AUGUST 2006 NEWSLETTER

To our Guests & Friends,

Summer is passing quickly. In spite of the record-high heat the entire region has experienced, we've had no shortage of guests staying at Hermann Hill. Summer is a great time to visit Hermann. There is plenty to see and do, or you can just come and relax.

You don't have to worry about staying cool. The historic underground wine cellars at the wineries are naturally cooled, and most of the public buildings, including the Hermann Museum at the German School, shops and restaurants, are air-conditioned. Or, you can turn on the A/C in your car while driving through the countryside on one of our Day Trips. There's usually a cool breeze on the private decks at the Inn and the cottages at the Village, where you can sit outdoors and enjoy breakfast or a glass of wine.

So come and enjoy summer in Hermann.

(You will notice an asterisk (*) throughout the newsletter. This indicates a reference to Hermann Hill's Three-Mile Walk. Information about the walk is on our web site.)

Hermann Hill Village update-Back in the business of innkeeping

All cottages at Hermann Hill Village have complete kitchens for our guests' convenience.

July was a time of transition as the last construction crews completed their work and guests started booking Cottages 3, 4, and 5. Opening five cottages with accommodations for 12 couples is a huge undertaking, and our Hermann Hill staff worked many extra hours to have the cottages ready for our guests. It's great to be out of the general contracting role and back to being innkeepers!

Guests' expectations about staying at the Inn versus the Village differ. We asked our guests for their comments about their stay at Hermann Hill Village. Couples who specifically chose to stay at a Hermann Hill Village cottage seemed to prefer the self check-in, having breakfast at their leisure, and the less formal environment the cottages offer with outdoor grills, and a full kitchen, for cooking their own meals, and hot tubs on their private deck.

Those who selected the Inn prefer the personal attention at check-in, particularly the detailed explanation of their room's amenities, and getting to meet other travelers. Several guests who stayed at the Village because the Inn was full said they missed the personal attention they typically receive at the Inn.

We added another page to our website with more details about both locations to further define the differences between the Village Cottages and rooms at the Inn. That way guests have a better idea of what to expect when they arrive at either Hermann Hill property.

Guest comments are also very important to us and we encourage everyone who stays with us to let us know what we can do to make their next stay as enjoyable as possible. Many of the ideas incorporated into the Village cottages came as a result of guest suggestions. Thanks again for your help and encouragement.

To view more photos of the Village, and for reservation information, click on the Hermann Hill Village page.

Missouri's Little Switzerland -
then and now

Five families from Switzerland settled 12 miles south of Hermann and named their town Swiss. Called Sweitzers by the locals, it is said that this small group of farmers and businessmen founded their community because the Hermann Germans wanted nothing to do with them.

It appears that the Swiss established their community at least by the early 1850s because an inscription in the concrete floor in the old Swiss Store reads 1853. It was the first building constructed there, and it is still standing.

St. John's Evangelical Church was founded in Swiss in 1867 with about a dozen families as members. The original church was a log building that was destroyed by fire in 1888. A new church was built the same year at its present site next door to the Swiss Store and continues to serve the community.

Adding to the bustling, little community, a blacksmith shop operated from a location across the road from the Swiss Store. The building no longer exists.

Bill Sloan, whose family owns the Swiss Meat & Sausage Co., moved his family to Swiss in 1965. He and his wife, the late Margie Rauter, purchased the former Swiss Store from her parents, who operated it from 1960-1965. Bill figures the original building measured approximately 18 feet by 30 feet and was two stories tall.

The building in the background is the
old Swiss Store. The two-story section
is the original building constructed
circa 1853.
 

Since the time it opened, the Swiss Store was the main meeting place in the area because it served as a one-stop shop consisting of a general store, post office, and later, the central telephone office. When Ervin Rauter (Bill's father-in-law) owned the store, he was the switchboard operator. All calls to the area went through the switchboard at the Swiss Store until the mid-1960s.

The tradition of the Swiss Store as a gathering place continued while the Sloans owned it, and that is how Bill learned most of the history of the town. Since 1965, the Sloan family has made several additions to the building and opened the Swiss Meat & Sausage Co. there. Currently, Swiss Meats operates from an updated facility adjacent to the old Swiss Store. The Sloans are giving some thought to restoring the historic Swiss Store building, but nothing is definite at this time.

News from the Swiss Meat & Sausage Co.

The Swiss Meat & Sausage Co. has once again met with fame. This time, it is in the form of Jamie and Bobby Deen, who will feature Swiss Meats on their television program. The infamous brothers, and sons of host Paula Deen of "Paula's Home Cooking", are currently hosting their own program. "Road Tasted" airs Tuesdays on the Food Network Channel, and Swiss Meats will be featured during the August 8 broadcast.

Traveling the country in search of the best local, hand-crafted foods prepared by small family-owned businesses, Bobby and Jamie educate viewers on how to find unique, great tasting products. Swiss Meats was honored to host the Deen brothers on a recent "taste" trip en route from New York to California.

