Letter: Fond memories of earlier CV Park days

First of all I want to thank Bill Weisman and Mike Lawler for their very detailed responses in Saturday’s Mailbag to Trent Sanders’ Sept. 26 letter to the editor about Hindenburg Park. The Historical Society has nothing to apologize for in its assessment of Hindenburg (Crescenta Valley) Park.

I am the son of German immigrants. I was born in Glendale and enjoyed many happy times at Hindenburg Park when I was growing up. The various German-American clubs throughout Los Angeles staged picnics about twice a month during the spring and summer seasons. There were good food and desserts along with beer and wine for adults. I never saw anyone getting out of control, as all were just having a good time. The picnic season started at Easter time when an Easter service was held. The service was Christian as most Germans were either Catholics or Lutherans, the latter faith in which my parents raised me. There was a lot of singing between preaching, and I recall those days as being very spiritual and uplifting.

In addition to the food and drink, the park had an outdoor stage and dance floor. Several musical groups participated and many happy hours were spent. It was a difficult time for German Americans after the war. I had to endure being called a “Nazi kid.” I am proud of my German heritage, and have continued relationships with my parents families in Germany.

What Americans don’t understand is that very few Germans were actually Nazis. Their numbers are paled by the numbers of Democrats and Republicans in America. So, Hindenburg Park should never be remembered as the home base for Nazis, as Mr. Weisman and Mr. Lawler correctly pointed out. I am not sure what Mr. Sander’s point was for his letter. It only demonstrated a dislike for immigrants who made America what it is.

Albert Hofmann

Glendale