A Good Justice
Recipes from this Story: Sauerkraut Soup
Director’s Journal
I discovered Otto’s through the newspaper. What grabbed my attention was the on-premise use of an old smokehouse. What was that about? And the fact the business had been in the family for 4 generations. Cool. Bound to be some interesting stories there. I called and talked to Gretchen about filming a mini-documentary, and she said, sure, come on over. It was a cool morning in early March when Lynn and I showed up. We walked in, introduced ourselves to Gretchen, and did a quick survey of the shop. I put a wireless microphone on Gretchen and began to check levels on the camera. I heard her say, “Hi Grandpa! I’m glad you could make it down!” I turned and saw an elderly man walk in from the back of the shop. “This is Edwin, Otto’s son.”
Edwin arrives at Otto’s
A look inside the smokehouse
Freshly made pepperoni links
During an earlier phone conversation I had asked her about sharing any old photos she might have because I did want to explore some of the history of the shop. She invited Edwin to participate, but didn’t tell me because she wasn’t sure if he would be able to make the 50+ mile drive that morning (he is 86 years old, she later told me). Well, he did. After introducing myself, and not knowing how long he would be able to stay, I immediately put a microphone on him, found a place to sit him down, and Lynn began an impromptu interview with the eldest member of this sausage making family, the Eichentopf’s. Afterwards we all drifted to the back area where all the sausages are freshly made, and grandpa rolled up his sleeves, and went to work with the others.
I go into a story with a general idea what it will be about. But I learned long ago to listen, and be open to what presents itself. It was a great gift to meet the descendents of Otto Eichentopf and share with you a piece of their story. -Rebecca Gerendasy
