Dubois County: A Home for God's People

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.