A Brief History of the

G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf Almrausch, Ottawa, Canada

Bavarian Dance Group

1955 - 2011

Then and Now

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Index - Click on line to advance to page.

Founders.......................................................................................4

Name becomes G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf - Almrausch......................5

Joined Gauverband Nordamerika................................................6

Fahnenweihe................................................................................8

First visit to Germany..................................................................10

First Salzweg visit to Canada......................................................11

Second trip to Germany..............................................................12

Second Salzweg trip to Canada..................................................12

Third trip to Germany.................................................................14

Music..........................................................................................18

Kuhglocken.................................................................................19

Goasslschnalzen.........................................................................20

Preisplattler.................................................................................21

List of Preisplattlen Finishes......................................................25

Ehrenmitglieder..........................................................................26

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Detailed History of G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf Almrausch

In 1955, as a newly arrived Canadian, Mr. Paul Volkmer obtained from the 1.Vorstand of the G. T. E. V. D’Gamskofler in Frankfurt-am-Main, authorization to use the D’Gamskofler name to found a new folkdance Verein in Ottawa. Paul and his brother Victor, had been active as Schuh-plattler in Frankfurt and were profoundly interested in continuing with that activity in Canada. The founders of the Group (Verein) in Ottawa, were: Paul Volkmer, Victor and Inge Volkmer, Albin Lauton and Willy Reichert.

From 1955 to 1960, the D’Gamskofler Ottawa held dances, Verein func-tions and practices at the Strand Hall on Bank Street, in Ottawa. Larger events were held at the Midtown Ballroom on Sommerset Street, near the Ritz Hotel. The first Bayrisches Abend in Ottawa was held on Oc-tober 17, 1959 at the Coliseum in Lansdowne Park. It was then called “Bavarian Night” and has been held annually since, although in the course of time it changed its name to “Oktoberfest”. The Verein also held other annual events such as “Maifest” in the spring, and “Karneval Dance” during Fasching season.

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In 1957, the name of the Verein was changed to G.T.E.V. Almrausch. As the Verein developed, the need arose for a permanent meeting place. The Schuhplattler had then been holding meetings and practices in various community halls around the city. In the summer of 1959, us-ing property owned by Albin Lauton, located near Leitrim and Baseline Roads, a modest clubhouse was erected, and became known to everyone as “the shack”. This venue continued to be used until the building, in 1967, of the club’s first chalet clubhouse on Farmers Way in the City of Gloucester, Ontario, which was then in suburban Ottawa.

In 1963, the executive of the Schuhplattler and the Maple Leaf Soccer Club agreed on a one-year trial basis, to unite the two Vereine. What followed was a successful year for both clubs. The Schuhplattler and the soccer Vereine formalized the arrangement and founded what has become known as the Maple Leaf-Almrausch Club Inc. (MLAC). From this moment on, the Schuhplattler became known as the G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf - Almrausch dancers. This year was notable for another reason. The Schuhplattlers’ membership, which for a long time, had oscillated between 4 and 6 couples, was instantly doubled as a group of French-Canadian Bavarian folkdancing enthusiasts from Hull, Quebec, under the leadership of Mr. Paul St-Jean, merged with the Almrausch club of Ottawa.

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This merger involving two different cultures (Bavarian and French-Ca-nadian) might be considered as one of the first events leading to a larger externalization of the schuhplattler dancing activity. In accepting to let people from another culture learn Bavarian dancing, the G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf-Almrausch group was, in fact, breaking a barrier that had long been preventing other cultures from learning the schuhplattler.

In 1967, Canada celebrated its Centennial year and the G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf-Almrausch dancers took part in the many multicultural events held for the occasion. They also performed at Expo 67 in Montreal. In 1967, as a Centennial project, the chalet clubhouse was completed, thus be-coming the first German club in Ottawa, with a self-contained building they could call their own. The dancers, together with the membership of the MLAC, were active participants in this project. Later on, an addi-tion was built.

In 1977, the G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf-Almrausch, sponsored by “The Boys and Girls from the Austrian Alps”, from Kingston, Ontario, became members of Gauverband Nordamerika, a North-American federation of Bavarian Schuhplattlers from across the U.S.A. and Canada. The Verein has since remained a staunch supporter of the Gau’s ideals by attend-ing annual functions sponsored by the Gau, and taking part in biennial Preisplattler competitions.

