TheThe SteubenSteuben NewsNews A Newspaper by German-Americans for All Americans

VOL. 87 NO. 3 DUTY • JUSTICE • CHARITY • TOLERANCE MAY/JUNE 2014 please consider the journal messages as valu- able contributions by themselves. You can take booster and sponsor ads out at very rea- sonable rates. The souvenir program journal will serve as a keepsake and as a fundraiser for our National Council programs. Our rates for full page, half-page and quarter page inserts are $125, $75, and $40. Kindly submit camera- ready advertising copy and payment to Barbara DeOliveira, Senator Wagner Unit, Steuben Society of America, PO BOX 15, Medford NY 11763-0015. You can also e- mail your ad copy to [email protected], Barbara Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, Honoree Plattduetsche Park Restaurant, Franklin Square, NY is the location of the DeOliveira or call 631-776-7756 Foundersʼ Day Steuben Society of Americaʼs 95th Founders Day Banquet in May. Last Call for Our 95th Founders’ Day Banquet Don Heinrich Tolzmann, our Honoree on Founders’ Day Sunday, May 18, 2014 Greetings and thanks for all your support in years past. This is a banner year It has been customary for our National Council from time to time to recog- for us as our Society will celebrate the 95th year of its founding. Following tradition, nize members who have served for a number of years in a special way. This year it is we will gather on May 18, 2014 at 1 p.m. at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Brother Tolzmann who will be inducted into Honorary Lifetime Membership of the Franklin Square, NY, for a festive banquet enhanced by the musical entertainment of National Council during our Founders Day celebration. This recognition is not only Die Spitzbuam (Fred Huber of the Gottscheers). Unfortunately, Norbert Ludewig is due to his services on the Executive Committee, Education Committee and as our unable to be with us this year due to illness. We send him our prayers and wishes for a Historian, but we can say that it is also expressing the thanks of a larger German- speedy recovery. We will honor our Founders, our Patron, and the Men and Women American Community which has benefitted from his work in reviewing and renew- who serve in our Armed Forces. We will also bestow Honorary Life Membership on ing the archival treasures of our heritage and celebrating especially the local histories our current Third Vice Chairman, the renowned Historian Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann of the Midwest. from Cincinnati. The iconic German-American Don Heinrich Tolzmann, with family roots in Brother Tolzmann’s latest achievement is the publication of the Stoltenberg Pomerania, Germany, is the author and editor of numerous books on German- Yearbook for German-American Forty-Eighter Studies focusing on Germans who American history and culture. Among many awards, Dr. Tolzmann has received are came to the U.S. after the 1848 European revolutions, according to its Executive the Bundesverdienstkreuz of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Distinguished Director, Dr. Joachim Reppmann. As President of the Society for German-American German-American of the Year Award from the German-American Heritage Studies, Brother Tolzmann spearheaded the celebration of the German-American Foundation, and the SGAS Outstanding Achievement Award from the Society for Tricentennial in 1983, marking the establishment of the first German settlement in German-American Studies. America at Germantown, Pennsylvania. In 1987, he led the national campaign to estab- Until his retirement, Dr. Tolzmann served as Curator of the German- lish October 6th as National German-American Day, earning him the title of “Father Americana Collection and as Director of the German-American Studies Program at of German-American Day.” Two years later, he organized the first German-American the University of Cincinnati. As President of the Society for German-American Heritage Month in Cincinnati, and since that time, has actively promoted the national Studies, he called for the celebration of the German-American Tricentennial in 1983, celebration during the month of October. More recently, he initiated the plans for the marking the establishment of the first German settlement in America at Germantown, 2008 celebration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Germans in America Pennsylvania. In 1987, he led the national campaign to establish October 6th as at Jamestown, Virginia. national German-American Day, earning him the title of “Father of German- Banquet tickets are $100 per person (ages 3-12 are $25 per child) and include American Day.” In 1989, he organized the first German-American Heritage Month, Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres and a three course dinner with dessert and coffee. This year’s and since that time has actively promoted the culinary fare includes: for the cocktail hour: cold appetizers, fried shrimp, mini meat- national celebration during the month of October. bals, minature potatoe pancakes and Chicken Cordon Bleu and Spanakopita (spinach He also initiated plans for the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first

and feta pie); appetizer Seasonal Melon with Black Forest Ham; a tossed salad, and for PERMIT #12 PAID US POSTAGE BULK RATE dinner a choice of: Loin of Pork, German Sauerbraten, Jagerschnitzel, or Broiled Filet Germans in America at Jamestown, Virginia in THIRD CLASS of Salmon; Dessert includes Apple Strudel with vanilla ice cream. Tickets may be 2008. 11790 BROOK, NY STONY obtained from Banquet Chair Elyse Land who may be contacted by phone: 516-567- He has served on the boards of many 6565 or by e-mail: [email protected]. Please lend us your generous support by attend- national and international organizations and insti- ing the banquet and bringing your friends along. tutions, including the Deutsches Please also also show your pride of heritage and of our Armed Forces in mes- Auswandererhaus in Bremerhaven and the sages and ads for our souvenir journal.The Steuben Society is a 501(c) (3) not-for-prof- Friends of the German Historical Institute in Washington, D.C. Currently, he serves as presi- it organization so that your contribution is tax deductible. If you cannot attend, then N dent of the German-American Citizens League of IO Greater Cincinnati and as Curator of the German T The Steuben Society of America is dedicated to unite men and Heritage Museum there. women of Germanic origin who share a common interest in the He edits a monographic book series New CORREC

positive and continued growth of our nation as well as the ED German-American Studies/Neue deutsch- SS preservation of our rich heritage. ST amerikanische Studien, published by the Peter For more info: www.steubensociety.org Steuben Society of America Suite 217 One South Ocean Ave. NY 11772 Patchogue, ADDRE CONTʼD ON NEXT PAGE REQUE MAY/JUNE 2014 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 2 HONOREE DR. TOLZMANN Paetznick and Joachim Reppmann's “Turnvater Müller unit for General Washington that protect- cont’d from previous page am Mississippi: Legacy of 1848 through Today, a richly ed him during the Revolution. On Lang Publishing Company and serves on the edi- illustrated booklet (22 pp.). Their research goes back to an Boyer’s gravestone it states that: “He torial board of the Yearbook of German-American immigrant trunk that belonged to Hans Reimer Claussen, was a soldier of the American Studies, as well as many other publications. Dr a Forty-Eighter and father-in-law of Müller. Revolution, and by the side of the great Tolzmann is Book Review Editor of the well- The trunk had been in the possession of Washington fought many a hard battle known magazine German Life and Associate Dorothy-Ann Mueller-Horton, a great-great granddaugh- for his Country’s independence, served Publisher for Germerica.net. Currently, Dr ter of Claussen and it contained "a treasure trove of valu- as a life guard to the Commander in Tolzmann serves as the Historian of the German- able Schleswig-Holstein Forty-Eighter documents," Chief during the war, and was honorably American Hall of Fame and of the Covington- which are depicted in this essay on Müller. It highlights discharged Dec. 10, 1783 by special cer- Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee. He is the life of one Forty-Eighter, his experiences during the tificate signed by Gen. Washington.” President of the German-American Citizens revolution and his success in America in the Mississippi This is followed by an epitaph that might River city of Davenport, Iowa. well stand for all who fought on behalf of League of Greater Cincinnati and serves as the Christian Mueller, a 48-er who lived Curator of the German Heritage Museum