|
Luxembourg Heritage News - Archives 2007
News Archives - 2006
June, 2007
April, 2007
March, 2007
February, 2007
January, 2007
Rollingstone and Winona County, Minnesota celebrate Luxembourg Heritage and the European Cultural Year
With the support of grants from Luxembourg’s Ministry of Culture and the “Luxembourg 2007” initiative, a coalition of partner schools, associations and individuals in Winona County, MN Winona County, MN has created a series of celebratory events, each focused on some aspect of the history of Luxembourgers in Winona County, 1857-2007.
--An exhibition of children’s art, “Drawing Home: Luxembourgers in Winona County, MN 1857-2007,” depicted sites of historic interest connected with the Luxembourgers. It was on display in the Winona Public Library during January-February 2007.
--“The Marnach House,” an exhibition of water colors and oil paintings by local artists, depicting the historic Marnach House in the Whitewater Valley, followed in February-March at the Winona Arts Center.
--On January 19th, the Winona County Historical Society hosted an illustrated discussion of local Luxembourger customs-including the making of treipen- as part of their “Lunch and Learn” series, and the annual Treipenfest followed—on January 29th at Ginny’s Supper Club, Rollingstone.
--Spring events have included May Crowning of Our Lady of Luxembourg in Holy Trinity Church, Rollingtstone on May 5th;
--An exhibition of 165 photographs of early Luxembourger immigrants, entitled “Hemecht: the Luxembourgers of Winona County,” curated by Mary Nilles, in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, in the Michael H. Toner Center, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, June 9th – August 4th 2007.
--A “Food for Thought” discussion by historians, carpenters, contractors and cooks--at the Winona County Historcial Society, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, on Wednesday, 11 July 2007, noon – 1:00 pm. Topic: “If Walls could Talk: Saving the Marnch House,” with a focus on the process of restoring the House 1990-1993 and its subsequent use by many in the community.
--A symposium, “From the Moselle to the Mississippi,” in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, the Michael H. Tomer Center, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Thursday, 19 July 2007, 2:00 -3:00 pm. Topics to be discussed: the exhibition on Luxembourger Emigration that opened on June 30, 2007 on Ellis Island, New York City, and the future of Luxembourg-USA exchanges; with a presentation by Jean Ensch, the historian and author who arranged the Ellis Island exhibition; Winona County’s connections to Luxembourg developed within the past 100 years;
And the maintenance of a local “Luxembourger” culture.
Summer events will culminate in a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the John Marnach family in Minnesota and the building of the Marnach House, on Saturday, July 21st.
On July 21st, 2007 a day-long program at the Marnach House in the whitewater Wildlife Management Area, near Elba, MN, will honor the 150th Birthday of the Marnach House all Winona County Luxembourger immigrants and their descendents, as well as all other County immigrant groups. The program will include:
- 10 am to 5 pm *An Open House (tractor-Haywagon rides to the House and guided House tours; crafters, games, music and refreshments); lunch available in Elba, MN and Rollingstone area restaurants
- 12 noon to 1 pm *A Welcoming Program, with speakers, music, free cold drinks and birthday cake; The Introduction of the descendents of the Marnach family, visitors from Luxembourg and other guests
- 4:30-5:30 *Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Rollingstone
- 5:00 – 9:00 *Picnic Buffet (chicken, beef, pork, with salad bar), at Ginny’s Supper Club, Rollingstone, ($10 for all-you-can-eat, with musical entertainment); displays of students’ art work; door prizes
The coloring book, “Hemecht,” by authors Mary E. Nilles and Ardella M. Nilles, will be on display on the 21st. It has been developed through support from the “Hemecht” grants, New York City College of Technology of the City Universtiy of New York, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and private donations. It features an Introduction by Luxembourger Secretary of State Octavie Modert, a text which relates a story about the building of the Marnach House, told from the point of view of a child, as well as illustrations to color. The book’s drawings have been created by the noted illustrator Anthony Accardo, who works in Italy and in New York City. He recently illustrated the Nancy Drew book series. This special edition will be launched on July 21st. Copies will be gifted to Winona County schools, senior centers, nursing homes and libraries and then sold. This book with text has already been recognized as a collector’s item. The cost: $10.00, including tax. The authors are donating all proceeds to purchase books and other educational materials on Luxembourg for the public Libraries in Winona and St. Charles, MN.
For additional information about any of these events, call Dorothy Stoos, the Rollingstone Luxembourg Society, at 507-689-2139, Jean Kalmes, the Rollingstone Museum, at 507-689-2307, or Nancy Roberts, the Marnach House Committee, at 507-932-4538. Or e-mail LUXED@charter.net.
Rollingstone Luxembourg Heritage Museum Publishes New Cookbook.
