the background of bar @ teutonia männerchor ratskeller.
founder, reverend karl r. weiterhausen
the teutonia männerchor founded in 1854. offspring of organization called “liederkranz” founded in 1851 rev. karl r. weiterhausen. later, liederkranz became freier männerchor , teutonia männerchor. name teutonia stems 1 of oldest german tribes. teutonia männerchor, part of pittsburgh district of nord-amerikanischer sängerbund.
the first meetings held in basement of old lutheran church on canal street in pittsburgh, pennsylvania. in 1882, chorus practiced in dahlingers hall @ 121 madison avenue, in pittsburgh. chorus moved old masonic hall in old allegheny city. under president henry bergman, property of st. peters church on pike street purchased on february 28, 1887 (later renamed phineas street). charter of incorporation approved on april 9, 1887 , present building built.
the cost of land $5,000.00 usd , building erected $8,800. architect george ott , contractor stipecke brothers. “fachwerk“, exclusive type of german architecture, used exterior of building. traditional theme has been maintained present time.
the first meeting in hall held on july 15, 1888. official dedication of hall took place on october 15, 1888. decorations furnished joseph horne company of pittsburgh. initiation fees set @ $5.00 , dues @ $3.00 per year.
the 50th anniversary of teutonia celebrated in grand style on september 26 & 27, 1904, including parade through north side of pittsburgh.
in 1934, first floor or basement remodeled. of work done without compensation members , became ratskeller in true german style. during year of 80th anniversary, decided amend constitution honor members of 25 years of service honorary membership “life member”: practice still continued today. 2 adjoining houses purchased club in 1947 additions hall , $27,000.00 expended improvements.
the 100 year centennial celebrated in 1954 , on may 16, of same year, banquet held in upstairs saengerhall , concert @ carnegie hall on saturday june 12, 1954. membership @ time 897 members, including 65 singers in male chorus , 45 singers in ladies chorus.
in 1979, teutonia celebrated 125th anniversary, 7 german coats of arms donated club. crests designate various areas of germany , permanent fixtures on walls of upstairs sanger hall.
many improvements made during 1980s , 1990s. outside walls restored, air conditioning added upstairs sanger hall , kitchen , bar equipment replaced.
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