ITEMS OF INTEREST

 

There is no end to the interesting events and items that you encounter on this area of the Black Forest, To cover them is out of the question; however, there are a few which are encountered more frequently or are of special interest to personnel of this wing.

The Hugelsheim Express
The Hugelsheim Express or as the villagers call, it, "S 'Bimmel - Bahnle", which means in plain English, the little dingdong railway, Other names for it arc "Der Entenkopfer" which means "duck-killer" "Hosenkopfer" and "Rehkopfer", Which means rabbit and deer killer respectively..
The route is from Rastatt to Schwarzach via Iffezheim Hugelsheim Soellingen and Stollhofen. After two years under construction its first run was made in 1909 and daily runs, except Sunday, have continued ever since, even during World Wars I & II. During WW II, the French bombed and shelled the "Steaming Flyer" but failed to stop it. Only one fatality has occurred even though it passes the center of the small towns on its route.

Richtfest
"Richtfest" or "Erection Festival" is a must for every construction job in Germany. Large projects even include the cost in the contract. As soon as the last rafter has been fastened in place the workmen put a decorated tree on the roof of the building. The owner now must show his appreciation for the work done by appearing with free beer for everyone on the project. In case he does not do so the tree will be hastily removed and replaced by a broom decorated with old rags, This will advertise to everyone that the owner is cheap.

At every major Richtfest either the carpenter or bricklayer foreman will prepare a history of the construction and aspects of its future and deliver it during the celebration. The whole celebration is similar to the launching of a ship.

The Praying Hands
In Nurnberg a boy named Albrecht Durer with artistic ability longed to study as an artist. His family could give him little but their blessing as he left for the city where he soon had no money left for instructions.
He spent his time visiting art Galleries and on Sundays sketched people in the park. One day an older man asked Albrecht if he took lessons from one of the masters. A friendship developed and the two decided to share accommodations so that each might realize their ambition to become an artist; It was decided that Albrecht would take lessons first while the older man washed windows to earn extra money.
One day Albrecht sold a painting so now both could study but the older man could no longer manipulate the brush. Albrecht, sad that he had reached his goal through the other mans sacrifice, pledged to keep him in comfort as long as he lived. This he did.
One day he saw the old man's gnarled hands pointed upward in prayer and said, "I can not give the old man back his hands but I can give his hands to the world". He drew picture of the hands and people through the centuries have had a reminder that we owe many of our blessings to the people who pray for us.

Christ has no hands but our hands do his work today.
He has no feet but our feet lead men in His way,
He has no tongue but our tongues tell men how he died.
He has no help but our help bring men to his side.

Otigheim Open-Air Theatre
Otigheim, 3 meters north of Rastatt has become famous for its open-air plays introduced by the village priest, Josef Seider, in 1907. The original play performed was Friedrich von Schillers "Wilhelm Tell" and the event has grown in popularity ever since.
The layout is elliptical and there is room for 3500 spectators. All seats are under cover so the plays go on rain or shine every Sunday from 1400 - 1800 hrs during the months of July, August and September. Don't miss it.

Iffezheim Races
One of the few and most famous horse racing tracks in Germany is Iffezheim. The first races took place on 5 September, 1858 and each year there is one week of racing. These races are international with horses from Germany, France, England etc. in attendance.
There is betting in conjunction with the races and many wing personnel attend each year. So try your luck.

Heidelberg Illuminations
Approximately 4 or 5 times each year the Grand Illuminations are held at the Heidelberg Castle. These are well worth while and information on them can be obtained from various places on the base, ie., Messes, Rec Centre and Reiseburo.

 

CONCLUSION

We hope that this book will in some way assist the new arrivals on the Wing to better appreciate the local area. This is truly a wonderful area with many spots of interest and so we urge you to attempt to nderstand the people and to visit some of the places mentioned. Remember, you too can help international relations.

 

 

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