FRANK/BRUNNENTAL VILLAGE NEWSLETTER Volume 23 Number 4 -- Fall 1994 --------------------------- Published 4 times a year (4 issues--24 pages each) Contact: Sherrie Stahl, Editor 4189 NW Spoon Pl Portland OR 97229 E-mail: sherriestahl@comcast.net --------------------------- EDITOR'S CORNER Dear Readers: This month I am honored to bring to you the 78 page German manuscript written by Jakob Mohrland, entitled "The History of Brunnental--1918-1941". Jakob Mohrland lives in Germany and is very pleased that his efforts will be read in the United States. I would also like to thank both Marie (Trupp) Krieger and Donald Herzog, who did the translating. Because of them, you will be getting a birds eye view of what Brunnental was like during the years of starvation and communism. I would also like to thank Eleanor (Hartung) Andruckow & Ken Hartung, both of Vulcan, Alberta, Canada who continue to send me stories, tapes, and pictures of their family. And last but not least, I want to thank Dorothy (Hoff) Thomas for finding the pictures that went along with the Echkardt Grocery Store article----you saved me again!! Also....please note Barbara Clausen, Frank Data Bank, has a new address. She is still living in Vancouver, WA., but has moved into a new home....congratulations Barb!!! Keep those stories coming in ! Sherrie Stahl, Editor. ------------------------------------------- ADDRESSES Newsletter Subscriptions $6 Frank/Brunnental Newsletter: Sherrie Stahl, Editor 4189 NW Spoon Place Portland OR 97229 sherriestahl@comcast.net Frank Data Bank Contact Doris Evans EVANSDFE@aol.com Brunnental Data Bank Sherrie (Gettman) Stahl 4189 NW Spoon Place Portland OR 97229 sherriestahl@comcast.net Website: http://www.brunnental.us/brunnental/index.html ----------------------------------------- IN THIS ISSUE: Editor's Corner , News, Addresses...................................p.1 Christmas--A Time For Celebration!!.................................p.2 Computer Corner----E-mail and the Internet..........................p.3 Queries--Can You Help Us?...........................................p.4 Volk Auf Dem Weg -- Looking For Family..............................p.5 Obituaries ....................................................p.5 & 23 The Eckhardt Grocery Store in Hastings, NE.......................p. 6-9 My Life As A Soldier in Russo-Japanese War (1901-1905)..........p.10-13 The Bells Of Home---A Poem.....................................p.14-15 The History of Brunnental 1918-1941----by Jakob Mohrland........p.23-24 Cemeteries of Larimer County, Colorado............................p. 24 ------------------------------------ UPCOMING ISSUES: ---Family Histories (various, as space permits) ---The Hartungs Escape from Russia---by Jacob Hartung ---The Story of My Life, By Alex Gutmann--Canada ---Hartung Journey to Brunnental--Summer 1994 ---Die Welt Post Articles about Brunnental ---Germans From Russia in Portland,OR ---Life in Brunnental & Homesteadingin and around Lingle, Wyoming (conversations of Regina Seligh & Marie Herrmann done in 1978) ---Update on Brunnental Poem---Who we've found!! ------------------------------------------------ OLD NEWSLETTERS STILL AVAILABLE: I get letters from the readers wondering if they can still purchase old newsletters (so many of our stories are continued from issue to issue). THE ANSWER IS YES!!! I have "masters" for all the newsletters back to 1992 when I became editor.....and would be glad to copy them as needed. The cost is $3.00 per issue, a little more than the regular subscription price; but this is due to additional postage required when we can't take advantage of the "bulk mail rates", as we do on a regular newsletter mailing. Please specify issue : Fall '92; Winter '92/93; Spring '93: Summer '93; Fall '93; Winter '93/94; Spring '94, Summer '94, Fall '94. ------------------------------------------------- CHRISTMAS -- A TIME FOR CELEBRATION !!---- by Marie (Trupp) Krieger (Portland, OR) Christmas! A time for celebration! What was Christmas time like when I was a little girl? Just wonderful! It is my thought to take you back some seventy years and unfold to you a Christmas scene as it was impressed upon my mind as a child. Let me relate the happenings of the day before Christmas; that evening would be Christmas Eve, so many of the preparations had already been made many weeks in advance. Oh, how excited I was! A new dress hung in the closet while a large ribbon bow with a barrette waited to be fastened to my long braids of reddish-brown hair. A new dress was a must or the tears would flow even though the families were poor; food on the farm was plentiful but money was a scarce item, so all the new clothes for both boys and girls had to be sewed by mothers, Aunts or ourselves, as soon as we were able to use the treadle sewing machine. The setting was in the country in eastern Washington; the weather always played an important role. I remember going to church on Christmas Eve in the sled drawn by horses; we were all bundled up and we'd look up at the sky and watch the snowflakes descending to the ground -- beautiful snow -- so pure, clean and white, an unforgettable sight! There on the wide open plain surrounded by a fence stood the church building alone and isolated, which consisted of one room, two rows of benches with a center isle so the women and girls occupied one side, the men and boy the other. These were still pioneer days so one made do with what little one had or do without. The church was illuminated with coal oil lamps and heated by a wood-burning heater located in the room of worship. The members were hard-working families who wanted to get ahead out west, the new land of opportunity. Every Yuletide season in the nearby town of Odessa, WA., a fir tree loaded railroad car stood on the tracks through the generosity of the town's founder, Mr. G. W. Finney. Several of the church officers brought a suitable tree by buggy or sled & horses to the country church. The height of the tree varied up to 15 feet. The Christmas tree ornaments were exceptionally pretty and elaborate in design, of German origin and make. All of the trimmings could be compared to those of today with one exception. The trees were lighted with live wax candles placed in spring clamp holders because electricity was not available at that time. Now comes Christmas Eve, the night of the church program. We had practiced our memory verses many times over. My father had lined us up along a blank wall to drill his children to speak slowly in an audible manner. What was the point in reciting something no one could hear or understand? We had to make our parents feel proud of us. We couldn't possibly allow my father to feel ashamed of his brood. The starry-eyed youngsters occupied the front benches at the church. The service was opened with prayer by the minister and usually the reading from the second chapter of Luke's gospel beginning with the familiar words, "And it came to pass in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed, etc.". Today we are still being taxed! Reading of the sacred scripture usually left an impression of solemn wonder. Next, the singing of the Christmas hymns. Then, as now, the most beloved of hymns was "Silent Night, Holy Night." Usually the effect of this hymn as sung by devout worshippers is nothing short of heavenly. The worship part of the service over, we then had the practical side. The ushers came forward with pilot lights on long poles to light the wax candles on the Christmas tree; the eyes of every child followed the movement of the ushers until every candle glowed with light. Everyone settled back in their seats to behold the wonder of wonders, the Christmas tree. In our church, gifts were not brought to the services. We received one or two items after returning to our homes. The girls usually received dolls, the boys welcomed harmonicas, tops which made music while they spun and bags of marbles. The entire evening was a time of intense excitement for the children. One of the features of the program was the speaking of memorized verses and special musical numbers. We children usually went forward when our turn came with fears and trembles, and what a sense of relief it was if we could get through without bogging down. The emotions expressed in the children's faces were beautiful to behold, with a range all the way from the comical to the sublime. Everyone in our church spoke the German language so the entire Christmas Eve service reflected that also. I don't believe any other music is more beautiful than the German Christmas hymns. One never forgets the melodious tones. The final act, the distribution of small brown grocery bags containing five or more different kinds of nuts, hard candies and cone- shaped chocolate drops with an orange to complete the goodies. Imagine receiving only one orange once a year, how precious! Every child and the teachers shared and shared alike and when we left the church we all felt it was the happiest and most glorious night of the year. Such was the simplicity of it all and who can say we did not enter into the fullest blessing of the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ. We are reminded how we can add more quality to our lives. We are told to be more tolerant, to be more compassionate, to be more generous, to give to our family, our friends, our community, to draw our family close around us. Do we find all these messages under all the presents and the decorations and all the food? Yes, they're there. That's what Christmas is all about ---- acts of kindness that will stay with us all year long. The End --------------------------------------------- COMPUTER CORNER ---E-MAIL AND THE INTERNET By Sherrie (Gettman) Stahl--- Several weeks ago, after much prodding from a cousin of mine, I subscribed to one of the commercial "on-line" carriers (America On-Line -- AOL). This gave me my first taste of using my computer system to send "e-mail" to other on-line subscribers and to "access the internet". I was not an "easy sell", since I tended to doubt that this could possibly save money----I thought the 29 cent stamp was a bargain--- especially with the volume of mail I generate each day. But I quickly found out that I had underestimated both the cost savings, the time savings, and the amount of work I could get done with "e-mail". Let me back up a little and tell you right up front, if you don't have a computer, this is probably not going to interest you much. But maybe you have been thinking of buying a computer, and starting to gather information on your family? (see note 1) Before you purchase a computer or upgrade your existing computer, please read this article....it will give you food for thought. You've probably all heard your Vice President, Al Gore, talk about the "information super-highway". Many of you probably think of it as something that is used by businesses or the government.....maybe something that you wouldn't really use. In the simplest terms, it is a network of networks-----tens of thousands of computers connected in a web; able to talk to one another through a common communications protocol. And the amazing thing about it, is that YOU can become part of it...just as I did several weeks ago. Unfortunately it is not for the faint of heart....there can be frustrating times, especially if you try to connect directly, but one of the simplest ways to connect to the internet is through a "commercial carriers" or "on-line" services-----you have probably heard some of their names: America On-Line (AOL), Prodigy, CompuServe, GEnie, Delphi, ImagiNation....to name a few. According to a recent article entitled "Get More Power: Go Online", (see note 2): "To connect to an online service, you need a computer, modem, telephone line, an online service's telephone number, and a credit card. Depending on the service, you may need software, which generally requires 2-4MB of hard disk space. About 1-2 MB of RAM is recommended as well. Most of the services offer one-month specials to allow new users to try out the service for free or at a discounted rate [AOL gives you 10 hrs free the first month]. Modems are classified by their connect speeds, which is the number of bits per second (bps) they can transfer. A bit is the smallest piece of information the computer works with. When you send a file to another computer, it will be transferred at the fastest connect speed both modems can understand. For instance, a modem with a 9600 bps connect speed can understand all speeds slower than its connect speed, but none faster. If you connect to an online service at a slower connect speed, it will take you long to access information, and you'll spend more time online [and more money]. Most online services charge a monthly fee, along with charges for use by the hour spent online. You're considered online when you dial and connect to the service, and you're offline when you "hang up" the phone by disconnecting from the service. Most online services have nodes, where users can dial a local telephone number to gain access to the database, although low population areas usually don't have local number, meaning you'll pay long-distance telephone charges. Some services offer toll-free 800 numbers for access, though. Installing software for online services is straightforward. You'll need to provide some