Official village historian Suzie Alvey was recently contacted by Katja Nauer, a German freelance journalist living in Coburg, Germany, the sister city of the Village of Garden City. In questioning how Christmas was celebrated over here, Nauer responded in kind when Suzie asked her the reciprocal question. And while a good part of Nauer’s response revolved around the variety of delectables cooked up during the holiday that include Lebkuchen (gingerbread), bratwurst and Coburger Klobe (potatoes and green salad), there was one edifice that really solidified the connection between both places. While St. Paul’s ranks as Garden City’s most notable architectural landmark, Coburg can boast having the Veste Coburg, one of Germany’s largest castles whose origins date back to 1225. It turns out Coburg’s history is as rich as its much younger but no less vibrant sibling community.
— Dave Gil de Rubio
