SHOOTING CLUB OF ST LOUIS 1961
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SCHUETZENVEREIN - ST LOUIS
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A German Tradition - A Lifetime of Friendship
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MEETINGS:
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| CLICK ON FILE TO DOWNLOAD MAP TO OUR STOREFRONT IN CHESTERFIELD MALL |
Greetings from our Member in Germany visiting Wittenberg
OUR 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Unser sechzigstes Jubiläum
CLUB MISSION STATEMENT & HISTORY
German Eagle Woodcut by member Don Roberts 2019
Flaggen der deutschsprachigen Länder
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MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of this organization is to enhance German/American relationships by providing fellowship and education through mutual social interest in German Schützenverein traditions and competition. SCHÜTZENVEREIN OF ST LOUIS CLUB HISTORY The St. Louis Schützenverein was established in 1961 and is a not-for-profit organization under current IRS rules. The seven original founders, also known as the “Seven Holy Founders,” were Wilhelm Lohmann, Heinrich Schwentker, Karl Liska, Jack Mueller, Gerhard Lichtenstein, Alfred Jahn, and Karl Lochthrowe. All of the original members have either passed away or moved from the area; however, today there are more than 40 members call the Schützenverein “my club.” The Schützenverein was originally the idea of Willi Lohmann and was discussed at Henry Schwentker's barbershop. The first formal meeting was held at Bill Eisele's Virginia Inn. The seven members attended and established the club as 'Schützenverein of St. Louis von 1961.’ Ten by-laws were established and the club joined the NRA. Willi Eisele became an Ehrenmitglied (honorary member). Jack V. Mueller was elected the first Schießwart (range master). Three other honorary members were appointed:
In 1962 the first annual picnic was held at La Agua Valley Swimming Pool in House Springs and the first shooting competition with a .22 rifle was held that year as well. In August, the Wanderpokal (traveling trophy) and wooden plaque were made by a friend of Henry Schwentker in Germany and was used as the club’s logo. The Pokalschießen (trophy shoot) was held and Karl Lochtowe was the first winner of the Pokal. Willi Lohmann introduced the graphic for the Königsvogel (the traditional German target for the König’s shoot) and this style is still used today at the annual Koenigschießen. Wolfgang Waterwiese joined earlier in the year and Witold Kramer became a member in December. Both honored gentlemen recently passed away. On September 8, 1963 the first Königsschießen was held. Later that month on the 23rd, the first Schützenball was held in the Deutsches Haus (formerly on the northeast corner of LaFayette and Jefferson in St. Louis) and the music was supplied by the Trio Freddy (Fred Buechner) and "Die Lustigen Schwaben" (Andy Hochrein). At one of the early meetings, it was decided the Schützenverein should have uniforms consisting of white shirts and a green tie. In 1964, we voted to complete the uniform by adding the traditional green hat and jacket similar to a Jäger or Förster in Germany. Four rifles were supplied by the NRA for temporary use along with 3000 rounds of ammunition. The Verein became a member of Schützenverband Hamburg, an organization of several shooting clubs in Germany. 1964 also saw the birth of the "Schießbude" (shooting booth) at the picnic and it was seen at the picnics through the 60's & 70's. It was always a big hit! The booth also made appearances at the Columbia (Illinois) Straßenfest and at the Eden Club picnic. In 1981 the Verein purchased 10 acres of land in St. Genevieve County and later built a pavilion; thus, our Schießwald was established. The picnic and the annual Königsschießen is held on the grounds. As the years progressed great friendships were formed, traditions practiced, spirited competitions held, and a bond with our heritage continued. Today, we continue to hold meetings almost every month as well as club shoots. Today, our shooting and scoring is a mix between air rifles, air pistols and .22 rifle competitions. Members attend several air rifle and pistol competitions in the Midwest. We currently regularly attend shoots at Peoria and Chicago Illinois, as well as Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. We have two formal dances each year. The Hubertustanz in the fall is held in conjunction with our hosting the inter-club competition and is in honor of the patron saint of hunters, St. Hubertus. The other is the Königsball in January, when we install our new König (or Königin) for the year. We have other activities as well. We also regularly operate a booth at various German festivals around town to help raise funds for our operating expenses as well as for donations. Although the meeting place has changed to our own Schützenhalle, a storefront located in Chesterfield Mall, and new members joined while other friends departed, the St. Louis Schützenverein holds to many of its original traditions while continuing to return some money to fund German-American education & cultural programs in the community. |