in Ohio Priced at $7.00 (including S&H), the booklet can American Independence: in Davenport, Iowa is featured in a as well. be obtained by contacting: Moin-moin: Dedicated to US Here Boyer lies, who Britain’s arms new booklet by Yogi Reppmann. The Steuben Society of America is 48ers from Schleswig-Holstein and Europe: withstood; Not for himself but for his indebted to Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann for many http://yogireppmann.wordpress.com. Country’s good; The victor oft in famed Columbia’s fields; years as a Steuben brother and advisor. As such, he To death’s repose the aged warrior yields. was the co-organizer of the German American Why We Celebrate Memorial Day: In a recent lecture at the German Heritage Museum, Gerry Hounchell, Forum in Alexandria, VA, in the year 2000. He has Remembering German-Americans member of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, spoke on the Pennsylvania German Long Rifle and its importance for the served since 2004 as Historian and member of the Who Gave Their Lives for Liberty Executive Committee of the National Council, and American Revolution. He noted that the marksmanship of frontier sharpshoot- by Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann Co-Chair of the Education Committee. During this ers with this kind of rifle “delivered a crushing blow to British morale and Note: Presented at the Memorial Day program time, he participated in the planning and execution played a major role in defeating the army of British General Burgoyne.” This at Arlington Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio, sponsored by the of the centennial celebration of the Steuben battle stopped the British attempt to cut the colonies in two by means of an Cincinnati Chapter, Ohio Society, Sons of the American Monument in Washington, D.C. We are proud to attack from Canada. As Gerry Hounchell observed: “it can be argued that Revolution, 30 May 2010. induct him into the ranks of Honorary Lifetime democracy hung in the balance, and it took a good Pennsylvania Long Rifle, in Memorial Day was established in 1868 to honor Members of the National Council, joining Brother the hands of this exceptional marksman, to tip the balance in favor of the those who had served and perished in what until then was Bill Muschler and Sister Ilse Hoffmann at this time. colonies.” and remains the most costly conflict in American history, The home of one veteran of the Revolution, Christian Waldschmidt, the Civil War, the so-called War Between the States. It was is now a historic site operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution. German-American Forty-Eighter also known as Decoration Day, although its name was Success Story This became Camp Denison during the Civil War and served as the training officially designated as Memorial Day in 1967. ground for soldiers of the Union Army. Altogether, it is estimated that roughly by Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann It now honors those who served in all wars that one-third of the Union Army was German-American, consisting of both the In 1848, revolution swept across the face have taken place in American history. In the course of German- and American-born. Many of the German-born troops had served in of Europe. The Forty-Eighters, as participants in time, it also became a seasonal marker, noting the advent the military in Germany some even studied at military academies and had the revolution were called, had two goals in mind: of spring, combining a time of celebration with commem- fought in the 1848 Revolution in Europe. These factors made them highly freedom and unity for the German states. This oration of those who have served their country. Friends desired by the Union Army, especially those with experience in the use of placed them at direct odds with the ruling monar- and family often gather on Memorial Day weekend, cele- artillery, which became so important during the Civil War. chies of the time. brating and commemorating each in their own way. The service record of the Cincinnati Germans no doubt contributed to The revolution took shape in various It also is a time to consider the families of those the reputation German-American troops enjoyed during the Civil War. On the ways across the German states. For Forty-Eighters who served, as well as their descendants, as their lives Confederate side, they came to be known as the “Dutch Devils” due to their in the duchies of Schleswig-Holstein, which were were also affected. I was reminded of this by two recent tenacity in battle. This relates to the widely circulated story that Robert E. Lee then under Danish rule, the goal was independence speaking engagements I had that were held by the descen- is once supposed to have said: “Take the Dutch out of the Union Army and we and freedom. This resulted in the First Schleswig- dants of the American Revolution and the Civil War. The could whip the Yankees easily!” Whether true, or not, Lee never denied having Holstein War (1848-51), also called the Three first was the Presidents’ Day Luncheon sponsored by the made the remark. Years War. Cincinnati Chapter, Ohio Society, Sons of the American Cincinnati celebrated the end of the Civil War in true Cincinnati style. When the revolutionary movements Revolution, and the second, was the Lincoln Birthday News of Lee’s surrender led to a huge celebration that continued all day and failed, Forty-Eighters flocked to America. One of Dinner of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. night and into the following day and one report says that: “vast quantities of the Schleswig-Holsteiners was Christian Müller As an historian of the German-American expe- beer were drunk as a pledge to the starry flag…It was the first time in local his- (1823-1901) who had belonged to the Turnverein rience, I of course highlighted the German contributions to tory that the Cincinnati breweries were drunk dry.” in Kiel. the Revolution and the Civil War. This naturally has rele- Veterans of the Civil War founded an organization known as the Landing in Davenport, Iowa in 1852, vance for the Greater Cincinnati area where almost every Grand Army of the Republic, or GAR. Organizationally it consisted of depart- Müller helped found the Turnverein there and other person has some German ancestry. For the former ments and local and regional posts. They believed in honoring the service of served many years as its president. He also estab- occasion, I noted the long history of German-American those who had fallen in the field. In Cincinnati, the GAR built Memorial Hall lished a successful lumber company, Chris Mueller military service going back to the Revolution, as perhaps in the Over-the-Rhine district in 1908 in honor of those who had served in the & Sons, becoming a classic immigrant success best epitomized by Baron von Steuben, the Prussian drill- Civil War and across the street from it in Washington Park there is a statue of story. master of the Continental Army. The first mayor of Col. Robert McCook, commander of the 9th OVI. His colorful life is told in Klaus Lemke- Cincinnati, Major David Ziegler, was with him and It was due to the Civil War generation that we have Memorial Day Please email the office your Unit News! General Washington through the hard winter at Valley today. How it came about is ultimately another example of a German contribu- [email protected]. Or snail mail to the Forge, and was one of many colonial Americans who Executive Offices. We donʼt know you have news tion to America and one that is not that well known. unless you notify us! fought for the cause of American Independence. After the Contʼd next page Revolution, Ziegler and his BELOW: Yogi Reppmann holds documents written by 48ers found in a trunk BELOW: Memorial Hall built by the Grand Army of the Republic, a Civil War in Davenport Iowa regiment were stationed at Fort fraternal veterans organization (Over-the-Rhine, Cincinatti OH) Washington and many of these soldiers, like Ziegler, settled in the area, contributing greatly to the foundations of the city of Cincinnati. Another notewor- thy Revolutionary War veteran in southwest Ohio was Ludwig (Lewis) Boyer, who had a farm near Piqua, and died in 1843 at the age of eighty-three. He was the last surviving member of the Independent Troop of the Horse, which was an all- German private bodyguard MAY/JUNE 2014 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 3 Memorial Day Cont’d from previous page to our comrades for all they have done, America, these unique and talented indi- Reference to this can be found in the official history of the GAR written by Lt. Col. and this alone would be motive sufficient viduals provided an intellectual transfu- Robert B. Beath that was published in 1889. In it he