I grew up in a small village in Germany called “Kitzingen”. On our Germany travels over the summer we spent a lot of time in my hometown, visiting family and friends and just enjoying the beauty that this city has to offer. It really is breath taking looking at all the pictures I took and it makes me miss home that much more.
Kitzingen is a town in the German state of Bavaria, capital of the district Kitzingen. It is part of the Franconia geographical region and has around 21,000 inhabitants. Surrounded by vineyards, Kitzingen County is the largest wine producer in Bavaria. It is said to be Franconia’s wine trade center.
The first thing we did was to find our favorite Ice ream parlor and ordered our favorite treat. Ohhh, how I missed it. It was as delicious as I had remembered and these were just a few of the 6 page menu to choose from, isn’t it amazing. It tastes even better then it looks, trust me. If you ever make it to Germany, be sure to find an Ice Cream Parlor and enjoy a treat, that’s a MUST and you will not regret it either and oh… remember on vacation calories don’t count, so eat up 
.
According to legend, Kitzingen was founded when the Countess of Schwanberg lost her jeweled scarf while standing on the ramparts of her castle. The castle was located high above the fertile section of the Main River Valley where Kitzingen now lies. The Countess promised to build a cloister on the spot where the scarf was found. When it was found by a shepherd named Kitz, she kept her word and built a cloister which she called Kitzingen. That Benedictine cloister, founded in the 8th century on the site of the present town of Kitzingen, defended the ford across the Main River.
Kitzingen’s history is closely tied to Würzburg. Kitzingen became a free imperial city around the year 1000. During the next century the town changed rulers often, mostly being ruled by Würzburg bishops who sold the town twice to fill their empty treasury.
In 1629 the Bishop of Würzburg took up his option to repurchase Kitzingen after the Peasants’ Revolt in 1525. He abolished Protestantism and forced more than 1,000 residents to leave the town. This blow to the town’s strength was followed by the Swedish three-year occupation during the Thirty Years’ War.
Kitzingen’s revival is credited to the wisdom of Bishop Johann Philipp von Schönborn of Würzburg, whose Edict of Toleration in 1650 encouraged the return of the expelled Protestants. This is why both Catholicism and Protestantism are present in Kitzingen today.
During the Cold War, Kitzingen was a staging area for the U.S. European Command’s (USAREUR) air defenses against possible Soviet air and nuclear attack. Two U.S. Army Bases, Larson Barracks and Harvey Barracks, were located in the town. For many years it housed the 2nd Brigade of the Third infantry division. One of these battalions, 6-41 Field Artillery, was deployed to Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and served with distinction. These units were eventually reflagged units of the First infantry division.
As you can tell our little town has and had very close ties to America, we had many many US Soldiers and Armed Forces stationed in Kitzingen and the surrounding area, making friends and hanging out with the locals, enjoying and learning about the German culture until 2007 when all the troops were relocated to America and the US bases were closed.
I just love my Hometown, it’s beautiful inside and out, has many rough years behind it but doesn’t look it and the fun part, anywhere you go, I bet you will meet someone that has been to Kitzingen before. I’m in the USA now for 15 years and have met many people, total coincidence, that were stationed in Kitzingen. It is the strangest thing but makes me always smile when people have fond memories of their Germany visit and they always love to tell their stories about the town or the fun adventures they endured.
I challenge you to find someone that has heard or even been to Kitzingen, Germany, you will be surprised how many people know this little village that has not quit 21,000 residence. Most of the military and armed forces stationed in Germany have been here. It is a beautiful place to grow up and to visit. I miss it, but I now made Florida my home. The nice thing, I can always go back and enjoy the beautiful city and look at it with different eyes then the locals would. I won’t take the city for granted, I just enjoy every second of it till I head back home.
Be sure to check out the video above (click on the picture), it’s from my Hometown’s Facebook page and it is a tour of the town under 5 minutes long but it shows the beauty even better than in my pictures. I hope you enjoyed learning about my beautiful hometown….
Have you ever been to Germany and maybe to Kitzingen?
Cyndie says
Your hometown in Germany is beautiful! I like that I got a History lesson. too.
Jim Horstman says
I spent 2 years at the data processing center on Harvey ’70-72. Lived in Sickerhousen
in the Robert, Paula Kashper family’s apartment. Loved it. Many very fond memories.
hjphorsts@aol.com Jim Horstman
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Jim… so nice to meet you and thanks for your service. Always love hearing from people that were stationed at “home”. My Family is doing well, thanks for asking.
Carin says
I was born and raised and educated in Kitzingen. I married an American soldier and immigrated to Southern California. I will be in Würzburg this May and hope to be able to take a quick trip back to Kitzingen. Thank you for writing so fondly about my hometown.
Carin
Mark Sacco says
I was stationed at harvey barracks from 1990-1994, assigned to the the 212th milirary police company, had many great times in wurzburg, munchin, Frankfurt.
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Mark; I was there the same time, we left in 1997…. Glad you came to check out my little blog….
Robert says
Yes, I lived there from 1984 to 1987.
Ron Brooks says
Robert, where were you stationed while there?
