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Documenting and studying history is important for two reasons: for judgment, as the basis for making decisions, and for identity, as the basis for thinking about who we are. Nations, clans, organizations and peoples draw on past experience to forge stories that define who they are, or wish to be.
On September 8, 1968 at a meeting in Windsor Gardens in Denver, the Germans from Russia living in North America decided they needed a history, a collective memory, to define themselves as a group. To do this they formed the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) in Greeley, Colorado on October 6, 1968. The first meeting was held in Lincoln, Nebraska on November 16, 1969.
On September 8, 1968 at a meeting in Windsor Gardens in Denver, the Germans from Russia living in North America decided they needed a history, a collective memory, to define themselves as a group. To do this they formed the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) in Greeley, Colorado on October 6, 1968. The first meeting was held in Lincoln, Nebraska on November 16, 1969.
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AHSGR was established as an international organization dedicated to the discovery, collection, preservation, and dissemination of information related to the history, cultural heritage and genealogy of Germanic Settlers in the Russian Empire and their descendants. The society established its headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1973.
Local members of the AHSGR International gathered in Portland to organize the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR on Sunday, April 25, 1971. The first meeting was held at the Portland Federal Savings Building located at 8135 SE Division Street. About 75 members and guests attended this meeting. Mr. Peter Koch presided over the meeting and called on everyone in attendance to identify themselves, their parent's names and the villages where their ancestors lived in Russia. At this meeting, the following Oregon Chapter Officers were elected: Mr. Peter Koch, President; Mrs. Leo (Lucille) Butts, Vice-President; Mrs. Albert W. Wardin, Treasurer; Mrs. Peter (Pauline) Schnell, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. Jack (Hanna) Deines, Recording Secretary.
The Oregon Chapter formally became an affiliate of AHSGR International on November 21, 1971, one of the first ten chapters formed in the United States.
The Oregon Chapter formally became an affiliate of AHSGR International on November 21, 1971, one of the first ten chapters formed in the United States.
Announcement of the first meeting of Oregon Chapter of AHSGR held on April 25, 1971
The second meeting of the Oregon Chapter was held on Sunday, October 17, 1971 at the Home Builder's Association located at 3140 NE Broadway in Portland.
With his efforts to successfully start the Oregon Chapter complete, Peter Koch asked Lucille Butts to step into the President's role from her Vice-President's position in the latter part of 1971.
By October 1972, the chapter meetings were held at the Russellville Grange at 12100 NE Prescott Street in Portland.
With his efforts to successfully start the Oregon Chapter complete, Peter Koch asked Lucille Butts to step into the President's role from her Vice-President's position in the latter part of 1971.
By October 1972, the chapter meetings were held at the Russellville Grange at 12100 NE Prescott Street in Portland.
October 1972 meeting of the Oregon Chapter. From left to right: Peter Koch, Lucille Butts (née Bartholoma) and Hanna Deines (née Eichler).
In March 1973, Ruth Amen, one of the founders of AHSGR International visited the Oregon Chapter and spoke to the membership at a meeting held at the Evangelical Congregational Church on NE 55th and Alberta (the successor of the Second German Congregational Church). Mrs. Amen was in Portland to help coordinate the 4th Annual AHSGR International Convention to be held in Portland during that summer.
The convention was held June 19-24 at the Thunderbird Motor Inn on the Columbia River. Lucille Butts served as President of the chapter at this time and Art Kiesz served as the local Convention Chairman. Ruth Amen noted her post convention report that key roles at the convention were played by John Pauli, Peter Schnell, Mary Hing, Jack and Hanna Deines, H.J. Fritzler and Conrad Krening. Mrs. Amen also recognized the exceptional entertainment provided by professional artist Billy Starkel (accordion), Edmund Litzenberger (rope twirling) and Peter Schnell and his all male cast who performed a humorous skit titled Dummheit, Spitzbube und Knabe Kind (roughly a German Russian version of The Three Stooges).
During the convention, Portlander's Walter Krieger and Jack Deines showed a restored copy of the "Norka film" taken by Heinrich Wacker during his visit to Russia in 1928. The film is one of the very few taken in the Volga German colonies and was of great interest to the attendees.
