Konrädchen - Little Konrad
A story of a boy from the Volga German Colony of Norka, Russia
by Roy Conrad Derring
Dedicated to the memory of
Conrad “Coonie” Derring
(née-Johann Konrad Döring )
Born July 3, 1896, Norka, Russia
Died September 3, 1981, Portland, Oregon
The following story was inspired by stories
told to me by my father Conrad Derring
of his growing up in the
Volga German Colony
of Norka, Russia
His parents were:
Konrad Döring and Katharina Elisabeth (Köhler) Döring
Konrad lived in Norka up until shortly after his 16th birthday in 1912
before emigrating to America and Portland, Oregon
The story herein primarily takes place
from about 1901 to 1912
The title of the book Konrädchen (Cone-rett-chyah) simply means
little Konrad. The “chen” added to the end of ones name is a
diminutive term generally attached to a child’s first name.
In the Conrad Brill journals, he writes out the name of
Konrädchen phonetically as the German dialect sounded
to him, thus spelling out the name as Konretja.
The j in Konretja having a y sound.
Conrad “Coonie” Derring
(née-Johann Konrad Döring )
Born July 3, 1896, Norka, Russia
Died September 3, 1981, Portland, Oregon
The following story was inspired by stories
told to me by my father Conrad Derring
of his growing up in the
Volga German Colony
of Norka, Russia
His parents were:
Konrad Döring and Katharina Elisabeth (Köhler) Döring
Konrad lived in Norka up until shortly after his 16th birthday in 1912
before emigrating to America and Portland, Oregon
The story herein primarily takes place
from about 1901 to 1912
The title of the book Konrädchen (Cone-rett-chyah) simply means
little Konrad. The “chen” added to the end of ones name is a
diminutive term generally attached to a child’s first name.
In the Conrad Brill journals, he writes out the name of
Konrädchen phonetically as the German dialect sounded
to him, thus spelling out the name as Konretja.
The j in Konretja having a y sound.
Konrädchen Im Winter - Little Konrad in the Winter
That cold Norka winter evening after Konrädchen had said his bedtime prayers and having asked God to bless each and everyone in his family, he lay awake wrapped up in a blanket on his mattress of straw, listening to the ever present wolves howling just outside of the village. He thought of how hungry they must be, and what it would be like to be a wolf. After all, he thought, I am always hungry like those wolves. Soon, along with his vivid imagination, Konrädchen fell fast asleep.
Konrädchen awoke the next morning with food on his mind as he leaped out of bed to the comfort of the warm fire and to see what Mama had for him to eat.
“Konrädchen, setz dich und ess.” Sit down and eat his Mama told him, and eat like a hungry little wolf he did. He ate his entire bowl filled with cooked apples and chunks of bread and fresh cream, and schluckt down his cup of hot water that was sweetened with watermelon syrup. Fully energized, Konrädchen began running around the one room dirt floor home howling like a little wolf.
“OwoooooOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!”
When suddenly the door to the house opened and in walked Konrädchen’s older brother Peter and gave him a 'Schlag auf den Kopf', a slap to the head.
“Sei still Konrädchen!” Be quiet, Peter tells his little brother.
Konrädchen jumped up and gave his big brother a hearty bear hug. He adored Peter who was his protector as well as his reprimander. Peter had just come back from the butcher with a pig’s head, feet and tail.
Page 1
“Leider Mama, said Peter sadly, aber das war all der Metzger für unsere Apfel mir gab.” Sorry Mama, but that was all that the butcher gave to me for our apples.
“Das mach nichts mein Kind.” It doesn’t matter my child, sighed Mama. But in her heart she knew that indeed it did matter, for they were very poor with little food, and to have lost her husband Konrad in the winter of 1898, when he on his horse drawn sleigh was caught in a blinding snowstorm while returning from having delivered meat to the village of Balzer. The horse eventually pulled the sleigh back to the front door of their home, but Konrad had froze to death. Konrädchen was only two and one half years old at the time and never remembered ever seeing his fathers face or ever to have seen a photograph of him. It pained him deeply and caused him to cry whenever he thought about his father and whenever the subject came up. The tragic change of events that this hardship placed on the family was especially burdensome for Mama with six hungry mouths to feed, and for a wife to lose her husband was like having her right arm cut off. Some widows who were young with few or no children were able to remarry but not Mama.
At least, Heinrich, Johannes, and Adam are big and strong children now, able to find work and bring in a little money and food, and Louise is married, and Peter and Anna Katharina are working very hard doing their chores and taking good care of Konrädchen, thought Mama. She was also concerned what the new twentieth century Russia would have in store for her children, and especially for her precious little Konrädchen. All her concerns and sorrows she knew rested in the hands of God as she reached for her opened Bible to read.
Suddenly the door to the house swung half open, so as to let as little frigid air in as possible, and in rushed Anna Katharina all
Page 2
bundled up in winter clothing and wearing a large scarf tied around her head. She had just finished putting more hay in the stall. She took off her felt coat and Mama immediately wrapped a warmed shawl around her and had her sit by the fire and handed her a cup of hot water mixed with watermelon syrup.
“Anna! cried out Konrädchen, guck mal da was Peter hat uns nach Hause gebracht, ein Schweinkopf!”, having excitedly told his sister to look at the pigs head that Peter brought home. Anna, without expression cast a glance over to where the pig’s head was resting on the table.
“Mama, was tunst du mit das Schweinkopf?”, inquired Konrädchen of Mama, as to what she was going to do with the pigs head.
“Stüdgen* (Schtoodt-jun) mein Sohn.” Headcheese my son, replied Mama. “Komm mal her Konrädchen, und du kannst Mama hilfe.” Come here Konrädchen, and you can help Mama.
Konrädchen eagerly wanted to help Mama, because if it had anything to do with food, the little wolf in him was gnawing and salivating at the opportunity to chomp into the end result. Mama first had Konrädchen bring over the large cooking kettle and for Peter to get a pail and fill it up with water from the water barrel in the house. Of course Konrädchen said he too was strong enough to carry the water pail and had to insist that he assist Bruder Peter in doing so. As soon as the water in the large pot began to boil, into it went the entire pigs head, feet, tail, and Mamas special seasonings. Mama said when it was fully cooked she would remove it from the pot and let it cool off a little and then remove all of the meat from the head. Nothing was wasted. The pot was set outside to cool off, and later the
*Stüdgen (correct spelling unknown) Headcheese, Kopfkäse, etc.
Page 3
fat was skimmed off the top to be saved to cook and bake with, or to add to the fat used for making lye soap. The remaining liquid would be strained off to be used as a soup stock for that afternoon and evenings dinner, and Zärkol their dog would get the bones.
Konrädchen watched with enthusiasm as Mama stripped all the remaining meat from the pig’s head. He inquisitively poked a finger atone of the milky white eyes still in the pig’s eye socket.
“Katharina, called Mama, bring mir der Schleifmaschine.” Mama called Anna Katharina to bring her the meat grinder.
