It’s harvest time and that brings to mind the approaching 2017 Roberts Cove Germanfest planned for Oct. 7 and 8 on the St. Leo IV Catholic Church Grounds in Roberts Cove.
Activities are planned at the German Museum in Roberts Cove to showcase German traditions and activities.
Activities of special interest are in the making for the museum this year at Germanfest are:
— St. Leo School Alumni reunion; and
— World War I remembrance. One hundred years ago this year, international world conditions and unrest resulted in World War I. This year the festival is honoring the memory of those “dough boys” who were part of the original German families. Known soldiers who served include Casper Berken, August Leonards, Henry Knipping, Joseph Knipping and Albert Fabacher. They are asking family members of these individuals or of others who served at this time to loan to the museum artifacts or other “memories.” They welcome stories or recollections the family may have.
— Three original families who settled in Roberts Cove- the Arnold Joseph Janssen Family, the Joseph Hubert Knipping Family and the John Ferdinand Stamm, Sr. Family, are to be honored.
Contact Dr. Philip Fabacher at the Germanfest Office at 337-334-8354 or e-mail the information to the new Roberts Cove German Heritage Museum e-mail address at info@rcghmuseum.
— St. Leo School Alumni Reunion (1883-1951) is at 1 p.m. Germanfest Saturday at the musuem. Before Father Charles Zaunbrecher died in 1996, he and Josie B. Thevis arranged by year of birth, students who attended the school in the earlier years with the help of baptismal records of St. Leo IV Church and also by contact with people who attended the school. Out of over 325 students who attended the school, there are less than 50 students still living. Before more time passes, they would like an opportunity for those remaining students to meet and greet.
The museum is looking for artifacts or stories. Sister M. Crescentia, MHS, offered many memorable opportunities for the students. For example, plays and poem recitals at Christmas time upstairs in the old school.
