Authors Celebrate Launch of Historic New Hamburg Anthology

On December 21, 2023, authors and historians will celebrate the launch of their extensive anthology, The Historic Buildings of New Hamburg and the People Who Lived in Them, at Puddicombe House. The event, commencing at 12:30 p.m., will provide an opportunity for attendees who preordered the book to collect their copies and for the authors to express gratitude to those who supported their decade-long project.

A Journey Through History

This five-volume work, which encompasses more than 1,200 pages, chronicles the architectural and social history of New Hamburg through its heritage buildings. The anthology captures the stories of both existing structures and those that have been replaced over time. The initiative was inspired by the late Ernie Ritz, a respected local newspaper editor known for his deep connection to New Hamburg’s history. His vision was to document the homes and the families that inhabited them.

“I think the very first moment when I realized the last words had been written, I got this sort of vertigo,” said Kristen Hahn, one of the authors. “It’s a mix of excitement and accomplishment; there’s no word for this feeling.” Marie Voisin, the other principal author, shared her emotional connection to the project, stating, “It was a sadness for me because it really linked me with the current people who are in the houses, but also the people from 50 or 100 years ago who built the houses.”

A Tribute to a Local Legend

Ritz passed away just shy of his 99th birthday in March 2024, only months before the culmination of the work he initiated. Voisin reflected on his legacy, noting, “He’d be just thrilled; he’d be beaming, smiling because he once wrote in the 1940s that it would be nice if someone catalogued all the houses and the people who lived in them. And now it’s done.”

The anthology not only serves as a comprehensive record of New Hamburg’s architectural heritage but also provides a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and homeowners. It allows current owners to understand the historical context of their properties and encourages the preservation of original architectural features.

In a time when heritage protections are diminishing, both Voisin and Hahn hope their work will inspire a renewed commitment to safeguarding local history. “We hope this book encourages others to take up the cause of heritage protection themselves,” said Hahn. “Preserving visible local history is crucial for future generations.”

The anthology is priced at $200, with a limited initial run of 150 copies available for preorder. To secure a copy, interested buyers can e-transfer the payment to [email protected], including their name, address, and phone number in the transfer message. Additional copies will be available in the new year.

While this significant project comes to a close, both Voisin and Hahn have already commenced work on a new historical book, initiated by Ritz, which will delve into the early history of New Hamburg and the surrounding township.