Mama filled the top of the meat grinder with the meat and placed Konrädchen's right hand over the handle of the meat grinder and started to turn the handle forward. Konrädchen watched with wonder as the ground meat came out of the front part of the meat grinder and fell into the bowl that Mama had placed in front of it. After all the meat had been run through the grinder and seasoned, Mama placed a clean towel over the top of the bowl and set a plate on top of it. Anna Katharina took the bowl to an outside cupboard where the contents would quickly gel in the frigid winter air.
It was still early, about mid morning when Mama told Peter to call on 'Old man Schleining' about coming over to take a look at their cow and see if there was something wrong with it, or if it needed any kind of medicine, seeing as it had been making more than its usual bellowing sounds lately. Before Mama could finish speaking, she was interrupted by Konrädchen begging and pleading to go with Peter to 'Old man Schleinings'.
"Nae Konrädchen, du bleibst zu Hause mit Mama, es zu kalt ist!", said Peter, telling Konrädchen to stay home with Mama, and that it was too cold.
"Bitte Mama, lass mich mit Peter gehe!", pleaded Konrädchen
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to go with Peter.
Mama thought for a moment with reluctance in permitting her baby boy going out in the freezing cold, but then again Konrädchen had been kept in the dimly lit house for so long over the frozen Norka winter that perhaps it would be alright, seeing that Peter would be looking out for him, and that they wouldn’t be gone for long.
“Nimmst Konrädchen mit Peter.” Take Konrädchen with you Peter, said Mama.
A gleeful bounding Konrädchen with the help of Anna Katharina became fully dressed in winter clothing including Peters hand me down Filzstiefel boots that were slightly large, but made him feel extra special, proud, and big, big like his other older brothers, Johannes, Adam and Heinrich who were attending school at present.
So off the two brothers went down the dirt road past the village houses to 'Old man Schleinings'. When they at last arrived, Peter knocked on the door. They stood there for a while and finally a voice called out from within.
“Wer ist da?” Who is there, said the voice.
“Grüsse Herr Schleining, es ist Peter und Konrädchen.” Greetings Herr Schleining, it's Peter and Konrädchen, answered Peter.
The old man opened the door and beckoned the brothers inside. Peter explained the circumstances regarding their cow, and in the meantime the inquisitive Konrädchen began to slowly wander off and out the back door to see what the place was like. Outback, he observed a stall filled with small horses, and went for a closer look. Just then, as he was passing by an open door of a large shed, he was confronted by an ominous figure of a giant looming high above and in front of him. In that sudden encounter he froze instantly in his steps with muscles tensed, head drawn back, and wide eyes affixed upward to the
Page 5
red haired, red bearded giant wearing big black boots that were taller than Konrädchen himself, and a long black coat with a big black belt, and atop his head he wore a huge fur hat. The frightful giant leaned downward as if to devour Konrädchen causing him to swiftly turn and run for dear life to escape with his heart pumping furiously against the walls of his chest!!!
“Peter, Peter, Peter, hilfe mich!!!”, shrieked the hysteric Konrädchen for Peters help!
Immediately he was met at the back door by Peter and the old man wanting to see what all the alarm and commotion was about.
“Der Teufel, der Teufel über da, Peter!!!” The devil, the devil, over there, Peter, stammered the terribly frightened Konrädchen pointing a finger in the direction of the shed while clinging hard to the backside of Peter and with eyes tightly squinted shut for fear of seeing the devil reappear.
The old man gave in with a roar of laughter knowing that what Konrädchen was so terrified of, was no more than the Tatar* who occasionally passed through the village to buy horses. He patted Konrädchen on the head in attempt to comfort and assure him, that the tall giant of a man with the red hair and red beard was not the devil, but here to buy young horses to eat and drink their blood, but not here to eat little German boys, for they were too sour!
Later that very same day in the early evening, the entire family was home for dinner, even Konrädchen's newly married sister Louise and her husband Herr Blum came to visit bringing with them freshly made Rivvelkuche. Mama had made bread, Krautsuppe mit Kartoffel, and of course, a plate of sliced Stüdgen that Konrädchen boasted so
*Tatar- Ethnicity of Turkic origin
Page 6
proudly of having helped Mama make. Konrädchen told about his encounter with the fierce giant that appeared to him like a devil, and that he couldn't wait to go out with Peter again tomorrow.
After dinner, and with his stomach completely filled, a sleepy Konrädchen was carried over to bed and tucked in for the night followed by a Küss from Mama. He said a prayer, the very same one that would stay with him for the very rest of his life, then off to sleep he fell. This was one cold Norka winter night that he didn't hear the howling of hungry wolves.
Konrädchen awoke the next morning with food on his mind as he leaped out of bed to the comfort of the warm fire and to see what Mama had for him to eat.
“Konrädchen, setz dich und ess.” Sit down and eat his Mama told him, and eat like a hungry little wolf he did. He ate his entire bowl filled with cooked apples and chunks of bread and fresh cream, and schluckt down his cup of hot water that was sweetened with watermelon syrup. Fully energized, Konrädchen began running around the one room dirt floor home howling like a little wolf.
“OwoooooOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!”
When suddenly the door to the house opened and in walked Konrädchen’s older brother Peter and gave him a 'Schlag auf den Kopf', a slap to the head.
“Sei still Konrädchen!” Be quiet, Peter tells his little brother.
Konrädchen jumped up and gave his big brother a hearty bear hug. He adored Peter who was his protector as well as his reprimander. Peter had just come back from the butcher with a pig’s head, feet and tail.
Page 1
“Leider Mama, said Peter sadly, aber das war all der Metzger für unsere Apfel mir gab.” Sorry Mama, but that was all that the butcher gave to me for our apples.
“Das mach nichts mein Kind.” It doesn’t matter my child, sighed Mama. But in her heart she knew that indeed it did matter, for they were very poor with little food, and to have lost her husband Konrad in the winter of 1898, when he on his horse drawn sleigh was caught in a blinding snowstorm while returning from having delivered meat to the village of Balzer. The horse eventually pulled the sleigh back to the front door of their home, but Konrad had froze to death. Konrädchen was only two and one half years old at the time and never remembered ever seeing his fathers face or ever to have seen a photograph of him. It pained him deeply and caused him to cry whenever he thought about his father and whenever the subject came up. The tragic change of events that this hardship placed on the family was especially burdensome for Mama with six hungry mouths to feed, and for a wife to lose her husband was like having her right arm cut off. Some widows who were young with few or no children were able to remarry but not Mama.
At least, Heinrich, Johannes, and Adam are big and strong children now, able to find work and bring in a little money and food, and Louise is married, and Peter and Anna Katharina are working very hard doing their chores and taking good care of Konrädchen, thought Mama. She was also concerned what the new twentieth century Russia would have in store for her children, and especially for her precious little Konrädchen. All her concerns and sorrows she knew rested in the hands of God as she reached for her opened Bible to read.
