Contact: Dick Morrison, phone/fax 610-253-8263; e-mail ramco@fast.net
KUTZTOWN FESTIVAL HONORS FOUR PERSONS AT
MEMORIAL DEDICATION, TREE PLANTING
Four long-time participants at the annual folklife festivals in
Kutztown, PA were remembered and honored during the 2002 Kutztown Festival.
Oak and maple trees were planted July 3 on the Festival grounds in memory of the late William Becker, Evelyn Spanninger, Larry Rahn and G. Atlee Crouse. Slate name stones were placed at the base of the trees in their honor. The ceremony recognized their unique talents and their contributions to the Festival over many years.
The memorial service and tree plantings will be an annual event at the Kutztown Festival to honor the memory of those who have had significant roles of participation at the Festival, according to Executive Director Dave Fooks.
William Becker was a major purveyor of traditional foods at the folklife festivals, responsible for many of the most famous food stands, including the popular ox roast. Mr. Becker had been a Festival participant for over 20 years. His wife and family continue his traditions at the Kutztown Festival.
Evelyn Spanninger was a tole painter, presenting traditional PA Dutch decorative patterns on a variety of implements and utensils in the traditional style. Mrs. Spanninger was nationally known for her published pattern books and unique style of painting. She participated in the Festival for 40 years.
Larry Rahn was a brass caster, making custom sand molds and pouring molten brass at 2200 degrees. His work was renowned for its detail, and he was considered a leading expert in a vanishing craft. Mr. Rahn was the last certified foundry instructor in the Pennsylvania School system. He participated in the Festival for over 20 years.
G. Atlee Crouse was America’s last professional horn comb maker – making hair combs from cow horns- a compacted process that had its roots in the Revolutionary era.
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KUTZTOWN
FESTIVAL MEMORIAL DEDICATION - 2
Mr. Crouse had participated in the Festival for over 20 years. He instructed his grandchildren in the craft, and today they continue the tradition at the Kutztown Festival.
The folklife festival at the Kutztown Fairgrounds in 1950 was the first folklife festival held in the United States. The Kutztown Festival’s mission has remained the same over the years: to promote and preserve the region’s Pennsylvania Dutch heritage and culture. Dates for the 2003 Festival are June 28 to July 6.
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