A new cookbook has been published by the Luxembourg American Heritage Museum as part of the Twentieth Anniversary of its museum. It has over 700 recipes from historic and new entries from Luxembourg and Rollingstone. It is entitled Treasured Recipes and is a 263 page book selling for $10 including tax plus $5 for shipping and handling. To order a copy contact Jean Kalmes at P. O. Box 63, Rollingstone, MN 55969 or call 507-689-2307 Click here for information about the Rollingstone Luxembourg Heritage Museum.
Congratulations Honorary Consul Kevin Ries of Edina, Minnesota
The Board of Directors and Members of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society, Inc. extend their warmest congratulations to Mr. Kevin Ries of Edina, Minnesota for his formal confirmation as Honorary Consul of Luxembourg for the state of Minnesota. Kevin was born in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota with his immigrant roots in Rollingstone, Minnesota. Kevin is a member of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society and is president of the Luxembourg Heritage Society. Congratulations and best wishes also go out to Kevin's wife Dede! Best wishes for a success administration as Honorary Consul!
“Luxembourg Heritage Society of Southern Minnesota” recently formed.
Effective May 18th, the new “Luxembourg Heritage Society of Southern Minnesota” has formed. An informal group of interested people had been meeting monthly since January and at their May meeting they moved forward to formalize themselves. A Mission was created, Bylaws were adopted, Officers and Boards were defined and elected, and membership requirements were decided on. Successive meetings will work on Committee creation, a membership drive and a “Plan of Work” for the Society, as well as, planning social functions.
The group hopes to foster an interest in shared Luxembourg heritage and will look to learn about past and present Luxembourg customs, traditions and history. The Society will collect biographies and family stories, artifacts, and will host speakers to help them in their studies.
One of the first public events for the Society will be hosting Arch-Bishop Fernand Franck of Luxembourg to a reception after he celebrates Mass at the Cathedral in New Ulm. This will be August 14th, the evening before the Feast of the Assumption.
August 16th will see the Society host famous classical singer, Marie Pierre Schambourg from Luxembourg, to a vocal concert at the St. Mary’s Church in Sleepy Eye.
The Board members are: Peggy Tauer, Gene Bertrand, Gail Christiansen, Judy Beech and Carol Bruggeman from Sleepy Eye and Ron Schmitz and Terry Sveine from New Ulm.
Officers are Bruggeman as Secretary, Bertrand as Treasurer, Beech as Vice-President and Sveine as President.
Contact any Board member for further information. The President’s contact is:
904 North Minnesota / New Ulm, MN 56073 / 507-354-1123 / tsveine@newulmtel.net
The 2007 Luxembourg National Day Celebration Commemorating the official birthday of His Royal Highness, Grand-Duc Henri of Luxembourg
The 2007 Luxembourg National Day celebration commemorating the official birthday of His Royal Highness, Grand-duc Henri of Luxembourg will be held Friday, June 22, at the Glen View Club. A variety of hors d’oeuvres will be served all evening. e Luxembourg sausage, wine, waffles and the official birthday cake for Grand Duke Henri will be served.
Luxembourg was again voted as Europe’s capital for the year 2007 along with Sibiu, Romania. Over 540 different activities are being presented in the region of Luxembourg this year reflecting culture, history, achievements as well as every day life, past and present. In the spirit of partnership between these two countries, the Romanian dancing ensemble “MIORITA” will be putting on a 30 minute program of colorful folk dances from Transylvania-Romania at our National Day celebration. Consulate General of Luxembourgl is are grateful to the Romanian Consul General, Georges Predescu, for this wonderful example of the united spirit of Europe. Reservations required.
LACS was Featured on the Popular WUWM, Milwaukee Public Radio's "Lake Effect" Program
Octavie Modert, Guy Dockendorf, and Kevin Wester were interviewed on the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Public Radio Station – WUWM. This interview will be featured on the popular “Lake Effect” show which highlights cultural happenings throughout the world and in southeastern Wisconsin. Listen here for "Bringing Luxembourg to Wisconsin" on Lake Effect.
Press Conferences Held in US with Luxembourg's Secretary of State, Octavie Modert and Ministery of Culture, Guy Dockendorf
Madame Octavie Modert, Luxembourg’s Secretary of State for Culture and Mr. Guy Dockendorf, Director General of Luxembourg’s Ministry for Culture, Higher Education and Research, made a whirlwind tour of New York, Chicago, and Belgium, Wisconsin as three press conferences were held in regard to the European Cultural Year 2007.
 |
Left to right: Guy Dockendorf, Octavie Modert, Kevin Wester and Maureen Schuerman at the press conference in Belgium, WI.
|
The press conferences were held on March 29 – 30 at The Luxembourg House in New York, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Curley’s Restaurant in Belgium, Wisconsin. All three press conferences were well attended by reporters, Luxembourg Americans and special guests.