Suddenly the door to the house swung half open, so as to let as little frigid air in as possible, and in rushed Anna Katharina all
Page 2
bundled up in winter clothing and wearing a large scarf tied around her head. She had just finished putting more hay in the stall. She took off her felt coat and Mama immediately wrapped a warmed shawl around her and had her sit by the fire and handed her a cup of hot water mixed with watermelon syrup.
“Anna! cried out Konrädchen, guck mal da was Peter hat uns nach Hause gebracht, ein Schweinkopf!”, having excitedly told his sister to look at the pigs head that Peter brought home. Anna, without expression cast a glance over to where the pig’s head was resting on the table.
“Mama, was tunst du mit das Schweinkopf?”, inquired Konrädchen of Mama, as to what she was going to do with the pigs head.
“Stüdgen* (Schtoodt-jun) mein Sohn.” Headcheese my son, replied Mama. “Komm mal her Konrädchen, und du kannst Mama hilfe.” Come here Konrädchen, and you can help Mama.
Konrädchen eagerly wanted to help Mama, because if it had anything to do with food, the little wolf in him was gnawing and salivating at the opportunity to chomp into the end result. Mama first had Konrädchen bring over the large cooking kettle and for Peter to get a pail and fill it up with water from the water barrel in the house. Of course Konrädchen said he too was strong enough to carry the water pail and had to insist that he assist Bruder Peter in doing so. As soon as the water in the large pot began to boil, into it went the entire pigs head, feet, tail, and Mamas special seasonings. Mama said when it was fully cooked she would remove it from the pot and let it cool off a little and then remove all of the meat from the head. Nothing was wasted. The pot was set outside to cool off, and later the
*Stüdgen (correct spelling unknown) Headcheese, Kopfkäse, etc.
Page 3
fat was skimmed off the top to be saved to cook and bake with, or to add to the fat used for making lye soap. The remaining liquid would be strained off to be used as a soup stock for that afternoon and evenings dinner, and Zärkol their dog would get the bones.
Konrädchen watched with enthusiasm as Mama stripped all the remaining meat from the pig’s head. He inquisitively poked a finger atone of the milky white eyes still in the pig’s eye socket.
“Katharina, called Mama, bring mir der Schleifmaschine.” Mama called Anna Katharina to bring her the meat grinder.
Mama filled the top of the meat grinder with the meat and placed Konrädchen's right hand over the handle of the meat grinder and started to turn the handle forward. Konrädchen watched with wonder as the ground meat came out of the front part of the meat grinder and fell into the bowl that Mama had placed in front of it. After all the meat had been run through the grinder and seasoned, Mama placed a clean towel over the top of the bowl and set a plate on top of it. Anna Katharina took the bowl to an outside cupboard where the contents would quickly gel in the frigid winter air.
It was still early, about mid morning when Mama told Peter to call on 'Old man Schleining' about coming over to take a look at their cow and see if there was something wrong with it, or if it needed any kind of medicine, seeing as it had been making more than its usual bellowing sounds lately. Before Mama could finish speaking, she was interrupted by Konrädchen begging and pleading to go with Peter to 'Old man Schleinings'.
"Nae Konrädchen, du bleibst zu Hause mit Mama, es zu kalt ist!", said Peter, telling Konrädchen to stay home with Mama, and that it was too cold.
"Bitte Mama, lass mich mit Peter gehe!", pleaded Konrädchen
Page 4
to go with Peter.
Mama thought for a moment with reluctance in permitting her baby boy going out in the freezing cold, but then again Konrädchen had been kept in the dimly lit house for so long over the frozen Norka winter that perhaps it would be alright, seeing that Peter would be looking out for him, and that they wouldn’t be gone for long.
“Nimmst Konrädchen mit Peter.” Take Konrädchen with you Peter, said Mama.
A gleeful bounding Konrädchen with the help of Anna Katharina became fully dressed in winter clothing including Peters hand me down Filzstiefel boots that were slightly large, but made him feel extra special, proud, and big, big like his other older brothers, Johannes, Adam and Heinrich who were attending school at present.
So off the two brothers went down the dirt road past the village houses to 'Old man Schleinings'. When they at last arrived, Peter knocked on the door. They stood there for a while and finally a voice called out from within.
“Wer ist da?” Who is there, said the voice.
“Grüsse Herr Schleining, es ist Peter und Konrädchen.” Greetings Herr Schleining, it's Peter and Konrädchen, answered Peter.
The old man opened the door and beckoned the brothers inside. Peter explained the circumstances regarding their cow, and in the meantime the inquisitive Konrädchen began to slowly wander off and out the back door to see what the place was like. Outback, he observed a stall filled with small horses, and went for a closer look. Just then, as he was passing by an open door of a large shed, he was confronted by an ominous figure of a giant looming high above and in front of him. In that sudden encounter he froze instantly in his steps with muscles tensed, head drawn back, and wide eyes affixed upward to the
Page 5
red haired, red bearded giant wearing big black boots that were taller than Konrädchen himself, and a long black coat with a big black belt, and atop his head he wore a huge fur hat. The frightful giant leaned downward as if to devour Konrädchen causing him to swiftly turn and run for dear life to escape with his heart pumping furiously against the walls of his chest!!!
“Peter, Peter, Peter, hilfe mich!!!”, shrieked the hysteric Konrädchen for Peters help!
Immediately he was met at the back door by Peter and the old man wanting to see what all the alarm and commotion was about.
“Der Teufel, der Teufel über da, Peter!!!” The devil, the devil, over there, Peter, stammered the terribly frightened Konrädchen pointing a finger in the direction of the shed while clinging hard to the backside of Peter and with eyes tightly squinted shut for fear of seeing the devil reappear.
The old man gave in with a roar of laughter knowing that what Konrädchen was so terrified of, was no more than the Tatar* who occasionally passed through the village to buy horses. He patted Konrädchen on the head in attempt to comfort and assure him, that the tall giant of a man with the red hair and red beard was not the devil, but here to buy young horses to eat and drink their blood, but not here to eat little German boys, for they were too sour!
Later that very same day in the early evening, the entire family was home for dinner, even Konrädchen's newly married sister Louise and her husband Herr Blum came to visit bringing with them freshly made Rivvelkuche. Mama had made bread, Krautsuppe mit Kartoffel, and of course, a plate of sliced Stüdgen that Konrädchen boasted so
*Tatar- Ethnicity of Turkic origin
Page 6
proudly of having helped Mama make. Konrädchen told about his encounter with the fierce giant that appeared to him like a devil, and that he couldn't wait to go out with Peter again tomorrow.
After dinner, and with his stomach completely filled, a sleepy Konrädchen was carried over to bed and tucked in for the night followed by a Küss from Mama. He said a prayer, the very same one that would stay with him for the very rest of his life, then off to sleep he fell. This was one cold Norka winter night that he didn't hear the howling of hungry wolves.
