Schuetzen Verein Founded In 1883
(From 1983 Schuetzen Verein Centennial book.)

The Hayes Township Schuetzen Verein, which owns the Five Mile House, was founded in April, 1883, and has held the annual king shoots nearly every year since then.

The club was founded by a number of young citizens of German descent who banded together for social entertainment, and to have a place to meet in leisure hours to visit with neighbors and friends. The organization, they concluded, would be a "Schuetzen Verein", or a shooter's society.

At least one of the founders is still living. John Oeser of Manning resides at the Manning Plaza. Oeser was king of the Gold Medal Meet four times, in 1913, 1914, 1922 and 1939.

Many other German communities had similar vereins, including the old Opera House and park in Manning, the Three Mile House north of Manning, and the Six Mile House by Schleswig. Those have all disbanded.

The Hayes Township Verein held its first meetings at the Five Mile House, which was built in 1876 by Andreas Lentz five miles south of Westside. Lentz operated the facility as an amusement place, which included a huge barn where people who came from a great distance could shelter their team of horses, while they spent the evening social ably with friends.

After a few years, Lentz sold the property to Fritz Huber. Subsequent owners were Meves Schacht, Claus Strathman, and presently, the Schuetzen Verein, who purchased it in 1899.

Early celebrations, called Koenigsschiessens, or King Shoots, were held once a month and prizes were given for the best marksmen. These prizes were usually a piece of hardware or leather goods, while the King's prize was often a larger piece of furniture.

During the early years, about 1890-1895, the Hayes Verein had King Shoots together with the Three Mile House and Wall Lake Vereins. Later, about 19001939, the group met with the Manning and Three Mile House Vereins in a meet called the Gold Medal Meet.

The policy of having monthly gatherings was later changed to annual celebrations. Other attractions were added through the years, such as Children's Day; Ring Riding for men on ponies; Ring Riding for women on Merry-go-Rounds; Harvest Festivals; Goose Ball on Thanksgiving; Easter, Christmas, and New Years dances; and the frolicsome Masquerades.

The original Five Mile House received the first R.E.A. lights in rural Crawford County which were turned on at 4:20 p.m., October 1, 1937.

The first building was taken down in 1938 and the present building was built and dedicated at the annual King Shoot Celebration that year. In his dedication speech, president Henry Hagge said, "Our fathers, the founders of this organization, and the builders of our home, inaugurated such festivals and entertainments, for the purpose of renewing friendships, to learn to know each other, and to create a better understanding between us... I do hope that our children will maintain and uphold the traditions of celebrating as we do here today, in the same spirit of friendship and harmony as of old."

The Verein has fulfilled Hagge's wishes throughout the years. Although there were times that some thought they would have to give up the enterprise, and there were years when it was difficult for members to pay their dues, the Verein has maintained itself for 100 years with a membership of 400.

Members have met every year for the King Shoot except during World War I when it was difficult to secure ammunition, during the World War II years of 1943-45 and during the Korean War in 1951.

The founders of the Verein were: Jurgen Ohde, John H.C. Peters, Wm. Pruter, F.W. Pruter, Louie Tollgard, John Oeser, Peter Martins, Heinrich Slender, Joachim Puck, Hans Suhr, Heinrich Hagedorn, Claus Thiedeman, Claus Strathman, Carsten Voss, Carl F. Hagedorn, Adam Schneckloth, Claus Grage, Heinrich Schroeder, Wm. Wiese, Claus Plagmann, Claus Anthony, Henirich Goettsch, Henry Rohwer, Wm. Rowedder, Louis Hannemann, Claus Hagge, Hans Eggers, Heinrich Grimm, Hans H. Kruse, Herman Jahn, Wilhelm Martens, William Hill, Timm Anthony, August Dethlefs, Heinrich Kruse, William Hanneman, Meves Schacht, Chris Lemster, Fritz Hagedorn, Herman Martens, Claus Engeland, Heinrich Joens, John Reinholt, Otto Kruse, Heinrich Greves, Ferdinand Bloecker, Heinrich Vinke, J.F. Jahn, Wm. Jahn, John Groth, Jochim Lamp, Heinrich Piening, Hans Joens, Peter Claussen, John T. Ohrt, Anton Wells, Heinrich Schoenjahn, John Jetter, John Ehrichs, Claus Grube, Peter Goettsch, Herman Grundmeier, Heinrich Flenker, John Rathjens, Heinrich Schelldorf, Heinrich Klingberg, John Ohde, and Detlef Wiese.

Present Board of Directors of the present Verein are: Wayne Schroeder, president; Joe Brandt, vice president; Wayne Jahn, secretary; Steve Koch, treasurer; and Gordell Lamp, Merlin Nulle, and Robert Phillips, trustees.

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