KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter

Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014

The KIT Newsletter editorial staff welcomes all suggested contributions for publication in the
Newsletter from subscribers and readers, but whether a given submission meets the criteria for
publication is at the sole discretion of the editors. While priority will be given to original contributions
by people with past Bruderhof connections, any letters, articles or reports which the editors deem to be
of historical or personal interest or to offer new perspectives on issues of particular relevance to the ex-
Bruderhof Newsletter readership, may be included as well. The editors may suggest to the authors
changes to improve their presentation.
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Please find details on the last page.
CONTENTS:
Bulstrode KIT Gathering, Saturday, 26 April 2014, by Joy MacDonald. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The Bulstrode Gathering, by Linda Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Bulstrode Report, 26 April 2014, by Andy Harries.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Photographs taken at the KIT Bulstrode Gathering, by Pauline Davies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
A Rainy Day in the Life of the Old Grey Beard, by Andy Harries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Enjoying a Close-up of Nesting Bald Eagles, by Joann Homann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
A Trip up River, by August Pleil, 11 years old. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Abendlied Evening Song by Wolfgang Loewenthal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ostern in Primavera wie wir Kinder es erlebten, von Irene Pfeiffer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
A Childs Eye View of Easter in Primavera, by Irene Pfeiffer, translation Linda Lord. . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sunset and Palm Trees in Paraguay, drawing by Clementina Jaime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
A Brief Historic Background of Primavera, Paraguay, and its Maps, by Hans Zimmermann. . . . 11
Remembering our dear ones who have passed from this life:
Bill Peters, 1 March 2014, by Margot Wegner Purcell.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Bill Peters: a note by his sister, Rita Prather.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Bill Peters Funeral, 5 March 2014, by Joann Homann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Annelene Wiegand, by Linda Lord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Booking details for The KIT Klaashof Gathering, from 8 to 11 August 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
LATEST regarding the KIT Klaashof Gathering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Address Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Contact Details of Volunteers who Produce the KIT Newsletter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Bulstrode KIT Gathering, Saturday, 26 April 2014
by Joy MacDonald
We had our annual Spring KIT gathering in dry, sunny though occasionally windy weather when out on
the top balcony above the beautifully flowering Wisteria. There were over twenty-five of us, so the early
greet and meet period was slightly chaotic. We all brought picnic and salad food, and Andy and Gudrun
had organised the crockery, cutlery and drinks, with boiling water on tap.
We had lunch first, then went down to the burial ground which had been beautifully spring weeded and
the grass cut by a group of Bruderhof youth before Easter. Each grave was a blaze of colour, with little
candles on the nameplates. We also wandered around the parkland area, enjoying the many small spring
KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Bulstrode Manor, front of house
At the Burial Ground: L-R German student, John Holland, Hardmuth Klver,
Anthony Lord, Renatus Klver, American student.
flowers, as well as the different showy exotic-coloured azaleas and white and pink magnolias,
rhododendrons and the handkerchief tree with its large white suspended bracts. When I lived at Bulstrode
fifty years ago, there were apparently only half a dozen specimens in the whole of the United Kingdom,
as it is said to be quite difficult to cultivate.
There was some discussion about the Klaashof KIT weekend in Germany to take place in August. We
were fortunate to have Anthony and his wife Rita part of the organising team who joined us before
returning to their home.
Im looking forward to meeting many more people from the 8th to the 11th August at Klaashof,
Germany.
Many thanks to Andy and Gudrun, who liaised with W.E.C., the Bulstrode Estate owners, to have this
regular KIT day there.
The Bulstrode Gathering, 26 April 2014
by Linda Lord
Half past eleven, Beaconsfield at last, then
past Jordans, the Bell Hotel, and up the
drive to Bulstrode. Gordon has never been
before. I saw it through different eyes this
time. I lived here, this was my home.
Unreal!
We parked in the large circle at the front
and entered the main building through the
big heavy wooden doors. I showed Gordon
the Blue Room to the right of the
reception area. This was my bedroom, with
the round, windowed alcove, light and airy;
what a lovely room.
Back into the hall with its pillars and the
wide staircase, then on to the dining room
with the sash windows giving access to the
covered veranda with pillars, and wooden tables and benches in the sunshine.
There were already many there, and a
huge selection of food, each having
brought a contribution. So good to meet old
friends, as well as new; some, like me, had
brought their partners along too.
Then my phone rang it was a German
number. Anthony!
How do I get into Bulstrode? he said.
Wow, he's coming, but has got lost!
Where are you? I asked.
At the front door its locked!
Hes here!
Go through the little iron gate over to
the right, Im coming to meet you.
Rita called out: Surprise!
Anthony had always wanted to see
Bulstrode in daylight. He never lived there,
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Pauline Ellison and Linda Lord, looking at photos
Lunch on the terrace.
Photograph by Andy Harries: Lunch on the terrace:
Left side of table, from front: Colin Rendle, Joy MacDonald,
Pauline Davies, Bridget Greenyer.
Right side of table, from front: Cedron Caine, Debbie Caine,
Hardmuth Klver, Gudrun Harries.
and had only visited at night. We walked round
the house past the sunken garden, the tower, and
looked up the avenue. Then round to the
veranda with the view over the lawns to the
trees near the burial ground. After greetings,
eating, chatting, sharing photos etc, it was time
for a walk around the park and to the burial
ground. Whilst there, a young couple came in
through the gate. John asked who they were,
they asked who he was! He told them he was
John Holland and used to live here. They told
him they were students with W.E.C. He was
American, and she was German. She had read
the Bulstrode history about the Bruderhof.