The "Road Tasted" film crew pulled into Swiss on Maifest Saturday, May 20, where Jamie and Bobby met with Bill Sloan and his son, Mike. Mike gave the brothers the hands-on experience of making one of the more than 40 varieties of sausages produced at Swiss Meats. Apparently Mike, the wurstmeister, didn't divulge the secret recipe of the seasonings that were included, but nonetheless Jamie and Bobby managed to mix up one of the best batches of Mushroom and Swiss Brats they claim they had ever tasted.

The fun-loving brothers, armed with wit, ingenuity, and a passion for food, offer a fresh look at specialty and family-run businesses that make fantastic edibles. They even tell you how to get these foods delivered right to your door.

The August 8 episode "Meet Me in St. Louis" also will include Volpi's Meat Shop on The Hill in St. Louis and The Blue Owl in Kimmswick.

Accolades also go to the folks at Swiss Meats for earning four top honors at the American Association of Meat Processors national convention held in San Diego in mid-July. Of the five items they entered in the national competition, four took first prize. Swiss Meats once again made their community, and state, proud. Congratulations.

A visit to Swiss Meats is worth the short drive from Hermann. It is included on our tour called Day tripping south of Hermann

Serving up good food at the Silver Dollar

Directly across the road from the Swiss Meat and Sausage Co. is a country eatery that is worth a visit.

Built in the early 1970s by Jim Sloan, brother of Bill of Swiss Meats, the Silver Dollar was built as a tavern for the locals. A limited menu was offered, and a liquor store operated from an area adjacent to the tavern that now serves as Silver Dollar's kitchen. The Silver Dollar was a place to have a burger and beer and exchange gossip, and it remains so today.

Two years ago, Jack Stoyanov purchased the Silver Dollar. He still considers it a local hangout because nearly 90 percent of his business comes from area residents. "I'm the little tavern in wine country where the locals hang out," he explained. He considers the tavern unique because of its setting in wine country, and it features a wine list of local wines that are sold by the glass or bottle.

Jack has worked in the food and beverage industry for about 30 years. He is a meat cutter by trade, and claims he grew up in an Italian meat market in St. Louis. He has worked at major restaurants (Tony's in St. Louis among them), country clubs and hotels, mostly on the West Coast. He has brought his culinary expertise to the Silver Dollar, and his mission is simply stated. "We feature a simple menu done right, serving food worth driving for." Mission accomplished, according to his many repeat customers.

The menu features the famous Silver Dollar burgers in addition to daily plate lunch specials. "On weekends we fire up the outdoor grill and feature aged, hand-cut steaks and chops grilled on a charcoal fire. BBQ ribs are a favorite along with roasted chicken and grilled seafood," Jack said. Also on the menu are salads, appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, full dinners, homemade desserts, and kid's meals. This is a family-friendly facility.

The interior of the tavern has changed little since it was first built. Jack has given it a new coat of paint and fixed it up in a few places, and put red and white checked oilcloth covers on all the tables, but you still feel like you are walking back in time as you enter the establishment. An old, all-country jukebox features country-western favorites and adds to the tavern's charm.

During the winter months, the Silver Dollar hosts washer leagues Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday nights. Wednesday night is open night so anyone can join in the fun. Jack proudly announced that the Silver Dollar teams were the league winners for 2006.

The Silver Dollar is open seven days a week. Summer kitchen hours are from 11-4 on Sunday, 11-8 Monday through Thursday, and 11-9 Friday and Saturday. Drinks are served until a little later in the evening. Carry-outs are available.

The Silver Dollar is located on Highway 19 about 12 miles south of Hermann. For information, or to book a private party or meeting, call 573-486-3102.

The Silver Dollar has been added to the Day tripping south of Hermann page on our web site.

Stomping grapes benefits local sheltered workshop

Twenty-nine years is a long time, but that's how long two Hermann businesses have been working together.

In December of 1978, a corporation was formed to start a sheltered workshop in Hermann. River Bluff Industries, a non-profit sheltered workshop for the mentally and physically challenged in Hermann, opened its doors in January 1979. To operate, River Bluff relies on funding from three sources: the State of Missouri, the sales of its services to industry, and donations. For as long as the workshop has been open, Stone Hill Winery* has been the largest contributor of donations.

This year, Stone Hill Winery will be hosting its 29th annual Great Stone Hill Grape Stomp on August 12 to continue its support of River Bluff. Muriel Brison, director of the local sheltered workshop, said, "Because we are such a small community and so many organizations need donations, in August we know that a certain amount will come in because of the Grape Stomp. The Helds have provided that for us, and we can rely on that." The Held family, to whom Brison is most grateful, owns Stone Hill Winery.

According to Jim Held, Stone Hill wanted to support a local organization that had great goals. "The sheltered workshop provides jobs for the physically and mentally challenged, giving them the opportunity to go to work. We can't think of a better organization to support with our Grape Stomp," he said. Jobs performed by the 29 employees at River Bluff include sorting, folding, mailing, labeling, stapling, hand packaging, shrink packaging, collating, subassembly, and other special jobs.

