 90 Lanes Mill Road (off Route 9 - across from Lowe's Garden Center) Howell, NJ 732-363-9520
P.O. Box 118 Lakewood, NJ 08701
The notion of a society or club originated on a sunny Sunday in July, 1928, at the beach in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, as a tenor voice emerged from the shadow of the boardwalk singing the old familiar German folk song, "O, wie Herbe Ist Das Scheiden". Inspired by this well-known melody, several young German men decided to establish a singing society. The idea spread among many interested friends of the original group and on the following September 28, 1928, the Lakewood Maennerchor was officially founded. Richard Hornickle became the first president of the organization and Conrad Dost became the first director of the chorus. As time went by, the chorus held rehearsals at the Hindenburg Inn in Lakewood. The organization, however, soon desired a permanent home, and so, a six acre parcel of land was purchased. In the spring of 1930, the cornerstone was laid and work was begun on a 24 x 30 foot building. Labor was provided voluntarily by the members. As the club grew in popularity, many new members were initiated. The club was often invited to visit other clubs and join their activities. In fact, on the occasion of the landing of the Graf Zeppelin in Lakehurst in 1930, the society entertained thousands of visitors with German folk songs. The event was reported by the top-ranking newspapers in America. In 1930, the Frauenverein Des Lakewood Maennerchor was formed and in July, 1948, the Damenchor or ladies chorus was organized. In addition to singing in the chorus, the Frauenverein also provides German food for the various fests and celebrations. Anna Kohsen was the first president of the Frauenverein. The chorus, in its 60th year numbers 38 ladies and 36 gentlemen. It is supported wholeheartedly by the 334 active and passive members. The Frauenverein and the Lakewood Maennerchor have been supportive members of the Nordoestlicher Saengerbund for many years and are proud of their association with this great regional organization for the preservation of the German culture through music. A Maennerchor member, John Becker, is an honorary president of the N.O.S.B. In addition, our chorus participates in the annual German Heritage Festival which takes place at the Garden State Arts Center. This festivity is supported by our entire organization.(Read more about us in the chorus section). The Lakewood Maennerchor holds its business meetings on the first Saturday evening of each month throughout the year. The annual General Meeting is held the first Saturday evening in January. At this meeting, elections of the Executive Board and Business Committees take place. Dances and Fests are held each month and are open to the public. |
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Soon the need for expansion was evident and members again gave generously of their time and talents. Throughout the years, the structure has been enlarged and improved many times, At present, the Saengerhalle provides seating for approximately 334 people and includes an ample dance floor, a stage, and a large well-equipped kitchen. Outdoors is a large picnic area with bowling and shuffleboard facilities, volleyball area, raised dance pavilion, and a small bar. As many as 800 guests have been entertained here in the past.