legends Greater Astoria Historial Society 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor | L.I.C., NY 11106 718.278.0700 | www.astorialic.org Gallery Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 2-5 PM Saturdays 12-5 PM Exhibits ~ Lectures ~ Documentaries ~ Books Walking Tours ~ Historical Research Unique & Creative Content For more information visit us on the web at www.astorialic.org This image adapted from an invitation to the Long Island City Athletics 33rd Annual Masque Ball, 1909. 32 FEBRUARY 2014 I LIC COURIER I www.queenscourier.com 32 This poem, found in a biography of the Steinways, was supposedly a family motto: “Wer ist Geselle? Der was kann – He who knows his trade is a journeyman, Wer ist Meister? Der was ersann – A master is he that invents the plan, Wer ist Lehrling? Jedermann. – An apprentice is each and every man.” It describes the three stages that a person must follow to become a master of the arts: apprentice, journeyman, and master. A journeyman is one who moves from one town to another gaining experience in different workshops. It is a demanding and rigorous process that takes years. To reach grand master, the aspiring candidate must submit a masterpiece to a guild of free and independent masters. Only with their approval and acceptance into their guild can the journeyman become a master. “An Apprentice is each and every man” reminds the master that their quest never really ends. For like the novice apprentice, each day brings new challenges. The process of growth and discovery will be with them for the rest of their lives. The system, developed in the Middle Ages, still has relevance today. For example, after being brought from Germany 160 years ago, the master-apprentice training remains at Steinway & Sons. When the Steinways looked for a new home in 1870 they found the Long Island City community a perfect fit. The local cultural scene was rich in music. The Steinways found kindred spirits and success beyond their wildest dreams. We have never lost this spirit. From William Steinway to Ethel Merman, this is where artisans and artists cross paths inspiring each other to new heights of creativity. To this day, our community remains a home to creative, independent, people. Aware of our community’s outstanding legacy, a distinguished lineup of representatives from politics, business, culture and the arts came together late last year to create the Friends of Steinway Mansion. Their intention is to purchase and restore the Steinway mansion – and make it accessible to the public as a museum and learning center. LEGENDS OF LIC BY GREATER ASTORIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY LEGENDS OF LIC Within the building will be historic collections, a research library, and performance/exhibit space. •It will be a place where young people can learn about their community. •It will be a place where the traditions of craftsmanship and the arts will be taught. •It will be a place where creativity will be celebrated and showcased. The Friends will soon be hosting a series of listening sessions. We must reach out to as many stakeholders as possible to assist us in the creation of a business plan that will sustain the mansion’s future. Offer your suggestions and support. Get involved. With your help the Friends of Steinway Mansion can make this dream a reality. Go to www.facebook/steinwaymansion. Find more info on www.steinwaymansion.org.
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