The Plattdütscher Vereen von Cole Camp
(The Low German Club of Cole Camp)

Our club was formed in January, 1990, by a small group of people who were deeply involved in the planning of Cole Camp’s 1989 Sesquicentennial celebration. As a result of this event there was a renewed interest in our heritage, and our club was formed for the purpose of preserving and promoting our Low German heritage. Toward that goal, we have monthly meetings, usually the third Friday evening of each month; the entertainment usually includes some Low German skits, songs and discussion of the history and heritage of Lower Saxony. We have sponsored a young persons trip to Germany and hope to continue this program. We organize displays featuring German culture at various public events and encourage and promote exchange visits with Germans from Lower Saxony and especially with our "Friendship City," Elsdorf, Germany.

Our most important contribution to the Low German community is the annual Low German Theater. Each October, visitors from the mid-western states and occasionally groups from Germany, find their way to Cole Camp to experience this very unique form of entertainment--a full two hours of Low German humor. This is one of the few Low German theaters in the world. Some of the past performances have been captured on pictures and these pictures and more information can be found at the Plattdütsches Theoter Photos.

We also sponsor three singing groups: A Männerchor (men’s choir), Damenchor (ladies’ choir) and a Kinderchor. These groups are active throughout the year. Highlights include our annual Sängerfest (Singers’ Fest) in June - a celebration of German vocal music. Past performances in pictures may be found at the Sängerfest Photo pages. In December, we perform an evening of German Christmas music in one of our local churches. These singing groups have built a substantial reputation in and around Missouri and frequently perform in various cities such as Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield. We have a scholarship program whereby we award a cash gift upon graduation to any young man who sings with the Männerchor while in high school and who intends to continue his education.
 

Männerchor Crest

Damenchor Crest