general information yourself, including name, phone, address and credit card number. Some software packages provide the telephone number of local nodes for you; others require you to dial customer service to find the node in your area. Some services allow you to choose a screen name and password; others assign you those items. After you've provided the necessary information, all you need to do to sign on is dial the correct modem number, enter your screen name and your password----and you are online. Once you've entered the service, you'll see a wide array of options. Some of the most popular features are electronic mail or E- MAIL. Through E-mail, you can send private messages to other people or groups of people who are also online. All of the major online services offer E-mail functions and faxing abilities, although some charge extra. You generally don't need any extra software to fax documents or use E-mail. Some services allow you to compose your E-mail "off-line" so you're not racking up charges while you are typing your messages. Now let's look at 2 services & what they offer and their costs. Call the individual service for up-to-date and detailed pricing info: America Online: AOL used a graphical display with icons (a small picture used to represent a program or document), designed to make navigation easier---much like you would see in WINDOWs. Services offered are: communications via "chat-rooms", "e-mail", or "bulletin boards"; downloading of software; interactive games; education; tutoring; access to encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers; and transaction areas where you can book airline tickets, make purchases of stock, or track your portfolio; and access to the internet. Software for AOL is free which gives you 10 free hrs the first month, and then charges are $9.95 per month for 5 hrs. Addtl time starting 1-1-95 is $2.95 per hr---over the 5 hrs. (1-800-827-6364) CompuServe: CompuServe is owned by H & R Block. It's basic services include, news, sports and weather, references, shopping, financial info, games and entertainment, including forums to discuss, quizzes and contests. Costs are $8.95 per month for unlimited access to 60 plus basic services. CompuServe has 1,700 other services, which cost $4.80 per hr for modems up to 4800 bps and $9.60 per hr for faster modems. Membership kit costs $49.95, including a $25 on-line credit. (1-800-848-8199) Next month we will talk a little bit about what genealogy material we can find "on-line" on the INTERNET. Note 1: For an excellent article on ideas for computers----the nuts and bolts of what you will need---and an excellent overview of how to go about publishing your family history, please read "Creating A Genealogical Book: Self-Publishing" which was in the Fall 1994 / Vol 17, No.3 - AHSGR Journal. Write to AHSGR, 631 D St., Lincoln, NE 68502-1199. Note 2.: "Get More Power: Go Online" from PC NOVICE, Issue P11 940923, to subscribe call 1-800-424-7900, or write P.O. Box 85380, Lincoln, NE 68501-5380. Source Code 3678. -------------------------------------------- QUERIES---CAN YOU HELP US WITH OUR RESEARCH ?? Send in your queries -- we want to help find your missing relatives! Include all information that you might have that would be helpful in solving your puzzle -- include names, birth and death dates, and places where they lived & include a picture, if available. HELZER--Mrs. Emma Hoelzer of Germany is looking for relatives in the United States. Emma was born in Brunnental in 1925 and later deported to Kazahkstan. She has sent a pictures of her brother taken in 1941, right before he became a soldier in the Red Army. He has never been heard from since, and she is hoping to find him. If you have any information on this Helzer (Hoelzer) family, please write to: Sherrie Stahl, 4189 NW Spoon Place, Portland OR 97229, USA.[Picture of Artur Hoelzer (b. 20 Sep 1921 in Brunnental)] HELZER--Mrs. Emma Hoelzer of Germany has also sent a picture of her father, Friedrich Hoelzer taken in 1910 when he made a trip to America to visit his brother. Friedrich Hoelzer was born January 14, 1885 in Brunnental. According to Irma's father, her uncle had immigrated to the US about 1890 to New York where he had a sugar factory. Now this could simply mean that he just came in through the port of NY, and worked in sugar beets----we really do not know??? If you have any information on this Helzer (Hoelzer) family, please write to: Sherrie Stahl, 4189 NW Spoon Pl, Portland OR 97229 USA [picture of: Friedrich Hoelzer (b . 14 Jan 1885 in Brunnental)] KEHN--Looking for information on Alice Kehn; siblings: John Kehn [CO], David Kehn [WA], Margaret (Kehn) Frick [Russia]; Mollie (Kehn) Alles [CO]. Alice Kehn b. 18 Aug 1888 in Frank, Russia; d. 16 Feb 1961 in Lincoln NE; md. Henry (Heinrich) Schmidt b. 18 Oct 1887 Frank Russia; d. 9 Oct 1963 Lincoln, NE; children: Henry, Simon, John, Ruben, Everett, Elmer, Clarence, Reinhold, Doris Goeschel, Alice Burns. If you have any information on this Kehn family, please write to: Leslie Torrence, P.O. Box 100371, Anchorage, AK 99510 or call (907) 271-4419 Work, (907) 272- 8533 Home. ------------------------------------------ VOLK AUF DEM WEG -- LOOKING FOR FAMILY I have mentioned several times in the last several issues of the Village Newsletter, that we have been getting queries from people in Germany looking for their relatives. You can read several of these inquiries on page 4. These inquiries came about because of an advertisement we put in Volk Auf Dem Weg, a German Newspaper that is read widely by Volga Germans living in Germany or just arriving in Germany. Because I cannot speak or write German, I have asked Wilhelm Klein, a friend from Germany, who is also a descendant of Brunnental, to help. At this time, I want to not only let the readers know what Wilhelm Klein has been doing for all of us, but also to THANK HIM for the outstanding efforts he has given so generously throughout the last several years. He took care of putting the advertisement into the paper, and has been answering each letter, and then requesting additional information as needed. To the right is a copy of the ad as it appeared in the 6/94 issue of Volk Auf Dem Weg (graphic not included) -------------------------------------------------- FALLEN LEAVES -- Fred J. Greenwalt --Vancouver, WA. Memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Vancouver, WA Mr. Greenwalt died of causes related to age August 13, 1994 in a Vancouver nursing home. He was 88. Born June 14, 1906, in Odessa, Washington, Mr. Greenwalt had worked for the Fort Vancouver Plywood Company before his retirement in 1967. He had lived in Clark County since 1943. Survivors include his wife, Sarah of Vancouver; sons, Elmer of Wenatchee, Wash., and Allen of Olympia; daughter, Joan Wray of Vancouver; sister Ruby Oman of Spokane; 20 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Remembrances: Alzheimer's Support Group, P.O. Box 5064, Vancouver, Wash. 98668. Arrangements: Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, WA. [Fred was the son of George Gruenwald b. 1872 Frank, Russia and Katharina Margaretha Lebsack b. abt 1872 Frank, Russia] ------- Peter Macht Brush, CO Services held for Peter Macht--- Peter Johnny Macht, 75, died Saturday, Sept. 17 at the East Morgan County Hospital. He was born Dec. 5, 1918, in Topeka, Kansas to Gottlieb and Anna Macht. On Oct. 5, 1945 in Denver, he was married to Edna Mohrlang. They were residents of Brush since 1945. Peter was a member of immanuel Congregational Church, the Moose Lodge and the Germans from Russia in Lincoln, Neb. He was an employee of Mohrlang Industries for 12 years. Survivors include his wife Edna of Brush; two daughters, Beverly Ann Macht of Aurora, and Judy Erickson of Fort Morgan; one son, Tim Macht of Montclair, N.J.; three grandchildren and three brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Funeral services were Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 10:30 am at Emmanuel Cong. Church, Everett and Clifton in Brush. Interment followed at the Brush memorial Cemetery. Heer Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Friends who wish may make donations to the Immanuel Congregational Church. -------- Elsie Esther Boley Sheridan, WY. Services for Elsie Esther Boley, 78, will be conducted at 10 am Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church by Pastor Nathan Brandt. Interment will follow at the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Mrs. Boley died August 27, 1994, at Sheridan County Memorial Hospital of natural causes. She was born Oct 12, 1915, in Hasting, NE., the daughter of Conrad and Anna Margaret (Leonhardt) Hoffman. On December 28, 1935, she married Vincent V. Boley in Bridgeport, NE. The couple moved to Sheridan in 1942, and Mrs. Boley worked in the physical therapy dept at the hospital from 1959 to 1983. Mrs. Boley enjoyed: activities at the Senior Center; going to Kenrick Pk; attending garage sales; dancing, especially the two-step & polka; caring for elderly shut-ins; playing pinochle & other table games; strawberry sundaes; and attending plays and concerts in the park. Her other enjoyments include canning dill pickles for member of her family, German-style cooking, growing geraniums, ironing and reading health care books. Mrs. Boley was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Half-Centry Highlighters, Sheridan Cty Homemakers Club and was a 4-H leader. Preceding her in death were a brother, Clarence Hoffman; & 2 daughters, Veronica Alden and Vicki Overseth. Survivors include her husband of Sheridan; 2 daughters Madonna Keyser of League City, TX. and Nadine A. Gorski of Barrington, IL.; one son Neil Boley of Sheridan; and one sister Frieda Kister of Scottsbluff, NE. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. The Champion Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. -------------------------------------------------------- THE ECKHARDT GROCERY STORE ----- by Donna Eckhardt Johnson Grothen --written by Donna Eckhardt Johnson Grothen Published in the "Adams County Historical Society" HISTORICAL NEWS, Vol. 26, No. 6 -- 1993. (permission to reprint granted by the Adams County Historical Society, P.O. Box 102, Hastings, NE 68902--(402) 463-5838. My grandparents, Henry O. Eckhardt and Anna (Lipsack) Eckhardt were both from the village of Frank, Russia, although they did not know each other while they lived there. The colony of Frank was officially founded in 1767. Shortly after this, it received its official Russian name of Med Weditskoi Krestovoi Bujerak. The Russian interpretation would be "Bear Crossing Ravine." My grandfather, Henry O. Eckhardt, the oldest son of Heinrich Eckhardt and Anna Margarita Wagner Eckhardt, came to Nebraska as a seven year old, along with another brother and sister. The family started farming in the Kenesaw and Atlanta area. My grandfather's three sisters and four brothers all farmed in the Campbell and Holdrege areas. My grandmother, Anna Lipsack, came across the Atlantic by herself at eighteen with her passage paid for by her oldest brother Casper. All four feet nine inches of her, washed dishes in a hotel in New York for $2.00 a week, of which she saved $1.00, until she had saved $100.00, enough for her next brother's passage to America. She then worked until she had saved another hundred dollars, which enabled her to come to Hastings. She had six brothers and sisters, but the two youngest and her parents were never able to immigrate to this country. Sometime around World War I, Grandma received news that her two sisters had been taken to Siberia. It saddened her for the remainder of her life that she wasn't able to help them. Grandma met H. O. Eckhardt in America and married him on March 22, 1901. They farmed near Atlanta the first six years of their married life. In 1906, H. O. traded 80 acres for several lots in Hastings (in the 100 block on East South Street), and he built a wood-frame grovery store. William Schlitt, a neighbor, helped Grandpa do the opening inventory with an abacus, and the doors were opened for business! My grandparents lived next door to the store. The store was a hub in the lives of the German-Russian people of this southeast area of Hastings. The immigrants gathered to exchange news. They might discuss a new family coming to town, a death or upcoming marriage. Men played checkers around the potbellied stove. The neighborhood women would come to the store first thing in the morning to get perishables for the day, and, in the evening to get milk, which they would put in cool water to keep fresh for morning breakfast. They always wore their aprons and usually stopped along the way to visit neighbors. On Mondays, the women came to buy the soup bone for the wash day meal. The German-Russian women, walking up the road along the railroad tracks from Park Street for their soup bone, may have been where Park Street got its nickname: Soup Bone Alley. The store, at this time, stocked a wide variety of goods besides groceries----thread, overalls, shirts, kerosene, animal feed, and patent medicines. A large wooden keg held vinegar, and customers brought their own containers. Many farmers in the area would stop on their way into town and drop off a crate of fresh eggs, leaving their list of groceries for Grandma to fill. She