Chronicle-Donauschwaben-Nord Amerika

Chronicle

of the

Danube Swabians of North America

By Hans Kopp

hans_kopp@hotmail.com

from the book “The Last Generation Forgotten and Left to Die” The History of the Danube Swabians”.

Updated as of:

02/24/13

Immigration of Germans into the United States after World War II was forbidden. That law also applied to “Volksdeutsche” (ethnic Germans), the designation used by the National Socialists and adopted by the Allies in order to identify people of German descent living outside the borders of the Third Reich including the Danube Swabians. There were millions of German refugees from Soviet occupied lands languishing in the overcrowded German army barrack compounds scattered throughout British and American occupied Germany and Austria. They were homeless, hungry, without a job, vegetating from day to day, without hope for the future. Many refugees remembered the addresses of relatives and friends overseas and wrote to them.

The Danube Swabians in America, on their part, also had fallen upon hard times during WW II. Native Americans openly expressed anything German was suspect and sentiment of hatred, fueled by the war propaganda, toward German individuals and associations alike. It took great courage and material sacrifices on the part of the Landsleute in the USA to show concern for and try to alleviate the plight of their brothers in Europe. It is to their credit that they took action. They sent thousands of food packages to the suffering in the camps in Germany and Austria and they initiated political action in order to have the immigration law amended.

Due to the persistent expansionistic tendencies of the Soviets Union, the thinking in the American congress changed in the late 1940s. Marxism was now perceived as a threat to Western democracies. The arguments of those who now pleaded before the Senate for the admittance of the Volksdeutsche to the USA found sympathetic minds and in 1950 the immigration law was changed, assigning to the Volksdeutsche 50% of the German and the Austrian immigration quotas.

By early 1950, all hope for the German refugees to return home vanished. It was by no means easy to decide where to go. The Danube Swabians had no other alternative but to look elsewhere to establish new homes and new lives for themselves. Due to their German heritage, most Danube Swabians could not get permits to emigrate. Before permits could be obtained good relations had to be established with the U.S. Immigration office. One reason for the denial of permits was the military past of our men. It was a delicate matter demonstrating unfair discrimination against the Danube Swabians at the U.S. Immigration Department.

Professor Pater Josef Stefan and Kons. Rat Professor Josef Haltmayer directed efforts in the matter of discrimination. They collect documents regarding the so-called “voluntary” enlistment into the Waffen SS (see the history pages for more details). The collection of documents was the basis for a memorandum written by Prof. A. K. Gauss. The memorandum was distributed to various institutions and organizations concerning the emigration question and the status of the Danube Swabians. The memorandum found recognition at the U.S. Immigration Department and the barrier of mistrust regarding the Danube Swabians was broken and new inroads were made.

The International Refugee Organization (IRO), several religious organizations, American consulates in Salzburg and Hamburg started with the registering, screening and dispatching of ethnic German refugees, the Danube Swabians among them. Every person had to pass a rigid medical examination, get political clearance and have a sponsor in the States guaranteeing lodging and a paying job. Those accepted left on troop transports, on luxury liners or by airplane, glad to escape the hopeless oppressiveness of war ravaged Europe.

The Danube Swabians who came to the USA; they definitely came to stay, to start life anew with nothing but their willingness to work hard, to secure a living for themselves and their families, to learn the language and become proud citizens of this country. Of course, they still found prejudice expressed toward the individual “Nazi”, but in their place of employment, the Danube Swabians quickly earned the respect of their fellow Americans with their willingness to work hard, their trustworthiness they portrait on a daily bases and their ability to get along with everyone.

Once established, the immigrants of the 50s searched for their identity. The experience of the last 30 years had shaped them; they could not readily identify with the old-timers, the German-Hungarians. Neither did they accept the second-class label Volksdeutsch. Rebuffed by the German Germans (Reichsdeutsche) in their regional clubs, they chose to be known as the “Donauschwaben”, the Danube Swabians and as such affirmed their oneness with their brothers and sisters all over the world.

By the early 1960s immigration of Danube Swabians to the US had come to an end. Those Danube Swabians belatedly leaving Romania, Hungary and Yugoslavia, even today, due to the economic and social support they receive, prefer to settle in the now prosperous Germany. A very few American Danube Swabians also have returned to Germany and Austria, never to Romania, Hungary and Yugoslavia.

The war in Korea and the full employment associated with it gave the last immigrants an opportunity to earn sufficient money and lay the foundation for a secure future and beyond. They accumulate wealth, open businesses on small and large scales and become executives and professionals. Today most of the children of the survivors are professionals, college and university educated with bachelor and master degrees and are doctors, lawyers, bankers or company executives. They have become vital citizens in the country they live in and its future, where they contribute to the benefit of all mankind.

Sources: The Last Generation Forgotten and Left to Die, the history of the Danube Swabians, by Hans Kopp Cleveland, Ohio 2003 ISBN:0-9701 109-0-1, Library of Congress control number: 2003111776.

Open letter to all „Donauschwaben USA and Canada“

We do need your help! It is our intension to compile a “Chronicle of the Donauschwaben USA and Canada” to document their contribution to their societies, communities and the United States and Canada. Note; The creation of the time line is intended to gather important historic information’s about the Donauschwaben in the many areas they are contributing to the USA as well as Canada. The main reason for this chronicle is to avoid missing information’s about our people who came to the USA and Canada. The attempt also is made to include information of Donauschwaben who immigrated prior to WWI and WWII as much as can be found.

If you do not find any entries about such personalities or your Donauschwaben organization in the chronicle below, please send us information’s of deserving members of your organization, as well as other important dates and facts so that we may able to update the chronicle periodically on the website. Please furnish information which had an impacted your organization of your community, your state and nation or of general interest to the history of our “Society of the Donauschwaben USA and Canada”.

