German-American Journal | June/July 2008

June / July 2008

Volume 56, Number 3

400 Years of Germans In Jamestown

National Office Face Lift

First Lutheran Germans In America Are Celebrated With 400 Year History Thanksgiving By: Dr. Albert E. Jabs Global Affairs Council, Columbia, South Carolina Society for German American Studies

To read a courageous sermon for peace, by the great servant , world renowned Lutheran Hour Speaker, Walter Maier, in the dark days off WW II (l942), is to see the connection with another pioneer Lutheran, Dr. Johannes Fleischer, who came in with the initial English settlements at Jamestown, Virginia, in May, of l607. The German Lutheran presence for years, at Jamestown, has been omitted in American History textbooks, but has been historically established, and was recently celebrated in a historical occasion at Jamestown and Williamsburg, Virginia (April l8-20, 2008).

Indeed, a celebrative, festive, and thankful moment transpired in a 400 year anniversary of German American presence that began perhaps with the world revolutionary map of German cartographer Martin Waldeseemueller who charted the way for the ocean voyages back in l507. This birth certificate of America was given to the Library of Congress by Chancellor Angela Merkel in a recent visit.

Beginning with an welcoming evening (Gemutliches Beisammensein) at William-Mary College, the once in a kind of “Platzregen” event brought forth an international audience of scholars, GermanAmericans, interested observers, a Symposium of the Society for German-American Studies, a very notable address by German Ambassador, Dr. Klaus Scharioth, along with a very timely speech by David Smith,

Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade from the Governor’s office, and a very informative and spirited welcoming message from third generation German American, the Honorable Jeanne Zeidler, Mayor of the City of Williamsburg, which along with Yorktown and Jamestown constitute the very historical triangle of noted Americana; these cities were also the scene of considerable German American experience.

Also, delicious food, presentations by competent scholars and leaders, like Beverly Straube (Senior Curator-APVA), Dr. Gary Grassl, informative historian on Jamestown, and new converts to the cause of German-American studies, Dr. Charles Barber (Northern Illinois University), who has already established his courageous role as a responsible historical critic. Dr. Albert W. Spengler, (University of Virginia), along with others, established themselves as creative conveners of an international and national event, that brought both excitement and new historical information about the first Germans in English America and their vital and significant contributions.

The Society for German-American Studies featured a host of members, like Wolf D. Fuhrig and his wife, Anne Marie Fuhrig, both competent in linguistic and others studies, who brought a sense of history, balance, and vision to the scholarly, social, and history making act ivies of these beautiful days in April, where flowers and walkways abounded to leisure walks and reflection.

Dr. Fleischer’s father, the senior Dr. Fleischer See JABS on PAGE 11

By: Darlene & Bill Fuchs

It all began with a vision about 3 months ago.

During a friendly conversation over a beer or two, DANK member Ron Zielinski asked national president, Bill Fuchs, if DANK could use some slightly used office furniture since his company, American Licorice, was moving their Chicago branch to Indiana. An update to the National Office was on the list of tasks to accomplish this spring so the timing was perfect.

Within days of the last national board meeting, Ron had measured the national office, contacted his company and at the end of March president Fuchs went to American Licorice to check the furniture out that Ron’s company was so generously offering to donate. The items were like new! The next step was to secure a moving truck and after talking to Dagmar Freiberger, DANK North president and a few more phone calls by her, all was arranged; once again donated to the organization.

By April 3rd DANK member Joe Bradtke, who owns Bradtke Antique Moving Company, supplied the truck and a team of Joe Bradtke, Dagmar Freiberger, Bill Fuchs, Charlie Bills and Dennis Merideth, both of DANK North were busy lifting and moving over 25 pieces of office furniture into the truck. Desks, file cabinets, office chairs and even a conference room table with chairs were loaded up and transferred from American Licorice to their new home on Western Avenue in Chicago.

Then finally from Thursday, May 1st to May 4th, the National office was under serious reconstruction. DANK North member, Al Mueller, tore out a wall transforming the once small lobby area into a spacious reception area with direct access to the main office. At the same time National Secretary, Eva Timmerhaus, Bill, Darlene, and Stephen Fuchs, Dennis Merideth, Dave Fairbrother, and Regina Kania worked together packing up files, moving furniture, and disconnecting equipment until See OFFICE on PAGE 16

Dr. Albert Jabs in Dr. Martin Luther Role Play...and as a Visiting Professor In Lithuania Teaching World Civilization in 2000.

Current Events

Chapter News

School

Entertainment

Obituaries

Looking Back

Member Profile

Food

Calendar

Puzzle/Comic

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Page 6-9 Page 12

Page 12 Page 13

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Page 15 Page 15

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German-American Journal

President’s Corner Liebe Mitglieder und Freunde!

Dear Members and Friends, With this issue of the DANK Journal we start a new era. After many years as editor of the Journal, Ernst Ott our past national president, finally decided to retire and pass the torch to a new team.

We extend a very warm thank you to Ernst for all the work he did on the paper in the past.

My wife, Darlene will work as interim editor and my son Stephen will use his extensive media design experience to lay out the paper for printing. In addition to that you will notice that we have created an editorial committee that will work together to decide on content and relevance.

We hope that our approach will produce a newspaper that is interesting and informative to our members.

At the last board meeting in February your National Board decided to streamline some parts of our organization to help us work better as a team and improve membership services. We merged the chapters of Region 4 from the East Coast into Region 3 from Mid Atlantic. Chapter Phoenix is now part of Region 2. I also wish to introduce to you Merl Arp as our new DANK Governmental Affairs Liaison. Merl has been a long time National Board member and Vice-President in the past and will work in Washington DC along with our National Board in dealing with important issues to the organization.

As we pass into the summer months our schedules usually get busier with all kinds of outdoor activities and for the rest of the year our time will be spent on vacations, festivals and many other events. We as Americans with German background have a special talent of putting on splendid festivals that celebrate our proud heritage. Milwaukee’s Germanfest is one of those events and I look forward to seeing many of you there in July. I am also anticipating meeting many of you at chapter functions that I am trying to attend this year and hope that we can get to know each other a little better. To help our members establish a closer bond with our national board I felt it a good idea to cover each one of our board members’ background from a personal perspective in upcoming issues of the Journal. This issue will cover me, the president, and I hope you enjoy reading the articles in this series.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

William Fuchs National President

DIE BRUECKE ZUR ALTEN HEIMAT “Building Bridges to Germany” Visit our website, DANK.org, to listen to Live German radio from “Radio Heimatmelodie” in Germany.

You will also find a list of additional live German radio stations that you can listen to online for free.

June / July 2008

Mission Statement

D.A.N.K., a society of German Americans today, was founded in 1959, and is active coast to coast,with the purpose of representing all German Americans in the United States.

D.A.N.K., a non-profit organization, supports German cultural landmarks and events, sponsors German American student exchanges and the study of the German language and culture. It promotes harmony and goodwill among German American clubs and societies across the United States.

D.A.N.K.’s cultural almanac, with its many programs and suggestions for local events and its D.A.N.K. Journal are the visual and communication links between its members and its corporate headquarters in Chicago.

D.A.N.K. also acts as an information center and exchange on a variety of subjects concerning the German American community at large We welcome your inquiries, contributions and donations for a United German America.

Benefits to belong to D.A.N.K. D.A.N.K. was chosen by many because of our leadership in representing the interests of all German Americans on a national level.

D.A.N.K. has many Chapters across the United States of America.

D.A.N.K. has over 30 Associated Member Societies.

D.A.N.K. offers German Language classes for both children and adults

Editor’s Column The beginning of Summer is when I’d love to be in many places at the same time: celebrating Fathers Day with my Dad in Connecticut, off to a 4th of July parade and then the fireworks, lying in the sun with a soft breeze, working in the garden.

As much as I‘d like to, I know it is impossible to fit everything into one day or even one week. But like most of you, life has taught us how to balance the priorities of work and play.

I have been asked to be the managing editor of the German-American Journal until the DANK Executive Board is able to make arrangements for a permanent editorial solution. Your newly elected National President, Bill Fuchs, is my husband and most importantly my companion and friend. My style may seem different but I am passionate about providing updated information in a timely manner that is both informative and entertaining. We do have a skilled editorial staff that will be working together in a collaborative effort to bring a fresh updated look to our German-American Journal. I would like to personally thank Ernst Ott for his dedication and contributions as editor over the past many years.

Stopping for a moment to offer some of our time and talents not only brings us closer together, but it reminds us of how much we can learn from each other - and why it’s so important to know who we are, where we came from and what our dreams for the future are.

I believe in the old cliché: If you have a job that needs to get done, give it to a busy person. But, as I look around, there is always more to be done and so few who are busy and willing to tackle another task.

Of course, life balance isn’t only - or even mostly about who we are or what we’ve done in our lives. It’s about the time we take for ourselves and our family, the people we have touched, and what we have done to make a positive contribution to society.

So lets all celebrate the summer holidays, enjoy the outdoors, and visit a loved one as we find balance in our lives.

Der Deutsch-Amerikaner DANK National Executive Board President: William Fuchs 1. Vice President: Erich Wittmann 2. Vice President: Donna Lippert Treasurer: Linda Voit Secretary: Beverly Pochatko DANK National Executive Office

4740 N. Western Ave Chicago, Il 60625-2097 Call (773) 275-1100 Toll Free (866) 926-1109 Fax (773) 275-4010

Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Look for us on the Web: www.dank.org

Editorial Staff Darlene Fuchs, Editor goldenfoxproductions@gmail.com Harald Pitz, Editorial Staff operabuffs@cs.com Margita Mulsoff, Editorial Staff theonlymandms@comcast.net Stephen Fuchs, Layout & Design foxtaleedit@gmail.com Beverly Pochatko, Chapter News Editor erieoma@verizon.net Erik Whittmann, Membership erik25@comcast.net Eva Timmerhaus, Office Manager

For Advertising & Classifieds, Contact: Darlene Fuchs goldenfoxproductions@gmail.com

General Information Darlene Fuchs Managing Editor

Submission Deadline For The August/September Issue: July 1st, 2008

- ISSN 1086-8070 - is published bi-monthly and is the Official Organ of the German American National Congress. Periodicals Postage paid at Chicago, Illinois and additional Mailing Offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: German-American Journal 4740 N. Western Ave Chicago, Il 60625-2097

Annual Subscription Rate: $15.00

June / July 2008

German-American Journal

July 4th Traditions By: Darlene Fuchs

The Declaration of Independence, unanimously declared by the thirteen United States of America, was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Much of the tradition inherent in the way we celebrate today was evident almost from the beginning. Sound, spectacle, and sentiment played an important role in that tradition.

