When thirteen persons met in 1951 to organize the German-American Society Friendship of Pinellas County, they hardly realized that in the space of a few short years it would develop into one of the finest social clubs in the county. It was a small beginning but with perseverance, determination, and faith, the Society has grown and prospered. Friendship, sociability, and charitable deeds toward our fellow men and women have always been the paramount objectives of this Society.
On May 18, 1953, the Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of the State of Florida approved the submitted charter and henceforth the Society has existed as a not-for-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida.
As each year passed, the Society grew and the members began to plan for the acquisition of a clubhouse. The first step in that direction was taken in 1957, when a parcel of land on 66th Street North, in Pinellas Park, was purchased and a building fund was created. Members and friends of the Society donated generously to this fund and in July of 1959, ground was broken for the clubhouse. The members today feel, as they felt then, a great pride in such an accomplishment, and they believe that this achievement will serve as a lasting monument to the friendship which the Society offers to its members, and leave a grand legacy to those who will follow them in the years to come.
In 1957 a parcel of land was purchased and the building fund was started to build a new club house. In July 1959, we broke ground for the club house that we occupy today!
The clubhouse, named Germania Hall, provided space for approximately 200 members and many activities took place here including Saturday evening dances, Oktoberfests, card parties, and choir and folk-dance practices, just to mention a few. The public was invited and Germania Hall soon became a well-established center for social activities in Pinellas Park. In 1975 it was realized that the facilities could no longer hold the crowds the Society was attracting. Two wings were added to the sides of the building, increasing capacity to 320 persons. A Bierstube and a Kaffeestube were also added in the front of the building.
On November 17, 1985, we had a grand celebration of “burning the mortgage” with then President, Walter Neiger.
The Society is still thriving with many activities taking place regularly in the clubhouse and in the community. Present members appreciate what the founding members accomplished and honor their memory in documents displayed throughout the building. We have been fortunate to have had some excellent leaders over the years to guide our steps, and faithful and hard-working volunteers to move it along.
The aims of the Society are high and its members will strive for even greater accomplishments in the future for itself and for the community in which it has prospered. This requires members to have faith in each other, and to work together toward our common goals.
The German-American Society extends to all a hearty Willkommen to members and the general publik alike.
The German American Society promotes the customs and traditions unique to all German-Americans. We love to share Gemütlichkeit – that idea of belonging, cheerfulness, and friendship. We cherish the opportunity to spend time with friends, old and new.
Some of the special events we celebrate include Oktoberfest, Fasching (Mardi Gras), Maifest, Mother’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Father’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Christmas, New Years, and many more.