Konrädchen im Frühling - Little Konrad in the Springtime
Page 7
Springtime in the village was once again bustling with activity. People were to be seen and heard everywhere now that the thaw of winter had passed, beckoning them outdoors and signaling the time to tend to the plowing and digging of fields and gardens in preparation for spring planting.
One could definitely see how delighted Konrädchen was, being out there in the wide open, bright and cheerful outdoors with his dog Zärkol by his side, helping Mama, Peter and Anna Katharina preparing their garden for planting. Everything looked, smelled, and felt so new and exciting to Konrädchen as he inquisitively sniffed and poked about while shaking loose the clumps of grass from the freshly dug clods of earth. By tomorrow, they would be ready to plant cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers, and sunflowers. He was already imagining the wonderful food that would be prepared from its harvest, when the vision of his imagination was interrupted by the sound of wheels coming from a passing oxcart carrying three people in it.
“Guten Morgen Konrädchen!” Good morning called out the Kiltau boy.
“Morgen Heinrich, wo gehst du?” Morning Heinrich, where are you going, responded Konrädchen.
“Wir gehen nach der Felde und Arbeit!” We're going to the fields and work, yelled back Heinrich as he waved a goodbye.
Konrädchen bolted up from his kneeling position and ran full speed over to where Mama was working by the apple orchard.
“Mama, Kann Ich nach der Felde gehe und Arbeit? Ich kann viel Geld für dich mache!” The ecstatic Konrädchen asks Mama
Page 8
if he can go to the fields to work and that he can make a lot of money for her. Mama is deeply touched and says,
“Lieber Konrädchen, du mußt hier bleibst mit Mama, Peter und Anna Katharina im Garten hilfen. Wir können nicht ohne deine hilfe unsere Garten machen." Mama tells Konrädchen that he must stay here and help with the garden and that they can't without his help produce a garden. Mama goes on to say, "Aber, heute Nachmittag du und Peter nach der Weizefelde gehen können mit deinen Brudern Mittagsessen an Ihnen zubringen. Gefällst du daß?” She tells him that this afternoon he and Peter can go to the wheat fields and to bring their brothers lunch to them, and would he like to do that.
"Ja, Ja, Mama, es gefällt mich sehr!” Yes, yes, Mama I'd like that very much, was his joyful response. Then continuing, “Peter, Peter, Mama sagte das Ich kann mit dir nach der Weizefelde heute Nachmittag gehen!”, informing Peter that Mama said that he could go with him this afternoon to the wheat fields.
Later that morning, Mama prepared a lunch basket consisting of krautkuche, pickles, apples, and a small container of milk for her sons working in the fields, and that Peter and Konrädchen could eat their krautkuche along the way. And so the two brothers and their dog Zärkol headed down the long winding dirt road taking turns carrying the lunch basket. Often, Konrädchen would stop to observe all sorts of new and interesting things and sights, then have to run like crazy until he was completely out of breath in order to catch up with the tall, lanky, long legged Peter.
The boys were about two thirds of the way to the wheat fields when Peter thought maybe if he turned off the main road and the two of them took a shortcut cross country that they would reach their destination much faster. The route Peter was now leading
Page 9
Konrädchen and Zärkol on was becoming more difficult than remaining on the main road, yet certainly more fun as the three proceeded onward. They managed to find a path that led them down some steep embankments and continued winding its way along a narrow and shallow stream where they soon came to where the path continued on to the other side. They waded across the stream and before long, saw that the path was leading them into a wooded area. Having entered the woods, they noticed how tall and dense the trees were and how dark and foreboding it appeared the further they went along. Konrädchen finally spoke out.
“Peter, denkst du der Wolfe hier wohnin?”, asking Peter if he thought wolves live here, at the same time turning full circle to see what might be lurking about.
Their cautious pace forward became much slower until just up around where the path began to turn they saw what in all appearances was a small hut all overgrown with vines and moss. They could see and smell the blue smoke rising lazily from the chimney. Peter, now worried that they were way off the beaten path that would lead them to the wheat fields, called out to ask if anyone who might be at home could tell them which way they must go.
“Hallo, called out Peter, Hallo!”
Most unexpectedly, a hideously frightening looking old woman in the darkened doorway whose shrieking voice resounded back at them,
"Was wollen Sie hier !? Geh weg du böse Bube, geh weg!!” What do you want here!? Go away you bad boys, go away !!
Frightened out of their wits, Konrädchen lets out a howl just as Peter grabs his hand and sharply spins around racing back the way they came with Zärkol barking all the way! It wasn't until they were out of the wooded area did they feel somewhat safer, but nevertheless
Page 10
didn't slow down or stop to look back to see if they were being chased except for a couple of quick glances over their shoulders. They speedily skitted across the shallow stream and steadfastly made there way back along the other side and up the steep embankments and before long, sweating, red-faced, relieved and out of breath, they were back on the main dirt road once again.
With the adrenalin flow subsiding, laughter overcame the two as they both plopped down to the ground exhausted with Zärkol jumping all over them lapping at their faces. After a very brief rest, Peter realizing they would be late to the wheat fields with their brothers lunch, quickly rose to his feet and grabbed up the lunch basket.
“Komm' Konrädchen, mach schnell!” Come Konrädchen, hurry!, summoned Peter.
Staying strictly on the main road this time, greeting and being greeted by familiar villagers along the way, the two briskly headed in the right direction towards the wheat fields, with Konrädchen continually having to run to catch up with Peter and calling out to him.
“Peter, warte, warte für mich!” Peter, wait, wait for me!
Peter, some distance up ahead of Konrädchen, noticed an old couple whose name was Giebelhaus struggling to pull a cart of wood over to their house. The old man looked up and saw Peter and with a gentle smile said, “Du bist der Döring Junge, Ja?” You are the Döring boys, yes?
“Ja, Ich bin Peter Döring, und hier da kommt mein Bruder Konrädchen” Yes, I am Peter Döring and here comes my brother Konrädchen.
“Peter, kannst du wir uns hilfen mit das Holz im Hause bringen? Es nimmt nicht lang und Ich werde an Euch bezahlen.” Peter, can you help us bring the wood in the house? It won’t take
Page 11
long and I will pay you.
When Peter heard the word pay, and knowing the joy that it would be for him to give the money to Mama, as it would be for her to receive it, without hesitation he said,
“Ja stimmt, Ich kann hilfe.” Yes certainly, I can help.
Let it be noted that Peter who was taught a great deal to respect his elders would have helped the old couple without pay, perhaps not as enthusiastically, yet nonetheless would have helped.
Peter set the lunch basket down and said, “Konrädchen, du bleibst hier mit Zärkol. Ich komme schnell zurück.” Konrädchen, stay here with Zärkol. I'll come right back.
Within just a few minutes, Peter had helped the old couple get the wood unloaded and into the house. The man and woman escorted Peter back outside to bid farewell, only to Peters shock and horror to discover the lunch basket overturned with only scattered crumbs remaining of the brothers krautkuche lunch! Zärkol the obvious guilty party was casually licking his mouth when Peter, unable to contain his anger cursed loudly,
“Donner Wetter du schreckliche Hund! Konrädchen wo bist du?!” Thunder weather you terrible dog! Konrädchen where are you?!
