CULLMAN, Ala. – Gunther Leibrock came to Cullman as a young man in 1990 to gain valuable work experience, which he took back with him to his home country of Germany. Then an electrical engineering student, Leibrock resided in the states for three months, working at Americold, and stayed with Robert Tidwell and his family.
“Compared to 1990, your city has developed dramatically. It’s unbelievable. Congratulations,” said Leibrock to Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs as he visited Cullman City Hall with his 16-year-old son Vincent and family friend Tidwell Thursday.
More than 30 years after his first stay in the city, Leibrock said, “I’m here again with my son Vincent. We are here for three weeks. The first week was New York. The second week is here in Cullman and after that we fly to south Florida then back to Germany. These three weeks are really great, especially here in Cullman with the hospitality and friendly people. It’s unbelievable. We’re enjoying it so much.”
Speaking of Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt, celebrated over the past few holiday seasons, Leibrock shared stories of Christmas markets in Germany, many of which date back over 1,000 years. In return, Jacobs spoke about Cullman’s Weihnachtspyramide, or Christmas pyramid, which was commissioned from German company Erzgebirgiisehe Holzkunst Gahlenz in 2019, and is the tallest in the country.
Although returning as a guest to Cullman, Leibrock graciously extended an invitation to all local residents: “All Cullman people are invited to come to Germany, to Frankweiler. It’s important for the next generation because, if we are friends, we understand each other much better than just watching on TV.”
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