tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18534273821228450192024-02-19T02:11:42.291-08:00Pennsylvania Germans of the Lehigh ValleyMany Pennsylvania German people live in the Lehigh Valley, in eastern Pennsylvania. This blog explores the history of these early settlers, and their culture and dialect. News of events and activities will also be posted.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-4956106034865076552011-05-06T07:13:00.000-07:002011-05-06T07:20:15.404-07:00Pa. German Friends 20th Annual Fersammling<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><b style="">Auctioneer to Speak at Pennsylvania German Friends Annual Fersammling<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style=""> </span>Will Hahn, an auctioneer from Bath, will give a presentation in the dialect at the Pennsylvania German Friends 20<sup>th</sup> Annual Fersammling on Saturday, May 21<sup>st</sup>, at 1 PM.<span style=""> </span>The event takes place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 1933 Hanover Avenue, Allentown and is open to the public.<span style=""> </span>The deadline for ticket purchases is Saturday, May 7<sup>th</sup>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style=""> </span>Will Hahn will discuss aspects of the ‘Dutch’ dialect or culture at that time.<span style=""> </span>He had spent his early years on a farm in the Nazareth area where the dialect was spoken by his family on a daily basis.<span style=""> </span>After completing his education, he assumed a professorship at the Graduate School of East Stroudsburg University.<span style=""> </span>Upon retirement from teaching, he started an auctioneer company, which he continues to this day.<span style=""> </span>He is also the Haaptmann of<span style=""> </span>Nummer Tzae Groundhog Lodge.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style=""> </span>The Fersammling is a banquet, featuring traditional Pennsylvania German fare and an address in the dialect.<span style=""> </span>Speaking “Dutch” is not a requirement to attend and enjoy the event.<span style=""> </span>The cost is $18.00 per person.<span style=""> </span>Please call 610-264-2979 by Saturday, May 7<sup>th</sup>, for tickets.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style=""> </span>The<br />Pennsylvania German Friends organization meets the third Thursday of<br />each month at the church, with the exception of May, and the summer<br />months, July and August.<span style=""> </span><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Parking<br />available in the lot across Tacoma Street; use ground floor “Office”<br />entrance. For further information, call 610-264-2979.<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-80501212365839436322011-03-02T21:37:00.000-08:002011-03-02T21:40:58.496-08:00<div align="center"><strong>Norman C. Hoffman to speak about his experiences during the Great Depression</strong></div><div align="center"></div><p>Norman C. Hoffman, a retired school teacher and an active Goschenhoppen Historian, will give a presentation in the dialect at the Pennsylvania German Friends meeting at 7 pm on Thursday, March 17. Hoffman will discuss growing up in the Wescosville area during the great depression. The public is invited to this free meeting at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 1933 Hanover Avenue, Allentown. </p><p>After graduating from Allentown High in 1942, Hoffman enrolled in Muhlenberg College. His education was interrupted by 2 years of service in the Army with the 103rd Infantry Division in Europe. After completing his studies at Muhlenberg College and later at Lehigh University, he taught in the public schools, finishing his career at the Upper Dublin School District. </p><p>Always an educator, he joined the Goschenhoppen Historians where he is a pack peddler or Kraemer during their annual festival at the Antes plantation in Montgomery County. He also uses his skills to translate old German Script articles for the Pennsylvania German Society, where he is also a member of the board of directors. </p><p>The Pennsylvania German Friends organization meets the third Thursday of the month at the church. Parking is available in the lot across Tacoma Street; use ground floor “Office” entrance. For further information, call 610.264.2979. </p>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-6317718705888536652010-06-02T12:33:00.000-07:002010-06-02T12:45:27.989-07:00Pennsylvania German Friends Meeting<span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch Freind</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />Pennsylvania German Friends<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Monthly Meeting<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The next monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, June 17 at 7 p.m. in Allentown. We will discuss various topics as a group, then break for conversation and refreshments. A business meeting follows.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Meetings are held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 1933 Hanover Avenue, Allentown.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> All are welcome and the meetings are free.