The workers not only benefit from the Held's generosity, but they participate in the Grape Stomp.

Jim Held, owner of Stone Hill Winery, presents a check to Muriel Brison, Director of River Bluff Industries, at the 2005 Grape Stomp. Stone Hill's annual contribution is the largest single donation received by the sheltered workshop each year.

 According to Patty Held-Uthlaut, Stone Hill's public relations director, "We always have an honorary group from River Bluff stomp grapes, and it brings tears to everyone's eyes. It is so great to see the River Bluff group having fun and really getting into the event. It is a big deal to them to see who gets to stomp every year." Muriel said, "In fact, sometimes they've had to draw straws to see who will stomp, but now they are taking turns." She explained that a big attraction for the entrants is the T-shirt they receive for participating in the Stomp.

At the August 12 event, guests may stomp to the upbeat folk sounds of the Boney Goat Band, or sit on the hill and cheer for the stompers, who are judged on the amount of juice produced and their "stomping style". Cash prizes are awarded to the winners in several age categories, and special prizes are given to winners of the "Grand Stomp-Off" and the "Grand Style Stomp-Off" competitions.

Admission to the event is nominal and includes a tour of Stone Hill's historic wine cellars. The admission fee and half of a stomper's registration fee are donated to River Bluff Industries. Stomper registration begins at 11 a.m. and is limited to the first 90 people who sign up. The Stomp begins at 1 p.m.

August at the amphitheater

Performances continue in August at the Clara Eitmann Messmer Amphitheater. Since the dedication of the amphitheater in late May, concerts have attracted several hundred people, and even more attended the Fourth of July performance by the Hermann Municipal Band. The band's third, and final, performance is scheduled for Sunday, August 6.

Two other shows are scheduled in August, thanks to the efforts of John Berkemeyer. For Sunday, August 20, he has put together a variety-type program featuring entertainers from the Hermann area. Part of the line up includes Betty Bruns and Jack Cady performing a medley of what Betty calls "happy songs". "With such a turmoil in the world, we had to do happy songs," said Betty, who has performed for many years on the Hermann stage. Jack has been a favorite in the long running "Show-Stopper Revue". Their "happy songs" will include "Put On a Happy Face", "Smile", and "Make Someone Happy".

A unique trio of Teddy Beard on violin, Ketha Bounds on piano and John on clarinet will be playing what John describes as "musically pleasant and ear pleasing selections". With a degree in music from the University of Missouri, Teddy grew up playing in a conservatory environment. She said, "This is such great fun and such a departure from the type of music I usually play." Ketha is a music teacher in the Hermann school system. Selections will include "Unforgettable", "Stardust", and more.

For a change of pace, John has invited a comedy duo of Mike Romick and Jim Bucher to do some of their famous improv. For several years Mike, an English teacher and theatrical director at Hermann High School, and Jim, a rural mail carrier, performed at Simon's on the Waterfront* in Hermann. Members of the audience will have the opportunity to join in the fun when they participate in "The Arms Race" or "One Word Story".

John has a couple of other special guests lined up for the evening, but he is keeping them secret for now.

The Apostle Band will make a return appearance on Sunday, August 27. The concert by this 12-member band will include marches, selections from years gone by and novelty tunes.

Jake Clayton's Country Music Corral is scheduled for Thursday, August 31. John describes Jake as a child musical prodigy whom he had the opportunity to play with last year. He said "Jake absolutely impressed and dazzled me." Jake performs every weekend in Nashville with Charlie Pride.

Performances at the amphitheater begin at 7:30 p.m. and are free to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy an evening under the stars.

New bridge construction is on schedule

Construction of the new Route 19 bridge crossing the Missouri River at Hermann continues on schedule. The Senator Christopher S. Bond Bridge will open on December 15, 2007, if work continues as planned. The $34 million project was started in October of 2005 and is a culmination of efforts by federal and state organizations, as well as the Hermann Transportation Corporation. Currently, 23 percent of the project is complete

The building crew is working on drilling operations for drilled shafts at Pier 4. They are working inside the cofferdam at Pier 6 forming up the base column. Formwork for the deck continues from Bent 1 to Pier 3, and Pier 7 to End Bent 11.

Cars often line up along West First Street in Hermann to watch the bridge construction. Also, the Missouri Department of Transportation has set up cameras at three locations, the Gasconade County Courthouse, the old Hermann Firehouse on Market Street, and on West First Street, that take photos of the bridgework every 15 minutes. These images can be viewed on the MoDot web site.

September newsletter: En plein air artists return to Hermann

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Hermann Hill Vineyard and Inn
711 Wein Street - P.O. Box 555  |  Hermann, Missouri (MO) 65041
Phone: (573) 486-HILL (573-486-4455)  |  Fax: (573) 486-5373
Email: info@hermannhill.com  |   Website: www.hermannhill.com