The Germania Broadcast was the first German radio program in the United States which was sent by shortwave from America to Europe.
The Germania Broadcast in its first fifteen years had the largest audience of any local program in the City of Chicago, according to Chicago newspapers.
The Germania Broadcast helped thousands of people find work and help during the depression years through its "Who Will Help?" programs.
1940 - A comedy presentation, two-hour children's program, football tournament and sports demonstration were featured in the "Volkfest" summer festival in Riverview Park on July 28tb. Popular stars who appeared in a radio concert at the affair included Angelo Lippich, Franzl Schoenfeld, Leonardo Aramesco, Miga March-Fiechtl and Rudi Chmelik.
1939 - The Germania Broadcast Circus Festival was held on July 30th in Riverview Park. Former Governor Dwight Green, Lt. Gov. John Stelle and Postmaster Ernest J. Kruetgen were among the honored guests present at the affair. As a major attraction, William L. Klein staged a short version of "Pagliacci" featuring the late Leonardo Aramesco.
1938 - George Hessberger entertained thousands of Chicagoans at the Germania Broadcast picnic in Riverview Park on July 31st. Dance Orchestras, Drum and Bugle Corps, Choral Groups, the Chicago Mandolin Orchestra, theatrical stars and sports events were among the featured attractions and activities at this event.
The Summer Festival 1937 took place in the large Picnic Grove of Riverview Park, and the date was Sunday, July 18th, under direction of Egmont Sonderling.
The 1936 summer festival was the first in a cycle of three affairs celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 'Germania Broadcast'. The 2nd affair of the cycle was the Annual Radio Festival at the Steuben Club On October 24th, and the last and 3rd affair the New Year's Eve Celebration in the Logan Square Masonic Temple.
The 1936 summer festival was the first in a cycle of three affairs celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 'Germania Broadcast' The 2nd affair of the cycle was the Annual Radio Festival at the Steuben Club On October 24th, and the last and 3rd affair the New Year's Eve Celebration in the Logan Square Masonic Temple..
This year (1936) also produced the 3rd and most successful summer festival, staged under the title of "Wiener Praterfest" and directed by Egmont Sonderling. The affair lasted two days, the 25th and 26th of July, and drew 20,000 people. Governor Henry Horner of Illinois delivered the welcoming address.
On November 23rd the annual Radio Festival was celebrated successfully at the Steuben Club, and at the same place the New Year's Eve Festival took place.
On November 23rd the annual Radio Festival was celebrated successfully at the Steuben Club, and at the same place the New Year's Eve Festival took place.
