Headline: From Nebraska and Russia
Hastings, 15 April
Dear Welt-Post:
We received another letter from our brother George in Norka. I am enclosing it and will also report a bit on what is happening here. I had previously sent a letter to the Tribune, which I also read, but up to now have not seen it in the paper. Because we are now also readers of the Welt-Post I thought to try my luck with you.
My brother George wanted a heavy jacket and some eyeglasses which are already on their way. I expect to receive another letter from Russia soon.
A near tragedy occurred here recently at the Henry Millers. His children were playing in the yard and had gathered a pile of papers and started a fire in order to burn them. They began joyfully jumping over the blaze when little Maria's dress caught on fire. Her mother grabbed the 7 year old Maria and held her under the well pump, pumping water over her to smother the fire, without a doubt, saving her life.
Greetings to all the readers,
Heinrich Kaiser
We received another letter from our brother George in Norka. I am enclosing it and will also report a bit on what is happening here. I had previously sent a letter to the Tribune, which I also read, but up to now have not seen it in the paper. Because we are now also readers of the Welt-Post I thought to try my luck with you.
My brother George wanted a heavy jacket and some eyeglasses which are already on their way. I expect to receive another letter from Russia soon.
A near tragedy occurred here recently at the Henry Millers. His children were playing in the yard and had gathered a pile of papers and started a fire in order to burn them. They began joyfully jumping over the blaze when little Maria's dress caught on fire. Her mother grabbed the 7 year old Maria and held her under the well pump, pumping water over her to smother the fire, without a doubt, saving her life.
Greetings to all the readers,
Heinrich Kaiser
Summary of the Russian letter:
George Kaiser in Norka, brother of Mr. Heinrich Kaiser above, in Hastings, Nebraska, writes on 10 February that he received a letter dated January 20, 1923. He (George) had to pay 3 million Ruble for postage for this letter to America, which for him was a lot of money. All the gifts that were sent to him, he received and sends his thanks. He asks for further help, especially with clothing. The tremendous inflation that they had nightmares about and had long predicted, has broken out all over Russia and the old horse who has earned his oats will not be getting any, but those who are "fat" (well-to-do) will "float." The general assistance sent from America remains in the villages and the poor on the outskirts of the villages are not receiving any (doubtless, an exaggeration---editor). The letter writer wants to have 50 Pud of food and 5 Pud of clothing sent to him, with which he can buy a horse because he only has 2 and needs another. Further, he writes about a brotherhood conference which was held in Norka that was very large. Among others, Jacob Volz attended the conference. Then he closes with the words: "If one remains as industrious as an ant, everything will work itself out," and closes with:
"Your now 56 year old brother, Georg Kaiser"
"Your now 56 year old brother, Georg Kaiser"
Sources
Die Welt-Post, May 17, 1923, page 5.
This translation provided courtesy of Hugh Lichtenwald.
This translation provided courtesy of Hugh Lichtenwald.
Last updated March 6, 2016.