Exploring Ancient Osnabruck, Germany

Many students list their most cherished memories as the time they spent studying abroad. For example, entrepreneur Mark Pieloch studied in Osnabruck, Germany, for a year while he was in high school. The experience gives students a chance to experience living and learning in a different country. Cities like Osnabruck appeal to more than just students, of course. Avid travelers and history buffs are lured to the ancient German city to explore its rich history and modern culture.

A Time of Wizards and Witches

Originally established in 780 as a marketplace near the bishop’s see founded by King Charlemagne, Osnabruck was first mentioned as a city in historical records in 1147. Granted fortification privileges in 1157, towers were built that are still visible today. Sadly, between 1561 and 1639, the most active witch-hunting period, 276 women and two men were executed for wizardry. Osnabruck is arguably most famous for being one of two locations where a series of peace treaties were signed ending the Thirty Years’ War.

Osnabruck sits in a scenic valley between the Wiehen Hills and the northern part of the Teutoburg Forest. Today, approximately 165,000 call Osnabruck home. With its cobbled streets filled with cafes, wine bars, pubs, museums and galleries, Osnabruck is a mix of old world charm and modern nuance.

A Wealth of Historic Sites

Students like Pieloch and inquisitive tourists find a wide range of educational and historical sites to explore in Osnabruck:

● Buckstrum is the oldest tower in the city and was used as the prison for those accused of witchcraft.

● The Felix Nussbaum Haus is a gallery and museum dedicated to Jewish artist Felix Nussbaum. Nussbaum, who was born in Osnabruck, was a surrealist painter, heavily influenced by van Gogh and Rousseau. While Nussbaum was in Rome studying, the Nazis gained control of Germany. Nussbaum continued painting until he was arrested and later murdered.

● Hegor Tor stands as a monument to the Osnabruck soldiers who died during the battle of Waterloo.

● Katharinenkirche, St. Catherine’s Church, was built in 1248, and is the tallest medieval building in Lower Saxony and one of the 150 tallest churches in the world.

● Osnabruck Castle is now the main University of Osnabruck building.

● The Kalkriese Museum houses artifacts from the battlefield of the Teutoburger Wald.

● St. Peter’s Cathedral was founded in the 11th century and has two dramatic façade towers.

After all that traveling back through time, travelers can enjoy exploring Old Town, with its tiny streets and medieval buildings. For a history break, tourists can explore the city’s zoo and botanical gardens.

Modern Amenities and Thriving Nightlife

Older students and adults who visit find a thriving nightlife in Osnabruck. Hyde Park is a music hall that features plenty of youth culture and popular live music. Alando is a nightclub and hot weekend spot near the train station.

A haven for chocolate lovers, Osnabruck is home to Leysieffer, a traditional German chocolate producer. Founded in Osnabruck, Leysieffer makes chocolate and café treats to please the most sophisticated palate.

Mark Pieloch credits his time in Osnabruck with giving him a sense of history and expanding his ideas about people of different cultures. Getting to know the people of Osnabruck, discovering the city’s rich and storied past and stepping out of their comfort zone give visitors a confidence and expanded world view that remains long after they return home.

Building a Rare Classic American Car Collection

Mark Pieloch caught the bug early. Riding along with his older brothers in their 1960s muscle cars sparked a lifelong love. Now, many years later, his Pieloch Classic Car Collection contains over 130 classic and antique cars, most with very low mileage or full frame-off restorations. It wasn’t always that way, though.

Getting His Start

After he graduated from high school, his father gave him a hand-me-down 1967 Ford Ranch Wagon for college in Boston. The car had over 130,000 miles on it and was badly in need of repair. With no money but lots of determination, Pieloch took the project on. In 1975, he proudly took the fully restored Ford Ranch Wagon with him to college. (Unfortunately, he did such a great restoration job that an “admirer” of the car stole it soon after he started school.) The Ranch Wagon was the first of many cars Pieloch restored. Mustangs, Bel Airs and Camaros followed. He loved restoring cars. The problem was that after working on a car for so long and bringing it back to its glory days, he found he couldn’t say goodbye. Rather than sell his masterpieces, Pieloch started collecting.

Collecting and restoring cars sounds like an expensive hobby. It can be, of course. The truth is, however, that anyone can start collecting cars. Pieloch restored his first car because he needed it for school and didn’t have the money to buy one. He was willing to work hard and restore the car to working condition. While he was at it, he discovered he had a talent for restoration. First cars in a collection don’t have to break the bank or be some rare, exotic, one-of-a-kind model. Keeping an open mind and a willingness to use some elbow grease can be the start of something big.

Not Just for the Wealthy

Jay Leno, a long time collector, advises the novice to stop looking for a rare treasure, particularly when first starting out. He says that even if a car is not a rare collector piece, it can be fun to drive, affordable and great for weekend cruising. Plus, it can come with a great story. Hemmings Classic Car magazine lists several makes and models from the 1970s that are affordable and make a good first collection investment. Making the cut was the 1973 to 1975 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Coupe, 1972 Pontiac Bonneville four door hardtop, 1975 to 1978 Matador Coupe, 1973 to 1974 Buick Luxus Century Coupe and the 1976 Gran Torino.

Most initial collector purchases are project cars. Collectors recommend that beginners work on and complete one project at a time. When looking to purchase, choose a car that is within driving distance. Buying unseen over the Internet, particularly with the first project, is too risky at this stage. Keep your budget, capabilities and personal preferences in mind. Purchase a Chilton’s or other detailed manual about your particular car. The object is to have fun and learn.

The Mark Pieloch Classic Car Collection started small. In addition to the over 130 antique and classic cars now in the collection, Pieloch has vintage gas pumps, antique pedal cars, antique radios, restored neon auto signs, antique restored soda coolers and a restored 1952 Seeburg Model 100 jukebox. It all started with that 1967 Ford Ranch Wagon back in 1974.