Mt. Carmel Festival, 1880

ANLER, LOCH, POSS, DREES, GNAM, KRAUSE, HESS, ROHNER

Posted By: david reineke (email)
Date: 12/6/2004 at 00:57:02

I translated the following article from Der Carroll Demokrat, a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and 1920. It was originally published on Friday, 15 October 1880. I have not changed the name or place spellings. Any information in brackets or notes at the end is my own explanation. It reads as follows:

The Harvest and Shooting Festival in Mount Carmel

As with all other occasions, the reporter for the Demokrat naturally could not miss the Harvest and Shooting Festival in Mt. Carmel. So he joined company with several of the singers and thereby received free passage on the road, which, as far as mud was concerned, left nothing to be desired. The journey otherwise was quite cheerful, since the group certainly was not made up of spoilsports. When we arrived in Mt. Carmel, the local church-tower clock showed 11:30, and as we heard, it had been showing this time for three or four weeks already, which, however, is not to detract from the cleverness of the people of Mt. Carmel. The festival area was noticed first, and there we found that a large group of people was already having quite a good time. The next thing was the noon meal. The Rev. Father Anler led us into the dining room, where we ate with the Carroll Singing Choir, whose members were already indulging in the baked chicken. In this regard, Mr. Joe Rohner especially distinguished himself since he already had a real mountain of little chicken bones in front of him. He wreaked quite a horrible havoc, as he chewed with full cheeks. We ourselves naturally partook heartily of the dishes in the fullest way, especially since this time we had a cost-free table. After we had satisfied our hunger, we went again to the festival area, where we took part in all the various amusements. The concert began at about three o’clock, and all the selections were performed with great proficiency and were all well chosen. Due to all the commotion, however, the singers unfortunately had to stop. We strolled about from one place to another until the theater presentation began. This was good in all respects, and especially Aujust, the shoemaker’s apprentice, in his roll.

During both days, the music band played with the accompaniment of the trombonist, Mr. Loch from Breda.

The celebration proceeded in the most peaceful and friendly manner, and the proceeds were very good. The following prizes were won:
Mrs. Poss, a work basket.

Miss Lena Gnam, a fruit basket.

Miss Clara Drees, a tool box.

Mr. Joe Billerbeck, a harmonica.

Mr. F. W. Krause, a picture.

Rev. John Anler, a horse.

The church itself won the buggy, since the chosen raffle ticket had not been sold.

Mr. Hess received the prize for the favorite candidate. [Perhaps he was running for elected office.]

The profits were estimated at about $2000, and the celebration is considered a success in every respect.