Dubois County: Hoosier Faiths, Hoosier Communities

Theodore Dilger speaks about life in the early twentieth century. He discusses some of his jobs, such as farming, working on a threshing crew, and later his position as town trustee. He also goes into detail about his education in a one-room schoolhouse, his teachers, and when the use of the German language was discontinued.

Roy Haake, born 1921, grew up in Ferdinand, Indiana. He speaks about the importance of the moonshine industry to the economic stability of the area during the Great Depression. He discusses his schooling and the importance of religion to both himself and the community. His family owned the which he took over after his military service during World War II. He describes how the paper was printed and discusses the nuances of the industry.

Lavella Hoffman, born 1904, grew up in Haysville and moved to Portersville when she was married in 1922. She speaks about her early life including the non-use of German, the holidays, and particularly the influence of religion in her life. She also discusses some memories of World War I, Prohibition, and the Great Depression.

Ceril, born 1912, and Cleda Jackle, born 1914, speak about their life in Dubois County. They discuss the use of the German language at home and in church. They speak about their early life including their schooling, courtship, and life together farming.

Minnie Kearby, born in April 1893, discusses her early childhood and education. She recalls growing up on a farm in Ireland, Indiana and all the work that went into it. She discusses World War I. Kearby, talks about the changes that have come about in farming, schooling, transportation, and business. She shares anecdotes about her life.

Ernest Keller, born 1915, speaks about life during the early twentieth century. He discusses his family history, school, the Great Depression, and religious activities. Descriptions of Prohibition and moonshining are included. He also discusses some of his jobs, such as logging, farming, and the construction of the Ferdinand State Forest.

August and Frances Krampe discuss their memories of childhood, farming, education, and religion in Ferdinand, Indiana. They share details of farm life, butchering, threshing, and farm changes. The Krampes discuss church activities, religious instruction and church picnics. They also describe the moving of their house when Interstate 69 was constructed.

Albert Lowewenstein worked at the Holland National Bank for over fifty years. He discusses the importance of his church in his life and the community with reminiscences of the church choir, picnics, and other religious events. He also speaks about his education and the schools of the community as well as the banking business during the Great Depression.

Ralph and Hilda Mann speak about farming, family traditions, and Lutheran communities in Dubois County.

Gregory Oeding and his wife, Rufina, discuss their early lives and education in the small German communities of Dubois County, Indiana. They recall family life and farming, including hog butchering and wheat threshing, winemaking and moonshine, and the German language. They describe life during the Great Depression. The Oedings discuss the role religion has played in their lives, recall church traditions and gatherings, and talk about the changes that have occurred since Vatican II. They discuss the changes in the area over the years including health care, school, language, and farming.