German
melodies us they worked, pausng from time 10 time
TO chat pleasantly with ono another
Passing from this pretty picture, soon hidden by
hedges and shrubbcry, ono emerged upon scenc
more striking and singular than romantic. At the
base OF hill level space, sandcd aud gfavccd Ike
parade ground and covering an area of some four
i've acres. suddenly burst upon the view. ln the
centre OF this place toward column OF large proper
tions aud artistc iorin and about the edges OF the
open space, wore ranged hundred or more booths,
decorated with evergrecns, flowers aud bunting and
IN the evening respcndcEt with gas Jets and calcium
lights. These booths were occupied by dealers IN
cigars ice cream, soda water lager and other bcvor.
attendance at English country fairs
O'Clock, when procession OF ch ildren formed and
marched TO the plaza, forming in circle about the
column.
The feature OF the afternoons amuscnents which
drew the greatest numbers to witness II the 'rab
bit hunt" Charley Hcrniesdortcr aged fifteen was
the rabbit, and Mcssrs. Martin Rest Herman Lingke,
John Mayer, Henry Fuchs, Ploric, Michael
Strllzky, Max Winter and Emil wenter were the
hunters. The chase was across the market place.
There were 1900 persons on the ground 10 day is
TO be the great day OF tho festival.