Singing Societies
Choral singing has a long history in German culture. Traditionally, men and women sang in separate choirs. In the 19th century, Männerchors [choirs for male voices] became especially popular. The first Männerchor in America was founded in Philadelphia in 1835. Five years later, the Baltimore Liederkranz became the first German American choir to admit women singers. The Madison (Wisconsin) Männerchor was founded in 1852.
Members not only met to sing in German, but also to socialize and build community. In the spirit of German Vereinskultur (club culture), choirs expanded into Sängervereins (singing societies) with active singers as well as auxiliary members. The societies organized practices and concerts, along with social gatherings, picnics, and other outings. Some even traveled to Germany together.
For many choirs, singing folk songs as a leisure activity was the primary purpose. Others were comprised of educated, skilled musicians who enjoyed performing complicated compositions and perfecting their musical techniques.
Today, the tradition of German American singing societies lives on. While many active singers are no longer fluent speakers of German, they continue to celebrate German music and enjoy the opportunity to socialize.
Festschrift zum Goldenen Jubiläum 10. Oktober 1906 des Germania Männerchor von Baltimore, Md.
The Germania Männerchor of Baltimore, established in 1856, celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 1906. In August of 1871, the choir performed at that year’s Schützenfest, an annual event held from the 1860s through the 1890s, featuring prize shooting, bowling, music, dancing, illuminations, and fireworks. The Germania Männerchor was one of 40 German singing societies in Baltimore in 1890; however, it disappeared from the Baltimore Directory after 1917.
Unsere Sängerfahrt nach Deutschland 1913.
Deutschland Reise-Gesellschaft der Milwaukeer Sänger, 1914.
Some German American singing societies embarked on performance tours of Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
This souvenir book documents the 1913 trip made by members of Milwaukee’s singing societies (and guests) to
Germany and Austria. It describes the founding of their Reisegesellschaft, or travel society; some of the difficulties encountered; the songs selected for the tour; and the concerts performed.
The Damenchor (women’s choir) of the Milwaukee Musikverein, 1899-1900.
While each individual is worthy of recognition, the name Lydia Nehrling (third from the bottom at the right-hand side) stands out. She is the daughter of Henry Nehrling, a German American ornithologist (and later noted botanist) who wrote the 1891 publication Die Nordamerikannische Vogelwelt (The World of North-American Birds).