THE BEETHOVEN WALDHEIM
Acting upon the suggestion of the membership, the directors of the Beethoven Maennerchor appointed a committee to investigate the feasibility of finding a summer home for the enjoyment of the members and their families. After a search of nearly two years, the 25 acre farm and the woodland plot off Flint Hill Road in Leithsville was acquired in 1933. According to old records, the house and barn of the John Leith homestead date back to 1738. The stone buildings and oak timbers are in remarkably good condition even today.
Considerable work had to be done to prepare the Waldheim (woodland home) for occupancy. Because it was during the great depression, the club had used most of its funds to buy the property and much of the work was done by volunteer help, particularly the men of the chorus. The farmhouse was fixed up for occupancy by the steward and a small barroom was installed to serve food and drinks.
A dam was built on the stream to create a swimming pool and the house and cattle stalls on the ground floor of the barn (the present rathskeller) were converted to dressing rooms and showers for the swimmers. The second floor of the stone barn was arranged for dances and clambakes and a porch was erected as an extension to the second floor. The Grand Opening of the Beethoven Waldheim was held August 13, 1933.
When the Maennerchor was forced to leave their beloved Hall and move to West Broad Street in 1957, it soon became obvious that the society could not afford to stay there very long. Other locations were investigated and it was decided to move to the Waldheim. Vincent Kenny was appointed to head the building committee and he engaged an architect and general contractor.
An auxiliary building was annexed to the barn in a T shape so the 1738 stonework would not be concealed. The upper and lower porches were enclosed. Bars, kitchen and dining facilities were installed. The remolded Waldheim was opened to members and friends in a week long celebration in September, 1962. Additional improvements were made in the next twenty years; a clambake pavilion was built, parking facilities were expanded, the clubhouse redecorated and air conditioning installed.
The Beethoven Waldheim is one of the finest clubs of its kind in the Lehigh Valley. Excellent indoor and outdoor facilities are available for concerts, dances, meetings, weddings, clambakes and picnics.
Reprinted from the 95th Anniversary Celebration Program of the Beethoven Maennerchor.