Chuck says
Hi I was station there 1984-1988 HHC Larson barrack it was my favorite duty station it was a beautiful place
E.N. McDuffie says
I was stationed in Kitzingen in 1955-1956 and again 1963-1965. I still have a friend that lives on Kanzler Stuertzel Str. I am 80 years old now and most of the friends I had in deutschland are gone. The people there treated me like family. I was at Larson Barracks and used to stop at the Schutzenhaus on my way down town. My favorite place to dance was the Deutscheshaus. My girl friend in 1955 lived 1 block from the Deutscheshaus on Malktestr. My youngest daughter and I are going to Kitzingen in June. She was born in Wurzburg Army Hospital. I also live in Florida just west of Gainesville, a little place called Fanning Springs. You have a gorgeous web site, congrats. Norman
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Norman; Thank you sooo much for your service and for telling about your time in Kitzingen. Love hearing it. So glad you get to go back in June and visit. You will love it, lots has changed but it is still a beautiful place and hopefully you can enjoy some Rouladen when you go. They are so easy to make though, I think I have a recipe on here I’ll e-mail you the link. Have a wonderful trip and wising you and your family the best
Theresa says
I lived in Dettelbach and attended Kitzingen Middle School and Wurzburg High School between 1986 and 1989. I am currently living in Florida, but would love to return to Germany one day. Nice blog!
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Theresa, so excited to hear from you. I was born in Dettelbach what a small world…. We are in Florida now, too :-)…. Thanks for the visit
Ron Brooks says
Hello Theresa, I actually spent a few months driving the little VW van they used as a school bus to pick up kids in Dettlebach and take them to school. Did that in 1987. I don’t think they were middle school age though, but I could have driven your younger sibling if you have any.
Theresa says
I do not have younger siblings that would’ve ridden to school from Dettelbach, but that’s amazing. Since moving back to the States I have not spoken to anyone who has ever heard of Dettelbach, so it has been a treat to find this blog.
Nancy says
Lived in kitzingen 1976 to 1978 my husband was stationed at larson love to visit again
David says
Well it’s there and so beautiful and peaceful and magical like it was in the late 70s .. I wa station in Harvey Baracks and I visit it there town for the past 3 years cause I finally brought a house there in east Germany in the town of Leisnig Germany in the former iron curtain and now the west has reunified with the east and I brought a house there. And now restoring the old 1896 home 😄
Tough Cookie Mommy says
Your hometown looks like a beautiful place to live and to visit. I grew up in a small town in Spain and I can’t wait to go back and visit.
Tough Cookie Mommy recently posted..Our Fun Family Picnic At The Park! #GoodFunForAll @FritoLay @SkylandersGame #Ad
John Kim says
I’m incredibly jealous that your hometown is this awesome. It must have been nice to go back!
Melanie Roberts says
it sure looks awesome and I often think “Why did you ever leave”…lol.. but we made Florida our home and love visiting Germany as much as Germans love visiting Florida 🙂
Chris Garcia says
I was born in Etwashausen and grew up there. I love Kitzingen but I live in Newnan, GA. I worked for the Army as a Dep of Army Civilian an my last duty station was as a HR officer in Harvey Barrack.
Melanie Roberts says
It’s a small world 🙂 so glad you found me… my grandma still lives in Etwashausen… 🙂
James Armstrong says
I was stationed at Harvey 1986-1988. Battalion Commander of the 203rd Support Bn. Making another trip back next month (June 2016) to visit good German friends…..stay Ing at the Old Doctors House in Etwashausen. Can’t wait. BTW I currently live in Ft Lauderdale.
Melanie Roberts says
So nice to meet you… enjoy your stay, I miss it and wish I could go home this year. My Oma lives in Etwashausen, love that little place. Thanks for your service.
James Armstrong says
Leave tomorrow for my return to the Kitzengen area. Very excited!
Ron Brooks says
Commander Armstrong, I was in HQ & A at that time. Platoon Sgt was Staff Sgt. Ellis.
James Armstrong says
Good to reconnect. Where are you now? As you know the area we were in is now empty with weeds 6 feet high the last I saw them a few years ago.
Ron says
Yes sir. I have seen pics from google searches and I use google earth pro a lot. Even the town and surrounding area looks different than I remember. I hope I can make a trip back over there sometime and see it all in person. I have tried to find old friends but that has proven difficult too. Good to reconnect for sure.
Kurt says
Hi Melanie! My name is Kurt. I was born & raised in Kitzingen until 3 months before my 7th b’day when I emigrated to the US with my Mutti (mom) & middle brother in Nov. 1954. Two sisters & my older brother had already gone to the US before us. My father came almost a year later. My family settled in New York City. I was born in a centuries old house at #5 Landwehr Str. only about 25 yards across from the beautiful synagogue which is adjacent to the Main River. When I was 3 years old my family moved across the river to the Siedlung where all the new housing had been built following WWII. I visited Kitzingen in July 1965, in 2013 & 2014. It was wonderful seeing friends/neighbors from long ago and especially being w/my God-father who is now 91 and walked me over every square foot of Kitzingen relaying all the history and cultural aspects of my birthplace that I either never knew and things I was a little aware of but didn’t know the details of. It was fascinating and fun the last two times I visited along w/my older brother Franz.
Dave Steward says
I spent two years stationed in Kitzingen(1965-66) as a post engineer in support of family housing. I lived in town with my wife and daughter. There was a group of 10 of us in support. Left to go to Ft. Campbell with orders to Nam. Enjoyed it greatly.
Melanie Roberts says
Thanks for your service Dave and glad you came to “visit” again through my page. Have a wonderful day and say hi to the Family
E.N. McDuffie says
Dave Steward: Marshall heights was bought out by some people who sound like they are turning it into a lower income housing area. They area turning the school into a large kindergarden. I think you can read about it by typing in Marshall heights Kitzingen Ger. It is a good read W/ lots of photos. Later
Paul Moreno says
I was the Post Engineer at Kitzingen from June 1967 till March 1969, followed Lt Dean.
