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"Everybody says they are awestruck," said Lois Hostkoetter when describing reactions of newcomers. "They wonder why we are such a hidden treasure."
In 2009, record attendance topped 12,000 visitors. Always held the third weekend in October, the event is entirely staffed by volunteers. Their mission is to capture a slice of history and preserve it forever in the minds of those who visit.
The event features folkways, skills and music of the 1800s. Families are encouraged to participate in some of the primitive skills, such as sausage stuffing, candle dipping, doll making or rail splitting.
Juried artisans demonstrate a variety of skills, including pewter casting, Windsor chair making, woodworking and rug hooking. Artisans are housed in reconstructed buildings brought to the Marthasville property from Missouri farms.
"Our artisans are top-notch. They are so good because they are interested in the history of what they are demonstrating," said Lois Hostkoetter. "We still have a waiting list of artisans hoping to be involved."
During the 1970s, Bob Hostkoetter added the first restored structure, a log home originally built by the Huber family in Perryville. Now more than 30 buildings dot the rocky hillsides of Luxenhaus Farm.
Structures include the Schwoeppe Barn, Smoke Haus, Eric Sloane covered bridge, sawmill and the Grossmutter Haus. All have been painstakingly restored.
In addition to the German village, the Osage Trail encampment winds through the ridges above the village. A tribute to the Osage Indians of the 1700s, visitors will see a thatch-covered wikiup, longhouse and tepee.
New this year will be an earthen home still under construction. It is fashioned after Native American dwellings found along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers in the 1700s.
Trappers and hunters camp in the shelters along the trail, showing visitors how to start fires, fashion arrow points, tan hides or throw a hatchet.
Lois Hostkoetter said this year's event will take place rain or shine, no matter the temperature.
"We like it when it's cold," she said. "Everything is better when it's chilly. And the crowd likes it a bit cold. They enjoy standing around the warm fires and the aroma of wood smoke."
Dinners are available on the grounds, provided by Boy Scout Troops 444 and 454. The Wright City FFA alumni will serve homemade root beer. Kettle corn, apple butter, funnel cakes and hot drinks also will be available.
Amish candies, breads, jellies, period toys and gift items are other items sold.
The event opens at 9 a.m. each day. Activities will take place until 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 per adult; $13 for seniors ages 62 and over; and $6 for children ages 5-15.
A special ticket offer is available Sunday. With each adult ticket purchased, a child's ticket may be purchased for $1. Additional children are $6 each.
For a complete history and list of activities, visit www.deutschcountrydays.org. For more information call 636-433-5669.