Secretary of State Modert gave an overview of the European Cultural Year 2007 and shared that Luxembourg is the only country to host the Cultural Year for a second time. The first European Cultural Year celebrated in Luxembourg was in 1995. She also shared that what is innovative about the present 2007
European Cultural Year is that Luxembourg petitioned that it not be held in a single city within Luxembourg, but that the Cultural Year be a regional celebration in the Greater Region of Luxembourg including parts of Belgium, Germany, and France. The goal of this innovation was to move beyond borders and identify cultural similarities and differences.
Guy Dockendorf, Director General of the Ministry for Culture, offered a power point presentation highlighting some of the most important events happening during the European Cultural Year 2007. This includes a number of new cultural buildings that have recently been completed or which are still under construction in Luxembourg, as well as special programs in Luxembourg City, Trier, Clervaux, Romania, and the United States. Dockendorf concluded his presentation by highlighting the Luxembourg American Cultural Center being built in Belgium, Wisconsin as a special outreach project in the United States for the European Cultural Year 2007.
At the press conference in Belgium, Wisconsin, Kevin Wester, Director of Development for the Luxembourg American Cultural Society was also a presenter. Wester thanked the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for its generous gift of 400,000 Euro toward the Cultural Center project and identified the Grand Duchy as the largest single donor to the project to date. Wester then extended an invitation to those gathered for the press conference and to the general public to attend the August 11, 2007 Laying of the Cornerstone and Time Capsule Celebration for the Luxembourg American Cultural Center to be held in New Luxembourg, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.
Wester then unveiled two new and exciting initiatives that the Luxembourg American Cultural Society will undertake as the European Cultural Year unfolds. The first is a Luxembourg American Cultural Conference to be held on Friday, August 10, 2007 in Port Washington, Wisconsin. The afternoon Cultural Conference will feature a variety of speakers from the US and Luxembourg who will address topics pertaining to Luxembourg and Luxembourg culture past and present. Georges Calteux, former Director of Sites and Monuments for the Grand Duchy, has been secured as the keynote speaker.
The second initiative that Wester announced on behalf of the LACS, is a new Luxembourg American Student Exchange Program For Language and Culture. This student exchange program will be a collaborative effort between the LACS and Dominican High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Maureen Schuerman, the President of Dominican High School, addressed the audience after Wester and shared Dominican’s enthusiastic support of the student exchange program. She shared that this type of program corresponds with the school’s mission to provide a global education and its emphasis on language and fine arts. Planning for the student exchange program will take place during the 2007-08 school year with a pilot program initiated in the 2008-09 school year. The LACS hopes that this student exchange program will be made available to other high schools in various Luxembourg American regions throughout the United States.
Following the Belgium, Wisconsin press conference, Modert, Dockendorf, and Wester were interviewed on the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Public Radio Station – WUWM. This interview will be featured on the popular “Lake Effect” show which highlights cultural happenings throughout the world and in southeastern Wisconsin.
LACS Invited to Make Presentation at American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg
Kevin Wester, Director of Development for the Luxembourg American Cultural Society was invited to make a presentaiton at the May ABAL Luncheon on Monday, May 7, 2007 at 12:00 at the NH Luxembourg (formerly the Sheraton). Mr. Wester will be speaking about the Luxembourg American Cultural Society and Cultural Center
The cost of the luncheon, including aperitif, is 30.00 EUR payable at the door. A no-show policy will be enforced - that is, if you make a reservation but do not attend, you will be charged 25.00 EUR. You may, however, cancel up until 12:00 (noon) the Friday before the luncheon, or you may have a colleague attend in your place. Thank you for respecting this policy.
If you require a special meal, please contact the AMCHAM office directly to request this prior to the luncheon.
Please click here for more details and to sign up for the luncheon.
Back to top
Paul C. Lauterbur, Scientist - Nobel Prize Winner, Dies at 77
By Fausto Gardini
Obituary from the New York Times
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan awarded Dr. Paul C. Lauterbur the National Medal of Technology or its independent contributions in conceiving and developing the application of magnetic resonance technology to medical uses including whole-body scanning and diagnostic imaging", one of the many accolades the scientist received over his career. On October 6, 2003 the prestigious Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Paul C. Lauterbur, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA and to Sir Peter Mansfield, University of Nottingham, School of Physics and Astronomy Nottingham, United Kingdom for their discoveries concerning magnetic resonance imaging.
Paul Christian Lauterbur’s autobiography states ’My ancestors apparently emigrated from Europe in the middle of the 19th century; the Lauterburs probably from Luxembourg, and my mother's people, Wagners and Weingartners, from Baden-Baden or nearby. They settled in northern Ohio, where my mother's father, Hans Christian Wagner, married Margaret (Maggie) Weingartner. They lived in Tiffin, Ohio when I was a child, where they had raised my mother, Gertrude Frieda Wagner, her twin brother Joseph, and their youngest child, who became a nun with the name Mary Monica. Nearby lived my grandfather Paul Lauterbur who married a woman of Irish descent, Margaret Hillan. They eventually moved south to Sidney, Ohio and had a number of children, of whom my father, Edward Joseph Lauterbur, was the youngest. He later married Gertrude Wagner (the families seem always to have been acquainted) and they had four children, Thomas who died shortly after birth, me, my younger brother Edward Joseph Lauterbur II (Joe) and my sister Margaret[1].
