$150.00 - Luxembourg American Heritage Information Center

Hirtzig, and Treasurer, Peter Koob. They met every Tuesday and Friday in John P. Jaeger's
Hall. Section 3 was quickly becoming a leader among the Luxembourgers.
In the 1908 parade kick-off, the Schobermesse marchers followed the band to the tunes of the
hammelsmarch. That is the traditional march played in the parade in Luxembourg City for their
Schobermesse. At the groves during the two days, the Dramatic Club of Section 3 gave one and
two act plays in the Luxembourger tongue for the entertainment of the visitors. In addition to
Professor Fostello, the cowboy pocket player and ventroliquist from Arizona, the famous puppet
play of Punch and Judy were presented. Some members of the Schobermesse committee for this
year were: Leonard Schuler, Joseph Winken, Math Schmit, Nic Thinnes, Peter Nettgen, Perry
Daubenfeld, Michael Decker, Nic Reinert, Nic Thilmany, Mathew Evert, Anton Beaufils, John
Thielens, Peter Thome, Mich Neues, Phil Smith, J.P. Even, Peter Printz, Jos Schoos, Mich
Petry, P. Eischer, William Schmit and Nic Losch.
The 1908 program book contained pictures of the events of previous years. It showed the
greasy pole and the efforts of the contestants to climb to the prizes hanging from the top. It did
not take too long for the youngsters to solve this problem. They came up with an idea to sew a
piece of sandpaper inside their leg which kept them from sliding downward.
Kieffer's horse turned the merry-go-round in grand style. Even this had its bad turns.
Someone gave the horse beer to drink and this made the horse dizzy. It layed down not to make
another turn that day. The winners of the bowling contest and the winners of the best decorated
wagons and horses were always announced on Labor Day. Lastly, the auction of the vegetable and
flower prizes was conducted.
In 1910, the Schobermesse was held September 4th and 5th. As usual, the parade started
from their meeting hall on East Ravenswood Avenue to the groves on Ridge Boulevard. The
welcome address was delivered by Peter Thome, Section President. Entertainment varied with
each year as something new was always introduced. In 1910 potato pealing, pie eating, barrel
treading, and egg running were introduced. Special gold and silver medallions were presented
for the largest and second largest family attending the Schobermesse. In addition, there were the
famous Professor Drees a magician, Professor Johgleur an acrobat, and Miss Rosa the dancer.
The Luxembourg Singing Society presented its fare and their special number was Jang de
Blannen, or John the Blind.
Peter Malget was Chairman of the 1911 Schobermesse Committee and Joe Winandy was
Chairman of the 1912 festival.
In 1913, the L.B.A. was celebrating its Silver Anniversary and the Schobermesse took on
added significance as the premier event of the L.B.A. calendar. J.P. Koob was Section 3's
President and Peter Nettgen was Chairman of the Schobermesse Committee.
In 1914, Section 3 President Koob delivered the welcoming address to the attendees. A
concert featuring Luxembourg music and singing followed the President's address. During the
day and evening, visitors to the grove were entertained with a steady flow of amusements, such as
Variety Theatre, pole climbing, sackrunning, egg racing, potato pealing, barrel treading,
children games of all kinds, and races for all ages. Extra attractions were: Miss Emmet, the
woodenshoe dancer, Mr. Svedisch, the great magician, Mr. Meerholtz and his trained dog act,
LaBell the original clown, Miss Lang with a music solo, Mr. Leo the great acrobat and trapeze
artist, Miss Gertrude with a song and dance act, music by Professor Randuz, and the Kasperle
Theatre. Prizes were awarded for the six best decorated horses and for the three best decorated
wagons. At the wine bar, imported Steffensberger Moselwine was available. The Committee
Chairman for 1914 was Nicholas Nilles, Fred Gilson, secretary, and Peter Malget, treasurer.
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