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Monika Congdon hails from the central-
west German city of Wiesbaden. She says
that, like Ute, she was, “lucky enough to

marry an American,” and is saddened
by how much of Texas’ German heritage
has faded away. “Thousands of Germans

were once living in this area. But you look
around in Austin, and almost all traces
of these immigrants have disappeared.

Barely more than street names remain.”

“After a time,” says Jerry, “many of the
Germans who were here became Texans.
Languages changed, traditions changed.

One group which fled religious persecution were the Wends, who settled in Some traditions didn’t change much but
northern Williamson County. Many of these families are now interred at Zion where those traditions came from got lost.”
Lutheran Cemetery in Walburg.
Indeed, many “American” traditions –
such as Easter bunnies and Christmas

Continued from the previous page and the dirndl dresses, and that was what trees – were brought to this nation by
they thought of all of Germany. It really German immigrants. In this state in
dents who found themselves sharing a got me in a frenzy!” Laughing, Ute adds, particular, famed names like Mueller
common heritage and/or interest getting “Of course, in Germany, everyone knows and Kreuz honor the cooking traditions
together for lunches, discussions and so- that all Texans ride horses and own cows of their German forefathers when serving
cial events. They now gather for monthly and wear boots and big hats.” up large plates of “Texas” BBQ.
luncheons, as well as traditional German

celebrations such the Maifest each spring
and Oktoberfest each autumn.

Club manager Jerry Faulkner recalls that
the group, “started out very small, but

has grown over the years, mostly through
word of mouth.” Jerry says he was still
new to Sun City Texas when he first joined

the group, but that they quickly made him
feel welcome. Jerry assumed his current
leadership role at the request of the club’s

previous manager, Dick Aull, who had led
the club since 2013.

Members give many reasons for joining
the club: some are looking to explore their

genealogical roots, while others relish the
opportunity to converse in German. Sev-
eral members grew up in Germany and

enjoy connecting with fellow ex-pats. No
matter what their interests, all members
share in their enthusiasm for the explora-

tion and preservation of German culture
– an interest well suited for Central Texas.

Club member Ute Wallace laughs as she
reports, “Many Americans know very

little about Germany.” Ute grew up Ger-
many’s capital and largest city, Berlin,
before marrying her husband Dan, an

American. Dan’s military career meant The Pfluger cotton gin was constructed in 1904 by Otto Pfluger, one of Henry
frequent moves, and Ute was surprised to Pfluger’s eight sons. This unique gin also features portions of an ice factory which
discover how her homeland was perceived. Otto Pfluger had afixed to the building in 1913.
“Many Americans, they have an idea of
Germans wearing the little lederhosen

100 | SUNRAYS SEPTEMBER 2016 ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG