Earl Einwechter

Earl Einwechter, director of New Dundee’s Little German Band, was one of that Village’s most colourful citizens of the past century. A lifelong resident of the area, he and his twin brother Emmerson were born on a farm, the first of two sets of twins in a family of seven sons. Einwechter was one of the early cream haulers for the New Dundee Creamery beginning in 1922, often rising at 3:30 a.m. in the winter to start his long route to Galt with a team of horses and sleigh. He also owned and operated the New Dundee Hotel from 1954 to 1957.

He was the leader of the Little German Band from 1948 to the late 1980s. At the band’s first performance in 1947, he pulled a live piglet from his horn, much to the amusement of the audience. He directed the band “with dignity” in black top hat, tails, flippers, and a dish mop for his baton. The band played for family reunions, fall fairs, nursing homes, conventions, the Preston Old Boys’ Reunion, at Oktoberfest, and in many Santa Claus parades in Kitchener and New Hamburg. When he was no longer able to walk a great distance in parades, he directed the band from a float or truck. He was awarded a life membership in the Musicians Union, after the band’s 25 year affiliation with Local 226 in Kitchener.

On his 93rd birthday, five members of the original band of eight came to his home to play several selections, while he directed. Einwechter passed away January 7, 1998 in his 96th year. His wife of seventy years, the former Ella Scheel, died a few months later.

Bringing smiles to the faces of young and old for 46 years was Earl’s gift to Waterloo County.