European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 11, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                A tour guide Points out one of fr4d4ric Auguste Bartholdi s statues outside a museum dedicated to his work. Below the Maison Des t4tes with its carved  a Vive la difference alsatian town makes for a fascinating visit by de Reavis staff writer Quot Ihil people of Kauv consider then elves of Cru a hut Dot itus in dil Lerent trom lie rest of France. And Colmar a town situated in upper Alsace Between Strasbourg and Mulhouse likes to Call itself the most alsatian of All alsatian towns. The area just across the Rhine Rier trom , is not really Trench and not really German during most of the Middle Ages Colmar was a free it. Ity that was wealthy and powerful enough to avoid most of the Feudal wars f Lowe ser after the thirty years War it came under the Protection of the King of France who destroyed its old ramparts to show who was in charge. Although it became French against its will Colmar never regretted it. This was not the Case when the Alsace Region became part of the German Empire in 1871, and most residents were glad to return to France after world War i. It has remained part of France except for a period during world War ii but its mix of names and languages makes it dil forent from the rest of France. Today for the French going to Alsace is a Way of visiting Germany without dealing with the language or the people. For the germans visiting Alsace is a Way to Cross the Border into France without having to learn the language or worrying about finding potable Beer. For everyone else Colmar a town of 85,000, is a fascinating blend that poses another Little dilemma. Should one spend the time trying the famed culinary delights a such As alsatian sauerkraut backoff a meat and vegetable Stew or Schiftan smoked pork shoulder a sampling the Region s Many wines or viewing the famous works of Art in the museums and churches visitors might As Well Start by seeing the sights. The old town is a mixture of half timbered and Renaissance houses Cobblestone streets and Flower decorated fountains. One of those picturesque buildings houses the hotel St. Martin a former coach inn. The distinguished looking gentleman working behind the reception desk is Achille Goebel. Goebel is a pensioner helping out his brother the owners amps photos by Dave Casey of the venerable old establishment which dates to 1361. Quot we have tourists from All Over the world but mainly French germans Swiss swedes and americans. Business i slow in Winter but the rest of the year we have plenty to do a Goebel said. Goebel is Quick with suggestions for visiting his Hometown and quickly produces a Fine map for a walking tour of the old City that takes about two hours not counting visits to the town s museums. The place Rapp is a Good place to Start the tour. It is on the Edge of the old town just off the Busy Avenue de la rep oblique. In the Square s Center is the Rapp Monument created by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi in 1855 in Honor of a Victory under Napoleon. The works of Bartholdi a native son cannot and should not be avoided they Are everywhere in Colmar and scattered throughout much of France. But he is probably most famous for creating the statue of Liberty which France gave to the United states. Place Rapp sits at the head of a Large Park called Champ de Mars created on a former military Parade ground. At 70 stripes Magazine june 11, 1992