Omaha daily bee., 1902-08-17
THE ILLUSTRATED BEE

the Elks home and is a member OF that
committee at the present time.
.
German people have always been noted
for their sociability, and not the least
manifestation of this Is given in the as
sembling Of their singing societies for the
fest. These gatherings bring to-
gether the sons and daughters of the
Fatherland, and gives them opportunity for
renewal Of acquaintance and reminiscent
Indulgence not otherwise afforded. II is not
alone mere sociability that calls these peo-
pie to the saengerfest, however, for they
are true lovers Of music, and the societies
that take part are not thrown together in
a haphazard way for the occasion, but are
trained bodies Of singers, who are working
together for the unfolding and advancing
OF the standard of music in their new
home. So the saengerfest which closed at
West Point last Sunday was an event
which brought together not only the rep
resentative Germans Of the state, but the
representative German vocalists. and was
the source Of not only a very ENJOYABLE
social reunion but Of a musical feast which
was enjoyed by the participants and
alike.
All work and no play will make groc.- -
and butchers dull as we'll as Jack. and a
day off during the year will keep green the
heart OF the man behind the counter or
the block during the other 1854 days. So
when the grocers and butchers announced
that their stores and stalls would be closed
on one day recently, while they all took a
holiday, the housekeepers Of Omaha took
due notice and laid in provender accord
And ~ Wn a 1f-hN I..-Aa $50
that followed the lead from Omaha to the
picnic grounds at Missouri Valley. In
fact, 1t was from point Of attendance the
most remarkable excursion that ever went
out from Omaha. When the grounds were
reached 1t was discovered that dignity had
been left with care at home, and that all
hands were out for a really picnic. II
was out OF the question for one photog-
rapher to catch everything doing on the
grounds, but The Bee staff artist made an
efrort to get some Of the main features OF
the day, and succeeded. In the illustrations
viii be discovered how Omaha business
men can enjoy themselves when they set
about It.
Charles F. steckelburg, the young violin
list who achieved distinction in musical
circles In Chicago last season, though born
In New York City, is pre-emInently a Ne
braskan and one Of the leading artists OF
the state. He came victorious out of a class
OF 100 candidates for the scholarship of the
chicago Musical college a year ago. and
nine months Of study under Jacobson de-
veloped and finished him to such a degree
that he was awarded the diamond medal for
excellence, the test being made in competi-
ZION with many older students. At his con-
cert In the Chicago auditorium he received
an ovation such as is seldom given an UNI
known artist OF his years. The Steckelburg
family came to Nebraska in the early sOs.
when the son was but a few years old. Mr..
Steckelturg, who is a veteran musician. for
many years playing with Theodore Thomas
and Gilmore. did not intend that his son
should follow the same profession. But the
inclination Of the boy developed rapidly and
soon he was an ardent and studious pupil of
his fathers art. With his beautiful sympa-
thetic tones he has won the admiration Of
thousands, for his violin sings like a human
voice, so full Of tender pathos that every
heartstring responds in sympathetic vibra-
ton. He possesses a clean, crisp technic.
tut plays with exquisite dellcacy and tone
quality. 1t was CT young Steckelburg that
the musician and critic, Thomas ]. Kelly.
wrote: II never heard Steckeiburg saw an
unkind word about another musician, nor
did I ever know him to do an act which was
unrrofessional. discourteous or unkind."
Charles steckelburg is passing the summer
with his parents in Lincoln. He expects 10
resume his studies next fall, probably with
some master in Europe. His critics predict
a bright future for him.
.
William ]. Moir and wife of Eldora, Ia.
have been closely identified with the de-
velopment of central Iowa. Mr.. Moir is
one OF the pioneer lawmakers of that state