In the early 19th century the sangerbund or singing group social reform movement developed in Germany. The movement used large choirs to express political viewpoints. National gatherings of German singing societies called Saengerfests became incredibly popular in Europe. The festivals usually were accompanied with a parade, balls, and other events associated with German culture. The success of the events prompted Christian churches to adapt the festivals for spiritual worship.
German immigrants brought the sangerbund tradition to America with the first German singing society being formed in the Germantown section of Philadelphia in 1835. The singing groups began performing together in a public Saengerfest. The largest festival in the Midwest occurred in Cincinnati in 1838. The tradition spread to the south with New Braunsfels, Texas holding a Saengerfest for many years starting in 1853.
In the 1870s and 1880s, singing as recreation developed in Quincy and several groups were formed, many in the German tradition. After a successful Saengerfest in Cincinnati in 1873 which featured the New York Orchestra led by Theodore Thomas, local leaders in Quincy began to plan to have a major singing festival in the Gem City.
With great fanfare and excitement, the mayor of Quincy, Louis D. White announced by official proclamation to the citizens of Quincy that the Third Illinois State Saengerfest was awarded to Gem City. Mayor White stated in the proclamation, “It is hoped that every citizen of Quincy will feel called upon to exert himself somewhat to make the sojourn of our visitors during the Saengerfest as pleasant and joyous as possible.”
Hosting the event was a great source of civic pride, and the leadership of the city expected businesses to “appropriately decorate” and for citizens to “put on holiday attire” when the Saengerfest opened in June, 1877. The event was scheduled for June 5-8, 1877.
In preparation for the state-level event Quincy constructed a grand, elaborate structure at 13th and Maine Street called the Quincy Saengerfest Building. The massive edifice was built as a temporary structure and was made entirely of lumber. The hall could hold 3,000 people, and the gigantic stage had room for 600 singers and a 70-piece orchestra. It was truly an architectural and engineering feat for the 19th century.
Quincy was the place to be in the summer of 1877. The Saengerfest was one of the largest events in the history of the city. The event attracted 30 singing societies including the Chicago Germannia Maennechoir and the St. Louis Arion des Westens. The Quincy groups that were featured were the Aeolian Quartet and the Quincy Maennerchoir that had 200 singers. When all of the choirs combined there were an amazing 600 voices. The 70-piece orchestra was led by Hans Balatka of St. Louis and Professor John E. Hofer a Quincy pianist and music teacher.
Professor John Hofer was born in Germany to a German college professor. His father wanted him to be a musician, so he studied in some of the most noted German music institutions. John Hofer was already an accomplished musician when he settled in New York City in the 1850s. He moved to Quincy in 1859 and became one of the foremost musicians in the city. He played many instruments and was a leader and composer of music as well. He was integral to the planning of the Quincy Saengerfest in 1877 and remained active in the Illinois State Saengerfest until his death in 1913.
The Third Illinois State Saengerfest started on Tuesday June 5 1877 in Quincy. There were three grand concert and two grand matinees with general admission tickets costing $1 and reserved seats $1.25. Visitors could also watch rehearsals which started at 9 a.m. each day for 50 cents. To spur attendance all railroad lines reduced rates to come to Quincy and the Keokuk Northern Line Packet Company offered 33% off all tickets for their steamers coming to Quincy for the event. There was a picnic on Friday morning at Singleton Park at 30th and Maine and a grand ball in the Quincy Saengerfest Building on Friday evening. The picnic was open to the public and tickets costs only 25 cents. The cost of the Saengerfest ball was $3 a couple.
The performances were second to none with the 70-piece orchestra playing Weber’s “Oberon Overture” and Wagner’s “Rienzi Overture.” The Quincy Maennerchoir featured 200 voices and opened the program with “Singer’s Greeting” by Brandt. The St. Louis Arion Singing Society sang “Calm Sea” and “Happy Voyage,” and the Chicago German Singing Society performed “A Legend from the Rhine.” The combined choir of 600 singers and the orchestra closed the festival with “Pilgrim’s Chorus” from “Tannhauser” by Wagner. The hall was filled to capacity for every performance.
The Quincy Saengerfest was a social success, but financially costly. Even though the 3000-seat hall was filled for each major performance the event was $7,500 in debt at the conclusion. The construction of the Quincy Saengerfest Building alone cost $5,000. Adjusted for inflation the debt would have been around $150,000 in 2025 value. The Quincy Saengerfest Building was deconstructed after a year, with the lumber returned to the contracting company to settle debts from the event.
Local singing groups continued to perform in the area for many years. The Illinois State Saengerfest returned to Quincy in August, 1913. The grand concert was held on Saturday, Aug. 9, 1913 at the Empire Theater. People attended the event, and it ended with a rousing picnic at Baldwin Park, but It did not match the size and the scope of the Third Illinois State Saengerfest in the summer of 1877.
“The Fest.” Quincy Herald-Whig, June 7, 1877, 3.
“J.E. Hofer.” Quincy Herald-Whig, June 20, 1913, 3.
“The Illinois State Saengerfest at Quincy.” Quincy Herald-Whig, May 27, 1877, 1.
“Three Grand Concerts.” Quincy Herald-Whig, May 22, 1877, 1.
Rob Mellon is currently the Executive Director of the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County and an U.S. Army Reserve Officer serving as an instructor with the University of Missouri ROTC program. He has served 27 years in the United States Army. He is on the Board of Directors of the Ulysses S. Grant Tail Association.
Rob Mellon is currently the executive director of the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County and an U.S. Army Reserve Officer serving as an instructor with the University of Missouri ROTC program. He has served 27 years in the United States Army. He is on the Board of Directors of the Ulysses S. Grant Trail Association.
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