Casper Memories - 2008 International Convention of Germans from Russia

Many of our 2008 convention folks were evacuated from the Parkway Plaza around noon on Wednesday due to a small electrical fire in the "Tower."

2008-08-07T10:13:41Z

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Many of our 2008 convention folks were evacuated from the Parkway Plaza around noon on Wednesday due to a small electrical fire in the "Tower."

Rich Aspenleiter, Dennis Zitterkopf and Gayla Gray coordinate an early meeting of Village Coordinators.

2008-08-10T15:38:14Z

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Rich Aspenleiter, Dennis Zitterkopf and Gayla Gray coordinate an early meeting of Village Coordinators.

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2008-07-31T14:18:53Z

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The bookstores and libraries operated by GRHS and AHSGR were popular places -- there was seldom a lull.

2008-08-06T15:13:45Z

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The bookstores and libraries operated by GRHS and AHSGR were popular places -- there was seldom a lull.

An early meeting of Village Coordinators afforded an opportunity for folks to get acquainted. The lady standing is Lucy Simpson of Cheynne, Wyoming.

2008-08-07T13:25:35Z

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An early meeting of Village Coordinators afforded an opportunity for folks to get acquainted. The lady standing is Lucy Simpson of Cheynne, Wyoming.

Meet convention Co-Chairs, Patti Sellenrick of Sheridan, Wyoming and Al Feist of Hebron, North Dakota.

2008-08-06T15:15:17Z

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Meet convention Co-Chairs, Patti Sellenrick of Sheridan, Wyoming and Al Feist of Hebron, North Dakota.

One of the early "all hands" gatherings in the ballroom at the Parkway Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Casper.

2008-08-06T15:16:21Z

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One of the early "all hands" gatherings in the ballroom at the Parkway Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Casper.

Posting the colors as the Opening Ceremony begins.

2008-08-06T15:17:04Z

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Posting the colors as the Opening Ceremony begins.

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2008-07-31T14:18:53Z

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Wednesday was Western Night, and Kent Neubert of Casper came in off the range to provide some musical entertainment.

2008-08-06T15:19:09Z

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Wednesday was Western Night, and Kent Neubert of Casper came in off the range to provide some musical entertainment.

Dr. Maggie Murdock from the University of Wyoming helped attendees feel at home.

2008-08-06T15:20:57Z

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Dr. Maggie Murdock from the University of Wyoming helped attendees feel at home.

And then came the Crimson Dames!

2008-08-06T15:22:08Z

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And then came the Crimson Dames!

Perhaps no one is held dearer to the hearts of German-Russian genealogists than this gentleman, Arthur Flegel.

2008-08-04T08:45:31Z

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Perhaps no one is held dearer to the hearts of German-Russian genealogists than this gentleman, Arthur Flegel.

Casper City Council V-P Kenyne Schlager extended greetings on behalf of the city.

2008-08-07T10:03:04Z

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Casper City Council V-P Kenyne Schlager extended greetings on behalf of the city.

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2008-07-31T14:18:53Z

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North Dakotan Val Wangler served as something of a "Sergeant-at-Arms" for all meals. His efficiency and good humor were appreciated by all.

2008-08-04T08:47:01Z

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North Dakotan Val Wangler served as something of a "Sergeant-at-Arms" for all meals. His efficiency and good humor were appreciated by all.

Hotel General Manager Patrick Sweeney assured everyone that the hotel was safe following a Wednesday fire that necessitated evacuation of guests.

2008-08-07T10:31:15Z

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Hotel General Manager Patrick Sweeney assured everyone that the hotel was safe following a Wednesday fire that necessitated evacuation of guests.

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2008-07-31T14:18:53Z

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Carol Chapin portrayed historic figure Ettie Hurt, wife of an early Casper mayor.

2008-08-07T10:34:06Z

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Carol Chapin portrayed historic figure Ettie Hurt, wife of an early Casper mayor.

Marvin Nolte and Carol Chapin helped set the mood Wednesday night (7/30) for "Western Night."

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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Marvin Nolte and Carol Chapin helped set the mood Wednesday night (7/30) for "Western Night."