Konrädchen had not been far away, standing by a fence watching the farm animals and when he heard Peter yell his name, he came running and saw Peter angrily glaring at him as he approached.
“Was ist los Peter?” What’s the matter Peter?
“Unsere Brudern Mittagsessen! Zärkol hatte die Krautkuche gegesst! Und du Konrädchen schäm dich!” Our brother’s lunch! Zärkol ate the krautkuche! And you Konrädchen, shame on you!
Konrädchen stood there in near tears with his head hung down and wishing he was being comforted by Mama rather than the anguish of
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being scolded by a furious Peter. Fortunately had the couple not been standing nearby, Konrädchen would have received a not so brotherly 'schlag auf den kopf', a slap on the head.
“Peter, Konrädchen alles nicht verloren ist. Keine sorge Peter und sei nicht traurig Konrädchen, Ich habe auch Krautkuche gebäckt. Warte mal und Ich werde an Euch die Krautkuche geben für deinen Brudern im Weizefelde mitnehmen.” The old lady confided that all is not lost, and don’t worry Peter and don’t be sad Konrädchen, I have baked krautkuche. Wait a moment and I will give you krautkuche to take to your brothers in wheat fields.
Peters worry and anger now dissipated, he humbly replied, “Ja vielen dank Frau Giebelhaus.” Yes, many thanks Frau Giebelhaus.
They were just ready to depart when Konrädchen blurted out, “Wir uns in der Wald verloren war bevor hier gekommen, und ein alte Frau wer in der Wald wohnte nicht nette war, sie sehr schrecklich bei uns war, nicht wie Sie.” We were lost in the woods before we came here, and an old woman who lives in the woods was not nice, she was very terrible to us, not like you.
“Ach mein Gott im Himmel! Sie ein Hexe ist! Niemals wieder dahin Euch müssen gehen!” Oh my God in Heaven!, exclaimed Frau Giebelhaus holding her hands to her cheeks in alarm while glancing at her husbands reaction. She's a witch! You must never go there again!
Peter and Konrädchen most assuredly needn't be convinced of ever going there again. The nice lady hugged them both, and gave them some Grebbel before sending them on their way as she watched until they were both out of sight. Despite all the delays and trauma, the boys made it to the wheat
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fields in time to give their brothers their lunch. Peter swore Konrädchen to secrecy regarding getting lost on the way, the incident with the witch, and about Mamas krautkuche being eaten by Zärkol. Johannes, Adam and especially Heinrich the oldest brother, were surprised and happy to see that their little brother Konrädchen had come along with Peter. Konrädchen stood very erect and poised so as to demonstrate that he too was big and strong to do field work if need be. After the lunch visit with the older brothers, Peter and Konrädchen were fortunate to get an oxcart ride back to the village and then a short walk back home where they were greeted in the open arms of Mama standing in the front doorway anticipating their return.
That evening as the older brothers returned from the wheat fields and remarked to Mama how good her krautkuche tasted, Peter at the very instant the remark was made, with a serious look on his face elbowed Konrädchen's shoulder in a signal to him to keep his mouth shut and don't say a word.
It was an early to bed evening for the Döring family. Mama as usual tucked Konrädchen snugly into his bed and listened while he said his prayers. She bent down and kissed his forehead and his last words to her before falling to sleep was, “Mama, was ist eine Hexe?” Mama, what is a witch?
Springtime in the village was once again bustling with activity. People were to be seen and heard everywhere now that the thaw of winter had passed, beckoning them outdoors and signaling the time to tend to the plowing and digging of fields and gardens in preparation for spring planting.
One could definitely see how delighted Konrädchen was, being out there in the wide open, bright and cheerful outdoors with his dog Zärkol by his side, helping Mama, Peter and Anna Katharina preparing their garden for planting. Everything looked, smelled, and felt so new and exciting to Konrädchen as he inquisitively sniffed and poked about while shaking loose the clumps of grass from the freshly dug clods of earth. By tomorrow, they would be ready to plant cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers, and sunflowers. He was already imagining the wonderful food that would be prepared from its harvest, when the vision of his imagination was interrupted by the sound of wheels coming from a passing oxcart carrying three people in it.
“Guten Morgen Konrädchen!” Good morning called out the Kiltau boy.
“Morgen Heinrich, wo gehst du?” Morning Heinrich, where are you going, responded Konrädchen.
“Wir gehen nach der Felde und Arbeit!” We're going to the fields and work, yelled back Heinrich as he waved a goodbye.
Konrädchen bolted up from his kneeling position and ran full speed over to where Mama was working by the apple orchard.
“Mama, Kann Ich nach der Felde gehe und Arbeit? Ich kann viel Geld für dich mache!” The ecstatic Konrädchen asks Mama
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if he can go to the fields to work and that he can make a lot of money for her. Mama is deeply touched and says,
“Lieber Konrädchen, du mußt hier bleibst mit Mama, Peter und Anna Katharina im Garten hilfen. Wir können nicht ohne deine hilfe unsere Garten machen." Mama tells Konrädchen that he must stay here and help with the garden and that they can't without his help produce a garden. Mama goes on to say, "Aber, heute Nachmittag du und Peter nach der Weizefelde gehen können mit deinen Brudern Mittagsessen an Ihnen zubringen. Gefällst du daß?” She tells him that this afternoon he and Peter can go to the wheat fields and to bring their brothers lunch to them, and would he like to do that.
"Ja, Ja, Mama, es gefällt mich sehr!” Yes, yes, Mama I'd like that very much, was his joyful response. Then continuing, “Peter, Peter, Mama sagte das Ich kann mit dir nach der Weizefelde heute Nachmittag gehen!”, informing Peter that Mama said that he could go with him this afternoon to the wheat fields.
Later that morning, Mama prepared a lunch basket consisting of krautkuche, pickles, apples, and a small container of milk for her sons working in the fields, and that Peter and Konrädchen could eat their krautkuche along the way. And so the two brothers and their dog Zärkol headed down the long winding dirt road taking turns carrying the lunch basket. Often, Konrädchen would stop to observe all sorts of new and interesting things and sights, then have to run like crazy until he was completely out of breath in order to catch up with the tall, lanky, long legged Peter.
The boys were about two thirds of the way to the wheat fields when Peter thought maybe if he turned off the main road and the two of them took a shortcut cross country that they would reach their destination much faster. The route Peter was now leading
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Konrädchen and Zärkol on was becoming more difficult than remaining on the main road, yet certainly more fun as the three proceeded onward. They managed to find a path that led them down some steep embankments and continued winding its way along a narrow and shallow stream where they soon came to where the path continued on to the other side. They waded across the stream and before long, saw that the path was leading them into a wooded area. Having entered the woods, they noticed how tall and dense the trees were and how dark and foreboding it appeared the further they went along. Konrädchen finally spoke out.
