WHS Blog

The Bohr Story

9/16/2018

This is our last recap of past Cemetery Walks (if we've been accurate in our records). While many of us current citizens think first of the Bohr house that sat by the old junk yard and has been since torn down, there is more history to their story. It took three of them to really tell their story right: Joseph, William (Tinner) and Katherine. The Bohrs arrived in the US in September 1842; they too were encouraged by the letters of Johann Fuchs, Nick Pohl and Johann Lehmann. From a millinery store to building the old church, the Bohrs have a rich history in our town.

You'll find more of their story by clicking on the button below (we apologize for the poor quality of the text).

The Bohr Story

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A Little Reminder about Our Walk

9/2/2018

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WHEN: September 16 @ 2 PM

WHERE: St. Mary Cemetery, Price Road (west of Westphalia, east of Jones Road)

WHAT?
A cemetery walk runs like a circuit route or a clock. Each grave site is a stop on the circuit. At the site, a person (often a relative) will be dressed in period clothing and tell the story of the deceased. Typically props are also included in each presentation.

To begin, everyone splits into groups at one of the selected grave sites. After the stories are over at each grave, a docent leads each group to the next grave. The presenters tell their story repeatedly as the groups rotate on the circuit. This way everyone has an opportunity to hear each story and everyone is "done" at the same time.

WHAT ELSE?

This is a FREE event; although, we will accept donations from those who wish to do so.
We have light refreshments available at the conclusion.
We also have golf carts available to help those from grave to grave if needed.

HOW LONG:
With five speakers speaking for approximately 10 minutes each (along with socializing and brief instructions), this event typically lasts around 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

We are featuring:
- Ron Spitzley
- Leo Bauer
- Bob Trierweiler
- Elizabeth Hengesbach
- Maria Catherine and Adam (Vidua) Fedewa

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Recap of Johann Lehmann's Travel to America

8/26/2018

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As we near the 2018 Cemetery Walk in September, the second to last recap from our past two years is of Johann Lehmann.

Portrayed by John Lehman, Johann Lehmann's story is that of a blacksmith who leaves poverty in Eifel for a new life in America.

Mr. Lehmann was one of the travelers with Johann Fuchs, whose letters led him to gain the name "Father of Immigration".

Learn about Johann's story (such as who Lehman Road is actually named after) by clicking the button.

Johann's Story

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Happenings in May

6/12/2018

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May was a busy month for the historical society. Our June Newsletter highlights the many things going on in and around our building. We've included a few pictures below from the following locations:

St. Mary Cemetery: Johann Fuchs Plaque
Book Nook outside the Westphalia Historical Society (there are 4 in town)
Talent of Our Local Artists Exhibit: there are over 70 entries
Westphalia History Exhibit: a new permanent feature in our building

While we hope you enjoy these pictures, we hope they motivate you to stop in to any or all of these places around town to see them for yourselves.

Newsletters Page

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Father of Emigration: Johann Fuchs

5/26/2018

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"An industrious hand is riches in America."

Johann's letters back to family in the Eifel region of Germany, in the Rhineland, urged others to join him and his family here in the United States. He didn't sugar coat the hardships that would lie ahead in their journey, but he gave them hope for a better life here. He also gave practical advice about what to bring and what to leave.

His letters were passed around and passed around...eventually over 300 people came to the US and can be credited to Johann.

As to why he left and urged others to leave? In our Cemetery Walk stories we hear a lot about Prussian laws, but Johann's story gets into specific detail about how this region was pulled between France and Prussia and the impact it had on farmers, especially those who had sons.

Read more of his story by clicking on the button.

Bring - - knives, forks, shoes and boots (these items were more expensive in the US)
Leave - - clothing, axes and hatchets (the latter of which were made more durably in the US)

Johann's Story

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Joseph Martin: Devotion

5/21/2018

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Joseph was portrayed by his son Francis.

Joe Martin's Story

Joe Martin's story depicts nothing but love - for music, for family, for working, for farming, his faith - all things Westphalia. Here are some quick details. But read his whole story by clicking the button.

2 years - How long between when Joseph began playing the organ at home and when he became the full time organist at St. Mary.
12 men - The number of men it took to carry the pulpit from the burning St. Mary's church in 1959.
53 years - How long Joe was the organist at St. Mary.
50 + years - His involvement in many musical pursuits in Westphalia, from the trombone to the Glee Club.
64 1/2 years - How long he and the love of his life, Pauline Thelen, were married.
95 - The number of fruit trees on the Martin farm.