2002 - Introduction to the Breithaupt Family by Mr. Paul Weigel.  

The third German Pioneers award is to be presented to the Breithaupt Family. Liborious Breithaupt, his wife Catherine and 16-year-old son Louis emigrated from Hesse Germany to the USA in 1844. 17 years later, in 1861, the Family relocated to what is today Waterloo County settling in the little Town of Berlin. Here, in the midst of a vibrant German speaking community, they found the opportunities they were seeking and proceeded to make their destiny. - And what a destiny it was - Today, the Family records fill 125' linear feet of library shelf space at The University of Waterloo. 

The descendants of Liborious Breithaupt became industrialists, entrepreneurs, engineers, cultural leaders, soldiers, city fathers and mayors, members and leaders of the provincial legislature and Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. The Breithaupt Family members were and are supporters of culture, music, and philanthropy. This legacy is still being continued by our chairman, James Breithaupt, who himself has been a member and party leader of the Ontario legislature, a contributor to society and culture in Ontario and is the founding chairman of the German Pioneers Day commemoration celebrations. We all owe much to the Family and descendants of Liborious and Catherine. 

The impact and achievements of the Breithaupts have not gone unnoticed. Looking at a map of Kitchener one will find Breithaupt Street, Breithaupt Park, and Breithaupt Centre all named in honour of the Family who generation after generation offered so much. 

It is my honor and privilege today to introduce the Breithaupt Family as a recipient of the German Pioneers Award for the Year 2002 and to present to you a man who needs no further introduction: James Breithaupt who will be receiving the award on behalf of the Breithaupt Family, past and present. 

The Plaque was presented by Mr. Wayne Wettlaufer.