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Celebration Held at Turner Hall Monday

Evening in Honor of This Auspicious Occasion.

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OVER $10,000

SUBSCRIBED WIPES OUT OBLIGATIONS

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Banquet Enjoyed and

Evening Was One of Great Pleasure.-Fred Pfaender

President of Society.

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For the first time in the history of the New Ulm Turner society, it is free from all financial obligations. This event was celebrated with due regard for the auspicious occasion by the members of the Turner societies at Turner hall Monday evening, when the outstanding bonds were burned and those present gave three rousing cheers.

Drive Made for Funds.

During the past year a committee, consisting of Otto Oswald, George Wicherski and Miss Elfrieda Toberer carried on a drive for funds with which to wipe out the indebtedness of the Turner society. The committee has been active and spent a large amount of time in soliciting subscriptions to the fund. The members of the society were loud in their praise of the efforts of the committee and the good work they have accomplished during the drive.

Family Festival.

Monday evening, as was proper and fitting, the occasion was celebrated with a banquet and a get-together affair at Turner hall. The members of the Turner and Ladies’ societies were present and the occasion was one that will long be remembered in the annals of the local Turner societies.

The weather was inclement, but in spite of this fact, more than 150 were present to take part in the celebration. The festivities were initiated with a banquet, which was served by the sons and daughters of the Turner members. It was served in four courses and was up to the high standard set for years by the good cooks within the membership of the Turner society. The banquet tables were decorated in the Turner colors, black and gold and a jonquil was at each plate. Following the banquet a series of toasts were called for by Alb. Steinhauser, who acted as toastmaster. Following this a number of various entertaining numbers were enjoyed, after which dancing assisted to keep up the enthusiasm of the occasion.

President Fred. Pfaender of the Turner society, in a few remarks, informed those present that he had searched the records of the organization, as far back as they were intact, which was in 1872, fifty years ago, and found that since that time the society has not been free from indebtedness. It was his opinion that the society had not been free from financial obligations of some kind since its organization up to that time.

Different Drives.

The speaker also called attention to the different drives for funds, which had been made during the history of the society, especially the one, when the new hall was erected. At that time approximately $15,000 was raised. He explained that the recent indebtedness, which was wiped out by the taking up of the bonds was the balance due from that debt.

Following President Pfaender’s remarks two readings were enjoyed, one of the German vernacular, by Mrs. Emmy Steinhauser and the other in the American language by Mrs. L. B. Krook. Both were well received by the audience.

Attorney Albert Pfaender responded to the toast, the “Turner Ladies’ society,” the members of which organization he paid a glowing tribute for their unfailing energy in assisting the Turner society to decrease its obligations and in all efforts of activity for the benefit of the organization. This society was organized over thirty years ago. Mrs. Minna Brandt, 83 years of age, is the oldest member of the ladies’ society. She was present and spoke briefly, wishing both societies unbounded success.

The Committee in the Drive.

The different members of the committee, which secured the funds, with which to wipe out the indebtedness, Messrs. Oswald and Wicherski and Miss Toberer, were called upon to respond to toasts by the toastmaster. Mr. Oswald informed those present, how the work was incepted; how the membership responded and thanked the members of the committee, as well as the members of both Turner societies for the assistance they had received during the drive. He informed the membership that the work was not quite complete, but that as soon as weather conditions were favorable that the drive would be completed and a report made.

$9,000 Went Up in Smoke.

George Wicherski read the figures and stated that in excess of $10,000 has been collected during the drive and that bonds and notes to the amount of approximately $9,000 would be burned that evening, which would clear up the financial obligations of the society. After the drive is completed, it is anticipated that the total sum collected will be in excess of $11,000.

Miss Toberer stated that the Ladies’ society had pledged themselves to raise $1,000 during the drive. She said that they had fallen short about $100, but that they were not going to desist until the full amount was raised.

Among the others, who replied to toasts were Thomas Pfaender and August Hummel. Among the other numbers upon the program for the work, under the direction of Professor Herman Hein, songs by the newly organized chorus of the society, piano solo by Chas. Hauenstein, violin selection by Wm. Pfaender and duet by Mr. and Mis. Julius Krause. The program was closed with rendering “The Red, White and Blue.” Following this, a social dance was enjoyed.

Felicitations in Order.

The whole community felicitate with the members of the Turner societies upon this auspicious occasion, and are greatly pleased that they have been successful in the drive with which to eliminate their total funds indebtedness.

Brown County Journal,

March 23, 1923