Dubois County: German Americans, 1993-1994
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: German Americans, 1993-1994
Project No.
ohrc035
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: German Americans, deals with an area
in Indiana rich with German Heritage. The interviewees discuss the history of
the area, their lives and lifestyles, and the importance of religion, usually
German Catholicism. They also discuss German dialects still spoken in and
around the county, as well as how the language has influenced their English
speaking.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains ten interviews over the course of one year. Interviews range from 51 to 230 minutes. All of the
intervies consist of audio tapes and a few have typed transcripts. See interview descriptions for more information.
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
Boeglin, John
July 20,
1994
Call Number
93-076
Physical Description
Not transcribed; 1 tape, 1 7/8 ips, 51 minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Father John Boeglin grew up in a German community northeast of
Evansville, but had ancestral ties to the Dubois County area. He speaks about
the importance of religious faith not only to himself, but also in the
community. He also speaks about German traditions, especially those with a
religious connection such as Ligation Days.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- St. Celestine Parish
-
-
-
Personal Names
- Kundek, Joseph
-
-
Place Names
- Celestine, Indiana
- St. James, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- Catholocism
- German language
- Ligation Days
- local history
- religious faith
- Vatican II
Interviewee
Dilger, Robert F.
July 21,
1994
Call Number
93-077
Physical Description
Not transcribed; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 125 minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Robert F. Dilger discusses his early life and education in a
small German Catholic farming community in Indiana. He discusses his genealogy
and interest in his German roots. He talks about his experiences in the German
Club and while traveling. He discusses the German language, once very prevalent
in the area. He speaks of the changes the community has undergone, and the
changes in religion since Vatican II. Dilger discusses the importance of
religion in his life and what he would like to instill in his children.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Jasper German Club
-
-
Occupation Names
- engineering manager
-
-
Place Names
- Jasper, Indiana
- Pfaffenweiler, Germany
-
-
Subjects
- community changes
- farming
- genealogy
- German language
- religious beliefs
- Vatican II
Interviewee
Dilger, Sharon
August 16,
1994
Call Number
93-079
Physical Description
Not transcribed; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 93 minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Sharon Dilger discusses growing up in Ferdinand, Indiana. She
describes her family life, her fathers newspaper business, the
Ferdinand Newsand her family background. Dilger
also discusses Dubois County history and changes. She discusses her church
activities and her families involvement with Ferdinand's sister city
Pfafenweiler, Germany. Dilger finally discusses her theories and practices in
raising her children.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
-
Ferdinand News
- Crane Naval Base
- Holy Family Church
- Procter and Gamble
- Purdue University
-
-
Occupation Names
- newspaperman
-
-
Place Names
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Dubois County, Indiana
- Ferdinand, Indiana
- Jasper, Indiana
- Lima, Ohio
- Pfafenwheiler, Germany
-
-
Subjects
- Alzheimers disease
- child rearing
- church activities
- family background
- German club
- hospitality
- newspaper business
- sister cities
- small town atmosphere
Interviewee
Doane, Lillian
October 23,
1993
Call Number
93-074
Physical Description
95 pages; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 110 minutes; index
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Lillian Doane, born in 1913, discusses her early life in the
small German Catholic farming community of Jasper, Indiana. She recalls the
hard work, family life and traditions, and education of the times as well as
the community's joint work such as threshing, butchering, and sometimes
moonshine- producing. She also recalls other community interactions such as
dances and quilting bees. She discusses different German dialects and the
dialect that seemed to form specifically in the area. She talks about transient
groups including gypsies, tramps, and 'Jesse James'- type groups that raised
havoc. Doane discusses her interest in the rich history of the area and what it
has to offer tourists. She talks about those who basically set the cornerstones
for the community, especially Fr. Joseph Kundek and Clem Doane, and about the
importance of and growing interest in genealogy. She talks about the
reemergence of German pride after and era of anti- German sentiment following
both World War I and World War II. She discusses the central role St. Joseph's
Catholic church has historically held in the community and recalls the special
services it has held. She talks about the coming of the union and the effect it
had on the community. Doane also talks about the rivalries between surrounding
towns and the controversy over saloons.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Jasper
Courier
- St. Joseph's Church
-
-
Family Names
- Fehrenbach
- Fehribach
-
-
Occupation Names
- librarian
- town historian
-
-
Personal Names
- Buecher, Ruth
- Doane, Clem
- Fierst, John
- Kundek, Joseph
-
-
Place Names
- Celestine, Indiana
- Ferdinand, Indiana
- Huntingburg, Indiana
- Ireland, Indiana
- Jasper, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- butchering
- Catholicism
- community rivalries
- farming
- genealogy
- German dialects
- German heritage
- moonshine
- religious celebrations
- saloons
- school
- traditional celebrations
- transient population
- unions
- wheat threshing
- World War I
- World War II
Interviewee
Johanneman, Phyllis
July 12,
1993
Call Number
93-072
Physical Description
Not transcribed; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 96
minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Phyllis Johanneman discusses fitting into Ferdinand, Indiana as
a newcomer and getting involved in the community. She discusses her involvement
in the Ferdinand Historical Society, and how the organization works to preserve
the history of the area. She talks about the Ferdinand Sesquicentenial and the
work she put into various aspects of it. Johanneman discusses the changes she
has witnessed in the community both as a teacher and a community member. She
also speaks of tourism in Ferdinand.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Dubois County Historical Society
- Ferdinand Historical Society
-
Ferdinand News
- St. Ferdinand Catholic Church
-
-
Occupation Names
- choir director
- music teacher
-
-
Personal Names
- Kundek, Joseph
-
-
Place Names
- Ferdinand, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- alcohol
- community changes
- community organizations
- Ferdinand Sesquicentennial
- Kundek's corner
- tourism
Interviewee
Krapf, Norbert
August 5,
1993
Call Number
93-073
Physical Description
50 pages; 3 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 132 minutes;
index
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Norbert Krapf, born in 1943, discusses growing up in the German
Catholic community of Jasper, Indiana. He discusses his ancestor's immigration
from Germany and the lives of his parents in this German Catholic farming
community. He talks about his education and what led to his career as a writer.
