We have a great heritage here; we want to keep that and maintain it. My motto is: Make Cullman a great place to live, work, play and worship. We are all in this together.”Mayor Max Townson
CULLMAN – People from all over Cullman County gathered at Festhalle Thursday afternoon to celebrate a very special birthday; town founder, Colonel Johann Cullmann, turned 193 years old! Just like on most birthdays, a giant birthday cake and lots of ice cream was eaten and colorful cups of lemonade were handed out to the crowd.
As the festivities were about to begin, Cullman Mayor Max Townson made a speech on the Colonel’s behalf.
“You know, Colonel Cullmann was working for the railroad when he came out from Chicago. He was buying land, surveying and was a lawyer; back then you could do it all. When he got to Cullman County he said ‘this reminds me so much of Frankweiler,’ so this is where he wanted to settle. Can you believe today he is 193 years old? He doesn’t look a year over 100, does he? I want you all to help me do something. Can you help me sing Happy Birthday to the Colonel?”
In unison, the crowd began to sing “Happy Birthday.” Afterward, the Colonel happily blew out his birthday candles. When asked for a few words about his birthday, the old Colonel smiled a bit, and then began to talk.
“Thank you all for coming. This is a great day; 193rd birthday. We’ve been doing this for several years now and you know, back in the old days the Colonel invited people to his house, they were always looking for a reason to celebrate – the same way we do today! Cullman is such a wonderful place. I am just so proud of what you have become.”
“I just want to leave you all with one thing,” said Townson. “You brought a lot of settlers here and settled here,” he said, looking at the Colonel. “You were also responsible for other Germans coming from Chicago and all across the United States of America. We have a great heritage here; we want to keep that and maintain it. My motto is: Make Cullman a great place to live, work, play and worship. We are all in this together. One other thing; have a safe and happy Fourth of July. God Bless America!”
After everyone had eaten their cake and ice cream, there was a drawing for a special surprise – birthday dinner with the Colonel at the All Steak restaurant. The lucky winners were allowed to bring one guest with them. Because there were lots of children at the party, Colonel Cullmann let different ones draw a name from the box.
“I want to say a special thank you to Mr. Matt Heim, owner of the All Steak,” the Colonel said right before he announced the winners. “Without his gracious hospitality there would not even be a birthday dinner. Matt has been providing the meal for several years now and I truly appreciate all that he does to make my birthday special.”
The two names that were drawn this year were Hannah Jacobs and Joyce Rodgers. Then the Colonel surprised the crowd and drew a third name from the box. Tina McArthur was the third winner for the special treat. The three winners, along with their special guests, met the Colonel later for a delicious birthday dinner.
Everyone was happy to celebrate with the Colonel. If you weren’t able to make it to his 193rd birthday, better make plans to attend his 194th. It’s always fun to celebrate here in Cullman, especially with the town’s founder!
