Augusta Harmonie Verein - Augusta, Missouri
Posted by: BruceS
N 38° 34.524 W 090° 52.605
15S E 684959 N 4271797
Former German social and music clubhouse located in Augusta, Missouri.
Waymark Code: WM58E1
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 11/27/2008
Views: 6
The Harmonie Verein was organized in January 1856 when charter members
were forced by Missouri temperance laws to gather in a tent on the frozen
Missouri River in order to enjoy wine and song. They resolved to organize a
singing society whose purpose was, as stated in the club's constitution, "To
cheer up life, through vocal and instrumental music as well as by promoting
social intercourse through friendship and congeniality." The following spring of
1856 the Verein celebrated its first Mai-fest, an annual picnic which became one
of several musical festivals sponsored each year by the club. In 1866, the
Verein purchased the 1.5 acre parcel on Hackman and Church Roads for a picnic
ground; there, in 1869 they erected the present dance hall/clubhouse building;
the bandstand was constructed in 1890. In addition to choral groups and a band,
the Verein also founded a library for members which at one time contained about
3500 volumes largely in the German language.
In the Post-Civil War years, the building also was known as the Grand Army
of the Republic Hall because of the strong support given by Harmonie Verein
members to the Union cause. By 1920, declining membership together with
anti-German sentiment of World War I caused the Verein to enter into a lease
agreement with the newly-founded American Legion Post #262, who eventually
purchased the property and remain the current owners. -
National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form