The Steamer St. Paul

This was my first in my lifetime for such a great experience, and the preparation and anticipation had all of us in high spirits. We children after being duly warned about the possibilities of falling overboard began roaming the decks and exploring. It was a heady event climbing up ladders, finding the dance floor, running and sliding across the same - opportunity for such activity also was a first.

By noontime our Mothers spread the holiday fare upon the tablecloths on picnic tables, and we indulged. Of course the ship's larders had pop, ice cream cones on sale, as well as candy, gum and cracker jack - at terribly inflated prices - not anywhere in the range we kids were acquainted with - so we just looked at the counters longingly.

By mid-afternoon I had sampled all the steamer's public areas and I became bored. I noticed lovely little islands in the river and I wished that the steamer would just cease sailing so that we could get our bodies on land - I soon got my wish - a quick s ummer thunder storm blew up - everyone tried to crowd into the dance salon to escape the wet open decks. Porters were striving to lower awnings to keep out the driving rain. Pretty soon it became evident that something was amiss - that being the unhappy situation of the steamer being stuck fast to a sand bar - one of those enticing little islands I had wished for. By four o'clock it was certain that our return to St. Louis would not materialize by five o'clock - the regularly appointed scheduled hour. Women began to express anxiety - husbands would be meeting them. Even though the storm had abated one did not know what to expect. In order to alleviate fright, the dance orchestra played to entertain the passengers - a magician mysteriously appeared to get the attention of children.

Nevertheless rumors and tongue waggling also added to the passengers' confusion. I remember hearing one lady remark that she had surreptitiously embarked unknown by her husband. She had promised him never to make such an excursion as there were whispering campaigns noting that our particular steamer was unsafe. By some unknown means it was learned that an SOS had been relayed to St. Louis and that rescue was on the way. It was still daylight when a sister steamer known as the Liberty drew beside our ship and a gangplank was being lowered to transfer the passengers to it. Of course we were all on that side of the ship taking in every possible detail, when I noticed my Father on the Liberty within like three feet of us. He had been at the river's edg e to meet us and learned of the rescue efforts and became a stowaway. But instead of the gangplank continuing to ready itself for us, it was the dreadful decision of our captain not to acquiesce to the monetary demands of the rescue captain. So, Dad man aged to swing over the rail and swing onto our boat. So he was with his family and a tremendous comfort.

Night fell, what few remnants of the noon picnic remained were consumed - my Mother had a small two-year old with us, no milk for it. The tablecloths were laid across the picnic bench and tucked around small children so they could sleep. We were aboard all night, and it was not until daylight the next morning that a tug boat arrived and dragged us back the 18 miles to our previous takeoff twenty four hours earlier. We arrived home, Dad did not go to work that morning, we children were sent to bed to catch up on lost sleep.

The St. Paul episode took place in the summer of about 1919, because Alice was a baby of about 1 and one half years, as she was along and her milk gave out, and none to be had. There is a snapshot of the group who went and Alice is on it.

I remember seeing a picture of the St. Paul in the morning newspaper, so that would be Globe Dem on the front page.

I went to the downtown branch of the public library one year, and I found the item on the front page but it was given very little space, maybe the evening papers later that day had more, like the Post Dis, or the Star and Times. This was on micro-film, and they gladly run it through the machine for you. It would be interesting to know what the other papers carried - once you find the exact date, you could check the others easily. But all you need is to see the front pages - it really did not take me long to locate the item. The headlines were about the war. And Anheuser-B gave the German government a gift of money - so it must have been before we entered the conflict, otherwise that would have been treason. Anyway, someday I'll find the item with the exact date.

He accompanied Count Volkmar and the extremist (as we regard that) Gunter.

Wenzel, the Priest described as wearing bangs:

a spiritual movement without comparison and "any man who missed it, if he is courageous should be ashamed". Wenzel heard the call of God in his heart and he did not wish to ignore it. The Crusades included the French organizer who was known as a False P ope, (in opposition to Clement of Rome) - who had excommunicated the German emperor. Many Jews had settled into Gretz, Germany from Babylonia before the Germans straggled in from the north. The Germans on the Rhine, as Speyer held fiefdoms.

Later Wenzel left the account: Under the leadership of Volkmar and Gunter wagon loads of foods, armor and supplies marched toward Jerusalem to "free it from the infidels - the Turks". Thousands of serfs, farmers, women and children took part - plus train ed Knights as soldiers. In addition thousands of thieves, cut throats and of course prostitutes - most of whom died in battle or of starvation. They slaughtered thousands of Jews along the way, as well as Christians who were ready to join the crusade, b ut who seemed to be thought to be Turks (since they dressed as Turks and were different in speech). Ravaging and pillaging the lands of even their friends in Hungary, Bulgaria Wenzel noted that "it was a pity that day to be wearing the Cross of God". Th e Crusaders wore red tunics with a blue cross sewn on it.

As a prelude to the march the Germans first slaughtered all the Jews in Gretz, regardless of the fact that they had lived in peace together up to the day of the march, a fact which "haunts Germany to this day". At Speyer, 30,000 Jews were killed.

Baptized on March 7, 1893 - witness Emma Imhof.

Married on October 11, 1919 to Estelle M. Fausek at Evangelical Ebenezer Church of St. Louis, Missouri - witnesses, Julia McLoad and Frank C. Weis.

Died on April 22, 1967 in St. Louis, Missouri. Interred in section H, grave 1554 of Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St.Louis, Missouri.

Child of Estelle and Carl Weis:

Carl Julius Weis, Junior - born August 18, 1921 at family home 2913 Missouri Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri. Married Arlene Schwensen on November 20, 1948 at Evangelical Ebenezer Church of St. Louis, Missouri.

(picture)

Copy of postal card sent by soldier mail to: Mr. Philip Keller, 2907a Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri USA Message: Private C. J. Weis - Head Quarter Co. 354 Infantry Trier, Germany March 7, 1919.

an excerpt from a letter to Merl and me Tuesday Feb. 4, 1958.