One of the most elaborate celebrations in 1777 and the first organized celebration of its kind occurred in Philadelphia. This event had all of the elements of typical future celebrations-the discharge of cannon, one round for each state in the union, the ringing of bells, a dinner, the use of music, the drinking of toasts (it would subsequently be traditional to have one toast for each state in the union), “loud huzzas,” a parade, fireworks, and the use of the nation’s colors. The following is a description of the event as printed in a local newspaper: Yesterday the 4th of July, being the Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, was celebrated in this city with demonstration of joy and festivity. About noon all the armed ships and galleys in the river were drawn up before the city, dressed in the gayest manner, with the colours of the United States and streamers displayed.

At one o’clock, the yards being properly manned, they began the celebration of the day by a discharge of thirteen cannon from each of the ships, and one from each of the thirteen galleys, in honour of the Thirteen United States.

In the afternoon an elegant dinner was prepared for Congress, to which were invited the President and Supreme Executive Council, and Speaker of the Assembly of this State, the General Of-

ficers and Colonels of the army, and strangers of eminence, and the members of the several Continental Boards in town. The Hessian band of music taken in Trenton the 26th of December last, attended and heightened the festivity with some fine performances suited to the joyous occasion, while a corps of British deserters, taken into the service of the continent by the State of Georgia, being drawn up before the door, filled up the intervals with feux de joie. After dinner a number of toasts were drunk, all breaking independence, and a generous love of liberty, and commemorating the memories of those brave and worthy patriots who gallantly exposed their lives, and fell gloriously in defense [sic] of freedom and the righteous cause of their country. Each toast was followed by a discharge of artillery and small arms, and a suitable piece of music by the Hessian band. The glorious fourth of July was reiterated three times accompanied with triple discharges of cannon and small arms, and loud huzzas that resounded from street to street through the city. Towards evening several troops of horse, a corps of artillery, and a brigade of North Carolina forces, which was in town on its way to join the grand army, were drawn up in Second and reviewed by Congress and the General Officers. The evening was closed with the ringing of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated. Everything was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal.

Thus may the 4th of July, that glorious and ever memorable day, be celebrated through America, by the sons of freedom, from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen, and amen.

(Virginia Gazette, 18 July 1777)

Enthusiastic Crowd Greets German Pope

By: Darlene Fuchs

Pope Benedict XVI, turned 81 as President George Bush hosted his reception honoring his first visit to the U.S. as Pontiff as well as his birthday celebration. On the South Lawn of the White House he was greeted with energetic singing and much fanfare.

Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, the son of a German policeman was forced as a teenager to join Hitler’s youth party, but he deserted the German army in April 1945 before the war’s end.

He was ordained in 1951 and obtained his doctorate of theology in 1953. Those who knew him before he was elected pope described him as a mild-mannered, scholarly individual.

The focal point of his trip was a speech on Friday April 18th to the UN in New York. There, and in meetings with US officials in Washington, he expressed his concerns about the continuing violence in Iraq. Other topics included human rights, religious freedom, fighting poverty and disease in

Africa, the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, Lebanon and terrorism.

Sunday April 20th, the most somber moment of his six-day visit to the United States twenty-four people stood around a candle as Pope Benedict XVI knelt alone at ground zero and offered a silent prayer. They were the survivors, the family members of the dead and the first responders. Although the pope spent only half an hour at the site, he listened to each person and had a word of comfort for each of them.

Before the papal visit, most Americans said they didn’t know a lot about Pope Benedict. He has often been portrayed as being strict and scholarly and lacking the charisma of his predecessor. Upon leaving the country however, they were certainly more likely to view him as he described himself upon his arrival: as “a friend, a preacher of the Gospel.” Pope Benedict XVI’s U.S. visit left behind the impression of a compassionate and candid leader who has made a successful transition from professor to Pope.

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English Endangered In Pennsylvania By: Darlene Fuchs

More than a third of all Pennsylvanians speak a native language other than English - and many of them have not even tried to learn English since immigrating, or at least prefer to carry out their daily lives in another language, living together in neighborhoods where their native language dominates. Some people worry that the status of English is critically endangered.

Twenty-five years ago a major political figure warned that these “aliens ...

Original Declaration of Independence published in German on July 5, 1776.

will never adopt our language or customs,” and so far, his prediction seems to be true. But wait - the date is 1776, not 2008, and the language competing with English is not Spanish, it’s German, and the major political figure who warned about the “aliens” who “swarm into our Settlements, and by herding together establish their Language and Manners to the Exclusion of ours,” is Benjamin Franklin. Linguistic sweetness didn’t always prevail among the founding fathers.

Ironically the first newspaper announcement of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence was published in German. It was printed during the late afternoon on Thursday, July 4, by John Dunlap, a local Philadelphia printer. By the next morning, Friday, July 5, the German Pennsylvanischer Staatsbote, published by Heinrich Miller, became the nation’s first newspaper to announce that the Declaration had been adopted, while copies were on their way to all thirteen states by horseback. Tuesday, July 9, the same paper devoted its front page to a German translation of the actual declaration. On Saturday, July 6, Philadelphia Evening Post published the first English edition of the full text of the Declaration of Independence.

World’s Greatest Dads it was never widely recognized. Then in the 19th century the custom was reA woman by the name of Sonora established in Berlin as a less refined Smart Dodd from Spokane, Washing- celebration on that same dates. Today ton, thought of the idea for Father’s Germany’s Vatertag resembles a “boys’ Day while listening to a Mother’s Day day out” with gentleman pub tours sermon in 1909. In 1972, President (Männerrunde). In the eastern part of Richard Nixon established a permanent Germany the day is known as Herrentag, national observance of Father’s Day to but in all parts of Germany, the Herrbe held on the third Sunday of June. So entag/Vatertag tradition has developed Father’s Day was born in memory and a reputation which the German women gratitude by a daughter who thought refer to as “Sauftag” (“drinking day”). that her father In some regions and all good fait is still tradition thers should be to do a malehonored with a only hiking outspecial day just ing with one or like we honor more small hand our mothers on pulled wagons, Mother’s Day. In Bollerwagen. the United States The wagons are it is celebrated on filled with wine the third Sunday Fathers and their sons enjoying an eventful or beer (accordin June. ing to region) Father’s Day. Father’s Day and traditional in Germany is celebrated a bit differ- regional food, Hausmannskost, which ently than the American version. Ger- could be Saumagen (Pig Stomach many’s Vatertag began in the Middle Sausage),Leberwurst (Liverwurst), Ages as a religious ceremony honoring Blutwurst (Blood Sausage), vegetables, “Gott, den Vater,” “God the Father,” on and bread.

Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt), Father’s Day, regardless of the tradiusually in May (the Thursday forty days tions, is an important day world wide after Easter). It is celebrated as a fed- that is celebrated in many ways and it is eral holiday. In the 1700’s Vatertag be- a fine opportunity to honor the Dads or came a family day for honoring dad but Fathers of the world.

By: Darlene Fuchs

D Y

u hast die Wahl, entweder Lösung oder Teil des Problems zu sein.

our choice is to either be part of the solution, or to be part of the problem!

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German-American Journal

June / July 2008

An Open Letter To Our Membership By: Erich Wittmann Membership Chair and National Vice President

As some of you know I have agreed to undertake the effort to deal with Membership issues and to hopefully expand our DANK membership through both strengthening our chapters and creErich Wittman ating new chapters throughout the country. It is within this context I want to take this opportunity to “thank” those of you who have renewed your membership for 2008 and ask those who have not to reconsider your failure to do so.

As you know DANK is the only organization with a national identity and chapters that make it their mission to foster things Germanic from sponsoring Language and Genealogy programs, supporting positive images of our Germanic ancestry, contributions to American culture, sponsoring German-American Day

and providing social and cultural opportunities to all Americans at the chapter level. It is critical we maintain the support of our existing memberships while making an effort to expand our current membership.

So, if you have not renewed please do so. Your support is critical in our ongoing effort to positively reflect on our common heritage and all the fine qualities and achievements brought to this shore by our immigrant ancestors. It would appear futile to work hard at gaining new members if our existing membership is not supportive. While we did a survey membership form about a year ago, I would welcome to hear from those of you who have not renewed your membership as to some of the reasons . You can email me at erikwittman@germaninpittsburgh.org.

Now as to our current membership drive effort “Just Add One,” I am asking all of our membership (yes that includes you and not just Chapter Membership chairs ) to take a minute and recruit one additional member. Membership applications are on both chapter Newsletter as well as this edition of the Journal.

Applications are also available on the web at www. dank.org or ask your chapter board to provide you with as many as you may need. It is not that difficult to recruit family or friends especially since it brings in new members of Germanic pride like yourself.

Within the next year you will see DANK under-

take membership drives in magazines such as German Life or German World as well as local papers especially in cities we are targeting for chapter expansion or chapter resurgence. Remember however that every member you can bring into the organization saves this organizations limited and valuable dollars from being expended on advertising for new members.

So should you not be able for whatever reason to recruit a new member, you can still assist by contributing whatever amount you can afford to our Membership development fund. Currently we are using the profit made from our cookbook sales as a means of getting some money into that fund but are still way short to be able to undertake any major advertising campaign. You can assist by buying copies of the German Life Cook books and giving them as gifts or just by making a donation payable to the DANK MEMBERSHIP DRIVE FUND. I hope you will make a serious effort in helping your organization stay vital and strong so that Germanic pride and culture remain part of the American matrix. To keep you informed of our efforts in expanding our chapters and solidifying our membership you will see future updates in the Journal. Don’t forget you can help by recruiting new members and sharing your ideas with the Membership Committee. Danke viel mals!

