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Chicago Ethnic Arts Project collection, 1976-1981

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Series 6: Sound Recordings, 1977 (continued)
Subseries 1: Greek
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20524A Interview with Mrs. Theodora Siakotos and Maria Lecas about embroidery, Palos Hills, Illinois, April 18, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0601
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20524a
1 audiocassette, C-60
Interview about embroidery with Theodora Siakotos and Maria Lecas at the home of Mrs. Siakotos in Palos Hills; topics include a general discussion of reasons for creating the craft, about buying patterns economically from Greece, motifs are free hand patterns; pointing out needlework in house, decorative; how embroidery is done, counting out on paper patterns; reasons for doing needlework; observation made that women work today and have less time for craft; discussion of items in house, George and Martha Washington pattern, the need to import traditional patterns; about Byzantine geometric patterns, recent popularity, transmission of patterns and technique; relationship of needlework to dowry, less important in U.S. than in Greece; about the friends who embroider; Mrs. Siaktotos's observations on why people do needlework, liking pretty things, handmade things; discussion of cooking traditional foods; observations why her daughter doesn't embroider, role of husband; satin pillow cases in traditional woven pattern, displayed in house; discussion of monetary value placed on her needlework, she would not sell her work, if you know how to do it you wouldn't do it; showing table cloths; Maria Lecas summarizing labor involved; discussion of the tradition, few of the younger generation are involved, due to television, etc.; about how men do weaving, women embroider and do more delicate fabric crafts, Maria Lecas says, "If women don't do it, it's going to disappear"; discussion of Peter [Georganas?], a bouzouki player and friend of the Siakotos family; exchange with fieldworker about his plans for field visits; duration of this recording, 22 minutes.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20525A Interview with Mrs. Theodora Siakotos and Maria Lecas about embroidery, coffee cup reading, and folk healing practices, Palos Hills, Illinois, April 19, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0602
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20525a
1 audiocassette, C-60
Interview about embroidery, coffee cup reading, and folk healing practices, with Theodora Siakotos and Maria Lecas at the home of Mrs. Siakotos in Palos Hills; topics include discussion of embroidered Byzantine cross design; about Mrs. Siakotos's design and color preferences, yel1ow and gold; discussion of coffee cup rending by Maria Lecas, cup belonging to fieldworker Peter Bartis, about the attitude towards this, preparing of the cup, turning it over, straining grounds and drying; Mrs. Siakotos tells about an Irish woman who gave a valid tea leaf reading; Maria Lecas observes that young unmarried girls often read cups, how one reads a cup, seeing birds and animals and being more sensitive; Maria reads fieldworker Jonas Dovydenas's cup and then the cup of Mrs Siakotos; observation made that fortune telling is contrary to church doctrine; about the attitude of Mrs. Siakotos's young daughter, who thinks it is dumb; Mrs. Siakotos tells about a man in the market who gave her a cheap gold chain and Maria's response; Mrs. Siakotos tells about another man who complained about a woman was working at the cash register where she always works; discussion of folk medical practices, vendouzes (cupping), letting blood from newborns to prevent pimples when older, beliefs and practices associated with a baby "born with a veil," how in the northern part of Greece women give birth standing up to avoid suffocating the newborn; Maria Lecas discusses reading palms and faces; duration of this recording, 23 minutes.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20526A - 20526B Interview with Angelos G. Kontaxis about the Greek American community, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 20, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0603
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20526a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20526b
2 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Angelos G. Kontaxis recorded at his home at 918 N. Karlov Ave.; Mr. Kontaxis is associated with the Division of Community Services, Department of Human Resources; topics include discussion of his job, community service; comparison of Greek Americans with problems of other communities, no problems with housing, mostly language problems; discussion of differences between Greeks and Greek Americans, same problem as between young and old, although young Greeks follow traditions more closely, Good Friday practices, for example; about a focus on family tradition; Greek culture is maintained by language and the way that Greeks work together; John Georganas as an example of continuity in family tradition, teaching bouzouki and other instruments to his family; advice to Illinois Arts Council, there is a need for promotion and of interest by the state and media, complains that attention is only paid on special occasions, there is a need for steady interest; seeks in depth intimate contact rather than monetary support; on the role of government to promote through all media, need for special museums; discussion of modern Greek attitude toward old culture; about how managers and recording company staff determine repertoire, while performers still prefer old traditions. Part 2 of a 2-part interview with Angelos G. Kontaxis recorded at his home at 918 N. Karlov Ave.; topics include description of the Greek American community, "where the church is, there is the Greek community; description of organizations, political and based on regional origins in Greece and Asia Minor; stress on persistence of tradition, artists become teachers; Mr. Kontaxis urges longer contact of type provided by the folklife ethnic arts project.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20527A - 20527B Interview with Fotis Listas, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 20, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0604
