$150.00 - Luxembourg American Heritage Information Center

In 1957, the following appeared in the Schobermesse Program Book:
WELCOME TO SCHOBERMESSE
By Leo Hunsdorfer
The Schobermesse will soon be here
A tremendous gala event
People come from far and near
For they know their time's well spent.
The committee has worked diligently
To make a huge success
With Johnnie Jung holding the reins
To this year's Schobermesse.
As Sections offical greeter
Harry Trausch takes the stand
To welcome one to welcome all
With warm and friendly hand.
Always will Martin Wiltgen
At whole booth you chance a prize
So for a buck try your luck
You may have a surprise.
Those wishing to dance.
May step free on the floor
To a popular waltz
Or a rock and roll score.
There'll be many games of chance
To add to your delight
Too numerous to mention here
They go far in the night.
Nick Colling in the kitchen
A master chef is he
To grant your wish is his delight
And your expectancy.
Leo Hunsdorfer was born in Chicago on April 11, 1910. He joined Section 3 on September
12, 1926 and held several officer's posts in the Section. He was the unofficial poet laureate of the
L.B.A. and his poems touched upon many of the events sponsored by the Brotherhood.
Many of Section 3's members continued to vie for Schobermesse Committee appointments.
In 1961, Peter Mersch was chairman, followed by Nic Colling in 1962, Harry Trausch in 1963,
George Mudloff in 1964, Gene Koeune in 1965, Leo Eschette in 1966 and Mel Weides in 1967.
The last Schobermesse picnic was held in 1966 and the 1967 Schobermesse, a dinner dance,
was held at the Luxembourg Gardens.
In 1968, Section 3 chose to discontinue the Schobermesse due to the high cost of operation.
The Schobermesse was a grand idea at the time of its birth in 1904 and remained so for each of its
64 years. The Program Books were compiled with care and are a wealth of information about the
Luxembourg immigrants who came to Chicago and its suburbs.
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