June / July 2008

German-American Journal

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In Alten Zeiten - The Way We Were Above is a copy of one of DANK’s first news papers. Since we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of DANK at the next National convention in 2009, we felt running excerpts from the first papers would be a great way to take a walk back in history. In order to see what we have accomplished and to plan for the future it is always important to remember where we started.

The newspaper, a total of 6 pages, was issued every three weeks, pub-

lished almost entirely in German and cost the organization 3 cents to mail.

Chapter news, political events in Germany, and challenges that affected the Germans living in the US were covered along with numerous business adds and an occasional photo.

In upcoming issues of the German American Journal we will feature a variety of articles, some translated into English, from original DANK newspapers dating back to the early 1960’s.

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German-American Journal

June / July 2008

Wer spricht in hundert Jahren noch Deutsch?

Ein Kommentar von Werner Baroni

Die renommierte “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” stellt in ihrer Ausgabe vom 24. April rotgedruckt die Frage des Tages: “Unsere Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft sprechen Englisch, die Außenpolitik auch und auf den Schulhöfen herrscht Sprachenvielfalt -- verkümmert Deutsch zur Freizeitsprache? Wer spricht in hundert Jahren Werner Baroni noch Deutsch?“ Jutta Limbach, bis vor kurzem Präsidentin des Goethe-Instituts, versucht in derselben Ausgabe eine Antwort. Sie führt ihr Buch “Hat Deutsch eine Zukunft” ins Feld, das zunächst auf „das babylonische Sprachengewirr“ auf Berliner Schulhöfen hinweist.

Mehr noch; In siebzig Berliner Oberschulen ist für die große Mehrheit der Schüler Deutsch nicht die Muttersprache. Mitunter werden an diesen Schulen acht bis zehn verschiedene Herkunftssprachen gesprochen; Gewalt gehört zum Alltag.

Wer Anschauungsunterricht in sprachlicher Vielfalt sucht brauche nicht auf Reisen in fremde Länder zu gehen. In vielen deutschen Städten zeigten bereits die Geschäftsbezeichnungen der Gasstätten, Kioske und Feinkostläden eine Vielfalt von Sprachen und Kulturen an.

Jutta Limbach schreibt: Nicht die Frage ob Rohheit mit einem oder zwei „h“ geschrieben werden sollte, macht die deutsche Sprache gegenwärtig zu einem Politikum. Zwei Phänomene sind es die die Sprachpolitik herausfordern: Die Globalisierung und die Migration. Der mit der Wirtschaft einhergehende Trend zum Englischen als einziger Weltsprache bedroht nicht nur den Status des Deutschen als Europasprache. Der Glaube, die deutsche Sprache werde sich als Kultursprache, als die Sprache der Dichter und Denker behaupten, dürfte sich mit der Zeit als treuherzig erweisen. Denn eine Sprache, die in der Arbeitswelt immer weniger gesprochen wird, verarmt und taugt eines Tages nur noch als Schlüssel zum Sich-Erinnern an die Blütezeit deutscher Hochkultur.

Gäbe es nicht die Lichtblicke - so Jutta Limbach einer in Brüssel deutschsprechenden Kanzlerin, man könnte schier verzweifeln über die deutsche Sprachflucht. Wir können nur hoffen, dass der Deutsche Bun-

destag und das Auswärtige Amt nicht zu spät erwacht sind, um die Versäumnisse künftig wett zu machen.

Eine kluge Personal- und Sprachpolitik sind gefordert. Der Verfasser dieses Berichts bestellt unlängst vergebene in deutscher Sprache beim Goethe-Institut New York den großartigen Film “Auf wiedersehen Franziska“ mit Hans Soehnker in der Hauptrolle. Auf Goethes New Yorker Telefon wird nur noch Englisch gesprochen. Traurig ist auch das Beispiel, das sich in der deutschsprachigen Presse der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika seit Jahren abzeichnet. Gab es vor einhundert Jahren ca. 600 deutsche Zeitungstitel, so verbleiben im Jahre des Heils 2008 gerade noch sechs Blätter, die Deutsch auf ihren Verlagsfahnen geschrieben haben. Dass in den “deutschen” Vereinen mehr Englisch als Deutsch gesprochen wird ist ebenso eine unverrückbare Tatsache.

Als Geschaeftsfuehrender Redakteur im Verlag der Staatszeitung in New York und in Philadelphia, wollte ich 1960 dem Abonenntenschwund in einer flott gemachten Tageszeitung auf den Grund gehen.

Das hörte ich immer wieder am Telefon: “Wir sind zu lange in Amerika”. Auf meine Gegenfrage “Wie lange” die erheiternde Antwort: “Drei Jahre.”

Who Will Speak German 100 Years From Now? A Commentary by Werner Baroni (Translated by Harald D. Pitz)

One of Germany‘s top newspapers the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung,” asks the following question in their April 24, 2008 issue, printed in large RED LETTERS - the question of the day! Our economy as well as our scientific community speaks exclusively „English.“ German Foreign Policy as well as communication in schools have turned into a number of different Non-German languages! So the question is posed: Who will speak German in 100 years from today??

Jutta Limbach, President of the Goethe Institute, is trying with some difficulty to find the answer to that all important question. In her book “Is there a future for German?” she refers to schools around Berlin where “Babylonian Languages” are common day occurrences. In seventy Berlin High Schools the German language is now the minority language of choice.

It is customary that between eight to ten different languages are spoken.

Looking for variations of different languages in foreign countries no longer requires a trip outside Germany. Today there are multiple signs of foreign languages found in restaurants, kiosks, and grocery stores, an indication of the versatility of the many cultures and customs.

Jutta Limbach indicates in her book that whether a letter is correctly spelled with one “h” or two is really unimportant. Globalization of our economies to compete world-wide has created this phenomenon! English being the business language spoken world wide is eliminating the status of German in the European Union.

The belief that German will survive as a „cultural language“ for poets and thinkers will over time prove to be wrong. It will be the end to the beautiful German language! In review, German in the European Parliament in Brussels is destined to disappear, just as it is disappearing from the German Bundestag and

the foreign office. The author is indeed determined to bring this lack of German to the attention of all public officials, in the hope that this current view can be changed. Another indication of dwindling German in public life is evident that in 1908 there were 600 German newspapers available in this country. Today, sadly this number has been reduced to six newspapers which often do not even publish on a weekly basis.

German organizations nowadays prefer English as their way of communicating with their board of directors, as well as employees. Another sad story!

Werner Baroni posted the „German” question when he was editor of the New Yorker Staatszeitung and tried to eradicate the drastic reductions of newspaper subscriptions. He was diligent to find out WHY! The response was each time “We have been in America too long!” When he inquired as to “how long is too long,” the common reply was ‘three years!”

DANK Chapter Chicago-North By: Nicholle Dombrowski

Spring has brought a great deal of growth to Dank Chicago. Now if it would just stop snowing. After living through an eternity of elevator renovations, we are turning our attention to our first love: promotion of all things German-American.

After our election, we formed committees to channel our members’ talents and attract people to participate in ways meaningful to them.

The Finance Committee boasts two auditors direct from Germany, assisting our treasurer to improve reporting, budgeting and grant applications.

The Bylaws Committee is rising to the challenges brought to light in our recent election, meeting weekly to prepare amendments for Chapter approval.

The Building Committee barely swept after the elevator project and was right back working on hot water pipes and things that go bump in the base-

ment.

The Film Committee kept attendance high for Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen every Saturday at 1:00 pm. Who doesn’t want to be inside watching a movie while a storm blows outside? Give me the Alps and a song any day. And some cake.

Revived is our German Cinema Now contemporary film series, showing every third Sunday at 7:00 pm. Next up is Das Wunder von Bern (2003), viewing

Sunday May 18 7:00 pm to coincide with EuroCup 2008. This is a film that all members will enjoy plus - free popcorn!

Sunday June 22 at 6:00 pm, German Cinema Now will collaborate to screen Joe and Max, on the 70th anniversary of the Max Schmeling – Joe Louis boxing match, a match that had worldwide implications. DANK Chicago is the proud owner of Schmeling’s original Germania Club membership and correspondence, which will be on display.

Our Archival and Fine Arts Committees are unstoppable. These groups have teamed up to become an Uebercommittee – restoration, cataloguing, dreaming large – dance, art exhibits, concerts, film festivals– they make the elevator project look tiny.

Plans were immediately made for an art exhibit. Pause: A Visual Intermezzo, takes residence in the Scharpenberg Gallery May 4th, highlighting works by DANK members Susan Barton, Lothar Speers and Ed Ott. This exhibit is in

preparation for DANK Chicago’s inclusion in the Chicago Greater Spaces and Places Tour May17, organized by the City of Chicago, to highlight the city’s hidden gems of architecture. Next up for the Fine Arts Committee? A weekend Open House, date to be determined, for members to see all the treasures and trappings of this place.

Add to all the above, Maifest, Jazz on the Terrace every 1st Friday, Stammtisch, every 3rd Friday and we’re some busy folks. Stammtisch has shook up its entertainment schedule. In April we had Salsa lessons with a premier ballroom dance instructor and computer enhanced caricatures by Lothar Speers.

May 16 Stammtisch is German Techno Night – bring the teens out of the woodwork – you can take your beer to the terrace but they’ll love you for bringing them to the DANK Haus. July promises to bring the King – that Mississippi boy who was stationed in Friedberg. Ladies prepare to faint.

June / July 2008

German-American Journal

7

Pittsburgh DANK Sub-Chapter is Making New Friends in the Community By: Chris Decker Mason-Dixon Sub-Chapter/ Region 3 President (newly elected)

Tuesday April 22, 2008 the monthly meeting of Mason-Dixon sub chapter in Uniontown, PA was held. Instead of meeting at the regular location, we were invited into the local mountains to share supper with the Bruderhof Community in Spring Valley and enjoy the Gemütlichkeit full of Germanic background and traditions. The folks dress plainly in their traditional tracht, were so very friendly and hospitable. They were genuine in their conversations and wanted to befriend us, as we so wanted to befriend them. The community

spoke a lot of German which was a delight for the German speaking members of DANK, as they practiced with others outside of their own club. For us struggling language learners, it was wunderbar to hear conversational German and to actually understand at various amounts. Gary Stanaway, his wife and another couple had previously visited DANK chapter Mason Dixon and have attended a number of meetings. They extended the invitation to us, and it was fabulous! Vielen Dank!