could neither read nor write, but would memorize each order as they told her and have it packed into the empty egg crate for the exact amount of money in exchange for the eggs. Grandpa was a generous man and Grandma was very frugal; they were a good team. It was widely known that Grandma would break a cracker in half to make the scale come out right. You got exactly what you paid for. No more, no less! My father, Rudolph Eckhardt, was born in 1907, and as a young boy, began to work in the store. Penny candy was always an Eckhardt specialty, which all of the neighborhood children loved. Margaret Snyder, a young firl who lived across the street at 101 East South, and her friend Sarah Helzer used to sit on a bench on the east side of Margaret's house and the girls would yell at my father, "Rudy, Rudy, bring us some candy!" As soon as he was able, he would take a handful of candy and run it across the street to the girls. For many years, his nickname was "Candy". Many people have commented on my Grandma's broken dialect; she never lost her accent. While waiting on people or taking an order on the telephone, her opening remark was always, "Vat'll it be?". In 1911, their original house was moved to 315 South Garfield, and a new, two-story stucco house was built on the old lot. The house had four bedrooms, with an extra one in the basement. This would seem to be a great deal of room for my grandparents, as they had only one child, but the house was always a busy place. Both Grandma's and Grandpa's brothers and sisters stayed at the house for several months after they were married. Grandma and Grandpa wanted to help them get off to a good start--or until they found some place to live. Grandpa's parents lived with them for many years, and when brothers or sisters and families came to town from the farm, they stayed overnight, or for the weendend. When the circus came to town, the store windows would be covered solid with a huge poster announcing the big days for which my grandparents would receive a free pass. Milk was 5 cents per quart in a glass container, which had to be returned. Neighborhood children would collect pop bottles and sell them at the store. In many cases, this was the only money of their own that the children had and it was an important transaction in their lives. The store would open at 7 a.m. and would close at 10 p.m. six days a week. On Sundays, the store was open until noon, but would be re-opened on an individual basis if a neighbor needed some extra items. There was a barn in the back of their house next to the store for the horses that they used to deliver groceries. In 1921, a new brick grocery store building replaced the old wooden one, which had been destroyed by fire. Attached to the east side was a barber shop. A truck was purchased for deliveries, and a gas pump stood out front. While Grandma and my father managed the store, Grandpa was busy buying land, selling and renting houses, and making many personal loans out of his pocket. Business was usually concluded with a handshake. It would sometimes be months before the paperwork was filed or the money was received, but a man's word was good because he did not want to bring shame to his family. After the stock market crash of 1929 and the bank failures that followed, my grandparents and my father lost all of the money that they had in the bank. They owned the farms, houses, and store but had no money to keep them going. It was then that Grandma disclosed that she had hidden several hundred dollars in the back of a mantle clock. She proudly produced her money, and a crisis was avoided. The clock now sits on my mantle, where it serves daily as a reminder of my heritage and hope. On October 27, 1929, Grandma and Grandpa's son, Rudolph Edward, married Elizabeth Schmidt, who was born in Atkinson, Kansas, to parents from the village of Merkle, Russia. At that time, they moved in with Grandpa and Grandma and took over the grovery store. In 1940, Grandpa and Grandma built a new house for themselves at 201 South California and five others on that street at a cost of $1200 per house, which they rented for under $10.00 per month all during the war years. When the new house was completed, Grandpa bought Grandma a new electric kitchen stove, and she displayed it proudly when people came to see her new home. Grandma kept her old ways, though and she and Grandpa lived mostly in the basement. For holiday meals or when company came, the food was prepared in the basement and carried upstairs to the dining room. When Grandma died in 1967, it was noticed that the electric stove had never been plugged in My parents, Ruldolph and Elisabeth, had two daughters, Betty Ann and Donna Jean. My sister and I grew up working in the store. Neighbors still remember Betty, as a child, standing on a box to check out groceries and run the adding machine. When Betty was twelve and I was eight, our parents went to visit our mother's sister in Colorado for a week, and we children were trusted to run the store. I grew up thinking that "Cleanliness was next to Godliness" was the 11th Commandment. The comment was often heard how clean the Eckhardt grocery store always was. The meat case would be washed and shined every day, and everything taken out, wrapped and put away in the evening. The store windows were religiously washed until they sparkled. It was my job to sweep the sidewalk in front of the store twice a day for then we had steam engines, and with the Union Pacific tracks just thirty feet from the front door, lots of soot would fall. The floor was wooden and oiled regularly and swept and dusted daily. The shelves were cleaned out each time that a new item would be unpacked, and the older ones moved to the front. In the 1940s, the store was reorganized. Grocery carts, modern refrigeration units, and self-service counters were installed. Mother always saw that our white cotton aprons with K-B Ice Cream across the front were sparkling white and starched to perfection. The store changed as the Navy Depot east of Hastings opened and the population exploded. Cars would be parked for a block along South Street so that people could stop and cash their paychecks and buy their weekly groceries. We carried large amounts of cash in the store and were robbed twice. The barber shop had closed in the 1930s and in the late 40s became a glazed doughnut shop, with the unlikely name of the "Good and Rich Doughnut School". It was later to become a small antique shop and then was torn down. My grandfather was proud of his farm lands and liked to take his granddaughters to the country to show them what he was building for his family. One day we drove by a newly purchased farm and he said, "This is your farm." I couldn't believe it, but I live there today. Betty and I learned to drive a car forward and back while helping Grandpa grub out tree stumps on the farms. One day in the late 1940s, he took me to a car dealership in Clay Center, Nebraska, and pointed out a new car. "What do you think of it?" he asked. I looked it over and told him that I like it. He said, "Fine, let's buy it!" and surprised me by paying for it on the spot. Grandpa drove the car off the lot and delighted me by asking if I wanted to drive it home! At twelve years old, I proudly maneuvered a new green Kaiser automobile from Clay Center to Hastings, with my only instructions being "See the center line down the middle of the road? Just keep to the right side of it!" As I pulled up in the back of my grandparents' house, Grandma came running out and, after seeing who the driver was, threw her hands up and cried, "Oh, Henry. Oh, Henry!" In 1955, my parents made a decision to close the store. Supermarkets had come to town and the need for neighborhood grocery stores had diminished. The store had served the neighborhood and its people for fifty years. The building then became a second-hand furniture store and is now the home of Ken's Refrigeration. If you look closely, you can still see Eckhardt's Grocery on the west side of the building, written at the top. The End ------------------------------------------------ MY LIFE AS A SOLDIER ... By Conrad Jacob Kissler, Hillrose, Colorado-- 1932 (Originally printed in the Die Welt Post in 1932) German articles submitted by Martha (Krening) Schafer Translated to English by Marie (Trupp) Krieger Remember we read in the last newsletter from the author: "As a reader of this newspaper, I would like to tell my friends a few experiences of my life while a soldier. I came from Frank, in the Volga-Republic, where I was born on May 4, 1880. My father was known as Kasper's Jacob and I was known as "Johann Georg" at home, but my name is Conrad Jacob Kissler." So the story continues from the Summer '94 Issue..... * * * Hillrose, Colorado-- April 14 1932 to May 12, 1932 Again came the orders: "No soldier is to leave the ship". The residents of the town are of many nationalities....Bengalens, Arabic's, and God only knows of the others. Many have large white rings in their noses and ears and have a very nice speech. They swim and dive like fish. Since it is very warm here, the people walk around with almost no clothes. After we had loaded all the necessary items, the steam boat continues on its way again, in the evening; and we arrive in the South China Sea. To the right is the island of Borneo and then past the Philippine Islands--always closer to big China. To the left lies Hong Kong, then we see Foochow, and pass the island of Formosa. Then it goes in the East China Sea and we reach Ningpo [China], Soochow [China]. To the right side expands the Pacific Ocean and before us lies Japan. We enter the Yellow Sea and to the left reach the town Weihai [China]. Before us lies the mountains of Port Arthur (Riojun or Ryojun). The bay is only 300 feet wide and enclosed by 2 large mountain chains, where there is only just enough room for the large steam ship to turn and anchor. We stopped at Port Arthur and set foot on our new home. We thank God after 40 days that we finally have soil for our feet to stir (to move about on). With heavy hearts we went into our small filthy , old Chinese town. We four Germans, KANZLER, GIES, STRECK, and I were led into Port Arthurskoi Drebostnoi, Pechonoi Polk, where we were put in the Red squadron--GIES in the 1st, I in the 3rd, KANZLER and STRECK in the 7th and 8th. Now to finish what we had omitted on the ocean trip....we met soldiers who began service in Russia in 1897 who were transported to China in 1900; and who at that time, had to be suppressed for the unrest by their superiors and those soldiers that had served for 6 years already. Our sovereign (chief) was General Stoessel, a large powerful man of about 250 to 270 lbs. in weight. Gradually we became used to the situation. The Tzar was first in Port Arthur in the year 1900 to 1901. During his time, 5 or 6 countries were at war with China. At that time, one found few European buildings. A Russian-Chinese bank, and 2 churches (one still in the building process), the barracks, and the officer's quarters--that was all. The quarters of the Chinese (Chinese quarters) were roofed with tile. In the middle of town stood a hill that divided the town into 2 parts--the old and the new town. We did not see a train; the residents were Japanese, Koreans, Jews and Russians. This mixture required good discipline and General Stoessel was the man for that. The town was surrounded by high mountains (hills); and since the soil was of the rocky type, not much farming could be done. Some corn, sugar cane, Tschumisa (?), a certain kind of millet -- that's all. Very few machines were there. The wagons had 2 wheels, made of boards nailed together and rounded on which over the axle, set a box. The roads were very bad. The thought came to me, if that should be the place where one considered ridicule at home and said: "Are you from (Jerico--far away) where pepper grows?" In the fall of 1902, the work on the first train was finished and slowly the train snaked through the hills in our town. Everyone rushed to the station to greet the arrival of the guest. The Chinese came with their wives in complete dress with pigtail and tassels on the back of the head almost reaching to the feet; the wives with short haircuts, reddened lips and cheeks, very small feet which had been bound since childhood so they wouldn't grow big in order to cripple their price (arrogance or haughtiness). The end of the year 1903, as my service was about concluded, I was called to the assistant officer. My friend H. Benzel, who at the time, was doing his service in Manchuria, wrote to me, saying I should request my leave so that the two of us could travel together on our way home. We received a 6 month leave; and since the trip is so far, we expected a reduction in the price of the tickets. As our traveling papers were finished, we already were writing home----but on January 27, 1904 the Russian-Japanese War began. Our food in Port Arthur was good--we received free sugar and tea. Each soldier was given a pound of meat each day, 3 lbs. of bread, good cabbage soup, pureed rice or Gretchicha. Also our wages during the year were raised from 45 Kopecks (1 kopeck = 1/100 ruble) to 87.5 kopecks. I would like to mention that in the summer of 1903, word trickled in that the highest commander of all the armies and