German American Society of Pinellas County

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History

The German American Society Friendship of Pinellas County, Inc. was organized by thirteen original members in 1951. It was incorporated in 1953, under the laws of the State of Florida as a not-for-profit corporation, plans soon started for development of a permanent home.

 

In the space of a few short years, it developed into one of the finest social and cultural organizations in Pinellas county and Tampa Bay. It was a small beginning and with perseverance, determination and faith, the Society has grown and prospered.

 

With each passing year the Society grew. In 1957 a parcel of land was purchased on 66th St. in Pinellas Park. By July 1959 ground was broken and Germania Hall opened with a gala celebration in November 1959. It became the permanent home of the society with capacity for 200 persons.

 

Germania Hall was a vibrant center to meet new and old friends. Regular activities including Saturday night dances, Oktoberfest, card parties, bingo, choir and folkdance practices. Eventually the facility couldn’t contain the growing crowds and by 1975 construction of two wings expanded capacity to accommodate 320 persons with a Bier Stube and Kaffe Stube.

 

The German American Society continues as a lively place for camaraderie and celebration. It is a spot to share experiences over a drink with friends and family and a destination for members and guests to sing, dance and enjoy wonderful live entertainment, not the least is our authentic annual Oktoberfest.

 

The founders of our Society left a legacy of friendship, sociability and charity. With determination, faith, strong leadership and the help and dedication of our members we will continue to celebrate our German American heritage.

Invitation to Activities

The German American Society encourages and promotes many customs and traditions which uniquely make up our German American heritage. Share our "Gemuetlichkeit", the idea of belonging, cheerfulness and the opportunity to spend quality time. Experience this warm feeling at Saturday evening dances, meet new people and make new friends. Dances have themes such as Home Town Night (Heimat Abend) or Bavarian Night. Celebrate Mardi Gras (Karneval), May Fest and our authentic German Oktoberfest. We offer delicious food including traditional German fare and pastries. Our bar offers domestic and German beer, wine and mixed drinks. Take pleasure in this coziness at Wed. afternoon Kaffeeklasch (seasonally) with live entertainment, delicious cakes, fun and friendship.

The good feelings, variety of authentic foods, live German entertainment, dancing and special performances bring visitors to these events year after year! We invite you to visit us and partake in our hospitality. Speaking German is not a necessity; visitors come together for fun, food, music and dance. They share German Heritage (Deutsche Herkunft) and German Culture (Deutsche Kulter).

Community

The German American Society supports the community:

·  St. Petersburg International Folk Festival

·  American Cancer Society Relay for Life

·  Chamber of Commerce events

·  High School German classes

·  Cultural Center of German Language

·  Annual College scholarship

·  Stetson Law School events

·  German Heritage Day Festival

·   United German American Society of Florida

·  Cultural Diversity programs for business

Our affiliated folk dance group the “Gulf Coast Enzianer Schuhplattler Verein” (GCESV) perform throughout the area at dances, festivals and participate in national competitions.