During part of the evening we traded stories of where they came from and how the Bruderhoff arrived in America.

They also talked of their history here in Pennsylvania. Ernie Jung and I were

asked to talk about the DANK club and how it got started. I discussed our goals and plans for the future, while Ernie spoke about his history and how he started teaching German Language classes.

Following this, the men in the community serenaded us with their beautiful voices and stringed instruments. The Community dedicated a song to the late Ron Nehls and his wife Lisa, who was a pioneer in getting this sub-chapter going and also a community leader. They made a bouquet of flowers to be dropped off to her and all were truly saddened to hear of Ron’s demise.

As the evening concluded with the whole community singing German

Region 3 Report Meeting & Election On Saturday, April 26th, the annual meeting of DANK Region 3 was held in Pittsburgh for the purpose of electing a new Region President and Representative, a position held by Bev Pochatko for 16 years. Chris Decker, founder and President of the Mason-Dixon Sub Chapter of Pittsburgh, was elected the new President and Margaret Kodrzycki of Erie, is the new Representative of the Region. Patty Schmidt of Pittsburgh was re-elected as Treasurer. Larry & Chris Sabatini and Melissa Lesniewski are the alternates.

There has been a realignment of the Region and Chapter Passack Valley (NJ) and Philadelphia has been added to Region 3. The Region President and Representative now represent Chapters Cleveland, Pittsburgh, New Castle, Erie, Passack Valley and Philadelphia.

Currently, Chicago North Chapter is storing a historical display on Emigration from Hamburg. Discussion ensued on getting it to our Region. Other groups have driven to the last location and transported it themselves. However, due to the distance, Erik Wittmann is going to check on the cost of having it shipped from Chapter to Chapter. It is an interesting display that everyone should see.

Everyone was reminded that if they wanted to honor a member of their Chapter, to get the information to Bev Pochatko (Awards Committee Chair) to submit to the National Board for approval.

Following the business meeting and lunch, attendees had the opportunity to hear Dr. Wolf Fuhrig speak on Abraham Lincoln and the German Americans. Dr. Fuhrig led us through the early years of Lincoln leading to his decision to run for President of the United States and the role the German Americans had in

D T

his successful bid for the Presidency. At one point, Dr. Fuhrig offered to end his talk so as not to take more time, but the attendees wanted to hear it to the end.

Originally a member of the Whig Party, Lincoln became the Republican candidate. The German Americans were against slavery in any form and soon backed him in his quest for the Presidency. The shrewdness of Abe Lincoln was amazing and his debate with Stephen Douglas is still referred to today.

Dr. Fuhrig’s talk was very interesting and definitely not boring in any sense of the word as everyone agreed.

songs, we started to say Auf Wiedersehen and realized that we had begun a friendship that would be so very nice to share with them; to tell the story of the Bruderhoff and our German heritage to the community here in S.W. Pennsylvania. I invited the whole community to visit our booth (if we get one), at the Fayette County Fair and to especially come to Hopwood for the Club’s first picnic on Saturday, September 13, 2008.

My sincerest hope is that we can enjoin with the Bruderhoff family to be more active with us and we with them.

Springfield Chapter “Fights” For Membership By: Annetta Young

Could you defend yourself? This was the question of the day, as members and friends of the Springfield, IL Chapter gathered at Progressive Kenpo Karate on April 12 for an all-ages Self Defense Class.

The class was a suggestion by 12 year old Life Member Austin Spa, who has been studying martial arts for over 3 years. “My Oma, Opa, Mom, and sister all go out alone. I thought a self defense class would be a fun, differ-

ent activity for the club.“ Spa, already an apprentice at the karate school, was thrilled to share his interest and talent with DANK. Led by Sensei Amy Giles, the group punched, elbowed, kicked, and hollered their way out of several attack situations, including firearms. Participants left with a better understanding of what to avoid, and renewed confidence in their ability to protect themselves. “Remain calm, alert, and focused,“ stated Ms. Giles. “Your brain is your best defense.”

Education Forum Dr. Ann Marie Fuhrig of the National Education Committee and coordinator the Adult Language Program simultaneously met with the language teachers of the Region. The purpose was to define our Chapter Language Programs and share ideas with each other. Most agreed that many adults only wish to learn what is commonly called “Traveler’s German” to give them the ability to use simplistic German such as the basic counting, sign directions, greetings, etc. allowing them to also hold a simple conversation. Whereas German I-IV is a structured program designed to learn the rules of grammar, read and converse in German and used more so by people who are seeking business advances.

They are working on a common course descriptions and syllabus for the programs. It was noted that the teachers progress at the students pace and that the courses continue as sessions rather than as the common semester with its outlined constraints.

The teachers will continue to work with Ann Marie on the course objectives, materials used and outlines to keep our Adult programs aligned.

er einzige Weg, einen Freund zu haben, ist der, selber einer zu sein.

he only way to have a good friend is to be one yourself.

Annette Austin.

Young

attacks

her

son,

Sensei Amy Giles and Austin Spa lead the Self Defense class.

ATTENTION DANK MEMBERS

We are proud to offer you a lapel pin that shows your heritage with the organization’s logo.

This attractive pin comes in two sizes: Men - Cost $6.00 (Large) Women - Cost $5.00 (Small) You may phone your order by calling our toll free number at: (866) 926-1109 or write/email to our National Office at dankoffice-info@yahoo.com

8

German-American Journal

June / July 2008

Sing-A-Long and “Gemütlichkeit” By: Christine Weiss South Bend Chapter #36

On March 22nd members and friends of D.A.N.K. met at Wiseguys Restaurant for a delightful and enjoyable evening. Each month, on every third Satur-

(Left to Right) Erika and Guenter Kison, Rudy and Trudy Muessig, and Annemarie Szulczyk.

day, Wiseguys has “German Night.” A German menu is offered featuring delicious Schnitzel auf Wiener Art, well seasoned Rouladen, Paprika Schnitzel and Sauerbraten. The Stammtisch is reserved for the D.A.N.K. members and for those people who come alone seeking some commradary. As German music is played over the loud speakers, and a glass of beer or wine along with some good food are shared with great company, the evening soon turns into a “gemütlicher Abend.”

On this particular Saturday we also had planned a sing-a-long. After dinner Patricia Nuyken set up her keyboard to accompany our singing. Our repertoire of songs included “Wo die Nordseewellen Rauschen”, “In Mainz am Schönen Rhein,“ and “Ich Hab Mein Herz in Heidelberg Verloren,” followed by some good old fashioned drinking songs.

Günter Kison, who comes from Hamburg and once was a carpenter, took the opportunity to do the “Carpenter Song.” Four people sit together in a square and clasp hands with their partner while singing the

(Left to Right) Ingrid Bradburn, Patricia Nuyken, Herman Nuyken and Guenter Kison.

“Carpenter Song.” It is always fun to watch!

Sadly every beginning has to have an end but I believe all of us had a great time and I’m sure we will do it again.

Greetings From Erie, PA By: Beverly Pochatko Erie, PA Chapter #71

of the program, helped us to dismantle and carried our things to our car. It was gratifying to know just how seriously the youth of today are trying to promote understanding between all peoples.

On May 21st, following the regular business meeting, Leo Gruber, Ph.D, an instructor in the Foreign language Department of Edinboro University, will give a talk on the Dueling Practice in German Universities. Dr. Gruber previously spoke on the “History of German Names and the Naming Practice”. His talks are very informative and are always well received by members and guests.

On June 7th, the Erie Männerchor Gesangverein is hosting a Sängerfest for choirs from the Pittsburgh District of the North American Sängerbund. They will be hosting 7-9 choirs from Pittsburgh, and New Castle, each of whom will perform and then all will join in singing massed numbers.

The evening starts out with a sit-down dinner, followed by the concert and then will enjoy the “Afterglow” in an evening of Gemütlichkeit.

The Gesangverein was originally started by the Erie DANK Chapter and although only 14 Schmidt Adoptees: (Left to Right) R. Thomas (Jacob) Schlaudecker, members, reprePatricia (Katarina) Allene (Gretchen) and Richard (Kurt) Kraus. sent the German community in singing at various senior retirement homes, assisted living and nursing homes.

Members are looking forward to their annual Family Picnic on July 16th and a Schmidt Familie Reunion at Mr. Carmel Picnic Grove.

Enjoy the beauty of (Left to Right) Bev Pochatko, Iulia Pop, Laura Jaskiewicz, and Fruehling!

Margaret Kodrzycki.

we do. On April 25th, Margaret Kodrzycki and Bev Pochatko set up a display on the Erie German Community at Joanna Connell School for the 8th grade Honors Student’s presentation “Open Your Mind to Tolerance”. Many ethnic groups including Buddhists, Asian, African Americans, Irish, Ukrainian, and Greek, to name a few, had very interesting displays.

The project of the students was in part to raise money for their trip to Washington DC and to promote understanding of the diversified culture that makes up the Erie Community.

Greeting us at the school entrance were our student hosts Iulia Pop and Laura Jaskiewicz,, who helped us carry in and set up our display. The young ladies, both of whom are immigrants, had questions for us and we also learned from their perceptions. Seeing to our needs, they made us comfortable and at the close

Spring is finally here, although we have experienced summer ahead of time reaching a high of 84 in mid-April! We have a saying in Erie that “you can experience all four seasons in one day in the spring“!

On April 16th, our Chapter celebrated the 19th Anniversary of its founding with a buffet dinner at the Erie Männerchor Club. Highlight of the evening was the “Familie Schmidt Adoptions” of four members, Dick (Kurt) and Allene (Gretchen) Kraus, Patricia (Katarina) Munz and Tom (Jacob) Schlaudecker. The ceremony was conducted by Margarete Kodrzycki. Each adoptee was presented with their own German Flag.