Thank you

Hans Kopp

Hans_kopp@hotmail.com

The Immigration of Ungarländische Deutsche (Danube Swabians) prior to the Wars

1903	In Hungary emigration was illegal until 1903. But it was simple enough to travel illegally to the ports in Western Europe, there were no passports, and one could sail to America, if one had the money and passed medical inspection. But it was simple enough to travel illegally to the ports in Western Europe, there were no passports, and one could sail to America, if one had the money and passed medical inspection. In that year Hungary entered an agreement with the British Cunnard Line and emigrants could now sail from Fiume (Rijeka) on the Adriatic Sea. This was an expensive and arduous journey and most of our people preferred the illegal route to the west.
1905	Joseph Ergh of Batschsentiwan, Batschka arrives in Cleveland, Ohio. He opens a barbershop on Buckeye Road. After his retirement of 75 years as a barber, he donates his barbershop to the Cleveland Automobile and Aviation Museum, where it can be seen today.
1906	The Mansfield Liederkranz is organized as a German-American Singing Society and was reorganized and renamed in 1926 as the German-Hungarian Singing Society. In 1933 it became known as the Mansfield Liederkranz. The club reorganized again in 1936, merged with the Mansfield Männerchor. A ladies chorus was organized in 1927 and was active for many years. It was disbanded and later became the Ladies Auxiliary in 1975/76.
1908	After a few years it became legal to also depart from Germany, Holland, Belgium, France. The ensuing competition between steamship companies lowered the one-way fare in 1908 to $8 -less than two weeks wages for a laborer in the USA -that is steerage: 100 cubic feet space per passenger, including the iron berth with straw mattress, the life preserver as a pillow, no privacy, salt water for washing, men and women separated, steep narrow ladders up to the deck, up to 1,500 persons on one ship; guaranteed meals: salt pork, dry peas and beans, gruel, rice, noodles, sauerkraut, potatoes, hardtack, tea or coffee for breakfast and supper during 3 weeks on an unfriendly, sometimes violent sea amid a vile smell.
1908	The Banater men chorus was formed in Cleveland, Ohio. The men originated primarily from the Banat also included Ungarländische Deutsche singers from other parts of Hungary such as the Batschka.
1913	In the German community of Detroit had gathered in response to an advertisement published in the “Detroiter Bedpost”. The ad called for the creation of a German-Hungarian Singing Society. The man responsible for the summons was Peter Schlock. After several mergers of German-Hungarian Singing Societies the “Carpathia Singing Society” emerged. Peter Schock became their President. In the early 1930’s, Carpathia even hosted weekly Tuesday night wrestling matches. Among some well known wrestlers was Adam “Weißmüller”, brother of Johnny “Weißmüller” of Freidorf, near Temeschburg, Hungary, the former Austro-Hungarian Empire (now Romania), who became famous in his role as Hollywood’s first Tarzan.
1917	A lot on Elmwood Street was purchased by the Carpathia in Detroit, Michigan, the cornerstone was laid in 1919 and the new home was dedicated in 1920.
1925	The Carpathia Park at 16 Miles and Ryan Road on a 25 acres land was dedicated.
1925	The associated clubs came from Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis and Cincinnati. At the same time, Peter Schock was also the driving force behind the establishment of the United German Singers (Sängerbund) and was elected as the first president of this parent organization. Nothing stood in the way of further prosperity and with concerts and plays given here, in Cleveland, Chicago the Carpathia Singing Society became well established.
1925	The inauguration of the “Banater Hall” home of the Banater Singing Society in Cleveland took place on July 4^th that year. This may not have been the beginning of the “Ungarländische Deutschen” in Cleveland, but a major step into the future. The “Banater Hall” was lost during the depression but it would not take the Banater long to build a “New Banater Hall” which became the first home of the Society of Donauschwaben in Cleveland after WWII. The last President of the Banter Club was Mathias Bohr whose unyielding effort contributed greatly to the relive efforts of his countrymen and the warm welcome of the Donauschwaben in the Banater Hall.
1934	The impact of the depression and World War II begins to show and the membership of the United German Singers. The depression in the United Sates affected the Society. However, despite the hardships of the time a Youth Choir (Jugendchor), directed by Franz Reschke was formed. During the first years of World War II all German societies in the United States began to feel the consequences of the war. It became increasingly more difficult to function as German organization the membership began to decline, since many members disassociated themselves from the society, citing political pressures placed upon the population of German extraction as their main fears. One did not want to be known as a “German” so openly. Due to money shortages and loss of members, the „Society’s” many of the beautiful homes of the societies in the USA lost their homes.
1940	An umbrella organization was established which called itself: The United Pleasure Clubs” and it was made up of the following Clubs: Jahrmarker Club, St. Huberter Club, St. Anna Club, Botscharer Club, Neupanater Club, Lieblinger Club, Kerneier Club, Glogowatzer Club, and Freidorfer Club, in order to keep our german-hungarian customs and culture alive through festivities and old world events. And then we established with our children a youthgroup, which called itself the “United Youth Club.”
1944	The need to create a help organization in the Chicago area for the needy Landsleute suffering from the effect of WWII. On September17^th, the first committee meeting of the 9 men took place in the Croatian’s basement meeting room. Mr. Pesch became the president, Mr. Miller became Vice-president, I was voted in as the Organizer, Konrad Hack became secretary, and Mr. John Deppong became treasurer. The American Aid Society of German Descendants in Chicago was formed and would collect $ 130,000.00 and send thousands of parcels to Europe to help their countrymen.
1945	Still before the end of WWII the Vereinigung Donauschwaben von Milwaukee, Wisconsin was founded by 26 Danube Swabian Landsleuten although its first name was “Tolnauer-Komitat Vergnügungsverein” since most of its members came from there. The founding members were: John & Anna Stier, Max & Eva Unger, Louis & Anna Kurts, Matt & Maria Hic, Andreas & Katharina Weisenburger, Paul & Theresia Wirth, John & Katharina Ochs, Andreas & Maria Hoffmann, Anton & Theresia Streicher, Jakob & Elisabeth Kerstner, Valentin Sam, Maria Krippel, Barbara Kurtz, John Hansel, Sr., Paul Seligman und Magdalena Pfaff. John Stier is elected as its first president.

