LACS Gazette - October 2015

FALL 2015 | VOL. 10 | NO. 3

GAZETTE LUXEMBOURG AMERICAN

Under the High Patronage of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg

By Fausto Gardini

Luxemburger Independent Club of Aurora, Kane County, Illinois Luxemburger Wort, Tuesday, June 3, 18901 - On May 10, following an appeal, Luxembourgers in Aurora and the surrounding community came together to take steps toward establishing a Luxembourger Club. About 120 men showed up.

After a few words by one of the initiators, John Biever from Beaufort was elected temporary chairman and Mr. Ph. Johns from Bettendorf as the secretary. After a short speech by the president it was decided to set up a ‘Luxembourger Club’ patterned after the ‘Luxembourger Club’ of Chicago. Then, a constitution committee was appointed, consisting of the following gentlemen: John Olinger, J. Meisch, Ph. Johns, J. P. May and P. M. Weber. A list of those interested in joining the club tallied 108 men.

Back in Luxembourg, that is how one would have learned about the Aurora club project. The charter of incorporation was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State on June 17, 1890. The official name of the corporation on file is Luxemburger Independent Club. The club’s objective was recorded as: Promotion of social, musical and vocal entertainment and to bury their dead members. The nine directors are identified as: Peter Weiland, President; John Biever, Vice-President; John Olinger, Treasurer; Michael Lies, Financial Secretary; Phil Johns, Recording Secretary; Jacob Dickes, Mat. Hartz and J. P. May, Trustees; John Michels, Marshal.

1890-2015 In the early and mid-nineteenth centuries Luxembourgers who settled in the United States were mainly farmers and day laborers. The first settlers from Luxembourg in the Aurora area came from the Echternach area. Phillip Jungels, wife Margaret and son William from Waldbillig immigrated in 1850. Brothers George and John Jungels soon followed. As word got back to Luxembourg about Aurora, many more were encouraged to cross the Atlantic, joining former neighbors and friends. In the later decades of the century, the number of tradesmen emigrating from Luxembourg grew, with Aurora, Kane County as their destination. The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) operated a depot and yard there and their shops were starved for cabinet makers, carpenters, molders, boiler makers and other skilled workers. Mike Biever, Peter Continued on Page 4 >>

Luxembourg American Cultural Center 100 Peter Thein Avenue P.O. Box 157 Belgium, WI 53004-0157, USA Phone: 262.476.5086 | Fax: 262.476.5087 Email: admin@luxamculturalsociety.org Web: www.lacs.lu

Cultural Center hours: Wednesday /Thursday/ Friday: 10am–4pm Saturdays (1st and 3rd): 1–4pm Also by appointment Groups are welcome!

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Moien!

LUXEMBOURG AMERICAN CULTURAL SOCIETY, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Jim Michels – Chairman Aurora, Illinois Jim Birnbaum – 1st Vice-Chair La Crosse, Wisconsin

As you can imagine, it is extremely exciting for me to write my first letter for the Gazette as Executive Director of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society! I know that this is the best, most personally rewarding job I will ever have… and I plan to make the most of it!

Ethan Hastert – 2nd Vice-Chair Chicago, Illinois

My ancestor Nicholas Jacoby left Luxembourg in 1847 with his wife Maria Hengel, His Brother–in-law Peter Hengel and four children. When they finally arrived in Belgium, Wisconsin Nicholas Jacoby and Peter Hengel bought adjoining farms outside of Dacada. They bought that land, not from any individual owner, but from the United States of America.

DIRECTORS Marc Angel Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

My Father was one of an unbroken line of Jacoby’s who grew up on that land. He now owns the log house that Peter Hengel built in 1853. This is the home where my brother and I were raised and lived next to my grandparents John Jacoby and Mildred Schneider. My grandparents were humble and kind people who proudly lived a life of hard work and faith.

They spoke the Lëtzebuergesch of 1840’s as passed down through their parents.