When the family song commenced, German born Fred Huttel Sr. came up and joined in the singing along with Margarete, Beverly (Klarissa) Pochatko and Charlotte (Eva) Chase to welcome the new family members.

Gemütlichkeit reigned! Plans are in the works for another adoption ceremony to take place at the closing of our German language classes for the summer, and (Left to Right) Allene (Gretchen Schmidt) and Richard (Kurt Schmidt) again in Octo- Kraus. ber as part of our German Heritage celebration.

Thanks to the Fox Valley “Familie Fritz” for sharing this fun activity with us. I wish that other Chapters would follow suit. If any are interested, contact us and we will be happy to share this with you!

Being able to Display on the Erie German Community at Joanna Connell School’s put on displays 8th grade “Open Your Mind to Tolerance” presentation. is a part of what

June / July 2008

German-American Journal

9

DANK South Celebrates a 2nd Frankfort German Heritage Day By: Nancy Moser Chicago South Chapter

German Heritage Day opening ceremony.

The DANK Chicago South & Suburban Chapter celebrated it’s second annual Frankfort German Heritage Day on Saturday, May 3, 2008, in conjunction with the Village of Frankfort and the Frankfort Park District.

Opening ceremonies started at 1:00pm with the singing of the national anthems of the United States and of Germany. Various dignitaries were on hand: Harold Pitts from DANK National/DANK West, Prinz Eric & Rheinhard Richter from Rheinisher Verein Chicago, Mayor Jim Holland of Frankfort and Camilla Engelhaupt, Representative from the German Consulate in Chicago.

President Joe Osterhout thanked the Village and Park District for promoting the German Heritage in Frankfort and Mayor Jim Holland thanked the DANK South organization for making this event possible.

We were pleased that later in the day DANK National President Bill Fuchs and Vice President Eric Wittman made a guest appearance at our event.

The steady flowing crowds enjoyed the exhibits and entertainment with good German food and drinks.

The doors were open from noon until 9:00pm.

Many purchases were made from vendors selling all kinds of German goods. Customers could buy hand painted Edelweiss purses from Cottage Creations, German Trachten from Ingrid’s, authentic German Oil Paintings from Beverly Art Studio, German candy and treats from RoseMarie’s and various novelty items from Novelty Trade.

Entertainment was provided by local area dance groups and bands. Die Perlen and Phenix Bands provided music for dancing, while Peter’s Alpine Horn and Cowbells provided music for young and old to en-

(Left to Right) Mayor and his wife; Jim and Stacy Holland, President of Dank South; Joe and Inge Osterhout welcoming guests.

(Left to Right) Prince and Princess, Stacy and Jim Holland (Mayor), DANK South president Joe Osterhout and wife Inge, and Rheinischer Verein von Chicago president Reinhard Richter.

joy. The American Aid Society Jugendgruppe and D’Lustigen Holzhacker Buam provided the dancing entertainment.

There are too many people to thank individually who made the whole event run smoothly and with much success. However, we would like to thank the team leaders from DANK South. Christine & Anita Walthier who organized & coordinated the event, Paula Malloy who ran and organized the kitchen with many other individuals, Wally Hartung who ran the bar, Joe & Inge Osterhout who coordinated the decorating as well as Marty Connelly who helped oversee the set-up. We would also like to thank those from DANK Fox Valley for their support and help.

There are not enough words to thank all for their time and dedication to make this event a success.

Maydance at Chicago-West By: Annelies Pitz Chicago West Chapter

After a one year hiatus DANK Chapter Chicago West held a Maydance again. This time the format was changed significantly. Instead of a buffet were people stood in line, we offered our guest a sitdown dinner at the beautiful Alpine Banquet Haus in Hillside, IL.

Numerous DANK chapters were in attendance.

We were especially pleased to welcome National President Bill Fuchs and his wife Darlene, prior National President Ernst Ott and his wife Alexandra, as well as previous National President Christa Garcia. All graced the affair by their presence. Other guests were Cobi Stein, President of DANK Region One; Herman Pigors and wife Dorothy, President of the Elmhurst Maennerchor; and Karl Heinz Bauer and Rose of the Egerlaender Group, made this a truly festive approach to this Maydance. Not to miss was our own Honorary President Siegfried Endlichhofer and wife Marianne.

The dinner included a delicious cream of mushroom soup, juicy roast beef, roast duck and schnitzel, accompanied with Bohemian sauerkraut and roasted potatoes. Of course dessert came later. We can report as far as calories intake was concerned, all guests got their fair share.

We greeted visitors from Germany, had a 22-year anniversary toast for Gisela and Siegfried Oelsner,

and a 29-year toast to Bill and Darlene Fuchs.

Entertainment was provided by the Perlen Band whose fast paced tunes were enjoyed by all. This time we tried our hand at a 50/50 raffle which was well received. All comments were most positive so that we will review options for another Maydance in 2009.

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German-American Journal

June / July 2008

Tour of German-American Sites at James Fort, Historic Jamestown Germans at Jamestown, 1607-1610

By: Gary Carl Grassl

Dr. Johannes Fleischer, Jr., from Breslau, Germany, was the only non-British in the first group of settlers, who landed in May 1607. As the first physician and the first university-educated botanist, he was one of the most educated persons at Jamestown during the 100 years it was the capital of Virginia.

Two unnamed Hessian glassmakers, who arrived in October 1608, produced trials of glass in James Fort. In the spring of 1609, they built a glasshouse 1 mile from James Fort.

An unknown number of German metallurgists performed experiments in James Fort.

We enter the National Park Service Visitors Center. Here a small exhibit correctly identifies the glassmakers as German.

From the Visitors Center we pass over the Pitch and Tar Swamp. Three Polish workers were brought to Jamestown in October 1608, to make pitch and tar, soap ashes and pot ashes. The pitch and tar was used to keep British ships afloat.

In the obelisk of 1907 are engraved the words “Jamestown, Virginia, The Birthplace Of The United States Of America.” This was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt at the 300th anniversary.

The church tower is considered the only structure remaining above ground from the period 1607 to c.

1700 when Jamestown was the capital of Virginia.

(However, the ruins of the German-built Glasshouse of 1609 on Glasshouse Point are also above ground.)

The current church building was erected on the foundations of an earlier church. In this the first General Assembly was held and American democracy was inaugurated.

German Copper For the aboriginals of Virginia, copper took the place of our gold. Copper saved the lives of the colonists during the first, crucial years because the Indians accepted it in exchange for food. Paramount Chief Powhatan probably refrained from wiping out the English in these vulnerable years because they could supply him with this highly desirable metal. Copper worn as ornaments indicated social rank, and it conferred eternal life if placed in the grave. Powhatan could also control his lesser chiefs by giving them copper. Most of this copper was German made.

Before we enter James Fort at its eastern bulwark, we look to our right at the site of a building archaeologists call the factory. It was situated just outside the original triangular palisades of the fort. It may have served as a trading post where the settlers could trade with the Indians without them entering the fort itself.

Besides glass trade beads, many scraps and trimmings from copper sheets were found in the factory. About 70 percent of this copper waste was from the Society of the Mines Royal; this was a German run, staffed and partially financed copper operation headquartered at Keswick in England’s Lake District (Cumberland).

This was the only copper-producing firm in England at this time.

The settlers cut some of this copper into square gorgets; native chiefs wore them on their chests as signs of rank. Other copper was rolled to form tubular beads. However, most of the copper waste was sent to Jamestown so that metallurgical experts could use it in tests. Some of these men were from the Society of the Mines Royal. They wanted to find out if this metal could be turned into brass by adding local zinc ores.

According to the Jamestown Landmark Organizing Committee, “a host of metals and minerals were processed, refined, and tested at Jamestown during the colony’s earliest years. Among Jamestown’s metalworking remains, archaeologists found evidence for copper-based metallurgy. Numerous triangular and beaker-shaped crucibles have been excavated and several samples contain copper residue.”

“The presence of German knowledge and skills is a signal feature of the English establishment of metallurgy in Virginia...” In the working of metals, “German technology and expertise” was employed. Metallurgical and related chemical experimentation was carried on from the beginning “under the direction of both English and German experts.”

Such trials may have been performed in the cellar of the northern third of the factory. Here a large fire place contained fire hot enough to partially melt the brick surfaces; it could have served to heat copper and zinc. The cellar may have been an open pit before a house was built on top. Here was also found a fragment of a glass alembic (a domed vessel used in distilling). This was part of a still to test for gold and other precious metals.

About 1% of the more than 700,000 objects catalogued by archaeologists at Jamestown so far bear words. More than 90% of these words are in German.

These words appear on Rechenpfennig made in Nürnberg. Scores of these counters were discovered in the factory. They were made for doing arithmetic on lined boards like an abacus. On one side is the name of the maker, such as “Hans Schultes Zu Nurnberg,” on the other, a saying in German, such as “Gottes Segen Macht Reich.” At Jamestown, some of these copper-alloy discs were used in trade with the indigenous people. With a hole punched in the jetons, they could be worn suspended from the neck.

The Glassmakers Visitors to Jamestown before 1994 were told that the Fort had been washed away by the James River.

Dr. William Kelso, however, thought that traces of the Fort might still be found on solid ground. One thing that made him think so were two Hessian glass-melting pots that had been found during the digging of a utility line c. 1935. One had been placed on top of the other to contain the heat; however, the melting glass had fused the two. Their sides were broken to extract the glass. Dr. Kelso began to dig near this site. Here he discovered a bulwark ditch; parallel to it ran a palisade trench. This constituted the eastern bulwark.

We stop before this bulwark moat. Hot slag left over from glass-melting operation had been poured into this ditch. Here Kelso also found debris from glass making such as cullet, fine river sand and broken Hessian glass-smelting pots, some with adhering glass. The bottom of one pot was stamped twice with the initials of Peter Töpfer Groβalmerode, a glass and ceramic center east of Kassel. These finds suggest

that the German glass-smelting operation was just inside the gate.