Western musician Kent Neubert of Casper offered up a full-plate of great entertainment during the Welcome Night Western Buffet.

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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Western musician Kent Neubert of Casper offered up a full-plate of great entertainment during the Welcome Night Western Buffet.

Jim Halsey (left) played the harmonica, accompanying vocalist Kent Neubert. Both men are from Casper.

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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Jim Halsey (left) played the harmonica, accompanying vocalist Kent Neubert. Both men are from Casper.

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2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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We presume that's the spouse of this happy gentleman, giving him a consoling embrace after he was subjected to, er, was the recipient of, a big kiss on his forehead from one of the lonely "C ...

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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We presume that's the spouse of this happy gentleman, giving him a consoling embrace after he was subjected to, er, was the recipient of, a big kiss on his forehead from one of the lonely "C ...

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2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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We learned a bit about the rather notorious "Dr. Benson," something of a fixture in the history of Casper. The "Doc" was portrayed by Marvin Nolte.

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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We learned a bit about the rather notorious "Dr. Benson," something of a fixture in the history of Casper. The "Doc" was portrayed by Marvin Nolte.

The Ballroom of the Parkway Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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The Ballroom of the Parkway Plaza Hotel and Convention Center.

Sidekicks Ken Koehler and Alvin Hart swapping trail stories during Western Night in Casper. Thanks to Ken for sharing this photo!

2008-08-08T07:47:36Z

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Sidekicks Ken Koehler and Alvin Hart swapping trail stories during Western Night in Casper. Thanks to Ken for sharing this photo!

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2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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Cowboy attire finalists: Ben Neu, James Griess, and Don Schenk.

2008-08-08T07:45:10Z

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Cowboy attire finalists: Ben Neu, James Griess, and Don Schenk.

I don't know who this member of the Crimson Dames is, but her corn-cob pipe caught my attention!

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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I don't know who this member of the Crimson Dames is, but her corn-cob pipe caught my attention!

Ben Neu from Delhi, California. If his Huck ancestors could see him now!

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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Ben Neu from Delhi, California. If his Huck ancestors could see him now!

James Griess of Malcolm, Nebraska -- the winner!

2008-08-08T07:46:11Z

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James Griess of Malcolm, Nebraska -- the winner!

There's not much we can say about the Crimson Dames, the Red Hat Society Kitchen Band led by Bev Miller. And whatever we might say would be inadequate!

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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There's not much we can say about the Crimson Dames, the Red Hat Society Kitchen Band led by Bev Miller. And whatever we might say would be inadequate!

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2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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These gals not only toted "instruments" and played some semblance of music -- they also rivaled Phyllis Diller as stand-up comediennes.

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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These gals not only toted "instruments" and played some semblance of music -- they also rivaled Phyllis Diller as stand-up comediennes.

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2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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Perhaps one of our Planning Committee members can confirm this. Do I see Cora, a member of our group, amongst the Crimson Dames? Please leave a comment and let me know. She can probably h ...

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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Perhaps one of our Planning Committee members can confirm this. Do I see Cora, a member of our group, amongst the Crimson Dames? Please leave a comment and let me know. She can probably h ...

Patricia Neu of Delhi, California was a runner-up in the Western attire contest!

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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Patricia Neu of Delhi, California was a runner-up in the Western attire contest!

Another runner-up was Alberta LaBere of Denver.

2008-08-08T01:16:48Z

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Another runner-up was Alberta LaBere of Denver.

Polly Newman Griess of Malcolm, Nebraska was the winner! Go Big Red!

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Polly Newman Griess of Malcolm, Nebraska was the winner! Go Big Red!

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2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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I'm pretty sure the folks in Johnston, Iowa would confirm that that ISN'T John Groh's wife!

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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I'm pretty sure the folks in Johnston, Iowa would confirm that that ISN'T John Groh's wife!

Is she in heavenly bliss, or what?

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Is she in heavenly bliss, or what?

