$150.00 - Luxembourg American Heritage Information Center

In the January 1933 meeting, Michael Loutsch was re-elected to the Presidency and officers
were installed by the Grand Officers. With the first meeting in 1934, the English language was
substituted for the German language in keeping the records of the meetings. At the February
meeting, the officers were installed by the recently elected Grand President, Fred A. Gilson,
Grand Secretary Nicholas Nilles and Grand Representative Lawrence Elson. Their messages
and those of the visiting brothers from other Sections were warmly received.
At the beginning of 1934 a great tragedy struck Section 21 and the Luxembourg colony in
Gross Point (Wilmette, IL). Former President Anton Puetz and his brother Joseph Puetz, also a
member of the Section, died from injuries received in an auto collision. Two youngsters, sons of
Anton, survived, as their injuries were only of a minor nature. Both funerals were an expression
of sympathy not only by the Section and the Grand Lodge, but by the entire community of
Wilmette. The funeral oration was delivered by Grand President Gilson. Three months later,
Mrs. Anton Puetz died, and three months after her death, Adolph, the youngest Puetz boy who
had survived the first accident, died from injuries received in a second car accident.
Section 21 was most active in planning the activities associated with Luxembourg exhibit
displayed at the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair. Under the supervision of the Grand President,
practically the entire Section participated in the Luxembourg Day parade.
A special Souvenir Booklet was handed out on July 28, 1934 to all visitors participating in
the Grand Luxembourg Parade at the Fair grounds. It was the largest and best executed affair
ever arranged by the Luxembourg people. The Parade, consisting of the members of all
Luxembourg Societies in the Midwestern States, was judged by the Fair Officials as the largest
and most colorful of all National Days held during the Fair.
In the year 1936 the minutes revealed that each member was assessed 25 cents for refreshments
and lunch. Also, five tons of coal were raffled and the profit was gratifying. Grand
President Gilson visited the Section five times during the year.
In the meeting of March, 1937 a committee was formed to organize a Youth Group in the
Section, as instructed by the Grand Lodge. This was accomplished and the group joined the
Luxembourg Youth Organization.
In the meeting of December 1937, President Michael Loutsch indicated that he wished
to relinquish his office in favor of Vice-President John Hermes, who was succeeded in December
Mike Loutsch on his farm, 1944. The pigs are unidentified.
179