german-american journal | august/september 2008

German American Day

EditorialPage 3

Volume 56, Number 4 August / September 2008

Looking BackPage 5

Member ProfilePage 6

Chapter NewsPage 7-10

Oktoberfest1

SchoolPage 12-13

CalendarPage 14

ClassifiedsPage 15

ObituariesPage 15

ComicPage 15

It may be called “Oktoberfest,” but the big event starts in September. It all began with a wedding in October 1810. On the 12th day of October that year, Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I of Bavaria) wed Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and held a big party near Munich (München) including a large horse race on October 17. It was so popular, that the party (complete with horse racing) took place again the following year, prompting the start of a traditional German celebration that has become world famous. Other than for interruptions caused by war or disease, Oktoberfest has been celebrated every year since 1811.

Back in the 1800’s Munich was a smaller town than it is today, so Oktoberfest participants had to journey out to the Theresienwiese, which now lies within the city.

In the year 1812, the Oktoberfest was cancelled since Bavaria was involved with the Napoleonic war.

In 1819, The founding citizens of Munich assumed responsibility over festival management. It was agreed upon that the Oktoberfest festival would be celebrated each and every year without exception. Later, it was lengthened and the date pushed forward since the end of September in Bavaria often has very good weather. The high temperature in the first week of Oktoberfest nears 30 °C (86 F) stimulates the thirst of the visitors.

In 1854, 3,000 residents of Munich succumbed to

an epidemic of cholera, so the festival was cancelled. In 1866, there was no Oktoberfest since Bavaria fought in the Austro-Prussian War and in 1870, the Franco-Prussian war was the reason for cancellation. In 1873, the festival was once again cancelled due to a cholera epidemic. In 1880, the electric light illuminated for the first time over 400 booths and tents. In 1881, booths selling bratwurst opened and beer was first served in glass mugs in 1892. The large beer tents (actually large halls) didn’t appear until 1896.

In 1887, the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries took place for the first time, showcasing the splendidly decorated horse teams of the breweries and the bands that play in the festival tents. This event always takes place on the first Saturday of the Oktoberfest and symbolizes the official prelude to the Oktoberfest celebration

Oktoberfest celebrated its 100th birthday in 1910 where 120,000 liters of beer were poured. In 1913, the Bräurosl was founded, which was the largest Oktoberfest beer tent of all time, with room for about 12,000 guests (today, the biggest tent is the Hofbräu-Festhalle, which holds 10,000).

From 1914 through 1918, World War I prevented the celebration of Oktoberfest. In 1919 and 1920, the two years after the war, Munich celebrated

By: Darlene Fuchs

German Day was celebrated in the 19th century and revived in 1987 as German-American Day. Most instrumental in establishing German-Amer-ican Day at the time were President Elsbeth See-wald of the German American National Congress (D.A.N.K.), Drs. Eberhard and Ruth Reichmann of the German Heritage Society of Indiana, Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann of the Society for German-American Studies and the many thousands of indi-viduals who petitioned Congress.

In 1988 D.A.N.K., the United German Ameri-can Committee of the U.S.A., Inc., (VDAK) and the Steuben Society of America, joined hands and founded the German American Joint Action Com-mittee (GAJAC). GAJAC has subsequently peti-tioned Congress and Government leaders to issue resolutions and proclamations for the annual Ger-man American Day, enlisting nationwide support. The goal was to have German American Day be a recurring holiday on October 6th each year.

German American Day honors German immi-gration to the USA, beginning with the arrival of the first 13 Mennonite immigrant families from Krefeld, seeking religious tolerance, on October 6, 1683, who subsequently founded Germantown, Pennsylvania. However, individual Germans had been in America since the start of European immi-gration. Germans were part of the Jamestown set-tlement in 1608. And Peter Minuit, a Rhinelander, was the famous director of the Dutch colony who bought Manhattan from Native Americans in 1626. October 6, 1683 marked the beginning of waves of German immigration that would ultimately be bringing more than 7 million people to our shores. Today, nearly a quarter of all Americans can trace their ancestry back to their Germanic roots.

On August 6, 1987, Congress approved S.J. Resolution 108, designating October 6, 1987 as German-American Day. It became Public Law 100-104 when President Reagan signed it on August 18 of that year. A proclamation (#5719) to this effect was issued October 5, 1987 by President Reagan

See O’ZAPFT IS! on PAGE 11

See OCTOBER 6 on PAGE 16

By: Darlene Fuchs

DANK Aug-Sept 08.indd 1 7/17/08 1:04:28 PM

2 German-American Journal August / September 2008

Der Deutsch-Amerikaner

DANK National Executive Board

President: William Fuchs

1. Vice President: Erich Wittmann

2. Vice President: Donna Lippert

Treasurer: Maria Thompson

Secretary: Beverly Pochatko

DANK National Executive Office4740 N. Western Ave

Chicago, Il 60625-2097Call (773) 275-1100

Toll Free (866) 926-1109Fax (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, [email protected]

Harald Pitz, Editorial [email protected]

Margita Mulsoff, Editorial [email protected]

Stephen Fuchs, Layout & [email protected]

Beverly Pochatko, Chapter News Editor

[email protected]

Erik Wittmann, [email protected]

Eva Timmerhaus, Office Manager

For Advertising & Classifieds, Contact: Darlene Fuchs

[email protected]

General Information

- 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 AveChicago, Il 60625-2097

Annual Subscription Rate: $15.00

Mission StatementLiebe Mitglieder und Freunde!Dear Members and Friends,

As the busy summer season pro-gresses, I am already thinking of the up-coming fall. Things are really going to get busy for us German-Americans with Oktoberfests and German Fests every-where. Already, as you receive this newspaper, we will have participated in Milwaukee’s Germanfest, Cleveland’s Stadtfest and the many other festivals that are a prelude to the fall festi-vals. It gives us a chance to celebrate our heritage and at the same time show others the fun loving spirit of Germania. Yes, there is much more that Germans and German-Americans so proudly have to offer, but this gives us a chance to celebrate our accomplishments and to make new friends and introductions.

It’s been more than six months that we have had new leader-ship at the helm of our organization and I am proud of the ac-complishments that we have achieved so far. There is so much more to do and we intend to make our members proud to belong to DANK. Please note the short article from Erik Wittmann, membership chairperson, in this issue. We still have some mem-bers that have not paid their dues for this year. For them this will be their last issue of the journal. We are hoping that they will rejoin so they can share the joy of our future achievements. You should have received your DANK raffle tickets in the mail by now and I want to thank the DANK Chicago-West chapter for their helping hand in mailing the tickets out to our members. If you did not receive your tickets please contact our office in Chicago to have them mailed to you.

We have had a lot of compliments about our National Office remodeling project. When they visit, folks usually are quite sur-prised to see the drastic change and improvements. I once again would like to thank everyone involved with the project. I also send a special “Dankeschön” to Carol Norton and her husband of the Springfield, Illinois chapter. They so kindly donated a new office refrigerator so that we can store some cool refresh-ments (and dessert for Eva, our secretary). When Carol found out about our completed project, she thought that we needed a fridge and called us right away to find out how she could one get us. With much appreciation we thank you!

Besides having updated our office, we also have undergone a minor change on our National Board. Linda Voit, our National Treasurer, resigned from her position due to personal and pro-fessional reasons. We are fortunate to have Maria Thompson, of the Fox Valley, Illinois chapter, step up to the plate and volunteer to serve in the Treasurer position for the rest of the term. Our National Executive Board voted at a special meeting, this July, to confirm Maria for the position. Maria is a certified public ac-countant and brings with her a vast resume of qualifications. I would like take this opportunity to thank Linda for her devoted service to the National Board and to DANK. Her insight and vision will be missed.

I hope that everyone will have a fun time attending our late summer and fall festivals and I look forward to seeing the many reports and pictures from our chapters in the next issue of the Journal.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

President’s Corner

William FuchsNational President

Editor’s Column

Darlene FuchsManaging Editor

Throughout the ages and in every cul-ture, people have used the seasons as a metaphor to mark life’s transitions and to help understand the purpose and meaning of our lives. As summer comes to a close I am reminded that just like life our orga-nization must learn to observe the natural cycles of the seasons. Each season emerges from the previous and gently turns into the next. Just like Winter snows feed the ground for Spring’s blossoms and Summer’s heat ripens the plants for Fall’s harvest we must also change and grow.

Our organization, just like any business, must progress through the many cycles in order to meet the needs of our mem-bers. Winter is season full of potential. Spring is the time of structure. Summer, a time of accomplishment and Autumn is the time of reflection.

Winter is a cycle full of potential where many creative ideas occur. Everyone is energetic and wants to be doing, accomplish-ing, and acting. Sometimes the current DANK board gets so many requests and ideas that it is hard to organize all of them. Once things have been prioritized and the new projects are sup-ported by the members, it is time to move on to the next phase, the Season of Spring.

Spring is a developmental phase. As new ideas begin to take form your national board is busy planning and organizing the di-rection of DANK. This is the phase that involves committees, dedication and creativity. To make new projects become a reality everyone must participate in order to get results. One such ex-ample is the new look of the German-American Journal and it’s dedication to the coverage of all DANK’s chapters. We are all anxious for results and must not forget to enjoy the process as we move to into the next phase - the Season of Summer.

Summer is a time to complete some projects and to become financially productive. We reach the height of our projects suc-cess, such as the remodeling of the national office, with your help. All that we worked so hard for is now realized. When our organization has become successful we need to prepare for the future and move into the next phase - the Season of Autumn.

Autumn is a time to realize that our organization is not just about the things we have accomplished. It’s also about the posi-tive things DANK does in our society and to discover our true purpose for being here. It is a time to be committed to the organi-zation and its goals as DANK becomes a prestigious organization within its communities.

It is important to honor the natural cycles of the seasons - to experience each phase fully and openly, and then move on. When we hold on to a past season, we cannot enjoy the current one. As our organization grows we may pass through these seasons multi-ple times. As DANK passes through the many cycles, everyones assistance and support is appreciated, knowing fully that things change, as we anticipate moving into yet another season.

Our organization must enjoy each season and make it the best ever!

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

D.A.N.K., a non-profit organiza-tion, supports German cultural landmarks and events, spon-sors German American stu-dent 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 sug-gestions 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 infor-mation 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 be-cause of our leadership in repre-senting the interests of all German Americans on a national level.

D.A.N.K. has many Chapters across the United States of Amer-ica.

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

D.A.N.K. offers German Lan-guage classes for both children and adults

Submission Deadline For The October/November Issue:

September 1st, 2008

DIE BRUECKE ZUR ALTEN HEIMAT

“Building Bridgesto 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.


August / September 2008 German-American Journal 3

L e t t e r s F r o m O u r R e a d e r sTo The Editor:

I disagree completely with the com-mentary of Werner Baroni, “Wer spricht in hundert Jahren noch Deutsch?” First, individual languages attain dominance only to be replaced in time. Greek was the accepted international language in the Mediterranean. Later Latin gained dominance which continued until the Renaissance. This was in spite of the fact that Latin disappeared as a com-monly spoken language during the Dark Ages. In Fact, Isaac Newton wrote his “Principia Matematica” in Latin in1687. French began its dominance during the Crusades and was considered as the lan-guage of diplomacy through the Nine-teenth Century. Frederick the Great pre-ferred to use French in correspondence. The treaty ending the Franco-Prussian War was written in French only. Eng-lish has become dominant internation-ally during the last century.

All languages are in a constant state of change. German is no exception to this phenomenon. German has acquired considerable vocabulary from Latin, French and more recently from Eng-lish. The German language will change but will not disappear. Germany is the strongest economy in Europe. It could well be that the German language will become dominant in Europe as Germa-ny’s economic power improves, and the United States loses its economic and political influence in Europe.

