Dubois County: A Home for God's People, 1998
A Guide to the Collection of Oral History Interviews at Indiana University
Bloomington
Finding aid prepared by the staff of the Center for
the Study of History and Memory with a grant from the National Endowment for the
Humanities Division of Preservation and Access, 2000-2002
Overview of the Collection
Repository
Indiana University Center for Documentary Research and Practice
Indiana University
Franklin Hall 0030B
601 E. Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: 812/855-2856
Fax: 812/855-0002
E-mail: ohrc@indiana.edu
https://cdrp.mediaschool.indiana.edu
Creator
Indiana University Center for the
Study of History and Memory
TitleDubois County: A Home for God's People, 1998
Project No.
ohrc034
Interviews
10 interviews.
Audiotapes, transcripts, and collateral
materials.
Physical Location
Interviews are housed in Franklin Hall, Room 0030B. Copies of interview transcripts are also held by the IU Libraries University
Archives.
Contact archives@indiana.edu for more information. For other locations housing the interviews
from this project, please contact the Center for Documentary Research and Practice office.
Language
Materials are in English
Abstract
The project, Dubois County: A Home for God's People, consists of
interviews of residents, most of whom could trace their ancestry back to the
original German settlement of the area. The interviewees shared their German
heritage and discussed the almost clan-like German Catholic communities, and
how they grew and changed over the years since there first establishment. The
Catholic church was discussed as a central point of the communities, as was the
German language and its various dialects and farming as a way of life.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains ten interviews over the course of one year. Interviews range from 40 to 135 minutes. Most of the
interviews consist of typed transcripts and audio tapes.
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information
Oral history interviews conducted by the Indiana University Center for the Study of
History and Memory from 1968 to the present, with particular focus on the history of
twentieth-century America and the Midwest.
Usage Restrictions
The archive of the Center for Documentary Research and Practice at Indiana University is open
to the use of researchers. Copies of transcript pages are available only when such copies
are permitted by the deed of gift. Scholars must honor any
restrictions the interviewee placed on the use of the interview. Since some of our earlier
(pre-computer) transcripts do not exist in final form, any editing marks in a transcript
(deletions, additions, corrections) are to be quoted as marked. Audio files may not be copied for
patrons unless the deed of gift permits it, and a transcript is unavailable for that
interview. The same rules of use that apply to a transcript apply to the audio interview.
Interviews may not be reproduced in full for any public use, but excerpted quotes may be
used as long as researchers fully cite the data in their research, including accession
number, interview date, interviewee's and interviewer's name, and page(s).
Preferred Citation
[interviewee first name last name] interview, by [interviewer first name last
name], [interview date(s)], [call number], [project name], Center for Documentary Research and Practice, Indiana University,
Bloomington, [page number(s) or tape
number and side if no transcript; if digital audio and no transcript, cite time when quote occurs].
Interview List
Interviewee
Backer, Patrick A.
April 27,
1998
Call Number
97-008
Physical Description
29 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 75 minutes; index; obituary
for interviewee, eulogy of interviewee
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Patrick A. Backer "Pat", October 11, 1942- May 6, 1998, was a
Vietnam veteran. He discusses his grandparents' immigration from Germany. He
talks about the great influence German ethnicity and language had on the area
of Dubois county. He discusses different German dialects that were spoken, are
now fading, and have left their mark on the English language. He discusses the
German Catholic community of Ferdinand, Indiana and its pride and affluence as
well as the central position the church has traditionally had. Backer also
discusses teaching at Vincennes University Jasper Center and his enjoyment of
it, and his involvement with the American legion.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- American Legion
- Sisters of St. Benedict
- Vincennes University Jasper Center
-
-
Family Names
- Backer
- McClaughlin
-
-
Occupation Names
- Ferdinand, Indiana
- Jasper, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- altar servers
- German Catholic community
- German language
Interviewee
Haake, Marcella
April 22,
1998
Call Number
97-002
Physical Description
20 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 40 minutes; index
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Marcella Haake talks about her early life. She shares the
stories of her grandparents' immigration from Germany, and of her parents'
lives, particularly her mother's. She talks about the jobs available to young
women during her mother's younger years, including mainly domestic services.
Haake discusses her childhood and education in a German Catholic community. She
discusses the role of the church in her life and the social activities it has
provided, as well as the Catholic- Protestant relationship in the area.
