Liewr Gott im Himmel Drin, Loss uns Deitshe Was Mir Sin Und erholt uns alle zeit, unser Deitchie Freelich Keit.

Those familiar with the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect should have no trouble understanding what this phrase states.

Dor anyone who doesn’t, the answer is at the end of this article.

Groundhog Lodge No. 16 celebrated its 45th anniversary at the recent yearly get-together at Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield.

Approximately 186 people attended the gathering, which included members from other lodges.

Membership in Lodge 16 has increased with the addition of 20 new groundhog aficionados.

The assemblage was serenaded by the Sauerkraut Boys, a Pa. Dutch band.

The meal, consisting of sauerkraut, corn, string beans, pork, beef, potato, salad and other items, was well prepared and seconds were had by many.

Jacob Adam led the procession which brought Grundsau Yahdee to the stage and the board members to the head table.

After the meal, Haaptmann David Adam introduced the members from other lodges after which Unner Haaptmann und Schreiwer Robert Schantz read the minutes from last year’s meeting.

Dennis Hartman introduced board members and told a little story about a few of them.

After his introduction, a vote was taken to retain them on the board.

David Adam reiterated Yahdee’s prediction he had given when he was brought across Wehr’s Dam on Groundhog Day.

Adam said that Yahdee hit the nail on the head when he predicted spring was quickly approaching.

As evidence of the fact, he pointed to the recent warm weather in the Lehigh Valley.

A humorous Pennsylvania Dutch skit, titled “Mir Sin Was Mir Essa, (We are what we eat) soon followed.

The mini play concerned a particular Pa. Dutchman with an insatiable appetite and what happened to him from eating too much.

Numerous door prizes were then given out.

Among the winners were Ed Ziegler, Dwight Wanamaker, Eddie Miller, Herbert Bieber, Stewart Baer and Robert Held.

Grundsau Lodsch Nummer 16 Am Yahden had its first meeting in 1972 at the township building near Wehr’s Dam on the Jordan Creek, South Whitehall.

Original members were Francis M.G. Heliman, Paul R. Wieand, Floyd A. Frey, Forrest D. Kistler, Thomas H. Schantz, A. Paul Bastian, Ralph F. Eberle, Jr., Henry C. Shankweiler, Earl B. Miller, Charles J. Rutz, Morris E. Wisser, Carl K. Roth and Richard M. Kriner.

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And now for the translation: Dear Lord God who is in Heaven, Let us Dutchmen the way we are, And preserve (or support) us all the time, Our Dutch pleasures.