From Far Away Russia

German With a Russian Flavor

Russian-Germans in Kansas did not quickly adopt American customs and manners.

As in Russia, they settled in close-knit rural communities and remained somewhat isolated from other residents. They preserved their language and traditions for decades, entering mainstream American life only gradually.

Joseph Jr. and Clementina Hertel pose for their wedding photograph in Ellis County (above, left). Traditional Volga German wedding celebrations continued for days and involved much food, drink, dance, and ceremony.

The clothing of early Volga Germans was a constant source of amusement to newspaper columnists.

Accustomed to severe Russian winters, the Volga Germans wore large coats and head coverings much heavier than the Kansas climate required.

Gottfried Schuvie, a Volga German resident of Hays, Kansas, 1912 (right).

Volga German women in Kansas wore simple, dark dresses and dark shawls occasionally decorated with colorful embroidered flowers. Americanized dress was adopted by generations born in this country.

At left, front: Agnes Schueler Karlin, Marie Beilman Karlin, Anna Staab Karlin. Back: Dorothea Schuetz Karlin, Anna Meier Karlin.