“Peter, denkst du der Wolfe hier wohnin?”, asking Peter if he thought wolves live here, at the same time turning full circle to see what might be lurking about.
Their cautious pace forward became much slower until just up around where the path began to turn they saw what in all appearances was a small hut all overgrown with vines and moss. They could see and smell the blue smoke rising lazily from the chimney. Peter, now worried that they were way off the beaten path that would lead them to the wheat fields, called out to ask if anyone who might be at home could tell them which way they must go.
“Hallo, called out Peter, Hallo!”
Most unexpectedly, a hideously frightening looking old woman in the darkened doorway whose shrieking voice resounded back at them,
"Was wollen Sie hier !? Geh weg du böse Bube, geh weg!!” What do you want here!? Go away you bad boys, go away !!
Frightened out of their wits, Konrädchen lets out a howl just as Peter grabs his hand and sharply spins around racing back the way they came with Zärkol barking all the way! It wasn't until they were out of the wooded area did they feel somewhat safer, but nevertheless
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didn't slow down or stop to look back to see if they were being chased except for a couple of quick glances over their shoulders. They speedily skitted across the shallow stream and steadfastly made there way back along the other side and up the steep embankments and before long, sweating, red-faced, relieved and out of breath, they were back on the main dirt road once again.
With the adrenalin flow subsiding, laughter overcame the two as they both plopped down to the ground exhausted with Zärkol jumping all over them lapping at their faces. After a very brief rest, Peter realizing they would be late to the wheat fields with their brothers lunch, quickly rose to his feet and grabbed up the lunch basket.
“Komm' Konrädchen, mach schnell!” Come Konrädchen, hurry!, summoned Peter.
Staying strictly on the main road this time, greeting and being greeted by familiar villagers along the way, the two briskly headed in the right direction towards the wheat fields, with Konrädchen continually having to run to catch up with Peter and calling out to him.
“Peter, warte, warte für mich!” Peter, wait, wait for me!
Peter, some distance up ahead of Konrädchen, noticed an old couple whose name was Giebelhaus struggling to pull a cart of wood over to their house. The old man looked up and saw Peter and with a gentle smile said, “Du bist der Döring Junge, Ja?” You are the Döring boys, yes?
“Ja, Ich bin Peter Döring, und hier da kommt mein Bruder Konrädchen” Yes, I am Peter Döring and here comes my brother Konrädchen.
“Peter, kannst du wir uns hilfen mit das Holz im Hause bringen? Es nimmt nicht lang und Ich werde an Euch bezahlen.” Peter, can you help us bring the wood in the house? It won’t take
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long and I will pay you.
When Peter heard the word pay, and knowing the joy that it would be for him to give the money to Mama, as it would be for her to receive it, without hesitation he said,
“Ja stimmt, Ich kann hilfe.” Yes certainly, I can help.
Let it be noted that Peter who was taught a great deal to respect his elders would have helped the old couple without pay, perhaps not as enthusiastically, yet nonetheless would have helped.
Peter set the lunch basket down and said, “Konrädchen, du bleibst hier mit Zärkol. Ich komme schnell zurück.” Konrädchen, stay here with Zärkol. I'll come right back.
Within just a few minutes, Peter had helped the old couple get the wood unloaded and into the house. The man and woman escorted Peter back outside to bid farewell, only to Peters shock and horror to discover the lunch basket overturned with only scattered crumbs remaining of the brothers krautkuche lunch! Zärkol the obvious guilty party was casually licking his mouth when Peter, unable to contain his anger cursed loudly,
“Donner Wetter du schreckliche Hund! Konrädchen wo bist du?!” Thunder weather you terrible dog! Konrädchen where are you?!
Konrädchen had not been far away, standing by a fence watching the farm animals and when he heard Peter yell his name, he came running and saw Peter angrily glaring at him as he approached.
“Was ist los Peter?” What’s the matter Peter?
“Unsere Brudern Mittagsessen! Zärkol hatte die Krautkuche gegesst! Und du Konrädchen schäm dich!” Our brother’s lunch! Zärkol ate the krautkuche! And you Konrädchen, shame on you!
Konrädchen stood there in near tears with his head hung down and wishing he was being comforted by Mama rather than the anguish of
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being scolded by a furious Peter. Fortunately had the couple not been standing nearby, Konrädchen would have received a not so brotherly 'schlag auf den kopf', a slap on the head.
“Peter, Konrädchen alles nicht verloren ist. Keine sorge Peter und sei nicht traurig Konrädchen, Ich habe auch Krautkuche gebäckt. Warte mal und Ich werde an Euch die Krautkuche geben für deinen Brudern im Weizefelde mitnehmen.” The old lady confided that all is not lost, and don’t worry Peter and don’t be sad Konrädchen, I have baked krautkuche. Wait a moment and I will give you krautkuche to take to your brothers in wheat fields.
Peters worry and anger now dissipated, he humbly replied, “Ja vielen dank Frau Giebelhaus.” Yes, many thanks Frau Giebelhaus.
They were just ready to depart when Konrädchen blurted out, “Wir uns in der Wald verloren war bevor hier gekommen, und ein alte Frau wer in der Wald wohnte nicht nette war, sie sehr schrecklich bei uns war, nicht wie Sie.” We were lost in the woods before we came here, and an old woman who lives in the woods was not nice, she was very terrible to us, not like you.
“Ach mein Gott im Himmel! Sie ein Hexe ist! Niemals wieder dahin Euch müssen gehen!” Oh my God in Heaven!, exclaimed Frau Giebelhaus holding her hands to her cheeks in alarm while glancing at her husbands reaction. She's a witch! You must never go there again!
Peter and Konrädchen most assuredly needn't be convinced of ever going there again. The nice lady hugged them both, and gave them some Grebbel before sending them on their way as she watched until they were both out of sight. Despite all the delays and trauma, the boys made it to the wheat
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fields in time to give their brothers their lunch. Peter swore Konrädchen to secrecy regarding getting lost on the way, the incident with the witch, and about Mamas krautkuche being eaten by Zärkol. Johannes, Adam and especially Heinrich the oldest brother, were surprised and happy to see that their little brother Konrädchen had come along with Peter. Konrädchen stood very erect and poised so as to demonstrate that he too was big and strong to do field work if need be. After the lunch visit with the older brothers, Peter and Konrädchen were fortunate to get an oxcart ride back to the village and then a short walk back home where they were greeted in the open arms of Mama standing in the front doorway anticipating their return.
That evening as the older brothers returned from the wheat fields and remarked to Mama how good her krautkuche tasted, Peter at the very instant the remark was made, with a serious look on his face elbowed Konrädchen's shoulder in a signal to him to keep his mouth shut and don't say a word.
