| Deutsches Haus
Monatsblatt Auguest
Deutsche Gesellschaft estab. 1847 -- Deutsches Haus inc. 1928
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| Barbecue at the Haus! This summer’s Saturday theme night will be an old-fashioned barbeque held on, Saturday, August 17th. The doors will open at 5:30 and food will be served at 6:30. Beer and drink specials will be available. The menu includes beans, cole slaw, garlic bread, chicken, sausage, and brisket as well as hot dogs for the kids. Donations are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12. Please come and help support the Haus. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please call event chair Joe Stephany at 279-3352. Co-chairs are Frank Stephany and George Lesage. | |
| Crab Boil Photos | |
| Membership Meeting Photos | |
| Advertise in Oktoberfest Issues Members and friends of the Deutsches Haus are reminded that the September and October issues of the Monatsblatt are distributed to thousands of Oktoberfest guests each year giving advertisers great exposure to potential clients. Ad rates are quite reasonable, beginning at just $16 for a business-card sized ad. If you would like to submit an ad for publication in the Monatsblatt, contact Tommy Mertz at monatsblatt@cox.net or leave your ad with the Haus steward. | |
will hold it's September 8th. meeting Sunday afternoon at La Cuisine restaurant beginning at 1:00 p.m. the price for this event is $27.13 per person. The dinner choices include: chicken marsala, stuffed shrimp, veal bryan and trout meuniere all served with vegie and potato du jour, coffee or iced tea, soup or salad, chocolate mousse parfait. Last years meeting and meal was very successful and enjoyable, all Verein as well as Haus members are invited to attend. Verein membership is open to all, dues are only $15.00 per couple and $10.00 for singles. Contact Joe and Caorl Stephany at 985-641-0112 after 5:00pm or contact the Haus steward. see you at la cuisine |
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| Fourth Friday
Social
On Friday, August 23th at 8 p.m., the Deutsches Haus will hold a fourth Friday social. Ira Milan’s band will play, and food will be served. |
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Deutsches Haus Dance Lessons Dance lessons will start on 15th Aug 2002 at 8:00 p.m. in the Heidelberg Halle. Each lesson will last one hour, and fees are $5 per person. The first dance taught will be the polka, just in time for Oktoberfest. Reservations would be appreciated; please contact Uta Anette at (504)433 0452.
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| MARGARET FEST I Dear Members and Friends: The year 1959 marked the beginning of an era of many years of dedication and devotion to the Deutsches Haus. This was the year that a young student from Sacred Heart High School, Margaret Rodick, visited the Deutsches Haus for the first time. She came to the Haus with her long-time friend, Pat Kane. Both girls very quickly embraced the Haus with its Gemuetlichkeit and were immediately adopted by Loyola’s then-German Professor Alfred Goessel’s group, as well as members of the Haus. They came to the Haus on Friday nights and attended all of the festivals. As we all know, Pat met Hans Heinemann and the two were married in Goettingen, Germany, where they resided for approximately four years. Margaret then attended Mississippi Southern in Hattiesburg, but always managed to be back in town for the festivals. She later married and moved away for a short period of time. When she returned to New Orleans, Margaret was accompanied by her young son, Jimmy, and thus pursued a teaching career. With teaching certificate in hand, she taught in Orleans Parish Schools for many years and now teaches part-time at Delgado Community College. Margaret returned to the Haus, where she found many new relationships, and eventually became a member of the Haus and the Ladies’ Auxiliary. During the 1970s, Margaret and Haus member Lillian Kane prepared dinners on Friday nights and used the funds to purchase various items for the kitchen and other areas of the Haus. Margaret is a member of the board of directors and has served on many committees, and is presently as second vice-president of the board. She has been president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary for more than 15 years. Margaret is also very active during the Haus festivals, baking and donating cakes, and also works for the children’s Christmas and Easter parties. As most of you are aware, Margaret had a recent heart attack and was hospitalized in Ochsner Hospital for a period of time. When her condition seemed to be getting better and she was on the road to recovery, she suffered a relapse and went back to Ochsner, where she had bypass surgery. Besides the surgery, Margaret has another very major problem, as she has no type of health insurance to help defray the costs. She has a repayment plan of approximately $3,000 per month. Now, she will have the additional costs of surgery and the many medications that she will needing, possibly for a lifetime. Therefore, a few of her long-time friends, Janice Daughdrill, Pat Heinemann and Virginia Riedl, are organizing "Margaret Fest I" to help relieve some of this very heavy financial burden. If any member of friend has any type of talent or can contribute in any way towards any ideas as to fundraisers or prizes, please contact Janice, Pat or Virginia or give your name and telephone number to the Haus steward. You will be contacted shortly thereafter. Also, we would ask that you invite as many friends as possible to all functions. We would also ask the cooperation from members of all organizations within the Deutsches Haus. Any type of help or suggestions from any source would be very greatly appreciated.
