Articles on the Liederkranz Society meeting

“General Meeting of the German Liederkranz. The annual Liederkranz meeting took place last night at the Liederkranz Hall 4^th Street. Last year was the 20^th anniversary of the Liederkranz. The union has 832 ordinary members, 44 extra-ordinary members, and 16 honorary members. Last year, 5 soirees took place, which were supported by members and non-members. A significant number of members participated in the ‘Sängerfest’ in Louisville and Providence. As entertainment, a big mask ball at the Academy of Music, two summer night’s festivals and five social dance events were held. 15 women attended the vocal classes offered every Friday evening by the conductor Paur at the Liederkranz local Inn. The secretary recommends that the younger new singers attend the men’s vocal classes. Last year, a significant amount of the mortgage on the local Inn was paid off; moreover some I.O.U.s held by members were paid off. Due to the Sunday- and License Laws, the local Inn was closed and changed into a club house. This was not profitable, although better for the members who receive discounts for beverages.

Financial Report of 1866:

Revenue

For dues: $8542.00                                                                 

For admissions: $2735.00

For surplus of enetertainments: $6649.56

Total: $17,926.56                                                               

Expenses

For 10% deduction of music books, compositions, etc.: $209.12

For stationary: $48.25

For singer festivals, galaire: $4943.34

For food-service for the ladies: $179.13

For food-service for the men: $393.90

For the orchestra union: $92.00

Total : $5865.74                                                                 

Net-Income: $12,060.82

Both reports were accepted. A decision was made that at this time no non-members can be introduced due to the Sunday Law. An increase of membership dues to $15 was suggested, but the decision postponed to the next meeting. Following W. Steinway’s suggestion, the next masked ball will take place at the Academy of Music at March 21^st.”

A list of the newly elected officers is included in the article.

“The twentieth annual meeting of the German Liederkranz was held last night in Leiderkranz Hall, Fourth Street. The new members of the year are 139 in number, which 39 resigned. The whole number of members is 834. The receipts were $17,926, and the expenses only $5,865 – leaving a surplus of over $12,000. Officers were elected as follows: President, Wm. Steinway; first vice-president, Fr. Steins; second vice-president, Louis Kaemmerer; first secretary, H.C.F. Koch; second secretary, Justins F. Poggensburg; finance secretary, Wm. Marwedel; librarians, Messrs. Gloeckner and Muench; musical director Agricol Paur.”

“The twentieth annual meeting of the German Liederkranz was held at Liederkranz Hall, in Fourth street, last night. From the annual reports submitted it appeared that during the past year 139 new members were admitted, while 38 resigned.  The society at present numbers 834 members (of whom 53 are active singers), 44 special and 16 honorary members. There are 19 candidates on the list for admission as members. The report embraced a review of the musical engagement of the society during the past year, which were all carried out with success. The singing school for young ladies is in a prosperous condition. The school is under the direction of Mr. Paur and is at present attended by fifteen pupils, who in due time will prove valuable acquisitions to the female chorus connected with the society. Belonging to the society is also a school for male singers and an orchestra of amateurs, which under the direction of its leader have proved to be very useful and successful institutions. On account of the Excise law a change had to be made in the management of the hall, which was converted into a private establishment and placed under the direction of a committee. The male chorus during the past year has been increased, and the rehearsals on Tuesdays are generally fully attended. From the Treasurer’s report it appears that the receipts of the society during the year amounted to $17,926. The expenses were $5,865, leaving a surplus of $12,060, which was appropriated for paying off the debt and for repairs.”

Includes a list of officers.