The keynote address of the 1973 convention was given by David J. Miller, President and founder of the AHSGR International.
Oregon Chapter member, Mrs. Albert Wardin, served on the AHSGR International Board of Directors at the time of the convention.
The convention was held June 19-24 at the Thunderbird Motor Inn on the Columbia River. Lucille Butts served as President of the chapter at this time and Art Kiesz served as the local Convention Chairman. Ruth Amen noted her post convention report that key roles at the convention were played by John Pauli, Peter Schnell, Mary Hing, Jack and Hanna Deines, H.J. Fritzler and Conrad Krening. Mrs. Amen also recognized the exceptional entertainment provided by professional artist Billy Starkel (accordion), Edmund Litzenberger (rope twirling) and Peter Schnell and his all male cast who performed a humorous skit titled Dummheit, Spitzbube und Knabe Kind (roughly a German Russian version of The Three Stooges).
During the convention, Portlander's Walter Krieger and Jack Deines showed a restored copy of the "Norka film" taken by Heinrich Wacker during his visit to Russia in 1928. The film is one of the very few taken in the Volga German colonies and was of great interest to the attendees.
The keynote address of the 1973 convention was given by David J. Miller, President and founder of the AHSGR International.
Oregon Chapter member, Mrs. Albert Wardin, served on the AHSGR International Board of Directors at the time of the convention.
Ruth Amen presents to the Oregon Chapter in March 1973. Lucille Butts and Art Kiesz are shown to the right.
Preparing for a chapter dinner in 1973. From left to right: Hanna Deines (née Eichler), Kate Eichler (née Strohman), Rose Seibel (née Heimbigner) and Anna Koch (née Harding)
William "Bill" Burbach served as chapter President in 1973. Bill actively documented his heritage from Norka, Russia and began working on a map that showed where German Russian families lived in the Albina area. Bill also was responsible for planning and participating in many humorous chapter programs.
Mrs. Maria Thaut Diefenbach served as chapter President in 1976 and 1977.
Mrs. Maria Thaut Diefenbach served as chapter President in 1976 and 1977.
Mrs. Maria Thaut Diefenbach, President of the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR, receives a copy of "Shukar Balan: The White Lamb" from the book's author, Mrs. Mela Meisner Lindsay. An autographed copy was given to each chapter at the 1976 International Convention.
Hanna Deines served as chapter President from 1978 to 1981. Chapter programs featuring ethnic food became a favorite activity. To raise funds, the chapter sold homemade noodles and held garage sales. Membership in the chapter increased to 212 by 1979.
In 1978, Hanna was part of a group of 61 members of AHSGR that undertook a tour to South America to attend the Germans-from-Russia centennial celebration in Argentina and to visit groups of our people in Brazil and Paraguay. The group also included Oregon Chapter members Jack Deines, Peter and Anna Koch and Albert and Anna Wardin.
In 1978, Hanna was part of a group of 61 members of AHSGR that undertook a tour to South America to attend the Germans-from-Russia centennial celebration in Argentina and to visit groups of our people in Brazil and Paraguay. The group also included Oregon Chapter members Jack Deines, Peter and Anna Koch and Albert and Anna Wardin.
Artwork from the 1980 Oregon Chapter Christmas program cover
Penny Sittner served as Oregon Chapter President from 1982 through 1983. The Oregon Chapter participated in the German American Tricentennial in 1983 as was recognized by the German Aid Society (now the German American Society). An avid researcher, Penny documented the history of the Sittner family from Huck, Russia as well as information about her paternal family line. Penny was married to Dr. Wilhelm J. Sittner, a prominent member of the German Russian ethnic group in Portland.
Cliff Haberman served as Oregon Chapter President from 1984 to 1985. Cliff's ancestry is traced to the Volga German colony of Balzer and the colony of Rohrbach in South Russia. Cliff worked tirelessly to recruit and maintain members for the chapter, often calling people with German surnames from the telephone book, inquiring about their ancestry and then inviting them to join if they were German-Russians. Due in large measure to Cliff''s work, chapter membership had grown to 293 by 1985.
