Frauenstadtverband

The Frauenstadtverband, or Women's League, was formed in 1910 as the women's branch of the German-American Alliance, now the German-American Citizens League. It was formed at a meeting of German-American women, held at the Alms and Doepke Department Store on Central Parkway. Its first president was Charlotte Neeb.

The ladies have provided help to a myriad of causes over the years, collecting, and raising money, as well as investing several hundred thousand hours for the benefit of others, including knitting socks for thousands of American soldiers during World War I. In 1910, and for many years thereafter, they funded and sent parcels to a home for the retarded in Bethal, Germany. They also contributed to the Salvation Army, Red Cross, the Mission Gospel (in Over the Rhine), supported German radio programs, and helped finance the founding of other German organizations in the Cincinnati area.

A special task of the Frauenstadtverband was to raise and donate funds for the Alliance's flag, as well as to be guardian of it. Today, the flag of the Frauenstadtverband is the original flag of the German-American Alliance, and dates back to before the First World War. At all public events, the Frauenstadtverband was in charge of the maintenance of the Alliance flag. The flag was on display in 1976 at the Cincinnati Public Library in honor of the bicentennial of the United States.

The constitution of the Frauenstadtverband upholds their commitment to the institution and principles of the U.S. Constitution and good citizenship.

Any German-American lady of good character and good reputation may become a member of the Frauenstadtverband, provided she follows the constitution.

These unsung and compassionate women have earned and deserve the esteem of the community.

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Note: The Frauenstadtverband voted to dissolve in October 2009 and its records are on file at the German Heritage Museum.