BRIGITTE REECE geb. vergin says
I WAS BORN IN HUETTENHEIM / LANDKREIS KITZINGEN
I HAVE BEEN LIVING IN ARIZONA SINCE 1970.
I ENJOYED READING YOUR BLOG.
I HAVE NEVER BEEN BACK TO KITZINGEN – BUT I STILL HAVE FAMILY THERE.
Melanie Roberts says
Aww hi Brigitte… soo nice to meet you; I know where huettenheim is, mein grandma or grandpa has family there and they always came to visit 🙂 What a small world… I lived in Arizona for a short time in Ft. Huachuca, loved it… now we call Florida home 🙂
Alexandra says
I lived and worked there on Larson. My ex was stationed at Harvey. My son was born there. I’m originally from Wuerzburg 🙂
Melanie Roberts says
Awww nice to meet you Alexandra …. what a small world 🙂
Melissa says
Beautiful city thank you for sharing your birthplace with us. I have always wanted to visit Germany,
Melissa recently posted..Journey To Texas
ellen beck says
Such a beautiful town and beautiful place you taake amazing pictures! I especially liked how you explained how the town got its name very nice!
John C Winfrey says
I was stationed at Harvey long ago in 1971=1973. living first in Dettlebach with the Schmitt family and later in Marshall Heights. I was the Brigade Courts and Boards officer at 2nd Brigade, a job I enjoyed very much coordinating all the legal and administrative discharges, before that a platoon leader in the 1/15th INf there on post. Marietta and I liked our time in Germany. We got to travel a lot all over Germany and into Holland, Austria and Italy. Kitzingen and Wurzburg are two nice towns and cities. I liked living there.
Saw where it closed in 2007. Would lke to visit there again one day and to see where the old club was. I see its being used by the locals for shows and stuff now.
JW.
Melanie Roberts says
Hi JW.. soo nice to see you and THANKS for serving… Soo excited that you loved my hometown but honestly you wouldn’t want to see the old stomping ground the way it looks now 🙁 The Barracks, both Harvey and Larson are not what they used to be; closed off to the public overgrown and some parts are now slowly being used for offices; Marshall Heights and the schools are completely closed and fenced off and overgrown with weeds and grass, it’s soo sad to see :-(. If you happen to be on Facebook, e-mail me if you are interested there are a few pages for Military members that were stationed in Kitzingen, Wurzburg area they share pic’s often from the old days and even some now. None the less, the town itself is still stunning and beautiful. You still should visit Germany one day and grab all those memories 🙂
Nadine Ruft says
How Crazy! I grew up in Kitzingen! I lived on Mainbernheimer Strasse
It was so nice over there.
My mother moved me over here to the states when I was 17 in 1999.
Since then I have been in Missouri, Colorado, Arizona and now live in California with my Husband and my Daughter.
It is so nice seeing all those great pictures. I too cook a lot of the traditional German meals that I grew up with and my Family loves it for the most part.
Really enjoy your Blog. What a small world it is.
Nadine
Melanie Roberts says
Ohhh Nadine… how cool. Did you go to the Siedlungs Schule? I had friends on Mainbernheimer Strasse, do you maybe know Carmen? I’m a few years older, not that much I think only like 5 years how crazy… SOO excited.. nice meeting you and glad I was able to bring you “home” a little. Boy you sure traveled the world; I lived in Arizona for almost two years when we first moved to the US and I loved it, we are in Florida now… thanks for the visit so glad you checked out my little piece on the web 🙂 it is a small world after all 🙂 … Don’t be a stranger, visit often visit my Facebook page… 🙂
E.N. McDuffie says
Do you crazy girls have a recipe for Roladin”miss spelled” My girl friend’s Mom made it for me cause she knew I loved it. I haven’t eaten it since 1965 when I left Deutschland. Sad Florida boy!!
Chris Garcia says
Hi there I grew up on Mainbernheimerstr right next to Ella that sold veggies from her garage. Where did you live and what was your name before.
Mike says
I was stationed at Harvey (A 1/15) in the early eighties and I liked seeing your video and pictures. It has been 31 years since I have been there and would like to go back someday to see the sights, I bet things are real different now that both bases are closed. thanks for letting me watch. Mike
Melanie Roberts says
Ohh thanks for the comment Mike.. always love to hear from people that have been there. It has change somewhat but not really if that makes sense.. The traffic/people is a lot less of course but it’s still charming and beautiful like it used to be. Wishing you and your Family a very merry Christmas and WOW.. hard to believe it’s been 31 years… the 80’s seem just a few years ago..
Theresa says
Do you recall Master Sgt Euell, Mike?
victor forzani says
Hello I was station in harvey A /15 INF from 1998 to 1980 First Platoon
Paul Fincannon says
I was stationed at Kitzingen in 1958 and 1959. I guess it was at Larson, but it was called Flak he then. I can attest to great wine that was produced there and the wine festival in Sept of 1958. The white wine was the best ever. Duhon adn I were in the same outfit. Thanks for the memories.
