Lenten Traditions of the Schmieder Family
A Day in the Life of the Schmieder Family: Lenten Traditions of Faith, Family, and Fastnachtsküchle
A Sacred Time of Faith and Family
Lent has traditionally been a sacred time of reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal within Catholic traditions. For generations, our ancestors have honored its rich observances, embracing both the spiritual and cultural dimensions intertwined in this sacred season. As Lent 2025 approaches, we feel a stirring in our hearts, prompting us to reflect on and connect with the steadfast faith and cherished traditions passed down through our family line. Before the peaceful stillness of Lent envelops the Schmieder home, a lively and joyous day precedes it—the celebration of Fastnacht, or Carnival, which takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
A Frigid Morning in 1934
On that Tuesday morning, February 13, 1934, the Schmieder family awoke to sub-zero temperatures. A low of -4°F was recorded in the region that morning. Grandpa Schmieder rose early and stoked the fire in the wood stove, a welcome companion standing prominently in the corner of the dining room. The flames grew brighter as the fire flickered back to life. Meanwhile, Grandma cleared the ashes from the grate of her cast-iron cookstove, flicked her wrist to ignite the kindling in the firebox, and filled it with chunks of split hardwood harvested from their backwoods. The old cookstove rewarded her efforts by sharing its warmth as she prepared for the day’s meals.
Daily Life in the Schmieder Farmhouse
At that time, their seven children- Hilda, Fred, Arnold, George, Paul, Herbert, and Erma- along with Uncle Albert Beck- shared four unheated bedrooms upstairs in their old farmhouse on the main road through Alexander, New York, known as Allegheny Road. Frost coated the thin, drafty windows in thick patterns, and the air was so cold that each breath seemed to freeze in midair.
Grandpa ascended the creaky pine board steps, his footfalls echoing in the stillness. His breath unfurled in ghostly wisps as he sternly roused Fred, Arnold, and George, urging them to rise for morning chores. The boys dressed quickly by the stove’s warmth, bracing for the cold ahead, while Hilda assisted Grandma in preparing breakfast and school lunches.
The Walk to School: Braving the Elements
After completing their morning chores and enjoying a hearty breakfast together, Hilda, Fred, Arnold, George, and Paul bundled up against the biting cold as they set off on their walk to school. They were soon joined by Lois, Ruth, and Margaret Bell, who lived on the neighboring Blanchard farm. As the group made their way through the frosty air, they chatted excitedly, their breath visible in the chill.
Their destination was School No. 2, an impressive three-story cobblestone building in the heart of Alexander. Grades 1-3 were in one classroom, while grades 4-6 were in another. Miss Alice Hastings was one of the teachers instructing the Schmieder children. The school featured indoor plumbing, water fountains, and a coal-burning boiler that provided comfortable central heating throughout the building. The boiler was maintained by a friendly elderly man named Mr Bidlack.
In stark contrast to the school, the Schmieder farmhouse lacked such conveniences. Constructed in the mid-1800s, it lacked central heating and relied on a wood-burning stove to stave off the drafty chill of winter. The family’s water supply came from a hand pump well in the back of the house, a labor-intensive task that underscored their daily struggles. Furthermore, the absence of indoor plumbing meant that the family depended on an outhouse, a stark reminder of their less privileged circumstances compared to the well-equipped School No. 2.
Fastnachtsküchle: A Cherished Family Tradition
While the older children were at school, Grandma Rosa began preparing for their Fastnacht meal by making the special Fastnachtsküchle. The beloved Carnival doughnuts held a special place in her heart, passed down from her mother, Monika Heitzmann-Beck, and her grandmother, Genevieve Heitzmann. This tradition, rooted in Germany’s Black Forest region, was more than just a recipe—it represented a connection to the past, a celebration of faith, and a final indulgence before the solemnity of Lent.
As Grandma kneaded the dough, little Herbie and Erma eagerly helped, their small hands dusted with flour. The warm, yeasty scent filled the kitchen, wrapping them in comfort. Throughout the school day, their older siblings thought about the treats waiting at home and the promise of sweetness after a long, cold day.
Traditional German Faschnachtsküchle Ingredients
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Dry yeast
- Sugar
- Warm milk
- Melted butter
- Eggs
- Salt
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Rum or brandy (optional)
- Lard for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. - Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and rum/brandy.
