On Saturday, November 16 the Alpenrose Schuhplattler Verein held their Stiftungsfest celebrating 51 years in Lancaster, PA at the Liederkranz.
The Lancaster Liederkranz dates back to 1880. By 1910 they were located at a hall on Prince and Farnum streets in Lancaster. In 1993 they moved to their present location in Salunga. The building and grounds were formerly owned by the Mt. Joy Legion.
The forerunner of the Alpenrose Schuhplattler Verein was started in 1958 at the Lancaster Liederkranz and though these “Liederkranz Dancers,” (including Joe Pichler) remained active until 1962, the military draft, marriages and budding families meant they dissolved in 1963. By 1973, the Alpenrose formed with Tony & Kitty Koenig, Lamar & Mary Swisher, Paul & Sis Meisenbach, Joe & Josie Jakob, Peter & Connie Knapp, Heinz & Anna Simon, and Bob & Jane Heagy as founding members. They joined the Gauverband in 1990 after having attended the 1989 Gaufest in Parsippany.
“In 1990, the Alpenrose S.V. joined Gauverband Nordamerika at the delegates meeting held in Florida. Alpenrose S.V. was sponsored by many friends from other groups including United German Hungarians, Almrausch, Poughkeepsie, and Auerhahn.”
-taken from the History of the Alpenrose S.V. (50th Stiftungsfest, 2023)
The dancers organized a Kindergruppe in 1992, were voted in as an active organization of the Liederkranz in 1996, purchased their flag and held a Fahnenweihe in 2006. Last year in 2023, they held their 50th Stiftungsfest with a large celebration outside under the pavilion as well as various tents at the Lancaster Liederkranz. It was an event to remember, with a wonderful parade of flags, delicious dinner, dancing and music by the Enzian Musikanten from Delaware.
This year the event was back in doors and much more “intimate” as Vorstand, Paul Stanavage stated. The Liederkranz has a great bar room setup with the hall just off through double doors. Long rows of tables were setup ready for guests. Maria and John with friends provided music for the evening. A buffet dinner was available for purchase including chicken Schnitzel, Kassler Ripchen, baby red roasted potatoes, green beans, red cabbage and assorted desserts.
From the United German Hungarians the following were in attendance:
- John & Connie Reiter
- Sasha & Janet Malofiy
- Michael, Allyssa, Michael K., & Penelope Fricker
- Alex, Jenn, Kurt, & Kirsten Blank
- Werner Fricker III & Karin Schulz
- Morgan Schulz
The host club performed “Uberall Sind die Laden zu” and their Kindergruppe danced the “Reit im Winkler.” (When you have a chance, check with Allyssa Schulz whether those shutters are closed or if they are shut).
Our German Hungarians danced the “Amerseer.” Of course later in the festivities everyone joined together for the “Gauplattler” including our smallest Kurt, Michael K, and Kirsten.
The little guys also had much fun playing and dancing together throughout the evening including making new friends as well!
It is important to note when individuals are recognized by their club for their dedication and hard work. Ehren Urkunde were presented from the Alpenrose Schuhplattlers to the following individuals: Brenda Arbenz, John Blank, George Grab, Elaine Kuhn, Russ Kuhn, Helen Scheingraeber, Frank Scheingraeber, Barbi Stanavage, Paul Stanavage, Mark Stanavage, & Teresa Wiedemer.
Congratulations to all!
The Alpenrose Schuhplattler Verein kindly provided beer, wine, and soda for their fellow Trachtlers an amenity I think all those attendees very much appreciated. Besides refreshments, they also provided hearty welcomes, good humor, and camaraderie.
The Alpenrose has a motto which is adorned on their flag and it talks of being true to the old customs. Dancing, music, Tracht seem like the obvious customs in question. They keep those up well. But the Alpenrose, who invite us each year to celebrate with them, are also dedicated deeply to the customs of friendship, family, and community. Those customs go back to the beginning with those 14 founding members, continue through their membership in the Lancaster Liederkranz and are evident in their friendship with the many organizations and dance groups that surround them.
Michael N. Fricker
These groups were in attendance:
Alpenrose Schuhplattler Verein – Lancaster, PA
Lancaster Liederkranz Alleweill Jung Volkstänzer – Lancaster, PA
Lancaster Liederkranz Hobby Chor – Lancaster, PA
Auerhahn Schuhplattler Verein – Oley, PA
BHTV D’Potomactaler Stamm – Washington DC
Enzian Volkstanzgruppe – Newark, DE
Gemeutlichen Enzianer, Franklin Square, NY
Germania Almrausch SV – Poughkeepsie, NY
GTV Almrausch – Philadelphia, PA
SG Alpenland – Montreal, Canada
SV Alt Washingtonia – Washington DC
United German Hungarians – Philadelphia, PA
Thank you to Germania Almrausch, Poughkeepsie for the photos!
