Work days set to repair "Fort Sauerkraut"
    Two workdays have been scheduled to make extensive repairs at Fort Sauerkraut. The two days selected are Monday and Tuesday, May 12 and 13. In the event of inclement weather, the work will be done on the following Monday and Tuesday, May 19 and 20.
    Fort Sauerkraut, originally built in 1890, was re-constructed by many volunteers, under the direction of the Hebron Business Club, during the summer of 2004.
    Robert Spangelo chaired the project.
    During the past four years the fort has deteriorated and in May, Grant Walth will head up a core of workers to make the repairs.
    Walth has developed a special piece of equipment that will be used to cut virgin soil that will come from east of Hebron. Four years ago, the soil was turned over by plow.
    The sod will be trucked to the fort. One change in design is that the roof, constructed of railroad ties, will now rest on a framework of other railroad ties, relieving pressure on the fort’s walls.
    The sod that is now being used for the walls will be placed on the ‘bunker’ that encircles the building in the center of the fort.
    As Walth cannot be available on weekends because of his employment, the work is scheduled for a Monday and Tuesday.
    He hopes that despite the fact that the revitalization of the fort will be done on a Monday and Tuesday, that many volunteers will be able to step forward to assist.
    He plans to have the work completed within the two-day period.
    Persons who can help on one or both of those days are asked to telephone Walth at 878-4256.
Original Fort
    The original fort was built in November, 1890, by area pioneers using spades, shovels and oxen.
    Ox teams were set to work plowing trenches around the fort and other teams plowed up sod to lay up the walls.
    The plan of the fort provided for a deep trench on the outside of the wall and another trench not so deep on the inside.
    The wall itself was about three feet thick (sod) and at suitable distances portholes were provided so the defenders could shoot out without being much exposed.
    Inside the fort and near the center of the space was constructed a shelter building with sod walls and railroad ties for a roof. This was about 100 feet long, extending north and south, with an entrance at the south end. This was intended to shelter the women and children. The entrance to the fort was through a winding and fortified passage near the southeast part.