The Lauterbur immigrant ancestor hailed from Dalheim, Luxembourg. Wagon maker Michel Lauterbur (born 1796) and Anna, nee Heber (born 1795) had six children there who survived to adulthood, Nicolas (1827), Paul (1828), Martin (1831), Pierre (1836), Susanne (1838) and Marie (1841). In September of 1846 the Lauterbur’s property was sold and the family emigrated to the United States shortly thereafter[2]. The 1850 federal census finds the Lauterbur family in Seneca Township, Seneca County, Ohio consisting of mother Anna Lauterbur (Lauderburgh[3]) and children Maria, Martin, Peter and Susan. Michel Lauterbur had died August 8, 1849 at New Riegel, Seneca County, Ohio. On the 1860 federal census mother Anna resides with the family of son Nicholas Lauterbur[4] and wife Anna in Big Spring, Seneca County, Ohio. The Ohio-born children in the household are Nicholas, age 6, Paul, age 5, Susan, age 4 Peter, age 1 and 4-month-old Mary. Paul is the grandfather mentioned in the autobiography of Nobel Prize recipient Paul C. Lauterbur[5]. The 1930 federal census finds 1-year-old Paul C Lauterbur in Sidney City, Clinton Township, Shelby County, Ohio in the household of 31-year-old Ohio-born, Edward J, Lauterbur [6], manager, machine factory, with 27-year-old Ohio-born spouse Gertrude W and 20-year-old servant, Ohio-born, Marie Eilermann. The previously mentioned grandfather is listed as 74 years of age, in Sidney City, Clinton Township, Shelby County, Ohio in a household with 38-year-old Ohio-born daughter Mary, office manager factory.
Paul C. Lauterbur passed away on March 27, 2007 at his home in Urbana, Illinois survived by his wife, Joan Dawson, a physiology professor at the University of Illinois; two children from his first marriage, Daniel Lauterbur of Perry, Michigan, and Sharyn Lauterbur-DiGeronimo of Selden, New York and a daughter from his second marriage, Elise Lauterbur.
[1] http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2003/lauterbur-autobio.html
[2] Jean Ensch Paul C. Lauterbur, un prix Nobel aux origines luxembourgeoises. Die Warte, Luxembourg 2003
[3] www.ancestry.com transcribes the name as: Londerburger
[4] www.ancestry.com transcribes the name as: Loutuebur
[5] www.ancestry.com transcribes the name as Lanterbur
[6] www.ancestry.com transcribes the name as Lauterbres
Back to top
Spiritual Pilgrimage 2007 - National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Luxembourg, Carey OH - May 18 to May 20, 2007
Since 1875, countless thousands of pilgrims have journeyed to Carey, Ohio to express their devotion to Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted. Why? Because our ancestors brought with them to North America their devotion to Our Lady of Luxembourg in the form of statues from their homeland, Luxembourg. Most of these statues became first, shrines, followed by churches and cathedrals across our states. The first of these Shrines was established by Father Joseph P. Gloden at the mission of Carey, Ohio which was attached to his church of St. Nicholas at nearby Frenchtown. Father Gloden, himself an immigrant from the Grand Duchy, soon completed a new frame church and dedicated the same to Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted. Accordingly a replica of the original image at Luxembourg Cathedral was brought to the little church. The solemn procession of seven miles that then brought the Statue to the place of worship in the little church is quite a story. It is also considered the first miracle and favor granted by Our Lady at this site. Many more would follow throughout the years. An account of personal experiences may be found on the website of the Basilica in Carey, www.olcshrine.com
From May 18 to May 20, 2007 we are planning a pilgrimage to the Carey, Ohio site. The Friday 2:00 p.m. departure will be from a location near O’Hare airport in Chicago by bus. All congregations/communities that have a statue of Our Lady of Luxembourg are asked to participate and bring their own statues for veneration and procession at the Carey site.
The expense and inclusions:
$253.00 per person based on 45 persons.
Included are:
Bus from O’Hare location to Carey Retreat House and return.
Overnight accommodations for 2 nights at Retreat House
Hotels are also nearby and available (extra charge) please specify.
Three meals per day = 6 meals at the Campus in Carey.
Above prices are based on 45 persons traveling.
