Letter From Lizzie Brossman to Alfred L. Shoemaker, November 3, 1956

Authors

Lizzie M. Brossman

Document Type

Correspondence

Files

Date

11-3-1956

Keywords

bacon, Reading, market, turnips, Pennsylvania Dutch dialect, radio program, cookies, mince meat

Description

A handwritten letter from Lizzie M. Brossman addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated November 3, 1956. Within, Brossman details a story her father told her about a vendor at a Reading street market who spoke in Pennsylvania German about his products.

Sender

Lizzie M. Brossman

Recipient

Alfred L. Shoemaker

Corresponds to:

Packet 167-2

City

Robesonia, Pennsylvania

Transcription

Nov. 3 - 1956

Mr. Shoemaker,

Dear sir -

Here is a somewhat similar story I heard you tell today.

My dad related it often and also said it actually happened (I just can’t recall name but he often told us.)

This man attended street market in Reading and was heard to call as he went along to sell his produce the following.

Ich hob, Flitch Flatch (Bacon), hinder shings (Hams) Fedder shings (Shoulders)

Red Ripes (Red beets) Reeva (turnips) und grossa gulke gupps (large turkeys)

When the people would ask him do you have turnips? He would answer, “Ach Nay ower Reeva”.

Upon arriving home he said

Ich het bushels fun turnips far kaffe kenna, ower ken divil hut reeva hower wella.

Hope you can read this as I am one of those very Dutch speaking but not so good at writing it.

Don’t you have anyone going to radio station with you anymore?

I did not get to Folklore Center as yet but expect to in near future, it must be interesting.

I don’t know whether I talked with you since Mr. Brossman passed away.

I had tough sailing already, but leave everything to God, He knows best.

I know we think things should be different sometimes but I am sure God has a plan for everyone if we will only hold fast to our faith in the Lord Jesus.

Hoping for you a large success in your work.

Sincerely, I am

Mrs. Lizzie M. Brossman

R. # 1. Robesonia, Penna.

Pine Tree Farm.

P.S. The old man (Pappy Fisher) is still with me and does not miss your program on radio.

Do you remember when you were at our house you said those mince meat cookies were the first cookies you ever eat made with mince meat.

Language

English and Pennsylvania German

Rights Statement

This item is available courtesy of the Ursinus College Library Special Collections Department. It is not to be copied or distributed for commercial use. For permissions which fall outside of educational use, please contact the Special Collections Department.

Recommended Citation

Brossman, Lizzie M., "Letter From Lizzie Brossman to Alfred L. Shoemaker, November 3, 1956" (1956). Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents. 142.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/shoemaker_documents/142