Lyr Req: Swiss-American folksongs in Ohio

Subject: Swiss-American folksongs in Ohio
From: GUEST,Guest - Harold D. Thomas
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 08:38 PM

The Helvetia Männerchor is a Swiss singing society in Columbus, Ohio. Every three years, we participate in a North American Swiss Singing Festival (Sängerfest), the next of which is to be held in 2003, the year of Ohio's Bicentennial. To celebrate both occasions, we would like to find a song, or a poem that could be set to music, written by an early Swiss or German settler in Ohio, written either in German or Swiss German. (For that matter, French, Italian, or Rumantsch would be fine, but I didn't want to press my luck!! :) )

I have checked with the Swiss-American Historical Society and the Ohioana Memorial Library (part of the State Library of Ohio in Columbus, which might be a helpful resource for you). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Harold D. Thomas Columbus, Ohio

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Swiss-American folksongs in Ohio
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Feb 02 - 10:32 PM

That's nice....I can't help you, but it's nice.

You might want to check with some of the people over in Amish/Swiss country around Sugarcreek and the Tuscarawas Valley. The Alpine Hills Museum in Sugarcreek might be a good resource for you. Also, a Swiss family, the Warthers, live in Dover and run the "Warther Museum" displaying the unbelievable carvings of Ernest "Mooney" Warther. They have deep roots and Mooney's son David can be contacted through the museum and might also have some leads for you.

Additionally, the Moravians who settled in the valley just before and along with the Swiss, have several historical places there such as Schoenbrunn and Zoar Village and both have access to local historians that could be beneficial. One of the museum directors that I know is pretty well tied in with other museums and local resources is Wendy Zucal at the Dennison Railway Depot and Museum. She may have some sources for you to talk with.

We have a 'Catter who is a librarian up in Youngstown that might be good for you to here from.....I'll write her this evening and perhaps she can check in on this thread.

Most of that area was settled by Moravian/German/Swiss and there is some obvious crossover. That's why I would suggest talking to people over there instead of the folks in Columbus. The network of museums in the Tuscarawas Valley all have some knowledge of local folks who might be quite valuable in locating what you are after.

Best of Luck Harold! Also keep us informed here of the times and dates, as a few of us might be interested in attending.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Swiss-American folksongs in Ohio
From: Hollowfox
Date: 05 Feb 02 - 02:48 PM

Librarian in Youngstown here. I'm working at an itty bitty branch today, but I have to take my son to the Main Branch tonight so he can work on a report, so I'll check there.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Swiss-American folksongs in Ohio
From: Hollowfox
Date: 05 Feb 02 - 10:20 PM

Well, Mr. Thomas, I didn't find much at my main library branch (more than one hundred years old; the collection has lots of hidden treasures), but I did find a bit, sort of. The book Buckeye Heritage: Ohio's History in Song by Elizabeth Anne Salt (1992, Enthea Press, 14230 Phillips Circle, Alpharetta, GA 30201; ISBN 0-89804-813-3) had the only two Ohio related songs I could find that are not in English. They are two French voyageur songs. Unfortunately, the songs themselves do not mention Ohio (one relates an incident that happened in Canada). While both France and England claimed Ohio as their own in the 1700's, this is a bit of a reach.
I just happened to think... Perhaps you could find an early Moravian hymnal somewhere in the Tuscarawas Valley? Good luck in your search, Mary Hermance

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Swiss-American folksongs in Ohio
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Feb 02 - 11:35 PM

Oh yeah 'Fox....Good idea!!!! There are still Moravian churches I think and some of them may have something useful. Some of the writings of David Zeisberger might be available at either Zoar or Schoenbrunn....or they could point you to them. Schoenbrunn was settled by Zeisberger and converted a lot of the Native americans to Christianity. Many of them were slaughtered later at the settlement in Gnadenhutten under the banner of "the only good Indian is a dead Indian."........that's another story.

Not surprising the French influence 'Fox since although the Moravian settlement at Schoenbrunnwas the first in the state, the first lasting setlement was by the French down in both Marietta and Gallipolis.

HEY!! I got to thinking that the Moravian church in my home town was still there last time I looked and......THEY HAVE A WEBSITE!

The Zeisberger thing may have merit for you in light of the Ohio bicentennial since the actual first settlement was his. The below copied from some info on Schoenbrunn and referring to Zeisberger.....

For the benefit of the converts in his settlements, and with the assistance of Indian sachems, he prepared and had printed a number of useful books: first (1776), "A Delaware Indian and English Spelling-book," with an appendix containing the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, some Scripture passages and a Litany; next (1803), in the Delaware language, "A Collection of Hymns for the use of the Christian Indians," translated from the English and German Moravian Hymn-books, and including the Easter, Baptismal and Burial Litanies; next, a volume of "Sermons to Children," translated from the German; next, a translation of Spangenberg's "Bodily Care of Children"; next, "A Harmony of the Four Gospels," translated from the Harmony prepared by Samuel Leiberkühn.

I'd am sure that many of those hymns are still being used today. Also remember though that the Moravians have a strong tradition of shape note singing in many areas.

Sorry we ain't much help....but let us know what else we can do and we'll keep looking.

Spaw