As we step through the gate, just inside on our left is a building archaeologists call the barracks. Over 7,000 fragments of English crown glass plus three bulls’ eyes were found in the cellar pit of this building; this cullet was added to the sand to speed up the glass-smelting process. Numerous Hessen crucible fragments, several with molten glass or slag were also found in this pit. This may have been the site of the glass-making trials conducted by the two Hessian glassmakers between c. October 1 and December 1, 1608. Since no signs of furnaces have been found, it is likely that the glassmakers used bellows to reach the 2000 degree Centigrade needed to melt sand. It also contained Nürnberg counters, copper scrap, brown stoneware from Frechen, stoneware from Raeren/ Westerwald and the upper half of a stoneware jug known as a Bartmann from Cologne or Frechen.

Dr. Johannes Fleischer, Jr. We walk toward the center of James Fort and look toward the bank of the James River.

Here Dr. Johannes Fleischer, Jr., stepped on land on May 14, 1607, with the very first English colonists.

He was the premier university-trained physician and botanist in English America. He arrived in the middle of a wilderness. The settlers lived in tents or pits. They were immediately attacked by neighboring Indians whose hunting grounds they had invaded.

Two settlers were killed and 11 wounded. The natives almost over whelmed the colonists, when one of the ships fired a rotating bar, which sent tree branches down on the Indians. Then they fled. The settlers spent the next three weeks erecting these palisades.

They built a three-sided fort, because this was quicker to complete.

We wonder how much time Fleischer found for his botanical search? Outside the Fort, he had to fear Indian arrows. Fleischer lived here for 15 months, and here is where he died. This may seem like a brief time; however, he outlived most of his companions.

Fewer than 40 of the original 105 settlers survived to the spring of 1608. When he died in mid-summer of 1608, he was a veteran. The three main causes of deaths were typhoid, dysentery and salt poisoning from drinking James River water.

The Glasshouse We leave Jamestown Island by vehicle and make a first left at the sign “The Glasshouse of 1608.” In the spring of 1609, the two Hessian glassmakers built three furnaces plus a kiln on the mainland 1 mile from James Fort. It was made of river cobbles collected along the James River. The ruins of the four ovens may be seen within an enclosure built by the National Park Service. In a nearby exhibition glasshouse, modern glassblowers may be observed using the same techniques as the Germans would have used.

June / July 2008

Jabs: 400 Years

German-American Journal

missionary for the Lutheran church throughout the eastern seaboard through much of the l8th century.

This German presence would be strengthened by Continued from page 1 such notables as the Muhlenbergs, who were active in both pastoral and political work, and notably during had even studied the War of Independence. Baron Von Steuben, on the under the great servant advice of Ben Franklin, came to the Colonies, and Reformation leader< due to his l5 year experience under King Frederick Philip Melanchthon, at in Prussia, knew the importance of discipline, Wiittenberg, and for a organization, and morale in the building of any kind time was a major Pastor of army. He was indispensable to George Washington in the Breslau area of in the struggle for American independence.

Germany. However, John Peter Zenger, as an editor of a New York young Fleischer lost paper, was a model of editorial prophetic judgment as both his father and he nurtured the seeds of journalistic freedom against mother in childhood, the oppression of the English monarchy. Zenger, is and was able to secure still held up as a model for responsible journalism. a superior education It is safe to say that the sinews of American primarily due to Dr. Albert E. Jabs progress was brought to together by the German the kindness of the American contributions in all fields. Lutheran leaders Lutheran community which his father had served. like Muhlenbergs, Bachman, The Henkels, Samuel This education which resulted in Fleischer earning Smucker, and C.F.W. Walther added health and both a doctorate in theology and a Ph.D in botany vibrancy to the emerging young American Republic. drove him to take the risk of faith, by going to England The revivals of both the l7th and l8th century were and making the journey to the new world. ignitions to move America, but it was the tenacity, the The first days and weeks at Jamestown were stamina, and the vision that the “Lord is my Shepherd” battlefield days of survival. Dysentery, and other of these Germans, Lutherans, Roman Catholics, and illnesses reduced the original colony to 40 from the other communions that put cement into the American l05 that had landed on the James River. Of course... experience. in a sense these folks from England were invading The American Republic has experienced conflict the lands of the American Indians, and conflicts and in its 400 history. Lutheran Germans, were one of the tragedy occurred in this area as well. Amazingly, the first to protest against the institution of slavery; yet, daughter of Powhatan, Pocahontas, was part of the there were some like the diversified and visionary, bridge to the visitors, married an Englishman, was Dr. John Bachman who growing up in the American converted, Baptized, and died in England at the age of South, embraced his territorial perspective; yet, 22. But her statue is there at Jamestown, for visitors he baptized African Americans, and also gave the to reflect on God’s mercy even in those early testing invocation at the Secessionist meetings in Columbia. days.

He cast his lot for the wrong cause, yet, he had an Yes, in addition to the challenge of the American enduring influence. Dr. Bachman, who lived from Indians, there was a struggle with building living l790 to l874, was blessed to be a vital force in the quarters, planting crops, and surviving under drought establishment of many institutions in South Carolina, conditions; yet, in all of this the Lutheran German but in his latter years would be subject to abuse and Fleisher, served to be a kind of healer and renewing sorrow by the invading Northern troops. presence. Although, Dr. Fleischer himself, would In spending the entire weekend here in the eventually succumb in l608...but his presence and Jamestown area of Virginia, and being part of the work in the first permanent human settlement has Society for German-American Studies Symposium, been thoroughly documented. we were privileged and blessed to hear a notable Ambassador Scharioth, also gave a dedication message by Ambassador Scharioth, of the Federal of the Glass House, which told about German tradesmen who organized a small cottage industry to produce glass wares. Located along the beautiful James River, the location can be reached by a very scenic walkway through shrubs and trees.

The fact that this unequivocal Lutheran German presence has been historically documented, but paradoxically ignored by historiographers represents an egregious historical omission. The German American presence has been a historical fact for 400 years in both peace and war. In fact, there is also additional evidence that there was a German presence back in the l6th century. This long history of German contributions was also well established when the German leader, Francis Pastorius led a colony of Germans to settle in around Germantown, Pennsylvania in l683. Pastorius “The Landing at Jamestown” and his Mennonite families wee among the first Lutheran immigrants to signal their Republic of Germany. After reviewing the historical opposition to slavery. buildings he paid tribute to the courage of those early Soon William Penn’s colony mushroomed with pioneers of l607 and l608, including Dr. Fleischer, further German settlements that also moved south who labored and died for the cause of building the along the Shenandoah into the Middle Atlantic foundations of what was uniquely referred to as a land states and the Carolinas. When the Reverend Henry of opportunity right up to the 43 million of present Muhlenberg arrived in Charleston during the early l8th day Americans, who claim some roots within the century, he immediately recognized that slavery would German experience. reap a punishment on the new nation. Muhlenberg, a Lutheran Hour Speaker, Walter Maier, and others Lutheran minister out of Halle, Germany, was a tireless

11

who came out of the Missouri Lutheran experience in St. Louis, also played significant roles in forming responsible visions of what American ought to be whether in peace time or in the testing of war.

Both legendary, Oswald Hoffman, and the current Lutheran Hour Speaker, Ken Klaus, were and are key communication leaders in the Lutheran church started

by C. F. W. Walther…and still represent a key living legacy of Lutheran responses to both war and peace.

It is both critical and crucial to grasp the salient fact that these United States were given birth my men and women who overcame dauntless challenges of body and soul. To read the artifacts, and monuments at Jamestown, is to see and feel the indebtedness of these early pioneers to God’s mercy and kindness; it is written all over the memorials and the Cross of Jesus Christ, is right in the middle of Jamestown, and so it is historically honest to confess that fact, even in a pluralistic society of contemporary America.

Being blessed to have been a professor of American history and world civilizations, and to have taught such subjects both in the United States and abroad, I am absolutely convinced that this nation must return to the study of this early history, and see the connections of those excluded like Dr. Johannes Fleischer, up to the lynching of German American, Robert Prager (April 3, l9l8), to the exclusion of Eberhard Fuhr, and the l4,000 German Americans who were incarcerated during WW II; ; unjustly, imprisoned, these German Americans were later exonerated, national commissions agreed.It is hoped that recognition is given concerning this fact; but no reparations are desired.

It is the hope that today’s Congress would finally recognize the journey of incarcerated German Americans during WW II; frankly, it should be the goal of all Americans.

For these United States, at its best, has attempted to be fair in both justice and mercy. Yes, exclusion was done in keeping the German presence out of the Americana history books, as well as similar exclusions practiced against native American Indians, African Americans, other immigrant groups, and women. Yet, in the total view, right up to the present day, America has been blessed by the Creator, and this nation must see these gifts as blessings, and the continual task is to make real the promise of America.

The visit to Jamestown for these past several days in April, 2008, has clearly demonstrated that America’s best interests are served both locally and globally, when the Good Shepherd’s Light is the guiding force in all things both secular and sacred.

Finally, on Sunday, the entire German American community was invited to attend a bi-lingual Gottesdienst and English service held at King of Glory Lutheran Church held in Jamestown. This was not only perhaps a once in a 400 year stretch, that is a historical event, but according to Dr. Martin Luther, would be a kind of “Paltzregen” event, that is another merciful event given to the local, as well as national and international Lutheran Germans who came to give praise, to give thanks, to the Lord of the church and history itself.

Following the dynamic sermon, the words of welcome in both German and English by Pastors George Lobien, Arthur Hanson, and Warren Winterhoff.. Talented soloist, Elfriede Morrison, rendered beautiful songs in both German and English.

The congregation heard the final prayers by Pastor Winterhoff, who reflected the thanks of the all the people present that the Lord of trhe church established the early Jamestown settlement and that its lessons are still appropriate for the Sermon text taking out of John l4…”I am the way, the truth and the life.

12

German-American Journal

June / July 2008

Teacher Meeting in Pittsburgh April 26 By: Dr. Anne Marie Fuhrig

A meeting of teachers of German was scheduled to be held in Pittsburgh parallel to the Region 2 business meeting on April 26 at 11 a.m. Erna Jochum of Bridgeville, Ernst Jung of Uniontown, Margarete Kodrezycky of Erie, Elizabeth Laube of Jefferson Hills and Virginia Sikora of Brownsville, along with Beverly Pochatko of Erie, met to discuss possible cooperation on the teaching of German to adults. Two Erie teachers were unable to attend, Rein Lippert and Chris Decker.