My grandparents farmed as Luxembourgers, they worshiped as Luxembourgers, ate the food of Luxembourgers and they helped to raise me as a Luxembourger. They were active members of their community of Luxembourgers - now I am the leader of an international community of Luxembourgers. This is very important to me, and I take this responsibility seriously.

The 2015 Annual Fund is underway, I will be leading a group of 35 people on the “Luxembourg Before Christmas” tour at the end of November, and the Cultural Center will again be a part of the European Christmas Celebration on Saturday, December 5th in Belgium, WI. This is certainly a dynamic and engaging place to be!

I look forward to an exciting 2016, with a focus on: • Continuing to grow membership • Our 30th Annual Luxembourg Fest • Establishing more connections between members using affinity groups • Continuing to help those interested claim their Dual Citizenship • Assisting new Luxembourg citizens in the U.S. make connections to support them in their new nationality I believe if we concentrate on relationship building, and establish programing that is meaningful to our members, we will be able to accomplish many worthwhile things that we will be proud of for years to come. In that spirit, I encourage anyone with questions about, or suggestions for, the LACS to call or email me personally. I am always excited to hear your ideas for helping grow our Society.

Warm regards,

Mike Ansay – Secretary Port Washington, Wisconsin Edward Zapp – Treasurer St. Cloud, Minnesota

Steve Befort St. Paul, Minnesota Jay Binsfeld Phoenix, Arizona Pierre Biwer Los Angeles, California Allen Buchholz Cedarburg, Wisconsin Jean Calmes Naples, Florida & Luxembourg City, Luxembourg Georges Calteux Echternach, Luxembourg Lloyd Croatt – Chairman Emeritus Milwaukee, Wisconsin René Daubenfeld Surre & Boulaide, Luxembourg Guy Dockendorf Diekirch, Luxembourg Jean Ensch Strassen, Luxembourg Michel Franck New York, New York Fausto Gardini Jacksonville, Florida Donald Hansen Estero, Florida Linda Heinz Wheeling, Illinois Karen Jasper Fort Worth, Texas Robert Johanns Tétange, Luxembourg Myra Johnson Pasadena, Texas Bob Krieps Luxembourg City, Luxembourg Fernand Lamesch New York, New York John Magerus Racine, Wisconsin Guy Moris Bertrange, Luxembourg David Perrott Sacramento, California Kristin Speltz Minneapolis, Minnesota Egide Thein Naples, Florida Guy Thomas Luxembourg City, Luxembourg Daniel Toth Strassen, Luxembourg Ambassador Jean-Louis Wolzfeld Washington, DC

Sara Jacoby 2 | GAZETTE

STAFF Sara Jacoby – Executive Director Jason Bott – Marketing and Events Manager Scott Deheck – Gift Assurance Officer & Accounting Clerk

U•NIQUE

2015 ANNUAL FUND What Your Gift To The 2015 LACS Annual Fund Will Help Accomplish: RESEARCH CENTER AND MUSEUM Your gift will help perpetuate the Dooley-Wagner Research Center which provides the largest Luxembourg research library in the United States. This precious collection is utilized by members and visitors from throughout the world and it’s proper care is an ongoing expense incurred by the society. Also with the Roots and Leaves Museum which helps people to learn more about the impact of Luxembourg immigrants and their descendants on life in America.

PROGRAMS Your gift will help continue vital programing such as Luxembourg Heritage Weekend, Luxembourg Fest of America, Cultural Conference, internships, concerts and guest musicians, language classes, wine and beer tasting events, film festivals, genealogy workshops, traveling exhibitions, educational exchange, and heritage and tourism presentations.

Annual Fund Donation Recognition

ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT Your gift will help the LACS serve as the main connection in the United States to Luxembourg, and help strengthen joint efforts with Luxembourg’s Ministry of Culture, the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg, the Luxembourg American Chamber of Commerce, Luxembourg’s National Tourist Office, Luxembourg’s National Archives and Library, local Luxembourg societies, local chambers of commerce, and local tourism councils.

