Our Club History

 

Schuhplattler-Verein Edelweiß was founded on April 16, 1914 by twenty-six Schuhplattler and Trachtler from the “old country”, mostly Bavarians with few Austrians included. The object of the Club was and still is to preserve and perpetuate the Bavarian and Austrian culture through the performance of authentic Schuhplattler and Volkstänze (dances) and songs, and the wearing of traditional costumes. This was accomplished by providing the immigrants with a close-knit social network in their new home. Although none of our founders are alive today, they are represented by some of their 2^nd and 3^rd generation descendants that can be found in our membership today.

 

Much of our early history has been lost to us, only some names and a few stories are left. Over these many years, our Club has survived some rough times and has gone on to prosper and provide many folks with wonderful friendships, long-lasting memories, millions of laughs and more than a story or two for the  children.

 

In 1974, on the weekend of August 30-September 1, we celebrated our 60. Jubiläum und Fahnenweihe (Anniversary and Flag Blessing). It was one of our proudest moments. Over 1000 of our Trachtenkameraden representing 24 Vereine (Clubs) from around the U.S. and Canada attended the festivities. The B.G.T.E.V. D’Werdenfelser from Sheboygan, Wisconsin was our Patenverein. Our newly purchased and dedicated flag (see below) was a tremendous accomplishment for our Verein  and our members are extremely proud of the beauty of our flag.

 

Another special event in our history, was the celebration of our 75. Jubiläum in May, 1989. At that time we honored several of our members, for their 50 plus years of membership and dedication to the Edelweiß.  The festivities included a special performance by our dancers of a new skit of Platteln scenes.

 

In April of 2004, we celebrated our 90. Jubiläum, with a dinner and dance at St. Catherine’s Church Hall in Glenview. Our adult and children’s dance groups performed as did several of our guest Vereine that came to celebrate this happy occasion with us. It was a wonderful opportunity to visit with old friends and family who came to celebrate this milestone in our history.

 

While many things have changed over these last 94 years, many things have stayed quite the same. We still have a very dedicated and loyal membership. We still enjoy the same things that brought our founders together to form this Club. We still actively celebrate our heritage.  What has changed is the ease of communications such as computers and Email, for example. Having a musician play for practices and performances has out of necessity, given way to the use of tapes and CD’s. But even that has an advantage. We have the ability to share music and dances with other Vereins and over great distances.

 

 As the oldest Verein in the Gauverband Nordamerika, we are looking ahead to the celebration of our 100^th Jubiläum in May, 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Sitt und Tracht der Alten wollen wir erhalten”

 

“We honor the traditions and dress of our ancestors.”