Being a German word, she was curious. So John
told them about us and our reunion, and a bit
about the Bruderhof history. Amazing!
It is lovely that the staff and residents of Bulstrode always make us so welcome.
All too soon it was time to leave. Goodbye till next time. I look forward to our next visit.
Bulstrode Report, 26 April 2014
by Andy Harries
It was another very good gathering. People just turn up as and when they want, which is good, so
nobody needs to feel under any sort of pressure, and they can also leave when they want.
We were extremely lucky with the weather. It rained the whole day before, and again early on the
Saturday we met, and we had some showers again driving home. But while we were there it was dry with
some sunny periods, which is nice be-
cause it means we can be outside by the
veranda, and also many of us like to go
down to the burial ground and some go
walking in the park.
The park is beautiful at this time of
year. There always seem to be some
plants and trees flowering, it is really a
very special park with all sorts of trees
and plants, with laid out paths, so if you
like that as well as meeting people then
come next year.
We had a good number of people
again. It is really interesting to meet many
people. Some are always new to me, some
are old friends, and some go back to the
old days at Wheathill.
The people there at W.E.C. are ever so
hospitable and friendly, and really go out of
their way to make us feel welcome. We had a
voluntary collection so I could give them 61.50
at the end as a thank you. They do appreciate it.
One or two of the group also took some
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Bulstrode Park in bloom. The big tree by the lake, Bulstrode Park
Pink rhododendrons in Bulstrode Park
Joy Greenyer and Pauline Davies
plants and soil and water down to the graveyard to plant on the graves. The Bruderhof also go there regul-
arly to tend the graves. I was told they have been there the last two weekends, and that they come from
Darvell, Beech Grove, and from America.
Here are a few photographs taken by Pauline Davies at the Bulstrode Gathering
on 26 April 2014:
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Bridget & Joy Greenyer Bluebells in Bulstrode Park
A Rainy Day in the Life of the Old Grey Beard
by Andy Harries
I set off in the rain up a track with water running down each side. I have a choice of walking in that water
on firm ground, or between the tracks where it is muddy and wet. Everywhere is wet, lots of puddles, some
small, some like small ponds, so I sometimes have to make a detour. It is raining almost continually. In one
place the path goes up a long narrow track which is sunk, so has high sides. There is a stream rushing down
the middle, so I have to dodge from side to side or straddle the stream to avoid stepping into it. Its also
very muddy so I have to be careful not to slip and fall.
Its time for lunch. Where shall I stop? I can stop on the other side of the wood. I might get a bit of sun
there, as it is brightening up. But then I will catch the wind and nothing to lean against. So I decide to stop
in the wood and find a nice big tree to lean against. The rain seems to be stopping, but its a job to tell,
sitting under a tree where it continues to drip long after the rain has stopped, and every time there is a gust
of wind a shower of rain comes down. Its no harm, its only water, and it increases the amount of tea in
my cup.
I am sitting in the middle of a bluebell wood, but I am not alone. There are some bees busy, going from
one flower to the next searching for nectar. Between the bluebells are some ferns which look lovely. The
young plants seem to be just sprouting out of the ground, the fresh green leaves uncurling as they come up.
I hear a song thrush singing, later, there is a blackbird. Both have a lovely song. A squirrel is preening itself
on the stump of a fallen tree. Two goldcrests are working their way through the branches of the trees. They
are our smallest bird with a beautiful golden crest. Sometimes I can hear the harsh call of a raven, but I
dont see one. There is nothing better than being alone with nature, with only the sights and sounds of the
natural world.
Its time to get going again. Soon my path is blocked by a fallen tree. There are many fallen trees which
came down in the storms some weeks ago, and usually one can find a way round, or over or under them,
but not in this case. This is a case of an unstoppable object facing an immovable object. So I have to
scramble up a near vertical bank on my hands and knees to get past the tree.
After raining all morning, it is brightening up now, and even the sun has come out. There is plenty more
mud to negotiate, but the worst is behind me now, and the walk is more enjoyable.
Enjoying a Close-up of Nesting Bald Eagles
by Joann Homann
Even as a little girl, I was always intrigued by the many miracles in nature and, according to the adults who
knew me then and with their encouragement, I continued to develop a love and curiosity about anything
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Bald Eagle, photo by Michael Melford
I encountered in our natural world. I eventually was able to go back to school to study animal ecology and
became a naturalist by profession at the age of fifty.
I found a dream job working as a naturalist at a Y.M.C.A. camp in Boone, Iowa and was teaching all
ages about nature and how to observe and respect it. I felt such satisfaction when I witnessed how my
knowledge and love of nature was changing other peoples lives and how they could now also make a
difference in our natural world.
However, one sad experience involving the death of a bald eagle still remains with me and was the
catalyst to my current interest in observing the amazing comeback of the American bald eagle and what
wonderful parental role models they are for this country.
Our camp was situated along the Des Moines River and one day we observed a mature bald eagle
seemingly resting on the shore. When he didnt leave we knew something was wrong and after capturing
it by wrapping it up in a towel, we placed
it into one of our bird enclosures for
observation. Sadly, he wouldnt eat, got
weaker and weaker and eventually died.
An autopsy revealed that our eagle had
died of lead poisoning because he had
eaten fish which had ingested the lead
weights used in fishing.
This turned out to be a wonderful
teachable moment in our programs, as we
could demonstrate to our public how our
careless actions still had a negative effect
on these birds, even though their numbers
had been increasing for quite a while.