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| Haus 75th Anniversary In 2003 the Haus will celebrate its 75th birthday. We are looking for stories and pictures to publish in the Monatsblatt. If you have something to contribute, please contact the staff.
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Cool Breeze If you notice Heidelberg is a lot cooler this summer look up at the fans blowing cool air. Where did they come from? You can thank your fellow Haus members for pitching in to pay for each fan. If you would like to make a donation for a fan, please contact building chair Joe Stephany for info. |
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| Notice: |
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unsern neuen Mitgleidern (Welcome Our New Members) Mr Leonard G. Kahrs Jr. |
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| WHAT’S THE STORY? | |
| April Robinson
This month we continue our column, which takes a closer look at some of the more interesting artifacts that the Haus has acquired through the years. This sturdy piece of rope hangs high on a plaque in the entryway across from the Ladies’ room and above the office. Anyone with more information on the rope and the ship it once launched can contact the Monatsblatt staff by e-mail at deutscheshaus@cox.net or by dropping us a message at the Haus in care of the Monatsblatt. Please tell us what you know and we’ll publish the rope’s story in a future edition. |
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Last month we asked the question WHAT'S THE STORY? about a sturdy piece of rope hangs high on a plaque in the entryway across from the Ladies’ room and above the office. Here is one of the responses we received. A little bit of rope leads to some fascinating questions, and to glimpses of heroic days. What was the SS Frederick Von Steuben? What was Delta? What is the connection with the German American Society of New Orleans? Who was Frederick Von Steuben? Each question can take a curious person through a long voyage to the past, but here are some short answers. The SS Frederick Von Steuben was a Liberty Ship. As America looked on at the world being engulfed in WWII, it realized that a huge fleet of merchant ships was desperately needed. That fleet would have to be built more rapidly than had ever been done before. The US Maritime Commission was charged with overseeing a massive construction program. The bulk of the new cargo ships were Liberty Ships, the basic design being supplied by the British from an old and proven freighter. However, the methods involved in mass producing them were innovative and extremely successful. The British had called the ships "Ocean" class, when the design was shown to President Roosevelt he remarked that it looked like an "ugly duckling". That name stuck informally; but, a more inspiring name was needed. The President and Admiral Land decided upon the "Liberty" theme. The first 200 ships were ordered as the "Liberty Fleet" and their launch day was proclaimed "Liberty Fleet Day." The first ship launched was the SS Patrick Henry, and in a speech President Franklin Roosevelt quoted that patriot’s famous phrase "Give me Liberty or give me Death," and declared that the new fleet would bring Liberty to Europe. They have been known as Liberty Ships ever since. No less than 2710 Liberty Ships were built by the war’s end, an incredible total in the annals of shipbuilding. There were several variants, but the SS Frederick Von Steuben was of the basic, general cargo type. It was 441 feet long and could transport about 10,000 tons of cargo. It had a maximum speed of 11 knots. Liberty Ships were armed, although the details varied, with a four inch gun at the stern and a three inch gun at the bow for combating submarines and raiders. There were also several anti-aircraft cannon and machine guns. The crew consisted of up to 45 Merchant Marine sailors to sail the ship, and up to 36 US Navy sailors to man the guns. However, their numbers were often much less, averaging 41. The SS Frederick Von Steuben was launched, with the help of our bit of rope, on the 12th of July, 1944. She was a lucky ship, for many of her sister ships were sunk by enemy submarines, aircraft, and raiders, but she served through the end of the war. After the war, the surviving Liberty Ships were usually mothballed, kept in reserve at harbor. Some continued as commercial freighters or were sold abroad. Most were scrapped in the 1960’s, and the SS Frederick Von Steuben was scrapped in 1961 in Hamburg, Germany. The Delta Shipbuilding Company of New Orleans, La, was formed in 1941. When the US Maritime Commission began its Liberty Ship program, it found that the shipyards of America were already fully engaged. Accordingly, it arranged the construction of 18 new shipyards. The Delta Shipbuilding Company was created as a subsidiary of the American Shipbuilding Company from the Great