Dubois County: German Americans

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.

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.

Sharon Dilger discusses growing up in Ferdinand, Indiana. She describes her family life, her fathers newspaper business, the and 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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.