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There were many exchanges visits with our Kingston Trachtenfreunde. One visit in particular stands out, when they participated in our annual Maifest. Having prepared a 20-metre tall Maibaum, we had a feel-ing that our Kingston friends were going to hide it on us prior to the Maibaum raising ceremony, so we prepared a second one, and left that nearby. When Kingston “stole” it, we proudly marched out at the ap-pointed time, with the first and original one, all decorated and ready to go. The joke and surprise was at their expense and not ours’. It was a memorable time.

On January 14, 1980, the chalet portion of the MLAC clubhouse was destroyed by fire. Undaunted by this set-back, the club members began re-construction, and in November 1980, they celebrated the 25th Anni-versary of the dance group in the newly built clubhouse.

The Gauverband Nordamerika Inc. is an organization founded for the pur-pose of promoting Bavarian and Tiro-lean folk dancing costumes, customs and culture; and establishing mutual fellowship. Visit the Gau:

www.gauverband.com

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In 1986, while visiting G.T.E.V. Alpenrösl of St. Catharines, Ontario, the Verein made public its intention of obtaining its own distinctive flag. Tradition required that Ottawa link with another Verein, in sup-port of this effort, and G.T.E.V. Alpenrösl readily accepted the honour. Tradition also required that a “Patenbitten” be organized to formalize this link, and in 1987, G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf-Almrausch met with their new-found friends in St. Catharines and designed a ceremony for that purpose. In agreeing to become the “Patenverein”, G.T.E.V. Alpen-rösl invited Ottawa to St. Catharines, and made its members kneel on wooden logs, and formally “beg” for their pleasure. The ceremony comprised many traditional Bavarian verses in poem form, and a deco-rated wagon-load of offerings which included desirable “refreshments” such as smoked sausages, pretzels, beer and schnapps, all of which was to encourage a positive response from them. Since establishing this friendship, our respective Vereine have held exchange visits every year; we attend their Trachtenfest, and they attend our Bayernabend, both usu-ally held in April.

In the years that followed, under the enthusiastic chairmanship of its Vorplattler, Mr. Erech Morrison, every effort of the Verein was geared towards the objective of acquiring a distinctive flag, which culminated in a Fahnenweihe (Flag Blessing) held July 6-8, 1990. The technical aspects of this solemn project were organized by the late Traudl Triebe, our then Fahnenmutter and Trachtenpflegerin. Representatives from 42 Vereine across North America and Germany, attended. This ceremony was held in the Notre-Dame Basilica in Ottawa, and featured a

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Trachtenzug (parade) from the hotel to the Basilica, and then to Parlia-ment Hill, preceeded with a Royal Canadian Mounted Police escort on horseback, where a Massenplattler was performed. Special guests included the members of G.T.E.V. Almrausch of Frankfurt, the group which had succeeded the D’Gamskofler, from where our founders had come. Over 1000 Trachtler and Trachlerinnen, and many special invited guests attended a banquet at the Westin Hotel, followed the next day by a picnic under a huge tent, at Majors Hill Park, which was open to the public. There was a picnic on the days following the Fahnenweihe at Victor and Inge Volkmer’s cottage. The G.T.E.V. Almrausch and G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf – Almrausch enjoyed a day at the lake. Our Frank-furt hosts introduced us to Goaßlschnalzen, buggy whips which are cracked to the beat of German music selected for that purpose.

Stephen Volkmer organized a 4 day trip for the G.T.E.V. Almrausch of Frankfurt. They went to Toronto, St.Catharines and Niagara Falls. In St.Catharines, G.T.E.V. Alpenrösl hosted a Heimatabend.

This ceremony and subsequent days became a landmark in our history, and served to renew our commitment to the ideals of -

“Sitt und Tracht der Alten, wollen wir erhalten”

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Exchanges with Schuhplattler in Germany and North America

In 1992, at the invitation of the Ministerpräsident Dr. Max Streibl, our Verein went on its first exploratory trip to Germany. Under the able direction of its Vorstand, Erech Morrison, and with support from the Bavarian Government, a concert tour of about 10 couples, was orga-nized with visits to key locations in Bavaria including Garmisch-Parten-kirchen, Zwiesel, Munich, and Miesbach, as well as the tourist sights of Neuschwanstein, Zugspitz, and the Bayerischer Wald, to name a few.