It was an early to bed evening for the Döring family. Mama as usual tucked Konrädchen snugly into his bed and listened while he said his prayers. She bent down and kissed his forehead and his last words to her before falling to sleep was, “Mama, was ist eine Hexe?” Mama, what is a witch?
Konrädchen im Sommer - Little Konrad in the Summer
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Several years had passed and Konrädchen was now soon to be ten years old. He had grown to become more and more upset at being referred to in the diminutive as Konrädchen and now would correct people who called him Konrädchen and respond, “Ich bin Konrad, nicht Konrädchen!” I am Konrad, not Konrädchen!
There would always be one exception of who could refer to him as Konrädchen and that of course was Mama. The fact of the matter was that Konrädchen was still a small boy in stature, yet quite stocky, muscular and very strong for his size. He was quick to impress upon people that he was big when it came to doing a task that he might not be included to do. In his heart and mind he was indeed big, and like most boys, wanted to be able to be accepted along with doing what the big boys were called on to do.
A strong work ethic certainly wasn't denied Konrädchen by any means, and one would often hear him proclaim over the passing years,
“Arbeit macht das lebens süss”, Work makes life sweet, and “By the sweat of your brow, so shall you earn your daily bread.”
Bread was not to be taken for granted by Konrädchen. He knew too well the great importance that bread had meant in his life, as sometimes that was all he would have to eat on a given day. Bread filled his stomach, fought off the hungry, howling wolves within, got him through to the next day, and tempered his spirit to work harder for a better way of life. Bread became symbolic of life itself, and to have a meal served without bread, would be in his words, "A sin."
Summer in Norka was officially under way. Field crops and
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home gardens were flourishing. Houses were being repaired, and social life was in full swing. Two of Konrädchen’s best friends were both named Heinrich. Heinrich Kiltau and Heinrich Reisbich, who will be referred to as Heinrich K and Heinrich R. The three of them were the best of friends and would have a lifelong relationship. The three attended school together. It was at school where they were taught German in the morning, and taught Russian in the afternoon. Up on the front wall of the classroom on one side was a picture of the German ruler Kaiser Wilhelm, and on the other side was a picture of the Russian ruler Czar Nicholas. Konrädchen recollected the time a boy came to class one morning with the intention of getting on the good side of the teacher by bringing the teacher a switch to punish any of the students who might need to be punished. For having presented the teacher with a switch, that student immediately was the recipient of a thorough switching himself. If for any reason you received a switching by the teacher, it was most likely you received a switching from your parents when you got back home for having been responsible for the trouble you caused in the first place. And oh yes, Konrädchen received punishment in the form of switching from his older brothers on a number of occasions for having gotten into trouble. There was the incident back in early Autumn when he and his two Heinrich friends got caught in someone’s orchard stealing apples. By the time the three reached home, there was a big switch waiting for each of them. Konrädchen had his share of fights with other boys, but only would be punished if he had started the fight. His learned advice was, "Never start a fight, but if someone else starts a fight with you, don't back down."
Assuredly, things appeared to be prospering throughout the village. However, for the Döring family, as well as other families, food shortage, especially at this time of year when the storage of food needed to
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get them through the winter, spring and summer had dwindled, and in some cases depleted. It would be some time yet before harvest and for storehouses to be replenished. For the time being, they would not starve, yet their struggle to earn their "daily bread" came about only through an existence of tremendous physical hard labor and toil, as painfully apparent as was expressed in their furrowed brows and down turned mouths, attesting to the harshness that the reality of survival and poverty had confronted them with. They were a strong and sturdy lot of people and would endure much more without complaints, only to give thanks to God for what sustenance their labors provided and to pray for better things to come.
For over the past twenty years, beginning around the 1880's the Volga Germans steadily lost the autonomy that they for over one hundred years once had. The Russian Government had taken more control over their affairs and lives. Many Volga Germans realized that indeed the "writing on the wall" regarding their fate was to be heeded . By the thousands they were leaving Russia seeking freedom, more opportunity, and a better way of life in America, Canada, and South America. Young Konrädchen knew of many Norka families who emigrated to America, and now he heard talk that his oldest sister Louise and her husband Johannes Blum with their daughters Anna and Katharina were soon departing for America. His oldest brother Heinrich and his new bride Margarethe (Keiser) were also in the process of making final arrangements on emigrating to America.
Today Konrädchen would go to work in the fields and be paid for his labor in trade or money depending on whom he worked for. He would work an entire twelve-hour workday for no more than what would amount to one penny. If for example, the workday was paid to him in trade, lets say in potatoes, he wasn't given a sack full, nor an armful,
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but a mere handful of potatoes to bring home to Mama. Today, however, Konrädchen and his two friends Heinrich K and Heinrich R worked the entire day together cultivating and were each paid what amounted to a penny apiece. The three of them at the end of the workday headed down the road back home. It was the end of a very hot summer day when late afternoon meets early evening. The boys were covered with a muddied mixture of dust and perspiration that streamed off their sunburned faces. They were a ragamuffin sight to behold that only a mother could appreciate and love. The ever exuberant Konrädchen, exhibiting the showy on-stage like character his personality portrayed, danced a jig up ahead of his two tired and quiet friends, and shouted out a question to them that reawakened their tired bodies and spirits,
“Wollen Sie Schwimmen gehen!” Do you want to go swimming!?
“Ja!” Yes, the two boys emphatically shouted back in unison!
So off they ran, racing one another as fast as they could to their favorite swimming hole. It was Heinrich K who beat them getting there, with Heinrich R and Konrad some distance behind. By the time the latter two had reached the swimming hole, Heinrich K had already disrobed, dove in and was splashing about. Quickly, Konrädchen and Heinrich R flung off their clothes and boots and dove in to join Heinrich K. Instantly, Konrädchen felt as though he had entered another most wonderful world, so opposite in contrast to the sweltering day of toil. The refreshing plunge into the deep cool water revitalized his senses and spirit as it also did for Heinrich K, and Heinrich R. Konrädchen was a much better swimmer under water than he was afloat, in fact he preferred swimming submerged, not only to seek out the mysterious world below, but also to see how long he could hold his
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breath without coming up for air. This caused quite alarm for his two friends Heinrich who became worried when Konrädchen had not resurfaced after what seemed minutes had passed. Both boys called out,
“Konrad, wo bist du!?” Konrad where are you!? When the two dove below the surface to search, there was Konrädchen smiling and waving at them!
Having cleaned up and cooled off, the three friends laid out prone on their stomachs on a grassy bank to dry off and talk about whatever came to mind. Konrädchen said that his sister Louise and her family, and his brother Heinrich and his wife were going to America. Heinrich K said that some of the Kiltau relations went to America to a place called Michigan where they make motorcars. Heinrich R also said that some of the Reisbich family were living in America at a place called California. All three boys agreed that they too wanted to go to America if they only had a chance. And of course their conversation wasn't complete without mentioning girls, namely the Hölzer, Bauer and Weitzel girls. Realizing they had better head for home or else they would be in big trouble, they got dressed and started their way back to the village. Once closer to home, they each split off on their separate routes and waved one another goodbye.