Dear Rev. "I spent more than a year in the army of occupation as interpreter for the 89th div. in Luxembourg and Germany. I was billeted in Trier and Koblenz for several months. "(what a coincidence for the Weis family).

He provided the address of Opa Weis' sister Margarete Denzer. She was employed in the PROVINCIAL MUSEUM and lived on its premises. It exhibited Roman artifacts - I, Mathilda, had the pleasure and opportunity of visiting the museum in 1959 as did Mother,

Minnie Keller in 1934. The museum is walking distance from the Porta Nigra, (Black Gate) the largest Roman monument this side of the Alps. Ruins of Roman baths there also. and French fluently.

The last known address of Oma Weis' family: Karl Roser & Adolf Roser - Tutschfelden am Emmendingen, Baden

Edward Roser - Broggingen- her Belzhein, Germany

Adolf Mossner - (grand daughter's husband's name) - Tutachfelden #17A uber Emmendingen, Baden, Germany

Note by MKS: these are mother's Cousins.

cross where you left it?" And Opa answered, "It was my secret when I put it there, and it is still my secret." If true, this reveals a side of his personality that we never suspected. I have no reason to doubt the story.

Love, Mathilda (signed)

*****

I remember my Uncle Carl and Uncle Gus being "called to arms". Of course we as a family were treading on treacherous waters as our German background by implication made us suspect of our national inclinations. We had been speaking German in the parenta l home - but were quickly warned to speak only English publicly. I remember the shortages - of butter, sugar. There was no rationing as in WW2. The influenza was rampant, Tante Elsie being one of those so afflicted - she was ill for weeks. Many died. During that time public functions were omitted - church services were even suspended. There were many war time rallies and we children were caught up in patriotic fervor with flag raising ceremonies practiced daily in the public school. Our school deve loped a drum and bugle corps of the boy students, who always assisted with the singing of the National Anthem and pledge of allegiance.

We saved nut shells to conserve fuel. We saved dead flies to prevent disease - one brought them to publicly placed barrels for collections by agencies.

So when the armistice was declared our Father wakened us during the night so that we could participate in the declaration of PEACE. Of course it was months later before the boys really came home - and I remember the occasion when the family went enmasse to TWELFTH BLVD downtown in St. Louis where we sat on bleachers for hours in hot sun, early in Spring. No water to drink. Finally "the soldier boys" paraded the boulevard - and Uncle Carl was spotted as part of it. The boys were given overnight leave w ith their families, and after the men of the family met him at the Union Station they drove him home to Oma Weis' home - his home, too. There a tremendous feast was set before him and us. One of its features was fresh strawberry shortcake. Then next da y he reported back to be sent to Jefferson Barracks for official severance from the Army. The following October he was married and we children were invited to the marriage supper. This was a highlight in our lives as it was a catered affair with black w aiters serving. We children were seated at a separate table in the parlor of the bride's home - I remember we were served a cup of buillion - I thought it was tea. For dessert we had molded ice cream. It was heavenly - our first grand formal event. To top it off I remember that Aunt Estelle managed to save a rose from her bridal bouquet and "slip" it. She had descendants of that rose in her garden plot for years. I tried in subsequent years to reproduce roses but never succeeded.

As to the second war the armistice was observed by the community of Gowanda where we lived in 1945 in a very subdued fashion - one was so thankful that all violence was at an end - so there was no day long parade or waving of flags or bell ringing or othe r noisy performance. All food rationing and gasoline rationing ceased immediately - we were prepared for the end by radio broadcast.

When I was a child and asked my Mother the meaning of "war" she responded with the words "war is hell". I had never ever heard my Mother use that word, and so I was duly stunned. But in retrospect I fully understand those words.

Son of Barbara Hauck Keller and Fred Keller Born September 23, 1886 in Hassloch, Bavaria, Germany Arrived in the United States on or about June 1, 1894 Confirmed March 26, 1899 in the St. Markus Evangelical Church of St. Louis, Missouri by Pastor E. H. Eil---s (spelling not clear). Entered Clinton Elementary School of St. Louis on September 4, 1900. Resided with parents at 1307 South Thirteenth Street, St. Louis, in 1900-01, and at 3007 McNair, St. Louis, in 1910. Married September 10, 1910 to Minnie Catherine Weis at Ebenezer Evangelical Church of St. Louis, Missouri -witnesses, G. A. Weis and Emma Keller - by pastor Arthur Fischer.

(News clipping from St. Louis Glove-Democrat dated Monday, February 23, 1970)

"Funeral services for Philip Keller, founder of the Dixie Home Builders Construction company, will be at 1 P.M. Monday at Hoffmeister Mortuaries, 6464 Chippewa St. Burial will be at St. Marcus New Evangelical Cemetery at 7901 Gravois Rd., Gardenville.

Mr. Keller, 83, of Grantwood Village in south St. Louis County, died of a stroke Friday, February 20, 1970, at Mount St. Rose Hospital.

He was associated with Crunden Martin Mfg. Co. for 25 years and was a former treasurer and board member.

After World War II, he founded Dixie Home Builders. Mr. Keller was president of the firm until his retirement 15 years ago.

He is survived by two sisters, Miss Emma Keller and Miss Elsie Keller, both of St. Louis; six daughters, Mrs. Mathilda Schiffman of Elmhurst, Ill., Mrs. Irma Scherrer of Brentwood, Mrs. Edna Kreichelt of Detroit, Mich., Mrs. Alice Hall of Hamilton, Mass., Mrs. Lillian Bloesch of Oak Park, Ill., and Miss Catherine Keller of Grantwood Village; 19 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren."