The Immigration of the Danube Swabians to the United States 1948-1956

1945-1950	Across the pond in Salzburg is Pater (Father) Warenfried van Straaten, whose fundraising activities became a fixture in the communities there. His collections of donations of food and clothing earned him the beloved nickname “Speckpater” (Bacon father). While traveling through the newly built communities he conceived the idea of organizing the “Baugesellen” (Building fellows). He recruited young men from Belgium, Holland, France, Germany, Austria and other countries to donate their time to build houses, old age homes, orphanages and hostels. He also extended his work to other countries.
1947	Tolnauer-Komitat Vergnügungsverein organizes its first dance group.
1949	On April 20^th the US Congress passed legislation the “Displaced Persons Commission”.
1949-1954	With the increase of the quota for German refugees from Eastern Europe to immigrate to America, a large numbers of Danube Swabians began emigration procedures to the United States. From early on it was only possible for Danube Swabians who had relatives living in the United States, most of them came during the post war years of WWI 1918-1938, who could sponsor them. On behalf of many notable persons and their efforts in Austria, Germany and the United States and US Congress Legislations it was possible that 54,000 refugees of the 100,000 registered in Austria, were able to come to the United States.
1945-1955	The efforts of Father Mathias Lani, a Roman Catholic Priest and officer of the US Armed Forces who had seen the drama of the refugees is well known for his initiation to convince the Christian World Organization to help the refugees and initiated programs to make it possible to send care packages for displaced German persons of South–Eastern Europe lingering in camps in Austria and Germany and to help them with their immigration to the United States.
1945	The German Cultural Society has its origin in the St. Louis Chapter of the American Aid Society, which was founded to help the German refugees of Eastern Europe who fled to Germany and Austria. When immigration to the United States became a possibility, many of these refugees who came to St. Louis joined the Society, as did many other immigrants from Germany and Austria.
1946	Through the efforts of Danube Swabians living in the United States who founded the “United Friends of Needy and Displaced People of Yugoslavia, Inc.” in New York, it was possible to lobby successfully in the United States Congress and Senate. Through the personal efforts of their leader Peter Max Wagner, his influence in the White House and his relationship with President Harry Truman proved to be of great value in the Congress to pass vital legislations.
1949	In Chicago an umbrella organization: “The National Office of the American Aid Societies for the Displaced Persons of Eastern and Southeastern Europe” was founded. The delegates voted for Nick Pesch as president and John C. Meiszner as executive secretary.
1950	The World Church Conference, whose priority issues were the refugees, took place in Salzburg. Prof. A. K. Gauss presented a document entitled “Children in the Shadow” at the conference. He addressed the problems of thousands of our children orphaned and left to suffer in Yugoslavia without parents, grandparents or caring relatives. It was the first time the world took notice of the problem and with the cooperation and the help of the International Red Cross, thousands of children were allowed to leave Yugoslavia to be reunited with their families in Austria, Germany, USA and other countries.
1950	Unselfish sacrifice of personal time and resources from individuals and with the assistance from statesmen such as Senator Dirksen, Senator Langer, Senator Douglas, Congressman Sheehan and Congressman Stratton, the law which prevented immigration of Germans was changed. With the cooperation of religious organizations, the first immigrant arrived in Chicago on December 20^th.
1951	The first groups of German immigrants arrive in the USA, however the immigration stopped already surprisingly in June of 1952.
1951	John Iller is elected President of the “Tolnauer-Komitat Vergnügungsverein” and directed the organization till 1968 during which time the organization experienced a huge increase in membership from Europe and the “Tolnauer-Komitat Vergnügungsverein” found it necessary to change its name to “Donauschwaben Vergnügungsverein” in 1961.
1950-1956	During this time, the American Aid Society in Chicago had become very influential, so much so that only their signature was sufficient to sponsor a person or family for immigration. In all, the American Aid Society in Chicago sponsored 17,000 new immigrants, the majority being sponsored by Peter Paul Reiner and John C. Meiszner.
1952	With “Kickers” a Soccer-football club, founded in 1952 by Mike Blasius, Joe Mayer, Joe and Paul Sippl.
1952	Up to this year the........
1953	The “Displaced Persons Act” was enacted and at its expiration in 1956. It made it possible for more than 300,000 refugees to come to the United States which created many hardships in family separations; while it was possible for some family members to immigrate it was not possible for others.

The Societies of the Danube Swabians and their contributions to the United States

