Dear Friends of Deutsch Country Day;

The twenty-sixth annual DEUTSCH COUNTRY DAY’S weekend has officially ended! However, we are remembering YOU--our first time patrons, long-time visitors and our loyal, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who made the pieces fit! We were most fortunate in experiencing spectacular autumn weather. The excited and friendly visitors faithfully returned to the hills at Luxenhaus. Thanks to you, your contributions made for an outstanding difference!

Reviews: “This is even better than the zoo!" That's what one young guest said to a younger volunteer. While the weeks and months prior to the event may "feel" like a zoo, that young man recognized that Deutsch Country Days offers something unique, something that even the zoo doesn't have. Numerous visitors asked how many years Deutsch Country Days has been in existence. A volunteer replied, “This is the 26th year.” The guest stated, "Why haven’t I heard about this before? This is the most incredible historic recreation I've ever seen!" Her reply was “We’re told it’s the best kept secret in Missouri!” (Proven by the fact we are listed in the same referenced book-“100 Best Kept Secrets in Missouri”)

Pre-1800 Area. Did you visit the "new" pre-1800’s area and stroll the scenic Ozark Trail? The rich hues of the golden fall foliage were a perfect backdrop to the new grass-covered structures that Bob and his loyal volunteers, along with the Trappers of Starved Rock, have been constructing from the ground up. Our guests and volunteers were awestruck with the beauty of the setting and the authenticity of the constructions. The tribal leaders of the Osage Nation from Pawhuska, OK visited several weeks prior to view “first-hand” our tribute to the Osage Nation, giving permission to use the authentic Osage Nation shield on the trail. They were delighted with the authenticity of the two long houses and the wicki-up. While some were in awe, others believed that they were seeing a "real" community and were overheard saying, "It's amazing that this little village has survived all these years!" Of course, the three authentically decorated lodges added the topping to the genuineness of our Osage tribute.

Music. The hills were alive with the sound of music! What a privilege to have returning musicians like Cindy and Anna Gladden, Idabel’s Old Tyme String Band, the bluegrass band of Windy Ridge and the music of Kitty Heberle, who strummed her autoharp in the Huber Haus, portraying Oma Huber. Thank you for supporting our musicians by purchasing their tapes and CDs. Dave and Laurie Thompson were unavailable this year but we are assured they’ll be performing in ’08!

Artisans: Our new artisans specialize in creating turned bowls, furniture, pottery, leather and dulcimers. Their craftsmanship is unsurpassed. From the feedback we received, the artisans were extremely pleased and especially commented on the unsurpassed interest in the history of their skills by our guests. We are also fortunate to have FIVE of the top one hundred artisans in our United States as selected by “Early American Life” magazine--quite a prestigious honor for the artisans, as well as our historic event!

Art Workshops. For the second year, workshops were offered to visitors who wanted some “hands-on” experience in making/throwing pottery and stitching quilts. Instructor and potter Alan Bell masterfully organized the workshop. He was also the mastermind behind the “Folk Art Workshops” held this summer at Luxenhaus Farm—another success story! The ’07 Art workshop was co-sponsored by the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) for the second straight year.

Volunteers. On an extremely sad note, we wish to acknowledge the tragic passing of our Vice President and dear friend, Jim Wilder from Leslie, MO. Jim had been a dedicated volunteer for over seven years. At the September Volunteer BBQ, he was awarded the “2006 Volunteer of the Year” award, having over 1300 volunteer hours. Jean is recuperating well. Please view his memorial page on the web site dedicated to our Jim “Cookie” Wilder. Jim conducted the hearth-cooking schools, as well as demonstrating open hearth cooking during all of the events. His pies were the best ever, as was everything he tackled. You’ll never know how much we miss you, Jim! Not a day goes buy that an incident doesn’t occur to bring you back into our thoughts.

We are so grateful to our dedicated volunteers--the lifeblood of Deutsch Country Days. Many comments were received regarding our enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers. “Everyone is so kind,” was a frequent compliment. The majority of our visitors assume we reside in the local area and are astounded that many of our volunteers drive long distances to participate. Many also worked long hours for preparation prior to the event for which we again say a hearty “Danke Schoen!”

Thank you, dear friends and guests, for your dedication to education and historic preservation at Deutsch Country Days. Because of you, Missouri has one more jewel in its crown. Let’s continue to spread the word—Deutsch Country Days is a treasure worth keeping and the finest living history in our beautiful State of Missourah!

 

Board of Directors-Deutsch Country Days: Bob Hostkoetter-President; Ralph Gregory-Asst. V.P./Historian; Doyle Gustus-Sec’y/Treasurer; Wayne Gronefeld; Lois Hostkoetter; Aurelia Lewis; Diane Miederhoff & Marvin Schubert.

Foundation Board: Sen John Griesheimer; Jill Landers; Dr. William McHugh; Bonnie Rasmussen; Julia Schneider; Dr. Wendell Smith; Rep. Mike Sutherland; Tim Unnerstall; William Zollmann III and Scott Powell, Farm Manager.