Knead the dough by hand until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
Cover with a clean cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size. - Shape the Dough
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch (1 cm) thickness.
Cut into squares, circles, or diamond shapes. Some versions have a small slit in the middle for twisting.
Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes. - Fry the Faschnachtsküchle
Fry the doughnuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Remove and drain. - Finish and Serve
Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
A Winter Storm and the Journey Home
Although the temperature climbed to 29°F, a winter storm filled the countryside with snow and fierce winds. The children struggled against the howling gusts that whipped across the open fields and piled snowdrifts on the road at Hall’s Hill, north of their farm.
Finally, they arrived home, their cheeks flushed from the cold. The kitchen, filled with warmth, enveloped them in the aroma of simmering supper. Herbie and Erma welcomed them with bright smiles, eager to share the day’s excitement. Grandma, wearing her well-worn apron, prepared slices of warm homemade bread with a spread of melted butter and fresh milk for them. The air was rich with the promise of Fastnachtsküchle after supper.
A Feast Before Lent: The Fastnacht Supper
After completing their evening chores, the family gathered around the table for their traditional Fastnacht supper. A delightful spread awaited them, featuring roasted pork, hearty potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and homemade bread, all made with love and care. Then came the moment they had all been eagerly anticipating: Grandma proudly presented a large tray brimming with her legendary Fastnachtskuchle! The golden, warm doughnuts were generously dusted with powdered sugar, and their sweetness lingered as a fond farewell to indulgence before the solemn season of Lent.
The children’s faces lit up with pure joy as they reveled in this cherished annual tradition. They relished each bite, knowing that their meals would become more straightforward for the next forty days and that treats like these would be set aside. Grandpa and Uncle Albert also enjoyed these delicacies, savoring each bite dipped into their steaming coffee cups. This shared meal transcended mere sustenance; it embodied a profound sense of togetherness, created memories, and cultivated culture. It was a sacred moment that intertwined the divine, their family, and the interior life just before the solemn journey of Lent commenced. It allowed for self-reflection, inviting us to embrace sacrifice and nurture virtue and faith. Each bite served as a reminder of our physical nourishment, a celebration of our familial and ancestral connections, and the spiritual growth that awaits us.
Ash Wednesday: The Beginning of Lent
The following day, Ash Wednesday, fell on St. Valentine’s Day. The day started with sub-zero temperatures, and snowfall accumulated to about 8 inches. This day signaled the somber commencement of the forty days of Lent, a cherished tradition during which Grandpa would take the children to evening Mass after the day’s chores and supper were completed.
The drive to Mass proved treacherous; the fresh layer of snow had swiftly transformed into a perilous mix of sleet and rain, coating the roads in a treacherous layer of ice. As they entered the dimly lit sanctuary of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Attica, a faint scent of incense wafted through the air, merging with the melodic strains of hymns resonating. Flickering candles adorned the altar, casting a gentle glow that framed the large crucifix, draped in purple cloth—a potent symbol of penance and renewal while serving as a poignant reminder of Christ’s suffering and Passion.
Dressed in purple vestments, Fr. Early moved with reverence as he traced a cross of ashes on the foreheads during the mass of Hilda, Fred, Arnold, George, and Grandpa, softly whispering the profound words from Genesis, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.” Despite the solemnity of the moment, the children felt a stirring significance in the air—a deepening understanding that Lent was not merely a season of sacrifice but a sacred period of prayer and preparation leading up to the joyous celebration of Easter.
Lenten Observances and the Great Depression
Lent mirrored the realities of the time. The Great Depression, which began in 1929, profoundly impacted American families, including the Schmieder family. Economic hardship forced many to reconsider their dietary practices and traditions. While fasting and abstinence continued to be observed, the significance of these practices shifted. Instead of merely sacrificing for spiritual reasons, families often found themselves in situations where they had little choice but to fast due to limited resources. Many households had to rely on simpler meals and less expensive ingredients, making Lent a time of spiritual reflection and practical necessity.
Lenten Traditions of Our Black Forest Ancestors
Catholic communities in the small towns of our ancestors in the Black Forest followed deeply ingrained Lenten customs passed down for generations. In these rural villages, where faith was interwoven with daily life, the season of Lent was a time of great reverence and community observance. Ash Wednesday began with a solemn Mass, where parishioners received ashes, a reminder of their mortality and need for repentance. Businesses and taverns often closed early, and work took on a quieter, more contemplative rhythm.