explains the origins of Memorial to perpetuate our Order. No other society sion affecting not only their fellow Day. He speaks of how the idea came to Norton P. Chipman, who was U.S. Adjutant was in a position to originate the obser- German immigrants, but also the political General in 1868 and how he then transmitted the idea to General John A. Logan, vance, and probably no other would have and social history of the United States Commander of the GAR, who issued the order for the first Memorial Day in done so. Now, it is an established nation- during one of its most critical periods. American History. Beath writes: al ceremonial day. The Congress of the Many Forty-eighters left lasting Early in May, 1868, Adjutant-General Chipman received a letter from some United States unanimously passed the marks in the fields of politics, education, comrade then living, as he remembers, in Cincinnati, in which the writer referred to resolution, introduced by yourself, pro- business, journalism, the arts, and the the fact that he had served as a private soldier in the Union Army; that in his native viding for the publication, in book form, military. Carl Schurz, perhaps the most country, Germany, it was the custom of the people to assemble in the spring-time and of the proceedings had throughout the well-known of the German Forty-eighters scatter flowers upon the graves of the dead. United States on the 30th of May, 1868, who settled in America, achieved great He suggested that the Grand Army of the Republic inaugurate such an and it is believed that Congress will pro- success in no less than four of these areas. observance in memory of the Union dead. General Chipman thought the suggestion vide for the future annual publication of During his long and illustrious career, he most opportune, and at once made a rough draft of a General Order covering this the reports of these commemorative was an ambassador to Spain for President subject, and laid it, with the letter referred to, before General Logan. observances Lincoln, a general during the Civil War, a General Logan warmly approved the Order, himself adding several para- The order directing the cere- United States senator, and the Secretary graphs. The date selected, May 30, was with the idea of using one of the spring monies to be held this year has been of the Interior under President Rutherford months because of their poetical associations, and also to make it late in the last issued, and there is every evidence that B. Hayes. spring month, that it might be possible to find flowers in the New England and they will be more imposing than hereto- The significance of the legacy of extreme Northern States. fore. The press throughout the land com- Carl Schurz has become more timely. Beath’s history also provides the official text of the order as follows: mend the movement in the highest terms, With the steady increase of immigration HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, and the heartiest co operation is given our to the United States, it has become more WASHINGTON, D. C., May 5, 1868 comrades on the part of citizens general- important than ever to establish the prop- General Orders, No. 11. ly. er framework for the absorption of the I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with In celebrating Memorial Day, we newcomers. Schurz's solution to this flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their can do so with pride that its inspiration problem was assimilation with the reten- country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, vil- came from a Cincinnati German Civil tion of each newcomer's ethnic heritage is lage and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is War veteran and one who stands in a long as valid today as it was in the nineteenth prescribed, but Posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting serv- tradition of military service reaching back century when he first formulated it. In ices and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. to the time when Baron von Steuben, fact, his answer would seem to be the We are organized, comrades, as our Regulations tell us. for the purpose, David Ziegler and others first supported solution to our present difficulties, so that among other things, " of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feel- the American Revolution. its message deserves to be as widely dis- ings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors and marines who united to sup- That veteran might have belonged to the tributed as possible. The fusion of ethnic press the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing 9th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment identities and American values becomes tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between from Cincinnati for which there is a regi- of the utmost importance, and the exam- our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in mental history. The purpose of that book ple set by Carl Schurz might well be chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard was explained in a way that also explains upheld today as a model for all immi- their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the the purpose of honoring those who served grants. nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory on Memorial Day: At the end of the talk, the audi- of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. To commemorate the dead, ence, which numbered over 100 people, Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourn- To inspire the living, enjoyed a moving and educational video, ers. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present To enrich posterity, and "Forty-eighters and Friends," focusing on or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and To foster the highest ideals – the conviction that by publicly expressing undivided republic. These ideals were first expressed and the moral values embodied in all of us, If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the fought for during the American we can make a meaningful contribution solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to Revolution and ones that form the foun- Contʼd next page us. Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and gar- dation for this great American Republic. land the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of springtime; let ******************** Carl Schurz was a 48er, a Civil War us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn Multi-Media Presentation by General, a newspaper editor, a US Joachim “Yogi” Reppmann, PhD Senator and Secretary of Interior under presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us, a President Hayes. sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude—the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan. at the Germanic-American Institute, II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with St. Paul, MN the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains on February 27 & 28, 2014 to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of “Forty-eighters and Friends - The comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith. Stoltenberg Institute for German- III. Department Commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective. American Forty-eighter Studies: By command of JOHN A. LOGAN. Commander-in-Chief. the Forgotten Ideas & Values in N. P. CHIPMAN, Adjutant-General America's Past and Present” Beath notes that there was some objection at first to this day of commemo- ration, writing: “There were many who at first doubted the wisdom of instituting The "Forty-Eighters," were a rel- such an observance. It was claimed that it would unnecessarily keep alive memories atively small number of individuals who of the war, and foster animosities that should be buried in oblivion….Other objec- emigrated from Europe in the late 1840s tions were made to the expense, and that the money for music and flowers could be and early 1850s after fighting unsuccess- more wisely spent on the living.” fully with both pen and sword for liberty, However, these objections were overcome and in the following year Adjutant- democracy, and national unity. Many of General Chipman wrote to General Logan regarding of how the GAR had support- the German Forty-eighters immigrated to ed the first Memorial Day as follows: the United States, with a large number The day set apart last year was observed in all Departments, and by almost all the from the present-day state of Schleswig- Posts, and with the most gratifying results. If this feature alone was the result of the Holstein choosing Scott County, Iowa, as organization, I think the establishment of a national memorial day a sufficient reward their adopted home. After