Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-14
GREAT GERMAN DAY
Benning Captured Today by
the United Societies.
CELEBRATE FIRST LANDING
There Are Songs, Speeches, Athletics
and What Not.
AND THE FAT MEMS RACE
Commissioner Mcfarland on the
Scene With a Speech, as Usual.
Grand Time Tonight.
CELEBRATE FIRST LANDING
AND THE FAT MEMS RACE

1t is fortunate thing for the Germans
of this country that the first German
settlers in America landed 90 years ago
in a season of the year which will permit
OF outdoor celebration. There is no indoor
meeting place on the face of the globe
that would hold the joy and enthusiasm
exhibited out at Benning today, where
twenty-three German societies are cele-
brating the anniversary of the landing
of the band of pioneers on the shores of
the Delaware so many years ago
The gates at the race track were open
ed to an eager crowd at IL o'clock. From
that time on the stream of delighted Ger
man residents of Washington poured into
the grounds. filled the grandstand filled
the side shows, filled the little garden
where one stein of beer followed another.
The crowd watched the motorcycle
races. cheered the horse races. watched
the ball game between the Chamber of
Commerce team and the German Lu-
theran Church team and shouted with
glee when the fit men ran in a hun
dred- yard race.
Besides the games and races there was
singing today and will be more of it to-
night The United Singers. composed of
the Washington Saengerbund. the Ger
mania Maennerchor and the Arion sing
ing societies, with over 200 voices in their
chorus. will sing tonight as never before.
They are under the leadership of E. Chris
tiapi.
OF course the gymnastS are in evidence.
The Columbia Turnverein team and gym
nasium classes have been practicing all
summer for this one great event. They
are favorites among the Washington
Germans.
The regular program of races includes
a mule race, hurdle races, short dashes,
one-mile races, 1,WO-yard races and the
inevitable burlesque on all things athletic,
the fat mems race.
English and German Speeches.
Tonight there will be speeches in Eng
lish and German. dancing. singing. for
tune telling. lots to eat and real German
beer to drink. Commissioner mcfarland
will be on hand with a speech. and so will
Rev. DIR. George Brodthage, pastor of st.
Johns Lutheran Church, and Kurt Voelk
ner. president of the United German So
cietes.
The entries for the mule race are Mar
tin Wiegand. whose Maud nearly kicked
the railing in the last time she appeared
on the track: John F. Waldman's Fred
C, X. Voelkner's Joachim F., Carl Gund-
ZACH, whose entry runs under the mystic
initials F. A. R.; H. Rothschild, Lancho,
and F. E. Mann. who will strive for the
So purse with his speedy Gym.
The horse race has brought out some
we'll known local steeds. Happy G..
owned by Mr.. Mott, is looked on as hav-
ing a good chance to go under the wire
in the lead. Sir Electroid, owned by
Frank Thomas, has given many a trotter
the dust Bob R., is DR.. Richardson's
pet: Bonnie Lassie, owned by the Javins
Brothers, is in good form, and Elnora,
who has been seen on the Speedway fire.
quently this summer, is DR.. Patton's one
best bet. The winner of the race gets
500
The United Singers, accompanied by
their friends and families. spent yester-
day at Voight's farm on the Tennallytown
road. The chorus songs for today's eel
ebra ton were rehearseds under the leader
ship of Prof. Christiani.
Ho1oLro%oc