Philip Keller would have liked to have had a son. However, he enjoyed giving this explanation on having six daughters. When Philip was small, he was a mischievous boy. One day after he had been particularly naughty, his mother exclaimed, "I would rathe r have six girls than one son!" Philip decided then and there that, if boys were so much trouble, when he was grown he and his wife would have six daughters and no sons. And so they did!!

Philip Keller was an avid athletic minded person. In his youth he enjoyed tennis, went rowing, and played handball during his lunch hour at Crunden-Martin. He also enjoyed swimming but felt that his body lacked the buoyancy in the water that was essenti al. In later years after building the home on Sheffield Avenue he constructed a regulation tennis court where he and his children's friends held forth. World War II found it converted to a VICTORY garden plot. Many vegetables were planted and produced well. A miniature orchard was also developed. Those trees were a source of climbing pleasure for the grandchildren.

His German background was a source of his athletic prowess - they featured the TURN-VEREIN in which he enrolled his daughters.

(two photos here)

As chairman of his home building company he specialized in low cost housing after WW 2 to enable the veteran to benefit from government financial help. The St. Louis Post Dispatch newspaper wrote a feature real estate article noting the social service th ereby ensuing. The SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE asked permission to incorporate the article in their archives - a notable honor.

*****

BARBARA HAUCK

Daughter of Anna Maria Scheffelmeier Hauck and Johan Hauck. (These names have no verification.)

Born December 8, 1855 in Bohl, Germany.

There were nine children in the family, and Barbara was the eldest.

Married Frederick Zercher Keller on November 24, 1883.

Resided in the United States about fifty years.

Died June 3, 1941 in the family home at 808 Hawbrook Drive, Glendale (St. Louis County), Missouri. Interred in Lincoln Section, lot 54, grave 3 of New St. Markus Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.

Children of Barbara and Frederick Zercher Keller:

Elizabeth - born December 5, 1884 Philipp - born September 23, 1886 Adolph - born October 2, 1888 Emma - born June 16, 1892 Elsie - born February 1, 1897

Emma Keller recalled that Barbara and Fred Keller did not give a middle name to any of their children. "Oma" thought she might have quite a few children and would run out of names.

*****

Oma told me that when she arrived in the U.S. after a really calm crossing she of course had to submit to Ellis Island Customs inspection. Before her turn she witnessed the inspection of her shipmates, she was dismayed at the type of search which overtur ned all items. She had packed with such care that she could really make use of every bit of trunk space. She realized that if her belongings went through the same disruption she would not be able to replace items and have them fit in order to reclose th e trunk. So much to her surprise and relief and gratitude her inspector merely made an eyeball inspection without dismantling the trunk - and passed it. She said she could have "kissed him".

She had brought over bits of bric-a-brac, Christmas tree ornaments, and as many necessities as the trunk would hold - including handwoven linens, and knitted garments. Photographs and other personal memorabilia.

*****

When I visited Hassloch the second time I traveled by train from Koblenz. The conductors do not call out the next coming station before arrival - and as I sat in the train with my eyes peeled to the window so as not to miss my connection, I suddenly saw the sign "Bohl". This was Oma's birthplace - I did not realize that I would be coming on it or I would have made plans to stop there - so I quickly made notes of the quickly passing scene - I saw red tile roofs, shuttered houses - balconies on some house s. Grapevines rising at ground level and climbing on a house to the roof level (we do not raise grapes that way, here). It seemed to be somewhat a cloudy day. Then as the hamlet is very small the housing gave way to flat land, farm land of cabbages, tu rnips and pole beans. Little cylindrical straw stacks dotted the fields.

After arriving at the station I bought a map of Hassloch and headed for the STANDESAMT (city clerk's or registry office), it was in a lovely setting - a garden like or parklike Hof.

At this office I was given walking instructions on how to get from here to there. I tried to hire a taxi but someone offered to drive me to my destination, a short drive - I walked about glorying in the old, old houses - very picturesque and stopped at a Buch handlerie and bought some games, a puzzle - I tried to buy a printed history of the place but that was out of print unfortunately.. I approached the home of the Pfarrer and had a pleasant visit who phoned his colleague to acquire the information fro m church records that I sought - and had success after a bit.

********

Taken from the passenger list of S.S. Columbia 3 bags port of embarkation, Hamburg and Southampton date of arrival in New York: June 15, 1894 # 826

117 Barbara Zercher age 39 female wife native country Germany intended destination, St. Louis protracted sojourn location of space - Steerage C

118 Elizabeth Zercher age 9 female 119 Philipp Zercher age 7 male 120 Adolf Zercher age 5 male 121 Emma Zercher age 24 months - female

******

Family records list Oma's brother Georg born May 21, 1866

******

Oma was the epitome of grandmotherhood - a loving baby-sitter, told us stories and played games with us. All this in the German tongue - nursery rhymes and songs. A collection of these has been compiled by MKS and in turn passed on to her grandchildren. Oma taught us to knit. Various handmade items which were a part of her dowry have also been made legacies. Her hand-loomed linen sheets were first grown from flax, and then woven - those have lasted beyond her lifetime. Being above all steeped in Ger man culture, Christmas and Easter were outstanding celebrations for the family.

Oma knitted 75 pairs of stockings as a necessity of her dowry. Mathilda was given two pairs still in excellent condition - knitting was in lovely full fashion with a fine cotton yarn - one pair in white has her initial woven in. The other pair is a tan stripe. Probably about a size 6 and a half. Oma taught me to knit, she used the term known as the Continental stitch.