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20527a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20527b
2 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Fotis Litsas at his home, 5700 N. Sheridan Rd., apartment 1103; topics include a wide range of stories; story of a playing card reader and related incident, Sutana, the widow of the town predicts that the sergeant will get a bed, and a bed falls on him; Fotis Litsas gives personal experience account of his attempt to learn as the widow's understudy; stories related to icon, direct communication with icon; discussion of a woman who is of peculiar linguistic situation, a trilingual anomaly; discussion of linguistics; story of an icon in Mycenea, about a woman who threatened not to provide oil for altar candle if the Holy Virgin did not protect her son; story of the finding of the miraculous Icon of the Virgin, about a peasant woman's visions of the Mother of God, Panagia, and the woman's long struggles to dig up hidden Icons, in solid rock, with visions at 3-day intervals, continues in part 2, duration of this part 23 minutes. Part 2 of a 2-part interview with Fotis Litsas at his home, 5700 N. Sheridan Rd., apartment 1103; topics include continuation from part 1 of story about the finding of the miraculous Icon of the Virgin, about a peasant woman's visions of the Mother of God, Panagia, and the woman's long struggles to dig up hidden Icons, in solid rock, with visions at 3-day intervals, comments on the prominence of mathematical factors in folk belief and religion, finally others are enlisted to help dig and Icons are found, face is like one from Asia Minor, may be the Evangelist Luke; discussion of incubation; duration of this part 13 minutes.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20528A - 20528B Discussion at a display of needlework arranged by Mrs. Apostolopoulos at the Yarn and Canvas shop, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 21, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0605
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20528a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20528b
2 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 2-part recording of an interview-conversations at the Yarn and Canvas shop; the people heard include shop manager Mrs. Apostolopoulos, Mrs. Pope Mouflouzelis, Marie Stanis, Chrisy Klinakis, Vicky [Vikki?] Papadopoulos, Mrs. Despo Poulos; the recording was made during a display of needlework arranged by Mrs. Apostolopoulos for the fieldworker's benefit, some exchanges are in Greek; the early part of the recording focuses on an elderly Cretan woman (74 years old); description of "machine" employed in a weaving process, a hand loom; about a silk apron, raising the silkworm, design borrowed from a ladies wedding gown, about the length of time to make this; good luck charms, about the evil eye and its relationship to needlework and the particular centerpiece displayed, stitching in blue beads for good luck; Mrs. Apostolopoulos translating comments of Cretan woman, about her attitude towards her work end the present attention,noting that life in America is very different; Mrs. Apostopoulos's observation on handicrafts: "Everything that you put in your house must be decorated." Part 2 of a 2-part recording of an interview-conversations at the Yarn and Canvas shop; the people heard include shop manager Mrs. Apostolopoulos, Mrs. Pope Mouflouzelis, Marie Stanis, Chrisy Klinakis, Vicky [Vikki?] Papadopoulos, Mrs. Despo Poulos; the recording was made during a display of needlework arranged by Mrs. Apostolopoulos for the fieldworker's benefit, some exchanges are in Greek; in the recording, a woman admires a handmade baby swaddling cloth which is then tied around fieldworker to much laughter; Vicky [Vikki?] Papadopoulos discussing needlepoint, technique, and design, she displays works done at ages 9, 14, 18, 20, and 22; Marie Stanis discusses the length of time to make tablecloth; about cross stitching; discussion with Mrs. Apostolopoulos concerning the blackface minstrel figure stitched on to her girlhood bureau cloth by her mother, noting that Uncle Tom's Cabin was popular novel in Greece at that time; Mrs. Apostolopoulos discusses the traditional arts in Greeece and the U.S.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20529A Interview with Fotis Litsas and Mrs. Demetra Aneste concerning personal experiences, local legends, traditional narratives, beliefs, practices, and memorial services, Chicago, Illinois, April 21, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0606
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20529a
1 audiocassette, C-60
Interview with Fotis Litsas and Mrs. Demetra (Della) Aneste at the Aneste home, 5849 North Bernard St.; discussion covers local legends, traditional narratives, beliefs and practices, including memorial services; discussion of Memorial Day Services at cemetery, special services for children, dress in white, white candy Jordan almonds added to wheat (may be reference to sitari), about photographs on gravestones; discussion of "death photo" of deceased laid out for family; about the burial of priests; stories by Fotis Litsas about chanter, about deacon who misreads, about the old person who requested that the chant be done in the Corinthian way; Mrs. Aneste discusses her father in response to story told by fieldworker, also discusses why Greeks came to the U.S., to make money and earn a dowry for sister or daughter; discussion of dowry, reason and context; Mrs. Aneste offers favorable opinion and reasons concerning "matched marriage"; about training for girls in household crafts in public school; story by Mrs. Aneste of a woman known to her who waited for her matched husband for 17 years only to find he had grown old.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20530 - 20531 Interview and performances by the Georganas family, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 21, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RXA 1004-1005
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20530
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20531
2 audiotape reel, 7 in.
