Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 30
Full-Text Articles in American Studies
Benjamin Or Benneville Laub, H. Wayne Gruber
Benjamin Or Benneville Laub, H. Wayne Gruber
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
In this typed essay from 1954 entitled, "Benjamin or Benneville Laub", H. Wayne Gruber recalls a local peddler of Blue Mountain tea he encountered as a youth in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Also included is a folktale in Pennsylvania Dutch dialect.
Letter From Joseph K. Williams To The Editors Of The Pennsylvania Dutchman, April 28, 1954, Joseph K. Williams
Letter From Joseph K. Williams To The Editors Of The Pennsylvania Dutchman, April 28, 1954, Joseph K. Williams
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A handwritten letter from Joseph K. Williams addressed to the editors of the Pennsylvania Dutchman, dated April 28, 1954. Within, Williams provides a biographical account of artist Frederick Sands Brunner, noting highlights of his career. Williams requests that the Dutchman publish an article about Brunner in honor of his death.
Dieffenbach On Orchards, October 5 - October 19, 1953, Victor C. Dieffenbach
Dieffenbach On Orchards, October 5 - October 19, 1953, Victor C. Dieffenbach
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A handwritten manuscript entitled, "Orchards", compiled by Victor C. Dieffenbach, dated from October 5 through October 19, 1953. Within, Dieffenbach details his grandfather's apple orchard and the tradition of tree grafting, along with the many different apple varieties that could be encountered within Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Dieffenbach On Horses: Equipment, July 1, 1952, Victor C. Dieffenbach
Dieffenbach On Horses: Equipment, July 1, 1952, Victor C. Dieffenbach
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A handwritten manuscript entitled, "Horses", compiled by Victor C. Dieffenbach, dated July 1, 1952. Within, Dieffenbach details traditional ways of maintaining and crafting various horse equipment, ranging from harnesses to stirrups and saddles.
Dieffenbach On Cows, April 1, 1952, Victor C. Dieffenbach
Dieffenbach On Cows, April 1, 1952, Victor C. Dieffenbach
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
Handwritten manuscript entitled, "Cows", compiled by Victor C. Dieffenbach, dated April 1, 1952. Within, Dieffenbach details anecdotes from Berks County, Pennsylvania farmers concerning all aspects of cows and raising calves including needed equipment, milking, de-horning, and breeding. It also contains related folklore surrounding the products of cows (veal, beef, butter, cheese, dung) and cures for disease and bewitchment.
Composition: A Review, February 1952, H. Wayne Gruber, Michael Alvin Gruber
Composition: A Review, February 1952, H. Wayne Gruber, Michael Alvin Gruber
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed composition entitled, "A Review", by Michael A. Gruber with notations by H. Wayne Gruber, dated February 1952. Within, a compilation of memories of the Gruber family farm, especially of birds and other animals, is composed in the form of a poem, including remarks and additions provided by H. Wayne Gruber.
Planting, Seeding, Or Sowing And Harvesting On My Parent's Farm, In North Heidelberg Township, Berks County Pennsylvania From 1876 To 1893, H. Wayne Gruber
Planting, Seeding, Or Sowing And Harvesting On My Parent's Farm, In North Heidelberg Township, Berks County Pennsylvania From 1876 To 1893, H. Wayne Gruber
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed essay entitled, "Planting, Seeding, or Sowing and Harvesting On My Parent's Farm, In North Heidelberg Township, Berks County Pennsylvania", by H. Wayne Gruber, dating from January 1952. Within, Gruber recalls the agricultural practices his parents practiced in relation to the moon and star signs and details the methods of planting and harvesting corn, potatoes and grain.
History Of The Farm Of My Parents, January 1952, H. Wayne Gruber
History Of The Farm Of My Parents, January 1952, H. Wayne Gruber
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed document detailing the history of the family farm, house and surrounding land of H. Wayne Gruber, dating from 1876 to January 1952. Within, Gruber details the history of ownership of the land, the parts and functions of each area of the house (including Pennsylvania Dutch terminology) and the surrounding outbuildings, sheds and barns as well as the fields and orchards. Gruber also describes repair work and expansions to the house and other buildings over the years.
The Customs Of The Year As Observed By The Pennsylvania Dutch, Donald B. Aulenbach
The Customs Of The Year As Observed By The Pennsylvania Dutch, Donald B. Aulenbach
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed folklore term paper completed at Franklin and Marshall College entitled, "The Customs of the Year as Observed by the Pennsylvania Dutch", by Donald B. Aulenbach, dated June 1950. Within, Aulenbach compiles a detailed account of holidays and customs observed throughout the year by the Pennsylvania Dutch community, from Groundhog Day to Thanksgiving.
