A brief history of the American German Club, how it was started and by whom,
how it has evolved, and what it is today.
In the Spring of 1967, three good friends, Richard Blechschmidt, Gerold Harbeke, and Karl-Heinz Randtke dreamed of forming a CLUB here in Palm Beach County, that would be a social center for folks with German heritage. They called it the "Bavarian American Club".
The purpose of this CLUB would be to uphold and promote that ethnic background common to them , all within the framework of the U.S.A., so the name was changed from "Bavarian American Club" to "American German Club", which was approved in Tallahassee in June 1970.
Their ideas took hold and attracted other people from the area that also wanted to have a little bit of the "alte Heimat" here. There were many impromptu gatherings and meetings... in stores, in restaurants, and in other facilities as the group grew in number and in their determination to realize this common goal. Funds were obtained, land was purchased and the vision started to become a reality.
The picnic grounds were our first real home. Land was cleared, facilities were installed -- somewhat makeshift at first -- benches and tables were made... everyone pitched in. There was fun too...and food, and music and good fellowship. "Gemutlichkeit" prevailed! More folks joined in as the word got around, and before long a start was made on our dream...the Club House.
In 1975, ground was broken for the new clubhouse. Members helped dig, pour concrete, donated supplies and money, even bought cement blocks at $1.00 each. It was a long process, but a little bit at a time , it slowly took form. How proud they were! Things were added...chairs, tables, equipment, etc. The beautiful wood carvings throughout the CLUB were done by one of our members (a true artist) and donated. And so it was with others too. The new building was designed in the authentic Bavarian style. The interior of the building is beautifully handcrafted by members of our club who were taught in Germany. Many members came for untold hours to work on the building. Beautiful gifts were also donated to make our clubhouse a place to be proud of.
But of course, even with all this, much more money was needed. Our picnics held each month were a major source of income. Today, the first Sunday of each month is set aside for the members' business meeting. On the third Sunday of each month a picnic is held which is open to the public. By 1974 the Club had grown rapidly in membership and reached a total of 550 members by 1983. That year the Ladies' Auxiliary of the American-German Club was begun. They continue to be a vital part of the Club today. Later other functions and activities were added... such as the now very successful "Oktoberfest" and others. In each case, the food preparers, the workers and helpers, the necessary trades people and everyone connected with the event, worked long and hard to make things happen.
The Annual American-German Club Oktoberfest was first held in 1974. Each year during the month of October, members outdo themselves in time and talent by presenting to the community an Oktoberfest for one and all to enjoy. There are authentic German food specialties along with beer and wine for all to taste. Entertainment comes to us from the surrounding areas as well as musicians flown directly from Germany. We plan to keep this tradition alive each year in October and invite everyone to come and see what "Gemutlichkeit" is all about.
A beautiful club facility such as ours is now, takes a great deal of money, much effort and good inspired leadership to become a reality. We still have more goals to achieve and more dreams for the future. We have the opportunity of a lifetime to demonstrate the tremendous contribution that we of American-German heritage have made over the past 300 years to this great nation. We can help bring enrichment and harmony to the community as a whole.
CIVIC EFFORTS: The club members participate in parades and donate blood to the Community Blood Bank. At times money is donated to schools for improvements, advancement of student studies and travel. The Women's Auxiliary frequently visits homes for the aged to bring cheer and sunshine. Many times Christmas parties are planned for children.
Our club and our members have received trophies and awards for their efforts, participation and contributions to the community.