Immigrants and what they bring to the region shapes who we become as a community. Among many wonderful businesses, figures, and entertainment, is the German immigrants and landmarks that helped bring our community together.

Der Pioneer

Der Pioneer was a short-lived newspaper, but was the first one for German-Americans in Grand Rapids. It lasted less than two years, running from 1871-1872; which was when many Germans were moving to the United States and to West Michigan. This independent German weekly paper was ran and founded by Carl Nienhardt. (1)

The Germania

The Germania was a newspaper for German-Americans that flourished in Michigan for several decades, noting it to be the longest lasting German newspaper in West Michigan, running from September 1882 until 1916 (1).

The paper was devoted to providing national news, local news, local editorials about the community and involvements, typically a page with a novel-like story, and regional news for the state of Michigan (1).

Articles can still be found and read at the Grand Rapids Public Library.

Other German Newspapers

While Germania was the longest lasting weekly German news, many other newspapers came and went in Grand Rapids.

Of those, the ones documented by Baxter are as followed:

• "Der Sontaggsbote - A German Literary weekly, established in 1887."

• "Michigan Staats Zeitung - a weekly German newspaper, established in December, 1874, by Wm. Eichelsdoerfer."

• "Grand Rapids Sonntags Blaat - A German literary weekly, established by Wm. Eichelsdoerfer in 1877. It lived about nine years."

• "German American - A small weekly sheet started in 1884 by Hermann Hammerschlag. Devoted to the interests of Hebrew German-Americans."

• "Progressive Age - Successor to German American. A radical and aggressive free-thought paper, published weekly."

Saengerfest

In 1881, Grand Rapids was lucky enough to hold the Fourth Peninsular Saengerfest (singing festival).

During August for several days between the 22nd and 25th, Grand Rapids welcomed and hosted many German singing groups from throughout the state. This event reigned big enough that a building was constructed for roughly $5000 to host events in during said festival. The building included a large stage and a taproom to host events indoors. Unfortunately, this building burned down in a fire in May of 1882 (3).

Bundesfest

The Bundesfest was one of the largest festivals for immigrants in West Michigan in 1883- more specifically, celebrating on October 6th, 1883.

The reason behind this large festival was in celebration of German immigration to the United States, bidding well to those immigrants before them who landed in Germantown- a part of Philadelphia since October 6th, 1683. (1)

In this celebration of history, it included a parade that featured military, police, German clubs, bands, and more, costume of the first immigrants, costumes to celebrate German businesses such as butchers, breweries, bakers, maltsers, and more. (1,3)

In 1896, the Arbeiter Fund of Michigan put on its first official Bundesfest in Grand Rapids. It was such a large event that a local paper, The Evening Press, described it as such: "To the Bundesfest...Concert, Banquet, Ball, and a Monster Picnic at Reed's Lake Are to Be the Features. The Jolly Germans are Coming." (3)

Music

While much of German Art wasn't documented, Germans were involved heavily and adored art and music. There was many Germans who showed their love by participating and educating others. To quote Baxter and describe the German involvement in the music community of Grand Rapids,

"The German people are lovers of good music, and enthusiastic in musical training as an art. And very quickly after their immigration here began, they began also to become citizens and to form musical associations. Their influence has done more than any other agency to cultivate and improve the taste for and appreciation of classical and higher orders of music.

"Among them Peter Schickell, nearly forty years ago, developed expertness on string and brass instruments. In 1854 he was teacher of the Valley City Band, the predecessor of Barnhardt's Valley City Cornet Band . In 1857 Ferdinand Siegel was regarded as the best violin performer in the city. A German Brass Band of twelve pieces was organized in 1857, under the leadership of Franz Blasle. Valentine Rebhun, as an expert with the drumsticks, as Drum Major, and music teacher, is well remembered.

"Of band organizations in more recent years have been: Pioneer Band, A. Siegel, leader, in 1872. Arion Gesang Verein, H. Baroth, director, in 1873. Commandery Band, C.H. Jones, leader, and Hubbard & Barker's String Band, in 1875. Knights Templar Band, W. Babcock, director, 1876. Germania, W. S. Turner, leader, 1878. Second Regiment Band, C.T. Hennig, leader, 1880-82. Squiers and Guthan's Brass and String Band, 1884...

"The principal musical societies of 1888 are: Alberta, Germania, St. Cecilia, Harmonie and Ontario Singing Societies, Schubert Club, and Maas Choral Society."