Lakes region, which supplied the beginning core of craftsmen. The shipyard was located on the west bank of the Industrial Canal, just south of the modern I-10 bridge. Shipbuilder Norman O. Pedrick (1875-1942) was the founding director of the shipyard. One of the Liberty Ships was later named for him. Delta delivered its first ship the 31st of May, 1942. Variants of the Liberty Ship, tankers and colliers (coal carrying ships), were designed and also built by Delta. The number of workers reached 13,000 by mid-1943. Being an entirely new shipyard, it built the ships with the new and rapid all-welding technique. The SS Frederick Von Steuben was built in way #1, of the shipyard’s eight ways (or slips). The ship was completed in only 97 days. The Willamette Iron and Steel Corp of Portland, Oregon supplied its engine. The Delta Shipbuilding Company had completed 132 Liberty cargo ships, 32 Liberty tankers, and 24 Liberty colliers when it ceased building in the autumn of 1945. Our plaque says that the SS Frederick Von Steuben was built with bonds purchased by the German American Society of New Orleans. During WWII, the government did not simply print money to pay for the war effort. Money was instead raised by means of War Bonds. Throughout the war colorful campaigns took place across the country to appeal to the patriotism of every American. These were very successful, as vast numbers of citizens regularly purchased 10% or more of their income in bonds. The average cost of building a Liberty Ship was about one and a half million dollars. Did the German American Society fund the entire ship? Perhaps the records can be found. But, it is clear that the contribution was substantial: the ship was named after the German-American hero General Frederick Von Steuben. More….What's the Story?Karlheinz von Bargen Friedrich "Frederick" von Steuben, his middle names " Wilhelm Augustus" a Baron born in Magdeburg / Germany on Sept. 17th. 1730. He left Germany in 1777 and went to North America, where he one year later offered his sword to the American colonies in their struggle with Britain. As an appointed general, he devoted himself to the task of reorganizing the raw colonial volunteers. Subsequently he received a command in the field and took a prominent part in the reduction of Yorktown in 1780. His services were rewarded with a pension and a grant of land. The latter was in New York State, near Utica and there, calling it Steuben Township, he died on Nov. 28th. 1794. Also; a Steuben - Schurtz Society was founded, which in 1948 promoted the German - American relation. In further recognition, a "SS" - Steam Ship, Delta's 127th, was given his name at the steamship’s launch and a piece of rope, mounted to this plaque, was given to the German - American Society in remembrance of Friedrich von Steuben. PS: We still don't know which year the steamship was built and where it was built and how this plaque was obtained. (Anyone able to finish this story?) |
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The 2002 Oktoberfest season for the Deutsches Haus opens on Friday, September 27th and Saturday, September 28th. Oktoberfest continues into the month of October, each Friday and Saturday through October 26th. Make plans now to attend!
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| Goulash Party
German Heritage Festival Association is having a Goulash
Party on Saturday, August 10, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at the Deutsches Haus. There will be:
homecooked Goulash with noodles, cole slaw, bread,
and multiple desserts. Beer Provided. Soft Drinks available. All Inclusive Price - $15.00
per Person Please Purchase Tickets in Advance Tickets are available by mail, from a GHFA Board Member, or from the Deutsches Haus Steward. |
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at their meeting of 08 May 2002: "Festival bus boys/girls be children and/or grandchildren of members, 12 years and older, be paid $25.00 per shift from 6:00-11:00PM, be assigned areas of responsibilities on a rotational basis within the Haus and grounds, responsibilities to include clearing tables, returning pitchers and trays to the appropriate locations, emptying trash containers and periodic inspection of the restrooms for trash and restocking; when necessary assist in preparing the Biergarten tables and chairs after a shower and/or rain. The bus boys/girls will not be asked to assist any volunteer with food movement and/or liquor/beer duties." Those interested should call Brigitte Gunn at (504) 394-5600 and advise of their availability; please provide your name, age, telephone number, and preference of working on Friday and/or Saturday. You will be contacted later and offered dates during the Oktoberfest. Any member interested in volunteering may call Brigitte at the same number and advise it they are interested in helping out. It is never too early to prepare for Oktoberfest.
