German immigrants came to America for two main reasons: to seek opportunities in the New World, and to avoid political and economic problems in Europe. In German Settlement in Missouri, Robyn Burnett and Ken Luebbering demonstrate the crucial role that the German immigrants and their descendants played in the settlement and development of Missouri's architectural, political, religious, economic, and social landscape. Relying heavily on unpublished memoirs, letters, diaries, and official records, the authors provide important new narratives and firsthand commentary from the immigrants themselves. 
Between 1800 and 1919, more than 7 million people came to the United States from German-speaking lands. The German immigrants established towns as they moved up the Missouri River into the frontier, resuming their traditional ways as they settled. As a result, the culture of the frontier changed dramatically. The Germans farmed differently from their American neighbors. They started vineyards and wineries, published German-language newspapers, and entered Missouri politics.
The decades following the Civil War brought the golden age of German culture in the state. The populations of many small towns were entirely German, and traditions from the homeland thrived. German-language schools, publications, and church services were common. As the German businesses in St. Louis and other towns flourished, the immigrants and their descendants prospered. The loyalty of the Missouri Germans was tested in World War I, and the anti-immigrant sentiment during the war and the period of prohibition after it dealt serious blows to their culture. However, German traditions had already found their way into mainstream American life.
Informative and clearly written, German Settlement in Missouri will be of interest to all readers, especially those interested in ethnic history.

German Settlement in Missouri: New Land, Old Ways (Missouri Heritage Readers) (Volume 1)

History

Burnett, Robyn

Luebbering, Ken

Americas

University of Missouri

Robyn Burnett and Ken Luebbering first looked at how immigration has affected Missouri’s cultural landscape in their popular book German Settlement in Missouri: New Land, Old Ways. Now they tell the stories of women from all across Europe who left the Old World for Missouri. Drawing heavily on the women’s own stories, Immigrant Women in the Settlement of Missouri illustrates common elements of their lives without minimizing the diversity and complexity of each individual’s experience. The book begins with descriptions culled from diaries, letters, and memoirs documenting preparations for the journey, the perilous Atlantic crossing, and the sometimes equally long and arduous trip from the port of entry to Missouri. Burnett and Luebbering go on to examine how women, once in Missouri, coped with the problems of daily life in an unfamiliar and occasionally hostile environment. Whether it was the hardships of the frontier, the harsh realities of urban life, childbirth, the deaths of family members, isolation, or prejudice, their new lives brought numerous challenges. Many found success and contentment, as well, and the book also documents their joys and triumphs: physical survival, economic prosperity, thriving families, friendships, and community celebrations. Because it examines the lives of women from many social classes and ethnic backgrounds, Immigrant Women in the Settlement of Missouri does much to explain the rich cultural diversity Missouri enjoys today. The photographs and narratives relating to Czech, French, German, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, and Polish life will remind descendants of immigrants that many customs and traditions they grew up practicing have roots in their home countries and will also promote understanding of the customs of other cultures. In addition to the ethnic and class differences that affected these women’s lives, the book also notes the impact of the various eras in which they lived, their education, the circumstances of their migrations, and their destinations across Missouri. With their engaging and straightforward narrative, Burnett and Luebbering take the reader chronologically through the history of the state from the colonial period to the Civil War and industrialization. Like all Missouri Heritage Readers, this one is presented in an accessible format with abundant illustrations, and it is sure to please both general readers and those engaged in immigrant and women’s studies.

Immigrant Women in the Settlement of Missouri (Missouri Heritage Readers) (Volume 1)

A new spin on the concept of teen alienation. Roswell is an intense, intelligent drama inviting the question: what if aliens survived the famous U.F.O. crash of 1947? Based on the popular book series Roswell High by Melinda Metz, the show explores the lives of three alien/human hybrid teenagers as they struggle with their human allies to keep their genetic secret while eluding the FBI, battling enemy forces, and most importantly, simply trying to grow up. Roswell incorporates the usual themes of romance, friendships, parental conflicts, and rebellion while incorporating an old sci-fi mystery that took America by storm. Roswell was instantly popular when it first aired in 1999, and both fans and the media loved the show. When the wb announced Roswell’s impending cancellation in 2000, fans petitioned the network and received a second season. When it happened again, fans turned their sights to UPN, the network that was thinking of taking over the show from the WB, and sent them 12,000 bottles of Tabasco sauce (the alien’s drink of choice). Floored by the fan reception, the network picked up the show. Crash Into Me features biographies of the actors and creators of the show, along with details on the original crash of 1947. Author Robyn Burnett includes in-depth commentaries on each episode, as well as exploring the alien mythology that has influenced the storylines. The focus of Crash Into Me is Roswell’s incredibly resilient fan base, which will stand behind the show no matter what.

Crash Into Me: The World Of Roswell

Humor & Entertainment

Television

ECW Press

In this series guide to the television phenomenon "TV Guide" called "one of TV's most enjoyable escapist hours ever," the authors give a comprehensive perspective on the series' first three seasons.

Uncovering Alias: An Unofficial Guide to the Show

Stafford, Nikki

Book by Luebbering, Ken, Burnett, Robyn

Gospels in Glass: Stained Glass Windows in Missouri Churches

World

Pebble Pub