All gifts to the Luxembourg American Cultural Society are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

You can make your gift in honor or memory of a loved one.

In Luxembourg, donations can be made through wire transfer and FOCUNA to the LACS’ Luxembourg account– BANK–BGL-PNP Paribas IBAN–LU56 0030 8758 0627 0000 BIC–BGLLLULL

$50–$499 • Special recognition lapel pin (fifth in a collectible series) • Your name listed in Luxembourg American Gazette, E-News, and Annual Report $500–$999 All of the above, plus • A tin of delicious, gourmet, Luxembourg-themed cookies. A unique treat for your family or for the holidays! $1,000–$4,999 All of the above, plus • Invitation to private Grand Ducal Circle event at the Cultural Center on Friday evening of Heritage Weekend • Membership in the Red Lion Circle! To symbolize your membership, you will receive a specially designed Red Lion art piece recognizing your 2015 gift to the Annual Fund $5,000+ • Special recognition lapel pin (fourth in a collectible series) • Your name listed in Luxembourg American Gazette, E-News, and Annual Report • A tin of delicious, gourmet, Luxembourg-themed cookies. A unique treat for your family or for the holidays!

• Invitation to private Grand Ducal Circle event at the Cultural Center on Friday evening of Heritage Weekend • Membership in the Red Lion Leadership Circle! To symbolize your membership in the Leadership Circle, you will receive an exclusively designed Red Lion art piece recognizing your 2015 leadership gift to the Annual Fund • Free one-time use of Cultural Center facility for family or business event, including staff-led tour of museum, research center and grounds

IN THIS ISSUE

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125th Anniversary of Lux Independent Club of America From The Executive Director

Annual Fund Unique

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Volunteer Spotlight: Pol Henrotte, Jenny Beck, Steph McGrath Jason Bott selected as new Marketing and Events Manager, Scott Deheck Gift Assurance Officer & Accounting Clerk

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New Lux Update/ Be an Honored Family

Endowment Update

2015 Luxembourg Fest and Dedication FALL 2015 | 3

Continued from Page 1 >> Dickes, Peter Faber, Matt Hartz, Nick Kramer, Peter May, Ben Nilles, John Olinger, Mike Olinger and John Schuler are some of the Luxembourgers who worked at the ‘Q’ shops. Factory men, farmers and local businessmen all toiled hard, so some relief was needed to ward off stress and weariness.

The Luxemburger Independent Club of Aurora was particularly active in this respect. On June 14, 1891, the club inaugurated a new ‘Stars and Stripes’ and a Luxembourg red-white-and-blue banner in a great celebration at Henke’s grove north of Aurora2.

Attendants numbered over 1500, mostly Luxembourgers from near and far.

There was a parade, there was music, speeches were held; poems were recited and songs were sung. It was a beautiful, uplifting ceremony.

Dubuque’s Nicolas Gonner was the speaker of the day.

Peter Weiland, the club’s president lectured about the importance of the flag.

The choir under direction of P. Jones [Johns?] from Vianden, performed ‘Ons Hemecht’ [Lëtzebuergesch: Our Homeland] Luxembourg’s National Anthem, ‘De Feierwon’ [Lëtzebuergesch: The Fire Wagon] and other tunes. Teacher P. Pickard, presented the poem by Gonner ‘De 4 | GAZETTE

Muselwein’ (The wine from the Moselle]. Membership in the club stood at 209 members at the time.

Roger Krieps dedicates a whole chapter in his book ‘Luxembourgers in America’3 to his visit in Aurora in 1962 in pursuit of elusive descendants of Luxembourgers there (pages 192-194). About cultural activities he writes: Cultural associations developed from the clubs and brotherhoods in those heydays of the Luxembourgers in America, associations intended mostly to be mutual-aid societies. Aurora, for example, had a very active choral society and the drama society Ons Sproch – [Our Language] counting sixteen active members, performed plays in the Luxembourger language during winter evenings.