William RussellSigel, PA

Redakteur Journal: Ich übereinstimme überhaupt nicht

mit der Behauptung Werner Baronis daß die Deutsche Sprache in hundert Jahren verschwinden könne. Zuerst, eine Sprache kann mit der Zeit die Vor-herrschendsprache werden, dennoch nach der Zeit wird man sie mit einer anderen Sprache ersetzen. Einmal war Griechisch die Hauptsprache in dem Mittelmeer. Später, hatte sich Latein die wichtigste Sprache gemacht, die bis in der Renaissance dauert hatte. Es war trotzdem Latein als eine Sprache, wäh-rend des frühen Mittelalter, nicht mehre gesprochen wurde. Allerdings, Isaac Newton hatte seine „Principia Matema-tica“ auf Latein im Jahre 1687 geschrie-ben. Französisch hatte sich als diploma-tische Sprache in Mittelalter gegründet, und hatte auf diese weise bis zum ende des neunzehnten Jahrhundert gedauert. Tatsächlich, Friederich der Große hatte seine Korrespondenz auf Französisch geschrieben. Trotzdem Preußen den Krieg gegen Frankreich gewonnen hat-te, schrieb man den Vertrag in 1871 nur auf Französisch.

Alle Sprachen verändern sich im-merzu. Deutsch ist keine Ausnahme dazu. Die Deutsche Sprache hat viele Wörter aus Latein, Französisch und später Englisch genommen. Deutsch wird sich selbstverständlich verändern,

aber sie wird gar nicht verschwinden. Deutschland hat heutzutage die stärkste Wirtschaft in Europa. Als seine wirt-schaftliche Macht sich verstärkt, könne die Deutsche Sprache als Hauptsprache Europas werden. Das kann passieren, wenn die Vereinigten Staaten wirt-schaftlichen und politischen Einfluß in Europa verlieren. William RussellSigel, PA

My Dear Friends,

Wer suchet, der findet! Und wer edel ist, “den suchet die Gefahr”. And so we see, that most of our friends are “safe”! The Declaration of Independence, unan-imously declared by the thirteen United States of America -- as Darlene Fuchs reminded us in the “German-American Journal” [June/July 2008] -- was ad-opted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. “Much of the tradition inherent in the way we cel-ebrate today was evident almost from the beginning. Sound, spectacle, and sentiment played an important role in that tradition.”

“One of the most elaborate celebra-tions 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 subsequent-

ly 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.

Karlheinz A. Halter

Dear William:

Please accept my congratulations as you celebrate the 49th anniversary of your publication German-American Journal.

Your community is better for the ser-vice you provide it. Bringing a publication such as yours is done only by overcoming great challenges - and by possessing a great

commitment to the mission.Because of your commitment, your

community maintains its heritage and, therefore, its identity. The value of your service simply cannot be estimat-ed except to describe it as immense and vital.

In serving your audience you strengthen our entire community. I honor your service and wish you all the best for a long and productive future.

Sincerely,

Maria PappasCook County Treasusrer

Von Steuben DayBy: Darlene Fuchs

German-American Steuben Parade is an annual parade held in various cities across the United States. The New York City parade is held every third Satur-day in September. It was founded in 1957 by German-American immigrants who, being part of the largest ethnic group in the United States, wanted to keep the traditions of their homeland alive. A number of U.S. cities and counties are named for von Steuben and to-day he even has his own holiday. As part of the Ger-man-American Friendship Week, the Steuben Parade draws huge crowds in New York City and several other cities around the U.S. This year the parade will be held September 20th, 2008.

Friedrich Wilhelm Ludholf Gerhard Augustin von Steu-ben was born in Magdeburg, Prussia in 1730. He became an officer at a young age in the Prussian army and was a member of the infantry. Due to excellent service he was com-mended to serve at Frederick the Great’s headquarters.

Eventually, von Steuben would use his knowledge gained through his years in the Prussian military ser-vice to join the Continental army in America. In 1777, von Steuben emigrated to the United States and, with the help of Benjamin Franklin, he reported to Wash-ington at Valley Forge and was commissioned to train the troops.

Speaking no English, he communicated with the soldiers in French. Under von Steuben’s training the army became more successful in fighting the British

troops. Von Steuben is still regarded as one of the most important German-Americans, as his training of the young American troops made victory against the British possible and thus his work helped in gain inde-pendence for the United States of America.

After the war, von Steuben resettled to New York City, where he died in 1794.

The first Steuben Parade was held in the Ridge-wood section of Queens, where many German immi-grants lived. Over the years, as the event grew bigger and drew an ever larger number of spectators, the Pa-rade was moved to Fifth Avenue. To this day it starts at 64th Street moving uptown to 86th Street. The Parade finale on 86th Street has a special meaning for Ger-man-Americans, as that street and the entire Yorkville

neighborhood was home to many German immigrants be-tween the first half of the 20th century until the 1970s. The neighborhoods most important street - 86th Street - was lov-ingly called “Sauerkraut Bou-levard” and hosted many Ger-man-American establishments, ranging from coffee shops and restaurants to dance halls.

Every year the German-American Steuben Parade is led by cadets representing the Ger-man Language Club of the Mil-itary Academy of West Point,

which was founded by General von Steuben. But the rest of the parade is dominated by traditional German brass music groups and marching bands, by clubs and organization wearing traditional German Tracht, as well as by carnival groups, marksmen or other tradi-tions. For many years, the parade has had a strong Bavarian theme and was dominated by men wearing Lederhosen, women in Dirndls and groups dancing the traditional Schuhplattler. Recently though, the pa-rade opened up to represent more German themes.

The Annual German-American Steuben Parade of New York is one of the largest observances of German heritage throughout all America and the world. With tens of thousands of German-Americans marching up Fifth Avenue every year in September, the parade is also a showcase of the strong friendship between the two countries.

While the Parade honors great German-Americans of times past, like Steuben himself, it is also a cel-ebration of contemporary German tradition and cul-ture. Among the Parade’s recent Grand Marshals were famous German-Americans like Donald Trump and Siegfried & Roy as well as the highest representatives from German politics.

Each year, the week preceding the Parade is of-ficially declared German-American Friendship Week by the Mayor of New York City. That week is packed with a huge variety of German-American events showcasing a broad cultural spectrum from art exhib-its and concerts to sport events.

On the occasion of the 50th Annual German-American Steuben Parade the Empire State Build-ing Company agreed to coat the top of New York’s famous landmark in black,red and gold during the whole weekend. This parade held on Saturday, Sep-tember 15th, 2007 was the biggest parade ever with 100,000 of marchers and spectators alongside Fifth Avenue from 63rd to 86th Street.

Chicago’s annual Von Steuben Parade is on Sep-tember 6th, 2008, at 2:00PM when hundreds of par-ticipants march, dance, play music or ride on the many beautiful floats on Lincoln Avenue and join the festivities later at the German Day.

The German Day Festival, begins on Friday eve-ning, September 5th and continuing through Sunday, September 7th at Lincoln Plaza. Lincoln Plaza is lo-cated at Western, Lincoln and Leland. Admission is free to all. There will be traditional cultural programs with the participation of many societies, plus German music. Not to forget - GREAT FOOD, beverages and other attractions for everyones enjoyment.

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben



Ehrenpräsident Ott und seine Verpflichtung für die DeutschamerikanerBy: Werner Baroni

Als ehemaliger Industrie-Manager kann er aus einem reichen persönlichen Erfahrungsschatz schöp-fen, der bis heute seine Arbeit prägt. Eine Arbeit, die instituelle Bindungen ebenso mit einschließt, wie die vielen Beziehungen nicht nur mit Deutschen, sondern mit Angehörigen aus anderen Nationen. Ernst Ott, Ehrenpräsident des Deutschamerikanischen National Kongress, langjähriger Vorsitzender dieser Organisa-tion und Nummer Eins auf der Kommandobrücke der rührigen Gruppe Nord in Chicago, hat in unterschied-lichen Einsatzbereichen dazu bei= getragen, das Bild der Deutscha-merikaner nicht nur in der Politik dieses Landes dort zu erhellen, wo es nachhaltig zu verdunkeln drohte. Dies alles, nicht zuletzt aber das Gefühl der Verpflichtung für die Deutschen draußen, das Gefühl der Zusammengehörigkeit mit ihnen, prägten den Jubilar, der am 7. September 80 Jahre alt wird, mit starker Aussagekraft.

So hat er in jahrelanger Fleiß-arbeit die deutsche Dokumentation 11 Verbrechen an den Deutschen in Jugoslawien von 1944 bis 1948 „ in die englische Sprache übersetzt. Das 224 Seiten um-fassende Werk wurde im Kongress in Washington und dem Europarat in Strass= bürg vorgelegt. Es wurde darauf hingewiesen, dass das Thema in Amerika und England niemals ausführlich behandelt wurde. Die donauschwäbische Dokumentation macht auf sechs Vernichtungslager in der Woywodina, zwei Vernich-tungslager in Kroatien und zwei Vernichtungslager in Slowenien mit insgesamt 64 000 Toten aufmerksam. Die Vereinigung der Donauschwaben in den USA hat Ernst Ott mit dem Kulturpreis 2004 ausgezeichnet.

Für den Jubilar, der als Buchautor (u.a. Heimat Nordamerika) hervortrat, trifft zu, was Robert Mu-eller-Sternberg schrieb: „Keine Vergangenheit ist im letzten anders zu bewältigen als dadurch, dass den Spannungen der Gegenwart standgehalten wird. Das ist jedoch immer nur in einem verbindlichen Traditi-onsbewusst- sein möglich. Es schafft Zukunft, weil es sich angesichts der Zeitprobleme ständig in dem Glauben erneuert, dass schließlich nicht der äußere Erfolg über den Sinn des Schicksals entscheidet, son-dern die Haltung, in der dieses Schicksal nach groß-en Vorbildern und von den Menschen unter Opfern

erlebt, ertragen und gemeinsam zum Wohle der Nachkommen ge-tragen wird.“

Gelegentlich ätand der ideen-reiche Anreger Ott auf steinigem Boden. Der in Lugasul de Jos bei Oreda 1928 geborene Rumänien-deutsche wurde 1936 mit seinen Eltern des Landes verwiesen, nachdem sich der Vater weiger-te, als so genannter Reichsdeut-scher die rumänische Staatsbür-gerschaft anzunehmen. Sein Weg war vorgezeichnet. Er besuchte in Deutschland eine Real- schule. Büffelte Deutsch, Französisch und

Spanisch und wird nach Kriegsende von einer ameri-kanischen Militärstreife festgenommen. Tage später stellt ihn der Kapitän als Dolmetscher ein.

Der Weg wird schwer. Wie viele Pfade vieler Aus-wanderer, die das Rot-weiß-blau im Land der un-begrenzten Möglichkeiten auf ihre Familienfahnen schrieben.

Ernst Ott begann seine amerikanische Karriere als Helfer auf einer

Farm in Wisconsin. Sein Handwerkszeug, typisch für ihn: Eine Reiseschreibmaschine, eine Kamera und

ein Klepperfaltboot. Sein Besitzer arbeitete als frei-schaffender Journalist u.a. für die Kanusport-Nach-richten. Der Farmer wird sich gefreut haben. Die Unternehmungen und Abenteuer, die der Jubilar oft auf dem Mississippi unternahm, wurden von der US Army unterbrochen, die ihn von 1953 bis 1955 nach Deutschland und nach Frankreich schickte.