We have arranged for a 55 person bus. Please secure your statue with bubble wrap and/or other such wrapping. Our bus is a late model bus with reclining seats. We will show the Luxembourg film “”Heim Ins Reich” as well as “The Ninth Day” on the trip to and from Ohio. This trip is a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Consolation, Our Lady of Luxembourg. We will spend time in prayer and education of our rich religious heritage. Rick Roder from Iowa has written a booklet (soon to be a book) regarding the Statues that came with immigrants to America and their history. We will ask Rick for a report of his work. If you have a favor to ask of Our Lady, we will all assist you in your prayerful requests. Many favors have been granted. Check the testimonials at the Shrine’s website mentioned above.
To participate and sign up please contact Gerda Hansen at 847-340-6089
or email luxconsul@comcast.net
Back to top
A. Manette Ansay, Luxembourg American Author, Honored In
Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach Illustrated magazine recently recognized author A. Manette Ansay as one of its “55 Most Fascinating Palm Beachers.” The magazine is celebrating its 55th anniversary and as part of the celebration it chose 55 community residents to highlight for their fame, philanthropy, genius, or creative spirit. Included in the line-up of fascinating Palm Beachers were Winston S. Churchill II, Jack Nicklaus, Tommy Lee Jones, Venus Williams, and Donald and Ivanka Trump.
A. Manette Ansay, was born in Michigan in 1964 and raised in Port Washington, Wisconsin, the daughter of Dick and
Sylvia
Ansay. Being of Luxembourg ancestry, Manette grew up immersed in the experience and culture of Luxembourg heritage in Wisconsin. In 1991, she received her Master of Fine Arts degree from Cornell University.
Manette’s first novel, Vinegar Hill, became an overnight sensation and in 1999 was featured on Oprah’s Book Club. Since then, Manette has published six more books and has received numerous awards for her writing. She currently lives in West Palm Beach, Florida with her husband and daughter. In addition to her continued writing career, Manette is also a professor at the University of Miami.
The March 2007 edition of Palm Beach Illustrated shares the following about A. Manette Ansay as one of Palm Beach’s 55 most fascinating residents:
- Manette Ansay’s life is the stuff novels are made of --- and was the subject of 2001 memoir, Limbo. In her 20s, Ansay developed a muscle disorder that forced her to find a job she could do sitting down---hence her career as a best-selling author. The West Palm Beach writer has published seven books. Vinegar Hill was an Oprah’s Book Club Selection and Midnight Champagne was a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. Her latest novel, Blue Water, draws on her recent experiences living aboard a sailboat. Alternative therapies have significantly improved Ansay’s health.
- To learn more about A. Manette Ansay and her writings, visit her website at www.amanetteansay.com.
Back to top
What if LACS could earn a penny every time you searched the Internet?
Now we can!
GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine, with a unique social mission... every time you use GoodSearch, money is generated for the Luxembourg American Cultural Society.
GoodSearch donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities selected by its users. The pennies quickly add up. For example, if 1,000 LACS supporters searched just twice a day, we would receive an estimated $7,300 per year to help fund our program.
What's great is that you use GoodSearch just as you would any search engine. Again, it's powered by Yahoo!, so you get proven, high-quality results. Just go to www.goodsearch.com
and be sure to enter Luxembourg American Cultural Society as the charity you want to support.
The more people who use this site, the more money we'll earn so please spread the word!
http://www.goodsearch.com
Back to top
Cultural Center Construction Revised
The Executive Committee of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) and Luxembourg’s Ministry of Culture recently approved a revised schedule for the construction and dedication of the Luxembourg American Cultural Center (LACC) being built in New Luxembourg in Belgium, Wisconsin.
Due to a variety of factors, construction of the Cultural Centeris now scheduled to begin in Spring 2007. Approval of the LACC architectural drawings and finalization of the New Luxembourg Developers Agreement are underway with the Village of Belgium. The final approval of these items is expected within the next few weeks.
In light of the revised construction start, we are planning the following events surrounding the opening and dedication of the Luxembourg American Cultural Center:
| Spring 2007 |
Construction of Phase One of the Luxembourg American Cultural Center begins. |
| Summer 2007 |
Construction in full swing. |
August 11, 2007 10:00 A. M. |
Laying of the Cornerstone Celebration of the Luxembourg American Cultural Center in conjunction with Luxembourg Fest of Belgium, WI. Public tours of the Cultural Center at this stage of construction will be available. |
| Fall 2007 |
Public Opening of the Cultural Center including the Roots and Leaves Museum. |
| Spring 2008 |
Grand Opening and Dedication of the Luxembourg American Cultural Center. The exact dateis pending upon a potential visit byLuxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri for the Grand Opening Celebration |
This August’s Laying of the Cornerstone Celebration will include use of a historic time capsule that will be placed in the Cultural Center. Representatives from various Luxembourg American regions/communities and from the Grand Duchy will be invited to place an item in the time capsule representing their region or community. All those attending the Laying of the Cornerstone Celebration will also be invited to bring along an individual or family photo to be placed in the time capsule. The time capsule will serve as another legacy to be opened and enjoyed by future generations of Luxembourg Americans.