Part 1 of a 2-part session with the Georganas family; John, leader, vocals, bouzouki; Peter, bouzouki, guitar; Anastasia, vocals; George, drum; selections include three songs with interview segments; ensemble performance, Anastasia sings lead; John comments on his musical background, recording experience, folk heritage; his professional musical life began in the U.S. in 1965; Mrs. Georganas discusses family musical heritage, all the children know how to play; story of a ballad about Greek resistance in a Turkish war, circa 1821; song at fast tempo; Peter, the oldest boy, comments on his reasons for playing music; song, with bouzouki, John sings, family vocal harmony on choruses; Peter discussed his preferences in music; John talks about his work as a shoemaker, and about when, where, and how he plays, occupational history; courtship story, about Mrs. Georganas interest in music; a "very old song" played on bouzouki and drum, John sings; explanation of the lyrics, explained, John states his reasons for choosing a song; song, bouzouki, guitar, drum, vocal chorus, family singing; discussion of reasons for producing a record, one of the dreams or John's life (music box in the background plays "Never on Sunday" very slowly); song, one of John's compositions. Part 2 of a 2-part session with the Georganas family; John, leader, vocals, bouzouki; Peter, bouzouki, guitar; Anastasia, vocals; George, drum; selections include six songs and eight interview segments; discussion of John's feelings about traditional music and its value, he doesn't think it will ever die out; song, John's "favorite," song with a more complex melody here, the story behind the song; song, bouzouki lead, guitar in background.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20532A - 20532B Discussion of the Greek American Community by John Lambru, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 22, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0607
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20532a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20532b
2audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 2-part interview with John Lambru at his office for Hellenic Interlude, 755 N. Western Ave; topics include population figures and the number of organizations, focus on the Congress of Greek Amer1can Organizations and the United Hellenic American Congress; why Greek Americans like this country and need for them to organize; discussion of traditional culture; focus on special problems in the community, problems of modern life; what is being done to preserve the arts, dance groups, need for Greek museum, but political life is now taking all the attention; about the attitude towards new arrivals from Greece, Hellenic Interludes is an examples of bilingual radio to help hasten Americanization; how Mr. Lambru does not fear that traditional arts are fading away. Part 2 of a 2-part interview with John Lambru at his office for Hellenic Interlude, 755 N. Western Ave; topics include Mr. Lambru's soliloquy concerning the love of Greeks for America and the need to Americanize; how everyone should study all ethnic cultures in order to understand one another; about fieldwork and advice for the Illinois Arts Council, the need for building to begin a program, do not need money directly but rather time and interest; discussion of the need for government to control facilities for study of Greek American culture; importance of community control and need for government leaders and Greek Americans to avoid power struggle.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20533 Recording of John Hemonas playing bouzouki and guitar, Chicago, Illinois, April 22, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RXA 1006
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20533
1 audiotape reel, 7 in.
