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| Picnic Group at Enoggera Reservoir, Brisbane |
In 1865, about ten years after the first German emigrant ship arrived
in Moreton Bay direct from Hamburg, a reporter from the Brisbane Courier wrote
of the German settlers’ Christmas celebrations, highlighted by a picnic and
shooting contest “in a pretty little valley” in Toowong.[1]
ERSTES DEUTSCHES SCHÜTZEN-FEST. (The First German
Shooting Fest)
SOCIABLE fellows are our German brethren, and they really
enjoy a holiday as it should be enjoyed. They determine upon having a good
picnic after their own fashion, and they always succeed in carrying it out in a
manner not to their own satisfaction only, but to that of those who belong to
other nations. They have the happy facility of creating sunshine, even although
a large cloud hangs above them always joyous, and never depressed by adverse
circumstances.
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| William Leworthy Goode Drew |
The picnic which they gave yesterday was certainly a
great success. Although postponed for a week, those who were present yesterday
at the pleasant gathering which took place in a pretty valley which lies beyond
Mr. W. L. G. Drew's residence, and near to the homestead of Mr. W. C. Belbridge[2]
- appeared thoroughly to enjoy themselves, and the delay which had been
occasioned through the unpropitious weather a week before had not had
apparently any effect in checking the enthusiasm which was universally
displayed by those who were present for entering into and enjoying the games
and sports associated with their own fatherland.
Many members of the German community of the Ipswich District came
down-river by paddle steamer. The catering
was professionally done by Mr. Lenneberg, of the prestigiously named “Cafe de
Paris” although the heat of the Queensland summer was not kind to the temperature
of the drinks.
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| Excursion group arrive by Brisbane River steamer |
The steamer “Diamond” took down a large number of the
visitors, but there were many who proceeded to the trysting-place in cars and
other vehicles. At one time it was estimated that there about three hundred
persons on and near the camping-place. To Mr. Lenneberg, of the “Cafe de Paris”,
was entrusted the task of satisfying the thirst of all, and considering the bad
spot which was selected for the encampment, he managed very well. The ginger-beer and lemonade were certainly
very hot, as also were other equally enticing liquors. Fowls and pigs had a
sultry appearance about them; but what of that? It was a picnic.
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| Picnic at Brookfield ca. 1888 |
Johann Heussler, a prominent member of the German community, dominated the
shooting program. Among other things, he
was a merchant, emigration agent, and German Consul. His grand mansion built on
a prominent hill in Brisbane is now Queensland Government House. The reporter lamented the poor quality of the
rifles but praised the crafting skills of the German ladies who had adapted the
native flora to a European-style victory wreath.
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| Johann Heussler |
First on the programme was the Erster Teil[3]
or rifle-shooting at a target 200 yards distant. We cannot compliment the
gentlemen who entered for the prizes upon their good firing, but we think that
in this case (for a wonder) the rifles were not comme il faut[4].
They were not what they should have been for short distance firing. The bull's
eye was hit only once and that by Mr. Heussler, who was firing off a tie. He
consequently obtained not only the first prize, but also a prettily wreathed
scarf manufactured by some ladies out of gum-sprigs and wild flowers.
The shooting events were interspersed with musical entertainments,
especially of glees - unaccompanied songs featuring multiple voices, rather
like a barber-shop quartet – which were very a popular German tradition.
To the English visitors the various glees sung during the
day afforded a great deal of pleasure. At about one o'clock the national song
of "Vaterland " was sung most admirably; and, considering the present
juncture of affairs in Europe, it is pleasing to know that here the Germans are
united, and that, although they can meet together and enjoy themselves, they
still preserve the national love for their country in a proportion equal to
that displayed by Englishmen for theirs.
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| The bucolic joys of a bush picnic |
After luncheon Dr. Emmelhainz addressed the ladies and
gentlemen present at some length, and so interesting was the speech that it was
listened to with the greatest attention, although other sports were in
anticipation. He referred briefly to the stand in the cause of freedom which
had always been maintained by the German people.
Shortly afterwards he distributed the prizes which had
been won by the rifle shooters, some of which were very valuable, making the
ceremony of distribution pleasant by various happy remarks. The hoop-game for
ladies then followed, and after that dancing, though by the way that was kept
up at intervals throughout the day. Merriment in every form contributed to
prolong the day's enjoyment, and it was late before the sounds of music were
lost to the pretty little valley which was, the scene of the Erstes Deutsches
Schützen Fest.
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| William Henry Von Lossburg |
The final address was given by the elegantly bewhiskered Dr. Von Lossberg (note the aristocratic appellation “Von”), who spoke on behalf of the many German residents of the rapidly developing Ipswich District.
We may mention that in the course of the day Dr. Von
Lossberg[5],
of Ipswich, stated that he had been requested by the Germans of that town to
represent them, and to express a hope on their behalf that on a future occasion
they would be able to join their countrymen in Brisbane.
The following year Christmas celebrations were reported in the German settlements along the Logan River. The phenomenon of decorated trees, festive dishes, and Yuletide songs was, at the time, a particularly German tradition, which would be introduced into England by Queen Victoria and her German husband Prince Albert.[6]
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| Queen Victoria and Prince Albert |
Christmas on the Logan has been kept up with all honour
and custom. Social visits have not been neglected, and the weather was cloudy
and cool for the season. The Germans keep up their fatherland customs; they
have had their Christmas trees and medley dishes, and sung and prayed, and
watched the old year out and the New Year in. The old year has been a memorable
one for them.
© K. C. Sbeghen, 2011.
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