Two Marvelous Days in Missouri History
Volunteering at the Thirtieth
Deutsch Country Days 2011
There's nothing like a day in the Luxenhaus Summer kitchen on a warm fall day. Cooking, greeting and meeting all the thousands of visitors touring the farm on a Deutsch Country Days weekend is my idea of enjoyment and inspiration!
This year the crowds were amazing. Janet Hurst, local cheese maker, explained and demonstrated the fine art of cheese-making. Many folks attending were able to share with her all their stories of “Oma” (Grandmamma) making Schmierkase and letting the “curds and whey” (Remember “Little Miss Muffet?”) break up by hanging the cheese contents on a backyard laundry line in a muslin bag, which allows the whey to drip though the bag. Janet and I demonstrated our skills on both days.
Our history is not that far behind us, with many people having memories of all the wonderful rural demonstrations the guests witness at the weekend event on historic Luxenhaus Farm, three miles northeast of Marthasville. Sorghum PRESSING, laundry on a line, basketry, candle dipping and sleeping in the loft of a small log cabin are still fresh in the memory for many folks!
On Saturday we made a “Deutschland Dish” - Chopped cabbage, apples, a handful of brown sugar, onions and some smoked local sausage. Next year we may offer tastes like they do at “Old Threshers" events. There is nothing like meals cooked over an open fire!
Sunday supper included chopped onions, celery, and a stewing hen comfortably settling in a cast iron pot hanging on the trammel. The idyllic scene brought a symbolic sense (and scents!) of the contented days with comfort food simmering on the wood stove for our Sunday meal. I fetched some herbs from the herb garden out back; a bit of chopped thyme was the perfect culinary accent! Everyone visiting the summer kitchen had to peek into the old iron kettle to see exactly what was "for Sunday supper."
The “Luxenhaus (log-haus in Platt-Deutsch) Farm Summer Kitchen” is dedicated to the memory of Jim Wilder, a long-time dedicated volunteer, ‘open-hearth’ chef and an original Deutsch Country Day’s board member.
Each year Deutsch COUNTRY Days brings folks from far and near who are interested in seeing the old German folk culture. To paraphrase Josep Lindster, the 19th century author, “We all honor our ancestors by keeping their traditions and cultures alive.”
Kommet, Freuet Euch mit Uns” (come enjoy yourself with us) and see our Ancestors ‘come to life’ right in front of your very eyes! The 2012 Deutsch Country Days will be October 20 and 21, 9 AM-5 PM. Any inquiries drop us an email (luxenhaus@yhti.net) or you may phone 636-433-5669 or 433-5611.
“Froliche Weihnachten und alles gute Neue Jahr”
A very joyous and healthy
“Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!”
By Joan Treis
DCD Board of Directors