Recording of John Hemonas, bouzouki, guitar (both amplified), voice; Mr. Angelos Kontaxis, occasional translator; selections include nine songs with conversation; discussion of John Hemonas's personal history (born in 1942), musical history; three songs, "I have a couple of songs that are special for me"; discussion of the previous song, dates to 1821 in Thessaloniki (Thessolonica) during the Turkish war, good background material; Hemonas discusses his first music teachers (began with harmonica, then mandolin, bouzouki, accordion and guitar), discusses range of repertory, includes Greek, hillbilly, "folk songs" in general; song, bouzouki accompaniment; discussion, about the difference in songs, including tempo; song, bouzouki accompaniment; discussion of musical peers in Chicago, players of old songs, e.g., John Katsikas; Hemonas plays guitar, with vocal, then the story of the previous song, learned from his father, summarizes the story; song learned from his father, explanation of song and the method of instruction; song, bouzouki accompaniment; about the influence of his father on his music; song, bouzouki and voice; song at slow tempo. (some spoken introduction accompanies the playing); song, with elaborate bouzouki introduction, tape runs out.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20534A Interview with Bessie Danos about the baking of memorial wheat cake for the dead (sitari), Chicago, Illinois, April 23, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0608
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20534a
1 audiocassette, C-60
Interview with Bessie Danos about the baking of memorial wheat cake for the dead (sitari), recorded at St. Nicholas Church, 10301 South Kolmar Ave.; most discussion is with Mrs. Bessie Danos, Maria Kerhoulas is present at the beginning, fieldworker Jonas Dovydenas present to make photographs; about the preparation of wheat the previous day, boiling for ten hours; about the tradition of preparation by family of deceased forty days after funeral, raisins and walnuts are symbolic of person's character; steps in preparation: spreading out and drying wheat and discussion of need to boil and wash well because people die if improperly boiled, sifting bread crumbs over wheat to keep next layer of powdered sugar dry; about frequency of preparation, 3-4 times per month; next step, patting and smoothing with paper towel, sifting powdered sugar; discussion of cost of ingredients and preparation, ten dollars for materia, a bakery sells a sitari for 75 dollars, Bessie Danos charges 30 dollars; next step, patting out with paper towel, decorating cake with cross using a cross mold and filling with brown sugar; discussion of attitude, Bessie Danos enjoys the preparation regardless of numbers; decoration of cake with candies, about the size of cake; names of the seven past parish priests for whom the memorial service is being prepared; discussion of Bessie Danos's understanding of the reasons for baking the wheat and being taught the process by her mother when her father died.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20535 Interview and performance of samples of Karaghiozi, Chicago, Illinois, April 23, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RXA 1007
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20535
1 audiotape reel, 7 in.
Recording of George Kefalopoulos performing Greek American Karaghiozo (Karagiozis, Karaghiozis; theater, shadow puppet); selections include two performances with interview; discussion of Kefalopoulos's life history, work as a radio announcer, about the content of his programs, a very old form of Greek theater; about performance style, manner of learning (he is from Sparta); sample of performance style, includes character introductions in English; discussion of places for performance, explanation of characters, construction; history of Karaghiozi, ancient and modern; Kefalopoulos has no apprentices; about satire and irony within the form, literary heritage, authorship; performance of a segment of the play, with occasional translation; discussion continues on the form of theater, context in the culture, Turkish Karaghiozi; a story of the form in Turkey, plot themes involving Turks; performance with voices from battle scenes; about the depiction of Turks and audience attitudes; a friend of Mr. Kefalopoulos joins the session, he had been director of a TV program featuring Karaghiozi; discussion of the problems in video presentation of Karaghiozi; TV producer comments on the art form.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20536 - 20537 Interview and performance on santouri by John Katsikas, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, June 07, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RXA 1008 - 1009
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20536
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20537
2 audiotape reel, 7 in.
Part 1 of a 2-part recording of John Katsikas, playing the santouri and singing. 9 songs with interview; discussion of styles in santouri music, different regions; about the problems in being American-born, personal musical history, family history; offers a humorous, apocryphal explanation of the roots of dance style, influences by region, maintenance of traditional music; about getting young people involved, discussion of Anglo-American folk music; song "Shepard Boy"; discussion of the extent of Katsikas's concert repertory, explanation of the following song, a tune from the Greek islands; "Sailor's Dance"; "Bacchanal Song"; "Samiko Style"; songs, one is said to be typical of Greeks on the Turkish mainland; "Dance of Suli"; about the story and song; story of the previous song, followed by comments on the fading of folk culture in Greece, and the uses of the santouri now; song that demonstrates accompaniment style that would be used with a band; more discussion of folk heritage and the history of the santouri. Part 2 of a 2-part recording of John Katsikas, playing the santouri and singing one song with interview; discussion continued from part 1; sbout the history and development of the santouri; Mr. Katsikas plays a scale; about the origin of his instrument which needs repair; about the need for tuning; discusses the pitch range of the instrument, names of the parts of the bouzouki; discussion of the next song, intended to be in 9/8; discusses dance, manufacture of the instrument; duration of this recording 10 minutes.