Dear Catherine,

If more tourist-type facts are needed about the Trier-St. Matthias area, you could ask Irma for the letter I wrote her just before they left for Rome; in it I mentioned the Roman background historical data. This is quite interesting when you encounter t hese facts for the first time - of course I do not go into vast detail. However, I notice that there were certain features I did not mention at all in that letter. Mother asked me about them the very next time I was back - such as "Did you see St. Paulu s Kirche?" which I did. The definitive aspect of it was that it was of very colorful light pastel shades in the interior, with sunlight filling its sanctuary; Heinrich Denzer took us in, and we sat in the pews for a few minutes as part of a sight seeing tour. (Most European cathedrals are dark, usually thus allowing any stained glass to be fully effective.) Then the tour took us to its crypt in the lower level; it was dark and cellar-like, the bones of St. Paulus are interred here - not the apostle, bu t some well-loved Bishop I believe. This was now electrically lighted, but just by bare bulb; Mother said they descended with lighted candles - well, I remember seeing candle drippings.

We rode by streetcar to St. Matthias. a part of Trier now, but a suburb in Opa's time; actually he was born, there. The church here is Baroque, and it was dull inside; its feature is that the bones of St. Matthew the Apostle are here preserved, and one s ees a prominent casket-like receptacle at the head of the sanctuary - also a nail of the true cross is claimed, and it is on view in an enclosed glass case. This church also contains many relics. At the time a building program was going on, but more of a reclamation, like taking out some non-church edifice. It seems that property was being brought back to a Napoleonic time, apparently after that time, they allowed certain holdings to come into other hands, and at this time they came into possession ag ain, perhaps by purchase. I reached down and picked up a stone, and came home with it - the stone seemed to have been part of some ancient wall, much exposed to weathering - in other words it did not look like a fresh stone. Kind of yellow with age and crumbly, and the church itself looked much weathered.

There is a legend that goes with St. Paulus that educated people are supposed to ignore; the colors "bundt" of the church refer to the paintings or murals. After they were completed, it is said, the emperor or feudal lord or power structure rewarded the artist by removing his eyes, so that never again could anyone own such beauty made by him. Educated people can point to other murals that he created. I do not know his name, but with much research perhaps it could be found.

We should have stayed in Trier a day or so longer; as it was we really did not see the ancient Roman baths which are still visible. I really want to go back some day soon.

Oh yes, the Holy robe is on view every twenty-five years; yet, when I saw the little fabric bookmark souvenir in Oma Weis Bible, it was dated. I thought it said 1901; if I am right then this does not jibe with the date we were there; on the other hand, p erhaps it was on view more often in that era.

You see, Opa Weis left Germany as a 19 year old to escape compulsory military duty; as did many. In doing so, he had to leave, and forfeit any bank account he had. He had made a marble cross, which was too big to carry away in his trunk. So he hid it i n the attic of his house. Oma Weis returned to Germany several times but Opa could not go without risking arrest because of his leave-taking manner. But after the first World War ended, the Kaiser was dead, and he could safely return; Uncle Gus accompan ied them, and as they were both walking about Trier, they came to a house, and Opa said to Uncle Gus, "Wait here while I go inside; well after he came out again, he told Uncle Gus why he had gone in, and of course he asked did you find the cross where you left it, and Opa said, "It was my secret when I put it there, and it is still my secret." If true, this reveals a side of his personality that we never suspected. I have no reason to doubt it.

*****

Tuesday

Dear Mother & Father,

We had such an interesting time in Trier and Hassloch that I just had to write even though we will be seeing you soon at the wedding. Of course we had a wonderful time in Freiburg and Berlin too, but what made these places exceptional was that you felt i nvited as a guest and not just a tourist.

First, Trier. We met a man sitting on the same bench one evening on the Neckar River, cooling off, who taught us how to pronounce it, it is Tri-er, two syllables. We had read before we left that the holy robe would be on view in Trier this summer, but w e did not realize its significance 'til we got there. Then we saw swarms of people walking along the streets, all dressed up with usually a priest leading them. The city was jammed with people wherever you could see. We had to ask directions to get to our hotel, and when the policeman told us it was over a schlachterei, I was definitely shocked. I thought it was a slaughterhouse. Well, as we turned into the street we crept along in our rented car, Merl watching the traffic, as people walk in the stre ets as well as the sidewalks in those old medieval towns because the streets and walks are so narrow. As I hastily peered out of the windows of the small car, I spotted the hotel just as Merl came to a stop. It was over a butcher shop, and among all th ose people a man rushed out of nowhere asking in German what I was looking for. So I told him. Very excitedly he gave us fast directions as to where to put the car so as not to hold up traffic. We drove around the block to a side street, where the entr ance of the hotel is; he was waiting for us and we got out. He knew exactly who we were without being told (the only Americans registered there). It was a very warm day so the windows were open. The racket from the street was ear splitting, and the sm ells from the schlachterei of cooking sausage got me, so I do not want to eat pea soup for quite some time.

We smelled that every minute we were in the hotel. I believe the place had once been a fancy hotel, but after the bombing it was closed. Now it was rebuilt not so elite anymore, but remodeled and had modern plumbing, but probably only had the original n ame. However, everyone was very friendly. The manager could not speak English, so he found a Spanish girl, a maid who could speak some English, and every time I opened my mouth to speak German they rushed to find the maid, without ever giving me a chanc e to say anything. Then for lunch they sent in a French waiter who could speak a little English. They just wanted to show us they were equipped for any travelers.

We walked around the city after lunch seeing the sights and eventually around four o'clock we found the cathedral, but it was completely fenced in and the only way you could get into it was by buying a ticket, then you had to go to mass. Then as you came out of mass (there were all kinds of masses being held simultaneously in all Catholic churches), you were given a medal to wear and you marched along in a solemn group to the cathedral, singing German and also saying the rosary out loud. Well, as I want ed to see the cathedral, we had to do all this in order to get in. This took up about an hour. I told them when we bought the ticket that we were not Catholic and they said it was all right. I felt awfully conspicuous when everyone else was kneeling an d I wasn't. Well, you gather in the outer squares and before you enter a voice comes over the loud speaker with further directions. No photographs. While waiting there all fenced in I saw the dummstein, lying beside the entrance. The cathedral was ver y beautiful, not cluttered with stuff like some we saw. We walked down the middle aisle, me casting my eyes in all directions without gawking. The sides of the pews were a lovely old wood with designs in inlaid silver. They led us up right to the altar , past the gates that are usually closed to visitors. It was a pure white altar and the robe was suspended over it between sheets of glass. It was illuminated by fluorescent light, red carnations on the altar, and greens lying in the corners of the step s. Then we walked out by a side door and then came to a lovely interior courtyard garden. There you could take pictures. Eventually we got out on the street, and we took a picture of the dummstein through a slot in the wire fence. Then we wandered down to the Porta Nigra and into another courtyard where you could sit at outdoor tables. We had a light snack and sat there resting up until bedtime as it was nice and cool with illuminations in color on some fountains.