In seinem Berufsleben, er kam 1985 als Chairman Public Relations zum D.A.N.K., bewährte er sich als Manager eines Industriekonzerns in mehreren Bun-desstaaten, in Deutschland und in Belgien. Ernst Ott referiert im Mittelwesten an vier Universitäten, ist Mitbegründer der German American Heritage Society in St. Louis und wird 1996 mit dem Friedrich-Hecker-Freedom Award ausgezeichnet. Unter der Überschrift „Die amerikanischen Freunde“ berichteten die „Hu-sumer Nachrichten“ am 7. Juni 2008 über ein Treffen von Auswanderern und Einheimischen, die sich in das Buch der Stadt Husum eintrugen.

Mit dabei, Ernst Ott und seine Frau Alexandra Pradella Ott, eine Deutschlehrerin aus Schlesien. Die Zeitung wörtlich: „Der amtierende Buergermeister empfing die Gäste mit einem Brief der amtierenden Generalkonsulin in Hamburg, Karen E. Johnson. Die Repräsentantin der USA an der Elbe ließ verlesen, dass die deutschen Auswanderer seit jeher die Ge-schichte der USA prägten.“

„Ihre Energie und die geteilten Werte von Freiheit und Demokratie machen den Erfolg der Vereinigten Staaten aus.“ Für ihre nimmermüde Arbeit um die deutsch-amerikanische Freundschaft zeichnete die Bundesrepublik Deutschland vor Jahren Ernst und Alexandra Ott mit dem Bundesverdienstkreuz Erster Klasse aus. Zum 80.Geburtstag gilt dem Jubilar der Glückwunsch vieler Deutschamerikaner. Allen voran der Deutschamerikanische Nationalkongress und die Vereinigung der Donauschwaben in Chicago, deren Mitglied Ernst Ott ist.

Honorary President Ott and His Commitment to the German-AmericansBy: Werner BaroniTranslated By: Ernst Ott

As a former international business manager Ernst Ott can draw from a rich personal experience treasure-trove which, still today, characterizes his work. Work which includes institutional bonds not only with Germans but also members of other na-tions.

Ernst Ott, Honorary President of the German-American National Congress, for many years the head of the organization and number one on the con-ning tower of the bustling Chapter Chicago North, has contributed in diversified manners to highlight and brighten the image of German-Americans, not only in the political arena of the country but also where it was in the danger of growing gloomy. All of that and particularly the sentiment of commitment to the Germans on the outside, the feeling of belonging to-gether, strongly characterized the Jubilee who will be 80 on September 7.

Thus he undertook the yearlong task translat-ing the German documentation „Verbrechen an den Deutschen in Jugoslavien 1944 -1948“ (The crime against the ethnic Germans in Yugoslavia). The 244-page document was submitted to the Congress in Washington and the European Parliament in Strass-bourg, France. It was emphasized that neither in America nor in England was this situation ever ad-equately dealt with. The Danube-Swabian documen-tation draws attention to the extermination camps in the Woywodina, two extermination camps in Croatia and two extermination camps in Slovenia. The Soci-ety of the Danube Swabians in the USA awarded the Kulturpreis 2004 to Ernst Ott.

The following definition by Robert Mueller-Stern-berg can be applied to the Jubilee, who distinguishes himself as a book author (among others as co-author

of Heimat North America): „In the final analysis there is no other way to cope with the past than to withstand the tension of the present. However, this is only pos-sible by being tradition-conscious. It creates future because, due to time problems, it constantly renews its belief that it is not the outer success over the mean-ing of fate but is based on great examples and sac-rifices experienced and endured by the people and maintained for the welfare of posterity.”

Occasionally the initiator with many ideas stood on stony ground. The Romanian- Ger-man, born September 7, 1928 at Lugasul de jos, near Oradea, and his parents were expelled in 1936 since his father, being a „Reichsdeutscher“, refused to become a Romanian citizen.

His path was predestined. In Germany Ernst Ott at-tended the Oberrealschule and studied English, Spanish and French. At the end of the war he was arrested by the Ameri-can Military Police. A few days later the arresting captain hired him as his interpreter.

The path became more arduous, as was the path of many emigrants who put the colors red-white-blue onto the family flag in the „land of the unlimited opportunities.“

Ernst Ott began his American career as a farm hand in Wisconsin. His trade tools, typical for him: a travel typewriter, a camera and a Klepper folding kayak. The farm owner worked as a freelance journal-ist, among other publications also for the Kanusport-Nachrichten. The farmer must have been delighted.

The adventures and other undertakings, often on the Mississippi, were interrupted by the USArmy

which sent him,1953-1955, back to Germany and France.

In his civilian life, he joined D.A.N.K. in 1985 and in business he advanced to President of an interna-tional company, working in several states, Germany, Belgium and Bahamas. He is guest lecturer at four Midwest Universities, co-founder of the German-American Heritage Society in St. Louis and1996 awarded the Friedrich-Hecker Freedom Award.The

„Husumer Nachrichten“, in the June 7, 2008 issue, under the headline „Die amerikanis-chen Freunde“ writes about a get-together of emigrants and local citizens who signed the guest book of the city of Husum. Also present were Ernst Ott and his spouse Al-exandra Pradella-Ott, a Ger-man language teacher, born in Schlesien. The newspaper writes: „The Acting Mayor receives the guests with a let-ter from the US Acting Consul General in Hamburg, Karen E.

Johnson, citing that from the very beginning German emigrants put their stamp onto America‘s history. Their energy and the shared values of freedom and democracymake America successful.“

Recognizing their untiring work fostering German American friendship the German Government award-ed Ernst Ott and Alexandra Pradella -Ott the Bundes-verdienstkreuz.On the occasion of his 80. Birthday the jubilee receives the greetings and best wishes of many German-Americans and in particular from the German American National Congress and the Society of Danube Swabians of which he also is a member.



In honor of the “back to school months,” we are including a page from the DANK Newspaper dated August 8, 1961. There is a German poem “Pflegt die deutsche Sprache,” or Nurture the German Language. and an article encouraging American kids to learn a foreign language. Our DANK German language schools continue, still today, to encourage students to learn German. Being bilingual has a positive effect on intellectual growth while enriching a persons development. Through language development

we learn to understand and appreciate people from other countries. There is also the fact that job opportunities may arise in careers where knowing another language is a real asset.

Furthermore, experience with another culture enables people to achieve a significantly more profound understanding of their own. Every language a person masters will enhance their enjoyment and reduce their frustration and isolation as they travel abroad.

In Alten Zeiten - The Way We Were



National Board Member Profile: VICE PRESIDENT ERIK WITTMANN

By: Erich WittmannMembership Chair and National Vice President

Everyone knows him as either Erik or Erich Wittmann, but professionally he is known as R. Erik Wittmann, and while retired from having worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 35 years, he still functions as a Con-sultant to the Commonwealth and other governmental entities as well as private sector organizations. His professional back ground was primarily in the field of Human Services. He graduated with a double Masters in Social Work and Psychology from West Virginia Univer-sity, having received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Over his professional years he ran Residential Centers for the Developmentally Delayed, Psychiat-ric facilities and community programs serving special needs populations. For several years he oversaw Pennsylva-nia’s State-wide community Programs for the Developmentally Delayed.

After retiring at a young 58 years of age, the Commonwealth requested that he come back as a consultant to run 2 Crisis Counseling Programs, the latter involving the victims of Hurricane Ka-trina who settled in Pennsylvania. Since then he continues as a part time consul-tant in the area of Disaster Response.

His involvement in DANK started in November of 1985 when a friend named Erna Jochum, a DANK member asked him to attend a social function held by the Pittsburgh Chapter. Within two years of joining the Chapter he served as Chair of the Chapters annual Oktoberfest celebration, which drew several thousand visitors in just three days. He chaired that activity and the Rhineland Karnival for numerous years

until the chapter decided to hand the events over to the Alliance of Germanic Societies of Pittsburgh, who unfortu-nately changed the event to a Summer fest, which never took hold or drew the crowds as the DANK Oktoberfest. As with most of the DANK Chapters, the Pittsburgh chapter underwent the need to transition from primarily a member-ship of ethnic Germans to a member-ship of Americans of Germanic ances-try. This understanding was one of the driving forces that caused Erik to agree to allow himself to be nominated for a position on the National Board. He is convinced based upon his years with DANK and understanding human na-ture that unless DANK makes that tran-sition, the organization will continue to struggle and may go the way of so many ethnic groups that were in exis-tence but discontinued due to a drop in membership.

On the current National Board he serves as Membership chair to address the issues of a declining membership and working with others like our Re-gional Presidents in assisting to revital-ize existing Chapter or establishing new Chapters/sub chapters. During the past several months due to the assistance and hard work of individuals like Cobi Stein, Terry Viebek, Christa Garcia and Chris Decker, one new chapter is being established in Columbus, Ohio, one sub chapter was created in Pittsburgh, and one chapter is being resurrected in Peo-ria. If our membership responds to our “Just add ONE “drive it is hoped our membership decline can be reversed. He also is on the Committee that is working on initiating Travel Services to our membership.

Erik was born in Austria, the young-est of three to parents who were ethnic Germans (Donau Schwaben) and were forced to flee the former Yugoslavia at the end of 1944. His family was one of approximately half a million ethnic Germans who had to flee the former Yugoslavia due to the ethnic cleansing initiated by the Tito regime during the war, despite Germans having lived in Yugoslavia for the past 100 years.

He immigrated with his family to Cleveland, where relatives from his father’s side resided. While never personally experiencing prejudice or name calling because of his heritage, he often overhead derogatory remarks

made against new immigrants such as DP (displaced persons) or in the case of Germans – Nazi or Kraut. He found that many of his American friends were very hesitant to acknowledge their Germanic heritage unlike other ethnic groups such as Italian or Irish. While

having become very Americanized, he still took pride in the achievements of his own parents and extended family, many of whom started with nothing, having to have re-establish themselves twice but yet were able to fulfill the American dream through hard work and the values inherent in German cul-ture. It was not until he started attend-ing DANK functions that he again saw the prejudices carried by some against German –Americans.

When he chaired the Oktoberfest he interacted with both local news media and Advertising groups. Two incidents stand out in his mind- sort of Kodak moments- based upon interactions. One was while doing a morning Radio show on Pittsburgh’s most popular Morning show, the lead News announce pulled him aside to whisper that he was also German and remembered fondly his grandmother and her cooking skills. When asked why he was whispering this information, he indicated that no one at the radio station was aware of his Germanic background, despite the obviousness of his Germanic name. It totally amazed him that someone in a public forum could be so hesitant to ac-knowledge that fact.

The second “Kodak moment” in-cident was in working with a major national advertising group who was a part sponsor of cultural events in Pitts-burgh. The vice president of the group during a preliminary planning meeting on the annual Oktoberfest asked if there

were going to be dem-onstrations. Somewhat taken back, Erik asks why would anyone demon-strate against an Oktober-fest – only to be told by that Vice President- “well it is a German event”. The shock of seeing both the shame some Americans of Germanic ancestry have and the blatant inappro-priate comments made by some American business leadership only served to drive Erik further to both share with the public the achievements of both Ger-mans and Americans of Germanic ancestry. Just as other ethnic groups, validate and honor their

ancestry so should Germans. Allowing that people of Germanic

ancestry have over the last 100 years ( including the time periods of World War I and World War II) made up the American fabric and served America’s interest, it is Erik’s view that it is long overdue that as Germanic people ( and that includes Germans – Austrians and Swiss) take pride in their ancestry and accomplishments and contributions.

Now I know some of you who may have read this article are still stuck on what does the R. stand for in R. Erik Wittmann? Having been born in Aus-tria he was named after Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria. While going by the first name of Rudi at home while grow-ing up, he found it necessary to switch to Erik because in college, one of his fraternity brothers was named Rudy, so to avoid confusion everyone in the fraternity and university switched to the middle name of Erich. Allowing that most Americans can not pronounce Erich without stress the “ch” sound, he changed it to Erik and thus you have Erik Wittmann. The mystery is solved!