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Paul… ohhh soo glad I was able to walk you down Memory lane… 🙂 thanks for checking out my page
George Vincent says
I was stationed at Larson Barracks in your fair town from 1965 t0 1966 I always remember Friday nights when the Mercedes diesel cabs were lined up at the front gates to take the soldiers into town names I remember were the Florida Bar where
we downed German beer with ceramic tops we called flippies a great little town and
always the leaning tower in Kitzingen still have the pics in my albums thanks for the memories
Marvin clark says
Enjoyed looking at your pictures of Kitzingen. My wife and I are coming there in May 2016. Was station there in 1963-65 in the barracks up on the hill. Is there anyway a person can get on base just to look around. Somebody had a reunion planned several ago but it fell through for lack of interest. I had already reserved my room when I got the cancellation notice
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Marvin, the barracks up on the Hill (Larson Barracks) should be open for you to walk around, they have businesses there now, as for the other two Marshall Heights and Harvey Barracks I believe they are still off limits to people, enjoy your stay there you will love it, the weather should be beautiful in May, too. We usually go early June and it’s always awesome weather… Thanks for your service…don’t forget to drink a few beers and eat some brats for me…
Marvin clark says
Dear Melaine thanks so much for the info about Larson Barracks. When you said I could get on base it made my day. Will be thinking a lot about it until I get there in May. After 50 years I’m going back to the city I fell in love with as a 19year old kid. Again thank you so very much.
Melanie Roberts says
You will LOVE it.. almost everything as you can see from my pictures (either my 2014 or my 2012 trip) looks the same as it did back then. I left 20 years ago and even 90% of the house colors are the same..LOL… enjoy your time, make it a point to visit the vineyards, walk the main river, all the fun things that aren’t really done here ohh and you HAVE to take your wife to downtown Kitzingen it’s now a no driving zone walking only they have an amazing Ice Cream place called “Cortina” AMAZING!!! You have to eat a cup there, we really go every single day when we are there to check out a different cup, I miss it, you all will enjoy it, so different from here… have a safe and wonderful trip, take ton of pictures, too.
glenn leftwich says
I was in the army in the early 1980’s. I was stationed at Harvey Barrecks Kitzingen. It was a beautiful city. I was there for a year and a half. The best time of my life. Planning on going back soon if all goes well.
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Glenn, thanks for visiting and letting me know you enjoyed your stay; hope you get to go back soon and you will see it’s still as beautiful as when you left; thanks for your service, much appreciated!
David Guthrie says
I too was born in Kitzingen. I spent a lot of my time with family and friends and miss it dearly.
Melanie Roberts says
Ahh another “Kitzinger”.. nice to meet you, is your family military or german? Thanks for checking out my page, always fun hearing from people who have been there.
AJ says
I stumbled across this page while trying to find out information on Kitzingen. I was stationed at Larson Barracks from 1999-2002 and our first two boys were born in the American hospital in Wurzburg. We are now living back in Germany near Ramstein and are planning to take a trip to Kitzingen to show our sons who are now 15 and 13, where they were born. I actually used to attend a Baptist Church that met in the top floor of the building pictured in that last photo. Thanks for posting these great pictures. They bring back happy memories as this was the first place my wife and I lived after we got married.
Melanie Roberts says
Ahh how neat thanks for checking out my page AJ and isn’t it amazing it still looks the same. My son was born in 99, too but here in the US my oldest son was born in Kitzingen at the hospital and we took him back in 2012 the first time and he loved it!! Enjoy your time and be sure to visit, you aren’t that far from Kitzingen, I used to go to Ramstein for medical treatments a lot when I was there in the early 90’s, thanks for your service, much appreciated!!
Tim Jones says
Thank you for sharing this! I was stationed at Harvey Barracks for 2 years in 1980-1981. I loved Kitzingen and would love to visit again someday!
timothy.j.jones@verizon.net
Melanie Roberts says
Awww thanks for the visit and glad you enjoyed the little town I call home… I sure hope you get to visit one day, till then just keep checking out my pictures and dream of your time there. Thanks for your service, much appreciated P.S. I was there during that timeframe, too I left in 1997.
Kevin says
I Was Stationed In Kitzingen,In 69-70 I Loved It.I Went Back In 75,Still Loved It. What Am I Doing Here?
Elizabeth says
I fell in love with Kitzingen, and all of Bavaria, while stationed at the Clinic at Harvey Barracks from 1979 -1982. Your hometown holds some dear memories for me. Thanks for sharing the pictures with us.
Melanie Roberts says
Awww thanks Elizabeth for your service ( much appreciated!!) and for checking out my post; so glad you were able to experience it and glad you have wonderful memories, too. Sad to know that Harvey Barracks is closed now and nothing in its place to date :-(.
Ernest says
Danke schone…… I was stationed at harvey barracks ….HHC…1/15 Infantry Batallion 2nd Brigade…3rd Infantry Division. … from March 1987 to October 1989…. I totally enjoyed my time in Deutschland. …. got there straight out of high school….. many pictures and memories……. Thanks for your pics…… reminds me of times long gone by……. I still remember running around the air field…….. looking at the mountain. …which our Batallion called “can do mountain”……
Melanie Roberts says
Hallo Ernest; so nice of you to stop by and thanks for your service!!! Memories are great….
Ernest says
And I’m fluent in Deutsch. …. Yawohl..
Ron Brooks says
I was stationed at Harvey Barracks from 86-88. I used to spend alot of time in town at local bars and retaraunts. I would love to make a trip back someday but the town looks different than what I thought I remembered.
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Ron, so glad you came to visit and enjoyed my little hometown, it sure has changed a lot. I was there the same time as you and remember a lot of bars and restaurants, most are long gone now unfortunately but it sure was a good time. Thanks for your service and glad I was able to bring back some memories
Ron Brooks says
Hello Melanie,
The Green Goose was the most popular but I also went to Beirbrunner. There used to be a small bar on the 2nd floor of one of the old houses but I can’t remember the name of it. You’re probably not old enough to have hit the bars while I was there though.
