A German-American Club, Preserving German Culture For Over 130 Years!


 
Who We Are
    
 


The Harugari is a German-American family Society that promotes the customs and traditions of its members and their ancestors through song, dance, good food, and friendship. As proud Americans, they seek to fulfill their heritage as immigrants in a new homeland. The clubhouse, pavilion and grounds provide our families, friends and guests with a place to meet. We invite everyone to join and attend our gatherings to enjoy a unique experience not generally found in the northeastern United States.

Albert Walz Pavilion

 

  
 
Harugari Singers.jpg (49387 bytes)

Harugari Singers

 

The name Harugari comes from the old German word Haruc. It may be roughly translated as "The Teutonic spirit (or priest) of the oak tree." Thus, it is a meeting place and tall, majestic oak trees, that remind us of the spirit of our founders, surround the current site in West Haven, Connecticut.

The Society began its long history in 1875. A small group of members from the Deutschen Ordens der Harugari, formed a singing group, expanded in 1880, and in 1882 the Harugari Liedertafel became a charter member of the Connecticut Saegerbund. It competed successfully at regional Saengerfests and wond many prizes, many of which are displayed in the clubhouse. Today, the men and women's choruses maintain that tradition.

  
  In addition to the singing competition, member enjoyed some sports activities in bowling, gymnastics, and soccer for a time. Since 1966, the members formed several dance groups that entertain at the many dinners, dances, and other celebrations throughout the year. The junior Schuhplattlers practice and perform in hopes of joining an adult group to the delight and pride of parents and grandparents.

Harugari Junior Schuhplattlers
 
 


The varied events at the clubhouse use German orchestras that provide a wide variety of music. Home cooked meals, including Schnitsel, Roladen, Sauerbraten, and Wurst, together with the customary kraut, salad, and desserts, are enjoyed with German wine and beer to complete the meal. Bierfest, Schlachtfest, Seemannsabend, and holiday celebrations at Oktoberfest, Christmas and New Years Eve relive the tradition and culture of our ancestors and reflects their strong character and ethic of hard work by the way they entertained and celebrated.

German ethnicity began in the United States in 1683 at Germantown, Pennsylvania and intensified with the immigration of people from many lands in the late nineteenth century. Today it is by far the largest ethnic group in the United States. The Harugari Liedertafel has represented that heritage for over 125 years.

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