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.

Have You Paid Your 2008 Dues?We have close to 800 members in the

total DANK organization who have yet to pay their 2008 membership dues. Are you one of them? Please find your dues reminder statement and send it in with your payment. If you can not locate it simply take the application you find in this edition and send it to the DANK National Executive Office with your check and a note that you misplaced the dues statement form. Should you have special issues, such as inability to pay or other circumstances please contact your

chapter leadership and I know that they may be able to work out something to assist you. We want to keep you part of the DANK family so please don’t hesi-tate to contact your chapter leadership and share with them what the issues are be it financial or any other factors that prevent you from staying a active member. It becomes counter produc-tive to loose members while we try to re invigorate this organization with our membership drive and active changes to the organization. Dankeschön!

German Unity DayTag der Deutschen Einheit

By: Darlene Fuchs

Germany’s national holiday (Ger-man Unity Day) is celebrated on Octo-ber 3, the date when the reunification treaty was signed between West and East Germany in 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989.

An alternative choice would have been the day the Berlin Wall came down, November 9, 1989, which co-incided with the anniversary of the

founding of the first real German Re-public in 1918 and the defeat of Hitler’s first coup in 1923; however November 9 was tainted by the first large-scale Nazi-led pogroms against Jews in 1938 (Kristallnacht), and the day was thus considered inappropriate as a national holiday. Before 1990 West Germany’s national holiday, created in 1949, was on May 23. In East Germany, also cre-ated in 1949, the national day was Oc-tober 7. Therefore, October 3, 1990, the day of formal reunion was chosen.



Davenport and Amana Iowa Chapter Motorcoach TripBy: Cobi SteinDANK Chapter Lake County, IL

Iowa Agriculture by the Numbers (from the USDA – Associated Press): In the most recent ranking, did you know that Iowa placed first among the 50 states in the production of corn, soy-beans, hogs and eggs? Did you also know that this state ranks in the top 10 in the production of wool, milk, turkeys, sheep, cattle and meat chickens?

And now specifically Davenport, Pella and Amana, Iowa by the Numbers (factual information from the May 1-4, 2008 trip) and affectionately dubbed the “Home Improvement (Motorcoach) Tour” because Davenport is known for the John Deere Tractor, Pella for win-dows and doors and Amana for kitchen appliances:

24,000 pounds – is the weight of the monument near the bank of the Mis-sissippi, commemorating a group of German patriots who fought for liber-ty, democracy and national unity from 1848-1850 in a war with Denmark, many of which emigrated to Daven-port and the surrounding area. Please see the accompanying photo and read the caption. The stone was dedicated on March 30, 2008, through the efforts of the American/Schleswig-Holstein Heritage Society and the Davenport Schuetzenpark Gilde. DANK Chapter

Lake County, Illinois’ sincerest thanks to James Stelk, Membership Chair of the ASHHS and Foline Koch, President of DANK Chapter Quad Cities for each of their roles in offering us the oppor-

tunity to view and learn about this link between Davenport and Schleswig-Holstein.

23 rooms - were called home for three nights by 41 passengers and one driver at the Royal Amsterdam Hotel, in the middle of the downtown histor-ic area of Pella, and which by all ac-counts drew high praise. The location could not be beat and the canal with

drawbridge out front added Old World charm. Hats off to Francesca and Fritz Sauter for this excellent recommenda-tion and Walter Veile, who year in and year out keeps accurate track of the

dollars and cents received and spent for these trips.

200,000 bulbs – is the estimated number of tulips that are planted for each year’s Tulip Time Festival in Pella. I am unable to provide the statistics on how many pictures our trip participants took of the various tulips in the gar-dens, but can only guess many, many! Did you know local volunteers dig up

the bulbs every year and plant new ones to insure the finest blooms?

7 villages – is the amount of colo-nies in Amana, which became Ameri-ca’s longest-lived and largest religious communal society. Mai Fest was being celebrated while we were there and it included a Wine and Beer Walk, with special taste treats and wine/beer sam-ples.

A few additional highlights of the trip included lunch at Biaggi’s in Dav-enport, a lighted evening parade, a step on guided tour, the Bob Ralston (on the Lawrence Welk Show for over 40 years) Concert at the Opera House, a Dutch themed buffet dinner at the Mon-archs Restaurant, lunch at the Tulip Tea Room, a pancake breakfast and Fly-In at the airport, dinner at the Bos Landen Conference Center-Golf Course and unexpectedly bumping into our own Helen Hartung (of DANK Chapter Chi-cago South) in Pella, plus a communal dining experience and historical presen-tation at the Ox Yoke Inn in Amana.

We welcomed Gundi Rentz, Hella and Erwin Goering, Jerry Thompson and Sharon and Don Kramer, who trav-eled with us for the first time, and while many members and friends brought home souvenirs from this Dutch-Deutsch trip, to my knowledge no one purchased any tractors, windows, doors or appliances!

By the Summer Shore of Lake ErieBy: Beverly Pochatko

Erie, like other cities situated on one of the Great Lakes, benefits in summer with the cooling breezes off the lake and is protected in winter by the ridge just a few miles south of the city that ‘catches’ the fierce winter snows. A saying in the Erie area is “if you stay around long enough, some days you can experience all four seasons in one day.” Now it appears that summer is here to stay with balmy breezes during the day and cool sleeping in the night.

Erie’s DANK Chapter, the German Heritage Society of Erie, remains pret-ty active through-out the year. Our meetings have guest speakers or perhaps videos of Germany. Some nights , such as our June meeting, we gather to just social-ize and play a few rounds of Po-Ke-No and eat good German Cheese Cake baked by our super baker, Margaret Po-tocki-Kodrzycki. At our May meeting, Leo Gruber, PhD, a Professor at Edin-boro University, spoke on the “German Practice of Dueling in German Univer-sities”. His talks on old German prac-tices are always very interesting.

A special welcome to Ursel Altsman and James Bello, who joined DANK at our June meeting.

Our German classes are continuing on through the summer and at the end of the Spring session, a pot-luck dinner was held. That evening, twelve of the students joined our Honorary German Schmidt Family in an adoption ceremo-ny held at St. Joseph’s Social Center,

where the classes are held. The group has the distinction of bringing in the youngest member – 3 month old Adam Gearhart – as a Schmidt offspring!

In July, DANK members will be gathering on Friday, July 18th at Mount Carmel Church Picnic Grove for their annual Family Picnic. It’s a fun time with great food and Gemütlichkeit. Special this year is that it will be the 1st Annual Schmidt Family Reunion as well as our annual picnic.

August is a busy month for us as we plan for the German Heritage Festival on Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day

Weekend. In our 12th year since DANK started the festival, we are hopeful to continue for many years to come. The festival incorporated as a separate entity from

DANK four years ago. We are fortu-nate to have a strong, albeit small, core of volunteers who continue to support the fest. (They are honored guests at a volunteer’s recognition night following the festival.) Volunteers are the heart of any organization and without their sup-port, the celebration of our heritage in a big way would not happen. Attracting around 6,000 people over a two day pe-riod from the tri-state region, it’s a great time to share our heritage.

Plans are in the works for a Student-en Deutscher Tag to be held in Octo-ber. There will be an essay contest and a variety of activities throughout the day. Students will be invited from the nearby high schools who host German language classes.

Members and friends of DANK Chapters Davenport and Lake County, Illinois pose around a 24,000 pound monument honoring a select group of German immigrants known as the “Forty-eighters” from Schleswig-Holstein.

Milwaukee Chapter Summer 2008 NewsBy: John Dienhart

D.A.N.K. - Milwaukee continues to keep busy this Spring and into the 2008 Summer. Our Spring membership meeting included an excellent presenta-tion by the new Vice President of Ger-manFest and Assistant Fest Director, Mr. Kobi Scheel. Kobi was so engaging and informative that the 90 minutes of presentation flew by quickly. Members in attendance expressed their apprecia-tion with Kobi’s knowledge. Everyone walked away with a better understand-ing of the inner working and structure, and the stability and strength of Ger-manFest. Kobi also gave an up to the minute outline of the changes taking place for the 2008 Fest. Check the Ger-manFest website for details. (http://ger-manfest.com)

Following a presentation by Mil-waukee Chapter member and retired schoolteacher Mr. Ed Mueller several months ago and after much discus-sion in our recent board meetings we reached a very important and new milestone. Any-one who has an interest in German language educa-tion watches with dismay as schools drop the German language programs. The D.A.N.K. Milwaukee Chap-ter voted unani-mously to set up a grant award for the teachers of German

in our Wisconsin schools. This will be a yearly grant awarded to one or more teachers by application to assist them financially in promoting and teaching German in their school.

To kick things off this Fall we are providing four $500 grants to four teachers of German language in the Milwaukee area. Three of the teachers are members of D.A.N.K. Milwaukee Chapter. All four teachers have con-sistently and continuously supported D.A.N.K. Milwaukee in its activities and have consistently and continuously supported German language educa-tion. Ed Mueller agreed to head up the new committee as its Chairperson. The awards will be presented at our Fall membership meeting. We look forward to supporting German language educa-tion in Wisconsin well into the future.

The D.A.N.K. Milwaukee Summer

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 [email protected]

See MILWAUKEE on PAGE 9



DANK South - Josephine Walthier Pavilion DedicationDedication Ceremony

By: Nancy MoserChicago South Chapter

Dank South held their May Meeting on Sunday May 18, 2008, which was followed by a very touch-ing dedication of our “New Pavilion” in honor of the late Josephine Walthier.

President Osterhout thanked all the workers who helped with the storage building and pavilion.

Our First Vice President Bill Schmidt, President Dank Regional Coby Stein and Anita Walthier gave touching, beautiful speeches honoring Josephine.

We thank all who came to join us on this very spe-cial day. There were many former Vorstand Members, with guests from Dank National, Dank North, Dank Bentonharbor, Rheinischen Verein and Burgenländis-che Gemeinschaft.

We wish to acknowledge the presence of Vice President Dank National Eric Wittmann, Vice Presi-dent Dank National Donna Lippert and husband Re-inhard, President Dank North Dagmar Freiberger and husband Erich and National honorary past President Ernst Ott and wife Alexandra Pradella-Ott, DANK Northern Suburbs President Dora Totzke and Nation-al Secretary Eva Timmerhaus.

Wally Hartung thanked all who made monetary donations for these buildings.

We had a great crowd, with entertainment by the Dank South schoolchildren and music by “Bruno”.

There was plenty of good food and drinks for ev-eryone to enjoy.

Memoior

By: Anita Walthier

On behalf of my father-Martin, sister-Christine, brothers Eddy & Marty along with thier families I want to say “Thank you” for this honor of dedicating the new DANK Chicago South pavillion in my moth-er’s name. My parents joined DANK in November of 1968 and was in Beirat and served as membership secretary through the reign of 8 DANK South presi-dents. She was also in charge of ordering food for the kithcen, arranging bus trips & German concert ac-tivities. My mother and father always worked hard so other could have an enjoyable time at the dances as well as so many other events.

One of my earliest memories is that she was in charge of advance ticket reservations prior to danc-es. She would tell us if someone calls up for tickets get their phone number and how many tickets they wanted and write it down in this spiral notebook. The Walthier basement was the place of many Vorstand meetings which was followed by food and drinks. The day after a dance before our clubhouse existed was always fun washing dirty glasses-yes in the 70’s we used glasses, counting the bar & kitchen tickets, and taking inventory. We can not forget the times in which the “East side Frauen” (Emmy Bozevic, Mari-anne Mrzik, Karin Dethleff, Elizabeth Marizich) and all the couples from the Vorstand would gather at our house and prepare Christmas goody bags-1 apple, 1 orange, Lebkuchen, walnuts, and of course choco-lates. Much laughter and fun took place. Probably the

favorite part was all the times Christine & I helped our mother peel the cooked 100lbs or more of potatoes for German potatoe salad for the dances. If we can’t peel potatoes by now we never will she would tell us. It was my brother Marty and mom who made it into the movies “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” sitting on the DANK float in the Stueben Parade in Chicago. She was also proud when the club would hire the Phenix aka Tempos in which Eddy would play the drums.