the naval fleet of the Russian Empire, was to appear at our inspection. It was General Kuropatkin, who stepped off the train to inspect the many thousands of soldiers. He demanded a 3 day inspection. We accepted the honor as good luck that he came to us, while the same officers shook when he spoke to them. His chest was adorned with two rows of medals and crosses. Gold and silver embellished his uniform. We felt that between the 23rd and 27th of January [1904], that all Japanese had vanished in our town--their businesses locked up, but no one thought anything bad about that. Then at 11 o'clock on January 29th came the Japanese squadron and fired on the Russian squadron which had just received its nights' supplies outside of the harbor. A large battleship was taken out of action so that it was disabled for a long time. Suddenly, a noise in our night's quarters--the trumpet sounded and the beat on a drum. "Trewoge!" Every soldier sprang to his feet and got ready for his departure. The fighting on the water became more intense. Shells fell on the town. The cannons reciprocated with fire from the mountains, and every company took its previous position. We were 6 to 7 miles away from the sea and were able to observe the hills with the ships in the nighttime skirmish, but we had no idea what it all meant. Toward morning the news was conveyed to us that we were at war with Japan and that the battle in the night, without a previous announcement declaring war, brought about much damage. Nearly everyday the Japanese squadron sought us and hurled large 12 inch wide shells over the mountains into the town, with the intention to disable our ships. With that, the Japanese hoped to have freedom of the seas in the Orient, in its hands. Japan sought to seal (enclose) our squadron in the harbor and utilize all ships, which through the sinking of our fleet, as it left the harbor, would prevent it from getting away (or leaving the harbor). As these old boxes of shells came nearer to us, the cannons on the mountains shot them to pieces. During that time, the Japanese Army came via the river Yalu on land, and prepared themselves to march to Port Arthur. Our ship caused the small Japanese more headaches in spite of the fact that he had covered us in the water. On March 31st (1904), Admiral Makarov wanted to sail into the sea with his armored vessel, and the ship hit a mine, 2 miles from the harbor, and was torn into 2 pieces. Within 2 minutes the highest commander landed in the ocean, but Admiral Makarov along with his 38 officers and 628 soldiers with their flagship "Petrobavlovsk" had disappeared. That same day the large armored vessel "Pobeda" was badly damaged on its right side. On it were 28 officers, 754 sailors and 63 large and more smaller cannons and 3 smokestacks. That was a big loss. Our town was surrounded by the sea on 3 sides. For that reason, the Japanese could observe us quite well; and it was not easily possible to send our ships in and out. For that reason, the Japanese land Army was able to close up the way and marched to Port Arthur. The 1st Division, or 4 Polk (?) of our soldiers, approached them and caused their delay. They had to fight for every hill they came to. As the Japanese reached our railway, on April 22nd, we were cut off from the entire world. It took about 2 1/2 months until they could see the first mountain of Port Arthur. On this mountain, "Upilasi" and the surrounding green mountains, much fighting took place. In front of t he town, the Japanese won a foot today--but then tomorrow they had to turn back. * * * Hillrose, Colorado -- May 26th, 1932 -- The devil cut off the way from Russia. We had to sit now -- without help from our native land. Altogether all of us were about 45,000 men, distributed for a 20-30 mile "front" around the town, during the festival time. The Japanese had an army of 100,000 men to stand against us; that was the opinion of General Stoessels. So it came about that first, at the end of July, he was able to send shells from the last mountains in the town. For five months the killing was on the last side, hand to hand fighting, sometimes the Japanese came so close that bayonets were put into use. Since the Japanese General Noge had taken over the command, the violence began. As soon as the front line of soldiers had fallen, large troops came from behind who, within a short time, were among the fallen. Days passed, weeks where there was always worse slaughter from the shells. Overall, blood covered blood--it was bloody everywhere. The people lay like the sheaves on the field, without arms--without legs--with many wounds. Some lay on the ground with no common ties. Some cried to the Heavens, "Oh, dear God, help us and take us to your Heavenly Home because we are forever poor." One could see that the enemy's aim on the Forts number 2 and number 3, were the mountains Doguschan, Sequschan and Kumirin, in order to break through. Our supplies and also our soldiers became less and fewer. It happened that there was no more talk about exchanges. Through the weak nourishment and the fact that we didn't have any rest, the illness "zinger" took over--it is practically a slow death. Added to that was not enough food, and starvation set in, so we had to butcher horses -- for there was very little bread and all of us had to languish. Since the enemy couldn't get closer, the festive season was good and strong. We dug into the ground and lay mines. On one quiet morning, there was a break, quite suddenly. A cloud rose from the Fort- -very dark and like a lightning flash. But that wasn't the only thing. Oh God, it looked so terrible. Here lay arms and there lay legs and many were taking their last breath. All around us was a doleful outcry, the wounds were so painful. Oh, dear God, send angels and take the sad (poor) hearts with you. This killing happened in the summer time. It was a huge lamentation to which the weather was hot. How many parents grieved on account of such a struggle and conflict that their children were separated on steep mountains by their beds and graves. How many widows with orphans are without help and comfort...no one to help them now, help them, oh dear God. On December 2nd, our General Major Kondratenko, with 8 officers in Fort number 2, was killed by a Japanese shell. He was a supporter and helper for General Stoessel. This loss left a big gap in our file. The fallen were mourned by all of us. Our numbers became smaller everyday so that in December our Army totaled about 10,000 men. The enemy always came closer, our strength became always weaker. From the first day we waited for help, but it was useless. After eleven hard months, we were forced to give up our town-- --Port Arthur. After the enemy's hostility ceased, both sides brought a delegation together and made peace. General Stoessel with his staff, was willing to leave the town in order to avoid further bloodshed or losses. Even though it was a difficult thing to do, especially after 11 months of hard fighting, it was our duty to avoid any further deaths-- this was hard for us to picture. Three days after handing over the town, we had to leave it. Our trip was done on foot to the next Japanese railroad station. We were not led over the huge battlefield. We marched practically the entire night. In the morning, December 25th, also Christmas, at 3 o'clock we stopped. We were dead tired, hungry and cold. When leaving the town, we were advised that no soldier was to carry more than 15-20 lbs. of goods. The Japanese gave each one of us 2 small packets of "Crackers" and salmon in a tiny tin box. After a long wait, a train finally arrived which was made of iron coal-wagons put together. We had to get into the train--as many as a wagon could hold, and hurried to the town of Dalin [Dairen??]. We reached it in the evening and were led into a large building which was our shelter. O, just think, how well a person rests after such a trip especially when one beside the other has to sleep on chairs without bedding. The next morning, during the forenoon, our Japanese ship arrived and then aboard the ship we went to Japan, as prisoners of war. Here, I must mention, that we four Germans, KANZLER, GIES, STRECK, and I were still alive, like we came together from home. On the ship, we each received a ticket so we could get food from the kitchen for the trip--one might say one could put into a cigar box. After a three and a half days trip, with nice weather, we arrived in Japan with luck. We had to step into a train right away. In each wagon were two Japanese soldiers with guns serving as guards. Near noon, we arrived in a large town where we, the prisoners, were served a good meal. It appeared as though the workers of the town had prepared for this and looked us over wondering what kind of people came from Port Arthur. In each railway station, we found friendly people. Many times we were handed tea through the window by the people who had gathered to look at the Russian prisoners. After a two days' trip we came to our camp close to the town of Osarka [Osaka??] called Hammadera. Since no large preparations had been made in advance, we had to settle for quarters under a tent with 22 men. The Japanese brought each one of us a cotton filled mattress and a quilt for our bed. The food was brought in wooden pails to us in the yard. It was supposed to be a soup, but it was thick and wasn't warm anymore. The bread was baked with nice white flour and tasted very good. It all went from the hand into the mouth, but it wasn't enough. One nice day, what do you think each one of us received?----An orange! On account of that, we felt better. On the 4th of February, we were led to another yard in which there were 50 houses were built of boards, 4 large kitchens, a bakery, 2 baths and wash houses, 1 government office, 2 shops, 4 guard houses and electric lighting. The entire compound that wooden walls on 3 sides--the other side had posts. In each house were 200 men quartered so that the count in each yard consisted of 10,000 men. Beside our yard were 2 smaller ones with 5000 men in each one--it was considered more of a hospital. Now we were allowed to write letters twice a month to our homes or wherever we wished to write. All letters could not be sealed and without postage and each one of us had to write his name, house number, and prisoner of war number, on the envelope. My number was 6097. Before the Japanese had prepared our meals, but we were told on April 12th, that we would now cook our own food except for the bread. Naturally we didn't want to do that, because we were afraid of the law we had learned in the army-- not to assist the enemy in anyway--or make it easier for them. The next morning the guards were at our doors and all of us had to stay in our houses for 21 hours and we were given only bread and water. Finally there came the big Japanese General Kumabe and informed us via an interpreter that of now we had to cook our food as well as do the kitchen work ourselves--if not, then we must pass our time there with water and bread. We asked our officers for permission and they immediately granted it. Without any exchange of words our cooks entered the kitchen. The rest of us paid them 3 kopecks per soldier and 5 kopecks each sub officer per month. On April 17th, was Easter day, but the rabbits forgot to bring us the eggs. We were also able to have a public religious service. The Russians had a Pastor, the Catholics a Priest, and we Germans had a missionary lady from Germany, Miss Elisabetha Huhold. On May 20th, at our place, the earth moved. On May 30th, we saw a large white star in the Heavens. In case one of our soldiers died, we were given a small cemetery which through a gift, we placed a nice iron enclosure around the grave and in the middle erected a monument. To that the Japanese officers added much. Our wages were 1 yen a month in Japanese money -- about 50 cents in the United States. The days and weeks became longer, the conscience asked often, "How long do we have to stay here?" Before our eyes, we always thought of the song, "When the Lord releases the bond and frees the prisoner". The missionary, Miss Huhold, always said to us: "Misery is not greater than the Helper". In our yard, beautiful tall Christmas trees stand, and we pass the time reading and writing under the cool shade of the trees. Newspapers and books were not given to us. We here, were practically an entire company of Germans together. Many of them could still be alive today, so I will give some names: Peter BISHEIMER of Hohler; Heinrich JACOBI of Donhof; Jacob KUNKEL of Kutter; Christian KARL of Alt-Balzer; Salmon HENSCH of Rosenthal; Adam EICHMAN of Schwab; Johannes LUTHER of Huck; Johannes HAHN of Kana; Ignatz GOTTE of Sinnofka; Christian SCHLOTHAUER of Alt-Weimar; Paul VOHLEKS of Langenfeld; Heinrich LAUBACH, of Krasnojar; Johannes RIHL of Borkart; Georg GRASMICK of Balzer; Johannes KNIPPEL of Norka; Johannes GIES of Mohr; Jacob LATHNER of Schumack; Heinrich KAISER of Alt-Balzer; Alex LEHNHARDT of Balzer; Joseph MARTINERSKI & Peter GALINGER of Hildeman; Jacob SCHULMEISTER of Kaminka; Heinrich HUFA of Begekutter; Johannes RITTER of Wittman; Michael MELLENBERG of Duckot; Johann Friederick RUIN and Georg KUHN of Gobel; Thomas ROMETSCH of Konigsthal; Johannes HERBER of Baro; Alex BOCK of Kana; Johannes