On Sunday afternoons, the club’s Luxembourg-style outdoors bowling alley enjoyed great popularity for many years with ladies with children in tow cheering for husbands and boyfriends and relatives. A wonderful vintage photograph in the Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) shows some 90 members posing in front of a large wooden stage used for the club’s performances.

By 1915, membership stood at 300 active members. A year later a building committee consisting of Michael H. Frieders, John Hamling, Peter Wagener, William Assel, John Frisch, Adam Wittry, Peter Weiland, Mike Lies and Nick Consdorf estimated costs and evaluated plans for building an own new hall. Nick Frisch and William Assel were awarded the building contract. The fine all-brick building dedicated on June 17, 1917 is located at 416 High Street in Aurora.

From A Luxembourg Club To A Social Club During the first half-century of the club’s existence, membership reflects the familiar names of immigrants from Luxembourg involved in its activities. But during the second half, one finds officers whose connection to Luxembourg is not immediately apparent, such as William Gartner, Nick Babbitt, Lawrence E. Irwin, Earl Carpenter, John Newhouse, William J. White, Jim Tognarelli, Frank Donaldson, Gene Lowrey, Jeff Swanson, etc. Their connection to Luxembourg may have derived from the maternal side of the family, or the original Lëtzebuergesch name may have been Americanized over time. Conversely, in 1921, new legislation restricted the number of immigrants admitted annually to 3% of the number of residents from that

country living in the United States. On the basis of the 1910 census, the annual allotment for Luxembourg was set at 92. Therefore, membership could not be expanded and replenished by new immigrants, and the club evolved into a social club open for membership to all ethnic groups. Reflecting such changing times, the name of the club was adjusted to American Luxemburger Independent Club. In time, by-laws were also revised to allow women to become members and officers of the club.

On Saturday, July 15, 2015, the Club celebrated its 125th anniversary hosting a fine dinner, together with the local Section 7 of the Luxemburg Brotherhood of America, at the Luxie Club, 416 High Street, Aurora, Illinois. The Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) wishes ad multos annos!

Luxemburger Wort, Dienstag, 3. Juni 1890 – Original German text: — In Folge eines Aufrufs fanden sich am 10. Mai die Luxemburger aus Aurora und der Umgegend zusammen, um Schritte behufs Gründung eines Luxemburger Clubs zu thun. Es waren ungefähr 120 Mann erschienen. Nach wenigen Worten eines der Anreger wurde John Biever aus Befort zum temporären Vorsitzenden und Herr Ph. Johns aus Bettendorf zum Sekretär erwählt. Nach einer kurzen Ansprache des Präsidenten wurde die Gründung eines ‘Luxemburger Clubs’ beschlossen, nach Art des Luxemburger Clubs in Chicago. Dann wurde ein Constitutions-Comite, aus folgenden Herren bestehend, ernannt: John Olinger, J. Meisch, Ph. Johns, J. P. Mai und P. M. Weber. Ein Verzeichnis derjenigen die sich am Verein anschließen wollen, ergab 108 Mann.

1

Fausto Gardini ‘365 Moments in Time’ pages 172-173 – ISBN 9781484947456, Charleston, SC, 2013

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Roger Krieps ‘Luxembourgers in America’, translated by Fausto Gardini on behalf of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) – ISBN 9781491080740 – Charleston, SC 2013 3

FALL 2015 | 5

A LOOK BACK AT THE 2015

Photos courtesy of Allen Buchholz

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Luxembourg Belgium France Germany

SEPTEMBER 2016

This 12-day deluxe tour is an immersion into Luxembourg and the greater region - featuring personalized experiences with incredible people and places!

r it you Subm ork for w paperitizenship!

Dual-C

$4,499/per person

(Double Occupancy/Single Supplement - $775)

Sign up before March 15th and receive a $100 discount!

