HOFBRÄU HERITAGE FEATURE #3
German Clubs of Ohio
German settlers have played a significant role in the history and development of Ohio. During the 19th century, a large wave of German immigrants arrived in Ohio, particularly in the mid-1800s. They established vibrant German communities throughout the state, contributing to its cultural, economic, and social fabric, but also maintained strong cultural ties to their homeland. German-language newspapers, clubs, and societies were formed to preserve their language, customs, and traditions. Visiting Ohio, you can’t deny the lasting impact of the German settlers and their heritage is still celebrated and cherished in various German-American communities across the State.
There are several clubs and organizations in Ohio that live and promote German culture and we’d like to introduce you to a few of them, that also joined the fun of HB Masskrugstemmen. Hofbräu München is proud to supply the beers for many of their club events and meetings and to be a part of fostering German culture in Ohio.
First, let us introduce you to the Akron German Family Society, which is a social club that aims to preserve and promote German heritage and family values in the Akron area. They offer various activities, including dancing, music, and language classes, and organize great events for the community like their annual Oktoberfest, which takes place September 8th – 10th.
Kolping Society of Cincinnati is a part of the larger international Kolping Society, which was founded by priest Adolph Kolping in Germany in 1849. Kolping’s efforts were dedicated to the betterment of workers and their families and the German Society’s values as well as activities are focused on solidarity and community till this day. They organize cultural events, educational activities, and social gatherings as well as charitable initiatives and engage in community service projects. Kolping Cincinnati just celebrated their famous Schützenfest in June and Hofbräu was part of it.
The Donauschwaben Society in Cincinnati is an organization that represents the cultural heritage of the Danube Swabians, a group of German-speaking people who migrated to southeastern Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. The society focuses on preserving and promoting the culture, traditions, and history of the Danube Swabian community. A famous celebration hosted by the community is the Schwabenfest.
The Donauschwaben Society in Cleveland also has its own cultural center where they host festivals, dances, concerts, and cultural programs throughout the year and where the HB Masskrugstemmen Ohio State Finals will be held on August 19th this year during their Summer Oktoberfest celebration. Through their events and activities, the Donauschwaben Society provides a platform for community members to come together, celebrate their shared heritage and cultural roots, and pass it on to future generations.
Germania Singing and Sport Society of Columbus focuses on promoting German heritage, language, music, and sports. They have a choir that performs traditional German songs and participates in local events and festivals, and they have various sports teams and clubs, including soccer, bicycling, dart, and air gun shooting clubs, where members can participate in friendly competitions. The society also organizes regular social gatherings, where members can connect, share their German heritage, and enjoy German food and drink. Germania Columbus’ Oktoberfest will be held September 15th – 17th this year.
The Germania Society of Cincinnati promotes and preserves German heritage through various cultural events, festivals, and activities, as well. They organize the Germania Oktoberfest, one of the largest German festivals in the region, which will take place this year on August 25th – 27th this year. Their great and dedicated members, beautiful grounds and planned entertainment program will make you feel like you are in Bavaria and enjoying a cold Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier will catapult you to Munich.
From the above, it is clear that all German Societies in Ohio share and follow common values and perspectives. Living and celebrating their rich traditions and culture, camaraderie, and German “Gemütlichkeit”, and activities are a very important aspect of the communities. It is noteworthy that the German societies in the region do not simply coexist or compete with each other. They nurture and support each other, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among the German Community in Ohio.
