The Auburn (Pennsylvania) Fersommling was an annual event observed from 1947 – 1956. The purpose of the Fersommling (which loosely translated means “gathering”) was to celebrate the heritage of the Pennsylvania “Dutch”. Each year a different cast iron miniature souvenir was awarded to each family that attended the meeting to commemorate the event. A common misconception is that the Pennsylvania “Dutch” are affiliated to the Dutch people of the Netherlands/Holland. In reality, the Pennsylvania “Dutch” are of German descent. However, the German word for “German” is “Deutsch” (pronounced “Doy-tch”), so when outsiders heard this unfamiliar term they thought the settlers were being referred to as “Dutch” (rather than German).
Each souvenir is marked “Auburn” and the year given out. The items given out each year are as follows:
- 1947- miniature iron
- 1948- miniature iron stand
- 1949- tiny frying pan/skillet
- 1950- anvil
- 1951- candlestick holder
- 1952- coal bucket w/ handle
- 1953- 3 legged kettle w/ handle
- 1954- bootjack
- 1955- tree trivet
- 1956- wheelbarrow
Photo credit given to the Auburn Historical Society since they have a complete set. More detailed pictures of each piece can be viewed on their website https://auburnareahistoricalsociety.weebly.com/fersommling.html