My Big Fat German Wedding?

You may remember the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, but did you know that the German version took place near Cuba City in 1875? The wedding day of Bernard Hoppenjan and Mary Kisting was delightfully captured in this account published in the Galena Gazette on June 10, 1875. The couple's reception, which took place east of Cuba City on Twin Bridges Road, was particularly memorable and offered guests plenty of good food, dancing and, of course, beer.

This photograph of mid-nineteenth-century revelers is courtesy of the New York Public Library.

Big Wedding at Jenkynsville.

Last Tuesday, June 8th, they had a grand holiday in the German settlement near Jenkynsville, Benton township, Wis. The occasion was the wedding party of Bernard Hoppinjon and Mary Kisting. The young couple were married at 9 o'clock A. M., in the Catholic Church at Benton, Rev. Father Albright officiating. Joseph Hoppinjon did the honors as groomsman, and Margaret Kisting bridesmaid. 

Immediately after the ceremony, the happy couple and attendants repaired to the residence of the bride's father, Dedrick Kisting, where between one and two hundred invited guests had assembled to join in the pleasures of the marriage festival. The large dinner table was loaded down with good things. Rev. Father Albright presided at the table, while Messrs. John Grotkin and Henry Hilvers assisted in making sure that none went away hungry or thirsty. 

After dinner the young people and some of the older ones joined in a merry dance, which was kept up till--the writer don't know how late. They were dancing at last accounts, and for all we know to the contrary they are dancing still. It was a merry, happy, social gathering. 

 Some idea of the extent of the preparations that had been made for the occasion may be judged from the fact that Meller & Haser, the Galena brewers, furnished three barrels of beer, and the eatables were on an equally extensive scale. 

 Among the old settlers and wealthy farmers present were George and John Hoppinjon, Dedrick, Bernard and George Kisting, Henry Hilvers, John Grotkin, Philip Lake and others, with their wives and young people. Dr. Godfrey, of Benton, drove out and remained long enough to kiss the bride.

Article published in the Galena Gazette (June 10, 1875).