The group's first musician was Fritz Doneit who mastered his accordion with much encouragement from the group. Fritz played for many years for the adults and the children. When he retired his accordion he played piano for the children's group into the early eighties. Fritz became a member of Germania in 1938 and is now a Life Member. Almrausch currently relies on recorded music.

With pride Almrausch had its first performance in its own backyard at the Germania Picnic on July 12, 1970. Its first public appearance was on August 2, 1970 at the Clearwater Sloop Festival on the Hudson's riverfront in Poughkeepsie. In addition to the 'plattlers', Almrausch performed fest dances such as the Muhlradl and the Steire Figuren Tanz. By 1971 membership had grown to 20+ members and on April 3, 1971 the group held its first Stiftungsfest (celebration of our founding year) at Germania Hall. Our Ehrentanz (honorary dance) was the Kronen Tanz and through the years following it became the club's anniversary Ehrentanz. The club has been honored to dance throughout the East Coast including Hunter Mountain, New Hackensack Bier Fest, Great Escape and Taj Mahal. The club enjoys performing at various bier fests and Oktoberfests as well as donating its time to hospitals and nursing homes.

By 1971 a Kindergruppe was also formed. Gloria Hupe taught the children the Bandl (maypole) Dance, which became their main fest dance. Gabór and Chris Pattantyus directed the Kindergruppe from 1979 until 1993. The Miner's Dance was presented at the 19th Anniversary. The Kindergruppe dissolved when members were transferred out of the area and/or the children grew into the adult group.

Edelweiss Passaic accepted to be the group's Paterverein and sponsor their application to the Gauverband Nordamerika, Bayerisher Schuhplattler und Trachten Vereine. This organization is composed of Bavarian folk dance groups throughout the US and Canada. In 1974 G.T.V. Germania Almrausch S.V. was voted into the Gauverband. Since that time, Almrausch has had the honor of sponsoring the Original Auerhahn S.V. of Miami and the Auerhahn S.V. of Oley, PA.

The Gauverband was formed as a federation to form bonds and improve communication between Vereine throughout North America. Because dance style varies from one region to another, there was a need to form guideline for Preisplatteln. Preisplatteln (competition) takes place every two years and is hosted by a member Verein. This gathering is called "Gaufest". Almrausch attended its first Gaufest in Montreal, 1975 and is proud to have been represented at most Gaufests since then. Almrausch participated in competition in Montreal, 1975; New York City, 1981; New Jersey, 1989 and Buffalo, 1993.

The Almrausch first appeared in Tracht (formal costume) in 1974. Different style dirndls were worn over the years and were sewn by members Ingeborg Egan, Dorrie Rose-Mathewson and Margarethe Killmer. The club's hunter green dirndl was made by Ernst Licht and was first worn at the 12th Gaufest. Between 2001 and 2003, the group adopted a plaid skirt with teal apron and a blue dirndl.

The club's authentic Miesbacher Tracht consists of a deep red wine skirt with black velvet ribbon circling the bottom, and white cotton blouse, apron and shawl with lace inserts. The group recently adopted a silk shawl and apron.

In 1981 the men received a personalized crosspiece for the hosenträger (suspenders) from Trachten Pöllmann in Munich, Germany.

Rudolf Jaeger took drawings made by the members to a monastery in Markt Hohenwart, West Germany where nuns hand embroidered the group's table flag. It is made of silk and is bordered by 14K gold fringe. It arrived from Germany in 1974. The inscription on the table flag's backside reads "Treu dem Guten Alten Brauch" (loyal to the good ol' fashion traditions).

Music, Dance and Gemütlichkeit! Through the years the Almrausch has come to know and love a great many people within the Gauverband. It was in friendship that the "12:01 Club" was organized in 1988. The idea to co-host a Gaufest Hospitality Party Room was formed and was a big hit at the Parsipanny Gau in 1989. Cartoonist Marty Qatani designed a special logo: a penguin dressed in lederhosen pouring a shot of Jägermeister! The participating Vereine in the 12:01 Club are Germania Almrausch S.V.; Alpenveilchen, VA; Auerhahn S.V., PA; United German-Hungarians, PA; and Alpenrose, PA.

CURRENT OFFICERS (2006-2008)

Marijo Doedée, Vorstand
Karen L. Rose, 2. Vorstand
Mike Redler, Sekretarin
Gertjan Doedée, Kassier
Robert E. Rose III, Vorplattler
Christine Pattantyus, Vortanzerin
Bobbijo van Beusichem, Trachtenmutter
Gabor Pattantyus, Business Manager
Gloria Hupe, Trustee
David & Faith Yearack, Kindergruppe Directors
Gertjan Doedée, Fahnenträger
Gabor Pattantyus, Historian and Business Manager
Marion Bauer, Kindergruppe Musician
Grete Licis, Good & Welfare Committee
Karen L. Rose, Editor of In Verbindung


We leave you with this photograph of some of our members at the top of Hunter Mountain with three of the band members of Nordwand from Graz, Austria!

JOIN US!

The group continues to look for new members and hopes that many generations to come will continue to bring Bavarian dance into the community and uphold true traditions. Rehearsals are typically held on Friday nights at Germania Hall. If you are curious about joining our group, e-mail Karen Rose for more information and specific rehearsal nights and times.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN GERMANIA TODAY