1952	The Mansfield Liederkranz purchased and moved into their building on 55 East Fourth Street where they stayed until 1980.
1952	The “DSV Danubia (Donauschwäbische Sportvereinigung”, Danube-Swabian Sport Association) founded in Los Angeles, California.
1952	The “Donauschwäbische Volkstanzgruppe Los Angeles” (Danube Swabian Folkdance Group of Los Angeles) was founded by Mrs. Gassner.
1953	In April the Soccer Club St. Stephens and Danubia unite under the name Danubia and became very active in the youth soccer development among the communities of the Donauschwaben.
1954	Father Lani, the benefactor of so many Donauschwaben suddenly departed too soon from us who so many of the Donauschwaben owe the opportunity to come to the USA in particular California. When father Lani left he had managed to create many organizations; The St. Emmerich Club, The Children Chorus, the German Summer School, the Soccer Club St. Stephens and later the Danubia and the Youth Brass Band.
1954	The Danube Swabian Help Institution is formed in Southern California to assist our Landsleute.
1954	The Deutsch-Schwäbischen Gemeinschaft of Cincinnati, Ohio was founded. Their first home was The Banater Hall on Logan Street.
1955	St.Bernhard/Deutscher Verein, Akron is formed.
1955	After a tree year halt the immigration to the USA continued after valiant efforts made and documents presented to the US Congress and Immigration office a new wave of immigrants arrived on the shores of the USA.
1955	The rebirth of the “Carpathia” took place during the beginning of the 1950’s, the “Carpathia Singing Society” experienced a new period of growth and prosperity, due to the large number of new immigrants from Europe and acquires “Roth’s Barn” on Republic Street in Warren, became the new “Carpathia Hall”. The “Carpathia Mixed Choirs” (Gemischte Chor) gave concerts, a “Kindertanzgruppe” was formed, bowling lanes were opened in the new home and many summer festivals were held at the beautiful and spacious “Carpathia Park”.
1956	The S.C. Green White Soccer Club is organized in Chicago, Illinois as part of the Donauschwaben.
1956	The Donauschwaben in Trenton, New Jersey formed a committee to help new immigrants. From this group of “Landsleute” in Trenton the Donauschwaben Society of Trenton comes to life. Jakob Fleight from Palanka became the first president.
1957	The formation of the “Society of the Danube Swabians in North America” is formed with it begins the history of the Donauschwaben in North America. A meeting under the direction of Peter Max Wagner took place on September 28 1957 in Brooklyn N.Y. Anton Kremling named the following people present at the meeting as founders: Franz A. Jack, Philipp Korell from Philadelphia; Christ N. Herr from Chicago; Anton K. Rumpf und Anton Zillich from Cleveland; Helene Lindenmeyer, Josef Bohn, Jakob Fleith und Sebastian Gauss from Trenton; Philippe Sehne from Detroit; Erich Schmidt, Adam Diener, Fred Dindinger, Peter Max Wagner, Gertrude Schröder, Georg Kraeling, Dr. Hans Krumes, Anton Leinz, Franz Sayer, Christian Müller, Fred Freund, Nikolaus Brück und William Cahill from New York. At this meeting a constitution was conventionalized, the Charter accepted and officers elected. The officers were as follows: President - Peter Max Wagner; 1. Vice-president -Christ N. Herr; 2. Vice-president - Anton K. Rumpf; Secretary - Nikolaus Brück; Assistant Secretary - Erich Schmidt; Recording Secretary - Helena Lindenmeyer; Youth Director - Eugen Philipps; Press Secretary - Philipp Koreil.
1957	The formation of the Danube Swabian Society of Southern California took place on September 17^th followed by a constitution in 1958 and the organizational meeting which was set officially on February 23^rd which would become the official date of the founding of the Society of Southern California.
1957	The Sport Club Donauschwaben Cleveland was founded as GBU Soccer Club on January 20^th at the GBU home of District 65 on 3230 West 25^th. Street, Cleveland Ohio.
1957	Verein der Donaudeutschen in Rochester N.Y. was founded by new arriving immigrants mainly from the southeastern part of Europe. The organization provided the new arrivals with an opportunity to meet socially to promote German heritage, culture, and language.
1958	The first AGM Donauschwaben USA took place in Brooklyn, N.Y. on 6 September 1958 where the constitutions were ratified and accepted and decided to institute a “Tag der Donauschwaben”.
1958	The „Donauschwaben Vereinigung von Südkalifornien” (Danube Swabian Association of Southern California) was founded.
1958	The year in which the Society of Danube Swabians Cleveland, their youth group and brass band were founded at the Banater Club. Other groups to follow joining the Society were the Kindergarten and Frauengruppe in 1959, the “Altheimatlichen Kegelverein” in 1962, the Heimatgruppe in 1966, the Kindergruppe in 1972, the Deutsche Concert Orchestra in 1975, and the Golf Club followed a few years later.
1958	The Danubia elect to become an official member of the Danube Swabian Society of Southern California.
1958	The Danube Swabian Association of Philadelphia and Vicinity was formed by Ethnic-German Immigrants from present day Hungary, Romania and the former Yugoslavia.
1959	At the AGM Donauschwaben USA in Trenton N.J. on October 17 and 18 1959 the first “Trachtenfest” took place.
1959	G.B.U. Soccer Club becomes “Sports Club Donauschwaben” on July 10^th.
1959	The Donauschwaben Society of Trenton opens a German language school for their children under their new president Jakob Eppli (Bukin).
1958	Danube Swabian Association of Southern California forms their youth dance group.
1960	At a meeting in Cleveland on March 12 it was decided to present a resolution to the UN to be guaranteed the right for reparation and that the family reunion rights should be enforced. At the AGM Donauschwaben USA in Chicago on September 5th Christ N. Herr was elected as president and new memberships granted to Rochester, Akron, Aurora, Detroit und Harrisburg. Good progress was reported by Youth director Eugen Philipp, the women auxiliary under Helene Lindenmeyer, music under director Peter Glatt and sports under Franz Dietrich. According to a report from Anton Kremling efforts are being made for such Donauschwaben who came to the United States from Austria to also help them to become eligible for reparations from Germany.
1960	The American Aid Society in Chicago and the German-Hungarian Old Peoples Home Society consolidated in and formed the “American Aid & Old Peoples Home Society”. The Old People's Home can no longer be maintained was closed in 1986. It was reopened 1990 after three years of renovation as our cultural museum of Danube Swabian artifacts.
1960	The German language school was founded by the Society of Danube Swabians, Cleveland followed by the Interessengemeinschaft der Deutschen Sprache 1962.