We had an estimated half a million
bald eagles here in the United States when
Europeans first arrived, but their numbers
decreased considerably when many birds
were shot as vermin, or lost their habitats
due to the felling of many trees. To make things worse, the widespread use of DDT after WWII also had
a devastating effect on the remaining eagle population by causing their egg shells to become thin and
fragile and thus preventing successful hatching. By the 1960s, only four-hundred nesting pairs remained.
In 1970, our national bird was placed on the endangered species list and when DDT was banned in 1973,
their numbers slowly rebounded. This success eventually resulted in these magnificent birds being re-
moved from the endangered species list in 2007. Thankfully, the public was now able to see these birds
in many of their neighborhoods, and with their renewed interest and the miracle of modern technology, the
idea of the nest webcam was born.
In 2007, the Iowa Raptor Resource Project began tracking a bonded pair nesting in an eighty-foot
cottonwood tree situated near the Mississippi river and a North-East Iowa Fish Hatchery in Decorah, Iowa
and decided to utilize this new technology. They installed a camera above the nest which was six foot
across, five foot deep and weighed approximately one-thousand-three-hundred-sixty-seven pounds. They
broadcast live footage twenty-four hours a day and this birds eye view of our nesting national symbol
became an instant success.
The devoted pair of eagles started a family, and even though the female was blind in one eye, they took
turns sitting on the eggs for one to one-and-a-half hours to keep them warm. Sadly, during a late winter
storm, the female took her break, but never returned. She was later found in a snowdrift. The male
continued to keep the eggs warm while waiting for her return. Eventually, he had to abandon the nest to
hunt for food and to protect his territory from other eagles.
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
The next fall, with the return of migrating eagles, he found a new mate, a four-year-old female, and the
newly bonded pair worked diligently to refurbish the nest. (Experts guessed the age of the female, as eagles
dont achieve their adult coloring until they are five-and-a-half years old.) This inexperienced larger female
worked hard bringing in new materials and placing them carefully on the nest, but the smaller, more
experienced male would always rearrange all of her contributions.
With successful matings, they produced two eggs, laid two days apart, and took turns sitting on them,
as these four ounce eggs would freeze in one minute during the cold winter temperatures. Amazingly, this
immature female knew how to ball up her talons to protect her fragile eggs, but when the first chick
hatched thirty-five days later, she initially had no clue of how to feed it. Thankfully, the male was able to
keep the chick fed and taught his new bride how to be a nurturing parent.
They took turns bringing in fresh fish, rabbits, squirrels and pigeons and were amazingly tender in gently
offering the tiniest morsels to their fragile, fluffy chicks. Often the older chick would dominate at feeding
times and would peck the younger one into submission, so it could be fed first. (This is called the Caine
and Able Syndrome.) Seeing this would cause us viewers great concern, but when the older chick was
satisfied, the younger also got its fill.
Amazingly, all of their chicks survived over the years, but feeding them was a full-time job for the
parents, as these chicks could eat from half to one pound of fish a day.
I always found it amazing to witness how all of these tiny chicks instinctively know how to keep their
nesting area clean by positioning their bodies in such a way that their liquid excrement shoots away from
the nest. Learning how to fly is also completely instinctive. It will take about ten weeks before all of the
chicks down is replaced by seven-thousand feathers and they seem to know when it is time to practice
flapping their wings and do practice jumps in the nest. Eventually, they will try short flights to nearby
branches before they actually take off in flight.
This pair of eagles continued to use and add to the nest for four years, successfully raising fourteen
chicks. Then, in 2012, they suddenly decided to build a new nest five-hundred feet away. That year, to the
disappointment of the public, we were not able to watch them raise a new batch of eaglets, as new cameras
hadnt been installed.
The new camera was installed by the fall of 2013, but now only transmitted during daylight hours. I was
so excited when the first of three eggs was laid and when the chicks started to hatch, I shared this website
with many friends who also seemed to love and appreciate this amazing close-up view of the miracle of
nature.
For those who wish to watch these eagles and their chicks, here is the internet link to the webcam:
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles/theater.
The cameras quit transmitting after the eaglets are fully fledged, and dont return to the nest anymore.
They start running again when the parents arrive back to refurbish their nest and begin the mating process
all over again in late fall.
A Trip up River
by August Pleil, 11 years old
The colony Nueva Germania in Paraguay was celebrating their 50th anniversary. My father decided to go
to help celebrate. He did not want to go alone, so he took me with him. My father decided to take the
paddleboat he had made himself. So on Friday the 15th of October 1937, we started out. We had to walk
to the river.
It took us three hours to get to the river. We quickly got the boat ready and before the sun disappeared
behind the trees, we were on our way paddling up the river Jeju. Many times we had to paddle from one
side of the river to the other to avoid the very strong current. The river has a lot of bends and twists. The
inner side of the river has a lot of sandbanks. When we came to a sandbank, my father got out of the boat
and pulled the boat with a very strong fishing line. He explained that he was towing the boat. (He used the
German word, treideln.)
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Part of the Pleil Clan in Primavera, Paraguay, 1958:
Front row, L-R: Friedrich, Artur, Helga and Amadeus.
Back row, L-R: Hermann, Ruth, Juanita, Dora, Otto, Heinrich Otto, Nadine
with Vijaya, and August.
We had already been on the river six hours. The moon was ready to disappear. We looked for a place
to make a campfire and stay overnight. We prepared our sleeping place by the light of the fire, quickly ate
something and went to sleep.
