Tennessee town celebrates Oktoberfest with postmark

Postmark Pursuit by Linn’s Staff

The United States Postal Service is offering a pictorial postmark in celebration of Oktoberfest in the town of Loretto, Tenn., 95 miles south of Nashville and just north of the Tennessee-Alabama border. Loretto pays tribute to its rich German heritage during an annual Oktoberfest celebration, with this year’s event taking place Oct. 5-11.

The postmark illustrates several buildings of downtown Loretto, including (from right to left) a gazebo, general store, lumberyard, bank and church, the latter of which plays an important role in the town’s history. Also included is a banner with the town’s motto: “REAL – AMERICAN – LIFE.”

Loretto began as a stagecoach station known as Glen Rock in the early 19th century. In 1870, several German Catholic immigrants, under the direction of the Rev. John H. Hueser (1839-1919) of the German Catholic Homestead Society, settled in the area, and the new town was established shortly thereafter. Hueser renamed the settlement Loretto. The new name is believed to be inspired by a Catholic shrine in Loreto, Italy.

Loretto’s Oktoberfest celebration reflects the town’s German roots and includes a parade, history presentations, live music, dancing, arts and crafts, food vendors, and the selection of a burgermeister to act as a host for the week’s events.

To obtain the postmark, address your request to:

OKTOBERFEST Station, Postmaster, 3100 W. Commerce St., Loretto, TN 38469, Oct. 8.

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