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MISSION STATEMENT: The Germania Society of Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Germania Society shall maintain and perpetuate German Heritage in the Greater Cincinnati region. Our purpose will be to uphold the many customs and traditions of Germany.
Our society is committed to maintaining German Heritage throughout Greater Cincinnati. We accomplish this through various events throughout the year. Out main events include the Germania Oktoberfest, the Germania Christkindlmarkt and the Germania Karneval program which sponsors several dances per year. In addition, we hold entertainment events throughout the year; including dances, parties and trips out of town.
Germania also sponsors and promotes various culture programs throughout Greater Cincinnati. These include German language programs in our schools, German radio programs and cultural programs held in our Klubhouse.
THE GERMANIA
CREST:
Our crest can be viewed as being
made up of three sections.
The upper section is divided into two parts. The left hand part shows the American Bald Eagle on the national colors of the United States: red, white and blue. The right hand section shows the European Golden Eagle on the national colors of Germany: black, red and gold. The eagles are back to back to symbolize the mutual trust between the two countries.
The middle section shows the name of the society: GERMANIA
The middle section shows the globe with links connecting the United States of America and Germany. These links represent the German immigrants who have come to the United States and who are, in reality, the links between the two countries.
The Germania crest symbolizes the ideals of the Germania Society. It unites the symbols of our mother country with the symbols of our adopted country. Therefore, we are in union with the customs and traditions that we have brought from Germany with the new customs and traditions we have found in America.
ORIGIN
OF THE NAME GERMANIA:
The word or name Germania, dates
back to some time between the years 81 and 96 A.D. when land bordering
the Rhine River, in what was then Gaul, was formed into two military zones
under the control of Domitian the Roman. These two zones were named Germania
Superior and Germania Inferior.
In 98 A.D., Publius Cornelius Tacitus, possibly the greatest Roman historian published a brief work on the geography, peoples and institutions of the German tribes which he called GERMANIA. The larger portion of this work and by far the most interesting, is devoted to the consideration of these customs and institutions which were common to the Germans as a whole.
Thus, Tacitus tells us their government was democratic. That their kings and generals were selected by the people. Minor matters were determined by the chiefs; but on more important issues the whole tribe deliberated.
It is seen from the foregoing that the term Germania is a most suitable name for a society which has its purpose the preservation and perpetuation of the German Heritage.
A
HISTORY:
The Germania Society was founded
in 1964. Although our founding members had little experience and had hardly
any financial resources; their huge amount of enthusiasm reaped benefits.
Different programs and events soon became a reality. The foundation for
a sound and vibrant club was laid early on. So many individuals, too, numerous
to mention, have made Germania what it is today. Their hearts and souls
have touched every aspect of our club.
From the beginning, we recognized that a German language program was a priority for Germania and the community as well. It was resolved that as a society with so many varied interests: we could not properly pursue this task. Therefore, a new entity was formed which became the Tri-State German-American School, which has its own principal and educational staff.
Through the efforts of one of our board members, the Germania Society established a radio program named "Over The Rhine Showcase" which is still on the air today.
Also, in 1964, the Germania Crest was introduced. It symbolizes the ideals of our society.
Even before the incorporation of Germania; Karneval dances were held. These initial dances have evolved into a full Karneval Season program every year. The enthronement of a Karneval Prinzen (Mardi Gras Royal Couple) is just one of the highlights. A Elferrat (Council of Eleven) was formed as well.
Our Society's newsletter, THE GERMANIA ECHO, was introduced in 1967.
From the beginning, one of our primary goals of the Germania Society was to establish a "German House" to serve Greater Cincinnati. This would be a place where Germans and German- Americans could come to meet. Also, it would be a place where visitors could come and feel comfortable. Towards that goal, 25 acres of land were purchased in 1969. The goal was realized in 1977 when a Rathskeller type Klubhouse was built on the Society grounds. Other structures have followed including a large outdoor pavilion that is used for picnics and other outdoor events. These facilities are used for our meetings and events. They are also available for rental to cater to weddings, parties, meetings and picnics. Our property is called "Germania Park".
Greater Cincinnati's original and most authentic Oktoberfest was established in 1971 by the Germania Society. German food and beer along with plenty of German music and dancing on our Wies'n (Meadow) and in our Klubhouse guarantees the Gemütlichkeit! Originally a celebration of the wedding of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe- Hildburghhausen, the Germania Oktoberfest has grown to become a signature event for the German-American community in Greater Cincinnati and all its friends.
In 1988, the Germania Society introduced Christkindlmarkt. This annual event, held at the end of November, is patterned after the traditional Christmas Markets that are held in many German cities and towns. A wide assortment of gifts for the Holiday Season are available along with plenty German food and drink and entertainment. A visit to our pavilion and Klubhouse during Christkindlmarkt is a great way to begin your Holidays.
From the earliest days of our club up to the present day; the Germania Society's strength has been derived from its members. Brought together by common interests and values, our members have been rewarded with a healthy and growing club. With respect to what we have accomplished in the past, we look forward to a bright future of maintaining and perpetuating our German Heritage.
The Germania Society, a Society of German Heritage, encourages you to participate in the many customs and traditions that make up our (and your) German Heritage. Share the Gemütlichkeit you will experience when you meet new people, make new friends and become a part of an organization that shares your background and your values.
We invite you to become a member of the Germania Society. Our Society is open to all people of German descent regardless of what city or region of Germany from which you originated. We also welcome people who are married to a person of German ancestry and people who are interested in promoting German Heritage and Culture. Join us! Become a member! Do it for yourself and do it for your family.
To become a member, please fill out an application. For further information, you can contact us at:
The Germania Society of Cincinnati
3529 West Kemper Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45251
(513) 742-0060
Membership Chairperson:
Vic Haul
(513)469-2332
As noted in the ECHO, club members may receive
a significant discount when subscribing to "German Life" magazine. To review
the contents of this magazine, visit their web site at: www.GermanLife.com.
If you are interested in subscribing. please contact Vic Haul at 513-469-2332.
Please remember the membership meeting on June 1.
Some club news, as it becomes available, may also be found at:
Upcoming events, as they are scheduled, can be found at:
If you would like to know more about the Germania Society of Cincinnati, Ohio please email us at:
There are pictures from Oktoberfest at this web site:
This page last updated on May 5, 2001
Here is the guestbook for O. Weissman. There is no guestbook available on this Page. Please see Contact Us.
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