About 3 AM when the noise had rather subsided, some drunks came out of a tavern and talked very loudly. I thought surely somebody from the hotel would chase them, but no. So I decided to throw some water on them, but I merely stuck my head out of the wi ndow and shhhhhh as hard as I could, but that did no good. Eventually I heard a woman scream, and then I guess the police came, still all that loud talking, one hour of that and it was daylight. At six AM all that alarm and spectacle again.

We got going again on foot and saw more of the sights. The cathedral managed to escape bombing, but the Evangelische Kirche did not. They have rebuilt the walls with the original bricks and stone, so it looks just as old as in Roman times, but the inter ior has been furnished in modern, and it is very interesting and striking. It has not been completed, but they can use it and it still is architecturally interesting. From there we walked to the museum. It was destroyed, but was again rebuilt, the muse um pieces were dug up out of the ground, and it was a lovely place too. Uncle Carl had sent us Frau Denzer's address which was in the immediate vicinity, and we first had lunch and then we rang the bell of her apartment. Frau Denzer answered, but it was a very young person. I explained in my German who we were, and she invited us in, said to wait for her husband who could speak very good English. In the meantime we identified ourselves further but she had never heard of us. However, she had only been married a year. Her husband came, a very fine looking person, and he was very friendly and knew the connection at once. He was Heinrich. His father was dead. His mother was working at the pilgrimage. We walked over to see her and she was very friend ly, and asked all kinds of questions. They did not know that Oma had died. Heinrich is a lawyer, but teaches. He attended Freiburg where Harold was for three years. He lives in a different place called Minster. He just happened to be on vacation visi ting his mother. So he and his wife took us sightseeing some more, and he was very well informed. We invited all of them to have supper with us, so late in the afternoon we all went home and met again at 6:30. We gave the dinner, but he insisted on tre ating with wine. His wife's parents are owners of vineyards in the Moselle valley, and their titles go back to Roman times, who worked the same land for wine. She says they often find ancient Roman wine vessels but have to give them to a museum by law. So we spent the whole evening in a rathskeller just talking. We were leaving the next day. At any time anyone from America, who ever comes over, must be sure to visit them. They asked about Uncle Gus and got quite a kick out of knowing that he is now married.

Incidentally, Heinrich Denzer said we spoke Oxford German. He was comparing us to Oxford English.

Now Hassloch. Hassloch is about an hour drive from the university town of Heidelberg. Heidelberg is on the Neckar, but we also crossed the Rhine to get to Speyer, a reformation city close to Hassloch. Then we drove out of Speyer and were in a farmer's hamlet. In Germany the bauern all live side by side in their little cottages and drive out to their fields. This particular hamlet was very much like others we had seen while driving. The cottages are on each side of the cobble street smack on top of each other. Each house usually has a big gate as big as a garage door beside his house on the street line, next to his gate is the next house. When the gates are open, you see that the barnyard is right behind the gate. Well, after leaving this hamlet we drove out into open country. Then we came to a side road which was newly paved, new black top or asphalt, trees on both sides making it look like a fancy avenue or park road. Then the road turned to the right and this new road continued, ever more be autiful. No one was on the road but us. At the end of the road we saw another bauern community, but first a wild bird of some kind, a mother walked across the road followed by four little ones in single file. It was the cutest thing. Then I decided we must be in some bird sanctuary. However, we soon saw a sign, Hassloch. Then immediately we came to the same type of community. Houses on both sides of the road, but these houses were as neat as a pin. Each one was in beautiful condition, some with colorful newly painted shutters, others newly white-washed. But here every shutter was closed up and down the street. Two people on bicycles stared at us, the only other people and the only car. We slowed down to get a good view, and I saw a shop with the name Hauck on it. This was a long block, and when we came to the end we turned left and here we came to what looked like a residential area with more shops but of a different style than the bauern. And lovely stores with beautiful things for sale, all looking like gift shops. Then we came to a most unusual traffic signal. Merl got out and took a picture of it. A young policeman on a bicycle came along, and we asked him where the cemetery was. He gave us directions and even wanted to accompany u s to show us exactly where. However, we made it alone. Still no other people. It was Wednesday and everybody was resting. The stores close every day early in the afternoon and then reopen. We got to the cemetery and were we every surprised? There wa sn't a blade of grass out of place. Every grave was planted like it had been landscaped by a landscape gardener. Just like fancy formal gardens but on a small scale to fit the grave. All the grave stones seemed to be new. But here were all the towns f olk busy watering, all dressed up. Of course everyone looked at us, as we wandered down the center walk. Finally a man came (probably the caretaker) and asked us what grave we were looking for. This, of course, took me by surprise. I asked him where the people who were buried over one hundred years ago were. He said they were in the churchyard, looking up into the distance I saw what I thought were mountains so I asked him what the name of them were. He said HARDT mountains. Then a lady spoke up a nd said she was going home in the direction of the church and if we followed her she would direct us. So we did. We got to the church, but it was closed (Protestant, date on front 1725). Then along comes the bicycle policeman and says to follow him. H e will take us to the pfarrer so he can show us the church. So we HAD to go the pfarrer. He was not home, but his wife insists we wait and she will send for him. We tried to decline but she insisted, as he was on Urlaub anyway. So she sent her Enkelki nd after him, and was so sorry her son was not there because he speaks English very well. So we went into the house and it was a quite elegant place. She served us lemonade and finally the pastor came. So we had quite a chat. He took us to the church, and it was most unusual inside. The outside seemed to be a smooth stucco. The inside had recently been redecorated, but there was a beautiful old hand-carved pulpit.

