One branch of my family, the Handrichs, first emigrated from the Rheinpfalz to Cleveland, Ohio in 1840. They’d come with the idea of buying farmland, but remained in Cleveland as barrelmakers and blacksmiths. In 1857, the Handrich’s grandson, Michael Harm, came to Cleveland and made a life for himself there as a carriage maker.
Michael Harm returned to his hometown of Freinsheim several times in the latter half of the 19th century. After he passed away in 1910, his descendants continued to write letters, but did not see each other in person. My grandmother corresponded with Anna and Helena, women she had never met in person.
My father, Clyde Patterson, painted this watercolor of Freinsheim when he first visited in 1949. He went back several times. Now I am preparing for a visit to Freinsheim to see family there. I am going for the Kulinarische Weinwanderung and to research my thesis. I can hardly wait.
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