The next day we continued upstream.
Soon we were in Paso Cocuere where there
were a few houses. Midday we finally got
to the estuary of Aguaray-Guaz. On either
side of this river there are a lot of trees.
Many Pind palm trees had fallen into the
water. On the sandbanks we saw signs of
crocodiles, herons, carpinchos and tapir.
We had to spend one more night on the
riverbank. The next day we saw a house.
Two houses later we saw campo (prairie).
We paddled to the side of the river and
got out to see where we were. Suddenly we
saw the white houses of Nueva Germania.
We arrived at the colony just as the sun
was setting.
Abendlied,
by Wolfgang Loewenthal
Primavera, Paraguay 1949
(printed with permission from the
Loewenthal family.)
Evening Song, translation
by Virginia Cuenca-Loewenthal
(Childlike)
1. The sunset, rosy sunset,
such luminosity
that all the towering trees
appear much more lively.
2. The evening star, the evening star
now twinkles over the fields,
high above the palm trees,
up in the firmament.
3. The evening song, the evening song,
how we love singing it,
while thinking of the heavens,
of moon and evening star.
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Ostern in Primavera, wie wir Kinder es erlebten
von Irene Pfeiffer
Es hatte sich herumgesprochen: Wir feiern Ostern in vier Wochen!
Die Kinder freuten sich auf diese Feier, besonders auf die Ostereier.
Die Erwachsenen hatten sich vorbehalten die Osterfeier einmal anders zu gestalten.
Fr alle wr`s doch wunderschn, um ein Osterfeuer zu stehn.
Auf dem Nussfeld in Iba, wo nichts mehr stand, ein riesen Holzhaufen entstand.
Am Ostersonntag sollte dann das Feuer gezndet werden an.
Bis dahin mute noch manches geschehn und viele Osternester entstehn.
Wir waren eine groe Kinderschar die sich drauf freute jedes Jahr.
Eier kochte man sehr hart, mit Farbe wurde nicht gespart.
Und mit dem Pinsel in der Hand darauf manch schnes Motiv entstand.
Etwas Besondres ins Nest sollte rein, es muten se Limonen sein.
An einem Abend wir auf Bnken hockten, Lieder sangen und Erdne knackten.
Wir brachten sie zum Bcker, dann schmeckten sie uns lecker.
In der Kche wurden sie durch den Wolf gedreht,
durch das knowhow von Mutter Wilhelm draus Marzipan entseht.
In Form von Eiern wurde die Masse gedrckt, und in jedes Nest zwei davon reingesteckt.
Bonbons und Erdne das Nest noch ergnzten, in voller Schnheit die Nester jetzt glnzten.
Es ist ja noch Nacht. So kam es mir vor als ich hrte einen schnen Chor:
Ostern ist heut, wir sind erfreut, weil der Herr Jesus Christ heut auferstanden ist!
Sehet daher, das Grab ist leer! Leben und Sieg ist da, singet Halleluja!
An vielen Pltzen des Dorfes dann der Chor die Osterlieder sang.
Es war der Gemeinde Jugendchor der all die schnen Osterlieder uns sang vor.
Schnell sind wir aus dem Bett gehpft und in unsere Kleider geschlpft.
Die Eltern uns an die Hand mitnahmen, bis wir zum Osterfeuer kamen.
Einen groen Kreis wir bildeten dann, und warteten auf den Sonnenaufgang.
Jetzt in der frhen Morgenstunde las einer uns vor von der schnsten Kunde,
dass Jesus Christ auferstanden ist und uns von dem ewigen Tod hat erlst!
Der Morgensonne goldener Schein leitete das Osterfest nun ein.
Wir Kinder waren soooo gespannt: Wann wird der Holzhaufen angebrannt?
Einer, der was davon verstand, setzte den Haufen endlich in Brand.
Es sollte ein Freudenfeuer sein fr unsern Herrn Jesus ganz allein.
Fr Ihn haben wir all diese Lieder gesungen bis die Sonne ist aufgegangen.
Dann gingen wir gemeinsam alle in die groe Essenshalle.
Dort nahmen wir das Frhstck ein und gingen danach wieder Heim.
Mittags die Mnner mussten raus zum Verstecken der Nester in Busch und Haus.
Dann endlich tnte der Glocke Klang! Ab gings in den Schulwald mit Gesang.
Das Suchen der Nester dauerte immer lang. Doch glcklich und zufrieden ging man heim.
Ich erinnere mich gern an diese Feste, sie warn fr uns Kinder immer das Beste.
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
A childs eye view of Easter in Primavera
by Irene Pfeiffer, translation Linda Lord
Someone whispered: Well be celebrating Easter in four weeks time!
The children couldnt wait for the festivities to begin
and especially looked forward to the Easter eggs.
But the grownups had plans to celebrate Easter differently this time.
It was wonderful for everyone to gather around the Easter fire.
On the freshly harvested peanut field in Iba a huge mountain of firewood appeared.
On Easter Sunday, the fire would be lit.
Before that, there was much to do, lots of Easter nests to be made.
So many children looked forward to this every year with excited anticipation.
The eggs had to be hard boiled, then, brush in hand, painted
with beautiful, colourful designs and patterns.
Something special was needed for every nest, so sweet citrus fruits were added.
One evening we sat together on wooden benches, singing songs
as we cracked open peanuts to get to the delicious nuts inside.
In the kitchen they were then roasted and put into the mincer.
With Mother Wilhelms special knowhow the mixture was soon turned into marzipan.
