The following is a set of pictures and description of the Mt. Angel Glockenspiel. It is 49ft. tall and celebrates the heritage of the village and our world famous Okterbefest.

The following text and the text with each picture is from the brochure put out by the Oktoberfest Committee.

The clock is large and clearly visible, the bells are sharp and precise in their sound.

The Glockenspiel performs 4 times daily at 11am, 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm.

The statues appear in the following order during the performance.:

KALAPUYA BRAVE
Carved by Terry Kramer & Bob Watkins

Native Americans traveling through the valley climbed the butte east of Mt. Angel to pray to the Great Spirit. They called the spot “Tapalamaho”, The Mount of Communication, or “the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.” Thus the figure is a noble Kalapuya brave at prayer.

(Sound track played during performance)
The Prayer Chant is performed by the Eagle Beak Singers of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community.

ROBERT & KATRINA ZOLLNER
Carved by Sam Hutchinson & Carole Duree-Jones

The first German Catholic settlers came to the valley in 1867. Mr. Zollner obtained a homestead of 220 acres along Zollner Creek and encouraged other families to come to the area.

(Sound track played during performance)
Christiana Zollner, fifth generation of Robert Zollner, plays John Ryan’s Polka on her violin.

The Spirit Mountain Community Fund sponsored this statue.

MATHIAS BUTSCH
Carved by Kenny Wilson

The “Father of Mt. Angel”, Mathias Butsch arrived in 1878. One of the early leaders of the community, he was instrumental in building the first church, railroad station, and general store. Most important, he brought the Benedictine Monks to Mt. Angel.

(Sound track played during performance)
Music by Trio d’anchois: Hinrich Muller, oboe; Richard Stewart, clarinet; Steve Mitchell, bassoon. ‘Jetzt gang i ans Brunnele’ (Swabian folk tune first published in 1806, arranged by Hinrich Muller)

Descendants of the Butsch family sponsored this statue.

PRIOR ADELHELM ODERMATT
Carved by Everett Koontz

Prior Adelhelm Odermatt came from Switzerland and established the Benedictine Monastery in 1882. It was he who suggested “Mount Angel” for the small community, the anglisized version of Engelberg, his Swiss home. It is fitting that he chose the top of Prayer Mountain to build Mount Angel Abbey.
“Tapalamaho” remains a place for communication with the Holy Spirit.

(Sound track played during performance)
“Gaudeamus” (Gregorian Chant) sung by the Choir of Mount Angel Abbey.

This statue sponsored by Mount Angel Abbey.

SISTER BERNADINE WACHTER
Carved by Gil Drake & Chris McBride

Sister Bernadine arrived in 1882 from the convent of Maria Rickenback in Switzerland. She was the first Prioress of the Benecictine Convent and the new school. The sisters’ beautiful grounds are located in the shadow of Prayer Mountain.

(Sound track played during performance)
Regina Coeli (Plain Chant) is sung by the Benedictine Sisters of the Queen of Angels Monestary. Recorded by Stu Rasmussen at Mt. Angel Performing Arts Center.

This statue sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters and Friends and the Benedictine Foundation of Oregon.

PAPA OOM PAH
Carved by Mike Reifel

The town flourished over the years and in 1966 the first Oktoberfest was celebrated. Papa Oom Pah, the official Oktoberfest mascot, is a jolly Bavarian with rosy cheeks, a flowing moustache, lederhosen, and a huge tuba. He represents all the fun and excitement of the Northwest’s best-loved folk festival and the town’s Bavarian cultural heritage.

(Sound track played during performance)
Oom Pah Polka by the Top Brass Quintet.

This statue sponsored by Mt. Angel Oktoberfest.

CHILDREN SWINGING
Carved by Terry Kramer and Bob Watkins

The grand finale happens on the third floor. When the shutters open we look to our future. A boy and girl dressed in Bavarian garb, playing on a garden swing, sing Edelweiss.

(Sound track played during performance)
Students of St. Mary’s Grade School under the direction of Steve Herb, music teacher in Mt. Angel sing Edelweiss from “The Sound of Music”, with permission of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Recorded by Stu Rasmussen at Mt. Angel Performing Arts Center.

These statues of the children are a gift of the Clem and Maria Ruef family of Mt. Angel.

Let's hear about some of the other glockenspiels out there. How about the folks in Michigan getting some pictures and info on the one in Frankenmuth?

I found THIS online, but some pictures and comment from someone who has seen it recently would be helpful.


There must be others out there!!