German American Societies of San Diego

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About German American Societies of San Diego

Many people in San Diego County know about the German American Societies, located in El Cajon, mostly, because of the annual Oktoberfest held here on the first two weekends of October. I, however, know the “Society” because I was one of the students of the German School of San Diego repeatedly taking part in Christmas presentations (“Weihnachtsfeier”) and graduation parties there. The atmosphere of the Club house and the entire performances were simply wonderful. This is why I became interested in the “Society” and to find out more about the Club I interviewed the Business Manager, Mrs. Heidi Williams, from whom I learned a lot about its history. For years she is reaching out and is opening the club’s doors to the youth in the community and the German classes in High Schools and Colleges.

More than 50 years ago, thousands of German native speakers decided to found a club where they could meet, speak their native language, and remember their old countries. However, they also wanted to include interested Americans and other nationalities to share their heritage, customs, traditions, and culture with them.

For over a hundred years there had been a German presence in San Diego County, such as through the German Club of the San Diego Turners, who published a German-language weekly as early as the late 1800’s. But it was on May 8th, 1965 that a handful of determined Germans started the German American Societies in the Turner Hall. They immediately created a number of activity groups, many of which still exist today: the Germania Choir, Damenkreis (Women’s Circle), the German Language Classes, Karneval Season, Skat (card game gatherings), the annual Oktoberfest, Open House, Balls, Dances, Concerts and Fests throughout the year.

In the early days the “Society” soon became so popular that 1500 members joined the Club. In 1971 the “Society” was finally able to buy and rebuild its own Club house on 1017 South Mollison Avenue in El Cajon. Many Club members bought thousands of dollars worth of building blocks so that the Club house could become the great place it is today.

For 46 years the German American Societies’ mission has been to unite Germans and other nationalities interested in German culture through various social, cultural, and educational activities and to foster and enjoy good fellowship and mutual respect between peoples from all cultures.