settling in MAY/JUNE 2014 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 4 them died in infancy. Four works during that time. Anniversary pro- became famous composers and grams will of course abound here in both musicians. JSB, the famous cities. Look for announcements in the organist, teacher, and composer Academy of Ancient Music and the first married his cousin Maria Chamber Orchestra Barbara Bach in 1707, and had Lastly, Hamburg, where CPE seven children. After Maria's Bach spent the final 20 years of his life, death in 1720, he married Anna has an extensive program of Bach per- Magdalena Wilcke and they formances reflecting these productive had 13 children together. years and much more. See Carl Philipp Emanuel http://www.cpebach.de/ A postal stamp from Germany honoring the Bach, (1714-1788), the second While the multifaceted musical famous 48er Carl Schurz son of Johann Sebastian Bach works of CPE Bach had fallen into neg- (1685-1750), is likely the most prolific of lect for nearly 200 years after his death, Contʼd from previous page all the musical “JSB” children. He is his legacy has been increasingly recog- Carl Philip Emmanuel Bach, son of the towards solving the many challenges regarded as the founder of the classical nized in the 20th century and to this day , famous composer Johannes Bach confronting the Western World. This style. he and his father are celebrated world- view of all our adoration for Steuben his- video, which was financed by Deutsche Born in Weimar in 1714, he wide. For the many Bach Societies in US tory. Welle, Germany's international broad- entered St Thomas school at Leipzig ten cities and at Universities, consult the In the graveyard that surrounds caster, was produced by Travis J. years later where his father had become internet. There are many choral and the St. Paul’s church in Mount Vernon, Bockenstedt, Wartburg College, Iowa, cantor. Eventually, CPEB chose the study instrumental concerts and exhibits for the there is a marker, having been placed and Scott C. Christiansen, Iowa City, who of jurisprudence at the University of tricentennial of the life of Carl Philipp there by the Daughters of the American is currently writing a major biography, Leipzig and of Frankfurt/Oder, perhaps to Emanuel Bach. Revolution many years ago; it gives "The Forgotten Forty-eighter - The avoid the father/son competition. Yet, Excerpted from: www.VisitBerlin.de/EN notice of 99 Hessians buried here. From Wilhelm von Schirach Story". upon graduating in 1738, he did not take local history records here, we understand Joachim (Yogi) Reppmann, up a legal career. His genetically embed- Book Recommendation that they had perished from illness when PhD, Northfield, MN & Flensburg, ded musical genius beckoned to be put to by Ilse Hoffmann the church served as a war hospital. I Germany, historian, born 1957, has been work. Interestingly, quite a few works “A Generous and Merciful Enemy: have often wondered if there had also studying the Forty-eighters from his emanating from the brain and keyboards Life for German Prisoners of War been survivors who may have defected or home-state of Schleswig-Holstein, in of CPEB were credited to the father and during the American Revolution” were indentured servants or otherwise Davenport, IA since 1978. Visit his web- only later clearly identified as his cre- by Daniel Krebs, University of compelled to stay in the area. The site at: www.Moin-Moin.us ations. Oklahoma Press, Norman Steuben Society of America in its early *********************** 2014 is CPEB’s Jubilee year ISBN 978-0-8061-4356-9 decades in the 20th century had a Unit 300 Years Carl Philipp Emanuel which kicked off some important events I had promised our editor a book with many members in Mount Vernon. Bach – Jubilee Year 2014 following the March 8 birthday anniver- review. Yet, the more I was reading, the For whatever reasons, names in the If you plan a visit to Germany sary. The cities where he lived and more I became aware that I was in no way Mount Vernon phone books reflected the this year, if you love music, and if you worked are Weimar, Leipzig, Frankfurt an qualified to review the material. Ergo, I presence of many German immigrants up specifically enjoy Bach music, you may der Oder, and Berlin and Potsdam. King decided to recommend the book to you on until after WWII. be yet just in time for a special treat. Frederick II appointed CPEB court musi- the basis of accolades written by experts Daniel Krebs answered many of Germany celebrates 300 years of Carl cian of Berlin of Potsdam. and on my strong feelings about the topic my questions. His book satisfies more of Philipp Emanuel Bach (CPEB for short) Lastly, Hamburg became the of war time and post war imprisonment. I them as it teaches who the Hessians were, in this jubilee year 2014. Programs in six place where he was the director of music had not ever given much thought to it, where they came from, why and how key “Bach cities” have marked already or at the city’s five churches since 1768. This until I saw what it had done to my father, they served, and why most of the sur- will bring about special events, such as highly prestigious position earned him the who, thankfully, returned after dismissal vivors went back to Europe while others concerts, exhibitions, symposia, confer- title “the Hamburg Bach.” He died there from a Russian prisoner of war camp stayed. We learn where the major devel- ences and festivals in the course of this in 1788. after WWII. opments of POW camps were and what year. Weimar, the birth city, had Of course, in recent years, news their challenges and immediate impact Did you ever google “Bach?” announced a Bach Fest of “the new Bach about Guantanamo Bay and reports from and long-term impact was. The book is You will be led worldwide through the Society” as part of the Thuringia Bach many of our US war veterans, as well as acknowledged as “an important contribu- Internet and find link after link pointing Festival, April 30-May, 2014, and a meet- stories about the fate of German military tion to the history of the Revolutionary to life, works, and hundreds of cities that ing of the Liszt School of Music, and an in the hands of Americans after WWII War, military history, and prisoner-of-war have a Bach Society, and thousands of exhibition in the Stadtkirche, where had reached my ears, but these did not studies.” When we look with ever churches playing Bach music all year CPEB had been baptized. capture my attention in the way the histo- increasing pride at the Steuben contribu- long. I quickly learned how many of the The upcoming Bachfest in ry of “Life for German Prisoners of War tions to the beginning and development CPE Bach tricentennial events have Leipzig will take place from June 13 during the American Revolution” touched of these the United States, we will also already been held in March and April, through June 22, 2014, following a con- me, when David Osborn, our curator at St understand the larger context in which even here in the USA and other parts of ference that had been organized by the Paul’s National Historic Site in Mount these merits extend to military history the world. Mercifully, there is an Event Bach Archive in March and a special Vernon, NY, announced a lecture at the beyond the victories, namely surrender Highlight Page that allows us to scan the exhibition at the Bach Museum in site. Apparently, the topic fascinated more tactics, and treatment of POW’s. events in the six cities in a nutshell. Leipzig. people in our area and I was surprised to Just imagine, 300 years after Frankfurt an der Oder (now see a really good turn-out on a cold still leaving this earthly life, your work still Polish) had a host of activities beginning wintry and dark night. has this kind of an impact. The Lord already with a concert in December of The speaker did not disappoint Jesus, of course, as our savior is 2013, the 225th anniversary of CPEB’s his audience as he presented a lively omnipresent. Gutenberg and Luther in death. The German-Polish Music Festtage account of a labor of love that was the their time, and Einstein and Gates in our took place at the Opera in February and result of his thorough research on both time, have been praised for their creative March of this year and a conference at the sides of the Atlantic. This was about the genius. But the creativity and the dili- Viadrina University is planned for history of the Hessians who had hired on gence of the Bach family stands out in September 9 along with an extension of as mercenaries to serve the British Crown that they produced such musically highly the exhibition at the CPE Bach Konzert as it tried to suppress the effort of the gifted offspring whose compositions Hall. colonists on the American continent to delight millions to this day. We need to Bach had remained as court become free and independent. As German remember that Johann Sebastian Bach musician at Berlin and Potsdam for 30 Americans, we have often been asked (JSB;1685-1750) had 20 children. Ten of years. He wrote most of his important how we accounted for the Hessians in MAY/JUNE 2014 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 5

