THE BEETHOVEN MAENNERCHOR
The year was 1891. A group of men gathered together in Bethlehem, PA and called them selves the Beethoven Maennerchor.
Since the early part of the nineteenth century hundreds of similar singing societies had taken root in cities and towns along the eastern seaboard and in parts of the middle west. This was known as the Maennerchor Movement in America. These societies provided sociability and kept alive the traditions and customs of their homeland for these German-Americans and their families. But more important, they perpetuated their great musical heritage.
The 22 men of the new Beethoven Maennerchor, directed by William Guenther rehearsed in the home of William Nauman, their first president: then at Washington Hotel and later on the second floor of the Brown-Borhek building on South Main Street.
Under the talented leadership of Prof. Hans Roemer, the male chorus attracted a number of new singers and the growing society took the initiative to build their own home on Vineyard Street. The Maennerchor Hall, dedicated in 1912, was a landmark in the city of Bethlehem for nearly a half century and was the scene of many memorable social and musical events. The name Maennerchor not only meant male chorus but also the society organization and even the building itself was affectionately called “The Maennerchor” by everyone in the community.
Through the years the Vineyard Street Hall was flooded by the waters of the Monocacy Creek at least seven time1926 and 1955, leaving serious financial problems. When the Monocacy Redevelopment Authority announced plan which included razing the building, the Maennerchor left its home of 45 years and its beloved rathskeller and moved to 40 West Broad Streetin Bethlehem in 1957. Five years later, headquarters for the Maennerchor were established at the Beethoven Waldheim which had been acquired in 1933.
Reprinted from the 95th Anniversary Celebration Program of the Beethoven Maennerchor.