Thursday, November 29, 2007

Gus Zimmermann

Gus Zimmermann emigrated from his home in Endingen to New York while still a very young man. He became a hotelier and judging from his largesse, a successful one. He also became a successful rifle shot, competing both in the US and Germany. It is a little hard to imagine that, given the time required for travel, that frequent trips would be the norm. However, during the 1890's and well into the 1920's Mr. Z seemed to do just that making part of his program visits to his hometown, enjoying the Schuetzenfest and sharing his gains from the New World. Our research of Endingen's "Golden Uncle" continues.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Germany 3.0 Endingen


Endingen, a small town at the base of the Kaiserstuhl, might seem an unlikely tourist destination. But that would only be if someone did not know that this is the home town of the famous Schuetze Gus Zimmermann of whom more will be relayed later. Mr. Z was very generous to his neighbors in his day, giving great gifts to the schuetzenverein, the church, and the community. His benefactors have not forgotten, either. For example, there is Gus-Zimmermann-Allee, an attractive tree-lined path to the forest; the city museum has its own display of his awards; and the schuetzen club maintains a veritable monument to his memory.

Friend Ingo Laue not only surprised me with a visit and a tour of the schuetzen house but also arranged for us to celebrate with the club the crowning (chaining?) of the new schuetzen king the following Saturday. This soiree consisted of music, dinner, some speaking, dancing, singing, and enjoying the principal agricultural product of the region. The club honored the youth marksmen, the volunteer fire department-the subject of this year's honor target-and presented the church with a sizable donation. They were very hospitable to their visitors. I was given a club patch, along with extra refreshments including a sip of Schuetzenschoerle from a silver cup that had been won by favorite son, Gus Zimmermann. Many thanks to the good and generous folks of Endingen. Later in the week, B. Kellner and I were able to interview a member with much knowledge of Mr. Z. We were also able to visit the city museum in the company of the city archivist and to visit the church that houses Mr. Z's gift. I'll say it again: The people of Endingen were especially kind and have my thanks.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Germany 2.2

Today's big deal was a visit to the Bugatti collection in Muhlhouse (moo looz) Fwance. Absolutely heaps o' heaps. Race cars, old limosines and luxury cars, and "interesting" cars from before WWII. The really great thing about this place, as you can see from the picture, is that they leave the keys in the cars and you can take them for a spin.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Germany 2.1


Today was a visit to the Schützenmuseum in Bern Switzerland. It is near the city center and entrance is free. On display are many target rifles, service rifles from flintlock times, trophies, targets, medals, cups, flags, scoring devices, etc. Included are a Sharps or two, a Peabody, and a Winchester.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Germany 2






What, you may well ask yourself, is there to do in Germany during November that would be of any interest? Saturday we strolled around the old town in Freiburg and then went to the mountains south of the city. This part of Germany is not the ugliest place in the world. That night, we went to a special place to work on my SD (Schnitzel Deprivation). I am no longer suffering from it but the yearning still remains. Probably further treatment is required.
Sunday we drove to a small town called Endingen which has some significance that might be explored later and was surprised to find that we were there to do a little shooting at the local Schützenhaus. After soundly whipping Ingo at his own sport, we took a little walk around the area and then drove to the misnamed but worth visiting Black Forest. The leaves are changing and I would say that it is more of a yellow or orange forest. After a short stop at a restaurant where we snacked on a Black Forest torte (probably not more than 4000 calories) we climbed up the little side hill from which above picture was taken. I think that this last exercise might be a good cure for jet lag and future travelers should take note.