| A mutual appreciation of the
out-of-doors, a desire to share in the peace and beauty of the woods,
streams and hills plus the willingness to work and make it all possible is
where it began.
In 1938 a group of friends, under the leadership of our first
president, Emil Auer, formally requested a Charter from the State of New
York. The Charter was granted of April 1, 1938 and the Spring Garden
was born. Funds for the purchase of property were raised by means of
non-interest bearing bonds which were sold to the membership only.
It was then that a search was made to find a suitable place on which to
build the necessary facilities to make the Spring Garden a self-supporting
enterprise.
Many locations were suggested by the Charter members who drove around
Western New York seeking the most desirable spot. Finally, our
present location was chosen and the reasons are all too obvious for it
contained all the things that were deemed necessary to our well
being. A stream winds gently through the wooded hills where the
beauties of nature have remained as undisturbed as possible. In
short, it answered all the requirements that had been sought.
When we examine the history of the United States we find that at that
point we had a great deal in common with the early settlers of our
country. From the farmer's road that led to the rear pasture a
proper road was cut. This gave access to the lower area where most
of our twenty-one cottages are found. The the ground was cleared and
leveled in preparation for our picnic hall. All this was not
uncoordinated effort. Plans had been drawn up by the Charter members
and it was a stroke of good fortune that we had the talent that was needed
for each task. There was an engineer who drew up the plans for the
hall, and electrician to do the wiring, a plumber to install the pipes and
drains, carpenters to carry out the plans and all the other willing
workers - from small children who did all the work they could - to our
women members who cleared the thorny crab-apple trees from the lower
meadows, mixed cement and often did a man's work.
A sawmill was rented and set up in the area where the Daly cottage now
stands. In the early spring morning the sound of the engine to which
the saw was to be coupled brought a stir of excitement to all who heard
it. A long belt that drove the saw was slipped over the pulley and
the big saw blade began to spin. Earlier a group of men had gone up
into the woods and began sawing down trees that were chosen for their
suitability. With the jingle of harness and the straining of hooves
against the hills, a team of rented horses pulled the cut sections to the
top of the hill south of the Daly cottage. Then while the team stood
steaming in the cool morning, puffing with the effort they had made, the
logs were rolled down the hill and set on the sawmill. The logs were
cut into beams and boards that form the inside of our present hall.
The wood, now lumber, was transported to the hall site and formed into the
pre-built sides and supporting members which were raised in place on the
prepared foundation by the many willing hands as it had been done in years
gone by. Then, while the sounds of hammering made it seem as if
everyone must have had a hammer, the hall took shape. A feverish
pace was necessary because even though it seemed impossible a picnic had
been planned for that May 30, 1938, only a short time away.
This has been the guiding spirit of the Spring Garden. Never
content to rest after one task has been completed but always looking
forward to what can be done to improve our Park. From this
beginning, we now have one of the finest recreation spots in Western New
York that is not only self-sustaining but as modern as is possible.
Summer cottages are used by many of the members not only on weekends but
all summer long. One of the most excellent high fidelity systems
available carries out thanks to our Creator each Sunday morning when the
sound of ancient bells, choirs and organ music remind us of the many
blessings we enjoy on our forty-eight acres.
Many change have taken place in the 55 years that have passed.
Most are cosmetic in nature but are most attractive. A great deal of
credit belongs to our resident carpenters and other skills. Ernest
Mullerschon designed the addition to the front of the hall and, with
Ludwig Friess and many helpers, made possible more seating inside if
weather was bad. New furnishings inside the bar, with Don Bohn
directing, has made service better and was a needed improvement. Jim
Martin has provided skill and equipment to keep our hall scrubbed and
clean each year. Not to mention his purchases and many trips to get
supplies for each picnic. In addition to this, Jim and Frank Jenning
(Whitey) have kept the water flowing in the Park.
What else has been added? In the meadow below the hall there is a
platform for dancing, a new hot dog stand and these were jointly built by
our members and members of the Schuhplatter Geb. Verein Edelweiss.
These facilities have made possible the "Waldfest," an annual
July event, where as many as 4000 people have been in our park that
day. This does not count our members who work that day and the
"Verein" members who also work. Never did we think it was
possible we would have such attendance.
The wall, newly built of railroad ties now prevents the hill behind our
woodshed and fireplace from further movement down the hill. Not a
minor project! Each year we say, "Well, that's done and next
year we can take it easy!" Not at all possible. Constant
maintenance by Karl Ritz on the rock garden, Herman Peek, George Krug,
Jr., Willie Mueller and Ken Cole cutting grass, Bill Goldbach adding
significant skill and effort with his work, Walter Hahn for electrical
work, and Brian Peek for sound system. Our annual Schlachtfest only
succeeds due to leadership of Ernie Mullerschon, George Krug, Sr., and
willing members who are allowed into Krugs sausage shop without which this
event could not take place. Please understand we could not survive
were it not for Dick Peek and Harold Frauenhofer under whose direction the
bar flourishes. Where would we be in our kitchen were it not for
Elizabeth Ritz and her helpers? How would we ever know the date of
the next meeting or the schedule of events if it were not for Ritz
Schuckhardt's 20 years of service as Secretary.
The list of names could go on and you would find all our members listed
but space will not permit this. Let it be said we still hope to set
goals for the future members to keep the excellence and togetherness for
many years to come. When the efforts of old and new members
continue, nothing but continued success can occur.
All this is the result of a dream that has come to bear fruit over the
years and we are still hard at work to leave this heritage to those who
will follow. Let the results stand as a challenge to those who will
carry on when we are gone. Let the spirit of cooperation that has
overcome all obstacles continue to be the beacon that will guide us to the
even greater and more blessed future.
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