Reservation Deadline: May 15, 2016

• • • • • • •

4 Star Hotels, Deluxe Coach Bus, and many meals included Red Star Line Immigration Museum in Antwerp, Belgium Private Reception with Luxembourg Dignitaries and Friends Moselle River Cruise on the famous Marie Astrid Personalized tour of Bofferding Brewery Day trips to Trier, Germany and Metz, France Luxembourg Wine and Grape Festival, featuring wines and crémants recognized and appreciated worldwide • Visit of WWII sites, including the American Military Cemetery – Burial Place of General Patton • Guided tour of Luxembourg City • And so much more!

FALL 2015 | 7

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Stephanie McGrath Stephanie McGrath, an M.A. degree candidate in the English Department, spent her summer interning at the LACS as part of the Henry J. Leir Luxembourg Program out of Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. The internship helps Clark students deepen relationships with Luxembourg, the country that gave Mr. Leir safe haven at the outset of World War II. This scholarship allows a Clark student to conduct research with an organization in Luxembourg or the US, usually for eight weeks during the summer.

Stephanie played an integral part in the preparation and execution of Luxembourg Fest and the Green Heart Gala. In addition, she helped archive historical artifacts, gave museum tours, and helped in the research center.

Stephanie found her internship to be very valuable: “I have learned so many things from the LACS staff and community that I’ll take with me. I feel that it will integrate into my studies and my personal interactions. I am so thankful for the opportunity the Leir Program gave me in sending me here.”

Pol Henrotte Pol Henrotte is the face behind the facebook page and many other initiatives for the Luxembourg American Cultural Society. Born and raised in Niederfeulen, Luxembourg, Pol is currently studying European Public Health at the University of Maastricht (The Netherlands), after having accomplished his studies as a nurse anesthetist.

However, it wasn’t his passion in medicine and healthcare that brought Pol and the LACS together, but culture. As a member of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in 2008, he received a scholarship to come to the U.S. as an exchange student. Through a stolen passport, he got to know Donald and Gerda Hansen, who connected Pol to the LACS. Since then, Pol has helped the LACS as a volunteer with a variety of projects over the last 6 years. Some of the major highlights include volunteering multiple years at Luxembourg Fest, the coordination of the Crazy Cube concert tour, and the organization of social media for the LACS. Pol continues to work closely with the LACS staff on a variety of projects, and is enthusiastic to see the LACS grow and get more young people engaged.

Jenny Beck Jenny Beck’s journey with the Luxembourg American Cultural Society started in 2012. She had studied at the Hotel Management School Alexis Heck in Diekirch (Luxembourg), and had hoped to do her internship in the United States. Jean-Paul Senninger (ambassador of Luxembourg to the United States in 2012) offered to help her find the right people within the U.S. to make this internship happen, and referred her to Kevin Wester and Sara Jacoby, which “was the best thing which could have happened to me.”

During her first Luxembourg Fest, one of her tasks was to be in charge of a lunch with the sous-chef of Léa Linster (a well-known Luxembourgish chef). He showed the members of the association how to prepare the ‘Bounenschlupp’ before they had a lunch featuring more Luxembourgish dishes. This year, Jenny was invited to come back and help out once again for Luxembourg Fest, and she was very happy to give a hand wherever needed.

Jenny credits her experiences with the LACS staff with changing her life completely. She goes on to explain: “Every time I have been with these welcoming and warmhearted people I felt at home. I am so thankful that Jean-Paul Senninger who got me in touch with that society. The LACS is more than just a museum and a society to me, it is my second family, my second home.”

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NEW FACES AT LACS Jason Bott Marketing & Events Manager Our new Marketing and Events Manager, Jason Bott, comes to the LACS with a strong background in advertising and promotions, and brings over 10 years of valuable experience to the LACS. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where he majored in Marketing. His experience spans a variety of mediums including radio, video, print, and online and has ran events at many Milwaukee area venues including Summerfest, Wisconsin State Fair, and Miller Park.

