Thom said that 34 lucky people went to Germany yesterday. As I understand the trip, the first half will be spent in the Nassau-Siegen area, and the second half will see a lot of the Kraichgau, plus some adjoining areas.
In the Siegen area, my favorite spot is probably Trupbach. I do have a cousin living there whom Eleanor and I like very much. He is Lars Bohn and he has a strong historical bent. There are many old buildings in Trupbach, but one must watch for the false assumptions. Typical of all villages, a lot of change has taken place in the buildings. The functions and uses have changed, and new techniques for making them comfortable have come about. The most prominent building in town, the Chapel School, was not there when our people left in 1713. There were, though, twenty odd houses which are still standing from that time. In 1713, they were combination buildings for people and animals. All of these places were the centers of farming activity. There is still farming taking place around Trupbach, and some of the farm headquarters are still right downtown in Trupbach. One is still able to see the Fischbach house and the Otterbach house, plus the foundation of the Richter house.
Siegen itself has quite a bit to see. There is a lot of history in its buildings. The Upper Castle has good exhibits and is a view point for the whole town of Siegen from its upper windows. It is not too far from the Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas Church). This was the scene of many baptisms and marriages of Germanna ancestors, since it was the main Protestant church serving such outlying communities such as Trupbach and Eisern. None of our Germanna ancestors came from the town itself (I believe). This building was rebuilt after WW II along the lines of the original building. Put your walking shoes on, the ones that go up and down hills, because the old town of Siegen is anything but level. Like many old places, it was built on a hill, albeit a small hill. The object in building on a hill was twofold. It gave a better view of the surroundings and the things that lurk there. Then also, it was easier to defend.
Out of Siegen, to the west generally, there are several interesting villages. Oberholzklau and Niederholzklau are not far. The first of these villages was the subject of Chad Holtzclaw's talk at the Germanna Reunion last year. On beyond this is Oberfischbach, where Haeger preached and Holtzclaw taught. A little bit more brings you to Freudenberg, which is a good place to walk around among the half-timbered buildings. In the park above the town, more film gets used than anywhere else in town.
Be sure and take plenty of film as the photo opportunities are numerous everywhere that you go. I wish you a good light and clear air so that your photos will be something that you will be proud of.
Frankly, I am a bit jealous that I am not going. Enjoy.
(10 Jun 03)
We gratefully acknowledge the work of John Blankenbaker who published over 2,500 Germanna History Notes via the Germanna-L@rootsweb.com email list from 1997 to 2008. We are equally thankful to George Durman (Sgt. George) for hosting the list and republishing the notes via rootsweb.com.