History

The German Canadian Cultural Society (aka Victoria Edelweiss Club) was founded in 1970 to preserve the cultural practices of the German speaking immigrants of the Victoria area, and to help integrate them to the Canadian way of life. It was hoped that Canadians would come as guests to social events and learn about German culture too - and they did!

The founding members wanted their own hall from the very outset, and found a suitable property and building at 108 Niagara Street. The building was a former rollerskating rink, and volunteer labour soon transformed it into a dance hall and kitchen. The exterior was given a Bavarian-style facade.

With the clubhouse in place, all kinds of activities started: monthly dances took place; a Ladies`Auxiliary cooked, baked, sponsored fashion shows, and made crafts for the bazaar; the Carnival Group planned lavish festivities; the Folk Dancing Group organized Oktoberfests; and the Harmony Choir, which had operated independently for ten years, joined the club.

Ten years later, in 1980, the club building was enlarged by means of a second storey which contains a members' bar, a library, a games room, and a meeting room on the third level. Again, the work was done by volunteers whenever possible.

The Victoria Edelweiss Cub has been a member of the Victoria Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) since its early years, with the Dance Group, Harmony Choir, and a food kiosk taking part in Folkfest.  More recently, but equally rewarding, the club participates in the popular Saanich Fair and other local Victoria events.