As the Marketing and Events Manager for the LACS, Jason coordinates transactional fundraising events, membership and outreach events, as well as directs the overall marketing strategy and execution for the Society and Center. He is very excited to be a part of the LACS and the large Luxembourg community, and is looking forward to help spotlight the LACS and its mission of preserving Luxembourg heritage and furthering relationships between Luxembourg and the United States.

Jason currently resides in Saukville, Wisconsin with his wife Kimberly (Heinen), and their two daughters, Kaylee and McKenna.

Scott Deheck Gift Assurance Officer & Accounting Clerk Scott Deheck joined the Luxembourg American Cultural Society in August, as the new Gift Assurance Officer and Accounting Clerk. A local Luxembourger himself, Scott grew up in Fredonia, Wisconsin, less than ten miles from the area where his immigrant ancestors settled.

An avid reader and lover of history, Scott started volunteering for the LACS and exploring his Luxembourg roots prior to the 2015 Luxembourg Fest and jumped at the chance to join the LACS in helping preserve and promote Luxembourg heritage in America.

Previously, Scott worked as a Veterans Service Representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For six years, he processed pension claims for wartime veterans and surviving spouses in twelve states, trained new representatives on the claims process, and performed quality checks on completed claims. He was also the treasurer for the Milwaukee Employee Association, a VA employee group that organized employee events and fundraising for local veterans’ charities. Scott’s work ethic and attention to detail will undoubtedly be an asset to the LACS. Now that he is a part of the LACS, Scott is excited to be surrounded by his family’s history and looks forward to taking advantage of the opportunities offered here to connect to his Luxembourg roots. He hopes to take part in a future tour of Luxembourg and also join the hundreds of Luxembourger immigrant descendants who are reclaiming their Luxembourg citizenship through the LACS.

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New Luxembourg Development Update The three newly constructed houses in the New Luxembourg Development

Exciting things continue at New Luxembourg, the 150-acre development located in the village of Belgium in Ozaukee County. The dedication of the New Luxembourg Village Square, Grand Duke Henri Plaza, and the new Belgium Village Hall took place during Luxembourg Fest in August, and was highlighted

by Luxembourg’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Jean-Louis Wolzfeld, being present for the festivities.

Another new addition to the plaza was the opening of the first splash pad in Ozaukee county, which provided a welcome relief to those looking to cool off during the hot days of summer. It proved to be a big hit among adults and children alike.

The initial phase of single-family home construction has been completed with the first three homes all being sold shortly after. Three additional homes are nearing completion, bringing the total amount of Luxembourg inspired homes to six, with two more in preliminary construction. All the homes feature Luxembourgian design elements and add a wonderfully unique look to the New Luxembourg Development.

Become A Luxembourg Fest Honored Family Show your Luxembourg pride, and love for your family, by being an Honored Family at next year’s Luxembourg Fest— August 13-14, 2016 in Belgium, Wisconsin. This is a great opportunity for your own “mini-Family Reunion” during the fun and excitement of Luxembourg Fest. Honored Families set up a small exhibit about their family which can include family photos, memorabilia and genealogy.

They are also highlighted during a special pageantry at Luxembourg Fest. All families with Luxembourg roots are invited and welcome to participate! To learn more about being an Honored Family, contact the LACS at admin@luxamculturalsociety.org or call 262-476-5086. Registration fee: $20.

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P.O.BOX 157 BELGIUM, WI 53004-0157 USA Under the High Patronage of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg

The LACS Endowment Fund The LACS started an endowment fund to help maintain our mission of preserving the roots of our heritage while nurturing the leaves of ongoing relationships between Luxembourg and America. Your donation helps fund this objective and ensures our ability to continue our mission for years to come.

• Cash or Check made payable to the LACS Endowment Fund • A Celebration Gift in recognition of a special occasion • A Memorial Gift in memory of someone special who has died • Bequest in your will • A Gift of Stocks or Bonds, Real Estate, or Insurance Policies

Thank you for your support of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society Endowment Fund