Tiffin Seneca Heritage Festival German Heritage Block

06/03/2026

Knowing body parts in German could save your life at a German doctor's office — or at least save you from a very awkward appointment. 😄

Today's lesson: Die Körperteile — Body Parts in German.

Fun fact: Germans say 'Ellenbogen' (elbow) literally means 'elbow bow' — the language builds meaning right into the word.

Save this card and practice one body part per day. Spaced repetition increases vocabulary retention by up to 80%.

Which word surprised you most? 👇

05/10/2026

01/20/2026

A Rare Look at the Steeple of St. Joseph Catholic Church – Tiffin, Ohio
Most people in Tiffin recognize the towering presence of St. Joseph Catholic Church, but very few ever get to see its steeple up close. This SkyView Media image captures a rarely seen perspective — a detailed, near-level look at a portion of the church’s steeple that is normally only viewed from the ground far below.

St. Joseph’s original Gothic-style church, completed in 1862, featured a dramatic steeple that rose to approximately 180 feet, making it one of the most prominent structures in the city at the time. That steeple wasn’t just decorative — it was designed to draw the eye upward, a hallmark of Gothic Revival architecture and a symbolic connection between earth and heaven.

In April of 1934, lightning struck the steeple, igniting a fire that destroyed much of the church. Only portions of the structure remained standing. During the depths of the Great Depression, parishioners rallied to rebuild, and the present church — including the tower and steeple — was completed and dedicated in 1937.

The close-up view in this image highlights architectural details that are easy to miss from street level: the intricate brickwork, stone accents, Gothic arched openings, and the louvered vents designed to allow airflow within the tower. These elements were both functional and decorative, reflecting the craftsmanship and attention to detail common in church construction of the era.

Images like this offer a reminder that historic buildings aren’t just landmarks — they’re made up of countless details, many of which go unseen for generations. This perspective preserves a unique view of one of Tiffin’s most enduring architectural icons.

📸 Image captured by SkyView Media using aerial drone photography.

👉 If you enjoy seeing local history from unique perspectives, please like, share, and follow SkyView Media for more aerial views and stories you don’t often get to see.

01/20/2026

01/20/2026

A view we rarely, if ever, get to see of our local German Heritage. Thank you SkyView Media!

01/01/2026

As we come to the end of 2025, I would like to thank everyone who has visited our area of the festival and continue to read our post.

I want to give special thanks to the following committee members:

Doug Wise, his handy work and ideas that help our area to grow year after year. We definitely would not be where we are without you!

Brenda Wise, booking entertainment and merchandise. And the hardest job of all, keeping me on track.

Danielle Reinhart, she has taken the Kinderspiel well beyond what I had envisioned. She continues to add to the program which brings in more kids.

Enrico and Judith, as always, your insights and advice are invaluable.

To my wife, Andrea, and her sister Monika. You have been the inspiration and drive behind creating and building the German Heritage Lot.

As we move into 2026, I want to wish our families, friends and friends we haven’t met yet a happy and healthy New Year!

Hope to see you at the 2026 festival.

12/27/2025

Very sad news. Sending our condolences to the members of The Polka Pirates and their families.

10/16/2025

As we wrap up the 2025 festival, we want to continue to give shoutouts to our supporters and suppliers.

Beerco / City Beverage has been a steadfast supplier for us since we started in 2016. Jim and his crew do a great job getting the beer ordered and then setting up the trailer for us. They try hard each year to get us an extra keg or two of Spatan. They are dependent on what is sent from Germany and it doesn't always work out. We know you enjoy the German brewed beer, we'll keep trying to get more. Keep Beerco on your list when you are in need of certain adult beverages for your next party or large celebration.

Hoptometry Brewing Company joined us this year for the first time. We are grateful that they were able to provide a local brew, showcasing what our community members can create. Keep them in mind when you are looking for a nice place to have a drink and a bit to eat. We truly enjoy stopping in for a drink or two, but more importantly, supporting their business.

Heidelberg University has assisted us for several years now as we have been able to use a portable stage for our bands. We would like to thank Lauren Smith and her staff for providing the stage year after year.

10/11/2025

A Cut Above - Schnitzel & More

Now that the dust is settling and we are able to relax and catch our breath, I want to give a huge shoutout to our most endearing supporters, A Cut Above - Schnitzel & More! Without them, our area wouldn't be what it has become.

When you are out in your travels and happen to come across A Cut Above, please stop by and say hi and let them know you visit them at the Tiffin Seneca Heritage Festival. You're sure to receive a friendly smile and warm reception. Oh, and order my favorite, pork schnitzel and warm German potato salad.

10/11/2025

To our loyal fans and newcomers, the next time you are in need of tables and chairs, or even a tent for a party or get together, give our tent people a call. UNew Tent Rental has been our go to over the past several years. Great service and friendly staff help make our little part of the festival successful.