SCHWAB of Simnofka; Michel EBERLE and Johann LEMKE of Ekaterinoslav; Heinrich SCHARGEN of Palskoi. Dear comrades--if you should see this, heart felt greeting from me. Since we had no winter, but always summer weather and the terrific heat, we were given permission to bathe now and then in the sea (ocean) which was only 100 to 200 feet from where we were. At one time, each one of us received a small chest filled with rice and carrots decorated with green leaves, and also a package of cigarettes for each one of us-- 25 of them. Our rice was served to us every day in a large pail. We asked, what is the significance of this--that our rice was served so beautifully for us today? The answer was, because the Kaiser of Japan has his birthday today. We said, "Thank you". In September we were notified that the war was over. On September 28th, an American, Mr. H. Ford and the German missionary, Miss E. Huhold, came to us one evening and showed us movies --30 pictures, but I won't mention all of them: four pictures of the Niagara waterfalls, a Holy mountain in Japan, a 20 story high rise building in New York with 4000 rooms, and old house built by Makomeda about 500 years ago, a large bridge in Italy. The last was American Indians. We spent an enjoyable evening and gave them heartfelt thanks for the Love, that which they had showed us. On October 20th, all the Germans were assembled together and led from the yard into the next town. Unbeknownst to us, we came into a park where many rich people were gathered and had prepared a very tasty meal for us. Here were egg, coffee cakes, butter, milk, coffee, tea, kuchen (cakes), meat, etc. and each one of us received a picture from Miss Huhold. But here, we thought, is a good deal--allow us to cherish this. Miss Huhold had a large chest full of books and passed them out to us. Bibles, Testaments, etc. This way, the entire day was spent. This was the nicest day ever in the service--many thanks to Miss Huhold and her helpers. On the 23rd of the evening of December at 6:00 PM we, the Germans, were led again out of the yard. In another yard we found a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with many gifts. Here were three from England, an American, four women and Miss Huhold. They related the story of Jesus Christ's birth and expressed their happiness to be able to celebrate the Christmas Festival with us. At 9:00 PM, each one of us received a beautiful gift. We Germans allowed ourselves to be photographed together and we received this picture in a golden frame this evening from Miss Huhold as a reminder of us Germans as prisoners of war in Japan in the year 1905. (To be continued in our next issue) -------------------------------------------------- THE BELLS OF HOME -- by Henry & Elizabeth Brehm, Walla Walla, WA. My thanks go out again to Ruth (Mueller) Bergann, of Otis, KS for her beautiful translation of a German poem she received from her sister Elisabeth. Ruth's translation was carefully done in order to preserve the rhyme----something that is extremely difficult, and usually impossible when translating from one language to another. We will include both the original German poem and Ruth's translation [see page 15], and a picture our our village church of Brunnental [see below]. May we never forget the hopes and prayers that filled that church daily for so many years....and may we try to imagine in our minds and hearts the sound of the bells as they told their story. The Poem was dated December 16, 1950. When Ruth (Mueller) Bergann sent in this poem for the newsletter, I was very interested in finding out a little bit about the authors, Henry & Elizabeth Brehm. By searching the Brunnental Data Bank (15,000 names) I was able to find the Brehm family who wrote this poem. I was not surprised to find that they were related to Ruth's Mueller family, and I was able to give Ruth information about this BREHM family from Walla Walla. It was interesting to note that this is a brother to the Johannes Brehm who built the small replica of the Brunnental Church, as seen in a previous newsletter (Winter 93/94). HEIMATKLAENGE In dem Gouvernement Samara, nah' der Wolga, Brunnenthal - ist das Dorf, da ich geboren und erblickt dies Erdental. Schoenes Dorf, so schoen gelegen; wunderschoenes Brunnenthal. vielen wurdest du zum Segen! Ich bin einer dieser Zahl. Mitten stand die grosse Kirche, himmelzeigend mit dem Turm, ueberrangend, wie die Lerche hielt sie Wache uns, im Sturm. Ihre Kuppel mit den Sternen waren uns so hoch und hehr, da man schon aus weiter Ferne sie erkannt, als Glaubenswehr. In dem Turme waren Glocken, dreier waren es an der Zahl. Oh, ein freundlich, goettlich Locken war's der Seele jedesmal. Fuer die Gottesdienste riefen diese Glocken jung und alt und in grossen Scharen liefen alle, ohne Aufenthalt. War ein Kind im Dorf gestorben rief der kleinen Glocke Ton, doch dem Juengling, wie der Jungfrau, laeutete die zweite schon. Und zuletzt erscholl die grossse tief bewegt und langsam fort, alle wussten wie beim Lose, diesmal ist ein Altes tot. Bei der Taufe und der Hochzeit gaben sie den Freudenklang, sie ergoetzten meine Kindheit und mein Herze lebenslang. --- THE BELLS OF HOME In the Government Samara, is the village where I was born. Brunnental, near the Volga, where my terrestrial life begun. Beautiful village, most beautiful Brunnental, so wonderfully situated, you were the blessing of us all. The great church stood in the center, The tower pointing to the sky, just like a lark on lofty wings watching over us from on high. Your dome with the stars could be seen from a distance. We held them so highly, these guardians of our faith's existence. There were bells in the tower, and their number was three. Oh, what a kind and divine calling for the soul it was to hear. For the services these bells were calling young and old alike. In great flocks they came together hurriedly, to be in church for a while. Did a child die in the village, the smallest bell was rung. And the middle bell was ringing for the man and maiden young. And by the loud ring of the big bell, slowly trembling on, everyone knew at once, that now an older person was gone. At a baptism and wedding the bells were ringing joyfully, they delighted my whole childhood and my heart continuously. ------------------------------------------ THE HISTORY OF BRUNNENTAL - 1918-1941 -- by Jakob Mohrland It is with great pride and excitement that I bring you the following 78 page German manuscript. We are so fortunate to have authors such as Jakob Mohrland, who have taken the time to record the history of their village---and to SHARE their story with all of us. Jakob Mohrland was born in 1918 in Brunnental, and didn't leave Russia until 1941, so he had first hand knowledge of the village during that time period. He is now living in Germany and has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. His final wishes are to have his "History of Brunnental 1918-1941" published in America so that we can all know the history of our village and understand the hardships that our families endured. Once again I would like to THANK those who undertook the "translation project" of 78 pages of German: Jo Ann Kuhr -- Pages 1-2 Marie (Trupp) Krieger -- Pages 3-40 Donald Herzog -- Pages 41-78 (In later issues we will tell you a little bit about our translaters) - - - - - - Ellhofen, Germany 6.1.1986 A Report on and Events in my Volga German Home Town Brunnental, Canton Seelmann, from the Founding in 1855 until the Deportation by Command of Stalin in August 1941 ----By Jakob Mohrland Now I will report about the 86 year history of Brunnental and its citizens. I was born in Brunnental on 30 March 1918 and lived in Brunnental until 22 August 1940. My father, Konrad Mohrland, was born in Brunnental on 28 August 1884, and my mother, Maria Elisabeth Rehm Mohrland, was born in Gnadenfeld (Moor) on 15 February 1892. My parents were married in 1910 and had a farmstead in Brunnental with the necessary farm buildings, cattle, and agricultural inventory. I do not know exactly how much cattle and land my parents had at the time. I know only from my parents, stories that they had developed their farm business quite well by 1914. When my father, who was a soldier, returned home in 1916 at the end of WW1, the farm had degenerated due to the events of war. During the next few years it improved again because of good harvests. Now I want to say why I want to report about Brunnental. At first I will mention that I came to Germany in 1941 due to events of the war. A brother of mine and his family have also been in Germany since 1977. Let me tell you about my beautiful hometown. I will tell you about my experiences in my childhood until the day of August 22, 1940. I knew many Brunnental families very well. I knew the large village down to the small details. In addition, my parents and many old people often told me stories about the earlier days in Brunnental, so I have decided to write the 86 year old history of the village. Nieces and nephews, who now live in Germany, have asked me to tell them everything I know about Brunnental. They want to know how their parents and grandparents lived in Brunnental until 1941. The questions from the first generation that was not born in Brunnental, made me realize that in a few years, no one will be alive who can report to later generations about the village. On the basis of this consideration, I promised my nephews and nieces to tell you about my experiences and everything that I can remember. Before I begin with that, I want to mention, that I knew about 80% of the Brunnental citizens because of the work I did in the MTS (Machine-Tractor-Station). I also knew well the layout of the village. Likewise, I knew almost all the farmsteads and who lived at each one. Because I had to leave my hometown in 1940, and knew the layout of the village quite well, I drew the accompanying village plat in all details.[Note 1] I also want to mention, however, that my experiences in Brunnental were very numerous, but not good. In my years, which I can remember, from 1922-1940, there was much bad for me and those around me, to bear. First to be mentioned are the famine years from 1921-1924. At that time many Brunnentalers starved to death, yes, even entire families died of starvation. I will report about that in detail later. At the end of 1928 and into 1929, Stalin and his associates caused the forceful collectivization and the displacement of the farmers and carried it out heedlessly with all of the brutal methods imaginable. The forceful collectivization of the farmers had as a result, that after the last private harvest in 1929, another great period of famine awaited the Brunnental farmers from 1930 to 1934. I will return to that again. How and When Was Brunnental Founded: I proceed thereof from, which is universally known, that the wishes of the Empress Katharina from 1763 to 1767 were fulfilled, that about 27,000 Germans left Germany and settled on the left and right banks of the Volga River. One had divided the land for the German colonists as villages and farms. For that reason, the Empress had promised the colonists many privileges and much assistance. But the first years were very difficult for the colonists. The promised help from the Empress became very meager. The colonists suffered bitterly from the lack of necessities. This was due to the fact that the colonists did not know enough about the climate and the nature of the soil. Because of the scarcity of suitable lodging, bread and clothing for the long winter months, they froze and starved during the severe cold weather. One said at that time: "The first generation - death, the second generation - misery, and for the third generation - the bread". In spite of many difficulties at the beginning, the situation for the colonists gradually became much better within a few years, through sacrifice and diligence. The Colonies: The colonist, who founded the first colonies on both sides of the Volga River, are in the walks of life from 85 to 90 years, when even with many setback, became prosperous. The colonies became always more beautiful and well-off. For that reason, the colonists' families always had many children. Because of that, there prevailed already in 1840, a large demand for land for the grownup sons who wanted to become independent farmers. In order to assist the demand for necessary farm land for farmers, the government offered free land on both sides of the Volga River (the forest and the meadow), so that from 1850-1860 many new colonist villages were founded----so that is how Brunnental was founded. The Founding of Brunnental: Brunnental was founded in 1855 (according to the statement of the "Homeland Almanac--1955"). Brunnental lies almost exactly in the middle between Seelmann and Krasny-Kut. From Seelmann to Brunnental it is 35 kilometer. I'm of the opinion that those colonists who founded their village sought a favorable site. By 1855, the colonists had years of experience with the climate and the nature of the soil. Selection depended on the availability of water for the new colony. The scouts, who sought suitable arable land for the new village location, found a place with a light flat valley where three river like canals came together into a larger canal. The larger canal had, at that time, a