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Monatsblatt Submissions Invited The Monatsblatt staff would like to offer an invitation to all of our readers to submit articles for upcoming issues. Just drop it off at the Haus attention Monatsblatt, e-Mail to deutscheshaus@home.com or contact a staff member. Photos are welcome and will be returned. |
The Haus Calendar Haus members, especially club officers, are invited to submit items for the calendar by writing them in the calendar kept by the Haus steward behind the bar, by giving them to a member of the Monatsblatt staff, or by e-mailing it to monatsblatt@cox.net. Please note that the Monatsblatt staff is always eager to promote events but we do need your information in order to do so, particularly if a date is changed or rescheduled. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND OUR DEADLINES FOR ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTS WHEN SUBMITTING ITEMS FOR THE CALENDAR. |
Unser Kalender für den Monat August Deutsches Haus opens at 4 p.m. Wed., Thurs., Fri.Unless otherwise noted, all events are after noon and in the Haus. |
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| Thu | 1 | 5:45 | German classes |
| Fri | 2 | 7:30 | Damenchor Rehearsal and Meeting |
| 8:30 | Sängerchor Rehearsal and Meeting | ||
| Sun | 4 | 2:00 |
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| Wed | 7 | 5:45 | German classes |
| 7:00 | Crescent City Homebrewers meeting | ||
| Thu | 8 | 5:45 | German classes |
| 7:00 | NOLHAM (New Orleans Living History Of The American Military Troupe, Inc.) | ||
| Fri | 9 | 4:00 | Haus Open |
| Sat | 10 | 9:00 a.m | DH Work Party (Arbeitstag) |
| 7:00 p.m | GHFA Goulash Party (see page 3) | ||
| Wed | 14 | 5:45 | German classes |
| 7:00 | Board of Directors Meeting | ||
| Thu | 15 | 5:45 | German classes |
| Fri | 16 | 7:30 | Damenchor Rehearsal |
| 8:30 | Sängerchor Rehearsal | ||
| 8:30 | Julie Council - Accordionist | ||
| 9:00 | Deadline for Ads and Articles for Monatsblatt | ||
| Sat | 17 | 5:30 | Haus Barbecue (see front page) |
| Wed | 21 | 5:45 | German classes |
| 7:30 | German Heritage Festival Association meeting | ||
| Thu | 22 | 5:45 | German classes |
| 6:00 | Monatsblatt preparation for mailing | ||
| Fri | 23 | 7:00 | Fourth Friday Social - Ronnie Able - Accordionist |
| Wed | 28 | 5:45 | German classes |
| Thu | 29 | 4:00 | Haus Open |
| Fri | 30 | 4:00 | Haus Open |
| Deutsches Haus
Monatsblatt 200 South Galvez Street
Directors Janice Daughdrill, William "Bill" Gunn, Charles Hadley, Hans-Georg Heinemann, Ursula Jackson, Anna Whitely, Col. Richard A. Kuntz, AUS (Ret.), George Lesage, Joe Stephany, Gerhard Sigle Haus Steward: James Copeland |
Monatsblatt Issued monthly except July by Deutsches Haus Claus Sadlier, Executive Editor Tommy Mertz, Editor Lisa Hollis, Contributor / Copy Editor April Robinson, Contributor / Copy Editor Margo Mitchell, Copy Editor Col. Richard A. Kuntz, AUS (Ret), Contributor Patrick Mueller, Contributor Greg J. Schloesser, Contributor Stuart Eastman, Photographer Thomas C. Mertz, Webmeister, Mailing List Anna Whitely, Mailing Coordinator
MAY DEADLINES: |