This club has brought many enjoyable moments to our family who am I kidding-also aggravation, tears, and alot of fun and laughter and after 40 years my family is still an active part of this chapter--not too many people can say that. But most of all it is the friendships that have lasted for years. That is clearly what we see here today. Perhaps that is truly what this

organization is all about. People sharing thier Ger-man speaking cultural heritage and passing it on to the next generation.

There is a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place and now I know that it’s the Spirit of Frau Walthier, Josephine, Josie. There are sweet expressions on each one of your faces and I know you feel her presence here to-day. There are blessings you can not receive unless you have known her in her fullness and believe that you’re the one to profit when you say I will walk with her memory all the way. Now she rests with a smile on her face on the wall in the corridor between the kitchen and the entrance door ticket table in which she sat greeting everyone. So now I smile like my mom always did and say thank you once again and we miss her every day.

Greetings From Benton Harbor/St. Joseph ChapterBy: Walter PatzerChapter PresidentBenton Harbor/St. Joseph Chapter #13

In December 2007, during very unusual weather (rain/snow) our Chapter’s Haus had a new roof in-stalled. The funding for the roof was made possible by the Gary/Merrillville Chapter(s) who merged with us a few years back. Ella Schulke was the story teller and Wilma Wallat made the hats given to all the young ones in attendance at the children’s Christmas party,

In March 2008, our Volunteer Appreciation Din-ner was held and a wonderful meal was prepared by Primo Catering (Joe and Marion Edwards). En-tertainment followed and President Walt Patzer ac-knowledged and thanked all those present for their

dedication and time spent at their chapter to keep it viable.

In April 2008, South Bend Chapter President Christine Weiss and John Tarwocki presented a check to President Walt Patzer toward the purchase of a new round plastic table.

Later in April 2008, our chapter hosted the an-nual German Student Award Night. Megan Hauch from Bridgman High School, a third (3rd) year Ger-man student, earned the Josep Baumann Memorial Award. The award was presented by Elsie Baumann and President Walter Patzer. Ms. Hauch received a score of 99 on the NATG test and missed only 16 points out of 1200. She is planning a three (3) week trip to Germany this summer.

New Roof

South Bend DANK presents check to DANK #13 to purchase new plastic round table.

German student award night.

Megan Hauch - Bridgman High School Josef Baumann Memorial Award.



Bus Trip to Fort Wayne’s GermanfestBy: Christine WeissSouth Bend Chapter #36

German Fest began in 1981 as a project to bring another festival to Fort Wayne. Since then, it has con-tinued to grow and has now become a highlight of the summer festivals in Fort Wayne. There are four German organizations: the Fort Wayne Turners, the Heritage Society and the Fort Wayne Maennerchor/Damenchor, which make up the German Fest Com-mittee. Each of these organizations has a rich tradi-tion in Fort Wayne.

On June 7 we chartered a bus for 29 people to take us to Fort Wayne’s German Fest. Upon arrival, we walked to the festival tent where a reserved table was waiting for us. After having a good, hearty meal, a cold glass of beer and listening to the entertainment by the Freudenmacher, we soon felt right at home. The rest of the afternoon we could do as we pleased.

People were free to stroll around the festival grounds, do some dancing or watch the Pommersche Tansdeel Freistadt and D’Oberlander Bavarian dancers. If any-one wanted to, they could also venture across the river to visit an old fortress and learn some more about the

history of Fort Wayne. Before we knew it, it was al-ready 7:30 pm, our departure time had come way too soon!

A heartfelt thank you to John Tarwacki, who ar-ranged our trip and thanks to all who participated.

A Tale of Two CitiesBy: Cobi SteinPhoto Credit: Terry ViebachPeoria / Decatur Chapter

During the last weekend of May into June, Willi Gohs, Terry Viebach, Erich Wittmann and I did not get much sleep, but that was quite alright with us! We were working toward a bigger goal and the rest-ing would just have to wait!

Erich Wittmann (heading up membership at the national level) was the spark that ignited our visit to DANK Chapter Peoria. This is a chapter that for some time has not had a working board in place. Erich encouraged me to write a letter to each of the chapter members to find out if a mutually agreed upon date and location could be found to come to-gether and discuss the possibility of revival. It is my privilege to report that the meeting was held on Saturday, May 31st and determining an election date and place for this chapter is now in the works! My personal thanks to Jack Hall for reserving the meeting room at the China Village Buffet (which

had great food, I would like to add) and (along with Jack) Marlies Schmidt, Katie Viebach, Sarah Lynn Spencer and Clark Krieger for attending; Erika Lange and Hilda Starkey were unable to be present, but have expressed interest in helping to reestablish the chapter. More good news to come as develop-ments take additional shape! “Yes, they can” – to coin a phrase from Barack Obama!

After we said our good-byes in Peoria, Terry, our designated driver, set her GPS (which we af-fectionately called Zoe) in the direction of Decatur. We arrived at Rusty’s Clubhouse and Grill right on time and received a warm welcome from the chap-ter members and friends there. This is a smaller chapter than many, but full of positive energy and we were on a first name basis with our hosts in no time at all. A brief business meeting was held and our compliments go to Margit Machalek (DANK Chapter Decatur President) for her ability to bring out the very best in people. We chose dinner from an abbreviated menu and the portions were quite generous and very tasty.

An unexpected treat was entertainment by this chapter’s very own Howard Mayberry, who played the guitar and sang with an enthusiasm that was con-tagious and a talent of which we were envious. In short order he had folks singing along and/or danc-ing to the music. If the truth be told, Willi, Terry, Erich and I were not ready to leave this congenial group, and I am here to say that while our time with these chapter members and friends was short, their impact on the four of us was powerful!

Before closing, please know that I genuinely feel it was my good fortune to spend all of that Sat-urday in a car with three people (Willi, Terry and Erich) who bring sunshine into this world. For that I would like to publicly thank each of them!

Sunday, June 1st found Erich boarding a plane back to Pittsburgh and Willi, Terry and I headed off to the DANK Region One Dessert and Tea in Chicago, in honor of the superintendents, directors and teachers of the German Language Schools – please read more about that within this edition of the German-American Journal.

(Left-Right) Reinhard Lippert, Christine Weiss, Mike Wilson, Clara Cluster, and Sonja Wilson.

South Bend DANK at Fort Wayne Germanfest.

Entertaining members and friends on the guitar is Howard Mayberry.

Our mothers had it right - get out of the house and play! (middle row, 4th from left: Margit Machalek, DANK Chapter Decatur President)

The future is happening here! (from left) seated: Terry Viebach, Marlies Schmidt, Jack Hall; standing: Willi Gohs, Cobi Stein, Clark Krieger, Katie Viebach, Sarah Lynn Spencer and Erich Wittmann; missing from photo: Erika Lange and Hilda Starkey.

Milwaukee (Continued from page 7)picnic took place July 6, 2008. Besides our mem-bership, we also invite the volunteers who work for our chapter at GermanFest. This year Bavaria Sausage (www.bavariasausage.com) owner Al-fred Voll (Meisterprufung), a former DANK Sauk City/Madison member, went out of his way for our chapter and made up a special 50 lb. batch of authentic Thüringen bratwurst for our picnic. We really appreciate Fred’s support of our chapter. Vickie Ohde provided many activities for the chil-dren. Bob and Christel Miske handled the grilling with Gene Brunner and Edwin Gunther watching

over the refresh-ments. The Mil-waukee Frauen as usual came through again with their fine baking and salad

presentations. We can never thank these members enough for their help.

We all felt a void and missed one important fix-ture at this year’s picnic. Magrit Heitmann attend-ed every event we put on from the summer pic-nic to our Fasching. Magrit joined the D.A.N.K. - Milwaukee Chapter in 1964 and although she transferred her membership to the Lake County Chapter she was an honorary member of the Mil-waukee Chapter.

(From left to right) Christel Miske (l) with Magrit Heitmann at the 2007 picnic.



Erie Männerchor Gesangverein Hosted June Sängerfest

By: Beverly Pochatko

On Saturday, June 7th, the Erie Män-nerchor Gesangverein hosted choirs for its first Sängerfest. The choirs are members of the Pittsburgh Berzirk of the North American Sängerbund As-sociation. The Erie Gesangverein was surprised to learn that evening from the President of the North American Sängerbund , Mr. Elmer Menhart, that this was the first Sängerfest held in 47 years! We noted that evening, that no matter the size of the choirs, whether four or seventy-five singers, everyone enjoys singing and helps to keep the traditional music of Germany alive.

Interestingly, the date chosen was the anniversary of the 18th Annual Sän-gerfest held in Erie in 1935. At that time, the Sängerfest was a three-day event and ended on a Monday with a picnic at the Erie Waldemeer Picnic Grove. There were over 1,000 singers from Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsyl-vania participating with an estimated 2,000 guests arriving with them for the occasion. Each of the choirs sang individually and then on Sunday eve-ning the Bundes-Konzert climaxed the program accompanied by a thirty piece orchestra. The Pittsburgh Männerchor, Damenchor und Gemischterchor was one of the choirs returning in 2008 for the Sängerfest.

The Erie Männerchor Club is an as-sociate member of DANK and in 1996 welcomed the return of the Gemischter-chor after an absence of singing in the club for 47 years. The small group of 10 singers wanted to bring music back to the club restarting the original tradi-tion for which it was founded. Current officers of the Gesangverein are: Karen Smith, President, Beverly Pochatko, Vice President, William Schubert, Sec-retary and Margaret Kodrzycki, Trea-surer. The Director is Joan Miller.

The day started with a rehearsal of the massed numbers and then singers and guests sat down for a dinner of Stuffed Chicken Breast or Swiss Steak. Allowing sufficient time after dinner, a warm welcome was extended by Bever-ly Pochatko of the hosting choir and Mr. Elmer Menhart, President of the NASA

and Pittsburgh District President Mr. Jim Liebmann. It was unfortunate that due to unforeseen circumstances, the Eintracht Männerchor from New Castle PA was unable to attend as planned.

Promptly at 7 pm, the musical pro-gram began. Selections of the individ-ual choirs were: Bloomfield Liedertafel (Ed Helgerman Diretor) Die Wacht am Rhein by Carl Wilhelm, and Alles geht vorüber by Max Orrel. They were joined by the East Pittsburgh Sänger-bund and sang: Fruehling du golden Zeit; Der Fruehling ist da; Mein Mund der singet; and Muss I denn. The Pfad-finder Studentenchor directed by Ste-phen Lipnichan sang Schoener Rhein Vater Rhein; Still ruht der See; and Wagner’s Pilgerchor aus Tannhaeuser. The Teutonia Männerchor, directed by Ed Helgerman, sang Wuertteberger Wei by Gurgeler and Franz Abt’s Nach der Heimat. The Teutonia Damenchor per-formed Wenn der weisse Flieder wieder blueht and Wien, du Stadt meiner Tra-eume. The Teutonia Gemischter Chor sang Max Orrel’s Heimatlied followed by Blaue Jungs und blonde Mädel. The hosting Männerchor Gesangverein sang Tanzen und Springen; Himmel und Erde, Ich will den Herrn loben; Musica begleite unser Leben; Sonntagsfeier; Wenn zwei sich lieben and Herr, deine Gute reicht so weit. The grand finale was the massed chorus numbers: Mu-sic Speaks and a medley of American the Beautiful and God Bless America.