<br /></span></div></div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br />The Pennsylvania German Friends organization meets the third Thursday of each month at the church, with the exception of</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >May, and the summer months,</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >July and August.</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >Parking is available in lot across Tacoma Street; use ground floor “Office” entrance.<br /><br />See previous blogs posts below for more details. </span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >For further information, call 610-264-2979.</span>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-90477271494042025302010-04-06T08:48:00.000-07:002010-04-06T21:49:23.863-07:00Pennsylvania German Friends invite Public to Two Upcoming EventsThe Pennsylvania German Friends will host two events featuring presentations by experts in local “Dutch” culture. On Thursday, April 15, Will Hahn, an auctioneer from the Bath area, will give a presentation in the Pennsylvania German or “Dutch” dialect at the regular monthly meeting.<span style=""> </span>Saturday, April 17, is the deadline for purchasing tickets for the second event,<span style=""> </span>the group’s 19<sup>th</sup> Annual Fersammling to be held on May 1<sup>st</sup> this year. <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The April 15<sup>th</sup><span style=""> </span>meeting, free to the public, will be held at 7 pm at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 1933 Hanover Avenue, Allentown.<span style=""> </span>Will Hahn will discuss some aspect of the “Dutch” dialect or traditions at that time.<span style=""> </span>He spend his early years on a farm in the Nazareth area where the dialect was spoken by his family on a daily basis.<span style=""> </span>After completing his education, he assumed a professorship at the Graduate School of East Stroudsburg University.<span style=""> </span>Upon retirement from teaching,<span style=""> </span>he started an auctioneer company, which he continues to this day.<span style=""> </span>He is also the Haaptmann of<span style=""> </span>Nummer Tzae Groundhog Lodge.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">On Saturday, May 1, at 1 pm,<span style=""> </span>the Pennsylvania German Friends will host their Annual Fersammling,<span style=""> </span>also at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.<span style=""> </span>The Fersammling is a banquet, featuring traditional Pennsylvania German fare and an address in the dialect.<span style=""> </span>Speaking “Dutch” is not a requirement to attend and enjoy the event.<span style=""> </span>The cost is $18.00 per person.<span style=""> </span>Please call 610-264-2979 by Saturday, April 17<sup>th</sup> for tickets. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Mr. Richard Miller, who teaches a Pennsylvania German course at The Institute for Learning in Retirement at Cedar Crest College, will be the guest speaker at the Fersammling.<span style=""> </span>He grew up in the New Tripoli area at a time when most residents spoke the dialect on a regular basis.<span style=""> </span>After completing his schooling which included undergraduate and graduate degrees in the German Language, he chaired the foreign language department at Allen High and later became a German Professor at Kutztown University.<span style=""> </span>To help preserve the dialect and culture, he served as Unnerhaaptmann for Groundhog Lodge Nummer Aens for several years and has spoken before many other groups in the dialect.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The Pennsylvania German Friends organization meets the third Thursday of each month at the church, with the exception of<span style=""> </span>May, and the summer months,<span style=""> </span>July and August.<span style=""> </span>Parking available in lot across Tacoma Street; use ground floor “Office” entrance. For further information, call 610-264-2979.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-75750894622004545062010-03-26T13:47:00.000-07:002010-04-26T07:40:21.478-07:00The Twentieth Century in the Lehigh ValleyThe Twentieth Century brought profound changes for all peoples in the Lehigh Valley, but more so for the rural Pennsylvania German communities. The following, written in the dialect, “die Mudderschprooch,” is an explanation of those changes.<br /><br /><strong>Die Zeide henn ge-ennert</strong><br /><br />“Alles dutt sich ennere do,<br />Nix bleibt immer so wie nau;<br />Was em Freht macht, bleibt net so,<br />Watt gaar arrig ball hatt un rau.”<br /><br />Der herrnhuter Lehrer Emanuel Rondthaler hot sell im Yaahr 1835 in seim Gedicht “Maryets un Owets” gschriwwe. Verleicht kann mir en Dischbedaat fer die letschde zwee Zeile hawwe, awwer fer die Aerschde iss es die ganz Waahret fer die deitsche Leit vum Lechaa Daal im 20 Yohrhunnert.