The altar was very ordinary, but the arrangement is unusual. The altar is along a narrow back wall, and the pulpit on the long wall and the pews are arranged facing it from three sides. A balcony and organ. Merl took a picture as there was some sunshin e, hope it turns out. The old churchyard has graves under the stone floor, but no identification. A few ancient gravestone slabs of important people were rescued and incorporated into the walls of the church when they redecorated. So if Father's grandp arents are buried in the churchyard, it's like the grave of the unknown soldier. Then we said good-bye to the pfarrer and went back to Speyer and ate supper on an outdoor terrace directly across from the Protestant church where Luther said, "Hier steche ich." It was lovely on that terrace because it was raised up off the street level, but along came a load of hay and loose hay blew all over my wurstli.

You know those little houses Oma Keller had under the Christmas tree? Well, those bauern houses looked just like those, very picturesque. I asked the minister how old these houses were, and he said they dated to 1700. They were accidentally bombed when the bombs were meant for Ludwigshavn. Twenty-eight people lost their lives. I think the cemetery must have been bombed and that the state just got around to repairing the damage. Hassloch is a fast growing community and is a suburb, sort of. It has wealthy people living in new areas. We saw a nice park and a modern public school. But it certainly was the most interesting site of its kind we saw anywhere. It is the biggest small village in the Pfalz. See you soon and hope to bring the pictures. Did you get the cheese? It is not supposed to be in the icebox.

Love, MATHILDA (signed)

*****

Oma Weis' method of dyeing Easter eggs - this produces a base color, a mahogany, upon which further decorations may be made. Classes in learning this craft-art are held occasionally in the Balzekas Museum in Chicago.

Soak 2 handfuls of onion skins (from round onions) in cold water overnight. Add 12 white eggs and some salt. Bring water to a boil, then allow to simmer 10-15 minutes. (Oma W wrapped each egg in onion skins, they tied it up with muslin). Allow water t o cool without removing eggs. The longer the heating period or the more onion skins used, the darker and more attractive will be in color. Those eggs are then ready for added decoration, as with the Lithuanian culture.

Here is a little German-dialect nursery rhyme we kids grew up with:

Battche, battche Kuche(n)
Der Backer hat gerufe(n)
Wer will gute Kuche habe
Der muss sieben Sachen haben,
Zucker un' Schmalz,
Budder un' Salz
Eier un' Mehl,
Und Saffron macht die Kuche gehl.

Hei diddle ittchen,
du mein Fritzen,
Morgen gibt is Sauerkraut

Dies ist der Daume, (thumb), der schittelt die Flaume, Der hebt sie auf, Und Der legt sie ein, Und dieser lieine Spitzbub est sie ganz allein

FORFEIT

Kugel, kugel Rummsums tag, wer schmunzelt oder lacht, muss a Bank hergeben

Tante Emma and Elsie ought to be able to furnish you with a few more of these ditties - and if they did, maybe I'd even recall them

*******

The Easter Egg Story:

One year, Easter was lovely enough to hold the hunt outdoors, which happens in St. Louis now and then. That year, the Weis used varied colored eggs made with commercial colors, probably regarded as giving more varied colors, to say nothing of being a qui cker method. The eggs being hidden, outdoors, the family dog was not reckoned with - apparently he ate them after finding them, or mutilated them - thus ruining the celebration. No more dyes being available, the family was reduced to working up another batch of eggs, there being only skins to dye them with - so that year, there was only one color eggs to be found.

******

Ask Uncle Frank to relate his recollection of their family-pet goat. There is a snapshot of the goat showing it hitched to a little wagon, big enough to haul kiddies; it must have had a name.

Get Irma to recall our St. Nicholas' observance Dec. 6 - when we bring our stockings.

See H. Denzer sent me notes on St. Nick.

Also there is Hopf-Hopf-Hopf.

Hop', hop', hop
Pferdchen lauf' galopp
Ueber Stock und ueber Steine
Aber brich mir nicht die Beine
Hop', hop', hop, hop, hop
Pferdchen lauf' galopp

Hop, hop hop
Pony run at a gallop
Over sticks and over stones
But don't break my bones
Hop, hop, hop, hop, hop
Pony run at a gallop

[Grandpa Keller used to dandle us on his knee when we were little, and sing this song; at the end, he'd kick his leg up and throw you off. (harold)]

*****

November 28, 1970

Dear Mathilda,

Sorry about the delay in getting the copies of Mother's and Father's naturalization papers to you. I am told "good" zerox copies can not be made because of the yellow aging of the original paper.

As far as the letters from well-known personalities - the only one I saved was from Norman Thomas, because he wrote an original "first-hand" response (answer) to a letter written him by Father. Any other letters I destroyed before I moved. They were on ly form letters with a "rubber-stamp" signature. The letters were requests for donations, and Father was only one of thousands on a mailing. In fact, we are still getting a lot of junk mail addressed to Father at the Grantwood address.

The Scherrers had the family for Thanksgiving dinner Thursday evening. The Speners went to Richard's parents home for dinner, but the rest of the St. Louis Keller family were at Irma and Leon's. Irma told us you made the mince meat which Betsy baked in to a pie.

Oh - - - I put the Norman Thomas letter in such a safe place, I have not been able to find in since I moved. Love, Catherine Keller - 11731 Villa Dorado Drive - 63141

*****

Catherine's handwriting - "The Smithsonian Institute of Washington DC requested reprints of his plans, writings, published by local newspapers, be filed in their records."

