Deutscher Liederkranz Sommernachtsfest

“The Liederkranz was, it may well be said, more than usually fortunate in selecting yesterday evening for their first summer night’s festival of the present year. The sky was clear and starlit, but few clouds obstructing the twinkling jets of the starry heavens rom [sic] reaching this snblunary [sic] spot. The air was exceedingly pleasant, neither too cool nor too warm, the temperature being as if it had been specially regulated with the aid of a thermometer, in view of increasing the pleasurable enjoyment of the society and its guests; And [sic] best of all, there was not a speck of the moon to be seen—that satrap of the earth, which, by its silvery rays, would have lessened the beautiful effect of the illumination of the grounds and the buildings, and might have bleached the light from the garlands of Chinese lanterns which almost covered the extensive grounds of Kapff’s Lion Park, on 110th street and Ninth avenue. And the effect of all these was grand indeed. [More description of the space.]

…In the Belvidere [sic], where Bernstein’s orchestra discoursed dancing music and the yong [sic], and, for that matter, a goodly number also of the old people failed not to avail themselves and ‘tripped the light fantastic toe’ to the delight of all. the [sic] number present was immense. Seldom has there been a festival, either of the Liederkranz or of any other equally prominent and popular society, at this place or anywhere else, which drew together such a multitude of the crème de la crème of the German population and of those circles of our American society whose knowledge of life and life’s best pleasures induces them to seek recreation among those who best understand how to arrange it for them. As late as between eleven o’clock and midnight carriages continued to arrive, bringing new and astonished guests—astonished at the general radiance of the place in point of decoration and the (perhaps unexpected) beauty and fashion so apparent and which gave such increased interest to the festival.” Concludes with list of directors.

“Lion Park was brilliantly illuminated last evening on the occasion of the Summer’s Night’s Festival of the Liederkranz Society of New-York. The sight from Eighth-aven. was bright and dazzling, the whole extent of the large dancing hall of the Park being hung with Chinese lanterns, while the shady walks, in addition to their common-place gas-lamps, were lighted in the same manner. The attendance was immense, comprising representatives of nearly all classes of German citizens, from the highest to the lowest.

Bernstein’s Band was stationed in the raised orchestra and discoursed the sweetest of sweet music, causing many a maiden’s feet to start off almost involuntarily to join in the merry dance. Throughout the large hall, eating, and drinking, and dancing went on without intermission until an early hour this morning… [More description of the physical space.]

…When it is said that the Summer night’s festival [sic] of the Liederkranz was equal to any of its balls in pleasurable excitement, and more enjoyable because of its rusticity, there is no further need of description.” Concludes with list of committee members.