name already -- Besuk. Because this canal, in the springtime, on account of the snow melt and heavy rain flow, the scouts saw in advance that this area would be favorable for the village plot. These canals are dry in the summertime. I want to mention again, that on the left bank of the Volga and also on the meadow side, the entire area consisted of many deep and wide canals throughout. For the new founded colonies, these canals were of great significance because they could be used for the collection and preservation of water. The scouts were well satisfied with the site of the flat valley. It was also shown that the site of the 3 canals was good for the founding of the village. I learned this from the older people who said that the new colonists of Brunnental constructed dams on the canals right away. From the beginning, the village had sufficient water. In addition, it was noted that wells were dug right away because the ground water wasn't very deep. These wells, which were at about 3 to 5 meters, produced much water. With that, the water supply for the inhabitants and the animals used in farming, was secured. But in the first years, it also happened that the dam broke during high water, and then the water in the dam leaked away. But each time, the dams were repaired and strengthened. The colonists then watched the dams when the snow melted and strengthened them. But this solution wasn't a sure thing. By 1900 the village of Brunnental had developed very well and had over 4500 inhabitants. By 1912 it was a nice, large, and pretty like a checkerboard, important village with happy inhabitants, from rich farmers and mechanics (artisans) with 5000 residents (according to the "Homeland Almanac -1955"). Notice the village plan [Note 2]----Brunnental had wide long and cross streets. In each field there were 6 farmsteads with beautiful houses and gates on the streets. The farmsteads were still relatively new because the village was first founded in 1855. Brunnental already had about 600 houses in 1912. In order to secure the water situation completely, one had improved the dam once more in 1923 and 1924 and built a lock with 4 slide doors of concrete and steel. With this lock, one could regulate the water from the snow melt so that one side in the village couldn't have anymore floors and the other side could retain enough water. Now the fruit and vegetable gardens, which grew on both sides of the water canals, had enough water to irrigate the trees and plants for the entire year. The dam with the lock lay on the southwestern exit of the village toward the village of Seelmann. At the northeastern exit of the village toward Krasny-Kut over Hussenbach (see village plan) lay the second large dam of Brunnental. I do not know exactly the year that this dam was built. I only know, that this dam was built much wider and higher and also with a cubic flow canal provided. The water at this dam was about 500 meters at the widest spot, and had a length of about 3 kilometers. As I remember, Brunnental always had enough water. To add to that, I have to say many happy farmers had their own wells on their homesteads. More public wells came into existence. There were shared well, and all wells had good plentiful water. In the canals, fish were planted. The fishing was let out on lease. The fish were sold by the leaseholders to the villagers. The Name of Brunnental: Well, I also want to relate where the name of Brunnental came from. I don't know the story exactly anymore, but I think it was in 1925 or 1926 -- in the wintertime, when my father had the fur coat tailor in our house. To keep from freezing in the cold weather in winter, farmers wore fur coats made of sheepskin with high collars, when they made trips to Seelmann with horses and sleds. The fur coat tailors came every winter from the surrounding Russian villages in order to sew for the German farmers. These fur-coat tailors were big specialists in their profession. They have lived among the farmers a long time and were given good board and room. The sewing was paid for. They came mostly in groups of 2 to 3 men and went by orders, from house to house. So one day the farmer, Wilhelm L'bsack (also know as Manuels Lebsack) came to us in order to hire the fur coat tailor. Wilhelm L'bsack's father or grandfather's clan were from Frank on the forest side (of the Volga). Wilhelm L'bsack told me at this opportunity, that his father was one of the first settlers of Brunnental, and told him where the Brunnental name had originated. At that time there was a water canal, close by and opposite, where later the MTS (Machine Tractor Station) was built, on land where 3 small wells had stood. Since the village lay in a basin shaped valley with 3 wells at the water canal, the village was named Brunnental, meaning "well valley". This is what Wilhelm L'bsack told me. The Site of Brunnental: Brunnental lay 35 kilometers northeasterly from Seelmann [village] and belonged to the Canton Seelmann (province). Brunnental is quite square in length and breadth of about 14 kilometers. That complies with a pulley block of 196 qkm (Quadrakilometer). To the west, Brunnental borders on the Warenberger frontier; and in the east on the Hussenbacher borders in Canton Krasny-Kut; and to the south to the Streckerau and Marienberg borders in the Canton Seelmann; and to the north on the border of Straub-Koeppental in the Canton Kukkus. Of the 19,600 ha (hektar), land could have been 70-75% arable----and the rest was pasture land. Wheat, rye, oats and barley were mainly raised in Brunnental, while smaller portions of sunflowers, watermelons and melons were also raised. Very few potatoes were raised because the climate was too dry for potatoes. One could only raise potatoes in moist deep earth and for those the farmer raised only enough for himself. Some fruit was raised in Brunnental, but without importance. The people of Brunnental received fruit from the hilly-side farmers, every summer. Every summer from the middle to the end of June, the hilly-side farmers would come first with wagon loads of cherries and later apples, to Brunnental. The hilly-side fruit was also very good. The Brunnental farmers didn't buy the fruit. It was exchanged for wheat or rye -- measure for measure. The hilly-side farmers drove the length of the street in Brunnental and called out, "Fruit exchange, tit for tat, small for large." It was meant like this: For one sack of apples, one sack of wheat; or 1 pail of apples, 1 pail of wheat. The business went well and for both there was satisfaction. The people of Brunnental had apples, and the people from the hilly-side had wheat and rye. Vegetables were for the main part, raised in Brunnental for its own farmer. At the water canals which flowed through the entire village, one found vegetables on both sides of the canal. There was white cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, beets, beans, peas and other vegetables. The vegetables in the kitchen in the summertime were much desired. For the wintertime, much sauerkraut was prepared depending on the size of the family -- barrels full. Cucumbers were also pickled. They were much beloved, and they tasted good in the wintertime, as well as pickled watermelons and apples. Brunnental of 1900-1914: Now I'd like to report of the time from 1900 to 1914. I myself, did not live during this time, since I was born in 1918. My parents related much about these years and many of the older people spoke about these earlier years. In 1915, the Tsar's government had already resolved that the Volga German peasants would be sent to Siberia. Also, at this time, all German villages were given Russian names. Brunnental received the Russian name "Krivojar". Seelmann received the name, "Rewnoje", etc. But these names did not stick. Brunnental remained Brunnental until September 1941. The planned deportation of the Volga German peasants did not materialize, because of WW1 in 1914. But WW1 still had serious consequences for the people of Brunnental. High officers of the Russian government were ill-disposed towards the industrious and happy German peasants and threatened them with destruction. (Comment: But the bread of the Volga farmers had tasted very good to them and they took everything away from the farmers.) After the outbreak of the 1914 war, the sons and the young farmers of Brunnental became Russia's Army soldiers, including my father. Already during the admittance into the army, the German farmers' sons weren't treated in a friendly manner. They weren't allowed to speak German, in spite of the fact that most of them couldn't speak Russian. They were only allowed to write letters in the Russian language. So they wrote their letters to their homes with the Russian alphabet in German words. In 1927 I read my father's letters of 1914, which were written in German using the Russian alphabet. My father was sent from the Western front to the Turkish front. There, some of the men of Brunnental died of hunger and illnesses. My father came home deathly ill at the end of 1916. The people of Brunnental perceived that bad times were headed their way. Unrest prevailed and insecurity, also. In October of 1917, the communists took over the authority in Petrograd (Leningrad). Great harm stood before the Volga Germans. They faced disaster! The lefts (or communists) had now, what they had wanted, for a long time. Now, one could rob, plunder and murder. The German farmers were overcome and robbed. Let me give you some background: Let me return to the time of 1855 until 1910. In these 55 years Brunnental was a large and happy, lively village and had about 5000 residents. There was a large inventory of domestic animals and much grain to take care of the people, in the future. This was because the colonists knew, from many years of experience, that poor harvest years could happen. So because of those poor grain harvests, misery could come to the people and possibly there would be no feed for the animals. So preparations to guard against these shortages, were made in Brunnental. I believe it was in 1910 -- two large grain elevators (magazine) were built to house the surplus grains. The granaries were about 15 meters in length and 8 meters wide and had a holding capacity of many thousand of pounds of grain (1 pud = 16, 38 kilograms). These large granaries were kept by the Brunnental village for bad harvest years. A granary was emptied every year and filled again with new grain. The following year, the other granary was emptied and refilled with new grain. Because the Volga German grain had a good quality, one need not sorry about keeping it a long time. With this advance preparedness, no one needed to go hungry if they had a total crop failure. I have not heard from my parents or any of the older citizens that since the founding of the village of Brunnental from 1855 until 1920, that anyone was ever destitute. As I have said before, in 1919 in Brunnental there was a good harvest and all granaries were filled by the farmers as well as the prepared granaries, in case of a bad harvest. Also many horses and other domestic animals were kept for that purpose also. But since the revolution of 1917, in the Russian towns, there was great need; and the authorities in Moscow knew that the Volga Germans, because of the Revolution and disturbances, had held back grains. So the Russians sent their hungry out of their Russian towns to attack, as a brigade, the German villages. They came to Brunnental. They took all the grains and good which had been prepared in advance....even to the last pound. They not only took all the grains, but emptied all of the granaries. This continued as more brigades arrived from many Russian towns--banks like the "red guard", "Cossacks", etc. They all plundered and robbed the farmers until not a crumb was left. In 1920 very little could be planted because of the scarcity of seed for corn. Therefore the 1920 harvest was very scarce. Yes, the citizens of Brunnental had nothing more to eat. In fact, what little was harvested was taken from the citizens. They were not alone. This happened to all Volga German farmers. So the Brunnental farmers were confronted with the greatest famine ever. After the band of robbers had taken everything, and all reserved provisions were robbed, they began to dig up yards and search in the animal fodder for grain. When they didn't find anything, they knocked the farmers down and tortured them in order to have the farmers find more provisions. It finally got to the point where the farmers couldn't produce any more grain; and then they took clothing, household utensils, and furniture. So the citizens of Brunnental were completely left with nothing. The robbers had a special liking for horses and took them; as well as any other animals. Already in the fall of 1920, there was much misery and poverty among the farmers of Brunnental. Many starved in the fall of 1920 and the winter of 1921. Illnesses prevailed along with starvation, like typhus, cholera and malaria. It was an indescribable distressful situation....entire families starved to death. Many left in order to seek bread----traveling to Minsk and Poland, but many startved and froze on the way. In 1921 a farmer could try to invest again in seed for corn and "beasts of burden", but there was little land for