Gemütlichkeit reigned as the singers enjoyed the “After-Glo” before board-ing their bus or cars for the return trip home.

Carol Snippert, Phil Smith, Marge Santabene, Paul Stadler, Margaret Kodrzycki, William Schubert, Bev Pochatko, Fred Huttel, Sr., Karen Smith and Hildegard Marschall.

Chicago-North Summer EventsBy: Nicholle Dombrowski

A little event named EuroCup was big at Dank Chicago. Weekday games were drawing 20-40 people and when Germany made the Final, we packed in almost 200 people. 200 very exuberant people all done up in face paint and ev-ery German shirt known to man.

Rumor has it the event has inspired formation of a Sports Committee…watch for future details.

Summer is all about the music – from Jazz with Karl Seigfried to karaoke, to Elvis swiveling his hips at Stammtisch, and to the Stuttgart Musikschule free concert performance on July 31. There is certainly no better way to spend a lazy summer evening than looking out at the beautiful Chicago skyline from the flower-filled terrace all the while surrounded by the relaxing and sound of music. It is truly lovely.

German Cinema Now is back on track after a special venture for the Joe Louis - Max Schmeling commemora-tion: July 20, The Edukators, August 17, Barefuss and September 21, Kein Ohrhasen. Even Saturday Kino, Kaffe und Kuchen starts up again September 13 after a nice summer break.

The Summer Children’s Theater per-formance, Bremer Stadt musickanten on

August 9, stars a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster! Along with the parents of these aspiring young bilingual actors, Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm would be proud to see their tale displayed with such heart.

In hopes of Chicago hosting the 2016 Olympic games, Dank Chicago has started its contribution by working with Olympic2016.org to reach out to the German community. At a meeting on June 9 we accepted the responsibil-ity to help make the German teams feel welcome giving them a “home field advantage”. Representative Mike Mu-rane is coming to the monthly mem-bership meeting on August 11 to give a short presentation and also attend Stammtisch that Friday. In addition an Olympic float will be marching in the Steuben parade September 6. August Stammtisch will be an Olympic event with music source spinning traditional songs. Togas = Greek = Olympic = Olympic Stammtisch! Those will be some interesting pictures.

Winding down with summer, fall will be just as exciting. Special events include Bach & Beyond on September 14, and Oktoberfest as well as Paloma Band & The Polaholics on September 27. Events galore!

“Weeds Like Us” - Book ReviewBy: Ernst Ott

Weeds Like Us by Gunter Nitsch reads more like a page-turning true adventure story than a memoir. Told from a child’s point of view, Weeds Like Us brings alive the experiences of millions of civilians who were uprooted from the eastern German prov-inces following World War II by focusing on the author’s own family and the hardships they faced after they were trapped in East Prussia when it fell under Soviet control in early 1945.

The author’s earliest years were spent in relative comfort on his grandfather’s farm in East Prussia during World War II. For him, life in Hitler’s Germany was the natural order of things. Then, just after the author’s seventh birthday, the Soviet Army rolled into East Prussia. Full of unexpected twists and turns, Weeds Like Us tells the story of what happened over the next six years, as the

author’s family tried to make its way safely to the west.

Although he was only a small child at the end of the War, the author remembers in sharp detail the events of that turbulent time when all of the ba-sic necessities of life were suddenly swept away.

Food was in desperately short supply; there was no school and no proper medical care. The burden of holding together his family of five adults and sev-en children fell mainly on the author’s mother and grandpar-ents. Under the threat of a slap from his grandmother’s wet dishtowel the author also had responsibilities -- begging for a few kopeks or a slice of bread, collecting mushrooms, berries and stinging nettles in the sum-mer, and chopping wood. Still, the book does not focus only on hardship since, despite every-thing, young Gunter still found time for childish mischief and adventure.

Told without recrimination

or self-pity, Weeds Like Us is an unforgettable journey into the lives of real people who expe-rienced first-hand the affects of the aftermath of war.

Weeds Like Us can be ordered directly from the publisher through www.weedslikeus.com (1-888-280-7715).

“Weeds Like Us” author Gunter Nitsch



only an “Autumn Fest” and in 1923 and 1924, the Oktoberfest was not held due to inflation.

In 1933, the Bavarian white and blue flag was replaced with the standard swastika flag and between 1939 to 1945, due to World War II, no Oktoberfest took place. From 1946 to 1948, after the war, Munich once again celebrated only the “Autumn Fest” and the sale of proper Oktoberfest beer was not permitted; the guests had to make do with beer that had an alcohol content under 2%.

Since its beginnings the Oktoberfest has thus been canceled 24 times due to war, disease and other emergencies.

To honor the marriage of King Ludwig I and Therese of Bavaria, a parade took place for the first time in 1835. Since 1850, this has become a yearly event and an important component of the Oktoberfest. The Tracht and Riflemen’s Parade has about 7000 performers from over 1000 Trachtenvereine (traditional clothing associations), lasts 3 hours and covers a distance of 7 km. The huge procession, mostly from Bavaria and in traditional costumes, winds its way through the city centre, accompanying the horse-drawn carts bearing barrels of beer and over 100 “Oompah bands,” to the Oktoberfest. The march is led by the Münchner Kindl, “Munich Child”, the symbol on the coat-of-arms of the city Munich. This symbol has been the coat-of-arms of Munich since the 13th century.

The massive Bavarian Volksfest begins each year on a Saturday in September and ends 16-18 days later (usually) on the first Sunday in October. If the first Sunday in October falls on the 1st or 2nd, then the festival will go on until October 3rd, German Unity Day.

In 2008 the dates are September 20 - October 5. It is one of the most famous events in the city and the world’s largest fair, with some six million people attending every year, and is an important part of Bavarian culture. Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations, modeled after the Munich event.

Oktoberfest will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2010. Although the horse racing (Pferderennen) didn’t become a lasting part of Oktoberfest, just about everything else did! Today, the world’s most famous beer festival (das Bierfest) is held on a large 31-hectare field in Munich known as die Theresienwiese (named for Princess Therese) or just die Wiesn if you’re a local.

With the exception of the obvious emphasis on beer, visitors also eat huge amounts of food, most of it traditional hearty fare such as sausage,

hendl (chicken), käsespätzle (cheese noodles), and sauerkraut, along with such Bavarian delicacies as roast ox tails and Äpfelpfannenkuchen (apple pancakes).

Since 1950, there has been a traditional festival opening. The festivities get off to an official start after a twelve gun salute and when Munich’s Oberbürgermeister (lord mayor) taps the first beer keg and yells the traditional O’zapft is! (“It’s tapped!”in the Austro-Bavarian dialect) at 12 noon on the Saturday. This Oktoberfest tradition is relatively

recent—it only began in 1950, when the then mayor, Thomas Wimmer, tapped the first keg.

By 1960, the Oktoberfest had turned into an enormous world-famous festival. After this foreigners began to picture Germans as wearing the Sennerhut, Lederhosen, and the girls in Dirndl. Horse races ended in 1960.

There are problems every year with young people, who overestimate their ability to handle large amounts of alcohol. Many pass out due to drunkenness. These especially drunk patrons are often called “Bierleichen” (German for “beer corpses”). They are brought by staff to a medical tent where they, as well as sick people, are treated.

Oktoberfest is much more than a beer party. One of its biggest draws is a large array of amusement rides and attractions found at any large fair: die

Achterbahn (roller coaster), das Riesenrad (ferris wheel), das Karussell (carousel, merry-go-round), die Schießbude (shooting gallery), der Kettenflieger (swing ride), and other attractions. Oktoberfest’s carnival aspect didn’t begin until 1818 and then it only consisted of a single carousel and a few modest rides.

To keep the Oktoberfest, and especially the beer tents, friendly for older people and families, the concept of the “quiet Oktoberfest” was developed in 2005. To encourage family attendance, each of the two Tuesday afternoons of the Oktoberfest are designated Familiennachmittagen (from 12:00 to 6:00 PM) with special prices for public transportation and entry. During this time the tents play quiet music, for example traditional wind music. Only after 6:00 PM will Schlager and pop music be played. With these measures, the organizers of the Oktoberfest hope to curb the party mentality and preserve the traditional beer tent atmosphere.

The Oktoberfest is known as the Largest People’s Fair in the World. In 1999 there were six and a half million visitors. 72% of the people are from Bavaria.15% of visitors come from foreign countries like the surrounding EU-countries and other non-European countries including the United States, Japan, Brazil and Australia.

O’ZAPFT IS!Continued from page 1

Visitors: Over 6,200,000Employees: 12,000 people of these, 1600 are waitresses (Barmaids).Seating: available for 100,000 people.Oktoberfest Breweries: 6 - (Spaten, Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu) Beer: 6,940,600 mugsWine: 79,624 litersCoffee & Tea: 222.725 litersWater & Lemonade: 909.765 1/2 litersRoasted Oxen: 104Sausages: 142,253Roast Chickens: 521,872Fish: 38,650 kg

30% of the year’s production of beer by Munich breweries will be con-sumed in the two weeks of Oktoberfest.

60% of visitors arrive by public transportation.

Nearly 1,000 tons of refuse result annually from the Oktoberfest. The mountains of refuse created are hauled away and the ways cleanly washed down each morning. The cleaning is paid for in part by the city of Munich and in part by the sponsors.

One of the biggest talking points among citizens of Munich in the lead-up to the Oktoberfest each year is how much a liter of beer will cost. In 2007, the price range of a Maß was between €7.30 and €7.90, depending on the brand of beer.. In 2008, the price will range between €8.00 and €8.30 or approximately $12.00 to $13.00 per liter at todays exchange rate. Water is €6.00 and soft drinks €6.50 to €7.00. In the past, price hikes have been a contentious issue.

Fun Oktoberfest Facts

das Oktoberfest - Oktoberfest

die Wiese - meadow die Wiesn - meadow (Ba-varian dialect) - site of the Oktoberfest der Wirt (-e) - bartender der Kellner - waiter die Kellnerin - waitress das Bier - beer der Bierkrug (-krüge) - beer mug/stein die Brezel (-n) - pretzel das Radi (Bavarian dialect) - radish A popular snack with beer die Wurst (Würste) - sausage die Festhalle, das Bierzelt - beer hall/tent Ok-toberfest has 14 large beer “tents” or beer halls) die Blaskapelle - brass band (plays Blasmusik, oompah, brass-band music) das Karussell - carousel, merry-go-round die Achterbahn - roller coaster das Dirndl, das Dirndlkleid - dirndl (tradi-tional female Bavarian costume) der Familientag - family day (family-friendly Oktoberfest prices and attractions on selected afternoons) Ozapft is! - “It’s tapped!” = traditional opening cheer for Oktoberfest)

Oktoberfest Words You Should Know



Dessert and TeaBy: Cobi Stein

Realizing the enormous importance the superin-tendents, directors and teachers have on the students within our DANK Region One German Language Schools, the members of the Region One Board were inspired to host a Dessert and Tea in honor of the fac-ulty. Once we got started, nothing got in our way! In-vitations were printed and sent, linens were reserved, a flower arrangement was selected, gourmet pastries

were ordered, and a presen-tation by Dale Roberts, a well-respected hand-writing analyst, was arranged.

In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, each guest was asked in advance to bring their

prettiest tea cup and saucer for a friendly competition and white gloves for the ladies and Panama hats for the men were encouraged, but optional!

The 6th floor Skyline Room of the historic DANK Chapter Chicago North Haus served as a splendid backdrop for this rather formal affair, with board members greeting guests at the door by way of warm handshakes of welcome and chilled mimosas in cham-pagne flutes.

The event began with an opening address, offered by DANK Region One President Cobi Stein, that in-cluded the following excerpt: “The school year has

drawn to a close and the DANK Region One Board would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to you…the superintendents, the directors and the teach-ers…for your hard work and dedication to the chil-dren and the adults in the DANK German Language Schools.”

