Many immigrants face the same dilemma when they arrive and settle in a new country: How much should they adapt to the new country, and how much should they preserve of the old one? The immigrants highlighted in this book were no different. What practices traveled with them from Europe? And which ones stayed home? For many Germans, the local German clubs and church congregations provided that necessary bridge between new and old. German language schools helped pass the old down to the next generation. And food, well, it acted as the tie that bound all generations in the family.

This chapter looks at various areas where culture was preserved, including holidays, food, religion, language, and the social clubs. You’ll either take a trip back in time or learn more about the diversity inherent in German culture (hint: it’s not just Oktoberfest and beer).