Subseries 2: German
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20538A Interview with Hans Bittner, silhouette cutter, Chicago, Illinois, April 20, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0609
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20538a
1 audiocassette, C-60
Mr. Hans Bittner silhouette cutter, artist (Scherenschnitte Kunstler), 3843 N. Sawyer Ave., Chicago, 60618; ; as a commercial artist, Herr. Bittner illustrated for NASA, other government agencies, and several large American companies; born in Breslau, Germany; about tools and paper used in freehand paper cutting; samples of cuttings described, largest, 26x14 inches, smallest, postage-stamp size; mainly rococo scenes, featuring plants and trees; about the topics of silhouettes and history of silhouette cutting; Javanese silhouette puppets; continuation of discussion on examples of cuttings; about the sale prices of silhouettes.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20538B Recording of short TV spot promoting awareness of the Chicago Ethnic Arts Project, April 22, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0609
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20538b
1 audiocassette, C-60
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20539A - AFS 20540_02 Interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz and their daughter Heidi Siewert about German crafts, culture, and history, Chicago, Illinois, parts 1-4, April 21, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0610 - RYA 0611
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20539a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20539b
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20540a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20540_02
4 audiocassettes, C-60
Part 1 of a 4-part interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz and their daughter Heidi Sievert on a range of topics, emphasizing crafts and culture, recorded at the Schwarz home before, during, and after the filming of a short TV spot (Chicago, Channel 2, CBS affiliate) promoting awareness of Chicago Ethnic Arts Project and featuring Sara Schwarz spinning hemp and displaying emproidery work; assisting and modeling: Heidi Siewert; topics include the origin of D.A.N.K. (German American National Congress); the Siebenburger Sachsen dialect; the family's wartime experiences in Romania, evacuation of Rode in the face of communist advances, arrival in Austria in 1944 (Sara and children), sojourn in Worgl, Tyrol refugee camp (1946-51), immigration to Indiana in 1951; explanation of embroidery that describes the seals of the seven groups of Transylvanian Saxons; occupations in Columbia, Indiana; about Martin Schwarz's years of detention in Siberia, his return to the west via East Germany, and his reunification with his family in Austria, 1947; about Martin's survival on garlic and potatoes in Siberia; occupation of Austria. Part 2 of a 4-part interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz and their daughter Heidi Sievert on a range of topics, emphasizing crafts and culture, recorded at the Schwarz home before, during, and after the filming of a short TV spot (Chicago, Channel 2, CBS affiliate) promoting awareness of Chicago Ethnic Arts Project and featuring Sara Schwarz spinning hemp and displaying emproidery work; assisting and modeling: Heidi Siewert; topics include introduction of photographer, Carl Fleischhauer; about musical traditions and history of the Transylvanian Saxons; a wine drinking song indicating historical traditions and roots in Germany and Luxembourg; about the traditional dress of women in Rode, Transylvania: the Kittel; about net materials for costume decoration; weaving done in the home; in Austria Sara learned and made Austrian costumes after her husband returned from Russia (1948-51); Sara learned embroidery work in a crafts school, crocheting from her mother; everyone in the Schwarz family learned to crochet; the "counting" method used in embroidery; about photographs of Transylvanian costumes taken in Austria (copied at call number AFC 1981/004: b41252, frames 28, 29, 37) and in the Chicago German Day Parade; the story of the discovery of a postcard from Rode in an Austrian Alpine village (copied at call number AFC 1981/004: b41252, frames 30, 31); on the topography in Transylvania and around Rode; on the religion of the Transylvanians; photograph of the village church interior (copied at call number AFC 1981/004: b41252, frames 22-26); about Columbia City, Indiana and the family's move to Chicago in 1966; story of this move to their first home, 1127 W. Oakdale, near Lincoln and Diversey Ave. Part 3 of a 4-part interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz and their daughter Heidi Sievert on a range of topics, emphasizing crafts and culture, recorded at the Schwarz home; ; topics include demonstration of spinning staff for TV filming (see call number AFC 1981/004: b41244, frames 7A-14A); discussion of spinning room activities in Rode; preserving fruit by drying alongside baking ovens, including apples, peaches, pears, plums, and grapes; on baking bread.; on drying grapes by hanging them from the rafters; on the frequency of baking rye bread, 10-12 loaves every two weeks; demonstration of spinning staff and spindle, time of year when spinning was done in Transylvanian households, conversational topics during spinning session, what men do while women weave; discussion of trips back to visit Romania; how a young girl learns spinning, older women used spinning wheels; on materials used in spinning. Part 4 of a 4-part interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz and their daughter Heidi Sievert on a range of topics, emphasizing crafts and culture, recorded at the Schwarz home.