Many have fond memories of the wonderful programs in the 1980s that featured storytelling and music by Mary Koch, David Schultheiss and Billy Starkel.
Cliff Haberman served as Oregon Chapter President from 1984 to 1985. Cliff's ancestry is traced to the Volga German colony of Balzer and the colony of Rohrbach in South Russia. Cliff worked tirelessly to recruit and maintain members for the chapter, often calling people with German surnames from the telephone book, inquiring about their ancestry and then inviting them to join if they were German-Russians. Due in large measure to Cliff''s work, chapter membership had grown to 293 by 1985.
Many have fond memories of the wonderful programs in the 1980s that featured storytelling and music by Mary Koch, David Schultheiss and Billy Starkel.
Cliff Haberman served as President in 1984 and 1985. Photograph courtesy of Jan Haberman.
Incoming President Lucille Butts accepts the gavel for her second term from outgoing President, Bill Burbach in 1973 as Oregon Chapter Officers and Directors look on.
Harold Beck served as Oregon Chapter President from 1986 through 1987 and interest continued to grow, reaching a total of 455 members in 1987.
Chapter members participated in the Starlight Parade proudly displaying a large yellow canvas banner with the words "American Historical Society of Germans from Russia" printed in green Gothic script.
Chapter members participated in the Starlight Parade proudly displaying a large yellow canvas banner with the words "American Historical Society of Germans from Russia" printed in green Gothic script.
From left to right: Harold Beck, Don Ginter, Harold Klein, Bill Burbach and Cliff Haberman display the Oregon Chapter banner at the 1987 Starlight Parade. Photograph courtesy of Beverly Norton.
In July 1987, the Oregon Chapter became a Life Member of AHSGR International, signifying support for the mission of the organization through a large financial contribution.
The chapter hosted the 18th AHSGR International Convention from July 20-26, 1987 at the Red Lion Inn - Lloyd Center. Oregon State Treasurer Tony Meeker and Mayor "Bud" Clark extended their personal greetings to the 1,338 members who attended the convention. Governor Neil Goldschmidt sent a letter of welcome.
The talented Marie T. Bandey organized a "Fun Night" for the conventioneers and she performed with the Children's Chorus. Portlander's Billy Starkel and the "Volga Warblers" entertained the groups with songs and jokes. Esther Klein of Portland shared her humor on stage and off.
One of the most memorable presentations at the 1987 convention was delivered by Oregon Chapter member David Schultheiss.
Marie Krieger wrote an article entitled "The Portland Community of Russian Germans" which was published in the Fall 1987 edition of the Journal of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia.
The chapter hosted the 18th AHSGR International Convention from July 20-26, 1987 at the Red Lion Inn - Lloyd Center. Oregon State Treasurer Tony Meeker and Mayor "Bud" Clark extended their personal greetings to the 1,338 members who attended the convention. Governor Neil Goldschmidt sent a letter of welcome.
The talented Marie T. Bandey organized a "Fun Night" for the conventioneers and she performed with the Children's Chorus. Portlander's Billy Starkel and the "Volga Warblers" entertained the groups with songs and jokes. Esther Klein of Portland shared her humor on stage and off.
One of the most memorable presentations at the 1987 convention was delivered by Oregon Chapter member David Schultheiss.
Marie Krieger wrote an article entitled "The Portland Community of Russian Germans" which was published in the Fall 1987 edition of the Journal of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia.
From left to right: Oregon Chapter President Harold Beck, Portland Mayor J.E. "Bud" Clark, Oregon State Treasurer, Tony Meeker at the podium, AHSGR President Selma Hieb and Rev. Robert Klein.
Billy Starkel (far right) and the "Volga Warblers" entertain the crowd in 1987
John Heimbuck served as the Oregon Chapter President from 1988 and 1989. John and past President Cliff Haberman continued the growth of the chapter and membership increased to over 460 people at this time. It is believed that John Heimbuck created the "Herzliche Grüsse" (Heartfelt greetings) sign that still welcomes members to each meeting.
1988 Gresham Outlook article featuring Oregon Chapter President John Heimbuck and Past President Cliff Haberman.
Christmas programs have always been a special treat. There was often standing room only for the performances which featured the traditions of music, the Christkind, Pelznickel and goodie sacks for the children.
Miriam V. Wolfe served as the chapter president in 1990 and 1991. By 1990, membership in the Oregon Chapter had grown to 494.
From May 29 to June 1, 1991, the chapter participated in the National Genealogical Conference that was held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland that attracted nearly 3,000 people. The conference chairman for the Oregon Chapter was Connie Domreis. Connie was assisted by Oliver Domreis, Miriam Wolfe, Henry Wolfe, Ruth Williams, John Heimbuck, Martha Heimbuck, Elsie Lackman, Roger Swayze, Anna Lee Walton, Cliff Haberman, Irene Schafer, Lois Klaus, Roy Derring, Carolyn Forbes, Don Berger, Esther Myers, Fred Hahn and Virginia Millar.
The Oregon Chapter banner created by Roy Conrad Derring, a professional artist whose ancestral village is Norka, Russia. Roy volunteered to assist the chapter with the banner and spent many, many hours creating a design that would portray the proud heritage of the Germans from Russia that settled in Oregon. The banner was presented to the Oregon Chapter President, Anna Lee Walton, on January 13, 1991. Anna Lee Walton served until 1993 and membership was reported to be 565 in 1992.
Miriam V. Wolfe served as the chapter president in 1990 and 1991. By 1990, membership in the Oregon Chapter had grown to 494.
From May 29 to June 1, 1991, the chapter participated in the National Genealogical Conference that was held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland that attracted nearly 3,000 people. The conference chairman for the Oregon Chapter was Connie Domreis. Connie was assisted by Oliver Domreis, Miriam Wolfe, Henry Wolfe, Ruth Williams, John Heimbuck, Martha Heimbuck, Elsie Lackman, Roger Swayze, Anna Lee Walton, Cliff Haberman, Irene Schafer, Lois Klaus, Roy Derring, Carolyn Forbes, Don Berger, Esther Myers, Fred Hahn and Virginia Millar.
The Oregon Chapter banner created by Roy Conrad Derring, a professional artist whose ancestral village is Norka, Russia. Roy volunteered to assist the chapter with the banner and spent many, many hours creating a design that would portray the proud heritage of the Germans from Russia that settled in Oregon. The banner was presented to the Oregon Chapter President, Anna Lee Walton, on January 13, 1991. Anna Lee Walton served until 1993 and membership was reported to be 565 in 1992.
Roy Derring presents the banner he created to the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR. Photograph courtesy of Roy Derring.
Oregon Chapter member Lee Kraft served as President of AHSGR International in 1991 and 1992.
Lewis E. Swayze served as the Oregon Chapter President from 1994 through 1995. Lewis was not of German Russian descent, but his wife, Darlene Delores Strecker, provided the family connection.
Lewis E. Swayze served as the Oregon Chapter President from 1994 through 1995. Lewis was not of German Russian descent, but his wife, Darlene Delores Strecker, provided the family connection.
Lewis Swayze presides over an Oregon Chapter meeting. Photograph courtesy of Roger Swayze.
Lela Miller served as Chapter President from 1996 to 1999. Lela was a passionate and caring leader who also represented the chapter on the AHSGR International Board of Directors. Lela and her husband Zane hosted many chapter picnics at their family farm in Felida, Washington. In January 1996, the chapter's home base moved from the Eastminster Presbyterian Church at 12505 NE Halsey Street in Portland to the Rivercrest Community Church at 3201 NE 148th Avenue in Portland. Rivercrest is the successor of the Zion Brethren Church which was founded in 1914.
Roger Haas led the chapter from 2000 to 2001 and focused on bringing the membership quality programs, a well written newsletter and efforts to increase membership. The chapter Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Oregon Secretary of State on May 22, 2000 and the Bylaws were adopted by the Board of Directors of the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR on May 22, 2000.