This was then rolled into egg shapes, and two placed in every nest.
Sweets and peanuts were added too. Each nest was a creation of colour and beauty.
In the middle of the night, or so it seemed, I heard a choir singing:
Its Easter today, we are all full of joy, for Christ has risen today!
Look, his grave is empty! Love and victory are here, sing Hallelujah!
From all corners of the village the singing could be heard.
It was the community youth group that sang the songs for all to enjoy.
Quickly we jumped out of our beds and slipped into our clothes.
Our parents took us by the hand and led us to the Easter fire.
We all stood in a circle and waited for the sunrise.
At the break of day, someone read to us the message
that Jesus Christ had risen and redeemed us from eternal death.
The first golden rays of the rising sun heralded the start of the Easter celebrations.
We children were so excited: When would the fire be lit?
Someone with experience then lit the pile of wood. It was a fire of joy for Jesus our Lord.
For Him we sang the wonderful Easter songs, until the sun rose above the horizon.
Together we made our way to the dining room.
Here, we shared Easter breakfast before returning to our homes.
At midday, the men had to go and hide the Easter nests
in trees and bushes, and around the buildings.
At last the bell rang for us to gather in the school wood.
Searching for the nests always took a long time,
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Map of Primavera, ca 1958/1959,
by Wolfgang Loewenthal
but finally, happy and contented, we made our way back home.
I love to remember these festive times. They were the best for us children.
Sunset and Palm Trees in Paraguay, drawing by Clementina Jaime
A Brief Historic Background of Primavera, Paraguay, and its Maps
by Hans Zimmermann
Virginia Cuenca Loewenthal was kind enough to provide us
with an updated colored map of Primavera which her father
Wolfgang must have redrawn circa 1958/59 before we had sold
everything to the Mennonites west of Monte Caraby- [monte =
forest] and Monte Guan. This map is more true to reality than the
one most of us are familiar with. It also gives all the names of our
campos and forests, even the names of the potreros [grazing
areas] in Monte Jaime.
Wolfgang was in Primavera right from the beginning and still
knew the German manager of the Estancia Primavera, and the
Paraguayan capataz [foreman], Felix Prieto. Both of these men
stayed on for a while to introduce the newcomers to the details of
how to run a ranch and deal with the Paraguayan cattle. The
German manager left after a year or so, while Felix Prieto
remained until his retirement in the early 1950s as our Paraguayan
capataz. His son Gregorio continued working for many years as
a cowboy on our Estancia. He now lives in Carolina, Paraguay. I
enjoyed working with him.
The Estancia Primavera was held in partnership with the
Estancia San Vicente, which lay east of Primavera, in Vacah.
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
The partners were Herr Lenz, who managed San Vicente, and Herr Rutenberg, who managed Primavera.
The name Primavera means Lenz or Frhling in German, or Spring in English.
Bette Bolken Zumpe sent me a book about Paraguay which her father Hans Zumpe obtained in
Germany. This book, by a certain Dr. Adolf N. Schuster, the German Consul to Paraguay during 1910-
1920, provides a detailed description of Paraguay: the land, people, history, economic activity and
colonization. He was a repeat visitor to Herr Lenz and Herr Rutenberg. The map shows both Estancias, and
provides the names of the forests and campos.
At that time, the land west of Primavera was owned by a certain Zarate. It is now called Friesland, and
is owned by the Mennonites. The Bruderhof people retained all these names, and continued with the
ranching and logging operations. Wenceslao Jaime, who lived in Mbocayat, worked for one of the
carreteros [cart drivers] who extracted the logs from the forests. Later he would be in charge of this
operation for the Bruderhof.
Herr Rutenberg also kept track of the meteorological data which Dr. Schuster published in his book.
Herr Lenz and Herr Rutenberg also entertained visitors and took them on hunting safaris. Dr. Schuster
gives a detailed account of one which took place in 1914.
Wolfgang must have had a fascination with Primavera, because he updated his map (Wolfgang
Loewenthals Primavera map, see above, printed with permission from the Loewenthal family).
What amazes me is that he also makes a note of the environmental changes which occurred when we
started clearing more and more
forests. Our forests were located on
high ground and absorbed the
moisture like a sponge. Once the
forests were gone, the rainwater now
started coming up as ground-water at
the foot of the hills and into the
campos, turning them into bogs or
swamps. Wolfgang makes that clear
by indicating swampy conditions
between the forest of Abebo Guaz
(Ibat), and Monte Abebo. This
narrow strip of campo used to be
firm and dry. By 1956, when we
cleared most of the forest on the east
side of Ibat, the ground-water
emerged in this valley and turned it
into a swamp which was nearly
impossible to pass on horseback.
How many of you knew this?
Wolfgang apparently did. How many
of us knew the names of the potreros
in Monte Jaime? Very few, I suspect, unless you had been working with the cattle.
A few years ago, Christoph Mathis sent me a satellite photograph of Primavera taken in 1965 before
major forest changes had taken place, i.e. the Mennonites clearing all the forests. In this photograph, which
covers about ninety-nine percent of Primavera, one can still recognize all the forests and campos including
all the copses (wooded islands) on the campos, of which only the major ones are shown on the original
maps.
Maybe seeing these maps will give you the pleasure to once again revisit where we as kids roamed the
forests and campos.
Satellite Map of the Primavera, Paraguay area, 1965
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Remembering Bill Peters
by Margot Wegner Purcell, 1 March 2014
I had a call this morning from Hanna and Hans passing on the sad message from Lizzie Maas Peters,
that her husband Bill had passed away yesterday afternoon, February 28th.
