Kindermaskenball Past and Present 150 Years of Heritage

By Rosemarie Leissner Gregory and Myra Lee Adams Goff

Eakin Press 1993

A wonderful work of research and photos revolving around the annual celebration of the Kindermaskenball here in New Braunfels.  From its beginnings all the way up to the early 1990s, the Kindermaskenball was a beloved children’s activity that captivated the town for many decades.  Rosemarie Leissner Gregory and Myra Lee Adams Goff take you through those decades as the Kindermaskenball evolved with the town.

The book gives you a brief history through the different chapters in a chronological format.  Along with the history, dozens and dozens of pictures highlight the different decades.  Most of the costumes were hand-made by the parents of the children.  While you might think that the costumes may be simple and basic, nothing could be further from the truth.  Many of them were quite elaborate.  Some parents even included decorated carriages for the children to ride in.  Started by Hermann Seele in 1856, this proud tradition lives on in these photographs.  The Kindermaskenball still occurs every spring thru the Heritage Society of New Braunfels “Folk Fest” at Heritage Village here in New Braunfels, Tx.

“Very well researched and brimming with good, old-fashioned charm and nostalgia.” -Mark Altenhoff

“A wonderful collection of delightful pictures of the participants of the Kindermaskenballe over the many decades.” -Scott Cowin