Shultz, Computer and Fraktur

I feel like I'm so out of touch with everyone lately... sorry if you've stopped in and I haven't responded! My Geek Squad is supposed to have the computer done by tomorrow, so we'll see if I still have my files!! I am starting to look at new ones. I'm getting close to being a Mac convert. I actually learned everything on a Mac way back in the beginning, so it would be like coming home again :)

Today is Charles Shultz's birthday! He was born in 1922. So what would that make him? I'm too tired to do the math!! He was one of my first heros when I was in First Grade. I LOVED the Peanuts (I think you already knew that), and I credit him with my desire for drawing the perfect curved line! Just try to draw Snoopy's nose and you'll know what I mean!

Lastly, you're wondering what Fraktur is? I'm teaching about it tomorrow. This is probably my last real class because I'm handing over the teaching jobs to others in December. Fraktur is a German form of calligraphy that the immigrants brought with them to America. It is a rural art form which has it's main center here in Lancaster, PA. The Amish and Mennonites are the last group to practice it, as printing presses took over the industry. Scriveners would offer their services for birth records, baptism records, marriage certificates, book plates, etc. Teachers and ministers were actually the main artists of fraktur, as they were the most literate of their towns and teachers made very little in the days before public education, so it was a way to supplement their salaries. Fraktur was also a way to preserve the cultural heritage that Pennsylvania Germans brought from their homeland. The writing and motifs reflect the life that they led and is a large piece of American History. Only 5% of fraktur samples are in existence today due to their fragile nature. You can see samples at the Philadelphia Art Museum and the Met in NYC.

Hope your week is off to a great start!
xoxo ~ Bethany