Es Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch Eck

By: e Late C. Richard Beam

(Originally published in the November 27, 1985 issue of The Shopping News)

Der Danksdaag

By Onkel Yarick (Nooch em Englisch)

Iwwer der Rewwer un darich der Busch, Zu em Grossvadders Haus wolle geh! Der Gaul wees der Weg Unne Ausgeleg, Darish der weiss, geblose Schnee.

Iwwer der Rewwer un darich der Busch, Oh, wiedich bloost der Wind!

Naas, Zeh un Ohre, Sin ball verfrore, Wie iwwer der Bodde mer schinnt.

Iwwer der Rewwer un darich der Busch, Mir gehn uns gut blessiere!

Harich, die BelleScheen duhn sie gnelle, Den Dankdaags harlich schpatziere.

Iwwer der Rewwer un darich der Busch, Geh schtarig, mei Dappelgroh! Schpring iwwer der Grund Wie en Yaageshund.

Fer des is der Dankdaag, froh!

Iwwer der Rewwer un darich der Busch, Darich Scheierhofdor un Gaarde! Es kummt mir vor, S waer en langsam GfaahrEs is so hatt zu waarde!

Iwwer der Rewwer un darich der Busch, Die Grossmammi Kopp mir blicke! Gschpass un UffruhrIs der Puddin gaar?

Karbse Boi! Geb mir nein Schticke! ***

Over the river and into the woods, To Grandfather’s house we go! The horse knows the way Without instructions, Through the white, blown snow.

Over the river and into the woods, Oh, fiercely blows the wind! Nose, toes and ears, Will soon be frozen, As we slide over the ground.

Over the river and into the woods, We’re going to enjoy ourselves!

Listen, the bellsHow lovely they sound, A wonderful Thanksgiving ride.

Over the river and into the woods, Run swiftly, my dapple­gray!

Jump across the earth Like a hunting dog, For this is happy Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and into the woods, Through barnyard gate and garden! It seems to me,

It’s a slow trip ­

It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and into the woods, Grandmother’s head we can see!

Fun and excitement ­

Is the puddin’ ready?

Pumpkin pie! Nine pieces, please! ***

This week we raise our spry Deitscher Schtrohhut in salute to Eddie Charles of Middleburg in Snyder County, who graciously is sharing with us the dialect columns of his late father, W. Edwin Charles, who was at the time of his death, the owner and editor of the Middleburg POST. William Edwin Charles was born in Union Township, Snyder County, on September 28, 1870. He died at the age of 62 on June 7, 1933, in Middleburg, Snyder County. From 1909 to 1922, he served as the Register and Recorder of Snyder County. In 1925, he and another gentleman began a job printing business; in 1928, this business merged with the Middleburg Post Company. Mr. Charles was the editor of the POST from 1928 to 1933. It was during these years that he wrote and published his ONKEL YARICK columns in the POST. This Dutch version of “Over The River And Into The Woods” in a Thanksgiving setting appeared on November 8, 1928.

W. Edwin Charles was a close friend of Colonel T.H. Harter, who became famous as “Gottleib Boonastiel.” “Boonastiel” died on May 31, 1933 and “Onkel Yarick” on June 7, 1933. With the kind permission of Eddie Charles we plan to dip into the ONKEL YARICK columns from time to time.

We hope Der Danksdaag will contribute to the enjoyment of your Thanksgiving holiday.

November 27, 1985

En dankbaar Bischli-Gnippli