During this trip we travelled by chartered bus, and held Heimatabende in Frankfurt, Wildsteig, and Salzweg (near Passau), a small town from where one of our Trachtlers emigrated. We established a close relation-ship with the Heimat und Volkstrachten Verein e.V. of Salzweg, which continues to this day. They were astounded to see that Canadians could perform their folkdances as well, and that our Tracht was as they called it “sauber”, or correct/proper. Following tours, a Heimatabend, and introductions to other Vereine, the highlight in Salzweg was Wäckruf (wake-up call), which took place at 5:30 Sunday morning. Following a Saturday night which ended about 2:00am (for some much later), it took a lot of effort to get everybody out on the street to follow the Blaßka-pelle, which played in the front of officials` houses, but we managed. We introduced Salzweg to the Goaßlschnaler. They knew of this but had no one in the group that performed them. Stephen was also talking to Salzweg members about an Apern as they had one in their group but again they did not perform them.

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During the visit to our mother club G.T.E.V. Almrausch in Frankfurt, from where our founders emigrated, they introduced us to “Eppelwei” or Apfelwein, a traditional drink in the region. Served out of a 0.3L Ger-ripte glass, or a large blue ceramic jug called a Bembel, these tipplings took place on a street car named the “Eppelwei Express” which circulat-ed downtown Frankfurt. We learned some new dances from them, and made many new friends.

Wildsteig, a stop in the Alps, was made possible by Hans Sommer, a re-tired Oberstleutenant from the German Armed Forces. Hans had visited MLAC and the Schuhplattlers in Ottawa several years earlier, leading a tour of a Blaßkapelle from Germany. This contact opened the door to introductions to many new Trachtenfreunde while on our trip.

Two years later, in 1994, the Verein from Salzweg returned the visit, and arrived for a tour of their own. Erech organized a 10 day visit to Kingston (Boys and Girls of the Austrian Alps), St. Catharines (G.T.E.V. Alpenrösl), and Montreal (S.V. Alpenland), with stops along the way at Niagara Falls, the CN Tower in Toronto, and each of the city’s may-ors. Their request to see the Rockies during that visit, of course did not materialize, when they found out that the Canadian Rockies were located some 5000 km away. Following their tour, Salzweg graciously presented us with a set of Aperschnalzer and we too have learned how to crack them.

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In 1996, our Verein made its second concert tour of Germany, which included Frankfurt, Salzweg, and Haiming in Tyrol, where we were introduced to our first Tiroler Trachtler group, under the direction of Mr. Herbert Kolb, 1.Obmann, of Trachtenverbandes Oberland mit Außer-fern. Our festive 3 days in Salzweg were filled with a Heimat Abend, introductions to local officials, and a BBQ. As in other visits, our mem-bers were billeted in the homes of local Trachtler. Salzweg had orga-nized a two day visit to Haiming in the Zillertal (Tirol). Our Verein had the opportunity to perform the Tiroler Bauerntanz, which our hosts did not know, and they had us climb the next day, one of the local moun-tains, at the top of which we had lunch in a very small Alpenhäusl where some of the best Obstler was served. Our gift presentation to the Aus-trians was highlighted with a copy of the Canadian flag - during which it was noted that both the Austrian flag and the Canadian flag comprise a mass of red and white colours, which we linked to our desire to get to know them better.

In 2002, the Salzweger Verein made its second visit to North America, accompanied by 44 Trachtler from a number of other Vereine, namely:

Heimat u. Volkstrachten e.V. SalzwegGrenzlandla Gögging VolkstänzerWolfstoana Buam FreyungBezirkstrachtenverband Tiroler Oberland mit Außerfern (Haiming)Hollerstauan (Tanzl) Musi

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This time, Erech arranged for the 2 week tour to also include some American clubs. In addition to appearances in Montreal (S.V. Alpen-land), our own clubhouse Ottawa, and our Patenverein’s Heidelberg clubhouse in St. Catharines, our touring visitors performed for the Al-pen Schuhplattler u. T.V. D’Pittsburgher in Pittsburgh, the Alpenrose Schuhplattler in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Alt Washingtonia Verein in Washington, DC, and a grouping of various New York-based schuhplat-tler Vereine, thus ending the longest ‘concert tour’.