The Masterpiece, Unknown Author
The Masterpiece, Unknown Author
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A handwritten document entitled, "The Masterpiece", by an unknown author, dating from circa 1950. Within, a tale of a man who rode around with a buggy blanket made from the stolen skinned fur of local cats is detailed.
Letter From H. Wayne Gruber To Alfred L. Shoemaker, Undated, H. Wayne Gruber
Letter From H. Wayne Gruber To Alfred L. Shoemaker, Undated, H. Wayne Gruber
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed letter from H. Wayne Gruber addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, circa 1950. Within, Gruber provides some Pennsylvania Dutch beliefs from Berks County, Pennsylvania and stories of farmer Christian Gruber's ability to remove hexes from people.
Witchcraft Story: Notes From The York Daily, March 5, 1898, Alfred L. Shoemaker
Witchcraft Story: Notes From The York Daily, March 5, 1898, Alfred L. Shoemaker
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
Handwritten notes from the York Daily newspaper of a story reprinted from the New York Sun compiled by Alfred L. Shoemaker, originally dated March 5, 1898. Within, a tale about witchcraft is recounted, dealing with an old witch hexing a baby and the subsequent cure provided by a witch doctor.
Notes From The Lancaster Volksfreund And Reading Eagle, 1870-1914, Alfred L. Shoemaker
Notes From The Lancaster Volksfreund And Reading Eagle, 1870-1914, Alfred L. Shoemaker
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A set of handwritten, copied notes from various sources, including the Lancaster Volksfreund and The Reading Eagle, transcribed by Alfred L. Shoemaker. The notes cover a variety of topics, including a humorous story of a church sermon, a German account of apple butter frolicks, and a Dr. S. Landis of Ephrata, Pennsylvania.
Notes On Agriculture, Horticulture And Fruit Varieties, 1846-1855, Alfred L. Shoemaker
Notes On Agriculture, Horticulture And Fruit Varieties, 1846-1855, Alfred L. Shoemaker
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A set of handwritten notes detailing points of reference from various books dating from 1846 to 1855, written by Alfred L. Shoemaker. Within, Shoemaker makes notes on various subjects ranging from apple and pear varieties to farming implements and a poem about Pennsylvania Dutch pies.
Gan-Sho-Han-Ne Poem, C. Z. Mast
Gan-Sho-Han-Ne Poem, C. Z. Mast
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A handwritten copy of a poem entitled, "Gan-sho-han-ne", by C. Z. Mast, date unknown. The poem is dedicated to the Amish of Kishacoquillas Valley and the surrounding area and was perhaps transcribed by Edwin Earl Espenshade circa 1950.
Letter From M. Kunkel To Alfred L. Shoemaker, M. Kunkel
Letter From M. Kunkel To Alfred L. Shoemaker, M. Kunkel
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A handwritten letter from M. Kunkel addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dating from circa 1950. Within, Kunkel writes about the "Escha Puddle", the person last out of bed on Ash Wednesday who had to carry the ashes outside each morning for a year.
Baskets And Basket, Paul B. Horning
Baskets And Basket, Paul B. Horning
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed essay entitled, "Baskets and Basket", by Paul B. Horning, dating from circa 1950. Within, a brief history of the Reifsnyder basket weaving shop in the village of Basket in Ruscombmanor Township is detailed along with its lasting legacy through the work of Milton Lorah.
Transcription Of The Poem "Bells Nickle", Alfred L. Shoemaker
Transcription Of The Poem "Bells Nickle", Alfred L. Shoemaker
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
Handwritten notes copying a poem by F. L. Sallade entitled "Bells Nickle", transcribed by Alfred L. Shoemaker, originally published in the Reading Weekly Eagle in 1896. The poem relates the stories of Christmas figures such as Belsnickel and their interactions with children.
Folklore Term Paper: Folk Cures For The Common Cold, Robert E. Ackerman
Folklore Term Paper: Folk Cures For The Common Cold, Robert E. Ackerman
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A handwritten term paper completed at Franklin and Marshall College by Robert Ackerman, dating from circa 1950. Within, Ackerman describes several interviews conducted across Berks, Lancaster, and Somerset counties relating to folk cures for the common cold.
Letter From G. C. Kershner To Alfred L. Shoemaker, September 15, 1949, George C. Kershner
Letter From G. C. Kershner To Alfred L. Shoemaker, September 15, 1949, George C. Kershner
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A hand-written letter from G. C. Kershner addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated September 15, 1949. Within, Kershner writes to provide a humorous story surrounding a husband and wife during the night of falling stars in 1833. He also includes some Pennsylvania Dutch riddles.