<br /><br />Der Emanuel waar vun Naazrett im Lechaa Daal un mei Eldre un ich aa sin gebore un sin uffgwaxe in de Gegende, as um selli gleeni Schtadt rumgelegge henn. Wann ebber im Busch rumfaahre deet im Yaahre wann mei Eldre am Uffwaxe waare, un zume Greitzweg keemt wu er links, recht odder darrich em faahre kennt; kennt er’s uffs Graadwohl nemme un er deet die menscht Zeit Bauereie sehne. Heitesdaags sehne mir viele Heiser wu eemols Felder vumme Bauerei waare, odder druff selli iss en Factory gebaut warre. Un wann mir Felder mit Frucht sehne, iss es gwehnlich net en Familyebauerei, awwer Land as en Gsellschaft eegent.<br /><br />Mei Eldre henn allebeed deitsche Eldre ghatt un sin uff en Familyebauereie uffgwaxe, wu sie deheem un mit ihre Nochbere die Deitsch gschwetzt henn. Mei Mudder hot mich verzehlt as ihre Daadi als gsaagt hett, wann en Kind fimf Yaahr alt waer, “ Neegscht Yaahr muss du am Schul geh, nau iss es Zeit fer die Englisch lanne.” Weil ee Onkel die Englisch net gut glannt hot, hot er viel Druwwel im Schul ghatt. Weeich sellem henn mei Eldre immer Englisch zu mir un meine Gschwischder gschwetzt. “Siss en englischi Welt nau,” hot mei Mudder gsaat un ich hab net zu vieli Deitsch aus ihrem Maul gheert. Awwer mei Daadi hot als die Deitsch mit seine Freinde un annre Freindschaft gschwetzt.<br /><br />In mein Daadi seim Familye henn sie Deitsch un Englisch geyuust; awwer die menschdi, Deitsch. Un sie henn aa es alt deitsch Baueres uffghalde. Wann Naazrett ihre 200 Yaehrlichfescht im Yaahr 1940 ghatt hot; hot mei Grossdaadi en Esel un Weggli zum Fairgrounds genumme un hot die Schtadtleit en Reid um em Racetrack rum gewwe. Er hot immer mit Geil gschaft; er hot net ken Tractor gebraucht. Die Geil waare gut genunk fer sei Voreldre un sie waare gut genunk fer ihn. Verleicht hot er aa gsaagt, “Loss uns Deitsche was mir sin!”<br /><br />Ya, alles hot ge-ennert do. Mir sehne net Familyebauereie all iwwer die Busch un mir heere net unser deitschi Schprooch wann mir schtoppe un mit de Bauere schwetze. Siss en englischi Welt nau. Awwer Deel vun uns eldere Deitsche browiere die Mudderschprooch lanne un mir leese es alt deitsch Schreiwes un die Gedichde un schwetze die Deitsch en bissel fer unser Mudderschprooch un Kultur in Ehr uffzuhalde. Un sell iss net “arrig ball hatt un rau.” Sell is siess! “Was du vun deine Eldre ge-erbt hoscht, verdien es, fer es besitze.” (von Goethe).Der Alderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15337568203572007094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-81741157965343554632010-03-25T10:58:00.000-07:002010-03-25T19:59:44.388-07:00Easter on the Farm - Saturday, March 27, in Kutztown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitzUet4bU8fdrQBoK5b3HvovcloHjLizeQDE1WuW0ePtHLl5Rc7Z9Uqorjgw99RMXwsBuG7hEmOsXrUztlLFcKSFQwpFjfr2yG-ToOwGuexnbVoXTnAfqVzqc8xStaOKomVj0jpc54Kvm/s1600/easter+egg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitzUet4bU8fdrQBoK5b3HvovcloHjLizeQDE1WuW0ePtHLl5Rc7Z9Uqorjgw99RMXwsBuG7hEmOsXrUztlLFcKSFQwpFjfr2yG-ToOwGuexnbVoXTnAfqVzqc8xStaOKomVj0jpc54Kvm/s320/easter+egg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452771644562273954" border="0" /></a>Dear Friends,<br /><br />Below I have pasted a copy of a message I received from John Barker, a member of the Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch Freind organization. He is telling us about an event to take place this Saturday, March 27, on the grounds of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University. Our great friends Paul and Doris Kunkel will be participating. We enjoyed seeing them at our last meeting, and appreciated Paul's presentation, along with member Gloria's simultaneous translation into English.<br /><br />Here is John's message:<br /><br />Pat,<br />You might want to pass this along to our club members. Paul & Doris Kunkel will be there demonstrating how the PA Germans used to dye eggs using onion skins. There will be lots of other interesting things as well. I will probably be there for the kids <span class="yshortcuts">Easter Egg Hunt</span>. Had a lot of fun last year.<br /><br /><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="yshortcuts">Easter</span> on the Farm</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Be sure to visit us on March 27th, 2010 from 10am-4pm for Easter on the Farm. There will be activities for children such as an Easter Egg Hunt which will be ongoing throughout the day, and some Spring Time Games. There will be plenty of farm life demonstrations as well! Don't miss out on your chance to win a delicious basket of candy in our Easter Basket Raffle! The Old Time Plow Boys will have their tractors on site for your viewing pleasure. Vendors and crafters will be on site selling their wares. Food will be available for purchase. So, stop by for a day of family-friendly fun!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>22 Luckenbill Road, Kutztown PA, 19530.<br /><span class="yshortcuts">610-683-1589<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="yshortcuts">Here is a link to the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University:<br /><a href="http://www.kutztown.edu/community/pgchc/index1.htm">http://www.kutztown.edu/community/pgchc/index1.htm</a><br /></span></p>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-59705897473620095482009-08-29T22:53:00.000-07:002010-06-02T12:41:19.170-07:00Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch Freind<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRRaHqUaVtXFOkBdVbcjvJ-LEfxLRQf7SCT6-tTuCZTGP3NBXkeZ6bztNfXEO8VsciPIiULSy1TE4MEGFluCcn56vid-h1aPazXwRc5guyqVIgOUPvS_UNJZRG7pqt3bN5QRF79eHNdfa/s1600-h/Picture+in+group+photo+cropped+2+sides.