The Washington times., 1923-04-24
DRIVE FOR
MEMBERS
IS ON
Society Organized AZ Years
Known for Patriotism
and Charity.
BY GEORGE FRANKLIN.

Announcement that a campaign
for increased membership will be
conducted by the Verein Bayern,
Columbia Section No. SO, Bayer-
fischer National Veiband Of North
America, viii recall to the Ba-
Varians who have made their home
IA Washington for twenty years
or more the many worthy philan-
thropic deeds of the organization
in the heyday Of its existence.
Helped Develop Country.
The history of the Verein Bayern
IL like other such clubs which
sprung up in the United States half
q century ago. 1t had its inception
in the bringing together OF those
who were by birth natives of a for
eign soil. They answered the "call
Of America" Shoulder to shoulder
with those who preceded them, they
aided in the development of their
newly adopted land.
The Verein Bayern was founded
January 8, 1876. It's membership
was limited at that time to those
who were native born Bavarians.
The uniting of those who claimed
Bavaria as their birthplace was the
primary object of the association.
II was, and still Is, beneficial or
ganization.
The first meeting was called to-
gether at 1719 Seventh street north
west. BY unanimous vote, Emanuel
Waldecker was chosen president;
Paul Hauser, vice-president; Max
Huber, secretary, and John b.
Rueth. treasurer.
Widely Known for Charity.
The organization thrived for many
years. 1t was known throughout
the country for the charity be-
slowed by its members. One of
the chief functions Of the club was
70 care for stranded Germans who
were forced to ask for help in the
District. So well did the efforts of
the club become known in this
work that many cases were turned
over to it by the police department
when Germans or Bavarians were
found to be in want.
During the period from 1917 to
1920 there was 9 lapse in the work
carried on by y the organization.
This is attributed by the members
TO the world war, when many of
the younger members left Wash
ington.
The campaign for membership
being carried on today is for the
enlistment of young men and
women. The club enrolment was
opened to women in 1894 From
that time until the present day the
roster has contained as many
women as 1t has men.
OF the original. or charter mem
bers, there remains but one name
on the rolls today. That is w.
Ruckaaeschel, who besides being
one of the originators OF the Ba-
varian-American club idea, actually
participated in the activities Of the
organization as president from 1897
to 1921, with exception of two
years. RuckdosscheI resigned from
the presidency of the club in 1921.
He was succeeded by w. r. Vogel.
Plan Celebration.
The Verein Bayern is arranging
for a May celebration. An elab-
crate musical and entertainment
program has been arranged and it
- expected that more than 300
persons will participate in the ex-
ercises. While no definite date
has been set, the first Monday in
May is being considered.
The patriotic character of the
members of the Verein Bayern was
established in 1917, when the first
liberty bonds were offered. The
organization at that time had $500
In reserve. OF this amount $500
vas invested in liberty bonds and
800 in war saving stamps, while
the total subscription to war securi-
ties by members of the association
was more than $13,50O.
Philip A. Hoernig, president,
and Charles H. North, secretary of
the national association will visit
the local section May 7. A recep-
ton and musical program has been
arranged.
The present officers of the Verein
Bayern, which is open to all Amer.
lean citizens, or those who have
taken out their first papers, follows:
w. Ruckdaeschel. honorary presi-
dent; w. F. Vogel, president; Theo-
dore A. Leckert. secretary; M. Holz-
beirlein, treasurer, and John v.
Schmitt, marshall.