Raymond Koch of Billings, Montana prepares to be a victim.....but doesn't seem to mind it too much! He did try to scare her off with a holler.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Raymond Koch of Billings, Montana prepares to be a victim.....but doesn't seem to mind it too much! He did try to scare her off with a holler.

Not sure if she's singing or calling the cattle.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Not sure if she's singing or calling the cattle.

I think this "young lady" is lecturing David Ruff of Spearfish, South Dakota, on the finer points of German-Russian etiquette!

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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I think this "young lady" is lecturing David Ruff of Spearfish, South Dakota, on the finer points of German-Russian etiquette!

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2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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That would be "Trail Boss" Nick Bretz of Arvada, Colorado in the hat. He and his wife, Barbara, were in charge of the Western Theme prizes. Convention co-chairs Patti Sellenrick and Al Fei ...

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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That would be "Trail Boss" Nick Bretz of Arvada, Colorado in the hat. He and his wife, Barbara, were in charge of the Western Theme prizes. Convention co-chairs Patti Sellenrick and Al Fei ...

AHSGR staff member Pam Wurst.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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AHSGR staff member Pam Wurst.

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2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Arthur Flegel of Menlo Park, California.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Arthur Flegel of Menlo Park, California.

Diane White of the AHSGR staff.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Diane White of the AHSGR staff.

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2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Yulia Tsymbal of the AHSGR staff.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Yulia Tsymbal of the AHSGR staff.

AHSGR President Jerry Siebert of Morago, California.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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AHSGR President Jerry Siebert of Morago, California.

Gail Gingrich of the AHSGR staff.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Gail Gingrich of the AHSGR staff.

Valerie Ingram of Spokane, Washington is the President of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Valerie Ingram of Spokane, Washington is the President of the Germans from Russia Heritage Society.

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2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Convention Co-Chair Patti Sellenrick of Sheridan, Wyoming, introduces Governor David Freudenthal, who welcomed convention-goers to Wyoming.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Convention Co-Chair Patti Sellenrick of Sheridan, Wyoming, introduces Governor David Freudenthal, who welcomed convention-goers to Wyoming.

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2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Dave Freudenthal demonstrated his quick wit and humor -- two traits that have served him well as Governor of Wyoming.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Dave Freudenthal demonstrated his quick wit and humor -- two traits that have served him well as Governor of Wyoming.

The Governor couldn't stay long -- but long enough to concede that he doesn't pronounce his name as it's pronounced in German. Even though he's not a G-R, we think he did a fine job and app ...

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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The Governor couldn't stay long -- but long enough to concede that he doesn't pronounce his name as it's pronounced in German. Even though he's not a G-R, we think he did a fine job and app ...

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2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Patti Sellenrick presides over a plenary session.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Patti Sellenrick presides over a plenary session.

Dorothy Feist of Hebron, North Dakota, paying tribute to the late Dale Wahl as recipient of the Lane Alton Nuss Award.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Dorothy Feist of Hebron, North Dakota, paying tribute to the late Dale Wahl as recipient of the Lane Alton Nuss Award.

Tribute to Art Flegel

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Tribute to Art Flegel

Heritage Hall at Parkway Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Casper

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Heritage Hall at Parkway Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Casper

Rosalinda Koberdanz of Fargo, North Dakota; Maria Appelhans of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Tim Kloberdanz of Fargo.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Rosalinda Koberdanz of Fargo, North Dakota; Maria Appelhans of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Tim Kloberdanz of Fargo.

Dr. Timothy Kloberdanz was speaker for the Heritage Night Dinner - "One Huge Heritage, One Huge Family: We Are Not the Strangers We Thought We Were."

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Dr. Timothy Kloberdanz was speaker for the Heritage Night Dinner - "One Huge Heritage, One Huge Family: We Are Not the Strangers We Thought We Were."

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2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Professor Inna Stryukova of Nikolaev, Ukraine, presents her workshop Looking at the Land of Your Ancestors .

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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Professor Inna Stryukova of Nikolaev, Ukraine, presents her workshop Looking at the Land of Your Ancestors .

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2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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AHSGR staff member Yulia Tsymbal and Henry Schmick of Sheridan, Wyoming.

