Kutztown author Mara Rockliff’s newest book, “Gingerbread for Liberty!,” celebrates the life of Christopher Ludwick, a German-born Philadelphia baker who left his business to join the Continental Army in 1776.
Brought to life by Vincent Kirsch’s innovative cut-paper illustrations, Gingerbread for Liberty! is the story of an unsung hero of the Revolutionary War who helped change the course of history.
Christopher Ludwick was an American patriot with a big heart and a talent for baking the best gingerbread in Philadelphia. No one goes hungry if he can help it -“Not in my America!” he says. When cries of “Revolution!” begin, Ludwick marches off to help feed General Washington and his troops.
Patrick Donmoyer, Building Conservator and Exhibit Specialist at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University points out the important role of German-Americans at the formation of the United States.
“Many German-Americans for their own reasons fought on the side of the Colonists. Many German soldiers who had originally been brought to America by Britain as mercenaries settled in the area.” says Donmoyer.
Firefly Bookstore co-owner Rebecca Laincz praises the book as a wonderful source for telling children of the role of local heroes in this historical struggle.
“A person like Ludwick brings the story home, by taking an ordinary baker, and making his contribution extraordinary” says Laincz.
Mara Rockliff, a Kutztown resident, came across Ludwick’s story in a 1964 magazine article.
“There were a couple of paragraphs about a German-American patriot, … who not only helped keep the Continental Army fed but also acted as a sort of secret agent.” Ludwick was able to use his bilingual skills to help convince the Hessian mercenaries to desert.
Rockliff is the author of many books for children, including “The Grudge Keeper” and “Chik Chak Shabbat” as well as the award-winning picture book “Me and Momma and Big John.”
A special event will be held on President’s Day, Feb. 16 at the German Heritage Center, with the author. There will be activities for children, and refreshments. Patrick Donmoyer will be helping provide some historical background for Christopher Ludwick and other German-Americans settlers in the area.
Books for purchase at the event will be provided by Firefly Bookstore. They also have Gingerbread for Liberty! on sale at the West Main Street store in Kutztown.
The event is Feb. 16 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, 22 Luckenbill Road, Kutztown.
This event is free and open to the public. The author, Mara Rockliff will be doing a reading at 5 p.m. Refreshments (with Gingerbread of course) and drinks will be served. The event will be held in the School House at the Center.
For more information contact Firefly Bookstore at 484-648-2712. Patrick Donmoyer can be contacted at the German Heritage Center at 610-683-1589 or by email donmoyer@kutztown.edu.
