Headline: Letters From Russia
Studjonowka, March 11, 1924
To the hands of Pastor and Mrs. H. Hagelganz
Portland, Oregon
Dear brother-in-law and sister:
Yesterday, circumstances made it possible for me to visit the post office where, to my joy, your letter and packet with $15 were awaiting me. Heinrich, one of Mrs. Hoelzer's brothers, lives here near us and I immediately handed over $5 to him. The other 2 brothers live in Norka and I will also soon give them their share. These Spady brothers were better off in earlier times than now; although Heinrich and also Johannes are still getting along rather well. Wilhelm is not a healthy man and things are not going well for him, therefore the $5 is most necessary for him.
Along with your letter your photos brought the greatest joy to our house. We pored over the latter yesterday for the entire evening. As we opened your letter the first thing we saw was the little photo with you, dear brother-in-law and your sons. I have to say that compared to earlier photographs you are hardly recognizable. Anyway, the years have made a difference. If I am not mistaken, it is Reuben who stands to your left looking so full of life. I think he looks ready for the stage. I am unable to make any judgments about the others.
As we took out the second photo I immediately recognized my sister Emilie, your dear mother, although she was not wearing any glasses. After the photo had passed through every ones hands we asked ourselves what it could be that was making Mina smile so mysteriously. (One can only understand this if one personally knew and dealt with sweet Mina, like the Welt-Postman has - Editor). Mama put all the photos together so that guests could better see them. She also sends a special greeting and affectionate thanks for the photos that have made her so very happy.
Your letters find us in a totally changed situation. It is in this manner that humans adapt to things and also leaves its mark upon us. We do not want to completely lose heart about our new economic condition in this country and thus we now stand, like most citizens, working to create a safe situation for us in these new conditions. What we achieve in this regard is not important; though we have been able to increase our livestock somewhat, the fact that one has bread again from year to year is already a comfort after all we have come to know through our bitter experiences. Thus we gradually continue to repair our economy. The Russian farmer must only have good weather in order to again become self sufficient.
Trade in the cities seems to be coming alive again. Private trade is almost all gone because the entire trade movement is in the hands of organizations. All kinds of associations, corporations, etc. Goods are still so expensive that the farmer with his limited means is still unable to buy anything. The only salvation for the farm people is the Sheep. Its wool is used to make everything, its flesh is used for food--and its hide protects man from the wind and weather.
If you should see Mr. Repp, tell him that the Kleinrussen (Little Russian) factory sits idle for lack of raw materials. Mr. Repp saw the same on the Latrik.
We lack what America has in abundance: machinery. If we had them, the news organizations would soon be reporting about a flowering Republic of the Volga Germans.
As for our religious life, through the grace of God we are standing on Christian ground but with little effective force as was the case some years ago when near devastation had taken place. Some portions of my earlier letters bear witness to this, do they not? In our Sunday meetings persons take part who after some months still do not know God.
In closing I wish everyone the best of health. Write to me about everything that is going on with you, also during vacation time.
With the warmest of greetings from your brother,
Wilhelm Bartholomae
Portland, Oregon
Dear brother-in-law and sister:
Yesterday, circumstances made it possible for me to visit the post office where, to my joy, your letter and packet with $15 were awaiting me. Heinrich, one of Mrs. Hoelzer's brothers, lives here near us and I immediately handed over $5 to him. The other 2 brothers live in Norka and I will also soon give them their share. These Spady brothers were better off in earlier times than now; although Heinrich and also Johannes are still getting along rather well. Wilhelm is not a healthy man and things are not going well for him, therefore the $5 is most necessary for him.
Along with your letter your photos brought the greatest joy to our house. We pored over the latter yesterday for the entire evening. As we opened your letter the first thing we saw was the little photo with you, dear brother-in-law and your sons. I have to say that compared to earlier photographs you are hardly recognizable. Anyway, the years have made a difference. If I am not mistaken, it is Reuben who stands to your left looking so full of life. I think he looks ready for the stage. I am unable to make any judgments about the others.
As we took out the second photo I immediately recognized my sister Emilie, your dear mother, although she was not wearing any glasses. After the photo had passed through every ones hands we asked ourselves what it could be that was making Mina smile so mysteriously. (One can only understand this if one personally knew and dealt with sweet Mina, like the Welt-Postman has - Editor). Mama put all the photos together so that guests could better see them. She also sends a special greeting and affectionate thanks for the photos that have made her so very happy.
Your letters find us in a totally changed situation. It is in this manner that humans adapt to things and also leaves its mark upon us. We do not want to completely lose heart about our new economic condition in this country and thus we now stand, like most citizens, working to create a safe situation for us in these new conditions. What we achieve in this regard is not important; though we have been able to increase our livestock somewhat, the fact that one has bread again from year to year is already a comfort after all we have come to know through our bitter experiences. Thus we gradually continue to repair our economy. The Russian farmer must only have good weather in order to again become self sufficient.
Trade in the cities seems to be coming alive again. Private trade is almost all gone because the entire trade movement is in the hands of organizations. All kinds of associations, corporations, etc. Goods are still so expensive that the farmer with his limited means is still unable to buy anything. The only salvation for the farm people is the Sheep. Its wool is used to make everything, its flesh is used for food--and its hide protects man from the wind and weather.
If you should see Mr. Repp, tell him that the Kleinrussen (Little Russian) factory sits idle for lack of raw materials. Mr. Repp saw the same on the Latrik.
We lack what America has in abundance: machinery. If we had them, the news organizations would soon be reporting about a flowering Republic of the Volga Germans.
As for our religious life, through the grace of God we are standing on Christian ground but with little effective force as was the case some years ago when near devastation had taken place. Some portions of my earlier letters bear witness to this, do they not? In our Sunday meetings persons take part who after some months still do not know God.
In closing I wish everyone the best of health. Write to me about everything that is going on with you, also during vacation time.
With the warmest of greetings from your brother,
Wilhelm Bartholomae
Sources
Die Welt-Post, May 1, 1924, page 2.
This translation provided courtesy of Hugh Lichtenwald.
This translation provided courtesy of Hugh Lichtenwald.
Last updated July 7, 2016.