A German

[major bill]

Although this is post Civil War I found the combination of German ethic pride and celebrating the Fourth of July interesting. During the Civil War era, many Michigan German immigrants in Michigan from southern Michigan cities would meet at Battle Creek for the Fourth of July.

"The German celebration at Beach's grove, which did not commence until noon, was a success. The usual supportive scenes of German device, such as climbing the greased pole, pig chafing ect. were observed, and in the evening a dance in the open air continued quite late." The Detroit Post July 5 1873.

The above shows that the Germans immigrants had adopted the American holidays. It should also be noted that the newspaper tells us how the Germans added German style activates. I have seen other period reports of climbing greased poles and chasing pigs at celebrations and had no idea these actives were somehow considered "German".

 

[major bill]

The above post should read "pig chasing" instead of "pig chafing". So since no one answered if greased pole climbing and pig chasing were considered "German" activities I bumped this post.

 

[LoriAnn]

The above post should read "pig chasing" instead of "pig chafing".

That's a relief! Chasing is fun. Chafing is not.

 

[major bill]

Isn't there a lotion for that? Oil of old lay pig?

 

[LoriAnn]

Isn't there a lotion for that? Oil of old lay pig?

That's not the oil I'd use.

 

[Pat Young]

Although this is post Civil War I found the combination of German ethic pride and celebrating the Fourth of July interesting. During the Civil War era, many Michigan German immigrants in Michigan from southern Michigan cities would meet at Battle Creek for the Fourth of July.

"The German celebration at Beach's grove, which did not commence until noon, was a success. The usual supportive scenes of German device, such as climbing the greased pole, pig chafing ect. were observed, and in the evening a dance in the open air continued quite late." The Detroit Post July 5 1873.

The above shows that the Germans immigrants had adopted the American holidays. It should also be noted that the newspaper tells us how the Germans added German style activates. I have seen other period reports of climbing greased poles and chasing pigs at celebrations and had no idea these actives were somehow considered "German".

Maybe "adapted".

 

[mofederal]

A lot of Germans in this area. A lot of the local celebrations are German in origin. The are still quite a few both to the north and south of where I live.

 

[Pat Young]

A lot of Germans in this area. A lot of the local celebrations are German in origin. The are still quite a few both to the north and south of where I live.

Where?

 

[LoriAnn]

Well, I couldn't find anything on pig chasing (or pig chafing, thank goodness), but I found Greased Pole Competitions.

According to two articles, we have the Italians to thank for this.

"The Greasy Pole competition originated in Sicily in the 19th century or earlier, and was brought to Gloucester by the Italian immigrant population of fishermen in the early 20th century."

Source

 

[LoriAnn]

Can't you guys play cards like everyone else?

"Soldiers climbing up a greased pole. Thanksgiving festivities at Fort Pulaski, Ga., Thursday, November 27th, 1862. While the loyal citizens of the North were eating their turkeys the Federal soldiers in the South were also celebrating their Thanksgiving. We illustrate the amusement indulged in at Fort Pulaski, Ga. The grand attraction of the day, however, was th fete given by the officers of the Forty-eighth Regiment, New York Volunteers, Colonel Barton, and Company G, Third Rhode Island Regiment."— Frank Leslie, 1896

Source

 

[LoriAnn]

Even better!

Horizontal Pole Wipe Outs (with 80s music and guys in costume).

Wipe outs start at 3:39. But do you really want to miss the grand entrance and the brief National Anthem moment? (Flags, @Waterloo50 ! )