HOBOKEN –In the mid 1880s, a pair of German shipping companies — Hamburg American and North German Lloyd — established their bases in Hoboken. The German community became firmly established along the waterfront, with beer halls and hotels. Hoboken would eventually become known as “Little Bremen” because of its overwhelmingly German feel. The German community had its own German language newspapers, theaters, and schools. In the late 19th century, Germans held many of the jobs of city government, from the police and fire departments to the mayor’s office and council.
By the 1920s, there was a larger Italian population. But the Germans were still a force in town.
German families opened restaurants like Schnackenberg’s luncheonette and Helmer’s. Schnackenberg’s is still here — with a spiffy renovation and under new management — but Helmer’s is about to bow out.
“December 31 is our last day,” confirmed a staff member on Saturday, before returning to customers.
The German themed eatery, perched on the corner of Eleventh and Washington streets, has served up food since 1936.
“When Prohibition went out, Helmer’s came in,” notes the establishment’s web site.
This year also saw another historic European business close in Hoboken — Von Holland’s Deli on Third Street, which won city approval for renovations and the addition of a third floor to the building earlier this year. The family that owned the deli had kept it open just a few hours a day for lunch.
But wait!
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any German-themed places to enjoy. Two relatively new businesses in Hoboken boast a Germanic theme!
In the last ten years, Hoboken has seen the coming of both the Old German Bakery on lower Washington Street, and the Hoboken Biergarten at Fifteenth and Grand streets. Both businesses have drawn a following.
So hoist your stein and sing!
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