Pfaender cup on loan for WWI exhibit

NEW ULM — A rare artifact is being loaned to the Brown County Historical Society (BCHS) Museum for its World War I exhibit.

Jay Pfaender, great-grandson of one of New Ulm’s founders, William Pfaender, has loaned a loving cup awarded to his grandfather Major Albert Pfaender.

The cup’s inscription reads: “Presented to Major Albert Pfaender by the officers and men of the First Battalion, Second Regiment Infantry, on the occasion of their muster out of federal service, Jan. 24, 1917 in token of their high esteem and appreciation of his kind and efficient leadership during their term of duty on the Mexican border.”

Loving cup 554x840

Albert was surprised with the cup by his troops upon arriving back in New Ulm after their service attempting to catch Pancho Villa.

It is particularly unique due to the circumstances surrounding its gifting.

“I am an army guy, we do not give loving cups to your commanders,” Jay Pfaender said. “You don’t do that.”