When one hears the words ‘historic’ and ‘spirits’ in one sentence, you may think we’re talking about one of today’s popular ghost hunting television shows. However in this case, we are referring to the history of home-based distilling. When Germans immigrated to America, one aspect of their heritage that was preserved was the tradition of home-based distilling. In Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, the Division of Preservation Assistance and National Heritage Area Program for the Northeast Region of the National Park Service has placed a new plaque recognizing the only one of these unique structures, known as a Weinbauern that is still standing.The National Historic Landmark nomination explains that, “This building exemplifies the role that European traditions played in the settling of the colonies and contributes significantly to the understanding of the early American architectural experience.” “It is a unique physical manifestation of the European wine and spiritsmaking tradition that was transplanted to this country and preserves the characteristics of the Weinbauern culture of the Rhenish Palatinate of Germany.” The plaque was installed on June 23, 2012 as part of the annual Cherry Fair celebration. Park employees from Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site were on hand to celebrate this new designation with the public.