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20541A - AFS 20542A Interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz about their personal histories and life in their home village of Rode, Transylvania, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-3, April 23, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0612 - RYA 0613
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20541a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20541b
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20542a
3 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 3-part interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz on a range of topics, emphasizing their personal histories and life in their home village of Rode, Transylvania, recorded at the Schwarz home; topics include discussion of photos of the costume demonstration by Sara at the 1976 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C.; on Mr. Schwarz's cooking skills; description of photographs from a book on Transylvanian Germans; on the functions of a church fortification in a typical Transylvanian town; description of the D.A.N.K. (German American National Congress) women's sewing clubs; membership in D.A.N.K. and their activities; about the Trachtenfest (costume festival) in January; on the Siebenburger Sachsen Club's Stiftungsfest (Founding Day Festival); durrent immigration of Transylvanians; about the sponsorship of a relative to emigrate from Romania and the problems related to it; description of a recent family disaster in Transylvania; immigration of relatives from Romania to Germany, the family of Sara's brother, Sara comes from a family of musicians; on the family of Martin Schwarz; the resettlement of Transylvanians in Germany, further discussion of photo book on Transylvania. deescription of a typical Transylvanian farm, about the buildings and their functions. Part 2 of a 3-part interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz on a range of topics, emphasizing their personal histories and life in their home village of Rode, Transylvania, recorded at the Schwarz home; topics include photos taken of Rode while on a return visit (copied at call number AFC 1981/004: b41252, frames 16-25); description of traditional Transylvanian village layout and farm-house design, design and defense function of village church; discussion of pictures from a book published in Berlin in the 1930s describing architecture, costumes, and folk crafts in Transylvania; description of a picture (copied at call number AFC 1981/004: b41244, frames 22-26); why Transylvanian Saxons are called Saxons (when their origins were not Saxony); about songs from the home village (a copy of the tape recording of these songs is at call number AFC 1981/004: AFS 20561, AFS 20561, AFS 20562, AFS 20563, AFS 20564, AFS 20565, and AFS 20566); on the manner of making sauerkraut according to a traditional Transylvanian method (continues in part 3). Part 3 of a 3-part interview with Martin and Sara Schwarz on a range of topics, emphasizing their personal histories and life in their home village of Rode, Transylvania, recorded at the Schwarz home; topics include explanation of the making of sauerkraut (continued from part 2); about making pickled beets according to a traditional recipe; Sara's explanation on the creation of designs for embroidery, origins of patterns used, difference between knitting and crocheting; crafts and doll-making in Transylvania; about Sara's sewing work in her early days in Chicago, Sara's needle-point sewing learned in America.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20542B Interview with Leonard Enders, national founder of D.A.N.K. (German American National Congress), Chicago, Illinois, April 25, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0613
Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20542b
1 audiocassette, C-60
A brief interview with Leonard Enders, the national founder of D.A.N.K. (German American National Congress), recorded at D.A.N.K. Nord (North) headquarters during a youth presentation.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20543 - AFS 20545 Recording of performances at the Chicago Zither Club 1977 Spring Concert, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-3, April 24, 1977; April 26, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RXA 1010-1012
Links
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20543
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20544
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20545
3 audiotape reel, 7 in.
