It was early1960 when a small group of local German immigrants advertised in the Anaheim, Fullerton, and Orange, California, newspapers the opportunity to meet with others of similar ethnic backgrounds and life experiences, a “gemütliches get-together.” The purpose was a sharing of the German heritage, culture, and language, while providing support to one another in their newly adopted country, America.

These young immigrants had taken one of the biggest steps of their lives; leaving their homeland and much of their lives behind to settle in the United States. Resettling was not easy, and while successes came with greater knowledge of the English language, there was always a longing for the homeland, which now seemed so far away.

Their small newspaper ad attracted 25 people who came to the old Odd Fellows Hall in the City of Anaheim. Encouraged by the attendance and the enthusiasm, a second meeting was advertised; this time in the California Staatszeitung. A surprising 300 people came, clearly, a showing of the cultural void existing for many German-Americans of those years.

The longing to be with each other, to sing the old songs, and to celebrate the old culture became stronger and stronger. The desire to form a club of their own soon became foremost in their thoughts.

On 4 August 1960, at the Orange home of Hans and Brigitte Klein, 15 persons sat together and founded our present day club. A club name was chosen and a set of by-laws were formulated. A list of our founders along with our first president, Wilhelm Schick, can be seen today in the main entry to our clubhouse.

Our name, the Phoenix Club, chosen at this time, was patterned after the Egyptian Phoenix bird of mythology, the eagle-like bird which arose anew from its own ashes. It was thought the Phoenix best symbolized the founders, not only for their own renewal in America, but for the renewal of their post-war homeland as well.

Soon, homesickness for the Old World was not felt so badly, as more get-togethers were held. At the end of 1960 the membership celebrated their first Christmas Eve together, concluding a most rewarding year. Monthly meetings began, and it was not long before larger and larger rented halls were needed to accommodate the more frequent social events and celebrations. A surplus of cash began to show on the books, and it became obvious that this new club needed to have a permanent home.

In 1967, 4.2 acres of land in Anaheim became available for $92,000. With only $12,000 on hand, the owner agreed to an $80,000 loan. Then, with an additional $2,000 put up by each of 10 members, the club was able to secure an additional loan of $160,000 for the construction of a clubhouse.

Just seven months later using the skills and hard work of mostly volunteer labor from our members, together with the continuing donations and interest-free loans from a devoted membership, a Grand Opening of our first clubhouse was held on 24 and 25 April 1965. Local, state, and Congressional dignitaries showed their support by participation in these most fulfilling and emotional ceremonies.

Remarkable growth of our club continued through the decades of the 70s and 80s with acquisition of more land, added construction and parking areas, and a landscaped garden.

In 1990, being threatened by eminent domain from the City of Anaheim (land wanted for a sports arena, now known as the Pond), the Phoenix Club moved to its present location. Construction began on the new clubhouse in 1991. A final meeting and farewell was held in March 1992 in the original clubhouse. 

In November 1992, a 3-day Grand Opening (OK) took place for the new structure, and a 40,000 sq. ft. clubhouse became our new home. From a beginning of just 15 members in 1960, our membership had now grown to over 4,000 families, but with diminishing immigration from Europe, this number has declined. Please check occasionally our website www.thephoenixclub.com for all the latest news and events.

Today, we continue to build on the spirit and vision of our founders, while striving to strengthen and promote our culture, heritage, and language in Southern California. We look, not only new members such as yourself, but to all members to join together, to participate in our club activities and functions, and help us to continue to build on our founding values for generations to follow.