Passing the Torch

Each summer
in Goschenhoppen -
(say that 5x fast)
 - there is a folk festival
celebrating one of the oldest German communities in America.



These German communities in Pennsylvania
are referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch,
which is bizarre because they aren't Dutch,
they're German.



The Pennsylvania Dutch
developed their own dialect similar to the German language,
but it's not German.
This dialect is still very prevalent
in the Pennsylvania Dutch communities today.



The Festival is a time of practicing trades and home skills
of the 18th and 19th centuries
and the passing of such knowledge
to the younger generations.



It is encouraging to see how many younger people
take an avid interest in learning these old skills.

For spectators like me...

Well, I am Thankful for my modern day conveniences. 

But I sure appreciate the ingenuity and hard work 

of the people who did without today's luxuries. 

Goschenhoppen Folk Festival

318 Colonial Road 

Perkiomenville, PA 18074 

occurs the 2nd Saturday every August 

and the Friday before. 

The Party's Here! Where I am linking these days.

            

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All images by Rebecca Haegele have been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Click on any image to go to its gallery for purchasing information.

Yesteryear's Technologies

Goshenhoppen.  

(Say that 3 times fast.)  

Kitchen Work 

Goshenhoppen, PA is said to be the "oldest 

continually existing German community in America." 

 Adventure Stories

A Germanic folk culture unique to Pennsylvania, 

called Pennsylvania Dutch,  

evolved from early German immigrants in the region.  

The Tramp

For almost fifty years, 

the people of Goshenhoppen 

have brought to life the trades and skills 

of the 18th - 19th century 

Pennsylvania Dutch 

during an annual folk festival 

at the Antes Plantation 

in Upper Frederick Twp.

Working the Lathe

One thing that sets this living history re-enactment apart from others 

is there are no modern day, commercial vendors 

under big, ugly tents.

Announcing Mealtime

Everything here looks authentic, 

including what you can buy from the trade's people.  

With a Knapsack on My Back

After tasting the handmade peach ice cream, 

I remarked, 

"They sure don't make ice cream like they used to." 

(Which is probably a good thing for my waistline.)



Throughout the festival grounds
generations come together and
pass their skills on to the young.

Spinning

As you speak with the knowledgable re-enactors,
you too, will likely learn interesting facts.


Just like Daddy Does

If you only make time for one living history festival a year,
this is one not to miss in 2014.


Making Music 

Goshenhoppen Folk Festival

My Festival Flickr album is here.