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375632652748236386" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 143px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRRaHqUaVtXFOkBdVbcjvJ-LEfxLRQf7SCT6-tTuCZTGP3NBXkeZ6bztNfXEO8VsciPIiULSy1TE4MEGFluCcn56vid-h1aPazXwRc5guyqVIgOUPvS_UNJZRG7pqt3bN5QRF79eHNdfa/s320/Picture+in+group+photo+cropped+2+sides.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch Freind</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo taken in Spring, 2007</span></span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch Freind (Pennsylvania German Friends) group meets once a month to enjoy the Pennsylvania German dialect and cultural traditions.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Regular meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, September—June (except May). The group hosts a Fersammling in May. The meeting place is St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 1933 Hanover Avenue, Allentown. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">All who are interested are welcome at the gatherings. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Various aspects of the heritage and dialect of the Pennsylvania Dutch people in the Lehigh Valley are highlighted. Refreshments and conversation follow the program, and then a business meeting is held. Most of the meeting discussion takes place in the dialect, but you don't have to be fluent in the dialect to attend or participate. If you wish to become a member, dues are $10 a year. Free-will donations are accepted for refreshments.<br /><br />Enter the church by the ground-floor door to right of main staircase ("Office" entrance). Parking is available in the church lot across street. Meetings may be cancelled during inclement weather.</span>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-20857444507405501282009-08-13T10:30:00.000-07:002009-08-25T22:46:53.620-07:00Pennsylvania German Broadsides and Fractur<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCDrcU4fPgw7BT-hVi7pG3zOdMUY76uI-OrmpPxTcqV2tOANgIF4JUnds3j8HHspqkFFQ02FtHj0VaAS-qR3ibCCW6NdZXz1vjvaZan40dRQ5uncPktOPNmYYQx75KpLUutLlPEQNiJhq/s1600-h/pabkmark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCDrcU4fPgw7BT-hVi7pG3zOdMUY76uI-OrmpPxTcqV2tOANgIF4JUnds3j8HHspqkFFQ02FtHj0VaAS-qR3ibCCW6NdZXz1vjvaZan40dRQ5uncPktOPNmYYQx75KpLUutLlPEQNiJhq/s320/pabkmark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374136551975359218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Pennsylvania German Broadsides and Fractur</span><br /><br /><br /><br />This photo came from the web site of the Penn State University Libraries – Pennsylvania German Broadsides and Fractur.<br />Another photo from the site is posted on the right-hand column of this blog.<br /><br />For further information, click on link below.<br /><br /><a href="https://secureapps.libraries.psu.edu/content/fraktur.cfm">https://secureapps.libraries.psu.edu/content/fraktur.cfm</a><br /><br />(Quoted from their web site:)<br /><br />This collection includes over 250 images from the holdings of Rare Books and Manuscripts in the Special Collections Library.<br /><br />The term "Fraktur" (the word is both singular and plural) originally described a type of German printing similar to old English Gothic. The term today refers to drawings on paper made with pen, ink, and watercolor, using fancy penmanship and illustrations such as birds, hearts, flowers, and angels. They were commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries to document births and baptisms, marriages, and house blessings, among other occasions.<br /><br />The collection also includes broadsides (sheets of paper printed on one side only, such as commentaries on religious texts and political events) and German-language newspapers. These documents provide us with insight into the everyday life of German immigrants and show the process of acculturation of German settlers to their new environment.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-36356844196433339802009-08-04T10:34:00.000-07:002009-08-14T17:59:34.202-07:00"Three Sisters" August Guild GatheringI received the following e-mail message from the Three Sisters Center for the Healing Arts in Kempton. A representative from their organization came to our Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch Freinds a few years ago to give a presentation, and it was very interesting!<br /><br />The registration form was attached to the message, but I did not copy it here. More information is available on their web site - click on the link at the end of this message. Pasted below is a copy of the e-mail message I received:<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Hello everyone!<br />I am writing to tell you about our Guild Gathering this month. We will be discussing some seasonal traditions, beliefs and practices among the PA Deitsch as a whole and the Braucherei community in particular.