*****

Tuesday November 5, '85

Dear Sisters,

Our visit to Hassloch turned out to be more interesting, more exciting, and more fun than we ever expected it to be.

You may remember that the last time, I drove through Hassloch I saw a shop that said something like Zercher Auto Werks. We looked in the phone book and it turned out to be a bicycle and motor cycle sales and repair shop. We walked over to the shop and B arbara went in and asked if there was anyone there by the name of Zercher. A young man directed us to the back of the shop (or behind the shop) where Herr Karl-Heinz Zercher lived. He happened to be standing on the porch, and when Barbara told him who w e were and what our mission was, he was immediately enthused and invited us in. His wife Ute was also very friendly. They are a young couple with 3 children ranging in age from about 7 to 14. Karl-Heinz (and he was immediately having us call him by his first name) said all the Zerchers in town (about 7 families) were related. He made phone calls to different people and to the Rathaus. Unfortunately for us, the town had just built and moved into a new Rathaus and all records from the old Rathaus and c hurches were in cartons so we couldn't see them. Karl-Heinz said they would look up the records when they are available.

Karl-Heinz took us to his mother's home. He locked up his shop and when we told him we didn't expect him to do that, he said, 'There are some things more important than money.' His mother got out some pictures of her husband's father's family. One big picture did not show any family resemblance to Opa Keller, but we all agreed that a smaller picture had a resemblance to Opa, especially the way he stood. (We have to get out some pictures of Opa and check this out.) Karl-Heinz's great-grandfather was A dam (born in 1857). He could have been Opa Keller's cousin). Also he could have been a brother, but according to my material, Opa's brothers died at a young age and wouldn't have had children. (Until the Zerchers get into the records we won't really kn ow).

They also took us to the cemetery which as Mathilda had written, was beautifully kept up and decorated, especially so since the next day was All Saints Day.

The Zerchers asked us to come to their place at 7 PM for sausage and bread. It was obvious they have money. Both families have beautiful homes and the son K-H has .5 acres of land behind his house plus other property that was in the family and which the y rent out. On this land they have a pond and ducks (I believe). They had a pet pig which they had slaughtered for a meat packing company and they wanted to have us over for that. We instead felt we owed them an invitation and asked them to come to our hotel for dinner. They accepted and brought their 3 boys - handsome beautifully behaved young people.

Before they came Leon suggested we toast our relatives, but we felt we shouldn't get too familiar, but K-H prepared a toast to "Our ancestors". K-H does not drink wine or beer, (rather surprising for a German), only milk, but for the occasion he had a glass of wine.

The next day we drove to Speyer and Neustat and did some more walking around Hassloch which is growing rapidly. Much new building. It is the largest town in the Rhein Pfalz, and does not want to become a city because that would raise taxes.

The Zerchers again invited us for sausage at 7 PM and we gladly accepted. We sat down to a meal of potatoes boiled in their jackets and peeled, served with quark (?) with schnittlauch in it (quark is similar to our creamed cottage cheese), their bratwurs t and lederwurst, and German brot. Dessert was a big bunch of grapes.

There was much picture taking and then we were all presented with gifts - from the mother, little plates (a set of 3), with pictures of Hassloch, and from K-H's family two kinds of his canned sausages and a jar of their own honey, all beautifully done up in cellophane with a big bow.

We all agreed we couldn't have had a more delightful time in Hassloch, and though we still don't know how we are related, we really don't care that much as we had such a good time and we know we must be related somehow. We will wait to see what they find in the records.

Maybe Irma will fill in on what I have forgotten. I am sure she will write to you.

We went to Trier, but really didn't pursue any family affairs, but Mathilda has done a good job of that.

Irma and I are planning to send some gift to them from the US. We invited them to visit us and maybe someday when their children are older they will. Ute said she is afraid to fly.

Incidentally, they could understand a little English, but mostly Barbara translated for us.

Just remembered - the Zerchers came from Zurich around 1650, hence they were Zurichers (or something like Mennonites) (which by the German dialect became Zerchers.)

Someone mentioned to them that the family changed their name to Keller, and it seemed to me K-H just shrugged as if that was common (I don't really know and I wasn't in on that conversation.)

Love, Alice and Ed

*******

You will see from the enclosed letter and baptismal certificates that the Zerchers were able to get into the parish register and obtain the baptismal certificates of our father, grandfather, and Adam Zercher. We had thought when in Hassloch that Adam Zer cher (Karl-Heinz's great-grandfather) might be our grandfather's brother or cousin and now we know they were brothers.

Ed and I were able to translate well enough Father's certificate, but we had our German friend translate it just to be sure we had it right. Just think, our father was born in 1886, and now, 100 years later, we are getting this information. It has prove d so interesting and exciting to us.

Arnold, I am sure the Zerchers could have copied your mother's and also your father's, Bob, but they of course did not realize there were offspring from those two people. After all, when we were in Hassloch with the Zerchers, we couldn't give them all th e information as we were all so uncertain about everything at the time. The next time we go to Hassloch we will get copies for you too.

You will notice that two children of Oma and Opa Keller were named for his family members. Their oldest daughter, Elizabeth (Opa's mother's name was Elizabeth, and a son, Adolf (Opa's youngest brother, was Adolf.) My father was probably named for Oma's brother Phillipp, who is named or godparent.

The Zerchers said they would send photographs of Adam Zercher and family. We would like to send a picture of Opa. Ed and I do not have a good one. If any of you do, would you please send it to us so we can give it to them.

Do any of you recall Opa ever talking about his family in Germany? Did he have any contact with them after he left Germany? Anything you might remember should prove interesting to the Zerchers. It might remind them of stories they had heard.

Mathilda, we know Opa had to learn his multiplication tables through the 24's and we remember Father always said he was the "Erste" in his class. Otherwise I don't know much. Maybe the rest of you remember. Concerning Father's Godparents: Marie would be our aunt Mary Huesvelmann???