investing. And the small amount of land which was seeded, did not sprout. With that harvest of 1921, which was nil, the suffering became greater and the people had no more hope. In the beginning of 1921, news was received by the German villages, that an officer was fighting the Reds (communists). In the hope of a betterment for the future, some farmers of Brunnental joined the conflict. But the farmers were only armed with scythes, pitchforks, and clubs. They were no match for the Reds, who were armed with guns. Many farmers lost their lives in this war. This revolt, by the farmers, was called a "club war". After this revolt, more than 20 Brunnental farmers were sentenced to death and shot. Because of this revolt, more farmers were sentenced to a federal penitentiary or prison. Those sentenced to death had to dig their own graves in the village and were shot falling into the graves. But the misery of the citizens of Brunnental became greater. More people left in order to save their lives. More families sought their way via Poland to Germany, and then later to America. But those opportunities to travel to Germany didn't become available for 11 to 12 months. Finally in 1922 after immense suffering of hunger, freezing, and serious illnesses, people were able to travel to Germany. It also became know then, that the Germans in mass, were dying of starvation. Then began a drive for assistance for the Germans in Russia who were in great need, from people in Germany, America, Canada and other western countries. The Brunnental citizens received some of this aid also. Parsonages were vacated and a children's kitchen was prepared. My life was also saved in one of these kitchens. I was 3 1/2 years old and know quite well that the children received warm food daily. There was bread, portions weighed and tacked together with small toothpicks. Sommetimes there was sugar or sweets. With that, the urgency was not over--only lightened. But more was on the way--Germany and America sent large quantities of good, clothing and necessary items. The Brunnental citizens were very happy and thankful for the assistance from foreign countries. The farmers, who were robbed of everything and who had gone hungry, decided to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, so to speak, and help themselves. But the situation was very bad in the spring of 1922 when they went to prepare the fields. They needed seed for corn and beasts of burden (draught-animals). The people were too weak and had little strength. Some people used a spade to turn over the sod in the fields. But that small bit, the 1922 scarcity of seed corn and too few beasts of burden, yielded small returns. The farmers continued with deficiencies in 1922 and 1923. But help from the foreign countries was now received in large quantities---- seed corn, agriculture inventories, and also ready money (cash). With this money, the farmers could buy horses in the Kirghiz steppe (Mongolians in Central Europe). Then hope existed for betterment. Some of the people who had left, returned. But many, who had left, had died. The village had become smaller. Of the 5000 residents in Brunnental before 1917, there were perhaps about 3500 left by 1923. Many houses stood vacant, were shattered, runed or town down and burned. Yes, by the time the Revolution years and the starvation years to 1924, were over, better said, "were more lenient", the beautiful village Brunnental had had many casualties among the people and its economy. The population could increase in 1924, but never could be what it originally was. By way of exception, I want to relate a story about my Aunt and Uncle: On November 5, 1921, the family of my mother's sister with their 4 children, in order not to starve, also left Russia. This family was lucky to reach America via Germany. In America today, three of the four children are still living, 2 sons and a daughter. One daughter died in 1922 of hunger and weakness in a camp on Frankfort/Oder. In 1957, I received from my mother in Russia, who was still alive (she died in 1968), the address of my cousins who lived in America. In 1977 I visited my relatives in America. There my cousin showed me the old Bible belonging to her father (he wasn't living at that time). In the Bible was the following newspaper clipping of the death notice of her mother -- who was my Aunt. The clipping read: * * * Scottsbluff, 5 May 1927: After an illness of 116 days, Amalia Wunder nee Rehm died on the evening of April 27th, 1927. In the afternoon of April 30th, the funeral service was held at the Evangelical Zion Church at Scottsbluff where she was laid for her final rest at the cemetery. Amalia Wunder was born in 1887 in Gnadenfeld on the meadow side (of the Volga) and was confirmed by Pastor Stuber in Brunnental in 1902. She married Henrich Wunder in 1905 with whom she shared joys and sorrows. She reached the age of 37 years, 11 months and 6 days. She is survived by her husband, 2 sons, and 1 daughter. The deceased experience many hard times. * * * She lived in Russia during WW1, the Revolution of 1917, the Citizen's War (the war in Brunnental) and then the poor harvest of 1921. Since she did not know how to survive the `years of starvation', she conferred with her husband about looking for bread (food). On November 5, 1921, they decided to leave. Because of the unrest during that time, the train ride from Krasny-Kut to Minsk on the Polish border, took 49 days. It was a long and difficult trip. They traveled in an open wagon that was normally used for transporting animals. They had to travel during the wintertime through snow and cold weather. They froze, were hungry, and all of them became ill with typhoid fever. They thought they would all die on Russian soil. At the Polish border, they had to wait until they had regained their health. That took until July 13th, 1922. During fog at night, they crossed the border from Poland into Germany. This journey had lasted 11 months. They reached Frankfurt on the Oder where a daughter died. They finally made it to America. They were among the lucky----an exception. Now let me tell you more about Brunnental. The Economic Recovery From 1925 to 1929: After the terrible hungry years of 1921--1924, the situation for the farmers of Brunnental began to improve. In 1924, Lenin had called for the formation of the Volga German Republic and gave them an interval of time for recuperation. During this time, Stalin and his helpers, realized that the "best communists" couldn't survive without food or bread; and the villagers of Brunnental recovered quickly with every strength they could muster, and with much industriousness. They tried to raise themselves on their feet again -- they used their knowledge and hard work to produce food for the people. I also want to mention that in 1923/24, after inflation, new money came out. It was amazing that things went as well as they did, considering that their were few horses and cattle remaining in the fields. I remember living through those difficult times, and how my parents conquered and surmounted the difficulties during this period with hard work. But at the end of 1925, everything was going well (great guns). The harvests until 1929, were better every year -- good and very good. I often ask myself, and today I still ponder over this, "how the Brunnental farmers could have overcome all these bad times?". I want to mention again that the new money supported many purchases. It was unbelievable that after the Revolution and the hunger years of 1920-1924, that the village of Brunnental could become such a rich and happy village in just the five years from 1925-1929. The farmers again had barns filled with animals, horses, oxen and camels; in addition, cows, pigs, and sheep. Truly, not all was perfect for all farmers. There were those who hadn't recovered as quickly, but even those had success during the period of 1925-1929. Many buildings were constructed and damages from the previous years were repaired during this time. Many animals were added, along with machinery such as threshing machines, reapers (which were used to cut the grain), binder machines, and other machines of all kinds which came from Germany and America. Six Brunnental farmers purchased an American "Fordson" tractor in 1926. The citizens of Brunnental had enough food again and all the granaries were filled; also, the two reserve granaries for future "bad harvest years" were also filled again. The harvests of 1928-1929 were especially bountiful with much wheat and rye grain being produced which sold for lots of money and finally gave the farmers the "purchasing power" they had so long gone without. Every year after the threshing, the grain was cleaned once more with a milliner (cleaning) machine and then stored in the granary. Each farmer knew very well how much grain was needed for food every year, how much was needed for seed corn, and how much was needed for the animals. The surplus grain was then sold. The grain was weighed to the exact weight and filled into sacks and hauled with a transport wagon to the town of Seelmann, where it was sold. The transport to Seelmann, went as follows: From Brunnental to Seelmann was about 35 kilometers, and there were no paved roads. The only roads were through fields which were very dusty in dry weather, and very muddy in wet weather. One could not overload the wagons because it would be too hard for the horses to pull in both dusty and muddy conditions. I was allowed, as a youth of 8-10 year in about 1926/27/28 & 1929 to ride along with my father quite often. This is the way it was done: The wagons were loaded in the late afternoon and shortly after sundown the wagons, horses and driver departed. We arrived in Seelmann by the next morning. In Seelmann, on the Volga River, stood more large granaries with a holding capacity ofmore than a million pounds of grain (1 pud = 16,38kg). When we arrived there, someone of authority took a sample to check it. Then it went on a scale used for weighing gold----they would check quality and weight. Sometimes they would check an entire sack for its weight. When everything checked OK, my father was allowed to take the sacks to the granary and empty them. It was this way! The granaries were at least 10 meters high. On the outside of the granary, there were zigzag high steps and in each staircase landing, there was an entrance to the granary. So if the granary was very full, you would have to carry the sacks higher and higher up the stairs. Each sack contained 4 pud (1 sack = about 65 kilograms). It was hard work and the farmers were sweating. Removing one's clothes was not done at that time, so you had to endure the heat. After the unloading was accomplished, my father was given a receipt concerning the amount and quality of the grains. With that receipt, my father immediately went to the bank and received the ready money in his hand. We closed ranks and drove to a so-called farmstead. There were many of these in Seelmann. At these houses, or better said, at these farmsteads , there were large barns in which one could leave the horses in order to feed and water them. In the house, one could eat and drink tea, for payment. After the horses had been provided for, and additional supplies were purchased in Seelmann, we again began the trip home. The next morning we were at home again. The farmers made every attempt to sell their grain in the fall, because with the start of winter, these trips in snow and cold weather, were very disagreeable. I still would like to mention that the grain, which lay in the granaries in Seelmann, was loaded on ships and taken to the towns along the Volga River where the large mills were located, like in Saratov and Stalingrad. The large granary in Seelmann belonged to a large firemill that was located there. It happened that the granaries were filled in Seelmann, so my father had to drive to a smaller mill. This mill was on the eastern exit of Seelmann. I still am able to remember that mill very well. It was more like a two-story building. Besides the mill's structure, stood the engine shed. In this engine shed was a large motor with a fly-wheel of about 2.5 meters through the knife, and a cylinder of abt 2 meters long. On the fly-wheel was a belt-pulley of about 75 centimeters width and a diameter of abt 60 centimeters. On that ran a driving-belt of abt 50 centimeters wide. This driving-belt went under to the rolling stool at about 40 degrees high in the mills' structure. I had gone to the engine shed and looked thoroughly at everything. I observed how the engineer (mechanic) constantly shone the brass railings which were around the motor, constantly wiping. The entire engine-shed was built from top to bottom with glazed tile. I am still excited today, whenever I think about this machine. I have never before, or ever after, seen such a large machine. The houses of Brunnental and also the stables were predominately built of lumber, but because there was never a forest of any worth on the meadow side, lumber was in very high demand. About 5 kilometers south of Seelmann, on the Volga, was a large sawmill. The logs floated from the north on the Volga, to the south. At this sawmill, one could purchase any amount of lumber for every requirement or need. The farmers, who had need for lumber, would sell their grain