Busch Gardens Williamsburg's first burgermeister dies

Posted to: News Williamsburg - James City
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The Associated Press
© November 10, 2009

WILLIAMSBURG

Robert Bauman, Busch Gardens' original burgermeister, has died.

According to Amory Funeral Home in Grafton, Bauman died Saturday in Williamsburg at the age of 95.

Bauman wore traditional German lederhosen and sang and danced at Das Festhaus as the park's first burgermeister when it opened in 1975. Park officials said he became an entertainment icon, singing traditional German songs and drawing large crowds until he retired in 2002.

Before taking on the role of Der Burgermeister, or mayor, Bauman, a native of East Greenville, Pa., was a soldier in the U.S. Army. He served for 26 years and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel.

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I don't know how to express

Submitted by cowpower on Tue, 11/10/2009 at 11:13 pm.

I don't know how to express it, but seeing such individuals pass away from the Greatest Generation makes me sad. They had experiences we cannot comprehend, yet kept an abundant belief in goodness, doing one's best, and had love for their fellow man. We need more of that these days.

I sing a little . . . .

Submitted by dcarter629 on Tue, 11/10/2009 at 7:51 pm.

I met this dude as a teenager in the Fest Hause. I asked him what he did there, he said something I have laughed at since, and never forgotten; he said, "Well, I sing a little, I dance a little and I drink a lot!" :)

Many a truth is spoken in jest...

Submitted by guns-n-moses on Tue, 11/10/2009 at 11:11 pm.

It was reported when he retired that he was the only employee at Busch Gardens who was allowed to drink on the jog. True story....

I met him during an event in

Submitted by grumbada on Tue, 11/10/2009 at 2:12 pm.

I met him during an event in the early 80s. He was SUCH a sweet man, and still singing at BG even into his 80s. I hope there's an ever-flowing beer-stein waitin for him on the other side.