With love, Alice Zercher Keller Hall and Ed

*****

According to the Opa baptismal copy he had no sisters - but 5 brothers. (Must check the certificate again.) Adam Z is second son, Opa first. There's 3 more sons. (Names are listed on it.) P.11 In those days, Mothers and all adult women signed even to own children with Mrs. . .--- so Mrs. Christ. Rosen was also a formal signature - even though closely related.

******

I asked the local man "welshe Hugel sind die?" He said they were mountains ******* on p.9. Where Oma is looking out doors you are dressed "up" Fastnacht (not Easter) Had Easter another year - also on movies. *****

The Z's sent a baptismal certificate copy and Opa's father's name: John Wendel (I have already packed it away, otherwise I'd check, to be sure.) ***** and, the copy shows Opa's name is: Friedrick Wendel - none of Oma's and Opa's children have middle names - yet Opa had been named for his father. May 13, 1986 "Your letter was marvelous! The subject matter is exciting and we can't wait for June 28!"

Dear Cousins,

The response has been great" As of this date I have heard from almost everyone and we have 38 firm reservations. The time has arrived for some details on the week-end so here goes.

For those of you flying into Denver, if you let me or Julie know when your flight is we will arrange for you to be picked up at the airport. Some of you have already indicated your plans and that's great. Others of you flying in would help us out if you could arrive no later than early to mid-afternoon Friday, June 27. That way we can pick you up and get everyone up to Breckenridge in time for supper. We will officially get the festivities underway with the evening meal on Friday. Saturday morning br eakfast will be together, with lunch Saturday on you own. Saturday evening will be our formal gathering with dinner and the program being planned by Harold and Betsy with help from Glenn as MC, Joel videotaping, and input from anyone else. The program p romises to be outstanding and certainly the highlight of out week-end together. Sunday morning breakfast will be the official tie-up of the gathering, with the rest of Sunday to do whatever - hiking, climbing, shopping, etc.

Ray and Sue and Tom and Som have volunteered to help out with food preparation/planning, Charles is taking care of drinks, Barbara is sending mugs from Germany (!) and Cal and Claudia are putting their heads together to come up with a memento/souvenir of the occasion. Julie is graciously hosting people in Denver before and after the event, and Ralph will coordinate the transportation up to Breckenridge for those who need rides. Joel has offered to help out there too. So you can see we have lots of volu nteers in the right places!

Directions to Trails End Condominiums in Breckenridge are as follows: I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel (under Loveland Pass) West to the Breckenridge/Frisco exit, which will be the exit following Dillon/Silverthorne. South on hwy. 9 to Breckenridge, a bout 10 miles after you get off I-70. Proceed through the town (about 2 blocks) and turn right on South Park Road which is at the Bell Tower Mall. South Park will turn into Village Road and Trails End will be on the left. The units are within walking d istance of downtown Breckenridge. It's just slightly less that 1 and one half hours from Denver by car.

P.S. Joel has asked me to suggest to anyone who wants a copy of the video he shoots to bring along a blank tape.

That's it for now. I am ecstatic this event is finally happening. If you have thoughts, concerns, suggestions, or questions relating to food, contact Mary, to housing in Denver, Julie, to transportation anyone in Denver, to program content Harold or Bet sy, to PR Claudia, or to anything else, me. See you all on the 27th.

Love, Cynthia

*******

This head dress was Louise Kuemmerli's - Edna still has it and I wore it once for the snapshot. It was a stiff grosgrain ribbon (black) and a silk shawl and a silk apron - very good condition. It stood out at the sides and there was a long ribbon descen ding down at the back. (Saw one very much like it in a folk dress museum in Albuquerque - I took a picture of that).

*****

May 12

Dear Harold-

It is exciting to know that the cousins' reunion will finally be held. We sisters are envious, but interested in all the preparations.

I have carefully read the first draft of the K/Z family history. I would say that 99% of it is correct. The 1 % is a matter of interpretation of events as some of us have heard or been told by our folks.

Leon would like to say that on Page 2 of your letter, that Leon did not ask Aunt Emma about the name change. A chance remark he made, not even thinking about the name change, was Aunt Emma's remark that the name was changed to Zercher. She did not say t hat she knew that "something was wrong."

This is not that important a difference in interpretation, but Leon says he was not "quizzing" Aunt Emma. I personally never felt I was "forbidden" to go to Hassloch.

Also, on the same page you could make plain the Uncle Fritz was the brother of their great grandfather.

On page 4, you said aunt Emma remembered that Opa had 2 sisters. You are right this is not confirmed in the records given us by the Zerchers. On

page 6 - Arnold did not return to St. L. when his father died. His father died in 1971 - age 86, in California. Arnold is now visiting in St. L. so I will get the correct date. He returned to St. L. in the depth of the depression when he knew he cou ld not complete his education without financial help.

My grandson, David, asked me last Christmas to compile a family history for him as a Christmas gift. I have much material for him, but not in a final form. It is a lot of work. Fortunately, a cousin of Leon's is working on the Scherrers and a cousin in Vermont on the Smiths. They both have worked hard.

I am going to put on tape some remembrances I have as a child. Christmas and Easter celebrations, family traditions, Sunday visits (after S.S.) to Grandma and Grandpa Weis etc. etc. I hope I can send them along with Betsy. Verna and Arnold were here fo r dinner Sat night and Betsy and Phil and we had a session of reminiscences. Verna knows more of the Weis family than I do.

Give our love to Marilyn and Tim. We are looking forward to seeing you in August.

Love, Aunt Irma

PS - Martha Brumby - (never was Brumbaugh) Arnold's son is Arnold Philip Jr. Born 7/4/40.

Myrtle Angele - 2/20/43

Richard Bruce - 8/22/50