In the fall of 1883, several immigrants from the German states of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein jointed together to form a German Society in Omaha. Officially founded in 1884 as the Omaha Plattdeutscher Verein, they moved into Germania Hall at 18th and Harney Streets. As its membership grew, they moved again in 1901 to the Washington Hall at 408 S 18th Street. By this time the group had a membership of over 300 and was fundraising to buy land on which to build a permanent clubhouse. In 1906, they purchased the Brennan Farm at 4206 S 13th Street and soon began construction of the new clubhouse. The new building was completed in June 1908. On the cornerstone of the building was inscribed “Von den Deutschen, für die Deutschen” which means “From the Germans, for the Germans”. This motto appears on its current home as well.
The home was very well known locally and to many in the Midwest. The annual German Day brought thousands of people together each year in the park behind the clubhouse. While World War I, Prohibition, Great Depression and World War II were very difficult times for the society, wise leadership kept it going through it all.
Fearing vandalism as a result of Anti-German sentiment at the time, they moved out and allowed Father Edward Flanagan and 1,200 of his boys to use its German Home from 1918-1921. Later the group of boys would become known as Boys Town. By 1922 the boys moved to its own permanent home at the Overlook Farm on 132nd and Dodge. I’ve written about Boys Town previously if you missed it or would like to read it again.
Prior to the second world war, most of the Germans in Omaha originated from the northern German states. Following the war, however, a large number of Germans from other states immigrated to the United States, settled in Omaha and joined the Plattdeutscher Verein. As a result, they changed their name to the German-American Society in 1950 to be more inclusive. By 1969 they were on the move again. This time they purchased land in West Omaha and built a larger clubhouse that had more space. They remain at this location, 3717 S 120th Street, to this day.
In 1905 a statue of Frederich von Schiller, a German polymath poet, playwright, historian, philosopher, physician and lawyer was donated to the city and placed in Riverside Park. During World War I, an angry mob stole the statue and left it in a ditch. It was later recovered and in 1979 the monument was purchased by the German-American Society and moved to their grounds on 120th.
The German-American Society has celebrated German Day since it was founded in 1884. Its also celebrated Oktoberfest with the public since 1998. The celebration originated in Munich in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of the Prince Ludwig of Bavarian to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The event allows everyone to partake in German culture, with cuisine, beer and entertainment including music and dancing.
Today the German-American Society offers unique opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate German culture. Events include Keller Night, Bockfest, Maifest, Oktoberfest, Christmas in Germany and others. The unique spaces including North Hall, South Hall, Rathskeller are available for rent. Other activities include German language classes, student exchange and gymnastics.
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Until next time, keep exploring!
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