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Ron, oh I know the Green goose and Bierbrunnen well, both are long gone now. I think we missed each other by just a few year 🙂 Good times…
Kevin Schrum says
Hi Melanie!
Just curious, how hard did it hit folks in Kitzingen when all the US troops left? I hope the town was able to adjust well. Second, did that have anything to do with those establishments closing down, or did they just decide to close for other reasons?
Thanks! And yes, I knew those places well, lol 😀
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Kevin..Thanks for your service. Kitzingen has been struggling, they are slowly recovering but it sure was a los. We had 2 big barracks and a big housing development with about 20K people that left a big hole when they closed and left, almost 50% of our towns population was gone. They did close them because of the Military moving out of Germany almost all are closed just a few big ones down south are still open, but Wurzburg is closed and Schweinfurt if it hasn’t closed yet will soon.
David Hejza says
I spent 3 years in Kitzingen at Harvey Barracks from 1977 thru 1980. I loved every minute of it. I eventually married and brought my wife back to Kitzingen. We lived in Dettlebach another wonderful town. I would love to go back one day and see the sights. Like Draculas tomb, still have pictures, or the leaning tower. Many fond memories.
Melanie Roberts says
Hi David so nice to hear you enjoyed my town.. I know Dettelbach very very well… 🙂 … Thanks for your service and glad I could help you walk in memories
Ann Horton says
I was stationed at Harvey Barracks from 1977-1979. Met my husband and were married at the Rothaus on May 26, 1978. Hoping to return there to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. Is the tower still there and the taxi stand? There was an Italian restaurant we called Charlie’s, that was a favorite spot for pizza-romas and Canaloni. Loved Schwamberg hill for the beautiful views. We had hoped to return long before now, but life got busy! Hoping to get there in2018.
Melanie Roberts says
Ohhh WOW Congratulations… Yes the tower is still there, our main attraction won’t go anywhere soon and the Tax stand is a stable as well. You will love seeing all the “old” sights with a lot of new ones as well. It’s still as beautiful as ever.
Gloria says
I was born in Kitzingen in November 1958. Left for the US in 1976 and unfortunately haven’t had the opportunity to visit. I still have family there who visit us here in the states. I hope to go back in the near future but in the meantime it was so nice to stumble across your post. I am always on the internet looking at Kitzingen and it is such a beautiful city. I am looking forward to visiting.
Melanie Roberts says
Awww glad I could put a little smile on your face Gloria. My mom was born around the same time as you, hope you get to go back and visit someday, you have lots of time left. Always enjoy hearing from people that are from “home”.
Mike M says
I spent 3 years there US Army 3RD ID 10TH ENG BAT. Kitzingen is absolutely beautiful. It was the best time of my life from 1985-88.
So many great memories I hope to go back someday for a visit.
Melanie Roberts says
Thanks for your service and so glad I was able to share my beautiful hometown with you
Vince Taurino says
One more thing then I’ll shut up…… Your right! The ice cream shop in the center of town (behind the Rathaus) is really good!
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Vince.. I tried to send you an e-mail… look me up on Facebook and we can catch up… I think we have lots to talk 😉
Vince Taurino says
Hey Melanie
Very happy you liked my post. I don’t usually comment on blogs but yours hit home. I’ll give spacebook a shot but be forwarned I’m not so good with it. I’m a social media klutz. Conversely my wife & son are spacebook addicts….LOL I’ll check my email too.
Vince
Vince Taurino says
Couldnt figure why email gave you a hard time so I came back to look at info I gave… Like I said social media klutz…. My fone auto corrected verizon.net to… “version”.net…. & I didn’t catch it. Sometimes I hate auto correct.
Jeremy Leese says
Thanks for posting this. I was a scout with the 1/15th infantry at Harvey barracks from ’88 to ’90 and then at Amberg with the 2nd ACR after the Gulf war.
I met my wife in Amberg, also a nice Bavarian town, and we visit there to see family at least once a year. I haven’t been back to Kitzingen, but we’ll have to make a stop there this summer when an old Army buddy and his wife are planning a trip Germany.
-Jeremy
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Jeremy thanks for your service and glad you came to visit Kitzingen, Amberg is beautiful as well. Glad you get to visit often, plan a trip to Kitzingen, to bring back some old memories for sure.
Bill Henry says
Was in Larson barracks 1970 – 1971, the best time I ever had, wish I could go back.
Melanie Roberts says
Awww Bill, thanks for your comment… I bet it was a great time, good ol’ times… You should go back one day, you would love it. Thanks for your service and glad I could share a little bit of home with you
John Mastin says
I also was at Larson 70 to 71, light equipment maintenance. The wife and I lived on the economy in a two story house. The land lady Mrs. Fraulein Hinch talked about the Russians pushing her large metal fence down a number of times. The house was beside the Main River across from a park on the other side of the river. Loved the food specially pomme fritz and schnitzel. Bought a VW ’57’ rag top to get around over there. I’ve had a few since then. I have a ’69’ type 1 now. Great times. No regrets.
Trudy SHADBOLT says
Lived in Kitzingen 1966-1968 hubby was stationed in harvey baracks 66th Hem co. loved it in Kitzingen. Still have many things i bought there especially my manger. We lived on the hill Marshall Heights?Last building on the right.
