European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 18, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                R i m n i 1  have multitude of choices at the source by Effie Batman staff writer Kelly Gallagher s father gave her Mother her first Goebel figures in 1957. Her Mother was hooked. It was a set of Friar tuck Salt and Pepper shakers but the ones to follow were hummels. Today More than 100 of the Little Cherub faced bavarian children line her Mother s shelves in Cocoa Fla. On a recent Uso tour of the Corbel company in rodent Al Germany Gallagher and other tourists from the Wiesbaden military Community viewed a demonstration on How the figurines Are assembled piece by piece the enthusiasts could talk with a master Painter As he dabbed Rich earthen colors on a table filled with the Palm sized figurines. He also offered to sign some. Corbel makes a variety of other figurines but hummels Are the most popular with americans. The tour included a film on the production process or one on the life of sister Maria Innocentia bom Berta Hummel whose artwork inspired the figures. The movie was selected by the tour Leader. Some 200,000 people in North America belong to the official Hummel club not including 50,000 from other countries. For 50 Marks about $30 the annual membership fee includes the Cost of a limited edition figure a quarterly Magazine and special offers. Members visiting the factory May also tour the production area which is normally closed to the Public prices at he factory store across the Street Are the same _. As Germar retail prices and include the German 15 percent value added tax. The store accepts paperwork which waives the value added tax. Serious shoppers should be sure to pick up a form from their local tax Relief agent before going. Madelaine Heiser a visitor who travelled from Colonia n.j., hoped to pick up some pieces missing from her son s Hummel collection. Heiser said that she was disappointed. A1989 plate was priced at 310 Marks about $185. According to the figures on a Small scrap of paper she brought along her son said that he could buy the same in the states for Between $75 and $120. Most Palm sized hummels on the shelves were priced at Between 200 to 400 Marks. Teeny thumb sized ones Cost 60 Marks. Still the selection was extensive and for those so inclined they will find themselves in a Hummel heaven of Little people ducks geese Angels and other playmates. They can also pose for pictures under a 6-foot statue of the merry wanderer the landmark that stands in front of the store. J the factory s information Center is open monday through Friday from 9 . To 5 . And on saturday from 9 . To 12 noon. For More information on joining the dub or visiting the company write or Call w. Goebel Worzella Fabrik Postrach 11 47. Coburger Strasse 7,96466 rodent Al Germany. Telephone country code 49 9563-6564. Hummel museum opens in Texas by Barbara Ann Curcio the Washington Post Hummel heaven ? no not your aunt Rose s place but the new Hummel museum devoted to those of so precious cherubic children which opened this month in new braunfels Texas about 22 Miles North of san Antonio. In what organizers Call the largest display of original Hummel Art in the world the museum features hundreds of figurines drawings and paintings inspired by the peasant children dreamed up by sister Maria Innocenta Hummel in Siessen Germany during the 1930s and 40s. There also Are re creations of the sister s schoolroom and Chapel Complete with original furniture. Admission to the museum at 199 main Plaza is $5 for adults $4.50 for those 65 and Over and $3 for Ages 6 to 18. For information Call 210 625-5636. Hummels line the shelves at the Corbel store. Is photos by Effie Batman the umbrella girl one of the hummels on display. 18, 1993 stripes Magazine 13