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I will be teaching this workshop, sharing calendar and traditional<br />information from the Oley Lineage as it was taught to me by Dennis Boyer. This is a workshop that I have had a very good response from in the past, people really seem to get excited about these seasonal practices we discuss.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you are interested in attending, please fill out the registration form I have attached and send it in with your payment for the event.If for some reason this is impossible, please at least RSVP so I know you are coming! The gathering will be held from 10 am to 3 pm on August 29th at Indigo Natural Healing Center. Please let me know if you need the address or directions. You will need to pack a lunch, but drinks will be provided. The cost for the gathering is $45 ($35 for Subscribers to Hollerbeier Haven).<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here is the description for the workshop:<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">August 29th, 2009: <span class="yshortcuts">Wheel of the Year</span>, Part 2 During our August gathering we will discuss the dark half of the year, from Alleliebeziel (<span class="yshortcuts">Halloween</span>) to Walpurgisnacht (May Eve).<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The information we will be sharing comes predominantly out of the Oley Braucherei Freindschaft<br />(the Oley lineage of Braucherei). We will focus on the major and minor feasts acknowledged in the Braucherei tradition during this part of the year. In addition to this we will explore the significance of each of the six moons, of this half of the year. We will discuss the significance of each moon from the perspective of the Greek Zodiac and the Oley-Pikeville moon Calendar.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Please let me know if you have any questions!<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Check out our website for other upcoming events, there are discounts for multiple registrations!<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Blessings<br />+++<br /><span class="yshortcuts">Jesse Tobin</span><br />Three Sisters Center for the Healing Arts<br /><a href="http://www.threesisterscenter.com/" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts">www.ThreeSistersCenter.com</span></a><br /><a href="http://us.mc553.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Thr3sisters@aol.com"><span class="yshortcuts">Thr3sisters@aol.com</span></a><br /><span class="yshortcuts">484-336-4611<br /><br /></span></p>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-67659242640252977382009-07-31T17:46:00.000-07:002009-07-31T17:51:37.699-07:00Pennsylvania German Dialect classKutztown University offers a credit class in the Pennsylvania German dialect. The Introduction to the dialect class is held in the Fall semester, and the Advanced class is offered in the Spring semester. Senior citizens who are retired can register for free.<br /><br />Contact the university for further information - 610-683-4000 or www.kutztown.edu.<br /><br />The university also has a program of other related classes about Pennsylvania German heritage.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-57681346761518772782009-07-31T17:12:00.000-07:002009-07-31T19:21:21.059-07:00Kutztown Folk Festival<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">This year, I finally made it to the Kutztown Folk Festival! I went on Sunday, July 5, the last day of the week-long festival. I've wanted to go for so many years and never was able to go. I wasn't there for too long, but it was very enjoyable. Kutztown is a small town in Berks County, which lies directly west of Lehigh County. Many of its original settlers were Pennsylvania German farmers. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">One speaker, I think it was Dr. Donner from Kutztown University, said that the festival is in its 60th year. It is called a "folklife" festival rather than "folklore" festival, because it highlights the culture by showing the way people live, such as crafts and farming. The word "folklore" seems more limited to just words and stories.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">At the festival, I ran into Frank Shuler and his wife Janice from my Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch Freind (Pennsylavania German Friends organization). They told me that Paul Kunkel was going to be speaking in the Seminar tent, and I was very happy to hear that. Paul has been a leader in Pennsylvania German cultural education for many years. He was my teacher in a Pennsylvania German class, in a Groundhog Lodge course, almost twenty years ago!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I really enjoyed Paul's talk - about Pennsylvania Dutch superstitions. What made it interesting is how he related it to what family members told him as he was growing up. So much more real than reading about these things in books! Then he told a story in the dialect, as a friend of his translated. That was delightful - I could compare the sounds of each sentence in German and English. That helped me learn more of the dialect - somehow it seemed easier to understand this way. Perhaps because the sentences were broken down one-by-one, I didn't lose the gist of the story as easily.