Visitors to Deutsch Country Days usually experience cool, crisp temperatures and colorful fall trees during the annual October event, but warm temperatures this year didn’t stop thousands of visitors from coming to the German living festival held Oct. 15-16.Deutsch Country Days is held at Luxenhaus Farm, just north of Marthasville on Highway O. Founded by Bob and Lois Hostkoetter, the mission is to educate visitors to the folk skills of the area’s German settlers.Ann Kempf, 77, of Bridgeton, felt as if she was seeing her grandfather’s life firsthand as she watched the volunteers perform the various farm chores.“He would be very comfortable being here,” she said. “He would enjoy what these people are doing.”Born in 1875, Kempf’s grandfather left Germany for America, first settling in Indiana, then Ironton, Mo. He constructed and repaired farm equipment for other farmers. Kempf said the German immigrants survived because of their engineering knowledge and ability to adapt.The men and women Kempf were observing are all volunteers who come to the annual event ready to work and teach. These volunteers learn about the skills it took to survive in the new land their ancestors were calling home and pass it on to those who visit.The village is located in the valley of the farm, where visitors can find many log structures salvaged and rebuilt by the Hostkoetters. The steam-powered sawmill was in full swing, the summer kitchen was manned by culinary students from East Central College, and the animal barn was kid friendly.A variety of folk skills were displayed, including German bobbin lace, beekeeping, doll making, hand-thrown pottery, rope making or corn cracking.The Trappers of Starved Rock occupy the ridge on the Osage Trail. Children could learn how to start a fire using flint, try their hand at throwing a hatchet, or check out the various furs on display.Above all, the Hostkoetters and the board of directors of the event want people to see how German ancestors were challenged as they struggled to provide for their families in an unfamiliar country during the mid-1800s.The Deutsch Country Days organization is always looking for volunteers willing to donate their time and knowledge for the annual event. For more information, visit deutschcountrydays.org.

Larry Tyler, a volunteer at Deutsch Country Days, teaches visitors how corn was processed for the kitchen table and for the livestock of German settlers. Tyler's lively presentation makes everyone want to grind their own corn. Cindy Gladden photo.