In 2000, the chapter assisted with the publication of the life story of Bruno Reule titled Bruno - A Young Boy's Survival in War-Torn Russia. Bruno (a long-time chapter member) had related this story to Pastor James Estes of the Rivercrest Community Church and this document was edited by Ed and Barbara Wagner.
Roger established a goal to increase chapter membership from 122 (in 1999) to 500 and reached out to members of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society (GRHS) to become members in both AHSGR and GRHS.
There were many memorable programs in 2000 and 2001 including presentations by Dr. William Wiest, Erna Markwart, Rev. Dr. Donald Miller, J. Otto Pohl, Portland Police Chief - Mark Kroeker, AHSGR President - Dr. Nancy Bernhardt Holland and Alice Kern, a Holocaust survivor. Some of the most well attended and eagerly awaited programs were the wonderful German Russian Christmas pageants organized for nearly twenty years by Joanne Hummel.
Roger Haas led the chapter from 2000 to 2001 and focused on bringing the membership quality programs, a well written newsletter and efforts to increase membership. The chapter Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Oregon Secretary of State on May 22, 2000 and the Bylaws were adopted by the Board of Directors of the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR on May 22, 2000.
In 2000, the chapter assisted with the publication of the life story of Bruno Reule titled Bruno - A Young Boy's Survival in War-Torn Russia. Bruno (a long-time chapter member) had related this story to Pastor James Estes of the Rivercrest Community Church and this document was edited by Ed and Barbara Wagner.
Roger established a goal to increase chapter membership from 122 (in 1999) to 500 and reached out to members of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society (GRHS) to become members in both AHSGR and GRHS.
There were many memorable programs in 2000 and 2001 including presentations by Dr. William Wiest, Erna Markwart, Rev. Dr. Donald Miller, J. Otto Pohl, Portland Police Chief - Mark Kroeker, AHSGR President - Dr. Nancy Bernhardt Holland and Alice Kern, a Holocaust survivor. Some of the most well attended and eagerly awaited programs were the wonderful German Russian Christmas pageants organized for nearly twenty years by Joanne Hummel.
Joanne Hummel served as master of ceremonies for the 2006 Christmas program.
By the end of 2001, there were 226 members of the chapter.
Roger presented the Oregon Chapter Board with a proposed revision of the Bylaws to include the GRHS members as a combined membership with AHSGR and GRHS. This proposed Bylaw Revision not approved by the board. Roger and many of the GRHS members then formed the Germans from Russia of Oregon and Washington (GROW).
Roger presented the Oregon Chapter Board with a proposed revision of the Bylaws to include the GRHS members as a combined membership with AHSGR and GRHS. This proposed Bylaw Revision not approved by the board. Roger and many of the GRHS members then formed the Germans from Russia of Oregon and Washington (GROW).
Roger Haas presiding over a chapter board meeting. Photograph courtesy of Roger Haas.
Over the years a large collection of reference materials and obituaries was assembled and organized by Marie Krieger (née Trupp) and Ruth Williams (née Morasch). Their tireless efforts to preserve our history and help researchers was recognized with the dedication of the Williams-Krieger Library which was housed at the Rivercrest Community Church.
Marie Krieger (née Trupp). Photograph courtesy of Marie Krieger.
From 1998 to 2002, Joanne and Willis Krieger led the work to translate Portland's Volga German church registers to English. Joanne and Willis were assisted by: Marie Krieger, Robert (Bob) Beall, Gene Beall, Phyllis Seitz Barnes, Lois Klaus and Nedra Dickman Brill.
Dr. Raymond Koch, the son of the chapter's first president, Peter Koch, served as President from 2002 through 2007. Ray's "President's Message" was eagerly awaited with the issuance of each newsletter. Ray was gregarious and a natural born storyteller who deeply valued his heritage. His portrayal of the Pelznickel at chapter Christmas programs was a performance not to be missed!
The Oregon Chapter successfully nominated Marie Krieger for recognition at Portland State University's Walk of the Heroines. Marie's contributions to the chapter are countless.
