Recent Ruminations
When Andrew and I started this site more than four years ago, I wondered if we would have enough information to write an article each week. Little did I realize that as more and more people read about their Hagenbuch histories, more information would be provided by readers, leading to more research, more records up-keep, and more articles. (That’s a lot of “mores.”)
This past year we have been provided with updates from several families. I have not committed myself, as I should, to regularly updating this information in Beechroots, the online genealogical site that Andrew created. So, as the new year of 2019 approaches, that will be a resolution of mine: to take time each week and record names, dates, places, and interesting information in Beechroots.
Mark Hagenbuch wearing Hagenbuch patches on a shirt and hat
As more Hagenbuchs, cousins, and allied families chime in, it leads to more people I want to meet. Let it be known, that the Hagenbuch household in Dillsburg is always open for visits from our relatives—be they close relation or distant.
As many of you know, I have a health issue. This has not slowed me down too much. However, with all the organizations that I help coordinate and the tourist traveling that Linda and I enjoy (we try to go overseas as least once each year), time is limited for traveling to meet relatives. And, top of the priority list for travel are trips with Andrew to discover and explore grave sites, visit our ancestors’ land holdings, and find the other curiosities that we write about.
Hagenbuch patch placed on a stone monument
One of the highlights of my 2018 genealogical journey was the reunion in June. I met some new relatives and reconnected with relatives I had not seen for many years. The reunion was a huge success and although I believe it would be worthwhile to organize every year, my opinion is that we hold it every other year. Let Andrew and me know your thoughts on this.
At the reunion, folks were able to purchase the Hagenbuch patch which represents not only our family crest but also the crest of the town of Hagenbuch in Switzerland. I still have about 40 of these patches to sell. They cost $5 each which includes the postage to mail it to you.
Hagenbuch crest patch on a backpack
The ways to display the unique and colorful Hagenbuch crest are infinite. It can be sewn or ironed on all sorts of items: shirts, caps, coats, and even backpacks! It could also be used as a display outside as it is durable to the weather. I have the patch displayed on several of my shirts and a hat. The patch also makes a wonderful gift for birthdays, Christmas, and anytime you want to remind your relatives of their heritage.
I often get questions from others about the crest’s meaning and origin. It makes me proud to give them a short history of the beech tree and enclosure which represents our family name: Hagenbuch. Few families can boast that they are not only part of a well researched family tree, but also that their emblem is a family tree! Even if your surname is not Hagenbuch, it’s a symbol filled with pride handed down through our family from its earliest Swiss origins.
Hagenbuch patches, like this one, are available for $5
To purchase Hagenbuch crest patches, send a check or money order made out in my name to:
Mark O. Hagenbuch
821 W. Siddonsburg Rd.
Dillsburg, PA 17019.
Once again, the patches are $5 each which includes postage.
So, as the year of 2018 begins to close, a new year of genealogical discoveries lies around the corner. A new round of family articles are yet to be written as Andrew and I continue to beat the bushes for more relatives to add to the thousands we already have recorded.
All of you reading this should send the www.hagenbuch.org link to everyone you know and signup for the email list (in the upper left corner of the site) too. Many people, other than our cousins, enjoy reading about our family. And, who knows? You might find out that people who are your friends are also your relatives!
A well-loved Hagenbuch patch inside a framed, family cross-stitch
