Austrian-Donau Club

“The history of the Austrian Donau Club is inextricably linked with the history of the city of New Britain. Austrians settled in the Arch and Glen street areas of New Britain, and over the decades, Arch street became the center of the Austrian and German community, culture, and business life in New Britain.The humble beginning of the Donau Club began on Feb. 6, 1906 as the Gesangverein Österreich, consisting of 10 singers. By 1908, the Verein grew to 24 singers. The present day Donau Club came into being on October 1, 1920 when four clubs came together to form the Österreich-Ungarischen Gesang.

The present clubhouse was built in 1920 and still remains the center of all our activities. The club continued to thrive until the present day. Many traditional events were held over the years, the most popular were the Schlachtfests and Bauernballs. The Donau Clubhouse remains the only center of Austrian and German activities in New Britain today, and is still a beehive of activity. Many people today are rediscovering their Austrian or German roots and want to Donau reconnect with their immigrant past. If you fall into any of these categories, or are interested in the German Austrian culture and experience, the Donau Clubhouse is the perfect place for you to satisfy your Heimweh.”