-
Keywords
-
-
-
Place Names
- Ferdinand, Indiana
- Huntingburg, Indiana
- Louisville, Kentucky
-
-
Subjects
- church
- education
- employment opportunities
- German language
- shopping
Interviewee
Ketzner, Joseph; Ketzner, Theresa
April 21,
1998
Call Number
97-004
Physical Description
54 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 80 minutes; index
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Joseph and Theresa Ketzner discuss living in the German Catholic
community of Ferdinand, Indiana. Joseph recalls that his grandfather immigrated
to the area from Germany, while Theresa discusses coming into the area as an
outsider. Both discuss the use of German to communicate and the huge part
farming played in the livelihood of the community as well as shared labor such
as cutting firewood, butchering, and threshing. They discuss the country
schools that were originally in the area, then the small private school, and
its consolidation into a public school. The Ketzners discuss the church as a
central part of the community and describe special celebrations through it such
as a huge picnic. They discuss the changes that were brought about by Vatican
II. They recall German foods that were common. They talk about the changes that
have come about over time, especially in farming.
-
Keywords
-
-
Place Names
- Ferdinand, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- church
- church picnic
- farming
- Ferdinand public schools
- foodways
- German language
- interstate highway system
- polka mass
- Vatican II
- wheat threshing
Interviewee
Klem, Etta Marie
April 27,
1998
Call Number
97-006
Physical Description
not transcribed; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 135 minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Etta Marie Klem discusses growing up in Celestine, Indiana,
working in Louisville, Kentucky, and her trips to Germany as an adult. She
describes her experiences growing up on a farm, and the activities that farm
life centered around. She talks about the different church activities she
attended at her parish in Celestine. She describes her experiences working as a
maid for wealthy families in Louisville, and the homesickness she felt
throughout her time there. She speaks of meeting her future husband in
Louisville, and moving with him to Ferdinand, Indiana, and the people she met
there. She talks about her two trips to Germany and the search for her
ancestors there. Finally, she talks about a missionary priest, Father Green,
whose story of persecution in China inspired and touched her.
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Keywords
-
-
Place Names
- Celestine, Indiana
- Ferdinand, Indiana
- Louisville, Kentucky
-
-
Subjects
- barter economy
- butchering
- church activities
- church band
- church organizations
- church picnics
- church processions
- Confession
- Corpus Christi
- country schools
- farming
- foodways
- German language
- log barns
- log cabins
- missionary work
- moonshine
- parish missions
- Prohibition
- Rogation Days
- sorghum mills
- special services
- Vespers
- wheat threshing
- World War II
Interviewee
Krampe, Bernard
April 21,
1998
Call Number
97-009
Physical Description
37 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 95 minutes; index
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Bernard Krampe discusses growing up, living, and working on the
grounds of the convent in Ferdinand, Indiana. He talks about his early
childhood and education including schools and the changing school system. He
recalls the central role the church has historically held in the community and
special services it has performed throughout the years. He talks about the
established use of the German language and the clannish community that has
inhabited the area. He discusses changes that have emerged especially during
and after World War II and Vatican II. He discusses the stability of the
community throughout changing times. Krampe talks about his involvement in the
community in various ways, especially through the American Legion and
politics.
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Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- American Legion
- United States Army Air Force
-
-
-
Place Names
- Ferdinand, Indiana
- Huntingburg, Indiana
- Jasper, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- community stability
- convent
- family traditions
- Ferdinand public schools
- German language
- local politics
- special services
- Vatican II
- World War II
Interviewee
Mann, Linus
April 26,
1998
Call Number
97-010
Physical Description
not transcribed; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 117 minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Linus Mann, born on November 18, 1918, discusses the
immigrations of his grandparents to the United States and the building of the
school and the Lutheran church in Boone Township, Indiana. He depicts the
changes in the area over time in farming, education, language, and religion.
Mann shares anecdotes about his life.
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Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church
-
-
Occupation Names
- factory worker
- farmer
-
-
Place Names
- Boone Township, Dubois County, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- education
- farming
- German dialects
- German language
- religion
Interviewee
Meyer, Vernon H.
April 27,
1998
Call Number
97-007
Physical Description
not transcribed; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 110
minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Vernon H. Meyer discusses his childhood in Holland, Indiana. He
describes the town, farming and his family life. Meyer also discusses his
experience in Europe during World War II and his life as a prisoner of war. He
shares the story of his return and his subsequent marriage and career. He then
discusses the town changes, church history, and school changes in Holland.
