The "Saengerfest"

One of the features of the past year which became closely connected with the Pan-American Exposition was the 30th "Saengerfest" (Feast of Song) of the North American Saengerbund which was held in our city of Buffalo from the 24th to the 27th of June 1901. At the previous Saengerfest, held in the city of Cincinnati, it had been resolved to hold the next Saengerfest in the exposition city, the city of Buffalo. It had undoubtedly been anticipated that the great undertaking by the citizens of Buffalo would be an inducement to the members and friends of the Saengerbund and consequently large numbers be persuaded to attend this Saengerfest. This anticipation had to a certain extent been realized and without a doubt would have been accomplished fully, had the Railroad companies been more obliging in offering reduced rates upon their various roads at this time. This condition of affairs, which not only caused the Exposition injury financially had to a large extent proven itself a great hindrance to the Saengerfest and thus prevented many from participating in the same.

74th Regiment Arsenal

Shortly after the Saengerfest had been secured for Buffalo, preliminary steps were taken to make necessary preparation for it. A committee had been formed and the entire matter taken hold of energetically. The question in regard to obtaining a suitable hall, which is always an important one for these occasions was promptly and satisfactorily settled through the efforts of influential German residents of our city in securing the large new 74th Regiment Arsenal for the purpose of giving the concerts therein. Owing to its large size and unfortunate acustics this hall proved to be far from an ideal place to be used as a concert hall.

Joseph Mischka Director of the Children's Choir

About forty Societies with about two thousand voices had applied to unite in this great event. Mr. John Lund of Buffalo was chosen first director and Mr. Henry Jacobsen also of Buffalo, second director. Time soloists for the occasion were: Mrs. Schumann-Heinck, Mrs. Lilian Blauvelt, Mrs. Laura D. Minehan, Mr. Evan Williams and Mr. D. [Ffranggon] Davis and in connection thereto a very good instructed childrens-choir participated in the concerts all of which can well be considered a musical success. A reception concert was given on the first evening at the 65th regiment armory. Mr. J. Hanno Deiler was President of the executive committee of the Saengerbund. The members of the executive committee for the city of Buffalo were: President, F. C. M. Lautz: 1st vice president, Wm. Miller; 2nd vice president, Jacob Rosche; 3rd vice president, Theodore Steeg; Treasurer, Henry W. Brendel; secretary, Adolf Finck. The chairmen of the following committees were as follows: Finance, Paul Werner; Music, Robert H. Heussler; Hall, N. J. Miller; Lodging, Phil. Hoenig; Railroad, Louis J. Heintz; Entertainment, Herman Bernhardt; Printing, Julius W. Georger; Press, Chas. A. Wenborne; Reception, Wm. Lautz.

[This entry "The Saengerfest" appeared in Geschichte der Deutschen in Buffalo und Erie County, N.Y. / mit biographien und illustrationen hervorragender Deutsch- Amerikaner, welche zur Entwickelung der Stadt Buffalo beigetragen haben. (History of the Germans of Buffalo and Erie County). Buffalo, N.Y. : Reinecke & Zesch, 1897 (1898 printing). Although it is not clear, this information must have been added after the books original printing date. Note that the images above did not appear in the original.]

Return to top
Return to The German Community of Buffalo