Performer at the Gibbon (MN) "Polkafest" - "four days of dancing to both German and Polish polkas." DOCUMERICA/EPA 1974. NARA ID 558284NARA ID 558287.
First Lady Betty Ford watches dancers at Milwaukee Oktoberfest, 9/26/1976. Ford Library, NARA ID 45644243 NARA gif.
OKTOBERFEST, POLKA & PROST!
By Miriam Kleiman, Public Affairs. Special shoutout to #1 Oktoberfest musical star/Polka King/master accordionist Mike Surratt!
Grab an accordion, lederhosen/dirndl, and a beer stein - it's almost time to celebrate OKTOBERFEST!
“I’ve never been to an Oktoberfest, but I knew Milwaukee was the place to come. I love German food from pigs knuckles to sauerkraut, and I love your spirit and warmth.” First Lady Betty Ford
Members of the Concord Singers, New Ulm, MN 1974. DOCUMERICA/EPA 7/1974. NARA ID 558262.
President Ronald Reagan celebrates Oktoberfest at The Old Heidelberg Park in Milwaukee WI, 9/26/1984, Reagan Library, NARA ID 75853635.
"Polkafest" at the Gibbon (MN) Ballroom, "four days of dancing to both German and Polish polkas." DOCUMERICA/EPA 1974. NARA ID 558284.
Christy Hengel, "one of a few manufacturers of concertinas in the U.S. ... The concertina is the prime musical instrument for old time polkas and waltzes." DOCUMERICA/EPA, 1974. NARA ID 558359.
F. Goetze and D. Muller Accordions patent 10/28/1873, Records of the Patent and Trademark Office. NARA ID 196007775.
See also:
Beer = mc2, Pieces of History
Spirited Republic: Alcohol in American History, NARA exhibit