Melanie Roberts says
Awwww thanks for your sweet comment Trudy… I heard that time in the 60’s was AMAZING, I wasn’t born till the 70’s but hear lots of fun times were there in Kitzingen, a lot of the comments I’ve gotten have been with soldiers and their families around the same time frame.. love hearing all the fun and good times you guys had. Glad you came to check out how it looks now, you should visit one day and play in the past 🙂
Kevin Schrum says
Hello! I was stationed at Harvey Barracks from ,’87-’89. Was an incredibly beautiful town back then. I especially loved the culture and getting to meet people from there. Since my family is of German/Bavarian descent, it was nice to practice up on some German language while there and learn more of the culture from which my ancestors came from. My family officially comes from Schramberg in the Black Forest region. Our names got changed to differing ones when coming over to the States. So we are Schram, Schrum, Shrum, and I think a few other varieties lol.
Anyways, thanks for sharing. It is great to know Kitzingen is doing well. I can only imagine what it would be like to walk through the town, as well as Harvey and Larson again.
Denny Deaver says
I was a medic assigned to the 1st bn 15th infantry at harvey barracks. I was the ncoic in charge of the dispensary from 1968 and 1969. My wife came over to be with me and we lived on odersgasse 3 while we were there. We rented from Herr and Frau Brendel. I still keep in touch with my extended family in Kitzingen. I have a lot of fond memories of Kitzingen. My son was born in Wurzburg.
Recarda barker says
I was born their currently live in Australia and I loved your history, you forgot to mention that Draculas heart is located in the hometown!
Melanie Roberts says
Ohhh Record Totally missed that I have to update the post soon. I showed it to my family when we were there and the kids loved the history behind it. WOW Australia, always wanted to go there… Thanks for checking in
Ronnie Bagwell says
I was stationed at Harvey Barracks with Co. D, 1-15 Infantry, 3rd Inf. Division from 1986 – 1988. Reading the comments really brought back memories of our runs around the airfield and out to “Can Do” Mountain. 1st Sgt. Peoples loved to run! Kitzingen is a beautiful town. Its like walking around in a postcard. I remember the Green Goose. John Dutchman and I painted the mural of the goose with the cooler of beer on the wall back in 1987, if I remember correctly. We were drinking while we painted and I still remember feeling really sick! I have a few photos I took on the bridge and around the town. I can’t believe it’s been so long since I was there. I was 22 when I came back to the States and I’ll be 50 in a few weeks! Maybe someday my wife and I can visit Kitzingen and relive some great memories.
Melanie Roberts says
Good Ol’ Times… I was there during that time, too … Just finished Elementary school 🙂 … Thanks for the visit and thanks for your service
Jeremy Leese says
Ronnie, I got there probably right as you were leaving in ’88. I was a cav scout in 1/15, so I was in the fancy HHC barracks right across from Delta, if I recall correctly.
And I spent so much time at the Green Goose that they eventually bought me my own personalized shot glass. Sad, but true.
Memories of Can Do mountain aren’t quite as fond. =)
Ron Brooks says
Jeremy that’s funny because my nickname was shotglass, well one of them anyway. Jimmy taught me how to shoot pool at the old location before they moved to town. A couple of my friends were over at 1/15.
Jeremy Leese says
Nice. And one of mine was Goose.
Jeremy Leese says
And now that I think of it, Goose Man, and then shortened to G-Man.
Jeez, I really did spend to much time at that bar. Eh, we were young.
Ok, now I’ll stop hijacking this nice blog about the beautiful town of Kitzingen.
Ron Brooks says
You probably knew a couple of the fellas I hung out with. Rob Spires & John Pool.
James Armstrong says
Just returned from Franconia and spent several days in Kitzingen. Was fortunate as Harvey is now under construction but we were able to drive around the base. Much changed but at the same time very much like it was. Many buildings are gutted to include the chapel. My old mission area (203rd Support Bn) is in place except for the Hq building which is gone. Cleared for a large building project. As you leave the main gate toward the Officers club there are some changes. The beautiful apple orchard has been taken out and a high tech horse barn is in its place, Larsen is divided into two compounds but is being used. The old Larson golf course is now a municipal course. Thankfully the old town looks just the same. Sure enjoyed my visit with old German friends.
Melanie Roberts says
Awww thanks for the update and too glad you got to go back and enjoy it all. Bet it was an amazing trip
ronald beetz says
hi everyone my name is ronald beetz i was ststinoed at both larson and harvey,in 3rd ID in what was called redeye unit from july 1969 to 1972 love that city ,it was such agreat time for me,so glad lots of people love it so much,thank you for posting about it.
Melanie Roberts says
Thank you so much for your service and checking out my hometown
cathi Laughlin says
Hi Melanie,
I lived in Kitzingen in 1959 through 1962 when my father was stationed in Germany. We lived above a butcher owned by a family named Moosemeier on a street called Oberstrasse, I think. My mother used to walk me in my stroller every day by the Main River. I am now 57 years old, and I’m planning on visiting Kitzingen this October. Can you help me find a place to stay near where I used to live? Thank you.
Cathi Laughlin
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Cathi, oh you will love the trip back on memory lane. The best way for plans to live I always google “Ferienwohnung” in Kitzingen or rental homes in Kitzingen, they are usually only like $50-$80/day and have everything like a 2 bedroom apartment much cheaper then a hotel, or if you like a hotel google “Hotel in Kitzingen” you will find a handful, but we prefer the rental homes, enjoy it
James Armstrong says
Hi Cathi, I was back for several days in June. If you have a car and don’t mind a short 10 min drive I would suggest The Old Doctor’s House. Google it. Wonderful family who will become part of your family after a stay with them. Wonderful breakfast and good prices. Say hi to them for me.
