81R30931 BPG-D
By: Miller of Comal H.R. No. 2056
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Germania Farmer Verein in Anhalt is hosting its
134th annual Maifest on May 17, 2009, and this occasion represents
an ideal opportunity to recognize the history of one of the Lone
Star State's most enduring organizations; and
WHEREAS, Founded by German ranchers, the Verein, or club,
first met at a store on October 4, 1875, to discuss ways to protect
cattle from the rustlers who were rampant in the area; the 50
charter members elected Carl Koch as their first president and went
on to adopt a "G" brand for all their livestock; the following
April, they commissioned a master blacksmith to make the brand, and
they posted a $1,000 reward for the apprehension of any cattle
thief; and
WHEREAS, The branding program was so successful that the
Farmer Verein was soon able to take on other functions as a social
and benevolent association; in 1878, it became a mutual assessment
life insurance company, and members built Anhalt Hall the next
year; they conducted research to improve livestock, agriculture,
and horticulture and began holding fairs in the spring and fall to
exhibit animals and field and garden products; and
WHEREAS, During the first three decades, the Farmer Verein
expanded the hall several times, notably adding a beautiful
6,000-square-foot oak dance floor in 1908; renovated in 1993,
Anhalt Hall remains a wonderfully preserved example of the classic
Texas dance hall; the landmark has hosted performances by such
nationally known musicians as Jerry Jeff Walker and George Strait,
and welcomes thousands of visitors each year for Oktoberfest and
Maifest, when the club offers German food, beer, polkas, and
country-western music; the 134th Maifest features the Seven
Dutchmen Polka Band and country star Gary P. Nunn; and
WHEREAS, Presently led by Wilton Steubing, the Germania
Farmer Verein has had fewer than 10 presidents in its long history,
evidencing its stability and continuity; the current membership of
approximately 350 focuses on schools as well as promoting
agriculture and fellowship in Comal County, and all those
associated with this fine organization can indeed take pride in the
role it continues to play in its community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the Germania Farmer Verein and extend
best wishes to its members for a memorable 2009 Maifest; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the club as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.