$150.00 - Luxembourg American Heritage Information Center

During his 50 year term, Mr. Nilles served under twelve Grand Presidents. He was instrumental
in organizing all Sections from 3 to 25.
Another of Nicholas Nilles' accomplishments was the furtherance of the "Luxembourg
Weekly" the Luxembourg newspaper in America. He was the owner and editor of that publication
for thirty-five years, often working against impossible odds to keep it alive. Mr. Nilles gave
up his newspaper work in 1945 when the Luxembourg News was taken over by the corporation
formed through the efforts of the then Consul General John Marsch and Grand Trustee John B.
Krier and known under the name of "Luxembourgers of America, Inc."
During.the war years Nicholas Nilles distinguished himself by his stellar work in all the U.S.
war bond drives and other activities. In recognition of his loyal service he was honored by
the War Department with a Certificate of Merit.
Nic Nilles died on August 7, 1950.
By 1935, the older members were giving way to the next generation of leaders. These were
the men who would lead the Section into the 1960's and beyond.
In 1935, Eugene Koenue (married to Barbara Wagner) was president of Section 3 and Leo
Eschette was Vice-President. In 1937, Leo would succeed Koeune as President of the Section.
In 1966, Eugene Koeune passed away. He had immigrated to this country in 1911 from his
native Harlingen, Luxembourg. The following was printed in the 1967 Schobermesse program book:
In 1966 Section 3 mourned the death of probably its most important member, when
Brother Eugene Koeune passed away on April 25, 1966. Mr. Koeune was one of the
pillars on which the Section was built. He held at various times the offices of President,
Vice-president and Marshall with great distinction. In addition he was Grand Trustee of
the Grand Lodge and much of the Lodge's success can be attributed to Mr. Koeune's
shrewd investments. He held the chairmanship job for the Section's Schobermesse on
numerous occasions, and also served on the flower, bar and entertainment committees.
Eugene Koeune became a member of the Luxembourg Brotherhood soon after arriving
in the United States. He was a successful business man in the gardening and greenhouse
enterprise. In 1950 he retired and turned the business over to his sons, who are still
operating it today. Mr. Koeune made one trip back to Luxembourg in 1921 and another
extended visit in 1952 with his loving wife Barbara. Up to the present day Section 3 still
misses the guiding spirit of one of its staunchest suupporters, Mr. Eugene Koeune.
Leo Eschette was born on April 20,1908, the son of John and Emma Kuschel Eschette. John
Eschette immigrated to the United States from his home in Noertringan, Luxembourg in the
early 1890's and established a greenhouse business in Rogers Park.
Leo attended St. Henry's parochial school. After graduation from high school, he joined his
father in the family business and maintained it after the death of his father, in 1936.
In 1927, Leo was inducted as a member of Section 3, on March 13. His efforts on behalf of
Section 3 were tireless. He was a member of every Schobermesse committee from 1934 until its
demise, in 1967. In 1937, he was elected President of Section 3 and would serve as President for
twelve years, until 1949, when he was elected the 13th Grand President of the L.B.A. at the
Convention held in Remsen, Iowa.
Leo was married to Margaret Baer on October 17, 1930. They had six children and raised
their family in Rogers Park on the greenhouse property owned by them at Hoyne and Granville.
Two of their children were named after H.R.H. Charlotte and H.R.H. Jean.
After selling the greenhouse business, Leo became manager of the Luxembourg Gardens. In
1965, he retired as Grand President to devote his time to his management duties at the Gardens.
In 1984 Leo Eschette passed away.
During Leo's tenure as Section 3 President, the Schobermesse continued to enjoy considerable
success as the premier event of the Brotherhood.
The 1943 Schobermesse was held at the Old Limits Picnic Grove, Crawford and Devon
Avenues, in Lincolnwood. The program book for that year contained numerous articles pertaining
to the war, including one by former Grand President Fred A. Gilson, reciting the
activities of Section 3 members in the armed forces.
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