There were many memorable events as a result of that tour. In Pitts-burgh, the lights went out during a severe electrical storm, and we con-tinued to party and perform at a local brewery (talk about luck). On arrival in nearby hills in Washington, as our visitors disembarked from the tour bus, they were greeted by 9 Alphorns being played by members of Alt Washingtonia - it was dusk and the effect was phenomenal. Their visit to Capitol Hill resulted in some spectacular photos in full Tracht on the steps in front of the Capitol building.

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In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a tour of the local Amish region had a pro-found emotional effect on many of our visitors. In New York City, Bob Hugel - a member of the Gauverband board, Vorplattler of G. T. E. V. Schlierachtaler Stamm and a senior police official, arranged for a police car escort to the Heimatabend at Plattdeutsch Halle, to the delight of our visitors. There was also a tour up the Empire State Building, where it was snowing at the 86th floor level, but raining at the street level. Our Salzweger and Tiroler friends also visited Ground Zero, played a mov-ing funeral hymn and said prayers in respect of the victims of 9/11.

In 2008, our Verein took its third trip to Germany and continued with the tradition of alternating visits with our Bavarian friends. A week prior to our departure, Erech who had organized the visit, was badly injured in an accident, and could not participate. Therefore Richard Nairne took over the reins and completed our tour.

On July 11, 2008, G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf-Almrausch departed for Obermenzing, Diessen, Auerberg and Salzweg. In Obermenzing, Hans Menzinger 1.Vorstand of Der Heimat und Volkstrachtenverein “D´Würmtaler”, Menzing e.V., organized our attendance at their 30th Anniversary celebrations which included firing of the Böller, a Heima-tabend, a children’s singing performance, a duet accompanied by guitar and other fitting presentations.

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Our Verein group was honoured to play the Kuhglocken and Goasslschnalzen as part of the evening program. Hans is also owner of Trachten Pöllmann, where our Miesbacher Tracht was made. Prior to our departure from Munich, we visited his shop, which is always an op-portunity to learn about Tracht.

The second leg of our trip was in the Dießen region. Following some perfect beer and essen at the Andech’s Brewery, we prepared for a won-derful evening of music, dance, and Schnalzen in Stoffen, hosted by Toni Auer 1. Vorstand, of D’Fuchsbergler Stoffen, and 2. Gauvorstand of the Lechgau. This was followed the next day by a guided tour of Schloß Linderhof, and a Heimatabend hosted by D’Ammertaler Trachtenverein in Diessen that evening. We found ourselves indulging in yet another classic, and delicious home cooked Bavarian meal. The gift exchange took place with Sepp Kaindl, 1. Vorstand Huosigau with a plaque on behalf of Tom Vogt, 1 Vorstand Gauverband Nordamerika. There were other gift exchanges with Florian Vief, 1. Gauvorplattler Huosigau, Andreas Huber, 1.Vorplattler D’Ammertaler Trachtenverein and Magnus Kaindl.

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Next stop was Auerberg, and a visit to Neuschwanstein, and Bernbeuren Community Centre, with Max Bertl, 1. Gauvorstand, Oberer Lech-gauverband being our host for the day. Many special exchanges at a Heimatabend that evening, took place with Alfred Sieber, 1.Vorstand D’Lechgauer and Sebastien Dreher, 1.Vorstand d’Auerbergler-Bernbeur-en. A special gift from Tom Vogt, 1.Vorstand Gauverband Nordamerika, was made to Max Bertl, 1. Vorstand Lechgau, Prem .

The last leg of the tour started with a Welcome Dance on Friday, July 18 in Salzweg, with our old friends from the Heimat u.- Volkstrachten-verein Salweg, e.V. , and an official greeting by Burgermeister Horst Wipplinger. A Heimatabend was held on the Saturday in the Spetzinger Stadl (with the Salzweger Tanzlmusi, schuhplattler, whips, the Waidler Musi from Tittling, under the direction of Georg Frank, Tiroler Trachtler Haiming, and Kellberg Patenverein. Richard Schenk, 1.Vorstand of the Salzweg Verein, spared no effort is welcoming us and in building on our exchange visits and friendships developed over the past 18 years.

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Music

Throughout its history, our Verein performed mostly with live mu-sic. Initially, the Verein danced to the accordion of Robert Hildebrand. Then, for a long period, they performed to the accordion of Erwin Folkel, who also used to be prominent feature playing at the newly constructed chalet clubhouse. He played regularly to entertain dancing crowds in every event held there. For a period afterwards, the Verein performed to the accordion music of Judy McCabe.

