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.
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