$150.00 - Luxembourg American Heritage Information Center

The original purposes for the creation of the L.B.A. have long since died. Luxembourg
immigration to America has been dormant. Sons and grandsons of Luxembourg immigrants are,
at least, one generation removed from Schieren, Bourscheid, Ettlebruck and Weiler-la-tour, if
not more. The American melting pot has been too successful. In addition, the insurance benefits,
which were once meaningful, are much too low to attract new members.
The focus of the L.B.A. has altered. Section 8 has grown in membership since Nick
Hoffmann's grandsons have assumed leadership positions. Section 15 has added two new members
and is looking for a new meeting hall at which to reinstitute quarterly meetings. And yet, at
the drop of a hat, the L.B.A. and its friends can organize a party and host a reception.
On July 20, 1976, Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte arrived in
Chicago. They were driven to the Chicago Civic Center where they were given a formal military
welcome to Chicago. After leaving the Civic Center they were taken to the Empire Room of the
Palmer House for a beautiful luncheon attended by 400 people. In the afternoon, they visited the
Museum of Science & Industry and, that evening, they attended a champagne reception at the
Northwest Builders Hall hosted by Section 3's Nicholas Colling. Over 500 people attended this
affair which was orchestrated by L.B.A. Grand President, Steve Heinz. Consul General Colling
presented the Royal Couple with a bronze low relief portrait of Abraham Lincoln by David
Brenner, designer of the Lincoln-head penny. The portrait was one of only one hundred made
and was dated 1907.
Mayor Richard J. Daley issued a proclamation designating Sunday and Monday, July 25
and 26, 1976, as "Luxembourg Days in Chicago."
Left to Right: Vice-Consul Steve Heinz, John Heinz, Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte, Grand
Duke Jean, Barbara Heinz, Consul General Nic Colling and Mary Colling.
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