History of the Kappedeschle: The hope of achieving freedom and German unity during the Revolution of 1848–49 was ultimately dashed by the intervention of the Prussian military. In Radolfzell, too, Prussian troops took up quarters at the end of October 1849 and remained there until November 1850. Due to Prussian influence in the town, Carnival was banned. That’s when Xaver Deschle, the Rebwart of Radolfzell, mustered the courage to ask the town commander for permission to “at least be allowed to peek out at the Kreuzstock while wearing a mask.” This request was graciously granted. The prankster, nicknamed “Kappedeschle” because of the headgear he loved to wear, built himself a Kreuzstock out of wooden crates, painted it, and even added curtains. He then slipped into a jester’s costume and ran through the alleys, followed by a large, cheerful, and boisterous crowd of children. The Prussian commander, outwitted by Swabian peasant cunning, had no choice but to put on a brave face and go along with the carnival antics.
