Foreword
For many years
the idea of compiling a bock of the stories and happenings of Formosa area had been
on the minds of many who delighted in reminiscing and enlightening the younger
generation, who enjoyed hearing the tales of yesteryear. Unlike so many great ideas, which remain
only dreams,
ours became a reality when the Community decided to plan an Old Boys' and Girls' Reunion to
be held in conjunction with the celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of placing the head-stone of the Formosa Immaculate
Conception Catholic Church in 1880, over the main entrance of this magnificent structure of
Gothic architecture.
As early as
1978 a committee of twelve was elected to formulate the plans for our celebration. Each
committee member assumed the responsibility of a different area of planning. The
gathering of historical facts was my designated chairmanship, which I agreed to
assume with the cooperation of
the local citizens.
I wish to thank
sincerely all persons who provided us with information, clippings, historical books and
pictures, and to all others who in any way helped to finalize this project.
Since a great
deal of the information given to us was not officially recorded, readers may find
discrepancies in content and dates. We have attempted as accurately as possible to
interpret same.
Our hope is
that this book will bring pleasure to all who read it. May it give to our younger generation
and any new-corners a glimpse of the hardships, heartaches and happiness of the
pioneers of this area.
My special
thanks go to Mrs. Joan Borho and Mrs. Marie Heisz for their assistance in compiling this
book, and to Mr. John Kieffer and Mr. Bill Zettel for the information on
Agriculture.
H.M. Kuntz
Historian