Germania Hall

Germania Hall was once a place of many concerts and events- we could almost look at it like a St. Cecilia's music Center. This building was opened on October 27, 1886 at 26 Front Street in downtown (1).

Though it was only for music use, it was able to fit many people inside. With room for 1,000 seats, you could find yourself listening to a variety of musical performances by the German Benevolent Association, formal ceremonies, and more.

One of the main purposes and most common performances done here was by the Germania Maennerchor (1,3).

Arbeiter Hall

The Arbeiter Hall was built for the purpose of acting as a social space for Germans as well as acting for some time as a sports club. Today, it no longer exists due to being demolished in 1934 for property to be turned into a playground. (1,3)

German Workingmen's Aid Society- Arbeiter Unterstuetzung Verein

The Arbeiter Unterstuetzung Verein was formed on August 19, 1869, but was officially recognized as an organization on June 16, 1870. The main purpose of this club forming was for "The relief of members an their families in distress", according to Baxter. In its original membership there was 23 people. It was organized by Dr. Frederick Christ, Frank Kuenzel, and Herman Vielkind.

In January 1884, the group reorganized. At this point they had $4,500 in their treasury funds and were able to buy real estate for group purposes. They ultimately built a building, costing roughly $9,000. (1,3)

German Turnverein Club

The German Turnverein was a German-American sports and gymnastics club in Grand Rapids. The group formed in 1870 by German immigrant Dr. Frederick Christ, who emigrated to the US in 1848. The club grew rapidly in the 1870s due to German immigration to the area with interests in fitness and gymnastics. Due to large interest in the club, between 1882-1883 the Turnverein club built hall for activities and sports. (1,3)

Wallhalla Lodge, No. 249

The Wallhalla Lodge was formed for the sole purpose of helping German immigrants and German background in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. The club formed on January 20, 1875, and was began by nine charter members. A majority of the club's work and meetings were done in German, and was regarded as one of the most prosperous lodges in Grand Rapids during its time. (1)

Other Groups

Other groups located in Grand Rapids as of 1891 were the A.U.V. German Mutual Aid Society, the German Evangelical Society of St. John's Church, and the Deutsche Kriegerverein. (1)

Mayor Julius Houseman and Joseph Houseman

The cousins from Zeckendorf, Bavaria, Germany impacted the future of Grand Rapids in many ways.

Joseph moved to the United States in July of 1853, and moved straight to Michigan. He first visited Grand Rapids in 1854, and by 1857 moved to Grand Rapids permanently. Julius set sail to the United States in 1850 at roughly 17 years old. Julius first moved to Ohio and worked as a mercantile clerk, then moved to Battle Creek, and in 1852 settled down in Grand Rapids to take charge of a store. (1)

Joseph held major roles in the development of Grand Rapids, and to quote Baxter, "...he acceptably filled and still holds many positions of honor and trust. The more prominent of these at present are: Member of Board of Education, Director of the Grand Rapids National Bank, President of the Grand Rapids Building, Loan and Homestead Association, Director in the Valley City Building and Loan Association, Director and Treasurer of the Division Street Gravel Road Company, Trustee of Temple Emanuel, and Trustee of Grand Rapids Lodge 238...". (1)

As for Julius, he acted as a "stockholder in and President of the Grand Rapids Fire Insurance Company, Vice-President of the National City Bank, and a director in the Grand Rapids Chair Company,... was Alderman for six years, from and after 1864; elected Mayor of Grand Rapids in 1872 and again in 1874, was Representative from this city in the State Legislature for the term of 1871-72, and Member of Congress from the Fifth Michigan District in 1883-85. While he was Mayor the City Water Works System was constructed and put in operation." (1)

Dr. Frederick Christ

Dr. Frederick Christ first emigrated to the Unites States in 1848 following the revolution in Germany.

In his time in Grand Rapids, Dr. Christ served the community and many clubs in their formation and involvement.

Some of the biggest roles he played included founding the Arbeiter Unterstuetzungs-Verein, the St. Johannesverein [later known as the Germania Unterstuetzungs-Verein] which was a group for Roman Catholic Germans, and the Turnverein (1,3).

One of the most involved pieces for the community that he formed was the Turnverein- a gymnastics society officially re-established in 1870 after existing as a group for some time. The Turnverein grew so rapidly as a group that in 1882 a building was constructed for sports use for club members and newcomers alike (1,3).