Schnitzelburg’s #1 Citizen

The #1 Citizen Dinner is held in early November and is a celebration of the humble individuals who serve the community without asking for thanks or recognition.

Traditionally, a German-style dinner is served, an old-timey band plays, local dignitaries attend, and door prizes are given out. The #1 Citizen is honored with a certificate, an engraved Louisville Slugger baseball bat, and a personalized jacket.

The Schnitzelburg Area Community Council is honored to present the 56th Annual #1 Citizen Award to Ed Hulsman.

Ed, who is now well into his 80s, has been a part of the fabric of this community for generations. Ed Hulsman grew up in Schnitzelburg (on Mulberry) until he was 13 years old and has remained involved in the neighborhood ever since. He served in the US Navy, and then became an electrician and member of IBEW Local 369 as he worked in the sign business. Ed and his family always attended the #1 Citizen Dinner, as well as all the other neighborhood events.

For over 30 years, Ed served president of the All Wool & A Yard Wide Democratic Club on Hickory and Ash and his presidency enabled the Club to thrive and be a pillar in the neighborhood. Under his guidance the club has been a forum for all Democrats seeking office and a gathering place for like-minded people. Ed always worked to protect this Schnitzelburg club’s 125 years of history, which everyone can see as evident by the special atmosphere as you walk into the building on 1328 Hickory Street. He put his heart and soul into this Schnitzelburg social democratic club, both by physically repairing the building (even doing plumbing and electrical work) and by being an inclusive neighborhood leader.

While the club hosts occasional political rallies and provides a forum for Democratic candidates and non-partisan judicial candidates to meet voters and tell who they are, what they are running for and why they think they are the best candidates for those offices, the club is as much, if not more so, a social gathering place for the neighborhood activities. Ed has made sure the All Wool Club is an active participant in the life of the neighborhood by by helping plan and execute the beloved Dainty for several years, the Schnitzelburg spring and fall walks, as well as community chili cookoffs, fish frys, and other annual events. Ed is quite proud of the Schnitzelburg neighborhood and is a great ambassador for the community.

If you've been around here a long time, it is hard to think of Schnitzelburg without Ed Hulsman's impact.

Ed accepted the award for #1 Citizen at a small reception in his honor at Art Sanctuary on November 6th, 2023.

Congratulations to Ed, our neighborhood is grateful for his decades of dedication and service.