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WHEREAS, those of German descent began emigrating to Pennsylvania in 1683, and many settled in what is now known as Pittsburgh’s Northside or Deutschtown, where the influence of German culture is still visible today; and,
WHEREAS, in recognition of these immigrants and their offspring, the Alliance of Germanic Societies of Pittsburgh (German, Austrian and Swiss) will host their annual German Heritage Recognition Luncheon in Historic Teutonia Männerchor on Saturday, September 10th, 2016; and,
WHEREAS, the luncheon will include dignitaries from various German, Austrian and Swiss organizations, German Folk Dance groups, and singing societies, and where two individuals will be honored for their significant impact on the Pittsburgh area; and,
WHEREAS, honoree Elmer Menhart, an U.S. Army WWII veteran who served in Germany, met his wife Anneliese while deployed. Upon their return both became active in organizations preserving the culture of his wife’s country. He began singing with East Pittsburgh Sängerbund, and later became a delegate to the Nord Amerikanischer Sängerbund (NASB) from the Pittsburgh District, which he served as President for 25 years. He served the NASB as Secretary for 9 years, and President for three years. In the 167 year history of the NASB, Elmer Menhart was only the second person from the Pittsburgh District to be elected to this esteemed position. In 2009 he was named an honorary member of Bloomfield Liedertafel and celebrated his 50th year of membership with Teutonia Männerchor; and,
WHEREAS, honoree Maxine Bruhn, born in 1924, left her studies at West Virginia Wesleyan College after the bombing of Pearl Harbor to work at the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Factory of Hagerstown, MD to support the war effort. She met her husband, Fred C. Bruhn, an Anti-Hitler refugee from Germany and his work with numerous aid organizations allowed Maxine to travel to at least 83 countries. Because of Maxine’s extensive experience traveling the world, in 1965 she became the director of the Nationality Rooms program at the University of Pittsburgh. As of 2016, Maxine has coordinated the development of 11 new rooms at the Cathedral of Learning, including the Austrian room and Swiss room. Maxine continues to lead this world renowned cultural resource; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and honor historic citizens Elmer Menhart and Maxine Bruhn and commends all of the 2016 sponsors and participants in the annual German Heritage Recognition Luncheon; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, September 10th, 2016, to be “German Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.*Glück Auf!*