LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Utica
Maennerchor on January 5, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions and individuals who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 150th Anniversary of the Utica Maennerchor celebrated on
Monday, January 5, 2015, in Utica, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Utica Maennerchor began in January of 1865, when a small
group of 13 German settlers came together at the Bierbauer Brewery in
West Utica to create an organization with the purpose of promoting
German and American choral singing; and
WHEREAS, The Chorus of the Utica Maennerchor made its first public
appearance at the Steuben Lodge in April 1865; one week later, the group
sang as President Abraham Lincoln's funeral train stopped at the Utica
Train Station on its way to his burial in Springfield, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, During the late 1800s and early 1900s, this esteemed musical
institution grew quickly due to the high number of German immigrants who
came to Utica seeking work in the many local textile mills; and
WHEREAS, The German-American community and the Utica Maennerchor
became an essential part of the rich cultural heritage of the Mohawk
Valley; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the Utica Maennerchor's remarkable history, it has
carried on a tradition of musical excellence, winning numerous competi-
tions and earning recognition for its longevity and choral skill; and
WHEREAS, One of the last surviving institutions established by a
vibrant German immigrant population in the United States, the Utica
Maennerchor proudly carries on the traditions started by its founders
and the many German settlers and their descendants who have sung in its
choirs; it will continue to foster German traditions, friendship and
community for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those organizations whose commitment and creative talents
have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of the
citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Utica Maennerchor; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Utica Maennerchor.