For those of you who do not know Bill and Liz: Lizzie (as most of us knew her, while her family calls
her Tif) is the only daughter of Nicki and Henry Maas. She grew up in the Bruderhof. Her brothers Rolf,
Peter and Nick all still live in the Bruderhof. Rolf lost his wife Mary Patrick (Hanna's sister) last year, Peter
lost his wife Lisa Arnold in 2011, and is married now to Clara Maendel Greenyer. Nick is married to
Patrice Pappas. Liz has been off the Bruderhof for most of her life. She has been with Bill for 37 years. Bill
and Liz came to several KIT gatherings, with
children and grandchildren also tagging along. I
remember good times singing songs with Bill on
the guitar and Liz on the violin. Bill added much
joy and encouragement to these gatherings.
Bill also helped many former Bruderhofers by
setting up the Alt Support Bruderhof web posting
site in 1997 (a googlegroups site). He was not
afraid of the Bruderhof. They asked him to remove
the site and threatened him with a lawsuit, but he
would not budge, and they could not sue. The site
was a bulletin board for anyone who wanted to
post their comments. I think it is still out there. It
was a busy site. Bill enjoyed knowing how well
worthwhile it had been for him to put this together. Alt Support Bruderhof was one of the earlier public
sites where we could all write about our experiences on the Hof, our lives off the Hof, and also know that
they were reading it too.
Bill loved music. He played several instruments and wrote songs. He and Liz had formed a band called
Borderline Express, and played in small venues. They also made several CDs with him singing his own
compositions, with harmonies by Liz and friends, and Liz playing the violin. As Liz stated on the CDs
flier, Cancer hates laughter, music and joy. This is good knowledge to keep with you. Many lives would
be better if we would all sing and dance and laugh and laugh, and then sing some more. I know Bill
heartily agreed.
Bill served in the Vietnam War and Agent Orange may have caused his multiple myeloma. He survived
many, many years beyond what the doctors had told him he might be able to. He underwent many
treatments, and together, Lizzie and Bill struggled for many years with his condition, but he still smiled
and would always beat it.
Lizzie lovingly looked after Bill through bad times and good times. Bill decided late last year that the
treatments he had to take for his illness were making him feel so bad, that he no longer wanted to struggle
with the brutal side effects. So he made the decision to receive only the needed care and treatments to make
him feel alright, and to let go. He posted a sweet message regarding this decision on his facebook page,
and received many supportive comments.
If you would like to send Lizzie a note or a card, here is her address:
Elizabeth Peters, 7395 S. Washington Street, Centennial, Colorado 80122, USA.
*
Liz received this note from her sister-in-law, Bills eldest sister, Dr. Rita Prather. She wanted to share
it with others:
Rita Prather writes:
I have such great memories of Bill growing up and all the things he did. He was such a leader in his
youth. He started a Rocket Club and they actually launched rockets. It was quite impressive. He also
Bill and Liz Peters
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
organized an Easter egg hunt in Coal Run when we were still very young. It was a big success. He could
really accomplish things. As a Boy Scout he diligently accomplished all of his tasks with vigor and
enthusiasm. Of course he taught himself music. I recall driving down to Fort Knox to visit him and watched
as he returned with his platoon from an overnight manoeuver. It was impressive watching him give
commands as they finished and dismissed. He was smarter than anyone I have ever known. I always
wished he had a mentor growing up instead of those who were threatened by or jealous of his intellect. I
also always admired his decisions to live his life fully. The travels and experiences certainly match the
quote on the remembrance card, Living life full out. I cant really think of anything he didnt enjoy
pursuing!
We have always been grateful to you, more than you know. Mom always said how well matched you
two were. And when Bill got ill, it couldnt have been more comforting to us that you were in his life. The
care you provided was unmatched. He had the drive and ability to learn about his disease and how best to
treat it, which helped bring about follow-through in his best interests. I know it had to be quite tiring and
trying at times as you wrestled with your own emotions and health. I know he lived as long as he could
because of you. I hope you will always consider yourself our sister.
Thank you forever.
Love always Rita and Robert
Bill Peters Funeral
by Joann Homann, 5 March 2014
Hans and I were thankful that we were able to attend Bill Peters funeral in Denver today and be
representatives of Liz Maas side of the family.
We had planned to attend the family viewing at 10am but just missed that, because a fresh overnight
snowfall had caused cars to slide off the Interstate to Denver, and they were now being towed out of the
ditch. Maybe those distractions had also caused two new accidents, which resulted in the Interstate coming
to a practical standstill.
Thankfully, we were still able to follow family members from the viewing to the military burial
ceremony at the Fort Logan National Cemetery. Here, we were deeply moved by the simplicity of this
solemn and dignified farewell to one of their compatriots. We felt the deep reverence they had for one who
served their country and died of a disease caused by Agent Orange.
The service was held in an outdoor pavilion next to a lake full of Canada geese. Amazingly, the sun had
come out to shine over the beautiful fresh snowfall and the sea of white marble markers which stretched
out in straight lines from any direction you viewed them. The service was conducted by several older
veterans and some Army personnel in full dress uniform who flanked the casket. The veterans gave the
eulogy and used World War II M1 rifles to give a four gun salute. At the end, a solitary soldier played
Taps, before the Army personnel solemnly folded the American flag and presented it to Liz. After the
ceremony, as the family gathered to hug and shed some tears, a huge flock of Canada geese circled
overhead, honking as if to give a final salute to Bill before they settled back onto the lake.
