Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-06-12
THE SCHCETZEN.FEST,
The Annual Festival which REEVES
Memories Of the Fatherland.


THE WASHINGTON scHUErzES-vEREIN AND
ITS H1STORY-rHE GROUNDS ON 7TH STREET
PROGRAM OF NEXT WEEKS FESTIVAL.
The annual German festival of the Schuetzen-
Fest, or the shooters festival, is a great event
in German social life and it is associated in the
minds of the old and young with some of the
pleasantest recollections OF life In the Father
land, especially when in after years the Ger
man finds himself separated by a long distance
from the scenes OF his childhood and early
youth. He remembers the gathering of the
old and young from all parts of the country, the
social Interchange, the friendly contests of
strength and skill, and the relief from daily
cares, which was secured by this holiday, in
the fields. 1t was not a holiday for the men or
the women or the children, but all Joined to-
gether in contributing to the general en-
Joyment It Is not surprising that the
Germans who have lett their native
land should endeavor to revive q custom
which is associated with so much that Is bright
OF this city have for the past twenty-five years
helo an annual celebration which was intended
TO be similar to the old country, festivals, and,
as lar as this could be done amidst the Ameri-
can surroundings and with no peasantry in
their picturesque costumes, the reproductions
nave been exact and faithful. Whatever degree
of attractiveness may be lacking in these re-
spects Is amply made up by the facilities which
are afforded by an ample park within easy dis
lance OF the city. Some years ago a stock COM
pany, chartered by Congress anG composed OF
The leading German citizens as well as many
acres OF ground on the 7th street road, which
became the scene OF these annual festivals.
THE SCHUETZEN PARK,
as 1t Is now called, has been laid out in lawns
with serpentine walks winding amid the trees
and grass. Refreshment booths, music stand
and a dancing pavilion have been erected at
convenient points about the grounds, while
near the main entrance is large and hand
some brick structure, which is used by the as
ISOLATION as banquet hall and place OF re-
ception. There are also bowling alleys and
shooting galleries. and all the facilities for in
nocent sport, even to a creased pole, which the
best conducted fest in the old country could
ever boast. AS may be readily understood
these annual festivals have in the past been
largely attended, and the members OF the assO-
CATION recall with pride the fact that Gen.
Grant, when he was in the city, attended their
johnson was present at a festival and entered a
shooting contest, when he succeeded in
carrying off the prize. The guests OF the asso-
citation ON such occasions have been the leading
citizens OF the country, and 1t has always been
the endeavor TO show them true German hospi-
tally. At other times whenever there has been
public appeal made for charitable purposes
the association has responded with money and
with assistance and the endeavOr has been to
philosophical citizens should. So that when
the great annual festival comes they invite all
To share with them in the fun and enjoyment
which is provided.
THE PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION
During the twenty-five years of the existence
OF the association many changes have taken
place In the membership. The first president
was Charles kloman, the second Il. Henze.
linen Mr.. John l.. NGgt served tor two years,
and he was followed by MIR. Simon Vol, who
served for nine years, and is now honorary vice
president and a member OF the board OF direc-
tors. he was succeeded by William Helmus
and Charles Ebel. The present incumbent is
Mr.. Charles Graft, who is now serving his
third term The present membership is five
SlX-aI ,harS md no
society is governed by the following board of
directors: Chas, Graft. president; j. j. Appich,
Muehlheisen, treasurer; &. j. Seufferle, first
shooting MASTER John Leopold second shoot
ing master; John Angerman; Chas. Ebel, king:
George c. Walker, marshal: G. Heinrich, John
L. Nogt, CHRIS. RUPERT, w In. Helmus, w. Berens,
Charles Schroth, Geo. c. Walker, Simon Wolf,
u. Hartig.
THE PARADE MONDAY.
The festival this year will begin on Monday
and will continue until Friday. On Monday
there will be a parade, which will start from
Abners, on T. street, and march to the park.
The order of march will be as follows:
Platoon of police; CHIEF marshal, George c.
Walker, adjutant, William Kline; color hearers,
Lewis Behrends, Karl Xander and George G.
Sanzhorn, with the American, German, and
Schuetzen banners aides to the Chief marshal,
Joseph Cato, T.. A. Walter, Ii. Mueller, and
VIM Weinheimer; section of Marine band in
eacn with flag tor state OF the Union; section
OF the Washington SchuetZen Verein in
the Objects, CnArlcS Ordu, and
Charles Ebel, the king, IN front; the invited
guests. Second NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. marshal,
john Hockemeyer; assistant adjutant, Bernard
Lieb; aides, j. IL. Buscher, H. BenZler Karl
Aeurich, and Henry Dismer; wagon with
ton OF the Marine band; carriages with active,
passive, and honorary members of the Wash
lngtOn SchuetZen Verein.
PROGRAM OF THE FESTIVAL.
The great event will be the prize shooting for
the honor OF being crowned king, which &C.
ours on Tuesday, followed by the kings BAN
quet in the evening. Senators Sherman and
blackburn and Representative Guenther, OF
Isconsln, are expected 10 respond to toasts.
The king will be crowned by thea erein assist
ed by the Washington Saengerbund. The socie-
ties olNew Iork and Baltimore are expected to
be present on Wednesday. On Wednesday and
Friday evening the Marine band will give con-
certs, with artillery compartments. There
will be two special performances each day, at 3
and O'Clock, by gymnasts; also, singing, and
d funch and Judy show. On Ihurday evening
the Washington Light Infantry Corps will visit
the park, and will give an exhibition drill. The
Happy -go-Lucky stand will be under the direc-
ton OF Capt Geo. Breitbarth. The grounds will
be brilliantly illuminated, and each evening
there Will be "a display OF fireworks
The Belfast Mob.