Chairman’s Message: The purpose of the Steuben Society of America is to educate the public about matters of interest to Dear Steuben Brothers and Sisters: American citizens of German descent and their families, to encourage their participation in civic As of this writing, we are approaching our busiest time of the affairs and to perpetuate and enhance the understanding of the contributions made by such citizens to the development of the United States year for the Steuben Society. We look forward to the 10th anniversary of the dedication of “our” Steuben Monument at the Monmouth Historic State Park in Manalapan, New Jersey, The Steuben News VOL. 87 NO. 3 MAY/JUNE 2014 thanks to the initiative of Brother Paul Bette and members of EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES: the Peter Muehlenberg and Molly Pitcher Units and the sup- One South Ocean Avenue, Suite 217, Patchogue, NY 11772 PHONE: 631-730-5111 EDITOR & ART DIRECTOR: Christine Lynn Harvey port of Steubenites and Friends that began in 1996. On STEUBEN NEWS COMMITTEE: Ilse Hoffmann, Peter Hoffmann, Marilyn Harvey, Elyse Land, Robert Land E.O., Barbara DeOliveira STEUBEN NEWS CONTRIBUTORS: Saturday, May 17th, a wreath-laying and Steuben salute will Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, Siegfried Bette, George L. Glotzbach, certainly be an enriching and exciting event. The next day, on Sunday, May 18th, Richie Odorfer, Mary Helen Jones, Charlotte & Hans Arndt, Dr. Ann Marie Fuhrig Subscriptions are $25 per year and are fulfilled by third class mail. The Steuben News is the official publication of The Steuben we will be celebrating the 95th Founders Day Banquet and Armed Forces Day at Society of America. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Steuben News or the Steuben Society of America.We reserve the right to refuse, edit or excerpt submissions; we do not guarantee the return of manuscripts or photos unless the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, N.Y. We have yet to get the provided a SASE. final dates for the awards presentations at the Military Academies. We stand ready to be there as we have done for so many years. Attention Steuben News Readers & Unit Members: My most immediate task was to chair the April 26 election meeting of the National Council at the Wartburg Conference Center in Mount Vernon, NY. That We apologize for recent problems in e-mail communications with the screen will be history, when you will read these lines. We look forward to seeing many of name [email protected]. That email is no longer active. Please be the delegates and alternates attending the meeting since there are important issues advised that our office can now be reached by emailing: [email protected] to be discussed and decisions to be rendered. Or snail mail us at: As I finish my second term as your National Chairman, I wish to thank you Steuben Society of America for the opportunity to serve and I also want to express my sincere gratitude for the 1 S Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772 support of the membership and of a group of devoted officers. Given the opportu- Tel 631-730-5111 nity to continue, I would hope to see us plan a revision of our aims and purposes to THANK YOU! bring these in line with present-day needs of the German-American community. How can we, as a much smaller organization than we used to be, do the best we can German American clubs and organizations is no secret and one can cite lack of sig- do, on the basis of our proud history? nificant immigration from our ancestral lands as one major reason. Teachers we con- How can we best serve needs for preservation of that history and effec- sulted tell us “the students do not care to write essays.” Is texting and are social tively communicate educational messages while creating and attending the rich media to blame? That does not bode well for our people in America. We believe that social and cultural events that give us so much joy? We will increasingly need to social studies curricula have still not recovered from the WWII damage as you will join hands and let us not forget to thank those among us who have contributed to find few schools offering history classes on German contributions to the building of our goals. This year we highlight the contributions of Brothers Paul and Siegfried America. Actually, a historian in this area uses Facebook daily to insert tidbits of Bette and others in New Jersey and those of Brother Don Heinrich Tolzmann as our local history for easy digestion and garners accolades! Maybe there is a new avenue? Historian. That is why I hope many of you will join us on one or both days in May We have to re-evaluate the mission of our education committee - that is for that we have designated as Founders’ Day weekend. sure. Programs like the dinner talks we have started in collaboration with the Steuben It is not too soon to make plans for the NY Steuben Parade on September Parade Committee in New York seem to be one way to open eyes, ears, and hearts to 20th. Sister Barbara DeOliveira, our parade committee delegate, will be informing German American history while feeding knowledge intermittently with a hearty steak us of the issues that are expressed at the parade committee meetings. Barbara will dinner and some good brew or wine find some favor. soon be collecting the names of the members who will be marching and she will be Greater yet is the enthusiasm of students and elders in programs by Dr. Yogi planning for the bus transportation to the parade at least for the Long Island Units. Reppmann and his colleagues at St. Olaf’s College, MN. Their study of the immi- Get in touch with her if you have special wishes or plans. grants who left various German areas in 1848 after unsuccessful rebellion there, and We should also now make plans for the various ways in which we will cel- settled in Iowa, led to people-to-people exchange visits of present day descendants ebrate German-American Month this year and coordinate such events in a timely with the original families in Schleswig Holstein. This brought much joy to all. But manner. again, that is a selective depiction not a continuous study of the contributions of Our Education Committee will announce some new plans shortly and is Germans to America since Yorktown VA in 1608 or Germantown PA in 1683. looking for new members. We remind you that DVDs on “Steuben in New York” Meanwhile, we have Bratwurst and Leberkaese, Sauerkraut and beer and music, and and on “The History of the Roebling Family” are available from our office for other joys to share with our fellow American neighbors and parades and monuments entertainment and learning! Please report your summer events to Steuben News in also give testimony that German Americans still matter. word and pictures! To reiterate the September 1, 2013, release: With thanks for your support and best wishes A German American Day Project Fraternally yours, Bob Land For the Attention of HS Students and their Teachers The Steuben Society’s National Council announces that its Education The Erick Kurz Memorial Award 2014 And the Winner is:??? Committee will again offer the Erick Kurz Memorial Award for 2014 as a German Our harvest of entries by the deadline was not exactly rich, and what we American History Project. The idea is to get students to do research and write on the received did not follow the contest rules or came from College students. Therefore, theme "Tracing German-American life in my community." we are extending the date for submission to August 31st, 2014, hoping we can still This will require observation of the names of local streets, landmarks, create a new German American Day project from the high schools in communities schools, businesses, parks, etc. It should not be a mere listing of the findings, but that will participate. Principally, however, future Erick Kurz Memorial Awards will show originality in researching a bit deeper in gathering, interpreting, and presenting be limited to the lecture series on topics of German contributions to America and the information. The student can work with teachers, local librarians, historians, will follow the template of a dinner talk at Fraunce’s Tavern in New York estab- politicians, civic or social groups, or elders in their community and get as much infor- lished in collaboration with the NY Steuben Parade Committee as