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Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Holland Dairies
- St. James Evangelical Lutheran School
-
-
-
Occupation Names
- farmer
- military cook
-
-
Place Names
- Cass Township, Indiana
- Holland, Indiana
- Huntingburg, Indiana
- Munich, Germany
- St. Henry, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- butchering
- Camp Atterbury
- Catholic-Protestant division
- church changes
- dairy work
- farming
- German language
- Muessberg camp
- Nazi Germany
- prison camps
- prisoner of war
- recreation
- schooling
- religious instruction
- telephone exchange
- town business
- town changes
- threshing
- World War II
Interviewee
Norris, Margaret S.P.; Sullivan, Winifred S.P.
April 27,
1998
Call Number
97-005
Physical Description
24 pages; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 40 minutes; index
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Margaret Norris, S.P. and Winifred Sullivan, S.P. discuss living
and teaching in Jasper, Indiana as nuns. Norris describes growing up in the
largely Catholic community. Both talk about their teaching experiences around
the country prior to settling in Jasper. They discuss the schools in the area
and the consolidations which have occurred as well as being nuns teaching in
public schools. They talk about the growing Latino population and the struggles
they face. The sisters also discuss Vatican II and how it has effected them.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Sisters of Providence
-
-
-
Place Names
- Jasper, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- Catholic community
- Jasper public schools
- Latino community
- school consolidation
- teaching
Interviewee
Pund, Adrian; Pund, Anna Mae
April 21,
1998
Call Number
97-001
Physical Description
67 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 107 minutes; index
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Adrian Pund, born in 1927, and his wife, Anna Mae Pund, born in
1930, both of whom grew up in Ferdinand, Indiana, discuss their lives. They
share the stories of their parents immigrating from Germany and eventually
settling a German Catholic community in the area. They speak of the language
barriers they still faced when they entered school, of the country one-room
school houses that no longer exist, and of the amount of education most in the
community received. The Punds discuss the kinds of food which were prepared as
a community through such activities as butchering, threshing, and beer-,
whiskey-, and wine- making. They discuss the jobs available specifically for
boys and girls when they were young adults. They discuss their own large
family, working on a farm as well as holding a job, and their community
involvement. They recall the church services and celebrations, especially
Corpus Christi and large picnics, and the community's involvement as
sodalities. They talk about the community's centennial celebration, and the
great changes that have taken place throughout the community largely due to the
growth of industry. They talk about the famed St. Meinrad sandstone of which
many churches have been built nationally. The Punds also speak of their trip to
Germany, and share humorous anecdotes of their travels and their lives.
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Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Monte Cassino Shrine
- St. Ferdinand Catholic Church
-
-
-
Place Names
- Evansville, Indiana
- Ferdinand, Indiana
- Louisville, Kentucky
- St. Meinrad, Indiana
-
-
Personal Names
- Kundek, Joseph
-
-
Subjects
- church
- country schools
- education
- employment opportunities
- family
- farming
- Ferdinand centennial
- foodways
- German Catholic community
- German language
- local industry
- sodalities
- St. Meinrad sandstone
Interviewee
Weyer, Clarence; Weyer, Lucille
April 22,
1998
Call Number
97-003
Physical Description
37 pages, 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 85 minutes; index
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Clarence and Lucille Weyer discuss their lives. They recall the
stories of their ancestors immigrating from Germany. Clarence compares living
in the more city-like environment of Cincinnati, Ohio to that of the small
country German Catholic community of Ferdinand, Indiana. He recalls the
community involved butchering threshing , and farming which took place in
Ferdinand. He talks about his experiences in the United States Army and about
the different jobs he's held. They both discuss their education, especially in
the small country schools of the area. Together, they recall Lucille's early
life and the huge role the church played in it. They discuss the special
services that took place at Monte Cassino twice a year and the great picnic the
church held annually. Lucille discusses the jobs she's held, and those
available that were available to women during her younger years. They speak
briefly about living during the Great Depression and about the changes that
have occurred since in Dubois County, especially in industry.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Kimball International, Incorporated
- Monte Cassino Shrine
- United States Army
-
-
-
Place Names
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Ferdinand, Indiana
- Huntingburg, Indiana
- Monte Cassino, Indiana
- St. Meinrad, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- church
- church picnic
- education
- employment opportunities
- farming
- German Catholic community
- German language
- Great Depression
- special services
- St. Meinrad sandstone
