Plattdeutsch

"Low German"

Plattdeutsch (Low German/Niederdeutsch)
Low German (also called Netherlandic or Plattdeutsch) gets its name from
the geographic description of  the northern areas of Germany. Its range
extends from the Dutch border eastward to the former German territories of
Eastern Pommerania and East Prussia.  This dialect more closely
resembles English (to which it is related) than standard German.

Prior to my Labs ancestors settling near Bennington, settlers from 

Scheswig-Holstein had settled there and in nearby Washington County. 

This may have been a determining factor in why my ancestors 

settled at this location due to the fact they

 shared the same German dialect, Plattdeutsch.

It was during WWI that Plattdeutsch speaking parents 

began discouraging their children from speaking

Plattdeutsch.

In the accounting book for the nearby German Hall it 

is noted that a group from Bennington called "Plattdeutscher Verien"

 held a annual dance there. 

There are several groups who are trying to keep this colorful dialect a live.

One is located in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Sources: About.com and
dtv-Atlas zur deutschen Sprache by Werner K and

Pommerscher Verein Freistadt