Document Archive

(Adapted from original material by Haidy Kreuger Kerber, presented at the Fahnenweihe, 1994) 

It began with the emigration of a people from their ancestral homelands in Germany to the wild and open Danubian plains of Hungary. They endured hardships and hunger, and in time created beautiful towns and villages that looked like picture postcards from Bavaria, Austria, and other parts of Germany. Several hundred years later, war, prejudice, hunger, and new opportunity combine to drive many away. Our very good friends at the Donauschwaben Club of Trenton have more detailed information on the history and culture of the Danube-Swabians. Please visit for more information.

Quite a few of the immigrants landed in Philadelphia, and in 1910 form the Banater Männerchor. The group grew swiftly, and were soon able to purchase a site at Eight & Columbia. This remained their home until 1923, when a property at 2007-12 North Second Street was acquired. As members of the United Worker's singing Societies of the North Eastern States, various singing groups were successful until the late 1940's.

In 1922, the Banater Athletic Club organized. Even in the early years, soccer teams made great strides. Soccer remains our major sport. Over the years, senior and youth teams won many championships at local, state regional and national competitions. Club members have been active at all levels, and the Club has played host to numerous regional and national championship finals. In 1965, the Club won the United States Amateur Soccer Association Open Club in a thrilling game held at the Club. They repeated this feat again in 1999, becoming the last open cup champions of the 20th century!

In 1939 after a failed merger of all of the German Hungarian clubs, the Club's membership decided to change names to The United German Hungarians of Philadelphia and Vicinity. In 1946, a country property was acquired, and in 1965, the present clubhouse in Oakford, Bensalem Township, became the permanent home. At the same time, a new constitution was created, and established an atmosphere for all of the various groups to work together for the overall good of the Club.

On February 4, 1973, a destructive fire ravished our clubhouse. Thanks to enthusiastic leadership from the Club's President and Board, and the dedication and long hours from a large group of members, a new clubhouse opened almost three months to the day from the disastrous fire.

Along with Soccer, dance has always been an important part of the Club's social life. Throughout the years those in charge have brought not only cultural and ethnic music and performers, but also popular entertainment to the Club. Our traditional Kirchweih Dances were performed from the beginning. The youth of the Sport Club soon started to perform various German, Austrian and Hungarian dances. In 1965, our present Cultural Group was officially formed. This group continues to perform both ethnic and contemporary dances. This eventually led to the formation of the Schuhplattler Group in 1976. This group continues to perform to this day.

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The club is particularly proud of the accomplishments of the last 40 years. Presently, we enjoy the harmonious relationships of four generations actively involved in the Club. Consider the benefits of becoming a member. 

The Banater Mannerchor Flag

In 1913, the membership of the Banater Club had grown to the point where consideration was given to designing and purchasing a new flag. On May 8, 1913, many friends and members celebrated at a festive Fahnenweihe. The Arbeiter Männerchor served as "Taufpate", and Margaretha Friedrich served as "Fahnen-Mutter". The flag made its first public appearance as is was proudly carried by our singers at the "Vereinigte Arbeiter Gesangvereinen von Nord-Ost Staaten Sängerfest in Baltimore, MD. on July 4th, 1914. 

The Vereinigte Deutsch-Ungarn Flag

Not much information has been found about the circumstances that led to the purchase of the Vereinigte Deutsch-Ungarn Flag. A new flag was necessary when the Club's name changed in 1939. What is know is that a picnic festival was held that year at a place called the "B B Camp". This flag was carried proudly for 55 years, and has been retired and occupies a place of honor at the Club.

The United German Hungarians of Philadelphia and Vicinity Flag

The new German Hungarian Club flag has a fresh, bright appearance. But woven within the new fabric are old themes. They are the threads that hold the United German Hungarians together as a community of people. People who cherish the traditions and values of the traditional homelands of their ancestors. The flag pays tribute to our ancestors. It also defines who we are today and how we strive to preserve our heritage. It also acknowledges our pride as Americans.

The flag's contrasting sides represent the past and present. One side recognizes those who came from the original homelands of central and southeastern Europe. This beautiful depiction of a fictional village captures the common landscapes found in the farming regions of southern Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The natural resources, architectural renderings and geographic details evoke the essence of life as it was in the old country. While idealic in its depiction of family, work, and church, it must not be forgotten that great strength, determination and hard work were necessary to preserve their way of life. 

The beauty of the region's common flowers - Kornblumen, Rosmarein, Edelweiss, MohnBlumen and Enzian - complete the embracing circle topped by the flag's motto. "Treu, der Sitte, treu der Tracht, treu der Heimat" honors the beliefs these people carried with them as they resettled time and again: Faithful to the traditions, faithful to the costume, faithful to the homeland. This philosophy was surely a factor in the formation of the Banater Männerchor in 1910.

The second side of the flag affirms the United German Hungarians today. Our current roots are emphasized at the top by the trio of national symbols. Philadelphia is home to our nation's Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and is where William Penn's "Holy Experiment" began. These hold immense significance to every immigrant in search of freedom.

The UGH Clubhouse today is where we meet, socialize, play, and work. It has been the center point for many facets of club life. It is where culture flourishes in the form of traditional and contemporary German and American dance and music. It is where athletes old and young, male and female, take pleasure in the sport of soccer. It is where the various aspects of old and new remain alive and borne by the members of the Club. It is a force for growth, for sharing, and for the future.

As the United German Hungarians move forward in the new century, we realize the values and ideals purposely stitched into the fabric of the new flag are more than symbols. They are pieces of the thread of the future.