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The other speakers I heard were interesting also - topics were: One-room schoolhouses, quilts, jokes, and Pennsylvania Germans in the Civil War. The Pennsylvania German Society sponsored the Seminar Stage presentations, and it was evident how much work went into the preparation by all involved.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The daily Seminar Stage talks are listed in the Festival Program as follows:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bill Meck & Leroy Brown, Dialect Humor</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Keith Brintzenhoff, Traditional PA Dutch Music</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meet the Mennonites, Mike Rhoads</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Schooling, Dr. Bill Donner</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Spirituality, Dr. Harry Serio</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pennsylvania German Society Speakers</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Paul Kunkel – Folk Beliefs</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Leroy Brown – Life of a Dutchman</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Amy Lindenmuth, Quilts</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bill Meck & Leroy Brown, Dialect Humor</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Crafts of the Festival and Cultural Events, Dr. Bill Donner</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I got to experience a little of the rest of the festival - crafts, food and music. I hope to go again next year to see more. A big thank-you to all who made the Festival possible! For more information, go to their website: www.kutztownfestival.com<br /></p>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-685895392428819582009-07-31T16:45:00.000-07:002009-08-12T11:03:52.822-07:00Macungie event in August<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU6sycQh3WwH-EWomXtBXporTDZLJcRcXrltVP32bN-K4n_OvF9VJ5uuC-1c46OqsbgGdsUrEB29QbLmlJ5r8uWNSlsGJFfbS2icGnp89YCg3Dze4sfA59gm2G0e3PdnxibNO3etg3_gO/s1600-h/Paul_Kunkel001.jpg"></a><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjMd3PPCQuDI3LbWaQZTeaDmg98SfNX21r618SOaloZ08aKNegP4SzdpJMZHf56KfSHN6dJvXQHlPQB_S2_AMCDC6ZsQggYPy8c4IDMGrW8S_EOiIKA7f5q-EvVYn1x25JK-3_S4cJ63-/s1600-h/Paul_Kunkel001.jpg"></a><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvZ5yp0ipoYL_I79sFFubQnaUwqetmaYIFTMIkFRa35Ad6aMXH4Jr5MLteFdS-PgZzO26gcLJg70QTw5Lf1gIsN9L6lpTXy6gwx1-NsqiXlvYV8d-yXUtyAkjteRK-JSFbNNJV5dNms-L/s1600-h/Paul+Kunkel001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364776487991046930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 232px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvZ5yp0ipoYL_I79sFFubQnaUwqetmaYIFTMIkFRa35Ad6aMXH4Jr5MLteFdS-PgZzO26gcLJg70QTw5Lf1gIsN9L6lpTXy6gwx1-NsqiXlvYV8d-yXUtyAkjteRK-JSFbNNJV5dNms-L/s320/Paul+Kunkel001.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><p>Event in Macungie</p><p>August 30th - 9 a.m.</p><p>Solomon's United Church of Christ, Macungie</p><p>Paul Kunkel and others to speak</p><p></p>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1853427382122845019.post-56887355570191253982009-07-31T16:16:00.000-07:002009-08-12T10:58:10.343-07:00Welcome to the Pennsylvania Germans of the Lehigh Valley blog!<p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in">The Lehigh Valley area lies in eastern Pennsylvania, along the Delaware River. Pennsylvania Germans settled in this area in the 1700s, establishing many farms and towns. They speak a dialect which has evolved over time through a mixture of the dialects brought by the immigrants from their villages. Most people came from land that is now part of the country of Germany, which was established in the 1800s. I think that many came from the southwest corner of Germany, and across the border, in Austria. (I am not a historian, so please feel free to add any relevant information.)<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in">Please feel free to comment on the culture, history and dialect of Pennsylvania Germans in this area and beyond. Memories of growing up in a Pennsylvania German setting are always interesting! Special foods that were prepared, or sayings - little things that made up daily life- are wonderful to hear about!<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in">Also please post invitations to relevant events or activities. Your post can be written in the dialect or in English. If you'd like to enter a link to another Pennsylvania German or related organization, please do so.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in">If you can write your post or comment in the dialect, that would be great! I would if I could. The inclusion of a summary or translation into English can be helpful. Thank you!<br /></p>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09469628292756790297noreply@blogger.com0