The Germans of Schmiedshau fled far and wide at the end of WWII. Some time in the 1950s, they began to hold reunions in Germany, every four years. The most recent reunion was May, 2004. My mother and I happened to attend.

 

At the reunion, there was much celebration, music, and dance. Men and women wore the traditional festive costumes of their beloved home. I had the chance to visit with a number of attendees, one of whom had compiled a songbook of melodies and lyrics that represented all aspects of village life in Schmiedshau. I bought the book, and thus began the Songs of Schmiedshau project. Below is the cover of the songbook.