Since 1979, the Verein has been well served by Paul St-Jean’s button box - Paul was a former Vorplattler of the Verein. For the last few years, with Paul spending winters in Florida, music has been provided by Erech Morrison, the Verein’s current 1.Vorstand. Music training is also under way with Manfred Lauton, son of one of our founder’s, and soon a much younger musician who is being trained.

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In 1980, the Verein acquired a set of Kuhglocken (musically tuned cow-bells), to add more diversity to its knowledge of Bavarian volksmusik. Most of the music played on the bells, has been arranged by Erech Morrison. The bell ringers, now under the able direction of Ingeborg Henn, have a repertoire of more than 25 songs (which includes a range of Christmas Carols). For the past few years, our bell ringers have been performing at the official ceremony of the lighting of the Christmas lights on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, in early December, the Parade of Lights in Orleans (a suburb of Ottawa), and at private parties. Most Vereine have a solitary bell ringer. However, in Ottawa, the music is ar-ranged so that it is played in two-part harmony by 4 Trachtlerinnen.

Kuhglocken (Cow Bells)

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Goaßlschnalzen (Whips)

At our Fahnenweihe in 1990 (reported earlier), we were fortunate to have the visit of G.T.E.V. Almrausch from Frankfurt, successor to D’Gamskofler, and original Verein of our founders. Frankfurt intro-duced us to the Goaßlschnalzen, the practice of cracking whips to music, which they performed at our Fahnenweihe events.

Stephen Volkmer took an early interest in organizing us for this activity, including asking the Frankfurt Verein to purchase 16 whips and bring them to Canada. However, much to our amazement, they gifted these to us as a memento of their visit. Since then, we have added Goasslschnal-zen and Aperschnalzen to our performances.

We have taken a strong lead within Gauverband Nordamerika in intro-ducing Goaßlschnalzen to the 85 Vereine here. Stephen has been active in equipping and training many of our Vereine throughout North Amer-ica, which is testimony to the vigorous interest we all have in perpetuat-ing Bavarian heritage and culture

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Preisplattler (Competitions)

Since joining Gauverband Nordamerika, our Verein has participated in Preisplattler competitions held at various Gaufeste around the continent, with our first competition having taken place in Los Angeles in 1979, where we placed 12th out of some 20 competing Vereine. In Vancouver in 1991, we placed 5th, the first time the Gauverband recognized 4th and 5th rankings.

At the Nevele Resort in 2001, in upstate New York, we finally broke into the prestigious top three with a 3rd place finish. One of the most memorable moments was listening to the announcements of the winning groups, our group sat with excitement wishing/praying for our name to be called, then it happened. Tom Vogt (then 1.Gauvorplattler) began announcing the 3rd place group, dragging out the initials to build excite-ment: G------T--------E--------V Maple Leaf - Almrausch Ottawa, Cana-da! Our tables exploded into a hopping mass of hugs, kisses and tears.

2001 Gau Preisplatteln Team, Nevele, NY - 3rd prize!Missing from photo: Stephen Volkmer

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2009 Gau Preisplatteln Team, Toledo, Ohio - 3rd prize!

In 2009 the group returned to the winners podium finishing 3rd in To-ledo, Ohio. It came as such a shock, everyone was so busy hopping and hugging they had to be called to the stage several times to receive their medals and do their winners dance.

Two years later, at the 23 Gaufest held in Orlando, Florida, the group continued their Gaufest success with another 3rd place finish. This time the group was seated right beside the dance floor, 30 feet from the front of the stage, so getting there would be quick, one would think. In keep-ing with tradition we were once again asked to hurry things up as the groups jubilant celebrations were taking a little too long. None the less we did get there quicker than previously and after receiving the awards put on what most would say was one of our happiest dances, the smiles were from ear to ear the entire dance!

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2011 Gau Preisplatteln Team, Orlando, Florida - 3rd prize!

Our success was not limited to the Group competitions in 2011. Richard & Brenda Nairne the groups Vorplattler and Vortänzerin finished 1st in the 35-49 age cat-egory for Einzelpreisplatteln, a competition where only a couple competes. As a result of this finish they have been invited to compete in the prestigious Bayerischen Löwen in Germany in 2012.

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In 1967 Freistaat Bayern donated this Wanderpreis which is given to the first place Group in Gruppen Preisplatteln. The winning group has the honour of displaying this trophy for the two years between Gaufests. One day our group hopes to have this honour so we too can display this wonderful carved tro-phy in our Club.