1962	Danube Swabian Association of Southern California forms their Youth Group and the brass band under Hans Schmelzer.
1962	The “Kickers” is joining the Carpathia followed by the young ladies the “Carpathia Mädchenkranz“ (Young Ladies Circle) under the direction of Annie Zimmermann, the forming of a Deutsche Jugendgruppe (German Youth Group) under the direction of Adam Medel and Josef Braun. The Carpathia Club’s 50^th Anniversary Concert marked their first big public appearance by the “Carpathia Mädchenkranz“.
1963	Otto Thuransky spearheads efforts of the S.D. Donauschwaben Cleveland to form the first Youth Soccer team in Ohio. The first coach is Franz Schönberger. The teams name is the “Danube Bombers”.
1964	The Carpathia German Weekend school was established by Adam Medel, with the help of six teachers which grew in a short time to over a 150 students. Other branches formed within the “Carpathia Club” followed like the Frauengruppe (Ladies Auxiliary).
1965	Franz Schönberger and Hans Kopp of the S.C. Donauschwaben, Cleveland spearhead the formation of the first youth soccer league in Ohio the “Lake Erie Junior Soccer League”. Franz Schönberger becomes the first president of the Lake Erie Junior Soccer League and Hans Kopp the program director.
1965	A group of Batschkaer from Gakowa, Kruschiwl, Bezdan, Kolut, Stanischits, and surrounding areas founded the “Batschka Club” in Chicago to foster social and cultural function. Georg Flotz became their President and Katherine Flotz the secretary. In September of the same year the club started a German School whose director was Marta Melcher.
1965	Danube Swabian Association of Southern California forms the Women Auxiliary.
1960	The German-American Club and St. Bernhard/Deutscher Verein in Akron join to form the German American Familienverein in Akron on January 10^th.
1961	The founding of the St. Louis Frauengruppe rebuild the German Kindergarten and under the direction of Gertrude R. Fink since 1963.
1966	At the AGM Donauschwaben USA in Philadelphia on September 4 and 5 Josef Rickert was elected as President. With his election the “Josef-Rickert-Era” (1966 -1972) began and the seat of the organization was relocated to Akron, Ohio.
1966	The Carpathia women auxiliary under the direction of Theresia Schneider was formed.
1966	Josef Holzer of Apatin is elected president of the Society of Danube Swabians. He holds this office for 30 years. Under his guidance the Society grew in leaps and bounds, the Banater Club becomes too small.
1966	Danube Swabian Association of Southern California forms a youth brass band bandleader is Rudolf Schmelka.
1966	The Milwaukee Donauschwaben Vergnügungsverein founded its first youth group followed by a youth band in 1968 from members of all four branches of the Donauschwaben organizations in Milwaukee and a women auxiliary group in 1969.
1967	Franz Schönberger of the S.C. Donauschwaben Cleveland becomes a vital link in the development of High School and community soccer in the Greater Cleveland areas.
1967	A group of young people gather regularly and perform at the North Avenue Auditorium. This was the beginning of the formation of the Milwaukee Donauschwaben youth group.
1967	Otto Thuransky of the S.C. Donauschwaben, Cleveland becomes the first youth soccer commissioner in Ohio.
1967	A Carpathia brass band was formed spearheaded by Adam Medel’s.
1968	Matthias Aringer is elected President of the Milwaukee “Donauschwaben Vergnügungsverein” a position he held till 1978. during this time he was able to unit the old and new immigrants and the membership grow to 503 members.
1968	Walter Schönberger of the S.C. Donauschwaben, Cleveland was selected to tryout for the National Youth Team.
1968	The Edelweiß Ski Club, Cleveland was founded on November 19, at the Banater Club/Vereinigung der Donauschwaben, spearheaded by Georg Adam. Georg Adam elected as first president. It is the only Donauschwaben Ski Club we know of in the USA and perhaps in the world.
1968	The Schwabenhof of the United Donauschwaben in Milwaukee which is located at: N56 W14750 West Silver Spring Drive in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin a 12 acre land is acquired. It was purchased by the United Donauschwaben, Inc which consists of four groups: the Apatiner Verein, the Mucsi Family Club, the Milwaukee Donauschwaben and the Milwaukee Sport Club.
1968	Apatiner Verein in Milwaukee observes their 20^th anniversary.
1969	Sponsored by the United Donauschwaben of Milwaukee, Maria Abt became the leader. To hold membership your family had to be a member of one of the four clubs comprising the United Donauschwaben. These clubs consisted of the Milwaukee Donauschwaben, the Milwaukee Sport Club, the Apatiner Verein and the Mucsi Family Club.
1969	The Carpathia undertakes a major remodeling and renovation at their home followed by the forming of the new group the Carpathia Hunters under the direction of Nick Istock, the Schuhplattlergroup under Wolfgang Sturm.
1969	The “Deutschen Kulturverein” St. Louis, Missouri was founded.
1970	The acquisition of the Ritter Farm, renamed Lenau Park, It would become the site of the Donauschwaben’s German-American Cultural Center, at Lenau Park, Olmsted Township, near Cleveland, Ohio.
1970	The Mansfield Liederkranz Tanzgruppe was founded and besides the Donauschwaben dances the group also performs dances of the German and Austrian Alps throughout Ohio and neighboring states.
1971	A delegation of Donauschwaben USA consisting of Josef Rickert his wife and Helene Lindenmaier take part in the opening ceremonies of the “Haus der Donauschwaben” in Sindelfingen. The same year a delegation of Donauschwaben USA consisting of Josef Rickert und Dr. J. Awender at the 20th Anniversary of the Donauschwaben settlement in Guarapuava, Brazil took part. Vice-president Franz Awender organized a charter flight to California from Cleveland to take part at the Tag der Donauschwaben.
1972	At the AGM Donauschwaben USA in Cleveland September 2-4 Theodor Junker was elected President of the Donauschwaben.
1972	After several attempts the organization was able to acquire their property of 9 acres in Colrain Township a suburb of Cincinnati and 1975 the building of the new home could begin which was completed in 1978.
1972	The Cleveland Donauschwaben hold the first Kirchweihfest at their new home at Lenau Park.
1972	“Sports Club Donauschwaben” is given the nickname “Concordia” in honor of the “Concord” the “German Mayflower” on which Franz Daniel Pastorius arrives in America.
