Immigrant Milwaukee, 1836-1860: Accommodation and Community in a Frontier City.

"Some Ceremony Peculiar to Themselves": The Continuation of a European Masonic Ceremony in Nineteenth-Century Wisconsin

“…35 While immigrants' participation in these groups was not merely a way to deal with their new situations in the United States, it was still an integral part of their assimilation process, allowing immigrants "not only to reestablish former ties, but also to maintain patterns of language and custom." 36 Most importantly, the Vereine of German immigrants continued the organizational life that had been central to German society in Europe. 37 Just as voluntary organizations like the Masonic lodge or the Turnverein were central to building the broader community, they also "served as cultural and social centers of the [ethnic] community" itself.…”

“…42 As in other cities like Milwaukee, these early ethnic organizations would be of great benefit for immigrants arriving in later decades. 43 But their community involvement was not restricted to German organizations. 44 As in the larger city of Milwaukee, while Madison's German Americans formed and participated in traditionally German groups, they also actively participated in a variety of other local clubs and societies, like the Odd Fellows and the Freemasons.…”