a German mation as they can compile in order to reach the deadline of June 30, 2014. We will American Friendship week event in September/October. These events will be by also consider awarding team work. The submission will ideally be accompanied by a invitation and the lector’s reward will be a honorarium and/or travel stipend. teacher’s or mentor’s recommendation. The high school German American Day project had first been announced The winner(s) of the $1,000 Erick Kurz Memorial Award will be announced on September 1, 2013 and repeatedly since then (see addendum) in German News, in September 2014. The results can and hopefully will be used to request a local various German-American newspapers, and web sites. We sincerely believed that German American Month proclamation for September/October 2014. This may per- this contest, as described, was an attractive invitation for High School students with haps stimulate a flag raising or other local celebration of German American history their teachers, relatives, librarians, or community groups to engage in a bit of and friendship. research on their local history and joyfully “dig up” and write up some new knowl- The text length of essays may depend on the harvest of data but should be no edge about German contributions to the area they live in. This can be material in more than 1000 words. Please submit photos (in jpg format) and other support mate- support of a request to their community to declare German-American Day on rial electronically to [email protected] *** with a surface mail postcard alert October 6, 2014, as so many places in our nation now do. to the Steuben Society office confirming that an e-mail has been sent. (We like to This was and is not about distributing a monetary award to a needy student avoid overlooking any submission). The postal address of the Steuben Society of study such as organizations can and will do that each year with the support of their America is 1 South Ocean Avenue, Suite 217, Patchogue, NY, 11772 members. There are various scholastic awards or scholarships to be had at values *** the e-mail address unfortunately had to be recently changed. In case any- above and below $1,000. Most are tied to excellence or meritorious effort in the one did not reach us by March 31, the submission deadline has been extended to June study of the German language. Our aim is to probe the health status of German- 30 2014. The new e-mail address is [email protected] America as far as our legacy on this continent is concerned. The project is meant to Our Steuben Awards at the Military Academies will be presented at convo- get more people involved. We were so encouraged last year by receiving a brilliant cations in West Point and Annapolis at the end of May. study by Daniel Dorminy on the role of von Steuben in establishing this nation and Co-Chairs: Historian Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann & National Secretary Ilse her military (see Steuben News Volume 86 No 3 May/June). Hoffmann There are those among us who are indeed very proud of our German her- itage and about being American as well. Yet, the dwindling membership of our MAY/JUNE 2014 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 6 LETTER TO THE EDITOR gotten many apologies and monetary revitalized during the fall last year. A new restitution. We need an organization irrigation system was installed. Finally, Dear Brother and Sister Steubenites, that will support our ethnic kin who suf- the central square panel of the Friendship I read with great interest the fered expulsion and deportation from Garden was restored and partly transcription of the Charles T. Johnson their homelands in the Eastern redesigned. speech about the National German- Provinces and elsewhere in Eastern The entire project followed the American Alliance (NGAA) in the Europe and the Soviet Union. original design of the late German-born March/April 2014 Steuben News. Organizations like Steuben landscape artist Wolfgang Oehme, and I was amazed at the "lessons" Society of America (which I am a mem- was carried out under the guidance of the that we can supposedly learn from the ber of), which are tax exempt, feel that landscaping company Oehme van Swede. failure of the NGAA. According to the they cannot be openly involved in such The newly restored German- author, "The fatal error of the NGAA was politics. We need an organization that is American Friendship Garden, open to the to create public perception that it was an willing to step up to the plate and work public year-round, is an ideal stop on any organization that was more German than for the many just causes that touch our trip to Washington, DC. Make sure to American." I was flabbergasted to read ancestral ethnic group. We have such an check it out during your next visit! this. Nothing the NGAA did created that organization in the German World The German American perception, other than their mere exis- Alliance/Deutsche Weltallianz. I strong- Friendship Garden is located on the tence. The NGAA followed a totally ly suggest that those who agree with me, northern edge of the Washington AMERICAN policy of neutrality in a war that a political organization to promote Monument grounds, along Constitution that did not involve America's self inter- German-American causes is needed. Avenue, directly across the street from est. The pro-English element in the US, Research the GWA and join it. the central entrance to the Ellipse. on the other hand, stridently pushed to Ambassador Ammon speaks as Robert From germany.info Vogel, Superintendent of the National Mall & send America's boys off to fight for their Fraternally, Memorial Parks, looks on. (c) Germany.info / "motherland," at the same time casting Kearn Schemm A German Sausage Primer: How Zacarias Garcia aspersions on the German- and Irish- Arlington, VA Frankfurt and is made from veal with American communities for wanting to Well Do You Know Your German some pork or other meats and flavored remain neutral in the war. Cold Cuts? German-American Friendship with salt, pepper and paprika. It is boiled We must never forget that the and eaten with Bock beer and mustard. It pro-England element lied non-stop to the Garden on the National Mall 1. Thueringer Rostbratwurst - spices are looks like a curved hot dog. American public to get us into the war. Ceremoniously Rededicated marjoram, caraway, sometimes garlic and 5. Bregenwurst comes from Lower They lied about German atrocities, while April 14, 2014 the sausage is formed using casings from Saxony and is made of pork, pork belly, covering up real English atrocities like On a perfect spring day and pig intestines. These sausages are large and pig or cattle brain. It is often stewed the suppression of the Irish Easter Rising. with Washington's famous cherry blos- and usually grilled. and served with kale. It is about the size The pro-English element mobi- soms in peak bloom, Ambassador Peter 2. Nuernberger Rostbratwurst - smaller and color of Knackwurst. Nowadays, lized the KKK and other intolerant Ammon joined Superintendent of the (pinkie-finger sized) bratwurst sausages, Bregenwurst does not contain brain as an groups to chill neutralist (American) National Mall and Memorial Parks flavored with marjoram and a source of ingredient. sympathies. As a boy, my own father saw Robert Vogel to officially rededicate the great national pride (especially for the 6. Knackwurst, or Knockwurst sausages, the KKK burn a cross on the front lawn German-American Friendship Garden state of Franconia). They are served six at are often all beef, short and stubby and of German neighbors in Belleville, New on the National Mall. a time, grilled, with sauerkraut and pota- flavored with garlic. They are sometimes Jersey in 1917. Before guests including promi- toes with a side of horseradish cream. smoked and served with sauerkraut and Another lesson that the article nent representatives of the German- 3. Blood Sausage (Blutwurst), or blood potato salad. claims to draw is that the NGAA should American community, Ambassador sausage, is made with congealed pig or 7. Landjäger is a type of dried sausage have stayed out of politics. That "lesson" Ammon thanked the National Park cow blood and also contains fillers like made from beef, pork, lard, and sugar has been the curse of Americans of Service and the Association of German- meat, fat, bread or oatmeal. It is sliced and spices. It is air dried and resembles a Germanic ancestry since WWI. No other American Societies of Greater and eaten cold, on bread. ethnic group stays out of politics. Czech- Washington, D.C., which worked 4. Frankfurter – Bockwurst originated in Contʼd Next page Americans were able to get Wilson's sup- together with the Embassy to restore port for the creation of