Random Memories From German Study Abroad: Dedicated to Ratch.

28 Aug 2006: Sunday Rachel and I took a walk along the Alps! Saw a running deer, some cows, sheep, a train, lumber yard...

3 Sept 2006: Rachel says I should go up to Vance, grab his collar and say, "Listen Wancey Pancy! If you are going to call me Saint, it had better be Saint Sas!"

13 Sept 2006: We got on a bus full of kids. The bus driver asked us where we were going and said, "All ist Klar!" Told us to board without paying...I think he was in good humor about the two of us going to Dannenfels--that or felt sorry about us riding a bus packed full of school children...

4 Oct 2006: Tried to make Chocolate Chip Cookies today--not such good luck! The cookies were a flop! But we certainly had a good laugh out of it!

22 Oct 2006: I am suddenly on the S-bahn--going around the "ring." No particular reason, just need to collect my thoughts: and allow Rachel time alone to talk with Dan.

24 Oct 2008: Today began with a call from Jess. "Hallo!," she said, "uhhh...Guten Morgen!" heh heh. Oh, Jess! I love her 'german' accent!

22 Nov 2006: Rachel wrapped her arm around mine tonight. It made me happy.

2? Nov 2006: Received word that Joseph and Tynelle are expecting! They said something about it beeing as small as a grain of rice...it made Rach and I think of Rice Crispy Cereal: and snap, crackle, pop. We dubbed it Snaps. We are pretty sure we need to suggest the name....

Where is Dannenfels?

Europe....

Germany....

Rheinland....

Pfalz....

Donnersbergkreis...

Dannenfels....

Dannenfels, Kircheimbolanden, Bayern, Germany

This fantastic view of Dannenfels was found at http://www.earth.google.com/. Dannenfels is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the Rheinland Palatinate. The mountain is called Donnersberg which when directly translated means, "Thunder Mountain." The name of the mountain is perhaps a little deceiving as it is not prone to receive extreme thunderstorms. Although thunderstorms are not frequent, a light rain is usually a constant during the summer months. [Data retrieved from http://www.dannenfels.de/, under 'Klime,' 17 April 2008].

Grandpa Denzer's Signature.

How Did I Manage To Miss Out?

I like discovering such details about Grandpa Robert Denzer. If you get a chance to view the questions asked for grandpa to be certified as a Master Mechanic in Ice Research (found in the image)--you really should. Also, notice the Grade written nicely in red. Do those things actually exist?! Grandpa took this test in 1946. It is amazing to think about the master minds who put together the aircraft for the benefit of a Nation. If you haven't, I would suggest that you ask dad about grandpa's career. It is quite fascinating. I have a great interest in aviation and aeronautic engineering...and I like to attribute that to his passion. Not to draw attention to me, but did you know I had seriously considered engineering until I about passed out in Calculus 119? Some things just aren't meant to be. I should have liked some of his master skills in this area...but I am content with the simple knowledge that we had a hint of sameness in some manner even if it was fascination in flying objects. And narrowing down to the nitty grity bits of oil on metal. It is fun to contemplate these things. I would encourage you to think of ways you can connect to a man who you never met, because I have a feeling that he is finding ways to connect to you. Think about it.

Christian Denzer and Barbara Engelkircher

This is Incredible! I found this picture on a genealogy page for Coschocton County, Ohio. The picture was taken in Salem. It is a copy of a Tin Type. I have not been able to verify if this is indeed them, however, the website was made by the OHGenWeb project. It should be reliable. For further information found, follow this link:http://www.pa-roots.com/~coshocton/FamilyTrees/ChristianDenzer.shtml

Old Barnicks

I Love this Picture! Paul Barnick (29 November 1872-10 Jan 1947) and Mary Thilker (1 Sept 1879-1 April 1961): Parents of Dolores Anna Daisey Barnick Denzer (25 November 1916- 4 February 2008).

Broaden Your View.

Liebe Familie,
In order to do effective German Family History, a basic knowledge of German is required. Experience hands any researcher a basic knowledge of the language. However, one always comes upon words they do not understand and quick access to a good dictionary is key to efficient research. For quick reference, visit this Online English-German Dictionary: http://www.dict.cc/. This is especially helpful when writing letters to a German hometown, church or archive. Also, for further tips, although it is not accurate in grammar and form, the following translation site is sufficient enough that a German reader can understand your request: http://www.freetranslation.com/. Although most Germans can speak and read English as a second language, addressing them in their own language may result in a more ready answer. Deutsch ist Total Hammar! Viel Spaß!

Dannenfels City Website

Check out the website for the City of Dannenfels! It is all in German, but I think you would find it interesting. Ludwig Denzer is the City Mayor. http://www.dannenfels.de/

German Script Tutorial

See this site for a German Script Tutorial! http://script.byu.edu/german/en/overview.aspx

Did you know....?

Translation: Dannenfels

In German family history research, it is necessary to learn how to read and write German Gothic handwriting. Being able to transliterate and transcribe the traditional German handwriting is one of the most difficult elements in German Family History. Last semester, Fall 2007, I took a German Paleography class which provided a splendid foundation with quick learning habits in this area. BYU is the only institution in the United States which teaches a formal German paleography class! Most professional researchers learn this stuff through self-help books, dictionaries, and years of practice. An excellent source, written by my professor, Roger P. Minert, is used in most major Conferences dealing with German Family History. Called "Deciphering German Handwriting," this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning from one of the best experts.

Christian and Barbara, 1826

Civil Marriage Record of Christian Denzer, son of Simon Denzer and Anna Atilia and Barbara Engelskircher, daughter of Valentin Engelskircher and Anna Maria Freÿ. Married 23 February 1826 in Dannenfels, Bayern, Deutschland.

Welcome Christian Denzer, 1832

Here is the Civil Birth Record of Christian Denzer, Son of Christian Denzer and Barbara Engelskircher. Born 18 December 1832 in Dannenfels, Bayern, Deutschland.

Es Ist Dannenfels! Das Heim Meines Vaters...

It was almost too good to be true, but Rachel and I actually were wandering through the small streets of Dannenfels. It has been over a century, yet, there remains to this day a legacy of the Denzer name. Indeed, there is a Denzer Corner of houses still in use. Fortunately, and unexpectedly, we chanced upon meeting Hans and Helga Denzer. With cautious language, smiling eyes, and amazing hearts, these two helped to bind a long gap between generations of separation.
Said Hans, "Ah! Es ist wunderbar! Bitte, Schreiben Sie uns!" We have not heard from them since our day’s journey, however, there is a great deal of hope for future correspondence. Below, you will see some other pictures of Dannenfels, a village where Christian Denzer, Barbara Engelskircher and some of their children walked and played before their seaward journey "nach Amerika."

DANNENFELS

According to Hans Denzer, who gave us a tour of the village, this is the "Denzer Corner." Here, the Denzer name can be found above or to the side of the doors.

Evangelische Kirche Dannenfels.

View of Dannenfels on the side of Donnersberg. I love how it dwells so peacefully in the hillside.

Random Snapshots of the Village:

A Tribute to 91 Years

Dolores Anna Daisy Barnick Denzer passed away 5 Feb 2008 at 10:00 pm. Grandma is finally united again with her dear Bob.

"You met Grandpa at a dance, didn't you?"

"He came and he took me and asked me to dance. And we danced. It was very... nothing personal. And much to my surprise the following Saturday he showed up at home and wanted to take me to the dance. I hadn’t realized that…I thought I was going to the dance with Martin. But I guess Martin and he had had it arranged that he would take me. So, that was that."-12 Feb 2006