Letter From Emilie J. Diefenderfer to Alfred L. Shoemaker, May 11, 1952

Authors

• Emilie J. Diefenderfer

Document Type

Correspondence

Files

Date

5-11-1952

Keywords

Pennsylvania Dutchman, dialect literature, John Baer Stoudt, riddles, Pennsylvania German, Franklin and Marshall College

Description

A handwritten letter from Emilie J. Diefenderfer addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated May 11, 1952. Diefenderfer writes to inform Shoemaker about a pamphlet titled "Pennsylvania German Riddles and Nursery Rhymes," compiled by John Baer Stoudt while a student at Franklin & Marshall College.

Sender

Emilie J. Diefenderfer

Recipient

Alfred L. Shoemaker

Corresponds to:

Packet 1, Item 1-f

City

Fullerton, Pennsylvania

Transcription

May 11th 1952

Mr. Alfred L. Shoemaker

Lancaster, Pa.

Dear Sir:

My congratulations on the May issue of the "Pa Dutchman." The size is ideal, and although I enjoy every issue, each one seems better than the last.

I was especially interested in the "Check List of Dialect Literature" as I am the proud possessor of several of the items listed and one that is not listed, which I believe falls in this category. It is "Penna German Riddles and Nursery Rhymes" by John Baer Stoudt (Sr) in pamphlet form. It has no cover or title page, consists of eight pages and is signed by him at Lancaster, Pa.

Unfortunately, no date is shown, but I do know it was compiled by him while a student at Franklin & Marshall, at least thirty-five or more years ago. At that time he was a student supply for our beloved pastor Rev. Thos H. Krick, and as our services at that time were held from 7:30 to 8:30 PM he was unable to return to Lancaster after services. As Dad was an elder in our church, he invited Mr. Stoudt to spend the night in our home and leave for the Seminary early next morning, which he did.

We all enjoyed his visit with us and several days later, Dad was especially pleased to receive, by mail, the pamphlet mentioned above, with his autograph on the front page.

I am a novice with the dialect, but am learning fast and enjoy every minute of it! Hope to be as "dutch as my name," before many years have lapsed.

With very best wishes for continued success and long life for the "Penna Dutchman," I am

Sincerely

Just another Dutchman

Emilie J. Diefenderfer

Language

English

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

Diefenderfer, Emilie J., "Letter From Emilie J. Diefenderfer to Alfred L. Shoemaker, May 11, 1952" (1952). Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents. 300.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/shoemaker_documents/300