Czechoslovakia and rejuvenate the Garden. because they were involved in politics. "After 30 years, the garden They got FDR's support for the expulsion needed a renewal," Ambassador Ammon of three and a half million Sudeten said. "Now it's returned to full bloom." Germans in 1945 for the same reason. Ambassador Ammon next pre- Polish-Americans were able to get sented the German-American American support for unjust borders for Friendship Award to individuals who their recreated ancestral homeland after played a key role in the Garden's both world wars. Jewish Americans were restoration. Together with able to get American support for the cre- Superintendent Vogel, he then planted a ation of a national homeland for Europe's symbolic final flower to complete the Jewish survivors of the Holocaust restoration project. because they were active in politics. The Established in 1983 to com- problem with German Americans has memorate the 300th anniversary of the been their pathetic failure to be effective- 1683 settlement of Germantown, ly involved in politics, not that they were Pennsylvania, the German-American involved in politics. Friendship Garden, located on the direct The German element in the US, sight line between the White House and insofar as it still exists, needs a national the Jefferson Memorial, was first dedi- organization that will effectively promote cated by US President Ronald Reagan German-American and German causes. and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in We need an organization that supports the 1988. German language and bi-lingual signage The Friendship Garden restora- in areas where it is the traditional lan- tion was launched last year under a joint guage of the land (Pennsylvania memorandum signed by the German Dutchland, for example). Embassy, the National Park Service, and We need an organization that the Association of German-American promotes justice for WWII German- Societies of Greater Washington D.C. American Internees, who to this day have The memorandum activated a trust fund not gotten an apology for their internment whose income is to be used for the from the US government, although the upkeep of the Garden. A photo montage of the German Ambassador and Parks Service repre- Japanese-Americans interned in the same Perennial beds and other native sentatives planting flowers as part of the rededication service of the camps, under the same conditions, have plants and flowers were planted and German American Friendship Garden in Washington, DC MAY/JUNE 2014 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 7 GERMAN SAUSAGES Contʼd from previous page

Historic Schaefferstown Tavern in Heidelberg, PA. The village with its many historic buildings, was laid out to resemble a small German village when it was founded by a German immigrant, Alexander Schaeffer, in 1758. Can you identify all the German sausages in this picture? church served as a stronghold in the Historic Schaefferstown, Inc.'s small square salami. It does not require tional sausage of Southern Germany defense of the Mohawk Valley mission is the collection, preservation, refrigeration and can be eaten cold or made with veal and bacon and flavored Settlements during the French and study, and dissemination of the history and boiled. with parsley, onion, lemon, and car- Indian War and also during the folk culture of the Pennsylvania Germans 8. Leberwurst or Liverwurst, is usually damom. This sausage is boiled and eaten Revolutionary War. in South Central Pennsylvania, with par- made from pork with some pork liver, and without the skin but with sweet mustard, On July 25, 1912 the Mohawk ticular focus on Schaefferstown, flavored in various ways. It is spreadable. beer and soft pretzels. Weisswurst is usu- Valley Chapter NSDAR of Ilion (which Pennsylvania. The organization dissemi- 9. Leberkäse (literally "liver cheese") ally eaten before noon since it tradition- merged with the Col. Marinus Willett nates information through education pro- from Bavaria is a type of meatloaf that ally contains no preservatives. Chapter in 2008) held a memorable grams for adults and children, tours of its does not contain cheese or liver but rather 13. Kalbsleberwurst is a liverwurst event concerning the presentation of buildings and collections, festivals and very finely minced corned beef, pork and made from veal and pork liver. the Dutch Reformed Church at Fort special events, and publications of onions, spiced with marjoram and baked 14. Braunschweiger is a spreadable Herkimer to the Montgomery Classis research and promotional materials. in a bread pan until a golden crust devel- smoked pork liver sausage that is com- for the worship of God. The Daughters The town Schaeffer planned was ops. It is served freshly baked in 1/2 inch monly found in the supermarket. had made repairs of an extensive very much like those he had known in slices, or the slices may be pan-fried. You Excerpted from nature to place the church in a suitable Europe. Building lots for homes and busi- may also eat it cold. http://germanfood.about.com condition. The Regent (1911-1918, nesses were arranged around a large cen- 10. Teewurst is an air-dried or raw 1922) Mrs. Estella Folts Callan tral square, at the intersection of two main sausage (like salami and Landjägerwurst) FRIENDS OF STEUBEN AND addressed the sizeable gathering. The roads, one running east to west, from made from pork, bacon and beef and ORISKANY DAR CHAPTER NEWS Col. Marinus Willett-Mohawk Valley Harris's Ferry (Harrisburg) and smoked over beechwood. It then under- At the December 20, 2013 Chapter reenacted the entire program Hummelstown to Ephrata via the Cornwall goes a fermentation much like yogurt, to Holiday Dinner Meeting of the Oriskany in July 2013 under the direction of Iron Furnace, and the other north and help preserve it. It got its name from its Battle Chapter Sons of the American Miss Ramona Kane, dedicated Chapter south, connecting Conrad Weiser's settle- inventor, Karoline Ulrike Rudolph in Revolution, Mrs. Marsha Roseen, Historian. ment at Tulpehocken with Lancaster, pass- 1874, and was meant to be eaten at tea- Chaplain of The Col. Marinus Willett- Over the years neglect and ing by Elizabeth Furnace. time on open-faced sandwiches. Its flavor Mohawk Valley Chapter of the National lack of funds for repairs caused consid- Because of its prominent location is mild and a little sour. The recipe is kept Society Daughters of the American erable damage to the entire church. Mr. near larger settlements and iron sites, there secret. Revolution (NSDAR) of Frankfort, pre- Fenner has dedicated his life to the his- was much traffic through the town, and 11. Gelbwurst means yellow sausage and sented the Community Service Award to tory, preservation and restoration of the stores and taverns sprang up to cater to takes its name from the safron-colored Mr. Donald Fenner of Springfield Fort Herkimer Church near the home travelers and residents alike. In 1761, an casings used. It is mildly spiced with Center. This presentation was primarily of General Nicholas Herkimer, located advertiser in the Pennsylvania Gazette lemon, mace, ginger and cardamon. concerned with the attention, care and on Route 5S east of Mohawk. During announced that a post rider would take While it used to contain brain, it doesn't preservation efforts Mr. Fenner has his forty years associated with the mail each Monday between Lancaster and today. It can be made from pork, bacon, shown in preserving Fort Herkimer church, Mr. Fenner has worked tire- Lebanon, with the tavern kept by Paul beef or chicken. Church, which began construction in lessly to bring the site from a point of Gemberling on the square in "Heidelberg 12. Weisswurst (white sausage) is a tradi- 1753 and was completed in 1767. The almost unsalvageable disrepair to a Town" (now known as the Gemberling- state of structural and financial stabili- Rex House) as one of the regular stops. By Marsha Roseen presents Donald Fenner with a community service award for his ty while preserving its historical signif- the end of the 18th century there was also work on preserving the Fort Herkimer Church (Photo by: Mrs. Nora Foley, Holland icance. an open-sided wooden market house on Patent Chapter NSDAR) Mr. George Gydesen of the north side of the square. Forestport, President of the Oriskany To provide water for the town, Battle Chapter SAR, and all who gath- Schaeffer installed underground wooden ered at Orchard Hall in Sauquoit pipes connecting a spring at the north end including Mary Ellen Fenner, wife of of Market Street to the square. The flow the recipient, were happy to honor Mr. from the spring was so strong that the Donald Fenner and witness presenta- water flowed uphill to fill two troughs or tion of this well deserved Community "fountains"-at the time both located on the Service Award, by the Col. Marinus town square. In 1763, Schaeffer deeded Willett-Mohawk Valley Chapter DAR. the reservoir property (now known as Fountain Park) and the water system itself SCHAEFFERSTOWN: A to residents of Market Street. German Village Homeowners on that street today are auto- in the Middle of PA matically members of the Schaefferstown Schaefferstown was founded Water Company, whose responsibility it is in June 1758 by German immigrant to maintain the park, and the two "foun- Alexander Schaeffer. He called his new tains." The trough on the square was village Heidelberg, but it was not long replaced in 1910 with a granite fountain, before people began referring to it sim- donated by A. Matilda Zimmerman in ply as "Schaeffer's Town." Contʼd Next page Page 8 THE STEUBEN NEWS MAY/JUNE 2014 Schaefferstown crafters, colonial demonstrations, VISIT THE calendar of events family corner, hands on activities, Sat. 5/17 11:00 am Steuben Society of America Wreath Laying Contʼd from previous page CONRAD WEISER Ceremony to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Steuben Statue wagon rides, contests, guided house HOMESTEAD IN Dedication at Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan, NJ memory of Mary Rex Zimmerman, and heirloom garden tours, blacksmith BERKS COUNTY, PA her mother and great grand-daugh- shop and sawmill demos, raffle & Sun. 5/18 1:00-6:00 pm Founders Day Banquet $100 pp, Plattduetsche ter of Alexander Schaeffer. Sheep to Shawl, Cherry "Goodies," Edited from www.conrad- Park Restaurant, Franklin Square, NY After laying out the town, weiserhomestead.org tasty food & ice cream! Held Rain or 7/4 Henry Steinway Unit Patchogue July 4th Parade Schaeffer began immediately to Shine! Conrad Weiser's historical sell lots, but he reserved the right Young Villagers Colonial contributions to Pennsylvania sim- Sat. 9/20 12 Noon German American Steuben Parade, Fifth Avenue, to collect an annual ground rent of Workshop July 21-24, 2014 for chil- ply cannot be overlooked. Weiser 68th Street to 86th Street, Grand Stand at 79th Street, NYC. Enjoy the colorful music and dance groups, the groups in Karneval costumes a few shillings from the buyers. He dren going into grades 4,5,6,7 to learn was predominantly responsible for kept one of the best lots on the negotiating every major treaty and historic Tracht. Celebrate our Grand Marshals, see the many mag- many old traditional crafts; members nificent floats celebrating over three centuries of German-American square for himself, and there he $45, nonmembers $65; Held at between the colonial settlers in friendship. Grandstand tickets must be purchased in advanced. For built a large limestone building Alexander Schaeffer Farm, 213 S. Pennsylvania and the Iroquois more info www.germanparadenyc.org where he ran a general store and a Carpenter St. (old 501 S. of Nations from 1731 until 1758. tavern. This building, still operat- In addition to serving as Please email your calendar items to: [email protected] Schaefferstown), 17088 from 10 am- 1-2 months prior to your event. ing as a tavern, was once called the 3 pm. Call 717-866-5242 to register. one of the most knowledgeable and King George. After the American Fall Harvest Fair, Saturday, successful liaisons between the Revolution, it was given its pres- Indian and the colonist, Weiser was Oneida Iroquois, Shikellamy, enlisted Weiser's abilities September 13th - Sunday, September as a diplomat to negotiate a series of land ownership ent name, Franklin House. 14th, 2014, Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; chiefly responsible for both the set- Schaefferstown's resi- tlement of the town of Reading and treaties between the Pennsylvania colonists and the Sun. 11:00 pm - 4:00 pm; Come cele- Indians. dents built homes of log, half- tim- brate the harvest the Pennsylvania the establishment of Berks County. bering, or limestone topped with In 1755, Weiser organized a local The story of Conrad Weiser and the historic site Dutch way! The Alexander Schaeffer is told through an exhibit which is located in three dif- red clay tile or wood shingled Farm comes alive Saturday and militia to quell Indian uprisings roofs. By the turn of the nineteenth during the American phase of the ferent buildings at the Conrad Weiser Homestead. The Sunday during the Fall Harvest Fair. exhibit begins in the Visitor Center (Building #1), with century, according to Scott's Enjoy period artisans, crafts, cooking. Seven Years War, and was appoint- Geographical Dictionary of 1805, ed Colonel of the First Battalion of two galleries dedicated to Conrad Weiser's career and baking. cider-pressing, field and farm accomplishments. The exhibit continues in the Weiser it was "a handsome town" with demonstrations, traditional music and the Pennsylvania Regiment a year about 100 dwelling houses, and later. House (Building #3), with an exhibit gallery and a fur- entertainment, and much, much more! nished period room. The gallery deals with the impor- two churches, a German Lutheran There will be logging with horses, Weiser was born in Astaat and a Calvinist (German Germany in 1696. His family tance of Weiser's farm as a destination for many different plowing, disking, and harrowing with kinds of people in the 18th century - colonial governors Reformed) Church. The fine lime- horses, threshing of the rye grown on migrated to America in 1710, set- stone Lutheran church, built in tling in New York State. It was in and politicians, Native Americans, scientists, soldiers, the farm. Take a tour at the saw mill religious leaders and local settlers. 1765, was particularly noteworthy, and see the old shingle maker. Watch this vicinity where Conrad initially according to another observer, gained contact with the Iroquois The newly named Education Center (Building re-enactors make apple cider, apple #5), houses an exhibit gallery which explains what hap- since almost all other churches in butter, and crack and shell corn in the Nations. At the age of fifteen he the region were built of wood. voluntarily decided to live amidst pened to the site after Conrad Weiser's death, the 19th barn. View the colonial 4 square gar- century efforts to honor Weiser, the creation of the land- As originally planned, den with heirloom plants. Tours of the the Mohawk tribe of the Iroquois. town lots fronted on Market Street Conrad attained significant knowl- scaped park in the 1920's, and the Conrad Weiser Schaeffer house, spring house and Homestead historic site today. Additional sites of interest and other smaller side streets and summer house will be offered. Cost is edge of the not only the language ran longwise along Main Street. but also the customs and traditions include the gravesite, springhouse, long hut, park $5.00. Children 12 & under free with grounds and museum shop. This proved inconvenient, and an adult. Members free. Pets are not of the Mohawk tribe, which proved over time landowners changed the invaluable later in his career. The Conrad Weiser Homestead is a invited. Pennsylvania state historic site located in Womelsdorf, orientation of the lots to face Main Historic Schaefferstown is For example, Weiser was Street. one of the few Indian/Colonial Berks County, Pennsylvania and is situated on Rt. 422, located on old route 501 in within easy driving distance of Philadelphia, Lancaster, Upcoming events at Heidelberg, PA. For more info, call interpreters who comprehended the Schaefferstown include: Cherry overwhelming significance of the Hershey and Harrisburg. The Conrad Weiser Homestead 717-949-2244, or visit: www.hsimu- includes period buildings on a 26-acre Olmsted-designed Fair & Early American Craft Show seum.org use of Wampum in conducting mat- June 28, 2014 from 10 am - 5 pm, ters of diplomacy with the Iroquois. landscaped park where dogs are permitted on a leash. For held at the historic Alexander Weiser moved to the more info: Conrad Weiser Homestead, 28 Weiser Lane, Schaeffer Farm, 213 S Carpenter Tulpehocken area in Pennsylvania Womelsdorf, PA 19567, 610-589-2934, info@conrad- St, Route 501 south of in 1729, erecting a house upon a weiserhomestead.org Schaefferstown, PA. Admission is “Soul of Germany” to farmstead that would eventually The homestead is also within easy driving dis- $5, children 12 and under are Free. be continued next contain 890 acres of land. Weiser's tance of Schaefferstown, PA (see previous article) and Ephrata Cloister, started by German immigrants (previ- Members are free. Pets are not month knowledge of the Iroquois was invited. Features: quality period immediately employed, as an ously written about in Steuben News). Steuben Society of America Membership Application

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