Treasured chapter closing for local youth

Tears flow, as

hundreds hear The Menagerie

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Tears of joy flowed from alumni as the 2000 edition of The Menagerie gave one of its final concerts before hundreds Friday noon at German Park.

New Ulm attorney John Rodenberg, a past member, said the folk singing group, created by Bob and Bettianne Wirtz 30 years ago, began as a much smaller group of young people at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Since that time, it has enriched the lives of hundreds of high school students and others were fortunate enough to hear them sing and play their acoustic guitars in this country and overseas.

Among the group's travels were trips to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., Washington, D.C., German, and Ireland, to mention but a few out of nine overseas trips.

"It is my pleasure to kick off the celebration this weekend to honor Bob and Betty Wirtz for their three decades of work with this group," Rodenberg said. "I'm not sure if Bob, in all his ambition, ever thought the group would grow, travel and last as long as it did. It's been a marvelous run."

New Ulm Mayor Arn Koelpin also sounded impressed.

"All I can say is 'wow' when I look around the hillside and shelter, it's a tribute to the impact The Menagerie has made on this community," he said. "It has impacted not only the lives of our youth but the community as well. It may not be one of the songs you sing, but thanks for the memories of this chapter in New Ulm's history. There are many memories people are thankful for."

He said the group was the best of life in a small community with a very fine organization.

Mayor Koelpin read a proclamation to the Wirtz' and the group.

"Over the years, The Menagerie has had a great deal more impact on this community than most of us realize, involving literally hundreds of high school students in creative and energetic endeavors; encouraging interest in performing arts while serving as ambassadors of New Ulm, at home and abroad," it said, in part.

"Bob Wirtz founded The Menagerie and since that time, has led and directed the group, providing young people with the right examples, environments and opportunities to excel in folk music, by associating with their peers in a pleasant and wholesome atmosphere.

"[It] is with a note of sadness that we say farewell to the New Ulm Menagerie and greatfully acknowledge the influence and accomplishemnts by Bob Wirtz, his wife Betty and the group," the proclamation also said.

"Therefore, I proclaim the fourth day of August, 2000, as New Ulm Menagerie Day and extend to the group and all past members, a heartfelt and sincere 'thank you' and 'well done' for the way they have provided entertainment and represented our community over these years.

"On behalf of our City Council, I encourage all of our citizens to join in honoring this organization for making New Ulm a better place to live."

Rodenberg said two new paver stones representing The Menagerie and the Bob, Betty, Jim and Ted Wirtz family will soon be added to German Park.

Menagerie alumnus Jim Melzer invited everybody to a reception at the Martin Luther College gym at 6 p.m., Saturday; and a free concert in the gym which is expected to last from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the 2000 edition of The Menagerie will sing at noon at St. Mary's Church in New Ulm, with coffee to follow.

Saturday afternoon, all Menagerie alumni are asked to rehearse for the evening concert in the MLC gym.