With several dozen looking on, heartfelt congratu-lations were extended to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place “tea cup and saucer” winners: Christa Gartner, Hannelore Zydel and Virginia Apel. An honorable mention for creativity was awarded to the quick thinking Joe Os-terhout (DANK Chapter Chicago South President). He inadvertently left his tea cup and saucer at home; however, undaunted by this, he entered the competi-tion with a Styrofoam cup on which he wrote “pretti-est tea cup!” High marks for unflappable energy and enthusiasm go to DANK Region One Board mem-bers: Willi Gohs, Terry Viebach, Dora Totzke, Maria Thomp-son and Dagmar Freiberger (plus Bob Miske and Harald Pitz in absentia). Fur-ther, grateful ap-preciation for organizational strengths and genuine interest also goes to DANK Chapter Chicago North Haus’ (banquet room rental coordinator) Nicki Dombrowski and (custodian) Dennis!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this afternoon so special.

G.A.T.E.S.By: Terri Merrow

Fox Valley GATES received scholarship applica-tions from seniors attending several Fox Valley High Schools. Board members met with a panel of inde-pendent judges in April for a nice meal at Corfu Res-taurant in St. Charles. Each member of the panel of judges was given an essay, a teacher recommendation letter, and a character chart from each applicant. The applicants remained anonymous and were referred to only by the number given to them upon their re-ceipt. After careful deliberation, the judges decided that Beth Goldberg from Nequa Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois, was the 2008 recipient of the $1000.00 GATES Scholarship. Congratulations to Beth and her German educator, Anna Hog, for Beth’s outstanding educational accomplishments.

We express our sincere thanks to all those that sub-mitted applications and we are pleased that they con-tinue to get better each year. Our outstanding panel of judges were Margita Mulsoff, Margret Schrant, Re-gina Kania, and Willi Gohs.

While the judges were deliberating, our GATES Board, Christine Hunter, Maria Thompson, and Terri Merrow had a meeting. Unfortunately the ability to continue making decisions about 2009 scholarships needed to be tabled with the idea that we will solicit donations for the scholarship fund. A letter will be sent to all Fox Valley Oktoberfest sponsors with the hopes that they will support Fox Valley GATES with a generous donation. Also, on the DANK member-ship renewal forms, all DANK families have the op-portunity to support Fox Valley GATES by checking the box and sending in a personal donation. We are a 50lc3 tax-deductible organization.

At dessert and tea for faculty of the DANK Region One German Language Schools, held at the historic DANK Chapter Chicago North Haus, many gathered to enjoy a sense of camaraderie.

Trudy Hoyer, Gertrud Golsch, Margaret Plank and Dora Totzke offer congratulations to “prettiest cup and saucer at the dessert and tea” winner, Christa Gartner.

School Graduation Ceremony

By: Terri Merrow

The 2008 Combined Graduation ceremony of the DANK Fox Valley German Language Schools was held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Naperville on Saturday, May 17th, 2008. Terri Merrow, DANK Fox Valley Vice President, welcomed everyone to the ceremony. Thanks went out to Maria Thompson, School Director, the students, the parents, DANK Chapter Fox Valley, and the other supporters of the German Language Schools. Maria introduced each of the teachers, Melanie Kozakowski, David Chase, Randall Mueller, Anna Hog, and Margaret Rose. Each teacher’s students had participated in learning the German language as well as our German heritage and culture. A short presentation was given by each class. We are so proud of all the students! Report cards and awards were given out. The well-attended ceremony concluded with a short snack. Several families were already inquiring about next year’s classes. Please watch the website, www.germanfun.org for particu-lars as they become available.

McLean County Students Win German History Award During Annual Illinois History Expo

By: Cobi Stein

Two Students from the McLean County community of Downs won the Ernst Ott Award for German American History during the annual Illinois His-tory Expo held May 8 in Spring-field.

“This award is presented for the best paper, project or perfor-mance dealing with the history of Germans in Illinois,” said Illi-nois Historic Preservation Agen-cy (IHPA) Director Jan Grimes. The Agency sponsors Expo in co-operation with the Chicago Metro History Education Center.

Connor Laesch and Logan La-nier of Tri-Valley Middle School, Downs, each won a $50 prize for their entry, “The Laesch Dairy.”

Their teacher is Robin Roberts.The award was presented by

DANK, the German-American National Congress, in honor of their former president and self-less supporter Ernst Ott. The pre-senter was Dr. Anne Marie Fuhrig of the Education Committee of DANK. The prize, which includes

$100, recognizes students who study Americans of German ori-gin in Illinois and their influence on the progress of the state and country.

More than 1,400 junior and senior high school students from across the state participated in the May 8 Expo. The students were winners selected during re-gional history fairs held earlier this year.

The regional fairs and the Illinois History Expo are coor-

dinated by the IHPA’s Education Services Program, which also publishes the on-line student his-tory magazine Illinois History, and Illinois History Teacher, which contains teaching materials. For more information on the program, visit www.Illinois-History.gov.

(Left to Right) The presenter, Dr. Anne Marie Fuhrig, Connor Laesch, Logan Lanier and their teacher, Robin Roberts.

ZfA Schulmanagement WeltweitBy: Christa Garcia

Every June for the last seven years the ZfA (Zentralstelle fuer das Aus-landsschulwesen, Central Office for Schools Abroad, part of the ZfA Schul-management weltweit Federal Office of Administration, Cologne) organizes a weekend conference for German lan-guage school teachers. This year’s 7th June ZfA-conference in Washington DC centered around: “Grammar in the German classroom – always integrated, never isolated.” The three-day seminar was superbly planned and organized by Dr. Inke Pinkert-Saletzer (ZfA-Fach-

beraterin, USA East). Other ZfA-Lan-guage Coordinators were also involved in presenting sessions: Gert Wilhelm (Midwest), Frank Mueller (Los Ange-les), Wieland Peterman (Edmonton, Canada), and Hanne Mueller (Toronto, Canada). This conference is sponsored by the German government, providing 80% of the travel expenses for each of the participants.

Seventy school administrators, di-rectors and teachers came from Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Hous-ton, Knoxville, Los Angeles, Milwau-kee, Monmouth and Morris Counties, St. Louis, and Union, N.J. Dr. Inke

Pinkert-Saeltzer had organized eight workshops which ran simultaneously Saturday from 9-6 and Sunday from 9-12. All participants had time to get re-acquainted and do some ‘fachsimpeln’ (shop talk) at the same time.

Ricarda Redeker, the head of the cultural department, had invited all participants of the Seminar to a recep-tion on Friday night at the German Embassy to which we were driven in our own ‘German School Washington DC’ bus! The cultural department con-tributes to the Embassy’s mission of fostering German-American relations in numerous ways. The department’s

seven staff members organize cultural events and collaborate on other, pri-vately organized events; monitor the administration of university and high school exchange programs; support the instruction of the German language in the U.S.; support German schools in the U.S.; promote German sports in the U.S among other activities. Several of the participants were honored with individ-ual gifts, among them Christa Garcia, DANK Superintendent.

Ricarda Redeker & Dr. Inke Pinkert-Saeltzer surprised her with a picture of the Residence and original signature of German Ambassador Klaus Scharioth.



Proudly Announcing German Contest for Students in DANK SchoolsStudents should study one German-American from a list (found on DANK.org) for a project. In September they should bring their work to German

class, so that the teacher can bring or send it to the DANK-Haus by October 3 for judging by the D.A.N.K. jury on October 6.DANK National will award prizes and exhibit the best projects at the National DANK House.

Projects shouldBe on poster board, no larger than 17 x 11 inches

Have text and images and Present the chosen person well.

On the back, students should write 1. first name, 2. last name initial, 3.age, 4. class, and teacher name.

Chicago Northern Suburbs Language Schools Celebrate Successful YearBy: Ursula Hoeft

Celebrations at Hersey High School in Arlington Heights on Saturday morning, May 17, and at Palatine High School in the evening on Monday, May 19, con-cluded another successful school year for the Chicago Northern Suburbs Language schools. Directors Gertrud Golsch and Astrid Herod presented diplomas to students and congratulated them on their achievements while proud Muttis, Papas, Omas, Opas, brothers, sisters and friends watched.

A number of students – 13 of them, in fact – were ex-ceptionally dedicated to their German studies and never missed a day of class. For their perfect attendance Ethan Fischer, Kai Jaeger, Nina Jaeger, Rebecca Metheny, Tor-sten Molina, Stefanie Murschel, Alyssa Schmidts, Hai-

ley Schmidts, Chandler Schwabe, Steven Tarver, Heidi Trettenbach, Jessica Weber and Luke Weber received German books to enjoy over the summer.

Ms. Herod commended stu-dents who had taken the annual National American Association of Teachers of German test. She explained, “The test is designed for high school students … most of our students who took this test are not high school stu-dents yet; however, they did extremely well, and we’re very proud of them.”

Students who took the Level 2 AATG tests were Mat-thew Cepiel, Elisabeth Crotser, Margaret Crotser, Zach Deutschmann, Connor Novak, Jesse Sipiorski, Jeremy Sue, Renata Wettermann and Julie Winter.

The Level 3 AATG test was taken by Cassandra Bacher, Eric Fischer, Ryan Toher, Michelle Wachs and Emily Winter.

Students who took the Level 4 AATG test were An-drew Fischer, Krista Ruddick, Rachel Ruddick, Oliver Segurado, and Marcus Winings.

This year, the DANK Chicago Northern Suburbs schools also participated, for the first time, in the DSD-

Neu-A2-Prüfung. This exam required students to demonstrate their written communication, reading and listening comprehen-sion, and spoken German skills. Andrew Fischer, Krista Ruddick, Rachel Ruddick, and Marcus Winings took this very demand-ing exam.

Graduating students were also recognized. Matthew Cepiel,

Torsten Molina, Janet Sanoica, Ryan Toher, Michelle Wachs and Julie Winter will be missed. The excellent foundation they gained during their years of study will serve them well in their high school German classes.

But attending DANK Chicago Northern Suburbs lan-guage schools wasn’t all work. In addition to weekly language and culture classes, students, their family members and friends also had an opportunity to experi-ence good old-fashioned German Gemütlichkeit during German-American Day, Christmas, and Faschings holi-day celebrations.

Plans for the next school year are already underway. Enrollment information can be obtained by calling Ger-trud Golsch at 847-392-5352 or Astrid Herod at 262-552-7337.

Graduating students

Kindergarten 4 and 5-year-olds with Frau Molina, left, and Frau Musick, right.

Back To SchoolBy: Darlene Fuchs

A “Schultüte” (or School Cone), even though the word “Tüte” translates more as “bag”), often called Zuckertüte (sugar bag) especially in Eastern Germa-ny, is a paper (and later plastic) cone.

The first day of school is especially sweet and memorable in Germany. On this day each child enter-ing the first grade receives a large cone decorated with paper and ribbon. Inside they find small gifts, school supplies, and lots of chocolate and candy. It is given to children to make this anxiously awaited first day of school a little bit sweeter. Often the entire family, including the grandparents, accompanies the child to school. After a brief classroom introduction, the stu-dents are allowed outside to rejoin their families and to take individual and class photos. Each child poses, clutching their cone and a sign designates the name of

the school and the year. Some of the cones dwarf the five- and six-year-olds.

The custom of the “Schultüte” goes back to about 1810, to Saxony and Thuringia at Germany’s eastern-most borders, where sweets were given to the children on this day. Marked with the students’ names, they were taken to the school by parents or godparents and in a habit reminiscent of the Mexican pinata, hung on a metal “Schultüten-Baum” (Schoolcone tree) from which each child had to pick their cone. Without breaking them, of course. The story told to the chil-dren goes, that there is a Schultütenbaum growing at the school, and if the fruits (the Schultüten) were ripe enough to be picked, then they themselves were ready for school.