Under the guidance of Dr. Anne Marie Fuhrig for the D.A.N.K. Education Committee, the group began by comparing the amount of work they do with their groups. Along with that, they looked at the descriptions of content and outcomes for classes in grade school, high school and college that are continuing

levels. This comparison showed that their students typically want to learn German phrases for travel, i.e. are not that ambitious. There was quick agreement that the term “Travel German-I” could be appropriate for their courses. The group then proceeded to outline content and goals for a typical “Beginning” class defined with the understanding that it can be repeated multiple times (see below). There was agreement that the class should meet once a week for a minimum of 12 weeks each semester and that any non-teaching experiences, such as ethnic events, should not count as class meetings. There was less agreement on whether these should be two-hour classes. It was also not agreed if a standard description and joint advertising through D.A.N.K. would be helpful.

Some participants also wanted to define content and outcome for a course to be called “German II.” However in many cases such a continuation, seems

to not be a class, but rather individual instruction tailored to the particular needs of each student. Examples ranged from heritage speakers in need of formal skills, to adult business men needing to function in a firm in Germany. This topic needs to be revisited.

Ms. Fuhrig also shared with the group the new level definitions and testing that allow students to continue their learning, even if they move between schools and link German to the other European languages in the “Gemeinsame Europaeische Referenzrahmen” or Common European Reference Framework. It was agreed that the write-up below of the possible description for “Travel German-I” and a list of texts to be used, would be shared with the group for review and that another meeting will be scheduled to address additional issues.

National Board Member Profile: PRESIDENT WILLIAM FUCHS This is a new series in which we would like to introduce to the membership the various members of our national board. The board consists of the elected board (President, two VP’s, Secretary and Treasurer) along with two representatives from each of the three regions of our organization. We hope that you will enjoy these articles which are intended to familiarize our members with the Organization’s leadership.

By: William Fuchs DANK National President

DANK National President Bill Fuchs was born in Gelsenkirchen, near Essen and Düsseldorf in the Ruhr Valley of Germany in 1953. During his childhood he saw many changes in his environment as Germany went through a postwar transformation from ruins to the “Economic Wonder” years of the 1960’s. His parents had various family ties in the United States and in 1966 decided to immigrate to the United States.

Quite an exciting time at 13 years of age and his flight to America would change his life and ambitions forever.

The family settled in the Chicago area living in towns like St. Charles, Winfield and West Chicago.

Bill’s sister Helga, who moved to the US in 1958, was already involved in DANK as a member of the Elgin chapter. She was a beautician and did many of the chapter’s women’s hair so when the Aurora chapter was formed as an outgrowth of the Elgin chapter in 1967, Bill and his parents already had met many of the founding members who happened to be her clients.

As time went on, these clients became family friends. DANK events where important functions in his family’s life, as they provided a time to share in the

familiar customs and traditions of the old world. At the time the flight program also was an important function of DANK, providing an economical and fun way to visit family back home in Germany.

Bill met his wife, Darlene in the early 70’s, and since she had just moved back to the US after living in Germany for five years, she often joined Bill and his family at many DANK functions.

There was a real family feel at the club and folks would often get together socially, even outside of club functions.

One set of family friends that had many of these social gatherings at their house (along the Fox River in St. Charles, Illinois) was Thea and Bud Abbott. They became an influential force in getting Bill and Darlene involved in chapter work. After Bill returned from college, had married Darlene, started a family and began a career as an airline pilot, Thea and Bud approached them in 1986 and said that the old friends at DANK Aurora would really like to have them involved on the board. At the election meeting that fall, Bill’s executive journey at DANK began. Both Bill and his wife were voted in as board members and Thea Abbott was voted in as Chapter President, with Bill as first VicePresident.

Almost immediately there was a

transformation at the chapter with the creation of a newsletter and the addition of new members that were friends of Bill and Darlene. New ideas were acted upon and chapter dances like Karneval, Maitanz and Oktoberfest became events that drew more and more crowds because of the innovative programs.

After five years as VP, Bill was voted in as Chapter President, a post he held for 13 more years. His wife, Darlene was chapter VP during many of those years. During this time many changes occurred, including an increase of membership from a low of 83 in 1986 to over 400 members. The Elgin chapter was eventually merged into the Aurora chapter and the name was changed to DANK Fox Valley.

Bill continued to put out the chapter newsletter, created a chapter website and worked together with his board and the South Elgin chamber of commerce to create the successful Fox Valley Oktoberfest.

Over the last fourteen years Bill was also involved on the membership and technology committees on the national board helping set up new computers and database programs in the office and redesigning/mastering the dank.org website. Before becoming DANK’s National President, Bill also served as Vice-President on the National Board for four years.

Bill currently is a captain for Northwest Airlines flying the Airbus A-330, a 300 passenger wide body aircraft, to both Europe and Asia. His trips frequently take him to Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam and London in Europe and Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Seoul, Bombay and Beijing in Asia. Bill and Darlene have a daughter and son, both in their 20’s and out of college who helped out at many chapter functions as they grew up. Christina and Stephen were familiar faces at dances, festivals and parades, along with their friends Andrea and Christopher Haupt. Christina is now married and works as a pediatric nurse practitioner in Aurora, Illinois while Stephen just graduated from Columbia College in Chicago with a degree in Film and Video Editing.

June / July 2008

German-American Journal

13

“German Chocolate Cake” Fact or Fiction?

By: Darlene Fuchs

Many of my friends and colleagues over the years have questioned the absence of “German Chocolate Cake” at the many German events they attend. I would like to once and for-all quell the misconception that this cake has anything to do with Germans.

In 1780 Dr. John Baker began producing solid cakes of chocolate, used for making sweetened chocolate drinks, in Massachusetts. By 1849, sales of Baker’s Chocolate had spread from the Northeastern United States all the way to California, during the United States Gold Rush. Only one kind of chocolate was sold until 1852 when employee Samuel German, an American, created a mild dark chocolate higher in sugar content. This chocolate was called “German’s Sweet Chocolate,” in honor of the inventor.

In 1957 the first published recipe for German’s chocolate cake, submitted by a Texas homemaker, showed up in a Dallas newspaper. It quickly gained popularity as Americans fell in love with this rich mouthwatering cake containing “German’s Sweet Chocolate” covered with a coconut and pecan frosting. In most recipes the apostrophe and the “s” have been dropped, thus giving a false illusion of the chocolate cake’s origin.

Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Ready In: 1 Hour Yields: 12 servings INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup water 4 (1 oz.) squares German’s

sweet chocolate 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups white sugar 4 egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup buttermilk 2 1/2 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 egg whites

FILLING & TOPPING 1-1/2 cup white sugar 1-1/2 cup evaporated milk 1 cup butter 4 egg yolks, beaten 2 cups flaked coconut - toasted 2 cup chopped pecans - toasted 2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon shortening 1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 3 - 9 inch round pans. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a small saucepan, heat water and 4 ounces chocolate until melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool 2. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 4 egg yolks one at a time. Blend in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing just until incorporated.I 3. In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter, then quickly fold in remaining whites until no streaks remain.

4. Pour into 3 - 9 inch pans Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto wire rack.

5. To make the Filling/topping: In a saucepan combine 1-1/2 cup sugar, evaporated milk,1 cup butter, and 4 egg yolks. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat.

Stir in toasted coconut, toasted pecans and vanilla. Cool until thick enough to spread.

6. Spread filling between layers and on top of cake. In a small saucepan, melt shortening and 1 ounce of chocolate. Stir until smooth and drizzle down the sides of the cake.

Behind The Scenes at German Fest By: Harald D. Pitz

Thousands of Germans and Americans of German descent have one destination in mind the last weekend in July. It has been this way for almost three decades.

Today, I am trying to answer some of the many questions friends and festival goers have talked about.

In 1980 Milwaukee Major, Henry J, Maier, challenged local German organizations to consider launching a festival of ethnic German pride, just as other groups in Milwaukee had undertaken in recent years.

Thus motivated, German leaders such as Walter Geissler, Rolf Hoffmann, Kaspar Peter, Tony Saladi and Marianne Trivalos volunteered and started the original festival. German Fest was incorporated in 1981 despite many obstacles, but the enthusiasm by the founders overcame them all. The purpose, as stated in the proclamation from the Council to the City of Milwaukee stated: “To promote German culture, ethnic awareness, dress and customs, and German heritage”. The buzz word for 1981 was “Gemütlichkeit.”

It is indeed hard to visualize the setup and removal

of props for the Fest. Forklift drivers haul containers full of equipment needed for the four day event to Maier Park. The layout has been perfected, so that each container winds up at its proper location for unloading. Keep in mind, that starting Tuesday morning (when the previous festival closes) until opening day, volunteers need to get the place in order. It is not just for the banners and flags or the electrical components, but also pots and pans, fryers and stoves required to make this a success. Manpower requirements call for up to 75 directors and volunteers to offer their help.

Naturally, on closing day the process is reversed. All equipment must be off the grounds by 4:00PM on Monday.

Each year the German Fest studies which bands to hire for the many stages. Some bands elect to appear every other year while others look forward to yearly appearances. It is not easy to hire international entertainment from Austria, Germany and Switzerland which have appeared over the years. Management relies in some part on recommendations and suggestions from bands performing currently in Milwaukee,

WI. This year Edith Prock,Yodlerin from Munich, will be back. Singer “Anton aus Tirol” will be a new edition, as will be “The Schmalzer.” Do not forget all of our local bands who add so much “Stimmung” for thousands of visitors All eight stages will feature continuous entertainment.

Food vendors, which have made the Fest what it is, are all back again this year. For this year new food items have been added. Some are a Strawberry Roll, White Chocolate Mousse and Marzipan; others include Bread Dumplings and a specialty from Munich “Soft Pretzels.” Food vendors are selected and approved by the Board of Directors. Usually there are many morecandidates than needed. Inspectors from both Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin are on site to assure cleanliness, proper temperature control and weight certification. So we can all relax and enjoy the foods offered.