2008-08-08T06:05:07Z

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AHSGR staff member Yulia Tsymbal and Henry Schmick of Sheridan, Wyoming.

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2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Needed a rest? Hadn't seen some of the many videos produced by/for both societies? The Theatre was a great idea and seemed to be very popular. No popcorn (but we did see Kuchen!)

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Needed a rest? Hadn't seen some of the many videos produced by/for both societies? The Theatre was a great idea and seemed to be very popular. No popcorn (but we did see Kuchen!)

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2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Dr. Tim Janzen presented An Introduction to Mennonite Genealogy.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Dr. Tim Janzen presented An Introduction to Mennonite Genealogy.

Kenneth and Barbara Calkins of Golden, Colorado, did research in the GRHS Library at the Casper convention.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Kenneth and Barbara Calkins of Golden, Colorado, did research in the GRHS Library at the Casper convention.

Convention time is always a good opportunity to share stories.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Convention time is always a good opportunity to share stories.

Dr. Nina Vaschkau of Volgograd State University (center) chats with a couple during one of the many workshops in Casper.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Dr. Nina Vaschkau of Volgograd State University (center) chats with a couple during one of the many workshops in Casper.

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2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Curt Renz of Ames, Iowa was one of the presenters in Casper.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Curt Renz of Ames, Iowa was one of the presenters in Casper.

Several of the young people assisted with carrying food and drinks during the buffet luncheons and dinners. They also kept an active interest in convention activities, as demonstrated by th ...

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Several of the young people assisted with carrying food and drinks during the buffet luncheons and dinners. They also kept an active interest in convention activities, as demonstrated by th ...

Vera Hoff of Rapid City, South Dakota, working in the Youth Booth.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Vera Hoff of Rapid City, South Dakota, working in the Youth Booth.

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2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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At work in the GRHS Library.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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At work in the GRHS Library.

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2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Exhibits throughout Heritage Hall provided interesting and valuable information. Thanks to Val Ingram for identifying Bob Ell of Courtenay, British Columbia, visiting with Anne Stang of Calg ...

2009-02-12T02:08:24Z

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Exhibits throughout Heritage Hall provided interesting and valuable information. Thanks to Val Ingram for identifying Bob Ell of Courtenay, British Columbia, visiting with Anne Stang of Calg ...

Ed Babitzke (left) of Tucson, Arizona, and Bill Sefton of Danville, California, were among the many society Life Members who volunteered their time during the 2008 convention.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Ed Babitzke (left) of Tucson, Arizona, and Bill Sefton of Danville, California, were among the many society Life Members who volunteered their time during the 2008 convention.

Nettie Kvaal of Alpine, California and Bill Spitzer of Hot Springs, South Dakota, at work in the AHSGR Library.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Nettie Kvaal of Alpine, California and Bill Spitzer of Hot Springs, South Dakota, at work in the AHSGR Library.

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2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Bob Zent of Shoshoni, Wyoming, and Don Herrmann of Rapid City, South Dakota.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Bob Zent of Shoshoni, Wyoming, and Don Herrmann of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Dr. Nina Vaschkau told about the 1941 deportation of German-Russians from Russia. Yulia Tsymbal (at right) provided translation.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Dr. Nina Vaschkau told about the 1941 deportation of German-Russians from Russia. Yulia Tsymbal (at right) provided translation.

Yulia Tsymbal (right) at work translating for Dr. Vaschkau during the Thursday (7/31) luncheon.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Yulia Tsymbal (right) at work translating for Dr. Vaschkau during the Thursday (7/31) luncheon.

Dr. Nina Vaschkau of Volgograd State University.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Dr. Nina Vaschkau of Volgograd State University.

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2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Don Schenk of Sioux City, Iowa.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Don Schenk of Sioux City, Iowa.

Distant cousins Mayo Flegel (left) and Arthur Flegel join in a handshake. Both were recipients of key awards during the 2008 convention.

2008-08-08T06:05:08Z

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Distant cousins Mayo Flegel (left) and Arthur Flegel join in a handshake. Both were recipients of key awards during the 2008 convention.