In 2003, Steve Schreiber produced a video documentary on the history of the German Russian settlement in Portland for the annual convention in Yakima, Washington. The video is titled: From the Russian Steppe to the Pacific Northwest: The German from Russia in Portland, Oregon.
Edward Wagner served as President for six years from 2008 to 2013 and also served on the AHSGR International Board representing the Oregon Chapter.
With the founding of the Center for Volga German Studies (CVGS) and the opening of the new Concordia University Library in 2009, the Oregon Chapter moved its primary meeting location to the CVGS. The Oregon Chapter library holdings were donated to Concordia to be included in the CVGS library collection.
The chapter celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding in 2011, carrying on the work and traditions of those who formed the organization in 1971.
In 2012, the Oregon Chapter and the CVGS hosted approximately 600 people for the Annual AHSGR International Convention held at Concordia University. This was the third AHSGR International Convention held in Portland.
Steve Schreiber was elected as President and began serving his two year term in January 2014. Steve's grandparents emigrated from the Volga German colonies of Norka and Brunnental in the early 1900s. During this year the Oregon Chapter became an affiliate member of the Oregon Historical Society and the chapter was awarded Second Place in the AHSGR International Newsletter competition. AHSGR International President, Robert Wagner, presented to the Oregon Chapter in May of 2014. A new Facebook group and website were launched in 2014. Steve was re-elected as President in October 2015 and is currently serving the chapter though 2017.
Dr. Raymond Koch, the son of the chapter's first president, Peter Koch, served as President from 2002 through 2007. Ray's "President's Message" was eagerly awaited with the issuance of each newsletter. Ray was gregarious and a natural born storyteller who deeply valued his heritage. His portrayal of the Pelznickel at chapter Christmas programs was a performance not to be missed!
The Oregon Chapter successfully nominated Marie Krieger for recognition at Portland State University's Walk of the Heroines. Marie's contributions to the chapter are countless.
In 2003, Steve Schreiber produced a video documentary on the history of the German Russian settlement in Portland for the annual convention in Yakima, Washington. The video is titled: From the Russian Steppe to the Pacific Northwest: The German from Russia in Portland, Oregon.
Edward Wagner served as President for six years from 2008 to 2013 and also served on the AHSGR International Board representing the Oregon Chapter.
With the founding of the Center for Volga German Studies (CVGS) and the opening of the new Concordia University Library in 2009, the Oregon Chapter moved its primary meeting location to the CVGS. The Oregon Chapter library holdings were donated to Concordia to be included in the CVGS library collection.
The chapter celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding in 2011, carrying on the work and traditions of those who formed the organization in 1971.
In 2012, the Oregon Chapter and the CVGS hosted approximately 600 people for the Annual AHSGR International Convention held at Concordia University. This was the third AHSGR International Convention held in Portland.
Steve Schreiber was elected as President and began serving his two year term in January 2014. Steve's grandparents emigrated from the Volga German colonies of Norka and Brunnental in the early 1900s. During this year the Oregon Chapter became an affiliate member of the Oregon Historical Society and the chapter was awarded Second Place in the AHSGR International Newsletter competition. AHSGR International President, Robert Wagner, presented to the Oregon Chapter in May of 2014. A new Facebook group and website were launched in 2014. Steve was re-elected as President in October 2015 and is currently serving the chapter though 2017.
Sources
Letter from Amelie Werre, Oregon Chapter Historian, to the Oregon Historical Society, dated October 1, 1971.
Document outlining the founding of the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR dated May 20, 1971. Author unknown.
Work Paper No. 12 of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, August 1973.
Work Paper No. 21 of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Fall 1976.
Journal of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Vol 10. No. 3, Fall 1987
Journal of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Vol 5. No. 3, Fall 1982
Document outlining the founding of the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR dated May 20, 1971. Author unknown.
Work Paper No. 12 of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, August 1973.
Work Paper No. 21 of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Fall 1976.
Journal of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Vol 10. No. 3, Fall 1987
Journal of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Vol 5. No. 3, Fall 1982
Last updated November 20, 2016.