We invite everyone to attend the Laying of the Cornerstone Celebration on August 11, 2007. It will be a once in a life time experience as we celebrate our accomplishments in building a world-class Cultural Center that celebrates both our past and future as Luxembourg Americans. A listing of hotel and motel accommodations in the Belgium/Port Washington area is available on the LACS website at: www.luxamculturalsociety.org. This is an event you will not want to miss!
We invite you to stay tuned to the LACS website and future newsletters and mailings for the exact date of the Public Opening of the LACC this fall and the Grand Opening Celebration in 2008. If you have any questions, please contact the LACS office at 262-376-3194 or admin@luxamculturalsociety.org.
Back to top
Isabelle Von Boch Dishes out Advice
1. What is the biggest mistake people make when buying fine china?
Most people are scared or intimidated when it comes to buying fine china. So, I try to encourage them to “Rethink your china policy.” Ask yourself some basic questions, like:
- Do you want to use it for special occasions?
- Be able to enjoy it everyday?
- How do you really live?
Do you think of yourself and your personal lifestyle as more formal vs. casual?
Are you a denim and khaki personality? Or are you silk and brocade?
Or are you somewhere in between with a cashmere blazer and jeans?
And be sure to ask yourself, “Can I live with this in my daily life? Does it make me
happy?”
I also ask consumers, “Do you own your china, or does your china own you?” because I see the common mistake of china being worshipped rather than used. It’s only unpacked from cartons, or dusted off of shelves when company’s coming, or for family holidays.
Also, you shouldn’t buy china to fulfill a fantasy. That is typically a mistake brides and newlyweds make—thinking they must have the formal and then feeling “stuck” with it years later when it doesn’t fit their family lifestyle.
Another frequent mistake: Thinking you have to buy a packaged setting, which traditionally is considered the 5-piece consisting of dinner, salad, bread & butter, teacup and saucer.
Again, ask yourself, do you even use bread & butters? Perhaps you entertain a lot and would want to have buffet plates instead of dinner plates. Or would you rather mugs than cups and saucers? It comes down to tailoring your purchase to fit your personal needs. There’s no conforming necessary.
Also, don’t limit yourself to only one pattern. Why not use one style for breakfast that’s different but compatible with the rest of your service? Or, how about freshening up a basic look each season by adding a colorful charger or substituting different dinner plates?
2. Should people use their bone china every day rather than saving it for special occasions, or is it too fragile for daily use?
Admittedly I am a diehard believer people should use their china every day, for every meal, regardless if it’s porcelain, bone or earthenware. It goes back to my basic question, “Do you own your china or does it own you?” And, as I explained, it may appear fragile but, if it can sustain the weight of a 2000 pound car, it can survive everyday use.
3. Since heirloom china is a considerable investment, are there certain patterns that grace a lifespan more effectively than others?
Well, if by heirloom, you mean antique china, or china that a consumer has perhaps inherited and has plans to pass on to the next generation, I suggest timeless styles rather than anything too trendy or too flashy. White is always right. Eternally classic. If choosing white china, consider the shapes and sculptural details which can add exciting visual interest and texture. The beauty of white is that you can team it and accent it with other china patterns, almost endlessly changing a setting, reinventing it and letting it evolve.
If white china is too vanilla for your taste; and you prefer more colorful patterns and decoration, that also poses exciting opportunity. In fact, the more colors used in a pattern, the more options for the linens and textiles you accent with. It means you can continually change the look with a simple change of accessories. I encourage the consumers I speak with to experiment with pattern and color and not to be afraid to express themselves “artistically” when they set the table. I say be inventive and update an old heirloom with something new. If you’ve really grown tired of it, then allow yourself to move on to something new.
It’s only human for our tastes to change. This year you may want a classic blue and white pattern because it’s such a traditional dinnerware look and transcends time. [In fact, Villeroy & Boch’s oldest pattern still produced today, is its blue & white Vieux Luxembourg.] But, maybe in 10 years, you’ll choose to freshen it up with a fashionable accent color, like sunny yellow. The point is, apply a fashion strategy and develop a “dinnerware wardrobe” which begins with basic “dressing” and then is accented and layered, accessorized and bejeweled with other patterns, linens and textiles, crystal and silver, candles and flowers.
There also is the issue of simple vs. ornate decoration. It’s so personal. But, again that’s the beauty. You don’t have to settle for just one look, you can mix, mingle, vary the usage for certain seasons or occasions.
What I’m getting to is this: When it comes to selecting your pattern,
the No. 1 rule is that there are no rules.
I find many consumers worry about the color of the walls and fabrics in their
dining room or kitchen, and whether the dinnerware will look well with those colors and motifs. You don’t eat off your walls, so that shouldn’t dictate what plates you put on the table. Let your instincts be your guide.
4. Many of today’s dinnerware patterns are mix and match looks. But, some patterns are not open stock and are only sold as five-piece sets. How do you get around this?