The period of Lent was marked by fasting and abstinence. Meat was avoided on Fridays, and dairy and eggs were limited in many households. Instead, when available, meals centered around simple, nourishing staples such as potatoes, bread, and fish. Families would gather for prayer each evening, often reciting the Rosary together or attending special Lenten devotions at the village church.
Another cherished tradition was the Way of the Cross, where villagers would process through the countryside, stopping at small chapels or crosses marking Christ’s Passion. Children participated in these rites, learning the significance of sacrifice and spiritual discipline. Confession was encouraged more frequently, and the faithful prepared their hearts for Easter through acts of charity and reconciliation.
The transition from Fastnacht’s feasting to Lent’s solemnity was profoundly felt in these close-knit communities. On the eve of Ash Wednesday, families would gather to enjoy the last indulgent treats before the season of restraint commenced. Preparing Fastnachtsküchle was a joyful farewell to the comforts of the flesh, a communal moment before stepping into a time of renewal.
Lent and the Family Farm: A Season of Barrenness and Renewal
As winter lingered and Lent began, the family farm mirrored the spirit of the season. The fields blanketed in snow, lay in a state of barrenness—silent and waiting for the warmth of spring. Just as the land rested in preparation for renewal, Lent invited the family into a time of spiritual reflection and sacrifice. The earth, stripped of its bounty, reminded them of the humility and patience required in both farming and faith.
The economic hardships of the Great Depression, particularly in 1934, made these Lenten sacrifices even more tangible. Western New York was hit hard, with unemployment remaining high and rural families struggling to make ends meet. Families such as the Schmieders depended on their own resources, cultivating and preserving food through meticulous rationing while struggling to pay off the mortgages on their farms. That same month, the Salvation Army opened a hostel for vagrants at 32 Jackson Street in Batavia, providing shelter and relief to those suffering the worst effects of the Depression. Lent, a time of chosen abstinence, overlapped with a reality in which scarcity was not just a spiritual exercise but a daily challenge.
In the same way that the fields would soon yield their harvest, Easter would bring the promise of new life and joy. This rhythm of the land and their faith intertwined, shaping their understanding of the Lenten journey.
The Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Benefits of Lent
Lent is not merely a season of sacrifice but a profound opportunity for personal renewal and transformation. The physical aspects of fasting and abstinence are pivotal in promoting self-discipline and moderation. By simplifying our meals and deliberately avoiding excess, we create space to refocus our priorities on what truly matters in life. Moreover, ongoing research highlights the health benefits associated with the practices of prayer and fasting. For instance, fasting elevates a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein, which is critical in enhancing brain function and promoting neuroplasticity.
On an emotional level, Lent fosters a deep sense of gratitude and resilience. By willingly renouncing material luxuries and distractions, individuals learn to find contentment in the simplicity of life. This intentional act helps cultivate an appreciation for the blessings often overlooked in daily routines. Furthermore, Lent strengthens the bonds within families and communities as they collectively embark on a faith journey, supporting one another.
Spiritually, Lent is a profound season for growth and introspection. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving align our hearts with God, nurture humility, and foster a deeper connection to our faith. This sacred period encourages self-examination, genuine repentance, and the pursuit of virtue, ultimately preparing our souls for the joyous celebration of Easter.
A Legacy of Faith and Tradition
These treasured faith and cultural traditions, lovingly passed down through countless generations and across vast oceans, profoundly shape how our family celebrated Lent with heartfelt reverence. From the poignant moment of receiving ashes, a powerful reminder of our shared mortality, to the joyful delight of gathering together for that final delectable sweet treat on Fastnacht, we honor not only our rich heritage but also the unwavering faith that sustained our ancestors through their trials and triumphs. This connection binds us together, weaving a tapestry of love, remembrance, and gratitude as we embrace the values that have supported us through hardship and joy.
Note: This account of our Schmieder ancestors in 1934 is a tapestry woven from factual events and personal perspectives. This narrative encompasses individual interpretations and subjective reflections, recognizing the inherent challenge of accurately capturing every detail of past events.
Frederick Schmieder