Welcoming the 2003 Delegation from Arzberg, Germany

Home Browse Search

CITY OF SOUTH BEND STEPHEN J. LUECKE, MAYOR OFFICE OF THE MAYOR June 18, 2003 South Bend Common Council 4°i Floor County City Building South Bend, IN 46601 Dear Council Members: Enclosed is a Resolution welcoming the 2003 Delegation from Arzberg, Germany. The delegation is led by Arzberg Mayor Winfried Geppert. Many of South Bend's prominent German families come from Arzberg, a piece of local history that was featured in the Indiana Humanities Council's GERMANY IN US Program which explored the contributions of German- Americans to Indiana through culture, education, religious practice, and commerce. As you are aware, a delegation from South Bend, led by Dr. Gabrielle Robinson, visited Arzberg last year. In addition, Herr Ervin Scherer, an archivist and local historian from Arzberg, in Bavaria, has visited South Bend on two occasions, once in 2001, and again this spring. Herr Scherer visited South Bend to explore the rich archives of our community that include letters and manuscripts that document the strong bonds of family and friendship that were maintained, nurtured, and strengthened, despite the distance between our two cities. Dr. Robinson, Indiana University South Bend has published a book commemorating this great shared history. The German connection to our area is one of the oldest and one of the strongest. It is amazing to note that approximately 100 million letters were sent from the United States to German between 1820 and 1914. These letters told of the blessings present in our country and the unique qualities of our country. The letters shared anecdotal comments on the daily life of those who chose to live in America which had a greater effect on the readers that any ad or brochure ever could. Today, we continue this friendship as we welcome the Arzberg delegation to our community and celebrate the diversity and the history that are the fabric of our community. I respectfully request your approval of the Resolution. I will be available at the time of the Council Committee Session and at the Council Meeting, to answer questions. /Sincerely, Mikki Dobski, Community Affairs COUNTY -CITY BUILDING • SOUTH BEND, INDIANA 46601 PHONE 574/235 -9261• FAx 574/235 -9892 • TDD 574/235 -5567