Letter From Elsie M. Smith To Alfred L. Shoemaker, February 24, 1949, Elsie M. Smith
Letter From Elsie M. Smith To Alfred L. Shoemaker, February 24, 1949, Elsie M. Smith
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A handwritten letter from Elsie M. Smith addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated February 24, 1949. Within, Smith provides a list of beliefs, superstitions and old sayings that her grandmother used to talk about, including many related to weather, luck, animals, sewing and witchcraft.
Letter From H. Wayne Gruber To Alfred L. Shoemaker, February 4, 1949, H. Wayne Gruber
Letter From H. Wayne Gruber To Alfred L. Shoemaker, February 4, 1949, H. Wayne Gruber
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed letter from H. Wayne Gruber addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated February 4, 1949. Within, Gruber inquires about a potential interest in some Pennsylvania Dutch verses he composed regarding his childhood.
Letter From Mr. And Mrs. Harvey Rothenberger To Alfred L. Shoemaker, Harvey Rothenberger
Letter From Mr. And Mrs. Harvey Rothenberger To Alfred L. Shoemaker, Harvey Rothenberger
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A handwritten letter to Alfred L. Shoemaker consisting of a list of old sayings and superstitions from Berks County, Pennsylvania, compiled by Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Rothenberger, dating from circa 1949. Within, the Rothenbergers detail a number of beliefs on various subjects including rain, days of the week, falling objects, spilled salt, sewing, ironing, animal behavior and children.
Berks County Home Made Soap, H. Wayne Gruber
Berks County Home Made Soap, H. Wayne Gruber
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed document entitled, "Berks County Home Made Soap", by H. Wayne Gruber, dated 1949. Within, Gruber details the way his mother made soap on the farm and its various uses.
Letter From H. Wayne Gruber To Alfred L. Shoemaker, December 18, 1948, H. Wayne Gruber
Letter From H. Wayne Gruber To Alfred L. Shoemaker, December 18, 1948, H. Wayne Gruber
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed letter from H. Wayne Gruber addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated December 18, 1948. Within, Gruber lists various beliefs and superstitions that can be found within Berks County, Pennsylvania, ranging from signs of good luck to omens of death and misfortune. Gruber also inquires about a verse called "Die Schnitzel Bunk" and hopes that Shoemaker will be able to visit and view his diary and scrapbooks.
Letter From Raymond Hollenbach To Alfred L. Shoemaker, February 17, 1948, Raymond Hollenbach
Letter From Raymond Hollenbach To Alfred L. Shoemaker, February 17, 1948, Raymond Hollenbach
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed letter from Raymond Hollenbach addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated February 17, 1948. Within, Hollenbach writes an impassioned letter detailing the proper way to make Fasnacht doughnuts along with traditions surrounding those who are last to get out of bed on Shrove Tuesday.
Letter From George A. Gerhart To Alfred L. Shoemaker, February 12, 1948, George A. Gerhart
Letter From George A. Gerhart To Alfred L. Shoemaker, February 12, 1948, George A. Gerhart
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed letter from George A. Gerhart addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated February 12, 1948. Within, Gerhart writes in response to an inquiry made by Shoemaker in a recent edition of the Reading Eagle, asking for the term used to describe late risers during the week of Lent.
Letter From Charles N. Parkes To Alfred L. Shoemaker, February 18, 1947, Charles N. Parkes
Letter From Charles N. Parkes To Alfred L. Shoemaker, February 18, 1947, Charles N. Parkes
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed letter from Charles N. Parkes addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated February 18, 1947. Within, Parkes writes on his favorite "all" story and provides information on a play titled "Papa Is All", that was performed by the Thalian Society in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Shadows Of The Long Ago Or Early Day History Retold, W. L. Fox
Shadows Of The Long Ago Or Early Day History Retold, W. L. Fox
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
A typed essay entitled, "Shadows of the Long Ago or Early Day History Retold", dating from circa 1932. The story is attributed to a Mr. W. L. Fox and obtained by Mrs. E. L. Esher. Within, the author tells the tale of Esther Dreibelbis and Henry Koch, providing an example of a courting practice involving quilting parties and grubbing bees.
Complete History Of The Execution Of Susannah Cox!: Her Life, Crime, Trial, And Death On The Scaffold, Unknown Author
Complete History Of The Execution Of Susannah Cox!: Her Life, Crime, Trial, And Death On The Scaffold, Unknown Author
Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents
An undated pamphlet (circa 1880) titled "Complete History of the Execution of Susannah Cox! Her Life, Crime, Trial, and Death on the Scaffold." It provides information about Reading, Pennsylvania in 1809, discusses coverage of the story in the newspaper, and details the trial, execution and its aftermath. The pamphlet also includes information about published ballads related to the incident and mentions other Berks County hangings.