This is the headline which appeared in the Era-Banner Sunday, June 29, 2003.
We, (picture below) from the Newmarket German-Canadian Business
and Professional Association were granted an interview as representatives
of the German ethnic group, in celebrating Canada Day.
Under the theme: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY
Left to right: Karl Heissler - Bob Orendorff
The following is the article resulting from our interview,
although much was omited and misread,
it nonetheless captures a fair interpretation of what we were trying to say.
Hats off to Staff Writer Patrick Mangion.
Bob Orendorff has traced his German heritage back more than three centuries.
Accordingly, he considers himself a NorthAmerican of German descent.
His friend and president of the Newmarket German-Canadian Business
and Professional Association, Karl Heissler,on the other hand, was born
and raised in Europe before coming here as a youngster.
Whether it's enjoying authentic Austrian/German cuisine in Aurora, Oktoberfest
in Newmarket or simply a pint of Krombacher beer, the two have certainly been
known to engage in some interesting conversations.
As you might expect, they have disagreed when it comes to German culture and
history. However, they share a common interest in examining their roots so their
children and fellow residents can celebrate a culture that has,at times, been unfairly
known for nothing but wars and anti-Semtism.
"A lot of other things formed German heritage besides 1920 to 1945," said Mr. Orendorff, 61.
"German culture has been associated with the negative," Mr. Heissler added,
"The rest of German history has been ignored. What we've achieved has been
overshadowed by a cloud that hangs over us."
As former president of the association, Mr. Orendorff said German Canadians have
much to offer, including music, engineering and literature.
The local German association has helped bridge the gap by creating an avenue for
German-Canadians who share an interest in promoting their culture.
And much like the popular Oktoberfest, the association is open to anyone hoping for
rich Germanic heritage as every autumn, residents throughout southern Ontario,
Europe and North America, celebrate the Bavarian festival.
Newmarket's Oktoberfest is the biggest such event in York Region.
"It's always full," Mr. Heissler said.
The basement of Mr. Heissler's Vandorf home is a year-round celebration
of German culture.
Immersing themselves in the history and culture has helped fill a void for
both men who have visited Germany.
"Don't get me wrong I'm proud to be Canadian," Mr. Heissler said.
"I don't want our culture to die. I want my grandson to know all about it
and he wont learn it in our school history."
For examples of little known German/Canadian history Click here
or go to Discovery Menu
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