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WHEREAS, early German immigration into Pennsylvania began in 1683 and was followed by three large waves of immigration prior to the American Revolution in 1776. During this period, Benjamin Franklin expressed admiration for German immigrants' determination and work ethic; and
WHEREAS, the middle of the 1800s saw its own wave of immigration which included the many Germans who settled in what became known as “Deutschtown” in Allegheny City, now Pittsburgh's Northside, and the skilled and hard-working people founded many businesses and singing clubs which were welcome additions to the rapidly-growing area; and
WHEREAS, in 1851 many German men joined a group called the “Liedertafel”, which met in the old Weiterhausen Church on Canal Street. Later, in 1854 the chorus was founded as Teutonia Männerchor, providing the men with a place where they could sing the songs of “Der alt Heimat” - their old homeland. The Chorus offered a sense of comfort to the recent immigrants, many of whom would never see their homes again, because of the difficulty and expense of sea travel at the time; and
WHEREAS, Teutonia Männerchor has continued in these old traditions for 160 years and in addition to the Men's Chorus, includes a traditional Dance Group ( The Alpen Schuhplattler und Tracten Verein) A ladies chorus (Teutonia Damenchor), A children's singing group (The Kinderchor), the “66” Card League, A shooters club (the Schützenkameraden), a Pool League and a Stein Society. It has a growing membership of over 2,800 and offers membership to its Landmark clubhouse to those who are willing to “further choral singing, German cultural tradition, and good fellowship”; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and honor our City's German immigrants for their industry, skills and good citizenship, for they have contributed to our region's rich cultural heritage, and recognizes the accomplishment of sustaining and ...
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