1875
Founding of a Society for the Protection of Personal Freedom
Everyone is invited to participate in its organization

     Monday, the 24th of May 1875.

     Everywhere in the state, clubs are being founded for the protection of personal freedom, in order to oppose the absurd temperance laws. How would it be if such a thing were also started in Carroll County? The means for such a club would no doubt be available; it only requires the organization.

     The purpose of this club would mainly be to make its influence count in elections and to work so that only such men are elected who favor sensible licensing laws.

     That such an organization is needed in our county cannot be denied under the circumstances which have recently occurred here. The attacks on dissenters by the local Republican temperance organization may serve as the latest example.

     Therefore, at the request of several citizens, we are issuing an invitation for everyone interested in the organization and goals of such a club to gather in Carroll next Monday at two o’ clock in the afternoon, in order to discuss the necessary steps for founding a Society for the Protection of Personal Freedom.

1893
Turnverein [Gymnastics Club]

     Letter from Breda, the 19th of June 1893.

     Sunday evening, the 17th of June, there was a large special general assembly of the members of the Turnverein [Gymnastics Club] in the Turnhalle [Gymnastics Clubhouse] at Breda. The main purpose of the meeting was to elect officials for the next year. The election result is as follows: H. Dettermann, First Speaker; F. Bodelmeyer, Second Speaker; L. Vandervelten, First Gymnast; J. Gietzendonner, Second Gymnast; O. Saemann, Secretary; J. Brunning, Treasurer; A. Jennewein, Equipment Master. It was further decided to increase the amount of gymnastics equipment, so that the training may be carried out in the best possible manner. It must be generally acknowledged that to date the members have been very determined in raising the money for a modest beginning, and that which takes time turns out good in the end.

1894
The Germania Turnverein

     The merger of Carroll’s two large German clubs, the Germania Verein [Germania Club] and the Turnverein [Gymnastics Club] was completed Wednesday evening in the Germania Club’s premises. The previous week, the Turnverein had already held a vote which was in favor of this merger. The Germania Verein held its general meeting on Wednesday evening, and when it came to a vote on the merger, out of about 50 members, there was only one opposed. President Beiter quickly named a committee, consisting of George Selzer, Chas. Ludwig, and Ed. Richmann, which went to the Gymnastics Hall where the Turnverein was gathered, and delivered the message that the merger was also a done deal with the Germania Verein, and that they had come to escort the Turnverein to the Germania Verein.

     At nine o’ clock sharp, the strongly represented Turnverein appeared at the Germania Verein’s clubhouse, preceded by the star spangled banner and two flag officers, and was given a standing reception by the Germania Verein. Mr. Beiter bid the dapper gymnasts a hearty welcome, and a thundering “three cheers” broke out from the Germania Verein, and then the Singing Section joined in singing.

     When things calmed down and all the members had again taken their seats, Mr. Beiter was elected Chairman pro tem and A. Becker was elected Secretary pro tem. Then they proceeded to the actual election of the executive body, with the following result: Nick. Beiter, President; Frank Florencourt, Vice President; A. Becker, Protocol Secretary; Ed. Richmann, Finance Secretary; John P. Hess, Treasurer. The election of the other officials was put off until the next week due to the late hour, and the meeting adjourned.

     Then all the members freely expressed their happiness over the joining of both clubs into one large club, and joking, singing, and recitals alternated in cheerful sequence until the clock warned that it was time to go home.

     Thus, the fine work of fraternization was completed and, to the honor of both former clubs, it must be said that each member happily accepted the idea, assisted the merger in every way, and worked until it was completed. And it was a good beginning, because the first meeting could not have been more pleasant, because the old president of the Germania Verein, Mr. Beiter, was elected unanimously in the informal ballot, and whereupon the informal ballot was enthusiastically made formal by acclamation. And Mr. Florencourt, Mr. Becker, and Mr. Richmann were elected in the same manner. And so we would like to hope that the Germania Turnverein will proceed unanimously in everything, as a shining example to all citizens, and that the members hereafter strive to preserve and further harmony, friendship, and fraternity.

1898
Order of Catholic Foresters

      [First Article, 4 February 1898]

     On Tuesday evening, a branch society of the Order of Catholic Foresters was founded in Carroll with 26 members. The following officials were elected: Rev. J. C. Nacke, Spiritual Director; Geo. W. Korte, Head Forester; Wm. Krüger, Vice Forester; A. J. Wiedemeier, Protocol Secretary; J. J. Gnam, Treasurer; F. J. Ries, Finance Secretary; Bernh. Bolster and Jos. Bolster, Inner and Outer Guards; Wm. Winnicke, Fred. Buchheit and Jos. Heue, Board of Directors. As we mentioned earlier, the Order is dedicated to supporting the sick and to providing life insurance. It is certainly a praiseworthy and fine organization, and persons who are inclined to join should report to Mr. A. J. Wiedemeier.

      [Second Article, 4 March 1898]

     The Order of Catholic Foresters has officially organized. The group in Carroll already consists of 27 members who have started the branch society. Since then, 19 applicants have reported wishing to become members. The organization is fully devoted to the noble works of Christian love and charity. Unlike other insurance companies, it is not only concerned with paying out insurance proceeds in cases of death, but also cares for the healthy and sick in a brotherly fashion during life. For the healthy, it looks over them wherever practicable so that they suffer no injury to body and soul, so that every possible opportunity is offered for them to earn a living, and so that every possible assistance is rendered to them. In cases of sickness, it provides that people receive the continuing support of the Order and are supported with a monetary allowance. In cases of death, it provides for the payment of insurance proceeds. Indeed, even after death, the brotherly duties of the Order do not end. We have at hand a little book, wherein the goal of the Order is summarized:

     Promotion of friendship, harmony and true charity among its members. Friendship, through mutual support by all honest means. Unity, in working together for the purpose of providing assistance in cases of sickness and death, and active support for widows and orphans of deceased members. True Christian charity, by doing unto others as they would have others do unto them.

     Those are indeed very noble goals which deserve the support of all upright people. The Order is founded with the assistance and approval of the Church. The officials of the branch in Carroll are: Geo. W. Korte, Head Forester; Wm. Krueger, Vice Forester; A. J. Wiedemeier, Correspondence Secretary; F. J. Ries, Financial Secretary; J. J. Gnam, Treasurer; Dr. A. Kessler, Doctor; Wm. Winete, Fred. Buchheit, Jos. Heue, Trustees; Lambert Baumhover, and M. J. Franzwa, Sr. and Jr., Directors; Barney and Joseph M. Bolster, Inner and Outer Guards.