Part 1 of a 3-part recording of performances at the Chicago Zither Club Spring Concert; Rudy Fuhr is the master of ceremonies; the Chicago Zither Club Orchestra performs three selections, Die Singende Zither Marsch (The Singing Zither March, comp. George Freundorfer), Am Schonen Blaunen Tegernsee - Konzert-Lander (On the Beautiful Tegernsee, comp. Heinrich Stattler), and Standchen Serenade (comp. Heinrich Frh. v. Reigersberg); remarks and introductions by Rudy Fuhr and others, and names some performers for the dance to follow the concert: Rudy Wacek and his electric zither (heard in part 3), Richard Ecker's Orchestra, and the Donauschwaben Folk Dancers; also mentioned is the [Apollon] Mandolin Ensemble under the direction of Father [Dellapenta?] of DePaul University, and Heidi Siewert, guest vocalist (heard in part 2); performance by the Neapolitan Mandolins, "Always with You" (comp. G. Sartori), "Tesoro Mia" (comp. E. Becucci), and "La Golondrina" (comp. Narciso Serradell Sevilla). Part 2 of a 3-part recording of performances at the Chicago Zither Club Spring Concert; the Neapolitan Mandolins perform "Ukrainian Romance" (comp. Heinrich Schneider); Heidi Siewert, yodeler (accompanied by the Chicago Zither Club Orchestra), "Zwei Rehbraune Augen" and "Erzherzog-Johann Jodler" (identified as traditional) and "Himmelblauer Enzian" (comp. Mayer-Hertha); Chicago Zither Club Orchestra, "Spring Beautiful Spring" (comp. Paul Lincke), "Springtime Polka" (traditional). Part 3 of a 3-part recording of performances at the Chicago Zither Club Spring Concert; the first selection may be the Chicago Zither Club Orchestra playing Alpine melodies, with a nearly inaudible chorus; Rudy Wacek and his Electric Zither performs three unnamed tunes and the Beer Barrel Polka; duration of this recording, 10:30 minutes.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20546A - 20546B Interview with Heidi Siewert, folk singer and yodeler, Chicago, Illinois, part 1 - 2, April 26, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0614
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      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20546a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20546b
2 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Heidi Siewert, folk singer and yodeler; Ms. Siewert is the daughter of Martin and Sara Schwarz, the mother of three children and lives with them and her German born husband at 2N 477 Diane, Glen Ellyn, Illinois; this tape was recorded over the telephone on 26 April 1977; topics include Siewert's background and life history; origins of yodel and her singing experience; yodeling ability first exploited in this country; about job experiences; description of yodeling and how it affects the vocal chords; where and when Heidi sings, her performances are appreciated more by American audiences than ethnic groups; about her repertoire of yodel songs; difference between Alpine yodel and hillbilly yodeling; difference in the experience of singing classical music and folk tunes; the types of ethnic events for which Heidi sings; proliferation of Oktoberfests in Chicago area, from August into November; on the future of ethnic community and choruses: large clubs will survive as music organizations, rather than as ethnic organizations; social organizations will be continued through children; singing clubs are traditional among Germans everywhere; the ethnic interests of Heidi's children, effects of the use of dialects on Heidi's children. Part 2 of a 2-part interview with Heidi Siewert, folk singer and yodeler; Ms. Siewert is the daughter of Martin and Sara Schwarz, the mother of three children and lives with them and her German born husband at 2N 477 Diane, Glen Ellyn, Illinois; this tape was recorded over the telephone on 26 April 1977; topics include the possible conflict between mainland Germans who came before the WWII and the more recent exile German immigrants; the problem of immigration for exile Germans (Displaced Persons); about the family's postwar sojourn in Austria, Indiana, and Chicago; about German regionalism: regional allegiance and pride, and the reason for it, regional pride causes divisiveness, Germans and Austrians function as one ethnic group in this country; about the interaction between Austrians and some German groups, difference between Alpine and Viennese attitudes and interests; about the Friends of Austria organization; about the most active German groups in Chicago; the Donauschwaben; government involvement in the German ethnic community, news coverage of the German-American community; the German-American self-image, positive and negative features; American personality is more open and warmer; Heidi considers herself to be Transylvanian rather than German, has to do with urban vs. rural attitudes and German vs. Austrian attitudes.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20547A - AFS 20548B Interview with Isabella Erbe, weekly advice columnist for Eintracht, a German American newspaper, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-4, April 26, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0615 - RYA 0616
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      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20547a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20547b
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20548a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20548b
4 audiocassette, C-60