1973	The Donauschwaben Society of Trenton is able to purchase an old farm house located some 15 minutes east of the city of Trenton in the town of Yardville. The hard work of restoration and renovation followed under President Willi Michel (Neudorf). Also in 1973, under the direction of Marlene Novosel (Palanka), a very successful youth/dance group was established. The 1970's also saw the expansion of our children's school to include over 60 children in 5 grades by the end of that decade.
1973	The German American Familienverein decides to purchase land and the following year the build a new home at 3871 Ranfie1d Road, in Brimfietd, Ohio.
1973	The Carpathia formed a Children’s Schuhplattler Group
1974	President Theodor Junker and Peter Adam establish a youth camp on the Junker’s farm in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. The program was directed by the pedagogic and writer Professor Wolfram Hockl who was visiting the USA.
1974	First official “Landestrachtenfest” of the Society of Danube Swabians of North America was held at Lenau Park in Cleveland, Ohio and again in 1976 in which more then 400 “Trachten Paare” took part in front of several thousand of Donauschwaben who came to Cleveland. At this event the „Dr. -Jakob-Awender-Kultur-Wanderpreis” was created in the honor of the former Donauschwaben Secretary General Dr. Jakob Awender.
1974	The Donauschwaben USA made it possible for Eve Köhler to publish her book about the Donauschwaben “The Seven Susannahs”.
1973	Herbert Haller of the S.C. Donauschwaben becomes the second youth soccer commissioner of Ohio.
1974-1984	Hans Kopp becomes the first president of the Ohio Youth Soccer Association-North and is part of the organizational committee of the Association and co-author of the first constitution of the OYSA-N. During his presidency he organizes the OYSA-N, institutes the recreational tournament known today as the “Sam Bothwell Tournament”. He organizes the OYSA-N into four districts and becomes a vital link in the development of youth soccer in Ohio, the Mid-West and the United States.
1974	Four S.C. Donauschwaben, Cleveland players are selected to the Mid-West Regional Soccer Team and travel with the team to the Regional Soccer Tournament held in Dallas. The players are Walter Schlothauer, Wolfgang Urban, Julius Feitl and Marcel Stochitoi. Two of the players, Walter Schlothauer and Wolfgang Urban are placed on the on the first US National Youth Soccer Team ever assembled and travel with the US National Youth Soccer Team to Germany. Walter becomes a star player at the Cleveland State University, the Major Indoor Soccer League and travels with the USA National Indoor Soccer team to play in a tournament in Hungary.
1975	At the AGM Donauschwaben USA in New York Peter Max Wagner was honored as the first President and as a founder of the Donauschwaben USA. Also at this meeting Franz Sayer from New York who directed the New York German School was honored for his many years of services.
1976	At the AGM Donauschwaben USA on 18and19. September 1976 in Akron a resolution passed to issue a book in observation of the 20th anniversary of the Donauschwaben USA and hold a joint “Tag der Donauschwaben USA/Canada” im September 1977 in Detroit.
1976	All of the Donauschwaben in the USA observe the “Bicentennial-Year” of the founding of the United States of America.
1976	A hunters club among the Donauschwaben in Milwaukee is organized as the „Donauschwäbische Jäger Verein.
1976	Tennis Club “Blau-Weiss” Cleveland is formed.
1976	The Banater Chorus (founded 1908) joins the Danube Swabian Society in Cleveland.
1976	Mr. Heinrich Gerstheimer established the Carpathia Seniorengruppe and served as its first leader.
1977	The first joint “Tag der Donauschwaben USA/Kanada” is held in Detroit.
1977	First “National Soccer Tournament of the Society of Danube Swabians of North America” held in Cleveland.
1977- 1984	The “Glory Years of the Edelweiß Ski Club” the race team won eight consecutive annual Cleveland Metro Ski Council team race championship.
1978	An effort spearheaded by the late Peter Kiss (Palanka) resulted in the dedication memorial to the Donauschwaben Genocide at “Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery” in Trenton.
1978	Karin (Töpfner) and Robert Schwalbe started the second Carpathia Children's Schuhplattlergroup in followed by a Volksgruppe through the efforts of Franz Pelvay.
1974-1998	Franz Schönberger becomes Landessportsleiter and organizes the annual “Society of Danube Swabians Cup of North-America”.
1977-1983	Hans Kopp becomes the director of the Mid-West Regional Olympic Soccer Development Program and a member of the National Olympic Soccer Development Committee.
1978	Karin (Töpfner) and Robert Schwalbe started the second Carpathia Children's Schuhplattlergroup in followed by a Volksgruppe through the efforts of Franz Pelvay.
1979	The Mansfield Liederkranz purchased land for a new and larger facility at 1212 Silver Lane, Mansfield, Ohio and began with the ground breaking in April, 1980. Seven months later they moved into their current home.
1979	President Franz Pelvay formed a Building Committee, which went to work in search of a new home for Carpathia members. A land located on Utica Road in the City of Sterling Heights was purchased by President Jakob Schneider.
1979	Anton Siladi is elected Presidenten of the „Donauschwaben Vergnügungsvereines“. During his reign the organization is renamed in September 1984 to the „Milwaukee Donauschwaben” and a new constitution is written.
1980	Saw the beginning of our adult language school in Trenton headed by Lori Hanks (Heidelberg, FRG). This marks the expansion of our club, which is the growing number of 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation Americans of German descent and throughout the 80’s more people became interested in the Club.
1980	The Carpathia Kindertanzgruppe under the leadership of Ron Blasius.
1980	August - 1st “Summer Oktoberfest” held at Lenau Park by the Donauschwaben in Cleveland.
1980	The Mansfield Liederkranz acquired 19.6 acres of land on Silver Lane and builds a new home with two soccer fields.
1980	Käthe Persitza is elected President of the Apatiner Verein in Milwaukee.
1981	The ground breaking ceremony for the new Donauschwaben home takes place at Olmsted Township and the construction with the building begins.
1981	The „Trachtengruppe“ the Deutschen Kulturverein in St. Louis was founded.
1982	Property at Lenau Park, in Cleveland is officially named, “Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center”.
1982	Herbert Haller (Schowe) is appointed as the first USYSA Midwest Regional Women Coach of the Olympic Development Program by Hans Kopp, Regional Director. With this appointment both men of the SC Donauschwaben, Cleveland become important contributors’ to the development of women soccer in the United States.
1982	The S.C. Green-White Soccer Club till now a branch of the Donauschwaben in Chicago decided to go their own way and move from Chicago to Mount Prospect.