The first documented report of the cone-shaped Schultüte comes from the city of Jena in 1817, closely followed by reports from Dresden (1820) and Leipzig (1836). It started in the bigger cities but spread quick-ly to the small towns and villages, soon becoming an

institution all over Germany.The only custom that has

changed in the later half of the 20th century, is that less and less sweets seem to appear in the Schultüte, with more practical gifts such as crayons and pen-cils, small toys, CDs, books and even articles of clothing replac-ing the traditional chocolates and candies.

Spreading from city to city and then eventually to all of Germany, the Schultüte has always been repre-sentative of the times. During the period before WWI the face of the last emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II, often adorned the cones. Under Hitler, the cones were given a uniform size symbolizing the equality of those with-in the “Aryan” race. Today many parents buy cones pre-decorated with their children’s favorite cartoon or book characters.

Life EternalCustom designed personalized books with digital pictures and text.

Vacations•Weddings•PersonalMemoirs•PastGenerations•ChildhoodMilestones•

$20 off

any Memory Book

A Memory Book is the perfect way to share your many unique stories with those people dear to you and ensures that your family’s memories endure for generations.

Golden Fox Productionswww.GoldenFoxPro.com

Darlene Fuchs847-452-6335

Great Gifts for any occasion - Beat the holiday rushWir sprechen Deutch



CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERSAnderson, Christa

Anderson, Elden H.Anstett, David R.

Anstett, Jennifer N.Argianas, Christina

Bauer, RudolfBaum, Michael A.

Beccue, GerdaBolle, Johann

Bolle, Polyne A.Brooks, Serena

Burchard, Klaus M.Butts, Jason

Cormier, GlennDean, Ilona M.Dean, John T.

Diamond, Louie

Dowling, MerleEichhorst, Karl

Gast, LoriGoldman, EmilyGrabmayr, Franz

Graf, BirgitGurnig, John

Gurnig, MargaretHau, EricHau, Lara

Helm, AllenHerod, Roger

Herrmann, Anne K.Hornack, LeroyHornack, Lynn

Hughes, Harry F.Hughes, Nancy

Jutaszek, TeganKaltenback, IngridKonrath, ChristinaKonrath, John P.Konrath, KellyKonrath, KewinKonrath, Luke

Konrath, Michael R.Leinweber, Kate

Mantel, Matthew J.Miller, Edwin L.Miller, Shirley

Nudrak, AngelaOrosz, Christopher

Orosz, MichelleOrosz, NicholasOrosz, Timothy

Phillips, John L.Phillips, Mary H.Priemer, GudrunRaley, J. Michael

Reichart, Daniel St.Reiter, EmilieSkursha, JuliaSpansail, JacobSpansail, JeffSpansail, Jon

Uffner, BridgetteWade, Carl G.

Wiederanders, SarahZigman, Erika R.

JULY 2008

19- Aug. 2Fayette County Fair will have a German booth sponsored by the Pittsburgh Mason Dixon sub chapter.

25-27 Germanfest In Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

26-27

The German Society of Maryland, German Festival at Timonium Fairgrounds. For information call: 410-825-7166.

27DANK Chapter Pittsburgh, Summer Picnic, Fairview Park- South Fayette Twp.

AUGUST 2008

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

3DANK Chapter Pittsburgh, PA., Ger-man Summer Picnic. Brats, desserts, beer and a live band will be available.

9

Pommersche Verein, Central Wis-consin, First German Festival at Oak Island Park, Wausau. Call: 715-359-5189.

10

DANK Chapter Chicago-South, August Picnic, at the German Amer-ican Heritage Center, Frankfort, IL, call: 708-448-8731.

10DANK Chapter South Bend, IN, An-nual Picnic – 1 PM Potluck at Kison’s Farm, 63620 Maple Rd., South Bend.

10

American/Schleswig Holstein Heritage So. Zither concert. For information contact the German American Heritage Center, Daven-port, Iowa. 563-322-8844.

14-17

Salzburger Echo presents the: 1st Annual North American Alphorn Retreat in the Rocky Mountains of Utah.Phone: 801-943-2480.

16-17 131st Cannstatter Volksfest at the Schwaben Center, Buffalo Grove, IL.

16 Saxonia House, Janesville, WI., Sum-mer Membership Meeting.

17

American/Schleswig-Holstein Heritage Soc., ASHHS quarterly meeting at the American Legion Hall, 121 Bryant ST, Walcott, Iowa. For more information call: 563-284-6640.

18DANK Chapter Milwaukee, Board Meet-ing, at 6:30 PM, German Fest office. For information please call: 414-698-9151.

19 DANK Chapter Pittsburgh, Board Meeting at 7 PM, Carnegie, PA.

24

The German Society of Maryland, Au-gustoberfest is a charitable foundation which pays tribute to Hagertown’s Ger-man heritage.

29-31 World Fest, on the Bevedere in Downtown Louisville, KY.

SEPTEMBER 20085 DANK Chapter Benton Harbor, MI,

Fish Fry, 6 – 8 PM.

6 DANK Chapter Phoenix, AZ, Ger-man School begins the 10th year.

7

DANK Chapter South Bend, IN., End of Summer Party at Sonja Wil-son’s. 1 PM Potluck, 11361 Brundy-dge Dr, Osceola, IN.

14 DANK Chapter Benton Harbor, MI, Membership Meeting, 4 PM.

14

DANK Chapter Milwaukee,WI., Membership Meeting German Fest office, 2:30 PM, Member recogni-tion.

19-21

DANK Chapter Lake County, depart for 2-night Motorcoach Trip to New Harmony, Indiana (advance reserva-tions).

19-21 DANK Chapter Pittsburgh, PA, Ok-toberfest, Canonsburgh, PA.

20DANK Chapter South Bend, IN, Ok-toberfest at Wise Guys - 6 PM, 3421 W. Sample St, South Bend.,IN.

21 DANK Chapter Phoenix, AZ., Board Meeting at BFM.

21Pommersche Verein Central Wis-consin, Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest. Call: 715-359-5189.

21 DANK Chapter Chicago-West, Board Meeting 1:30 at PM.

28 The German Society of Maryland, Annual Ecumenical Service.

WHAT’S COOKING?Support our national membership activities by

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.

Fill in the attached form and send it with your check made out to DANK - Membership Fund

Name ______________________________

Address ____________________________

City_____________ State____ Zip______

Amount enclosed $_____ # of books____

Please remit this order form and check to:

DANK EXECUTIVE OFFICE4740 N. Western AvenueChicago, IL 60625-2097

Attention: Cookbook Orders

RAFFLE TICKET DEADLINE

NOVEMBER 1, 2008

Return stubs and $$$ to the DANK

National Office



THE FIRST MOON LANDING MEDALLIONIndustrious 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 German-Americans 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 AvenueChicago, 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

Help Wanted

Chicago non-profit organization looking for office manager.

Must be a self starter and possess great organizational skills and be proficient in English and German language, filing systems, computer operations using Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook and database operations. Good phone and people skills required. Please send resume to [email protected]

The early birds catches the worm!!!But, the second mouse catches the cheese!

Happy BirthdayWhether you like to remember your birthday or not, we do. We wouldn’t think of letting the occasion go by without special notice. On behalf of your family, friends and members of DANK, best wishes to you, Bill Fuchs, our DANK National President on your 55th birthday.

Edwin Knauz

was taken from our midst on the morning of June 22. Left to mourn are wife of 59 years, Helga, two sons, Rolf (Patricia) and Axel (Cheryl). A cherished DANK member since 1967.

We are in search of German couples or families who plan on returning to their home country, German, after living and working abroad for several years. We would like to accompany them with a camera for a successful documentary series on German TV channel VOX.

Contact Us at:Sagamedia Film- und Fernsehproduktion GmbHJuliane Metten-GardinerNeusser Str. 350670 KölnTel. +49 (0)221 80 10 79-18Fax +49 (0)221 80 10 [email protected]

DANK To Sponsor European And Domestic Tours

If you have a desire to travel stay tuned to a new service being offered by your National organization. Starting with the next issue and just in time for Holiday gift giving, you will find travel options for you and your friends that will include the 2010 Oberamer-gau Passion play, a 2009 Kriskindlemarkt tour, a Alaska Cruise and more. The price of these tours will be very competitive and are being created for DANK members and their friends. The National Board has selected two separate Tour operators to provide this service. Further information will be forthcoming in the Fall/Oktoberfest, October/November, issue so keep an eye out for this service. I feel assured you will be pleased with the offerings.

Full Service Video EditingPhoto Montage

Photo Preservation & RestorationDVD Design

Need your personal or chapter events made into an exciting and enjoyable edited video? Do you have old fading photos that you want to preserve for years to come?

Visit us at www.FoxTaleEdit.com

to find out how we can help!



in a formal ceremony in the White House Rose Garden at which time the President signed the proclamation and called on Americans to ob-serve the Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In 1991, Chancellor Helmut Kohl sent cor-dial greetings from Bonn to the celebrants of German-American Day: “When President Rea-gan proclaimed German-American Day in 1987 for the first time, Europe was still divided by the Iron Curtain. We Germans did regain our unity and freedom in a peaceful way. The thanks for this deservedly is owed to the American people, who secured European peace over 40 years. America stood by our side in the most difficult times, and we will never forget the contribu-tions of U.S. Presidents.” Kohl declared that the

“friendship and partnership between Germans and Americans” is “a guarantee for a successful future.”

In 1998, President Clinton said, “Germans and German-Americans have pro-

foundly influenced every facet of American life with their energy, creativity, and strong work ethic. They have enriched the economic and commercial life of the United States, and it is befitting that we set aside this special day to acknowledge their many contributions to our liberty, culture and democracy. All of us can take pride in the accomplishments of German-Americans; as soldiers and statesmen, scientists and musicians, artisans and educators. It is fitting that we set aside this special day to remember and celebrate how much German-Americans have done to preserve our ideals, enrich our culture, and strengthen our democracy.”

President Clinton made equally incisive proclamations in 1999 and 2000.Ethnic holidays are part of immigrant culture. GAJAC’s member organizations

including D.A.N.K. are once again asking its members, all German-Americans, their friends everywhere, the media, legislators, schools and clergy to initiate ap-propriate remembrances and celebrations.

One such celebration held each year is the “German American Day Commemo-ration” in Chicago, celebrated with a solemn service at St. Benedict’s Church in the presence of many club flags and dignitaries. The “Deutsche Tag Vereinigung” which comprises most German American societies of the Chicago area, includ-ing many D.A.N.K. chapters, congregates at the church for a two hour program that features musical presentations by the various choirs as well as speeches by personalities from the local community. A keynote speaker gives this day a special meaning.

This year’s celebration is on Sunday, October 5th, 2008 at 2:30 at St. Bene-dict’s Church, located at 2215 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois.

EUROLLOYDTRAVEL

October 6: German American DayContinued from page 1

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:

Sep 10 - Oct 28, 2008 $768Oct 29 - Dec 13, 2008 $492Dec 14 - Dec 24, 2008 $768Dec 25, 2008 - Mar 20, 2009 $509Mar 21 - May 17, 2009 $509

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.

Call now for information:1-800 572-3149 or

1-312-332-0090

Visit us at:www.eurolloyd.com

Audrey L. Hess-EberleEURO LLOYD TRAVEL GROUPPartner of Lufthansa City Center309 West Washington St. - Suite 1225Chicago, Illinois 60606


german-american journal | august/september 2008

Documents

oktoberfest festival

celebration of oktoberfest

week of oktoberfest

oktoberfest participants

largest oktoberfest

germanamerican day

world war

festival tents