Jim Armstrong
Benno says
Melanie,
Thanks for sharing your information about Kitzingen. I lived there in the 60’s and early 70’s as a military child.
The memories of Kitzingen are priceless. The beautiful sights in town, the farms, the “schwimbad” on the island on the Main river. Eating the fresh warm brotchen from the street vendors. The wonderful carnivals downtown. The friendly people. All of it seems magical now. Sad to hear about Marshall Heights going unused. It was such a vibrant community. The AYA offered so much for young people. Thanks again for sharing.
Jeff scheuring says
Thanks for your blog. I visited Kitzingen in November of 2014 after doing some ancestory research and finding that my great grandfather immigrated from there in the late 1800’s. I drove up from Munich but did not plan for enough time to stay there. What an awesome town. By accident I spoke with a person in the tobacco shop who knew a family there with my same last name. Turns out it is not a common name in the town. I plan to go back in the next year and will reach out to the family that share my same last name. Next trip I will plan for a much longer stay. Got some great pictures and look forward to returning. Jeff Scheuring
Melanie Roberts says
Hi Jeff; thanks for the visit and WOW what an awesome trip you must have had, very interesting and exciting I’m sure. Loved hearing all about it and you deff. have to go back and spend a lot more time, there is so much to do and see.. enjoy it. Merry Christmas
Bob Loftis says
I was stationed at Larson Barracks in 1971 and 1972. Third battalion 76th field artillery. I lived on Mainstockheimer Strasse with Herr and Frau Stolp who operate a place in town called La Paloma. Kitzingen is a beautiful town with wonderful people! I have visited twice and could not have enjoyed it more. I learned more in those two years than I did in college AND grad school. Thanks so much for your post.
autrey duhon says
just read paul fincannon’s note about our stay in kitzingen. remember it well. and my wife and i are going to paris on march 30 and plan to visit kitzingen about the 6 of april for a couple of days. hope to visit the base we were stationed at. we were apretty close group and we still talk to each other often. paul visited donald lege and i here in abbeville,la. looking forward to our visit.
Vivian Davis says
I lived in Kitzingen from 1973 to 1977. Loved the city. For a half a year we lived in seignitz. I worked at the Hertzberg of and for a year at the kitzingen officers club. My son’s first word was brochen. Many wonderful memories. Vivian Manuel.
Jerry says
I was stationed in Kitzingen 58-60. I drove for 10th eng battalion commander and got to see a lot of southern Germany. Saw Bad K which at that time was a dangerous place. I miss the great beer and strawberry wine.
Paul Moreno says
I was the Post Engineer at Kitzingen from June 1967 to March 1969. I lived on the economy first in Kitzingen (Fuchsgraben #9) the Ochenfurt. My oldest daughter was born in Wurzburg. We loved the town and country side and spent many weekends just driving from town to town.
Irmgard says
My family history in Kitzingen and other parts of Germany go back to the 11th century. I have heard about Kitzingen all my life and have visited twice. It is the most beautiful town and my family enjoyed a wonderful life there. My Grandfather was a very successful wine merchant. Three generations lived together on Banhoff Strasse. How about adding a word in your blog about the hundreds of Jewish people who were born and lived in Kitzingen, were arrested on Kirstallnacht and deported. The beautiful Jewish community and gorgeous synagogue were destroyed. Please add a photo of the synagogue facade and pay tribute to the many wonderful people of Kitzingen murdered by the Nazis. No mention of the glorious Jewish community of Kitzingen is very sad indeed and an injustice to decent humanity.
Linda Raymond says
Hi Melanie,
I came across your blog tonight, and watched your video
Such memories it brought back.
We wreck stationed at Larson Barracks from 1973-1977.
I was just 19 and newly married and had never been away from home.
We lived with a wonderful family (Helga and Adolf Muller and their 4 children),for nine months until we got housing at Marshall Heights.
It was a scary and amazing experience.. I really didn’t want to leave after our time was up. I am looking for people that were there st the time but have not located any as of yet. Thank you for sharing your blog. It brought back so many thoughts and feelings of walk downtown, the leaning tower, the open air marts. Christmas time was amazing,,,,
Jerry Melsness says
I rented an apartment directly off of the Main Bridge and the Landlords names were Inga (Ingaborg) and Adolf Mueller. The big yellow building had a clock above the doorway….
it was a Sun Dial :).
Timothy Pruitt says
Hi Melanie Roberts I just found this post page and wanted to say Hi. I served at the Harvey Barracks from 1985 to 1989. I lived off post in Possenhiem with Omma and Oppa Kessler. They have both passed away as of 2007 but there son Ernist and his family still live in the same house since I lived there. Ernist has turned the barn that we lived in (which had two appartments) into a cabinet business. I contacted him yesterday and out of a good suprise he replied back very soon. I have nothing but good memories of Germany and Kitzegen is one place that I will never forget and would like to come back one day to visit. Thanks for your page and hope to talk even more and get more pics.
Ron Brooks says
Timothy, What unit were you in? I was there the same time as you, in 203rd Forward Support.
James Armstrong says
I also was in the 203rd Foward SupportBattalion from 1986 – 88. In case you didn’t know the battalion was deactivated a couple of years ago at Fort Benning, Ga.
Ron Brooks says
I think I heard that or read it a while back. My memory got jumbled a few years ago, and I thought my C.S.M. was named Armstrong, but clearly got that confused now.
James Armstrong says
I never had the honor of being a CSM, however, I did serve as the 203rd Battalion Commander during that time.
Ron Brooks says
Do you remember who the CSM was at the time? I remember Major Muenchen (spelling?) And most of the NCO’s in my own platoon.