1983	The Mansfield Liederkranz became a member of the Society of the Donauschwaben-USA. From the original German-American Singing Society to the present day the Mansfield Liederkranz has continued to grow, and bring culture from our homelands to Americans. Throughout the ninety-six year history they have been the center of German culture for North Central Ohio and look forward to another century of bringing the best of German culture to all Americans. The Mansfield Liederkranz has also been a leader in promoting youth and adult soccer throughout the years in the Mansfield community and the areas around North Central Ohio.
1984	The Batschkaer Club in Chicago observes the 40^th Anniversary of our expulsion with Landsleute in attendance from Canada, Germany and Austria in attendance.
1984	The Mansfield Liederkranz joins the Society of the Donauschwaben USA.
1985	The Milwaukee Donauschwaben organize a donauschwäbischen Trachten Gruppe and foster Donauschwaben Volkstänze.
1985	Last dance was held at the Banater Club, first Indoor Soccer Tournament, the first “Weihnachtsfeier” and the first New Year’s Eve Celebration are held at the Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center at Lenau Park.
1986	Grand Opening Ceremonies and the first classes of the German Language School are held at Lenau Park.
1987	The Donauschwaben in Cleveland are host of the 30^th Anniversary of the Society of Danube Swabians of North America.
1987	Jakob Hunsinger is elected President, Rudy John Vice President and Fritz E. Muellner 2. Vice President.
1988	At the AGM Donauschwaben USA held in Detroit on September 3 and 4 Adam Medel was elected President. Adam services in the Detroit Donauschwaben Community earned him the trust to lead the Donauschwaben USA.
1988	Hans Kopp retires as a nationally licensed youth soccer coach, a carrier he began in 1965.
1989-1998	Frank Schmidt elected as president of the Edelweiß Ski Club, Cleveland.
1989	“In the Fangs of the Red Dragon” a priest serving in the death camps by Father Wendelin Gruber. “Nemesis at Potsdam” the expulsion of the Germans from the East by Alfred M. Zayas published by University of Nebraska Press Lincoln and London. ISBN: 0-8032-9907-9
1989	The Batschkaer Club in Chicago observes the 25^th Anniversary of their founding and invited the “Deutschmeister Band” to remind them of their homes in the Batschka.
1991	“The Innocent Must Pay” memoirs of a Danube German Girl in a Yugoslavian Death Camp 1944-1948 by Maria Horwath Tenz published by University of St. Maries Press, Bismarck, North Dakota.
1991	the Trenton Kindergruppe was reestablished by Elisabeth Tindall (Trentoner Schwob)
1992	Franz Herdt elected as President of the Trenton Donauschwaben, the emergence of the next generation of American-born Schwobe/Germans is more fully realized.
1993	Catherine Grosskopf, the renowned Donauschwaben “Heimat Dichter” publishes her first book of “Schwowisches Gedichte” „Ähren des Lebens“.
1993	A new Carpathia Hall stood ready for occupancy. Not only was it a new hall, it was a united German community. All factions of the German communities in Greater Detroit were brought together under the roof of the “Carpathia Hall”. Today most major events of the German communities are held at this beautiful and spacious “Carpathia Hall”.
1994	3^rd, 4^th and 5^th September - The Donauschwaben in Cleveland are host of the commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the expulsion of the “Danube Swabians World Wide”, at their Cultural Center at Lenau Park.
1995	“Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center” in Cleveland named Red Cross Disaster Shelter.
1995	Ruth Elizabeth Melcher published “Borne on the Danube” ISBN: 0-9717907-0-1 LCCN: 2002090644.
1997	Joseph Holzer retires as President of the Donauschwaben in Cleveland after 30 years and becomes Director of Operations. The main Hall is named “Holzer Halle” in his honor. The new president elected is Robert Filippi. Parade of past Presidents - Anton Rumpf 1958-1960, Franz Awender, 1961 – 1963, Fred Wintergerst 1964, Franz Awender, 1965-1966, Joseph Holzer, 1966-1997.
1997	“Barefoot in the Rubble” by Elizabeth B. Walter, is published by Pannonia Press, Chicago Library of Congress No. 97-66539, ISBN: 0-9657793-0-0.
1997	Catherine Grosskopf, the renowned Donauschwaben “Heimat Dichter” publishes her second book of “Schwowisches Gedichte” „Im Auf und Ab der Jahre“.
1998	In the spring a new member to the Trenton Donauschwaben Club, Dana Miles, brought our club roaring into the Internet age with a wonderful new web site. We have a slew of information available to anyone worldwide, as well as updates and photographs of club activities and historical pictures from the Donauschwaben homeland. Genealogical information on the web site is provided by club member. Dennis J. Bauer, our genealogist (his grandparents from Palanka & Batsch). Indeed the club’s web site has been responsible for a number of new members joining our club from all over the country in support of our activities. We are pleased to be a successful part of the new “information age”.
1998	The Society of Danube Swabians in Cleveland celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of their founding.
1998	The Carpathia members elected Annemarie Gerhardt (nee Mussar, from Klek, Banat) as the first Lady President.
1999-2006	Robert Gutwein elected as president of the Edelweiß Ski Club, Cleveland.
1999	“The Last Generation Forgotten and left to Die, the history of the Danube Swabians” by Hans Kopp, is published by the Donauschwaben, Cleveland. Library of Congress No.TX949-502 & TXU000883155, Library of Congress Control No. 2003111776, ISBN: 0-9701109-0-1
1999	In the Spring Dana Miles (USA) brought our club roaring into the Internet age with a wonderful new web site.
2000	The Donauschwaben in Cleveland are host, of the Tag der Donauschwaben of North America.
2000	Catherine Grosskopf, the renowned Donauschwaben “Heimat Dichter” publishes her third book of “Schwowisches Gedichte” „Aus dem Herzen gesprochen“.
2001	The Donauschwaben in Cincinnati are host, of the Tag der Donauschwaben of North America.
2001	Dennis J. Bauer became the new editor of the Club's newsletter. It was named the "Trentoner Donauschwaben Nachrichten". Our first 5 week genealogical seminar was offered, "Genealogy for Beginners". It was opened to all members.
2002	“In search of a Warm Room” by Anne Jung Holden, is published by Warren Publishing Co., Library of Congress No. 97-072243 ISBN No. 1-886057-83-4.
2002	“Born on the Danube” is a Danube Swabian Story by Ruth Elisabeth Melcher published by the Barky Publishing P.O. Box 24606, Minneapolis, Minnesota. ISBN: 0-9717907-0-1 LCCN: 20020907-0-1
