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Volksmarching in America - Retired LbNA #66372 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Dec 31, 2013
Location: Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park
City:Fredericksburg
County:Gillespie
State:Texas
Boxes:1
Planted by:Walksfar
Found by: Not yet found!
Last found:N/A
Last edited:Dec 31, 2013
REPORTED: BOX THERE, STAMP AND LOG BOOK GONE.

Fredericksburg native Kenn Knopp, was visiting distant relatives in Germany in 1976. He was taken on an afternoon stroll by his relatives to a cemetery where his relatives were buried. The stroll turned out to be a six-mile ordeal. At that time Knopp was very much overweight and upon returning to his relative's home he was confined to the bed for an extra day.

"Now that you've started exercising" he was told, "why not join the International People's Sports Walking Club that is very popular here in Europe." Knopp thought it was a good idea since he was on the lookout for an activity Fredericksburg might sponsor as part of its German heritage. When he returned to Fredericksburg a walking club was formed and the international headquarters in Germany approved its formation. Volkssportverein Friedrichsburg (People's Sports Association Fredericksburg) then became "The First in Texas, the First in the U.S.A."

The first internationally sanctioned Volksmarch in the USA was held in Fredericksburg in June of 1976 as part of the nation's Bicentennial Celebration. More than 200 participants came from far and wide to have their record books officially stamped. Most of those taking part were from the military bases nearby and had been on weekend walks while stationed in Europe. Almost immediately, new Volkssport clubs organized in Texas and across the country.

Mr. Knopp passed away in 2013. The Fredericksburg Club is still in existance. It is the American Volkssport Association (AVA) club No. 1.

To find the box enter the park. Continue past the Park Headquarters on the right. The road curves right and goes uphill pas the Pioneer Pavilion. Turn left toward the golf course but do not cross the bridge. Turn left and park under the light pole. Walk uphill with the fence on your left to a huge Live Oak tree. There is a picnic table against the tree's base. Stand on the seat to reach the treasure. Please watch for fisherman, golfers, and picnic goers so the box remains a secret.