From there, we drove in procession to the VFW reception Hall and met many of Bills children and their
families. While we ate, we heard music performed by Bill and Liz, as well as music by friends of Bills,
and at the end we were deeply moved by various eulogies given by Liz and other family members. The
room seemed to be filled with a feeling of love and reconciliation, something which the family said Bill
was all about.
May you rest in peace, Bill.
Annelene Wiegand
by Linda Lord
I just heard that on 8
th
April, 2014, my dear friend, from Ibat days and beyond, died in Darvell. Whilst
I feel saddened that she is gone, I feel grateful that she is now at peace. I first really got to know Annelene
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Some of the dolls produced by the Wiegand Family in
Tierberg, Germany in the 1960s
Picnic at the foot of Titterstone, Wheathill, Hesterworth 2002.
Annelene Wiegand sits in the center, to her left (R in photo) are
Isolde Pfeiffer-Brummelohe, and Irene Pfeiffer-Fischer
Linda Lord and Annelene
Wiegand, Tierberg, Germany,
circa 1966
in Ibat when I lived with her family for a while. We loved to chat, gossip together and go for walks in the
jungle and campo around Ibat, collecting flowers and enjoying fruit fresh from the trees.
The Wiegands left in the early 1960s and set up home in Tierberg in Germany. They took with them the
doll making business from the Sinntalhof, and
Annelene worked with her father building up the
business. Everyone helped. Whenever I visited, I too
would help her dress the dolls and listen to German
folk songs as we chatted. We also enjoyed long walks
in the surrounding countryside, often singing songs
from our childhood as we strolled and recaptured
happy memories.
When Annelenes father, Gerhard, returned to
Darvell, she was unable to keep the business going
without his expertise. She then worked for a while as a
home help with families in the area, which suited her
well and also gave her the opportunity to make friends
in the local community.
However, she found it difficult to fit into the world
away from the Bruderhof. What she enjoyed most was keeping in touch with the many others who had left.
She was sometimes able to visit with them, or they visited her. Those were the good times for her. She
came to several KIT gatherings and renewed more friendships from long ago. Her letters were always full
of news of friends from our years in Paraguay. I am sure many of you reading this will also have enjoyed
her newsy letters.
When her mother became ill with Alzheimers
Disease, she took
on the care of her
mother at home.
She was totally
committed to mak-
ing her mothers
final years as happy
and comfortable as
she could.
As she grew
older, she longed
for the closeness
and companionship
the life of the
Bruderhof, and
hoped she would be
able to return. This was her wish. As she then developed Alzheimers herself
and the illness progressed, it became clear she wanted and needed the comfort
and familiarity of Bruderhof life. Her wish was granted. Gottlieb and Celia
came to take her home to Darvell. She soon found her place singing and
playing her mouth organ to the small children in the toddler group. So she
settled back in happily, living the rest of her life in peace and contentment, in
the place where she felt most at home.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
The KIT Klaashof Gathering in Germany,
from the 8th to 11th August, 2014, Friday to Monday
Address: Pension Klaashof, Heinz Klaas, Hombergen 6, 41334 Nettetal, Germany
This year, we are returning to Klaashof. Their courtyard is a great meeting place, with an
outside sheltered area, as well as plenty of space undercover and/or indoors.
Saturday night there will be a BBQ, at 20.
For the other meals our hosts offer to make us a Kartoffel- Nudel- and/or Wurstsalat
(potato, noodle and/or sausage salad) for a small fee, or they will let us have the use
of their kitchen and we can make our own meals.
No payment needed in advance, BUT: Payment must be made for drinks, BBQ etc,
before leaving the Klaashof! Mr. Klaas will give each person a Deckel (chitty or tab)
on which consumption will be recorded.
Accommodation must be made by direct booking (payment usually is on arrival or departure).
Several rooms and apartments are available, prices vary; also, limited camping space.
Tel: 0049 (0) 2153 4984 info@Pension-Klaashof.de
Fax 0049 (0) 2153 0387 http://www.pension-klaashof.de/
Klaashof are happy to provide breakfast for anyone opting for bed only.
Jugendherberge Nettetal-Hinsbeck,
a short walk through the wood: 33.30 per person per night, full board.
Also available: Bed only, or B&B.
Petra & Manfred Podchull, Heide 1, 41334 Nettetal, Germany.
Tel: 0049 (0) 2153 6492 hinsbeck@jugendherberge.de
Haus Waldesruh: B&B a short walk through the wood:
30,00 to 35.00 per person per night.
Mr. Malek Tulabek, Betriebsleitung, Heide 7, 41334 Nettetal-Hinsbeck, Germany
Tel: 0049 (0) 2153 2771 info@waldesruh-hinsbeck.de
http://www.waldesruh-hinsbeck.de/
Also nearby: Hotel Josten: B&B, 40,00 to 50,00 per person per night
Wankumer Strasse 3, 41334 Nettetal, Germany
Tel: 0049 (0) 2153 91670 info@hotel-josten.de
Fax: 0049 (0) 2153 13188 www.hotel-josten.de
Hotel Krickenbeck: Anthony is trying to make a deal with this nearby hotel on
the lake side for rooms only, with breakfast at Klaashof. Contact Anthony for an update.
For further information: Irene Pfeiffer-Fischer or Norman Anthony Lord, see below.