He discusses the great impact his German roots have had on him, on his work,
and on the research he's done on his family, the area, and on German heritage.
He discusses his works, especially
Finding the
Grain
and other poetry as well as their inspirations. Krapf talks about
both the support and the resistance he's received from and for his writings,
particularly in the subject of the Holocaust. He mentions many people's seeming
desire to hide their German descent due to post- World War I and World War II
antagonism. He discusses the part Catholicism has played in his own and in many
others' German heritage. He also discusses his experiences teaching in
Germany
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Keywords
-
-
-
Place Names
- Germany
- Indiana
- Long Island, New York
-
-
Occupation Names
- author
- professor
-
-
Personal Names
- Dreiser, Theodore
- Fierst, John
- Kundek, Joseph
-
-
Subjects
- Catholicism
- English language
- farming
-
Finding the
Grain
- German heritage
- German language
- Holocaust
- poetry
- Strassenfest
- World War I
- World War II
Interviewee
Nathan, Marilyn J.
January 24,
1994
Call Number
93-075
Physical Description
Not Transcribed; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 102 minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Marilyn Nathan grew up in Gary, Indiana, but spent a year living
with relatives in Germany during high school. She speaks about her experiences
learning the language and customs. She also speaks about the influence her
grandmother had interesting her in German heritage. She eventually studied
German at Indiana University and moved to Dubois County to teach. She discusses
teaching, the difficulty in being accepted into the community, and other
vestiges of German traits persistent in the community.
-
Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Holy Family School
- Indiana University
-
-
Occupation Names
- German teacher
-
-
Personal Names
- Jordan, Sabine
-
-
Subjects
- exchange student
- family history
- gambling
- German language
- German traditions
- German work ethic
- holiday events
- Little Jasper Germans
- teaching
Interviewee
Sasse, Angela
June 4,
1993
Call Number
93-070
Physical Description
Not transcribed; 4 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 230 minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Sister Angela Sasse discusses her education, her work in the
Monastery Immaculate Conception library, and her work in the academy. She
shares a detailed local history. She discusses her role in the Ferdinand
Historical Society and what has been done through this organization to preserve
the history of the area. Sr. Angela speaks about her genealogy and discusses
the lives of her parents and grandparents in Indiana. She talks about her early
life and entering the religious life.
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Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Ferdinand Historical Society
- Jasper Center College
- Monastery Immaculate Conception
-
-
Occupation Names
- librarian
- nun
- teacher
-
-
Place Names
- Ferdinand, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- family traditions
- Ferdinand Centennial
- Ferdinand Sesquicentenial
- genealogy
- local history
- Monastery Immaculate Conception library
- Welcome World
Interviewee
Scheessele, Mary K.
June 7,
1993
Call Number
93-071
Physical Description
Not transcribed; 3 tapes, 17/8 ips, 160
minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Sister Mary K. Scheessele, born 1922, discusses her life in the
Ferdinand community and growing up in Spencer County. She also discusses her
dedication and education at the Benedictine Sisters of Ferdinand Monastery and
St. Benedict College. She then describes her teaching career and library
science education. She also discusses her responsibilities as the monastery
archivist.
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Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- Benedictine Sisters of Ferdinand Monastery
- Catholic University
- Indiana Religious History Association
- St. Benedict College
- St. Rupert's Church
-
-
Occupation Names
- archivist
- librarian
- nun
- teacher
-
-
Personal Names
- Hartman, Grover
- Kundek, Joseph
-
-
Place Names
- Baden, Germany
- Ferdinand, Indiana
- Redbrush, Indiana
- Spencer County, Indiana
- Warrick County, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- 1937 flood
- alcohol consumption
- Benedictine life
- bicentennial
- college education
- college library
- community values
- family history
- farming
- German heritage
- German language
- library collection development
- library science
- monastery archives
- protestant catholic division
- religious clothing
- religious life
- school libraries
- Vatican II
- World War II
Interviewee
Schipp, John H.
August 2,
1994
Call Number
93-078
Physical Description
Not transcribed; 2 tapes, 1 7/8 ips, 120
minutes
Interviewer
Muehr, Heiko
Access Status
Open
Scope and Content Note
Fr. John H. Schipp discusses growing up in Ferdinand, Indiana.
He describes his activities as a child such as church, school and sports. He
also describes his high school and seminary education at St. Meinrad. Schipp
explains his research into his family history and the histories of many of the
families in Dubois County. He also discusses the migration and settlement
patterns of German Americans.
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Keywords
-
-
Corporation Names
- St. Meinrad Seminary
-
-
-
Place Names
- Dubois County, Indiana
- Evansville, Indiana
- Ferdinand, Indiana
- Huntingburg, Indiana
- Jasper, Indiana
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Siberia, Indiana
- St. Meinrad, Indiana
-
-
Subjects
- church
- church picnics
- community changes
- farming
- German language
- genealogy
- human geography
- migration
- recreation
- religion
- religious processions
- schools
- seminary