HISTORY: The Sozialer Männerchor was founded as an all-male club in 1878.  In the early history of the Club, the wives of members were always active and made countless contributions to the organization. This support relationship was formalized under the presidency of Carl Steinrock when, on September 7, 1937, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed.  The Ladies Auxiliary was recognized as an affiliated organization by the constitution and by-laws of the Sozialer Männerchor.  Wives of Sozialer Männerchor members, single women, and women married to non-members could join the Ladies Auxiliary under a separate dues structure.  The first president of the Ladies Auxiliary was Frances Wohl.

 

In March, 1969, the Social Male Chorus Gesangverein and the Ladies Auxiliary combined to form a single membership.  Thus, for the first time in 91 years, women were admitted as members of the previously all-male society.  To this day, the Ladies Auxiliary exists primarily as an organization in support of the general society.  The current president of the Ladies Auxiliary is Mary Elaine “Peppy” Crawford, who has held that position since 1988.

 

MISSION: The mission of the Ladies Auxiliary is to support the general activities of the German-American Club Gesangverein and to serve the interests of the female members of the Club.

 

MEMBERSHIP: All dues-paying female members of the German-American Club Gesangverein are members of the Ladies Auxiliary.  All female members of the German-American Club and guests are welcome to attend Ladies Auxiliary functions.

 

MEETINGS: Ladies Auxiliary meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm.  A short business meeting is followed by socializing, games of Bingo, and an occasional treat.  All Ladies Auxiliary meetings and other activities are announced in the bi-monthly newsletters of the German-American Club Gesangverein.

 

ACTIVITIES: In addition to its monthly meetings, the Ladies Auxiliary sponsors a Ladies’ Card Party on the first Thursday of each month from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  The Card Party features a modestly-priced luncheon for attendees.

 

The Ladies Auxiliary organizes Children’s events for the Club, such as the Children’s Christmas Party, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Children’s Halloween Party.  The Ladies Auxiliary also sponsors cake booths at Club festivals such as the Oktoberfest and the Frühlingsfest.

 

Suggestions for Ladies Auxiliary activities are always welcome.  

 

INFORMATION:  Peppy Crawford, President

                          Telephone: 502•637•747

                          E-mail: Peppy Crawford