 Austin
Saenger Runde
Singing was the great love of Mansbendel's life. He was a devoted
member of the Saengerrude,Austin
Saengerrunde (German for "singer in the round) the German
choral union that continues to this day. His rich baritone voice was
heard also in the choir of St. David Episcopal Church.
Many of Peter's friends were part of this group. Here gathered his
good friends Dewey Bradford, owner of the paint store, Phil and William
Dieter from the Calcasieu Lumber Co., Godfrey Flury, then in the outdoor
advertising business, Anton Stasswender, whom owner of the Monument
works, Arthur Fehr, a young architect, Paul Wakefield, Public relations,
together with other friends from the Saengerrunde, the theatrical
group, and the lumber companies.
The Saengerrunde Hall is located next door to Scholz Bier
Garten. The Saengerrunde bought Scholz's from The Lemp Brewery in
1908. The Saengerrunde added a bowling alley next to the bier garten
and still have weekly bowling league play.
Saenger Runde Halle Next Scholz Bier Garten
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Saenger Halle
Ironwork by F. Weigl & Sons |
Saenger Runde Halle |
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Mansbendel carved these frames
in walnut |
Peter's Saengerrunde Photo |
Arthur Fehr
Architect and friend of PM |
Owner of Calcasuieu Lumber
Friend of PM
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Fortunat Weigl VP of the club
Weigl Iron Works
Close Friend of PM |
Anton Stasswender-Stone Worker/Artist-Friend of PM |
Friend of PM
Carl Widen was a member of the original Longhorn Band in 1900, and until his death in 1985 at the age of 101, was the oldest living graduate of The University of Texas. He was an active member of the Longhorn Alumni Band and gave generously to the scholarship fund. He was a founding member of the Austin Symphony, the Founders Lions Club of Austin, and a former school board president. Mr. Widen worked at all times to advance both music and education programs in the community. |
Light Fixture made By Weigl
Designed by PM |
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Early Congress Ave photos
Saengerrunde Photo (1880's) |
Peter Mansbendel Drawing
By Charles Berkeley Formann
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German Heritage in Texas
 As
early in 1852, German settlers in the Austin area had formed a singing
group. On February 8, 1879, they officially organized as a singing
society bearing the name "Saengerrunde". It is the oldest
ethnic organization in Austin.
Scholz Garden, established in 1867 by a German immigrant named
August Scholz, became a favorite meeting place for Saengerrunde
members. The Scholz Garden property, owned by Lemp Brewery of St.
Louis, included a hall and bowling alley. In 1904, the Saengerrunde
Club signed a lease with Lemp Brewery for the use of the property.
In 1908 the club purchased the property. The facility has continued
to provide an atmosphere that allows our members to preserve and
enjoy their German heritage.
The Austin Saengerrunde is still active and performs on a regular
basis. To Learn more about this singing group click here Austin
Saengerrunde
Days of Beer and
Pretzels
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