Roemer documented Texas’ geology, flora and fauna
By Myra Lee Adams Goff Twenty-eight-year-old Ferdinand von Roemer came to Texas on a quest for information about the geology, flora, and fauna of the state. Almost no information had been written in German to help the emigrants who would make Texas their home and Roemer’s complete account of his
Turnverein promoted gymnastics, other community events
By Myra Lee Adams Goff If you have lived in New Braunfels at least six months, you haveprobably noticed that quite by accident, you have mastered the German language. Well, at least a few words. I’m sure you know these: Haus, Fest, Bier, Gruene, Wurst, Halle, and Verein (Nouns are capitalized). “Verein” means
City clerk also was Landa Park manager in the 1940s
By Myra Lee Adams Goff During World War II when my dad, Marcus Adams, was City Clerk, he was also appointed Landa Park Manager. This was quite a responsibility for one man, but it was war time and municipal funds were scarce and it wasn’t unusual to double up. During
Cannon fire signaled news of Civil War’s conclusion
By Myra Lee Adams Goff On the floor of the Sophienburg Museum is a strange looking hunk of steel that seems out of place because it has no apparent use. But this object wasn’t always useless. As a matter of fact, it had a very prominent place in New Braunfels
Fire truck will lead July 4 parade through New Braunfels
By Myra Lee Adams Goff Sophienburg Board member Tobin Hoffmann invites you to the Sophienburg’s July 4th parade and celebration on the Plaza. A big group of the members of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association will be gathering in New Braunfels and they will be in the parade. Plenty of folks will be showing their patriotism. The short parade will begin on Castell Ave., turn
Family research resources available at Sophienburg archives
By Myra Lee Adams Goff Even as a child I perceived that there must be some connection between one’s personality and one’s genes because when I behaved myself, both parents were quick to claim their genetic contribution. On the other hand, when I did something wrong, both disclaimed their genetic
Poets provide accounts of early New Braunfels life
By Myra Lee Adams Goff The late Dr. Robert Govier was a friend of mine and a real friend to the Sophienburg Archives. A native of New Braunfels, he got his Ph.D. in German and translated many documents for the Sophienburg. I considered him a multi-talented genius. While working on his
There’ll be lots of fun Anhalt in West Comal this weekend
By Myra Lee Adams Goff There’s an old German legend in which a village comes alive only one day every 100 years. The musical “Brigadoon” was loosely based on this same idea. The small settlement of Anhalt reminds me of this legend. Driving up to the gate, this sleepy dance
Arriving Germans found Indian tribes in area they settled
By Myra Lee Adams Goff Prince Carl in the diary of his sojourn to Texas writes about sleeping on the ground, using a pistol case as a pillow. Even before the emigrants arrived, he feared an Indian attack. He recalled a patriotic drinking song called “Deutschland Hoch”. Rewriting his own words
Original Live Oak Baptist Church bell going to museum
By Myra Lee Adams Goff Recently the Sophienburg was the recipient of a very historically valuable gift – the original bell from the Live Oak Baptist Church dating back to around 1900. Sometime before 1900 a preacher named Rev. Lucky McQueen organized a group of 14 NB residents into what