Part 1 of a 4-part interview with Frau Isabella Erbe, a columnist for the weekly German American newspaper called Eintracht; Frau Erbe writes a "Dear Abby" column and reports on German American club events; the interview was recorded at the office of her son's decorating business where she takes telephone messages; topics include a brief history of her life and the Egerland, her birthplace, her immigration and journalistic activities, the origins of the Eintracht newspaper, originally an Austrian-Hungarian-American newspaper; discussion of organizations listed regularly on the back page of Eintracht, of the 180 German-American clubs in Chicago only about 80 are regularly active; about D.A.N.K. (Gernan American National Congress), a political organization in the interest of the German-American communities in the U.S., it has an uncertain future, good leadership is lacking, German American people lack political clout primarily because of the two world wars, also German groups in the U.S. are fragmented; about the exiled German groups from eastern Europe, the exile Germans of eastern Europe are both Austrian and German; about "Schlaraffia Chicagoana." (part of a worldwide German-speaking men's social organization). Part 2 of a 4-part interview with Frau Isabella Erbe, a columnist for the weekly German American newspaper called Eintracht; Frau Erbe writes a "Dear Abby" column and reports on German American club events; the interview was recorded at the office of her son's decorating business where she takes telephone messages; topics include annual "German Day" and the Cannstatter Volksfest of the Schwaben Verein; about the Steuben Verein, a national German-American cultural organization most representative of all German-Americans, the best U.S. organization for the preservation of German culture, annual Trachtenfest (costume festival), Frau Erbe recommends government assistance for folk dancing and regional costume preservation; about Jewish-German-American organizations and theater, Ludwig Lohmiller's role in theater and music among Chicago German-Americans; the Landsmannschaft organizations: foster ethnic dance, mother tongue, costumes and customs; speaking the German langauge is very important to German Landsmannschaften; the Donauschwaben Club originally founded to assist all those German immigrants from eastern Europe; recording includes segment of a telephone conversation (in German) with the editor of Eintracht; resumption of interview: Frau Erbe explains her work for the newspaper; the Sud-ost Deutsche Organization is an umbrella organization for seven regional groups (the exile Germans); the Vereinigte Mannerchor is an umbrella organization for German male singing clubs; about the future of German singing clubs, Erbe believes the clubs can't afford to professionalize. Part 3 of a 4-part interview with Frau Isabella Erbe, a columnist for the weekly German American newspaper called Eintracht; Frau Erbe writes a "Dear Abby" column and reports on German American club events; the interview was recorded at the office of her son's decorating business where she takes telephone messages; a segment of the interview pertaining to the relationship between ethnic cultural groups and U.S. politics is transcribed in the additional related objects cited in this record; topics include the directors of German singing clubs; the presentation to the American Folklife Center of a bound copy of the 1938 national Sangerfest programs, a gift from Ludwig Lohmiller; about the Lohmiller archive on German-American singing club activities; about dance clubs and the German Veterans Associations in Chicago; on the future of German clubs in Chicago, the influence of Haley's "Roots" on German-American ethnicity, and the future of America; on the lack of togetherness and political impotence of the German Americans of Chicago; the vitality of ethnic groups depends upon how recently they immigrated; on raising second generation German Americans in the German language, criticism of government attempts to bilingualize for the sake of Spanish-Americans; about German regionalism transported to America; the best way for German ethnics to become politically involved is to do it through the American political party system, not through ethnic organizations, ethnic clubs should focus on culture; recording interrupted by telephone call; about the relationship between German and Austrian immigrants. Part 4 of a 4-part interview with Frau Isabella Erbe, a columnist for the weekly German American newspaper called Eintracht; Frau Erbe writes a "Dear Abby" column and reports on German American club events; the interview was recorded at the office of her son's decorating business where she takes telephone messages; a fragment of the interview is transcribed in the additional related object cited in this record; topics include the differences between Germans, Austrians, and German-speaking Swiss Americans; about a senior citizen group founded by Frau Erbe; ethnicity is linked with romantic notions of Europe and the past; German Americans are supportive of other Germanic groups like Dutch-Americans; about the image of German Americans held by other American, attitudes towards German Americans during and after World War II; for the folklife project, recommendations for representative German retail businesses in the Chicago area.
Tape ID: AFC 1981/004: AFS 20549A - 20549B Interview with Eduard Adler, Austrian Consul General, Chicago, Illinois, part 1-2, April 26, 1977
MBRS shelflist: RYA 0617
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      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20549a
      Digital content available: afc1981004_afs20549b
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