in Seelmann and then drive to the sawmill immediately and take wood back with them on their return home. In Brunnental, there were few houses built of brick. Those building that I can remember were the 2 story schoolhouse, the former parsonage building, the dwelling-houses of Alexander Hardt and of Henry Hardt and the house in which Pastor Grasmick resided. Alexander Hardt's house, Henry Hardt's house and Pastor Grasmick's house were called "Siweter". They were houses with 7 rooms. I will return to that later. The other farmers, who were less fortunate, had houses of air-dried (unbaked) clay brick. Most stables, barns (granaries or sheds) and shelters as well as other buildings were built of wood. The greatest pride of the successful farmer in Brunnental, was the beautiful entrance to the yard with the large beautiful ornamental door-posts with two wings of a gate besides the small entrance gate. On the one side of the entrance gate stood the dwelling house, on the other side was the summer house; so that from the street there was no view into the courtyard. I also must say, that not all farmers had such beautiful farmsteads--only the most successful farmers were able to afford such beautiful homes. But even the farmers who had less, put great emphasis on orderliness and cleanliness in their homes. Now I want to, for the first time, speak about the church and the religion of the Brunnentalers. Right from the beginning, I have to say, that Brunnental was a genuine Evangelical village. I am convinced that Brunnental, from its colonization of 1855 to 1885 (some 30 years later) had already become an active industrious village, because it would not have been possible that already in 1885 such a beautiful church with 1200 seats and a three-peal of bells with a 40 meter tower height, could have been built. [see picture of church on page 15 of this issue of the Newsletter] The farm and church life in Brunnental focused strongly on the belief and the customs of the church. The Brunnental parish was made up of 4 villages: Brunnental, Hussenbach, Gnadenfeld and Beideck. The pastor for this parish was John Grasmick from 1913 to 1932. He lived in Brunnental was very very energetic. Alexander Schauerman was the schoolmaster until 1928 or 1929. Alexander Schauerman left Brunnental in 1928 or 1929 and went to Hussenbach on the hilly side. The schoolmasters had many assignments. He was the sexton, teacher, bookkeeper, deputy (second in command) of Pastor Grasmick, and prepared the confirmants for the confirmation. He was, as one says, a maid for everything in the life of the church. Schauerman was the right person for that. He was very talented and beloved in and around the vicinity of Brunnental. He led the church choir in Brunnental and was the director of the orchestra and was able to play so many instruments. He was very talented in technology. During harvest time he was able to repair all kinds of machines whether threshing machines, steam engines, or Fordson tractors. The Brunnental citizens were very sorry that he went to Hussenbach. A short time ago I received a picture of Alexander Schauerman from a citizen of Hussenbach. I will attempt to learn where he is staying. Schauerman's successor was also from Brunnental, Samuel Mehlinger. He came from a family of mechanics. I will return to Samuel Mehlinger and Alexander Schauerman at a later time. As I have already said, the schoolmaster had the responsibility to teach the children, mostly those of 14 to 15 years to prepare them for confirmation. The children at that time were thoroughly grounded or versed in religious subjects. They had to memorize a great deal. They had to learn many songs from the Volga German hymn-book which was a collection of Christian songs of the colonies of the Volga----these were all done from memory. Also they had to learn much from the Bible, both the old and new testament. The children had to practically memorize the Catechism. It was such that the parents expected all of that from their children. If the learning seemed a little show, the parents assisted with a trouser belt and that produced the desired work. In those times, when the children were "only seen, but not heard", there was order and discipline in the family and on the street. There was great respect for the Pastor and also for the teachers, by both children and adults. I can still remember when I went to school and I met Pastor Grasmick, I greeted him with respect. Woe is me if I hadn't done that. He would have given me a proper lecture or a good scolding and box on the ears. Had he also told my parents, I would have received another reprimand and a box on the ears that I could not have forgotten very soon. This respect was applied to all older persons. We had to address our parents and all persons who were at least 10 years older than oneself with the formal "your". Otherwise, one addressed everyone who was not 10 years older than oneself using the personal pronoun "you" which was informal. That had become for us children and all growing youth, second nature. When I came to Germany 23 years ago, it was hard for me to address the older people with "you". It took a long time before I felt comfortable addressing anyone in this manner. As far as it is known, the regulation was the same in Germany for 100 years or more that one had to address the elder with "your". (continued in the next issue...) -------------------------------------------- NATURALIZATIONS OF BRUNNENTALERS -- Multnomah County, OR I would like to thank Anna Lee Walton, past President of the Oregon Chapter of AHSGR, for the work she did several years ago gathering naturalization records for Multnomah County, OR through the LDS Family History Center. The following are those shown born in the village of Brunnental with the LDS Film # listed at the end of each entry. Adler, William: 5538 S.W. Kelly, Portland, OR Factory Worker, Born: 14 May 1880 in Brunnenthal From: Libau on S.S. Carmania to NY 13 Jan 1907 Wife: Dora born 5 June 1879 in Rosenfeld, Russia Married: 6 Jan 1901 in Weitzenfeld, Russia Children: William b. 18 Feb 1907 Brunnenthal, Rudolf b. 5 June 1909 Farmington, Wa. Reel 1535366 4044 Page 100 18 June 1925 Nat'l denied Reel 1535070 he says he came from Liverpool on ship ? Intent 5 Aug 1936 Reel 1535092 page 38 Nat'l 20 April 1939 Reel 1536020 18358 page 71 Ashenbrenner, Jacob: 717 N. E. Everett, Portland, OR Born: 27 July 1912 in Brunnenthal, Russia From: ? on S.S. Haverford to Quebec to Phila. 6 May 1913 Wife: Inez b. 23 Jan 1915 in Wichita, KS Married 11 Jan 1936 in Vancouver, WA. Nat'l 16 Jan 1941 Reel 1536024 15378 Page 208 Baum, Henry: 3946 N.E. 8th, Portland, OR., age 50 Not employed, Born: 20 July 1883 Brunnenthal, Russia From: Hamburg on S. S. Graf Waldersee to NY 3 Apr 1898 Wife: Anna Margaret b. 20 July 1889 Brunnenthal, Russia Married: 18 Jan 1908 Portland, OR Children: Lydia b. 3 April, Henry Jr. b. 2 Aug 1910, Freda b. 30 Sep 1912 Reel 1535090 Intent 16 Dec 1933 Nat'l 10 July 1941 Reel 1536024 15285 Page 115 Henry Brethauer: 1338 Astor St., Portland, OR, Age 31, Laborer, Born: 10 Nov 1885 Brunnenthal, Russia From: Liverpool 10 Feb 1908 on S.S. Etruria to NY 17 Feb 1908. Wife: Mollie b. 14 Oct 1884 in Sausmorie, Russia Married: 29 Dec 1903 Brunnethal, Russia Children: Mary b. 16 May 1904 Brunnenthal, Amalia b. 19 Mar 1909, Esther b. 25 Aug 1910, Elsie b. 25 Aug 1912, Henry b. 9 Apr 1914, Kenneth b. 16 Apr 1922 in Portland, OR. Intent 11 April 1917 Nat'l 20 Nov 1924 Reel 1535365 10005 page 33 Cook, Marie Elizabeth (Marie Papenheim): 4067 N. E. 11th, Portland, OR Born: 15 April 1907 Brunnenthal, Russia From: Brunnenthal on S.S. Haverford to Phila 13 Feb 1912 Husband: Alexander b. 29 July 1903 in Walla Walla, WA Married 18 March 1925 in Vancouver, WA Children: Milton b. 14 Dec 1925 Portland, Millicent b. 13 June 1927 Sunnyside, WA. Nat'l 20 Mar 1941 Reel 1536026 16259 page 159 Dietz, Henry: 6623 N.E. 22nd,Ptld, OR age 53, Blacksmith Born: 21 May 1883 in Brunnenthal, Russia From: Bremen on S.S. Neckar to NY 4 Jan 1913 Wife: Catherina b. 15 Dec 1884 in Brunnenthal Married: 26 Feb 1909 in Brunnenthal Children: Jacob b. 17 Jan 1911 in Russia, Amalia b. 29 Mar 1913, Henry b. 13 July 1915, Maria b. 27 Dec 1916, Esther b. 20 Sep 1921 all in Portland, OR Intent 11 Dec 1936 Reel 1535092 Page 285 Greenwald, Conrad Martin: b. 29 Feb 1882 in Brunnental From: Libau on S.S. Estonia to Galveston, TX to NY-- Took train to McCook, NE 1907-1911. Moved to Lingle in 1911-1921 then to Cheyenne, WY 1921 -1925, then to Portland, OR. Wife: Marie (Klein) b. 9 Feb 1886 in Brunnenthal. Children: Conrad, David, Edna, Esther, Marie Nat'l Goshen County, Lingle, NE 15 Feb 1940 Hamburg, George: 862 Ochoco, Portland, OR, age 47 Carpenter, Born: 19 Feb 1888 in Saratov From Liverpool on S.S. Canada to Portland, ME. 5 Mar 1912 Wife: Katherine Elizabeth b. 28 June 1888 in Saratov Married: 3 Jan 1908 Brunnenthal, Russia Children: William b 16 Feb 1910, Pauline b. 11 Jan 1912 both Saratov, Katherine b. 11 Dec 1913, Lydia b. 11 Apr 1915, Ann b. 17 Jan 1918 in Portland, Helen b. 11 Dec 1919 in Waterville, WA., Frieda b. 20 June 1921, Harold b. 25 Sep 1924 in Waterville, WA., Margaret b. 8 Jun 1926 in Portland. Intent 30 March 1935 Reel 1535091, page 70. Nat'l 16 Jan 1941 16788, page 219. Hamburg, John Georg: 8223 S.E. 16th, Portland, OR Age 67, Carpenter Born: 9 Sep 1867 in Hussenbach From: Liverpool on S.S. Haverford to Phila. 23 Mar 1912 Wife: Mary Katherine b. 11 Oct 1870 in Brunnenthal, Rus Married: 20 Jan 1887 in Hussenbach Children: George Jr. b. 19 Feb 1888, Anna b. 6 Feb 1894, Henry b. 21 Oct 1901, Alexander b. 11 May 1907, Marie b. 17 March 1909 all born in Russia. Intent 7 Nov 1934 (2nd)-- 31 Mar 1927 (1st) Reel 1535091 page 299----Reel 1535074 Hergert, Adam: 4929 N.E. 6th, Portland, OR, age 53 Finisher, Born: 24 Oct 1881 Brunnenthal, Russia From: Libau on S. S. Kensington to Quebec /to Seattle 30 Nov 1907, went to Detroit b/4 Seattle Wife: Anna b. 24 Oct 1887 in Brunnenthal, Russia Adam Hergert Continued: Children: Henry b. 6 Dec 1905 Brunnenthal Intent: 23 July 1923 Nat'l 19 May 1927 Denied Reel 1535591 6921, page 250. Intent: 11 Jan 1936 Reel 1535091, page 351, also reel 1535072 Nat'l 11 Jan 1936 Reel 1536020 17479, page 26 Hergert, Alexander: 1025 Vernon, Portland, OR, age 19 Finisher, Born: 12 April 1903 Brunnenthal, Russia From: Liverpool on S.S. Southwark to Port Huron 7 Jan 1907 Wife: Jeanne Elizabeth b 20 Feb 1905 in Milwaukie, OR Married: 22 Jun 1928 in Los Angeles, CA Reel 1535071 Intent 16 March 1932 Nat'l 1937 Reel 1536016, page 48 Hergert, Alexander: 458 Ainsworth, Portland, OR Born: 12 April 1903 Brunnental, Russia From: Ship ? to Port Huron 5 Jan 1907 Wife: Jeanne Elizabeth born Milwaukie, Wisc. ?? Reel 1535073 ------------------------------------ CEMETERIES IN LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO (the following list of graves [source unknown] is partial----only some surnames are listed (why?...I don't know) Walker, Thomas X 3 213 D 01/27/1927 92 03 01 Walker, William X 48 7 09/18/1936 76 05 12 Walker, William 7 25 D 02/06/1952 74 07 25 Walker, William P. 2 25 D 09/13/1905 68 09 03 Walker, Winfield 155 72 L 11/30/1925 37 06 22 Walter, Amelia 1 150 K 02/01/1908 06 09 23 Walter, Baby 3 150 K 09/03/1920 00 00 Walter, Blanche Marie X 3 50 B 08/03/1912 01 04 Walter, Carthena D. X 1 222 D 06/13/1918 65 00 26 Walter, Charles LesterX 3 47 I 05/25/1929 06 27 Walter, Eva Hildegard X 19 F2 12/24/1973 60 02 18 Walter, Glenn G. 5 143 E 09/02/1941 57 11 29 Walter, Helen 2 150 K 03/15/1910 00 01 Walter, John H. X 4 143 E 04/25/1921 70 07 00 Walter, John Milton 2 143 E 09/23/1909 01 14 Walter, La Vina Cara X 5 47 I 03/21/1938 48 07 12 Walter, Michel M. X 2 222 D 01/13/1919 70 03 20 Walter, Pearl 8 106 K 04/15/1971 85 03 08 Walter, Susie G. X 1 143 E 05/22/1908 52 04 06 Walters, Alfred B. X 233 7 06/10/1943 86 05 13 Walters, Baby Boy 3 62 B 02/18/1923 00 01 Walters, Earl Leroy 2 62 B 03/25/1919 05 06 Walters, Edna O. X 11 62 B 01/19/1976 78 03 27 Walters, Griffith D. X B 33 B 01/14/1916 31 08 Walters, John W. 6 62 B 08/13/1947 87 11 23 Walters, Mary J. X 8 62 B 08/18/1973 00 02 16 Walters, William E. X 7 62 B 09/28/1963 71 09 24 The End ------------------------------ FALLEN LEAVES --THE OREGONIAN -- Saturday, October 8, 1994 Esther Grace (Schmidt) Schrieber-- Funeral will be at 1pm Monday, October 10, 1994 in Ross Hollywood Chapel. Mrs. Schrieber died of Alzheimer's disease October 5th at the age of 74. She was born March 14, 1920, in Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Schriber worked in the operation plant for New System laundry and then 20 years as a kitchen supervisor for the Portland School District. Mrs. Schreiber attended Evangelical Congregational Church and Gresham Church of the Nazarene. Survivors are her husband, Fred of Gresham; sons, Paul F. and Steven H., both of Portland; daughter, Marilyn G. Pefferly of Marietta, GA.; brother, Fred Smith of Portland; and four grandchildren. Private interment in Skyline Memorial Gardens. Remembrances: Alzheimer's Association of Gresham Church of the Nazarene. [Esther Grace (Schmidt) Schreiber was the daughter of Johannes Schmidt and Margareta (Hartung) Schmidt, born in Brunnenthal, Russia. They came to Portland in 1907] -------------------------------------------- END OF NEWSLETTER