Dubois County: Religion, Community and Ethnic Identity

Maria Abel-Crecelious is a naturalist for the Patoka Lake Reservoir maintained by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. She was interested in stories and interviewed her neighbors to satisfy her interest and preserve their memories. She describes the process of making and working two life-size puppets, Hazel and Rosie, for which she and another woman received a grant. She was hired by the DNR and quickly became involved in the Patoka Heritage Collection where she was responsible for gathering the memories of those families forced to move from the construction of the reservoir. She also discusses the multiple uses of hte reservoir and interactions with those who visit.

Theodore and Irma Dilger speak abou the history of Ferdinand, their family history, growing up during the Great Depression, and church events. Theodore became the township trustee in later years, and discusses some of the debate about the influence of religion on the schools, and the controversy over school consolidation.

Ruth Doane, born 1936, speaks about her early life, becoming a nun, and earning a master's degree in math from Cornell Unviersity. She became a teacher and discusses the various schools where she was employed, the students, and how she taught. She also discusses the history of Jasper, Sisters of Providence, and German-American traditions in Dubois County.

Sister Syliva Gelhausen discusses her early life and education in the small German-Catholic farming community of Ferdinand, Indiana. She speaks of the importance of religion and family in her life. She recalls entering the convent and her various teaching experiences. She discusses the many changes that have come about in both religious life and education. Sr. Sylvia discusses local history and the once prevalent use of the German language throughout the area. She also talks about her religious life today.

Anette Harder, born on January 13, 1919, and Calvin Seitz, born on April 22, 1926, with some friends, speak about their schooling, farm life, the Great Depression, religion, and German-American traditions in Dubois County. They recall their early family lives including food, the German language, threshing and, religion. They discusses the changes in schooling, farming, and the church. They talk about the history of the area. They also discuss the role religion plays in their lives today.

Norbert Lueken speaks about his family history, school and the various jobs he held. Later, he describes becoming interested in history and joining several local and state historical associations.

Mary Elizabeth Olinger, better known as Alice, born in 1913, discusses her early life and education. She talks about her family, teaching and the changes that have occurred in schools. She speaks about about the large role religion plays in her life, the traditional services of the area's Catholic churches, and the community events through the parish. She speaks of the effects of Vatican II. Olinger discusses some local history, genealogy, and the prevalence of the German language.

Wilfred Olinger, born 1910, grew up near Ferdinand, Indiana and speaks about his early life, school, playing baseball, and Prohibition. He also speaks about the importance of religion and the Catholic church in his life and the community. He describes the religious celebrations, masses, and the use or non-use of the German language on those occasions.

Jeanette Rauscher, born 1908, speaks about her early life, family history, and schooling. She also describes the church camp at Maple Grove, Indiana, and discusses the various church denominations in the area. She also speaks a good deal about farming and life during the Great Depression.

Robert Steffe, born 1929, speaks about his genealogy, school activities, and his Korean War experiences. He became involved with the Dubois County Tourism Association and discusses the increased tourism in the county. He also speaks about church tours, church architecture, and an increases sense of historic preservation due to tourism. He also describes and recites a couple of the Ed Meyer stories he has come to be known for.

Lauretta Verkamp, born October 9, 1915, discusses her early life and education, growing up in a small German American farming community in Indiana. She speaks a little of her genealogy. She talks about farm life, school and religion. Verkamp recalls special services and events celebrated through the Catholic church in the area. She discusses some local history and the changes that have come about there.