Well, I do recommend if you’re shopping for the mix and match concept it’s wise to stick with those that are open stock (as most are) so that you have the freedom of choice in composing your own distinctive look. And, again, you should have the liberty to choose if you want to omit one size or another to fit your personal needs.
Words to the wise about shopping open stock—although it may sound repetitious— think carefully about what you’ll use. Don’t dismiss the need for rim soups just because you’re not fond of soup. The shape is wonderful for salads and pastas. Don’t feel compelled to buy the bread & butter plate size unless you really can visualize how you’ll use it. If you host lots of cocktail parties, then you may find the bread & butter perfect for hors d’oeuvres and will want two dozen in your assortment. I can tell you this much: For me, the salad plate is indispensable and I buy double the number that I ordinarily buy of any other size because it’s so versatile. I use it for the salad course, and again for dessert, so there’s nothing worse than keeping your guests waiting at the table while you’re washing them in between, which is why I make sure there’s an ample supply on hand.
As I was saying about mix and match patterns...what makes them so attractive is the variety
of looks they yield. There’s a built-in compatibility that takes out the guess work if you’re not as confident about putting stripes together with florals or plaids or polka dots on your own.
[Villeroy & Boch sells all of its patterns, the “Switch” mix-and-match concept
collections as well as all other styles, by open stock rather than in sets, and I think more and more manufacturers have been following our lead because of growing consumer preference.]
5. Suggestions for dressing up and playing down table settings using the
same fine china.
As I said earlier, approach your table as you would your own fashion wardrobe, dressing it casually, formally, or whatever the mood. You don’t wear the same clothes every day; you wear what makes you feel good that day, for work, for dress, for play. You don’t necessarily go out
and buy something new all the time, but you gradually add and edit, accessorize and accent. You mix and contrast colors. You layer in texture.
It’s all about ambience. Candles, for instance, convey a cozy, warm glow. I don’t limit them to formal entertaining. Even with two young children, I set the dinner table with candles because its sets a relaxing tone which is what a hectic household needs come the end of the day. Also, I always have a cloth on the table, but the minute I layer with placemats, a formal mood dissolves into a more casual look. On the other hand, if I need a dressier style, white damask napkins and cloth, crystal for water and wines, and an elegant centerpiece magically transform the same dinnerware we used hours earlier at breakfast into an impressive service for our guests.
That brings me to one final comment. No matter whether it’s dinner, lunch, breakfast , snack or even just a beverage, I consciously choose the plate or bowl, mug or cup or glass that suits my mood and makes me feel happy and content. And, I encourage consumers to do the same, and make this a habit.
6. Some final thoughts...
We eat with our eyes, and so when even the most ordinary food is served on a pretty plate, it really does taste better. Pour orange juice in a crystal stem, and it was never fresher. I’m a lousy cook, but the minute I serve the food on our Basket pattern, the framing formed by the border makes the presentation infinitely more attractive, and highly impressive.
Dinnerware is an investment, so the last thing you want is for it to sit in the china cabinet collecting dust. The dividends and payoff are in using it as often as possible—breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Make a point to set the table at least once a day for a family meal together. We’ve become such a “fast food” society even at home that perhaps this can be the antidote to that race pace and help restore quality time at the dinner table.
Back to top
Luxembourg American Cultural Society Names “Meyers-Rolling Lake”
The Luxembourg American Cultural Society, Inc. recently announced that a three-acre lake in the New Luxembourg Development surrounding the Luxembourg American Cultural Center will be named Meyers-Rolling Lake. The naming of the lake is in recognition of a major donation to the Cultural Center project by Chicagoans George Meyers and Dolores Meyers Chozianin. George and Dolores are the children of the late George and Marie (Rolling) Meyers, Sr., of Chicago, who were both of Luxembourg ancestry.
The Meyers family has its roots in Derenbach, Luxembourg where Nicholas Meyers, the grandfather of George and Dolores, was born. Nicholas emigrated to Evanston, Illinois in the 1880s and purchased land there which he truck farmed. Shortly thereafter, he wrote back to family in Luxembourg that he was in need of a wife. His family sought out Catherine Weiler-Schank, of Wilwerwiltz, Luxembourg, who at the time was working in a department store in Paris. Nicholas returned to Luxembourg to meet her and after six weeks the couple was married and moved permanently to Evanston. Nicholas then purchased the Didier Greenhouses in Evanston and continued to truck farm. Nicholas and Catherine had seven children including George Meyers, Sr., the father of donors George and Dolores.
The Rolling family has its roots in Esch-sur-Sûre, Luxembourg where Gregor Rolling was born. Gregor emigrated to Chicago in the early 1890s and worked as a janitor in various Catholic parishes and schools on Chicago’s north side. Gregor traveled with a group of friends from Chicago to Luxemburg, Iowa to attend a Luxembourg festival. It was there that he met his wife, Catherine Pettinger, who was born in Luxemburg, Iowa though her parents were immigrants from the Grand Duchy. Gregor and Catherine had 13 children including Marie Rolling, the mother of donors Georges and Dolores.