In our practices and performances we have constantly kept our focus on meeting competition levels, which has helped tremendously, to improve the quality of our dancing.

Continuing our success at compe-titions Erech Morrison (Musiker and Ehrenvorstand) and Inge Henn (Schriftführerin) proudly display their 2nd place prize pins from the 24th Gaufest in Sandusky Ohio held June 20-23, 2013. Erech and Inge competed in Einzelpreisplat-teln, age category of 60+. Their incredible performance is inspira-tional to all the younger dancers in the group.

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List of Gaufest Finishes(group only)

Year Location Place

1979............................Los Angeles, California.............12th

1981............................New York, New York.................16th

1983............................Cleveland, Ohio.........................18th

1985............................Denver, Colorado.......................12th

1987............................Milwaukee, Wisconsin...............15th

1989............................Passiac, New Jersey....................7th

1991............................Vancouver, British Columbia......5th

1993............................Buffalo, New York......................12th

1995............................Milwaukee, Wisconsin................did not compete

1997............................Newark, Delaware.......................6th

1999............................St. Paul, Minnesota......................did not compete

2001............................Ellenville, New York....................3rd

2003............................Philadelphia, Pennsylvania..........did not compete

2005............................Buffalo, New York.......................8th

2007............................Hershey, Pennsylvania.................14th

2009............................Toldeo, Ohio.................................3rd

2011............................Orlando, Florida............................3rd

2013............................Sandusky, Ohio..............................did not compete

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Erech Morrison Receives Honour of Ehren Vorstand

On April 28, 2012, the G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf-Almrausch held their 30th Bayern Abend celebration. It was at this event that Erech Morrison was presented with the Verein’s highest honour of Ehren Vorstand.

This past November saw a change in leadership in our Verein. After 20 years as Vorstand, Erech stepped down stressing the importance of al-lowing the younger members an opportunity to lead, grow and flourish. Some of Erech’s greatest contributions to our Verein include: Chairing the committee that led to the acquisition of our Verein’s flag as well as the Fahnenweihe held in 1990, organized our Verein’s trips to Germany, organized 2 major tours from visiting groups form Germany, organized numerous Verein functions and led in the overall operations of the group.

Erech is also a member of the Gauverband Nordamerika and has served on the Gau board for many years. He was the lead in the devel-oping many key additions including: spearheading and overseeing the development of the Gau website, chairing the committee that brought in EP, leading in the process of acquiring the 501C3 status for the Gauver-band, organzing music workshops as well as being a Gau judge and for the first time ever, judging at the Bayerishe Loewe a few weeks ago. Through all his hard work, Erech has always ensured that the name G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf- Almrausch Ottawa is well known and ever pres-ent . There is no question our group would not be where it is today were it not for Erech’s unwavering dedication. If there was something our group needed or wanted, he found a way to make it happen. His leadership, dedication and commitment to “Sitt und Tracht” is an inspi-ration to many and has helped make the group what it is today.

Congratulations Erech and we thank you for all you have done!

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Scarlett Russell (Vorstand) with Erech Morrison immediately follow-ing the presentation of Ehren Vorstand. Erech is the first member of the group to receive an honorary officer appointment.

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Paul St-Jean Receives Honour of Ehren Musiker

On August 8th, 2012 the members of GTEV Maple Leaf –Almrausch appointed their most cherished musiker Paul St-Jean the position of Ehren Musiker. Paul has been a member of the group for 48 years, the past 38 years as the group’s musician. Paul’s dedication to the group has been unwavering and his passion for music undeniable. Not only did Paul master the music to all our dances (and multitudes more) he was al-ways eager to teach new dances to anyone and everyone. He flawlessly played for all our Gau competitions which included three third prizes in group and a first prize win in couples. He is also sought after by many individuals and groups to play for them at these North American com-petitions. This has absolutely reflected positively on our group and contributed to our great reputation. His steadfast commitment to dance traditions in all aspects truly exemplified:

“Sitt und Tracht der Alten”

Many of us learned and grew up to the sound of Paul’s accordion and all of us thank him for his contribution.

After all these years Paul truly credits one person for giving him the support and fortitude to do all that he has done…his forever adoring wife Hélène.

