Sisters from the same mister — Saxonburg hosts German visitors
SAXONBURG — Despite being more than 4,000 miles apart, separated not only by distance but also by language and culture, the town of Mühlhausen and the borough of Saxonburg are actually sisters.
And like many sisters who have not seen each other for an extended period of time, Saxonburg embraced the representatives of Mühlhausen with the type of enthusiasm often reserved for a loved one.
“When we walked down Main Street,” said Birte Freichs, a visiting Mühlhausen city official, “a lot of people seem to recognize us, or they knew we were coming. We feel very welcome here.”
Starting on Wednesday, July 19, Saxonburg hosted Mühlhausen Lord Mayor Johannes Bruns, teacher Kay-Uwe Jagemann and Mühlhausen city officials Freichs and Christiane Hesse as part of a collaboration with the German town that officially began in May 2008. The two sister cities look to share cultures and provide opportunities for both areas to learn from each other.
“I’m very impressed with the city of Saxonburg,” Bruns said. “And the main street and the houses, the church and the people, we are really friends. In the 15 years, we have a deep friendship, and we are very proud to have a partner and for our sister city to succeed.”
John Roebling, the founder of Saxonburg, and his brother Carl, emigrated to the United States from Mühlhausen in 1831. A year later, John purchased a 1,583 acre plot of land and founded Saxonburg. Roebling is known for designing and building wire rope suspension bridges, most notably the Brooklyn Bridge.
Even after his death, Roebling is still building bridges.
“So the idea (of becoming sisters cities) is from John A. Roebling because of the bridge,” Bruns said. “There is a very close connection between German and the United States. After the second World War, it was very important for German to get more democracy. I am very thankful for this.”
Mayor Bill Gillespie, who referred to the Mühlhausen visitors as friends, wants to keep the tradition of the sisters going and pass it on to the next generation.
“These friendships are long lasting, and they’re very deep,” Gillespie said. “What we want to do now is start expanding that to younger folks and get younger people involved.”
Mühlhausen’s mayor agrees.
“It’s very necessary to the younger generation, the students, to become close,” Bruns said.
The agenda for the five-day trip is filled with local activities, including a visit to the Saxonburg Museum and a “meet and greet” event during the Mingle on Main Street.
The visitors said they're looking to having some true American cuisine.
“A local beer would be great,” Freichs said. “I have heard that there is Conny Creek beer somewhere around here. I have to try that, and of course, for a real American dinner.”
“And a Budweiser,” Bruns chimed in.