George Meyers, Sr. and Marie Rolling were married at St. Henry’s Church in Chicago in 1925 after meeting at the annual Schobermesse in Chicago. George took over operation of his father’s greenhouse and truck farm in Evanston. Each day he drove his buggy from Evanston to the Randolph Street Market in downtown Chicago where he sold his vegetables to restaurants and hotels in Chicago’s loop. The Meyers family continued to operate their greenhouse and truck farm in Evanston until 1939 after which time they moved to Chicago and began a trucking business.
George was an active member of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America - Section Three. Throughout her life, Marie was very involved in the Luxembourg Damen Verein, the Luxembourg Schwestern Verein, and the Luxembourg Catholic Benevolent Association. George and Marie were also founding members of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Chicago.
The two children of George and Marie (Rolling) Meyers, Dolores Meyers Chozianin (b. 1928) and Georges Meyers, Jr. (b. 1933) have carried on the family’s Luxembourgian pride through their extensive involvement in the Luxembourg American community in Chicago.
Dolores serves as Assistant Editor of the Luxembourg News of America. She is a member of Section Three of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America, the Luxembourg Independent Club of Chicago, and a founder member of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society . Dolores also coordinates the annual display of Luxembourg Christmas Trees at “Christmas Around the World” at the Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry and at “Winter Wonderland” at Navy Pier.
One of George’s greatest honors was to serve on the Welcoming Committee for Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Jean of Luxembourg when they visited Chicago in the early 1960s. George is currently the Grand President of the Grand Lodge of the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America, a member of Sections Three and Eight of the Luxembourg Brother of America, Treasurer of the Luxembourg News of America and a founder member of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society.
In 1993, Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg awarded George the “Chevalier Award of Merit from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg” in recognition of his efforts to promote ongoing good will and activity between Luxembourg and Luxembourg Americans in metro-Chicago.
In conferring the family’s gift to the Luxembourg American Cultural Center, George stated: “Dolores and I are very excited about the Cultural Center since we both are so proud of our Luxembourg ancestry. We also believe that the naming of Meyers-Rolling Lake will be a fitting way to preserve our family’s legacy.”
Back to Top
Promotional DVD Produced For Cultural Society
A promotional DVD to market the mission of the Luxembourg American Cultural Society and the Cultural Center has been produced by Discover Mediaworks, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin. Discover Mediaworks is the parent company of the well-known Discover Wisconsin series frequently appearing on PBS. The production of the DVD is being offered as an in-kind donation by Discover Mediaworks president, Mark Rose, an advocate of the LACS and LACC.
Kevin Wester, Director of the Development for the LACS, states: “This very generous in-kind donation is going to be a real boost to our society and cultural center. The DVD will be used as streaming on our website as well as with potential donors and other cultural societies and organizations. It will help people to understand the importance of our mission and the uniqueness of the Cultural Center.”
On January 29 -30, 2007, members of the LACS Board of Directors and Staff were interviewed and filmed for the promotional DVD. Those participating included Guy Dockendorf, Director General of Luxembourg’s Minister for Culture, High Education and Research, Jean Ensch, Historian and Board Member, and Guy Moris, Board Member and Coordinator of Transportation for LACC museum exhibits. Americans interviewed included Honorary Consul General of Luxembourg Donald Hansen and Gerda Hansen, Lloyd Croatt, Mary Flierl, Mike Ansay, Kate Ansay, Don Roeber, Dan Smith, and Kevin Wester.
The DVD will runs approximately seven minutes. Click Here To Learn More About Discover Mediaworks
Back to Top
Ellis Island To Feature Exhibition on Luxembourg Immigration
Beginning June 30, 2007, Ellis Island in New York will become temporary home to a special exhibition entitled Luxembourg Immigration to the United States. This exciting exhibition is part of the European Cultural Year 2007 Celebration being hosted by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The exhibition is being sponsored by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Culture, Higher Education and Research in collaboration with the Roots and Leaves Heritage Association from Luxembourg and the Luxembourg American Cultural Society based in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
Luxembourg Immigration to the United States will feature display panels and artifacts in six galleries at Ellis Island. The galleries are located is what were formerly dormitories for immigrants at Ellis Island. Display panels and artifacts will illustrate a variety of topics including an Overview of Luxembourg, Leaving Luxembourg, Emigration – Leaving and Arriving, Luxembourg Settlements in the US, Luxembourg Life in America, and US Flag Day and Bernard Cigrand, the Father of Flag Day.
Luxembourg Immigration to the United States will be on exhibit on Ellis Island until September 30, 2007. The Ministry of Culture has offered that | 
