The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-05-18
Rife-Shooting for Cash Prizes
One of the Chief Attrac.
tons.
SCHUETZEN KAISER HONORED
William Ehrenp fort, the Oldest Man
in the Club, Carries Off the
First Prize.

In 1859 a number of German Americans
formed an organization of the social,
fraternal and military order, which was
called the San Francisco Schuetzen Verein.
Yesterday was the beginning of two da y
festival to celebrate the thirty-seventh an
niversary of the organization. Captain
L. Siebe of Shell Mound Park has for
several days been preparing for the event,
and no pains were spared to make the
shooting, bowling, dancing and general
merry making a grand success. This
verein forms an interesting chapter in the
early history of San Francisco. 1t was the
first and only independent company
called into active service during the late
war.
Two days after the assassination of
President Lincoln, Chief of Police Burke
accepted the proffered services Of the
Schuetzen Verein and placed the company
in the old Alta publishing Office to protect
1t from the lawless element that threatened
to demolish the paper and presses. 1t
was with manifestation of deep emotion
that Captain Schmidt of the regular
troops relieved the volunteers, for he was
one OF the first captains OF the latter.
From the past to the present this vereln
has not in the least lost its popularity, and
march under the American flag, which
foated yesterday on the breeze with the
company's new State flag.
This flag was purchased by committee
consisting of A. Browning, r. Finking and
Charles Thierbach. Before starting out
yesterday morning Mr.. Browning, who is
one of the Oldest members, presented the
new flag, which is beauty, with short
and appropriate address and little later
the vereIn's new State flag and Old Glory
we're kissed by the same breeze. The ex-
pectations of the members were FULLY real
lied, for Shell Mound Park was alive with
friends and members by noon. Great in
terest was manifested in the target shoot
Ing and the verein occupied half of the
twenty-six stands.
Among the riflemen was one to whom
all lifted their hats in respect. He was
Fritz Hagemann, the SchuetZen Kaiser or
Emperor. This title was won twelve
years ago at the twenty fifth anniversary
of the verein, at which all the German So
cieties and clubs were represented, In
keeping with all old Fatherland custom
there was eagle shooting and the con-
ferring of the title of shooting king.
Being the twenty-fifth anniversary, the
title was raised to Schuetzen Kaiser. Al
though there were many ritiemen who
aspired for the honor and shot hard to dis
membe the eagle on the pole, it was
Hagemann's bullet that found the right
spot, and he brought down the remaining
wing, the tail and the body. At that time
the German war had just come to an emo,
and the Crown Prince was affectionately
called by his friends "Our Fritz" and this
name was at once bestowed upon Fritz
Hagemann.
Aside from the honor the winner re-
ceived the beautiful silver wreath, which
is seen In the accompanying picture, the
highest medal and the choice of over $50
valuable prizes. The man who bears the
title of Schuetzen Emperor is also exempt
from all club fines is not compelled to
carry a rifle and is not obliged to march
with the officers when the club turns out
in body. While all due honors were
paid to the Kaiser esterday, he will ap-
pear in all his glory to-day, 1t being the
anniversary of the date upon which he
received his title.
OF the two days the most importan:
Will be to-day, when the eagle shooting
will take place, for with it will go the king
prize, and larger attendance than yester-
day is expected.
There was one man yesterday who was
honored almost as much as the Kaiser.
He is William Ehrenpfort, a veteran
marksman OF SO summers. 1t was he who
carried off the highest prize for shooting
on the company's target, making II out OF
possible 70 points. The younger shots
had to take back seat when confronted
with Grandpa" Ehren pfort's score of "a,
%, "A. On the company target there were
seventyfour valuable prizes and the fol-
lowing shows thirty winners and their
scores in the order given.