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Norman Anthony Lord, House of Lords, Johann Finken Str. 35, D-41334 Nettetal, Germany
Tel: home: 0049 (0) 2157 3109, mobile: 0049 (0) 1797 040533 nalord44@googlemail.com
Irene Pfeiffer-Fischer, Vegesacker-Heerstrasse 113, 28757 Bremen 70, Germany
Tel. 0049 (0) 421-627718 Pfeiff-Fisch@gmx.de
Please let Anthony and Irene know once you have booked, where, and for how many.
Thank you.
* * * * *
13 May 2014 KIT Klaashof Gathering latest, from Anthony Lord, Nettetal, Germany:
The KIT venue, Klaashof, is an old converted farm with sheltered Innenhof or inner patio.
It stands on its own on the edge of woodland, overlooking a small lake and distant castle, in
the nature protected area of Nettetal. Anyone wishing to pitch a tent can do so opposite, in
an enclosed garden.
Hotel Josten is well booked by now, and only has single rooms available at the time of writing.
Haus Waldesruh is a short walk through the woods from the Klaashof.
If anyone cant book into one of the hotels previously mentioned, or the youth hostel,
Jugendherberge Nettetal-Hinsbeck, Anthony will find another one nearby, if they give him
a ring: Home: +49 (0) 2157 3109, or mobile: +49 (0) 1797 040533
For Friday evening, 8
th
August, Anthony has planned a Knackwurst & Kartoffelsalat
frankfurter and potato salad (Knackwurst: a type of frankfurter, the skin of which makes a
cracking sound when bitten. The potato salad is OK for vegetarians.)
For Saturday 9
th
August, Anthony will arrange a cycle run if the weather is OK and anyone is
interested. The Nettetal countryside is flat and has very nice rides through forest, fields and along
lakes, with pub stops on the way.
On Saturday 9
th
August therell be a barbecue, for 20.00 Euros per person. This is a must for
everyone, as the price also covers the cost of the venue.
Sunday evening 10
th
August we will have something to eat if required by those still there.
Mrs. Klaas looks after her guests very well and will supply tea, coffee and drinks throughout the
days, as required.
Payment for drinks, meals and hotels to be settled directly with the hosts; no advance payments
required.
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KIT The Keep In Touch Newsletter Volume XXVI No. 2 June 2014
Contact us
Please make a note of
the following address
changes:
Hans Martin
11604 Deerfield Drive,
Yucaipa, CA 92399, USA
Phone 909-797-3075
Email:
hansandelena@yahoo.com
Alan and Carolyn Herring
would like their email
address posted
(their address is already on
the list):
allan.herring@sky.com
Gillian Burleson has a new
phone number:
USA 617-669-8903
Simon Britts phone
number should be:
USA 920-261-9493
New address for
Tim and Eileen Domer
8856 E McClellan Street,
Tucson AZ 85710 USA
New email address for
Maris Vigar:
damarisvigar@gmail.com
Volunteers produce the Keep In Touch Newsletter
Susanna Alves - Editor and Layout. susannaalves@arnet.com.ar
+54-(0)3757-422017 Puerto Iguaz, ARGENTINA.
Send your ideas and articles to any of the volunteers below.
Charles Lamar - Copy Editor. rastus@mindspring.com
+1-415-386-6072 c/o SFCR, 755 Frederick St. 1
st
floor, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA.
Linda Jackson - Email and Circulation Worldwide. lord.linda7@gmail.com
7 Severn Street, Longridge, Lancashire, PR3 3ND, UK.
+44(0)1772-784473 or (mobile) +44(0)7703-133369
Dave Ostrom - Circulation USA and Canada. ddostrom@q.com
1530 Lydon Court, Clarkston, WA 99403, USA.
Ruth Lambach - Editor of Communal Ripples. rlambach@gmail.com
+1-847-859-6268 550 Sheridan Square, Evanston, IL 60202
Margot Purcell - Address Lists. purcellmb@comcast.net
+1-219-324-8068 2095 South Emmas Lane, LaPorte, IN 46350, USA.
Subscriptions Suggested annual contribution is USA $20, UK 10 or Euro 15
The Newsletter is available via:
Email - full colour. (The preferred method) Please confirm email receipt to Linda Jackson.
Printed Paper - monochrome.
Large A3 - monochrome. For the vision impaired.
Donations: Depending on which currency you use, please send your donation:
> North America: US$, Cash or Check payable to Tim Johnson timchowki@comcast.net
+1-404-373-0633 155 Garden Lane, Decatur, GA 30030, USA.
> Europe (Euro Zone Euro only): Bank Transfer or Eurocheque payable to Anthony Lord
Johann-Finken-Str. 35, 41334 Nettetal, GERMANY. nalord44@googlemail.com
+49(0)21 57 3109
Bank transfer: VOBA KREFELD. Ref: KIT !New! Euro only please.
IBAN: DE66 3206 0362 2201 0520 10 BIC: GENODED1HTK.
from other countries: !New! See UK for other currencies.
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Bank transfer: Sort code: 40-47-58 Account: 85757290
First Direct Bank, 40 Wakefield Road, Leeds, LS98 1FD, UK.
from other countries: Currency converted to UK can be deposited in to the account using:
IBAN: GB75MIDL 404758 8575 7290 BIC: MIDLGB2172O (field 57) or
Swift Code: MIDLGB22XXX HSBC International (First Direct) (field 56)
Resources
Yahoo Group: KIT-exBruderhof-CCI A members only archive.
Scribd Web: Open archive - KITexBruderhofCCI
Anyone can view - its free, anonymous & easy.
Address Correction: Please advise Margot Purcell.
see The Universal Copyright Convention Geneva 1952
18