Evening star., 1936-06-14

Half century ago the "Schuetzenfest," "
or annual fete and competition of Ger
man Americans, was
Gala Time at a gala occasion of
Schuetzenfest. Importance. 1t was
Seventh Street road, now Georgia ave-
nue., in the area now known as Petworth.
The Star of June 16, 1886, thus describes
the festivities:
"A night at the Schuetzen Park is what
every man about town promises himself
during the Schuetzenfest. In former
years most people who were unable to go
more than one evening chose the eve
ming on which the new SchuetZen king
was crowned and took part in the fes-
tivities attending the coronation. This
year, however, attractions equal in bril-
liancy to a coronation have been ar
ranged for every night. The attendance
at the park last night was large, though
the threatening aspect of the sky un-
doubtedly kept away many who would
otherwise have attended, Until after
dark the cars and conveyances employed
in transporting passengers from the
Boundary out the Seventh Street road to
the park were well patronized. Just as
darkness came down over the park and
the myriads of lights in the trees made
the scene like one from a fairy tale,
the members of Verein made ready to
crown their new king. All day long the
cracking of rifles on the shooting range
told that the sturdy marksmen of the
Verein were contesting for the chief
honor of the year.
"At night it was found that Mr.. Au-
rrlTct hod rryAy, f1Na =,
a splendid score. So a procession was
formed and, marching to enlivening
music, escorted the new king, Mr. Stolpe,
and the retiring king. Mr.. Charles Ebel,
to the veranda of the club house. There
Mr.. Simon Wolf made an address in
happy style and, taking the royal regalia
surrendered by Mr.. Ebel, placed it upon
Mr.. Stolpe. Mr.. Wolf conferred medals
upon Mr.. George Seufferle, who stood
second in the contest, and Mr.. William
Fendner, who stood third Then the
king and his band of marksmen and a
number of guests marched to the ban
quet hall, where they sat down to an
inviting banquet. Speeches were made
by Representative Guenther and Messrs.
Wolf, Corkhill, Eldredge. Stephan, Hay.
! Stolp and DR.. Murphy.
while the banquet was in progress
the festivities still went on in the grove
outside, lighted by innumerable colored
gas jets and Chinese lanterns arranged
overhead in great circles or sweeping
curves. Through the sylvan aisles one
could catch many pretty views. Music
seemed to come from every direction.
The banquet hall rave forth at inter-
yals its contribution to the musical med
ley. At the dancing pavilion an orches-
ira was industriously at work, while
now and then band at the stage where
performances were given made itself
manifest. People were gathered in
groups about the booths or seated in
small parties at the tables under the
trees. A large crowd laughed and ap-
plauded in front of the outdoor stage
and scores Of young people filled the
dancing pavilion. The sound of many
voices made pleasant undertone for
the medley of music. Now and then
a bell would jingle, which indicated, ac-
cording to the knowing one who con.
Quoted Star reporter around, that at
some Of the bars or booths a new keg of
beer had been tapped. The various de-
vices found at the village fair, or at
the seaside, for extracting nickels from
the pockets of those who like to try
their luck or test their skill can be
found there"