James Armstrong says
CSMwas CSM Meider, Maj Mungeon and I are still friends, he retired as a Major General
Ron Brooks says
I thought I had his name spelled wrong but couldn’t remember the right way, glad you were able to stay friends this many years. I have no idea why I have your name & CSM Meider mixed up. Did you ever go on morning PT runs with us? I recall someone doing that & your name keeps coming to mind, but then I also thought you were the CSM, so who knows. haha. No disrespect meant by the way with the confusion. It has been many years & illness messed some things up for me.
James Armstrong says
Yes, I did PT with the companies every day I could. Always enjoyed the enthusiasm.
Ron Brooks says
Great, at least I remembered that correctly. We always enjoyed that, it was a great morale booster to have a high level leader run with us. I was generally the little guy right up front of the group too.
Jerry Melsness says
Hi Ron,
I don’t know if you remember me but I TOTALLY remember you. We were both in Alpha Company 290th SPB. When I was at Harvey, Staff Sergeant (Larry) Ellis was our Platoon leader and his room was right next to mine. If you remember a guitar player that would occasionally play “Eruption” on his Flyng Vee”………..that was me. You Told me that you wanted to stay in Germany after you left the Army, how did that go ???? I left in March of ’87…….
Ron Brooks says
Hello Jerry,
I vaguely remember someone with a guitar, but things are fuzzy. I would have to see a picture from back then I guess would help. There are a few guys with us that I sort of remember, but can’t quite picture in my head. I never made it back there after I got out, life does that sometimes. Were you there when they changed from 2nd support to 203rd? I hope I wasn’t too much of a butt head to you, since I got along with most everyone except Hughes & obviously Ellis, but I was a bit on the wild side. How have things been for you since you left there?
Jerry Melsness says
Hi Ron,
I arrived @ Larson Barracks in ’85. Shortly before I moved to an apartment downtown with my wife and daughter, Michael Hughes was my roommate. I got along fine with him (probably because I outranked him). I could see that after he got his Spec.4 he was not very pleasant to people he outranked. Common in a few soldiers. I got along good with SSgt Larry Ellis as when he was always abrasive – I would joke back and make him laugh. His last duty station before Kitzingen, he was a Drill Sergeant – so that might be the way he came off the way he did. During my time living on the economy, the unit changed from the 2nd to the 203rd. My last 3 months, I sent the wife and daughter to Orlando and I then moved in to Harvey. I distinctly remember getting a Distortion Pedal in the US Mail and demo-ing it to with my guitar (playing it through my Stereo). For a short period, Tracy Copen was my roommate. I don’t know if you remember him or not. I had a BMW525 and he totaled it out. It was quite a revolving door with people always arriving and leaving. I do have quite a few pictures that I had taken. It is always fun to look back – especially since I was only 23 when I arrived in Kitzingen. Lots of good memories. You were always very nice to me. I was nice to everybody. I can’t think of anybody that I didn’t get along with during my time there. I left in the Spring of ’87 and was then stationed @ Ft. Ord in Monterey. What month and year did you leave?
Ron Brooks says
Yep, I remember Copen, I think he went to spec ops when he left 203rd. I think me & SSgt Ellis just rubbed each other wrong a lot. I used to imitate him during formation, but mostly he didn’t like that I went out drinking a lot. Actually, when he was more like a drill sgt is when we got along the best. I was bored a lot, and wanted to be on duty more, and wanted to go to every field exercise for as long as I could, but he wouldn’t allow that, and I have never been good at hanging around the house watching tv, so we butted heads. I ad the most fun in the field, especially after they created the advanced party & put me on it as the M-60 gunner. I got Hughes to back off after he tried to blame me for his mistake one time too many. I left there in February ’88.
Jerry Melsness says
Hi Ron,
Are you still out there? I haven’t checked this site in awhile. I have a couple of Photo Albums of my time in Kitzingen and Western Germany. Fun going back in time each time I look at them.
Ron Brooks says
Yes, I’m still out here. Would you be willing to share those photos? I think I have one picture left from those days, the rest were lost through the years, and many when my parents house burned. Mom always kept our military memories in a special cedar chest.
Jerry Melsness says
Ron,
Send me an email and I will scan some pics for you. I’m not sure if you are in any of them but you will see a familiar face or two. My email address is: jermelz@yahoo.
Just put “Kitzingen in the heading in case it goes to my Spam folder.
Jerry Melsness says
Greetings, Colonel Armstrong. I served under your command while serving at Larson and later Harvey Barracks between ’85 to ’87. Lots of great and cherished memories. You were a great and respected commander. Hat’s off to you Sir!
Jerry Melsness
2nd Battalion
James Armstrong says
Jerry, they were truly special times. Glad to connect with you after such a long time. Hope all is good and time has served you well since your Rock of thr Marn days.
Regards
Jim Armstrong
Jerry Melsness says
I lived on the economy with my wife and daughter in an apartment right off of the Main Bridge. It was on the other side of the river from Larson, going to Harvey. It was pretty neat now that I think about it. My building had a clock above the doorway………. it was a Sun Dial! I did take a fair share of pictures (13+ rolls of film) but wish it was like today………… where film is pretty cheap!
James Armstrong says
I have been back many times (last time in May2016) and the area has not changed a great deal. The old 203rd area, however, is now commercial and much changed. I will probably go again next year. Lots of good memories there.
Jerry Melsness says
It would be nice to see how much the area has changed. It is also very hard to believe that 30 years have passed by since I was last there. It is on the bucket list!