The selection of merchandise vendors is controlled by an Outside Vendors Committee. Applications are given to the Board for their approval. They usually pay a base rate plus a percentage of their total sales.

This year German Fest will also feature special exhibits from the Auswanderung’s Museums in both Bremen and Hamburg.

Do not forget there the daily parades on the Festival grounds. Tentatively fireworks are planned for Sunday this year but plans have not been finalized.

Up to 3,000 volunteers are required, in addition to 6 per shift in the office and as many as 9 per shift at the Information Booths. Compensation for these volunteers occurs after all the bills are paid with a distinctive share going to the individual organizations that furnish the volunteers.

Thursday, July 25, 2008 will mark the twenty-seventh year the festival will open when the army of volunteers takes to their posts to once again serve, as well as entertain the thousands of guests.

Will the weather gods guarantee us super weather? Let’s say a little prayer!

German Fest hopes to see and greet the many friends and visitors. In closing, we would like to thank Mr. John Schaefer, V.P. of Advertising and Promotions, for his help to answer the questions so many of you have asked in the past.

14

German-American Journal

June / July 2008

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY 2008 31

DANK Chapter South Bend, Campfire Party at Kison’s – 6 PM, 63620 Maple Rd., South Bend, IN

31

German-American Club Gesangverein, Louisville, KY, Bier Garten 5-10PM

JUNE 2008

7

DANK Chapter Pittsburgh, Genealogy Group Meeting, 1 – 4 PM

17

13/14

American/Schleswig-Holstein Heritage Society, Walcott, IA, LowGerman conference in the Probstei, SchleswigHolstein

28/29

14

DANK Chapter Lake County, IL. Motorcoach Day Trip Summer Getaway!

Destination: Starved Rock State Park.

For information please: 847-234-3920

14

Cole Camp, MO 17th Annual SaengerDANK Chapter Pittsburgh, 12 day fest, German choirs from St.Louis, 29-July 11 Kansas City, Tulsa and Cole Camp. For Cruise to Mediterranean Information call: 660-668-3157

6

DANK Chapter Benton Harbor, MI, Fish Fry 6-8 PM

14

Craft/Vendor Fair in Frankfort, IL, 8 AM – 3 PM. Contact Terry: 815-735-2163

7

Germanfest in Fort Wayne, IN, Time & Cost TBA

15

DANK Chapter Chicago West, Board Meeting

29

DANK Chapter Pittsburgh, Board Meeting, 7 PM, Carnegie, PA DANK Chapter Benton Harbor, Concertina Weekend12-10PM

DANK Chapter Lake County, Participation in Waukegan’s 4th of July Parade

JULY 2008 25-27

The Annual German Fest in Milwaukee,Wisconsin

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Austermann, Christopher Bauer, Carol Bauer, Meta Bayne, Daniel Breakwell, Robert, L. Buhler, Carol Buhler, Guenther C. Buhler, Maximilian Franke, Gerold Franke, Stephanie Gabriel, Peter Grabmayr, Franz

Harfmann, Katharina N. Heinzelman, David James, Bill James, Kay Keenan, Joanne J. Krause, Paul H. Krugler, Barbara Krugler, Helen Love, Ursula E. Love, William F. Matheis, Bonnie Maxwell, Joschka L.

WHAT’S COOKING?

Fill in the attached form and send it with your Support our national membership activities by check made out to DANK - Membership Fund

purchasing a German Life Cookbook.

DANK is joining with the people of the German Life Magazine to bring you this collection oftasteful rememberances. Allow taste and aroma to transport you to Germany as you read and try the many recipes of our culinary heritage. You may find that forgotten dish your GroBmutter cooked in years gone by.

Just $10 plus $4 shipping will add this collection of traditional Germanrecipes to your kitchen. The book is also available through many DANK chapters and our National Office.

Name ______________________________ Address ____________________________ City_____________ State____ Zip______ Amount enclosed $_____ # of books____ Please remit this order form and check to: DANK EXECUTIVE OFFICE 4740 N. Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60625-2097 Attention: Cookbook Orders

Maxwell, Niles Justin Maxwell, Viktor Yanik Nimkar, Ajita Vijay O’Brien, Barbara O’Brien, Pat Pappas, Maria Poeschel, Carl Randall, Carolyn Randall, Richard Seestadt, Connor Lewis Strazzabosco, Isabella

June / July 2008

German-American Journal

15

Sudoku Challenge To solve, each square in the grid must contain a number between 1 & 9.

• Each row must contain the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once.

• Each column must contain the numbers from 1 to 9 once and only once.

• All nine 3x3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9 once and only once.

I have determined that in order to live healthy I must immediately give up the stress of school.

100 Years DANK West Chapter’s oldest member, Mrs. Meta Bauer, celebrated her 101st birthday on April 16, 2008. Meta was born in Schweinfurt, Bavaria and immigrated to the US in the early thirties. Members of the chapter surprised her at Bethseda Nursing home with a special cake that she enjoyed tremendously.

Adolph Rom, 88

Died on Monday, April 21, 2008 after a short illness. He became a DANK member on January 1, 1959 and was one of the founding fathers.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Ruth Coleman

A member of DANK Springfield since October 1, 1985 passed away.

We wish her family and friends well. A memorial in her name will be established by the Springfield chapter.

Answer

THE FIRST MOON LANDING MEDALLION Industrious men and women of German descent have played an important role in making the United States the great country it is today. In tribute to both nations, the German-American National Congress, Inc., is issuing a medal commemorating the progress and contributions of outstanding Germans and GermanAmericans here and throughout the world.

This medal honors three men of German extraction who contributed immeasurably to America’s achievements in space: Willy Ley, whose writings inspired a generation of young Americans to regard space as a frontier of their time; Dr. Hermann Oberth, a pioneer in the field of rocket propulsion, and Dr. Wernher von Braun, whose concepts convinced President Kennedy that America should direct its space program toward the goal of landing men on the moon.

The reverse of this medal commemorates the first actual moon landing, which took place on July 20, 1969.

This medal is designed and produced by The Franklin Mint, the world’s largest and foremost private mint. It is available only through the German-American National Congress, Inc. Measuring 39mm in diameter, the “Pioneers of Space and Rocketry” commemorative is available in solid bronze at $25 each.

German-American National Congress, Inc. 4740 North Western Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60625 My check or money order is enclosed for: ____ 39mm Solid Bronze Medallions (Mint Finish) @ $25 each ……………………….. ..$_______ qty NAME _______________________________ STREET ______________________________ CITY _________________________________ STATE ____________________ ZIP _______ *Illinois residents add 5% sales tax

16

German-American Journal

June / July 2008

EURO LLOYD TRAVEL Announcing a special service for members of the German American National Congress **Low discounted airfares from major cities in the USA to major cities in Europe and beyone on scheduled airlines. Also, domestic airfares. **European Railpasses (Eurail, German Rail and many others) plus single rail tickets and reservations. **Car rentals with special low dollar rates in most European contries. **Cruise in the Caribbean, Alaska, Orient, Mediterranean and North Cape on all major cruise lines. Worldwide tours - independent, hosted and fully escorted.

When calling, you MUST identify yourself as a DANK Member. Rates are subject to availability and change. Several more rate categories are available at higher prices should these not be available. Sale prices offered when available.

SPECIAL FARES TO GERMANY from Chicago.

Chicago prices starting from, PLUS TAX:

Office: A Fresh Start Continued from page 1

Mar 21 - May 17, 2008 May 18 - Jun 24, 2008 Jun 25 - Sep 09, 2008 Sep 10 - Oct 28, 2008 Oct 29 - Dec 13, 2008 Dec 14 - Dec 24, 2008 Dec 25, 2008 - Mar 20, 2009

$718 $1192 $1142 $758 $472 $768 $480

To above rates, add Taxes and $25 for Weekend Surcharge for travel Friday, Saturday, or Sunday each way.

Unpublished sale specials may also be available on different airlines at time of request.

Other US departure rates as well as multiple airlines are available.

Rates are subject to change at any time.

the office was emptied out. Walls were wiped down, windows washed, and by days end the dirt from over 20 years had been removed.

On Friday May 2nd, the new carpet was installed and after some Advil, part of the crew was back on Friday afternoon to physically move the new furniture in.

Thanks to Charlie Bills and the Fuchs clan the office was filled with furniture by days end. Oh what a joy it was to see a clean and professional looking office all decked out with medium oak furniture and complimenting grey carpet.

Saturday morning, May 3rd fresh blood in the form of Erik Wittmann, National vice president, arrived from Pittsburgh to lend a hand. For the next two days there was a buzz in the air. As Al Mueller completed the wall reconstruction trim and paint work the rest of the crew helped by sorting through papers, hanging curtains, placing and connecting equipment, and then a final cleaning so that Eva would have a working office on Monday morning.

Without the help of the few dedicated members, the task would have been insurmountable but together we were able to achieve the extraordinary. So next time you visit Lincoln and Western Avenues stop by at DANK National, say hi to Eva and take a peek at her new surroundings. We are sure you will experience a new sense of pride in your National office.

Audrey L. Hess-Eberle EURO LLOYD TRAVEL GROUP Partner of Lufthansa City Center 309 West Washington St. Suite 1225 Chicago, Illinois 60606

Call now for information: 1-800 572-3149 or 1-312-332-0090 Visit us at: www.eurolloyd.com

(Back Row) Left-Right: Erich Wittman, Stephen Fuchs. (Middle Row) Left-Right: William Fuchs, Darlene Fuchs, Regina Kania, Dave Fairbrother. (Front) Eva Timmerhaus.

(Left to Right) Al Mueller, Eva Timmerhaus, William Fuchs, Stephen Fuchs.

(Left to Right) William Fuchs, Regina Kania, Dave Fairbrother, Darlene Fuchs.

(Left to Right) Charlie Bills, Stephen Fuchs, William Fuchs.

(Left to Right) Stephen Fuchs, Dave Fairbrother, Regina Kania.

Ron Zielinski with a few pieces of furniture his company, American Licorice donated.

National President, William Fuchs, in his remodeled presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office.