2003	Jody McKim, president of the Donauschwaben Village Helping Hands opens a website geared toward helping descendants of the Donauschwaben to find their ancestors and with it their identity and heritage through genealogy research the group is promoting.
2003	“Casualties of War” by Luisa Lang Owen, is published by Texas A & M University Press, Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data ISBN No. 1-58544-212-7.
2003	a number of car enthusiasts within the Trenton Club formed an informal "Autoklub". They represented the Club at local car shows and rallies in the Trenton and Philadelphia areas.
2003	The Trenton Donauschwaben Club continued to have a close affiliation with the Donauschwaben in Philadelphia.
2003	Herbert Haller (Schowe) of the Sport Club Donauschwaben-Concordia, Cleveland inducted into the Ohio Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.
2003	Hans Kopp (Batschsentiwan) of the Sport Club Donauschwaben-Concordia, Cleveland inducted into the Ohio Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.
2003	On January 23^rd, the Society was officially named the Danube Cultural Society, Inc. of Southeastern Wisconsin. Shortly after this the Society was granted membership into the German American Societies of Milwaukee, Inc. and German Fest Milwaukee, Inc. The first official general meeting and election took place in March 2003 and Michael Wagner was elected President of the Society. Jugendgruppe was formed for young adult’s ages of 13-25.
2004	“A Pebble in my Shoe” by Katharine Hoeger Flotz, is published by Pannonia Press, Chicago. Library of Congress No. 2004095421 ISBN No. 0-9657793-7.
2004	“Children of the Danube” by Henry Fischer, published by Authorhouse ISBN 1-4184-1325-9 (soft cover) and ISBN 1-4184-1324-0 (hard cover)
2004	The Landesverband der Donauschwaben USA goes online with its official website at http://donauschwaben-usa.org/ ; Webmaster: Thomas C. Thornton, M.D..
2005	“Donauschwaben’s Annual Auto” show is named the best and largest amateur auto show in Ohio.
2005	The Trenton Donauschwaben club, in conjunction with the German-American Society of Trenton, held a Euro-American Auto Show.
2005	The “Batschka Club” in Chicago had to be dissolved to the regret of their members.
2006	Hans Kopp retires as a “Professional Ski Instructor of America” after 22 years of service and teaching more then 10,000 students during the that period of time.
2006	Remember to Tell the Children, Volume I of a Trilogy; “The Pioneers” by Henry Fischer, published by Authorhouse 2006 ISBN 1-4259-3920-1 (soft cover) 1-4259-3919-8 (hard cover)
2006	Franz Schönberger (Apatin) of the Sport Club Donauschwaben-Concordia, Cleveland inducted into the Ohio Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.
2006	The S.C. Green-White Soccer Club celebrates their 50^th anniversary.
2006	The Donauschwaben Landesverband USA web site has its own timeline at: http://donauschwaben-usa.org/website_timeline.htm . The creation of the time line (Chronicle) by Hans Kopp is intended to gather important historic information’s about the Donauschwaben in the many areas they are contributing to the USA as well as Canada. The main reason for this chronicle is to avoid missing information’s about our people who came to the USA and Canada. The attempt also is made to include information of Donauschwaben who immigrated prior to WWI and WWII as much as can be found.
2007	The United States Youth Soccer Association honored their founders at the “Annual Workshop and Coach’s Convention” on March 2 2007 at their Gala Banquet in St. Louis. Among the 22 founders honored were Hans Kopp and Herbert Haller, the only two Donauschwaben recognized as official founders by the United States Youth Soccer Association.
2007	Franz Rimpf elected president of the Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center.
2007	“A People on the Danube” the fate of the Germans in Yugoslavia under the communist regime of Tito by Nenad Stefanovic English edition is translated by Hans Kopp and published by University of St. Maries Press, Bismarck, North Dakota ISBN: 978-09652880-4-0.
2007	“Kruschevlje” - Concentration Camp for German-Yugoslavs, after World War-II by Therese Herscha (Schmidt) and Ricardo Quinonez. ISBN; I - 4196-7189-8 and ISBN - 13; 978-1419671890.
2007	Walter Schlothauer (parents Schowe-Mitrowitz) of the Sport Club Donauschwaben-Concordia, Cleveland inducted into the Ohio Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.
2007	Philipp Seil (Schowe) Cleveland inducted into the Ohio Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.
2007	Remember to Tell the Children, Volume II of a Trilogy; “Strangers and Sojourners” by Henry Fischer, by published by Authorhouse to be released in December 2007 Remember To Tell The Children: Volume III of a Trilogy; “Emigrants and Exiles” by Henry Fischer, published by Authorhouse to be released in 2009
2007	„Die Wochenendschule der Vereinigung der Donauschwaben Chicago” The weekend school of the Society of the Donauschwaben in Chicago is celebrating their 50^th anniversary.
2007	„Die Vereinigung der Donauschwaben Philadelphia” is celebrating their 50^th anniversary.
2007	The Landestrachtenfest was held in Mansfield. DVHH appears at the Landestrachtenfest in Mansfield for the first time. DVHH representatives included: Jody McKim, Beth Tolfree, Tina Leto, Linda McKenna, Dennis Bauer, and David Kemle. The authors present were Katherine Höger Flotz of Crown Point, IN, Elizabeth Walter of Palatine, IL, and Hans Kopp of Cleveland, OH. DVHH website: www.dvhh.org
2008	“Bread on My Mothers Table; a Danube Swabian Remembrance,” by Ingrid Andor, a memoirs about her mother’s and families life in the Yugoslavian death camp of Kruschiwl. Published by Universe. ISBN 978-0595-46672-6 (pbk); 978-0-595-90967-4 (ebk).
2008	The Banater singing Society of Cleveland now a member of the Cleveland Donauschwaben celebrated their 100^th anniversary with a Gala Banquet and 100 year anniversary booklet.
2008	The Donauschwaben in Cleveland celebrated their 50^th anniversary with a “Gala Banquet” during which they unveiled their new flag and an Anniversary book.
2008	The Landestrachtenfest and Weltdachverband meeting was held in Cleveland in conjunction with the “Dr. Awender Kulturpreis Dance Competition”. The winner of the intensive competitions performances of very High standards was won by the dance group of the Aid Society of German descendant from Chicago, second place was taken by Cleveland and third by Milwaukee. At the conclusion of the competitions Hans Kopp received the Kulturpreis of the “Kulturstiftung der Donauschwaben-USA” for his long time involvement and contribution in the literary and educational areas for the Donauschwaben.
2008	Cleveland was also the host of an exhibit by the DVHH and a book exhibit by known Donauschwaben authors among them many who are listed above.