Regrettably we lost our beloved Paul a few months later after a coura-geous battle with cancer. Paul continues to play his button box in both heaven and our hearts

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Scarlett Russell (Vorstand) with Erech Morrison (Ehren Vorstand) im-mediately following the presentation of Ehren Musiker to Paul St-Jean. As always, at Paul’s side is his loving wife Hélène.

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Ehrenmitglieder

Ours has been a long, but happy and rewarding road of learning, accom-plishment, and satisfaction as we researched new dances, new music, understood the intricacies of Tracht, and expanded our knowledge of what is Oberbayerisches culture (Upper Bavarian Costume and Tradi-tions). We still have a long way to go, but seek like-minded individuals who would like to join us in our quest for perfection in these matters.To become a member, we stress that it is not necessary to speak German, or have any knowledge of dance, music, costume, or customs. These matters would be gradually revealed through dedicated weekly practices and work.

We have met many along the way, who have helped us immensely, and found a way to recognize their efforts to do so. To be a full member of our Verein, we require that individuals own a Miesbacher Tracht (Cos-tume), and attend practices regularly. But for those who have not had the opportunity of doing that, or for those who in some way contributed to our knowledge and to our organization, we adopted the practice of declaring them “Honorary Members” or Ehrenmitglieder. A list of those who have been so recognized is as follows:

1. Walter Henn, President, Maple Leaf Almrausch Club Inc. - Ottawa 1990.

2. Dr. Max Streibl, Ministerpräsident, Freistaatbayern - Ottawa 1991. †

3. Hans Woller, 1.Gauvorstand, Dreiflüßegauverband (Passau) - Salzweg1992. †

4. Richard Schenk, 1.Vorstand, Heimat-u. Volkstrachtenverein Salzweg e.V - Salzweg 1992

5. Josef Oswald, 1.Vorstand, Trachtenkapelle - Wildsteig 1992

6. Gottfried Wegerer, 1.Vorstand, Rhein/Main Gauverband - Frankfurt 1992

7. Fritz Richinger, 1.Vorstand, G.T.E.V. Almrausch - Frankfurt 1992, and Ehrenvorstand, Rhein/Main Gauverband (Frankfurt) 1992. †

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8. Hans Abersfelder, 1.Vorplattler, G.T.E.V. Almrausch - Frankfurt 1992

9. Kurt Greiner, Ehrenvorstand, Heimat-u.Volkstrachtenverein Salzweg e.V. - Salzweg 1992. †

10. Victor Volkmer, Gründer, G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf Almrausch - Ottawa 1995

11. Inge Volkmer, Gründerin, G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf Almrausch - Ottawa 1995

12. Paul Volkmer, Gründer, G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf Almrausch - Ottawa 1995

13. Albin Lauton, Gründer, G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf Almrausch - Ottawa 2011. †

14. Hélène St-Jean, Trachtlerin, G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf Almrausch - Ottawa 1996

15. Franz Jerabek, 1.Vorstand, Gemeinde der Deutscher Organizationen aus Ottawa 1997. †

16. Mathilde Jerabek, Direktor, Deutsches Panorama TV - Ottawa 1997

17. Helga Craig, 1.Vorstand, G.T.E.V. Alpenrösl (and Verein) - St. Catharines 1999

18. Tom Vogt, 1.Vorplattler, G.T.E.V. Alpenrösl - St. Catharines 1999

19. Hans Wyslouzil, 1.Vorstand, Schrammel Quartette und Alpen Trio - Ottawa 2001

20. Herbert Kolb, 1.Obmann, Bezirkstrachtenverband Tiroler Oberland mit Außerfern - Haiming 2002

21. Dr. Edmund Stoiber, Ministerpräsident, Freistaatbayern - Montreal 2003.

22. Anna Bauer, long time seamstress to the group - Ottawa 2011

23. Walter Spühler, Vorstand, SOS Alphorn Trio (and Verein) - Ottawa 2011

24. Erech Morrison, Ehren Vorstand, G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf - Almrausch - Ottawa 2012

25. Paul St-Jean, Ehren Musiker, G.T.E.V. Maple Leaf - Almrausch - Ottawa 2012 †

† Gestorben.

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In Summary

Thank you for taking the time to read a little about our history and what we stand for. If you would be interested in becoming a part of such a rich and fulfilling Verein, do not hesitate to contact us through our Of-ficers Link above!

Hope to hear from you soon!

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The End