Konrädchen was walking along at a brisk pace, when he happened to be passing a small field that had berries of some kind growing in rows. He also saw a house that was located off at the other end of the berry field. The sight of those berries caused the growling of hungry wolves in his stomach to remind him just how hungry he was. If I could only eat a big mouthful of those berries, he thought, maybe the wolves in my stomach would stop growling. So Konrädchen, like a wolf stalking its prey, bent down so as not to be seen, and stealthily
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crept forward in long strides and reached the berry vines. He had no sooner picked a small handful of berries and placed them to his mouth that he heard a cracking sound and at the same time felt a sharp burning sensation in his stomach which caused him to yelp out in pain and fright! He had been shot and a man was yelling at him,
“Raus mit dir du Schweinhund!” Get out of here you pig dog! Konrädchen turned and ran with the fear that he would next be feeling a shot in his back or head! It was only when he was far enough out of sight and distance, did he glance down to see where he had been shot and saw that the front of his tunic was sopping wet with blood accompanied by a dull hot pain. This frightened him so much that he didn't want to look under his tunic to see what it looked like. Overcome with fear and panic, he cried all the way home, and was equally fearful of the further trouble this would bring him. Upon entering the house, Konrädchen bravely tried to hold back his tears and the fear that gripped him, when all eyes shocked and stunned with disbelief and horror at the sight of his blood covered entrance, rushed over to him crying out,
“Konrad!!”
“Ach lieber Gott im Himmel, Konrädchen!” Oh dear God in heaven, Konrädchen!, exclaimed Mama at the verge of hysteria seeing her baby boy covered in blood! Immediately she pulled up his tunic and shuddered aloud when she saw two wounds about two inches apart where the bullet entered, and where it exited in the fatty flesh at the right side of his stomach!
“Ein Man hatte mir geshießt Mama!” A man shot me Mama, cried out Konrad!
“Wer Konrad, und warum hatte er dir geschießt!?”, fragte Bruder Johannes. Who Konrad, and why did he shoot you!?, inquired
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brother Johannes.
“Ich weisse nicht wer! In ein Beerenfeld war Ich!” I don’t know who! I was in a berry field!, cried Konrädchen.
All the three brothers and Anna were all talking at the same time, each assuming who it was that shot their little brother.
“Sei Still Kinder!” Be quiet children, ordered Mama. “Anna schnell, heisse Wasser und ein Handtuch mir bringen!” Anna, quick, bring me hot water and a towel!
Mama helped Konrädchen take off his tunic and had him lie down on his bed. She proceeded to carefully wash away the blood from his stomach and around the two wounds. Fortunately the bleeding had stopped, but one could see a great deal of inflammation and swelling around the area of the angry looking wounds. Konrädchen looked feverish, so Mama had Anna bring her a cold wet towel to place on Konrädchen’s forehead.
“Anna bringe mir das Grün Flasche da oben.” Anna bring me the green bottle up there, pointed out Mama. Mama then pulled out the stopper from the green bottle and poured a generous amount of it on a towel and said to Konrädchen, "Sei mutig Konrädchen, ein bischen schmerz, aber es werde die wunde Hilfe zu heilen." Be brave Konrädchen, a little pain, but it will help your wounds to heal.
The pain Konrädchen felt at that moment could be seen in the tensing of his body and the grimaced look on his face, but not a sound to be heard as he fought hard to hold back his silent cries.
Mama had placed a clean folded towel over the gunshot wounds, and with another long piece of torn off fabric, proceeded to wrap it around Konrädchen’s waist several times and then fastened securely. After taking care of Konrädchen’s emergency situation, Mama sat there in a chair at the bedside holding his hand and caressing his warm
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face and head. The other children left Mama alone with Konrädchen and had gone outside to talk amongst themselves about the disturbing event that had just confronted them all. Mama needed time to think clearly as to what should or shouldn’t be done as far as responding to the local authorities. She feared that it could possibly make matters worse for Konrädchen and for the family. The reason being, that Konrädchen had been trespassing and stealing berries, both serious offenses with strict laws and punishments handed out as a result. As if being shot wasn't punishment enough! Konrädchen’s offense didn't justify that he, a young child be shot! Perhaps the man who shot Konrädchen would make a complaint to the authorities and the Russian police brought in. Mama’s worst fears and worries began to overtake her in this most serious situation she now found herself facing. Her weary mind and tired body from a long pre-dawn workday had gotten the best of her. She realized that what she needed now more than ever was strength of heart and spirit and began to call on God with prayer.
The sun had already gone down and soon it was night and time for everyone to go to bed. That night, tallow candles maintained a flickering glow of light in the Döring household. No one could sleep as they were all concerned over Konrädchen’s well being and also worried about how well Mama was fairing through this ordeal. Each sibling took turns sitting at Konrädchen’s bedside with Mama. There was worry if there was possible internal bleeding, and worry when Konrädchen fell asleep if he would wake up again. It was an extremely tiring and stressful night.
The early dawning of a new summer day cast golden rays of sunlight through the open shutters of the house. Konrädchen awakened to Mamas smiling presence looking lovingly down on him. It was
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Mama now who fought back the tears of relief to see her Konrädchen appearing to be much better. The rest of the family gathered around smiling down on their little brother. Had circumstances been different, and the man instead of shooting Konrädchen, had reported him, Konrädchen would have received quite the reprimand in the form of a whipping for trespassing and stealing. Konrädchen learned his lesson of "Thou shalt not steal" the hard way and was lucky not to have been killed or crippled as a result. Nevertheless, It was a crime for the man to shoot Konrädchen without warning, and without first reporting that Konrädchen had trespassed and was caught stealing berries and then to be dealt with in the proper manner.
Adam, and Johannes were preparing to depart for work in the fields, but not before Mama instructed everyone.
“Sag nichts um Konrädchen.” Say nothing about Konrädchen.
On the way to the fields the brothers without Mamas knowledge or consent, set out to investigate just where the man that shot Konrädchen lived and who he was, yet not to confront him. Meanwhile, Mama had Anna go call on Frau Giebelhaus who was experienced in midwifery and doctoring, to please come and take a look at Konrädchen as soon as she could, but not to alarm her that he had been shot. Brother Peter remained at Konrädchen’s bedside keeping him company and entertained with games of imagination that they often played together.
Adam, and Johannes walking along the dirt road, were now passing along the property and home of the man who shot Konrädchen. They heard a loud commotion of a man yelling,
“Du Drecksau!” You dirty sow!
A woman was heard crying and screaming,
“Du bist Gsuffa! Schlag mir wieder nicht!”, You're drunk!
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Don’t hit me again!
The brothers knew that for a man to beat his wife was a serious punishable offense, and the punishment when reported, was for the man to receive a sound whipping in public. The brothers sensing their opportunity to see that this terrible man was punished, went directly to the local Vorsteher (Constable) and reported what they had just heard going on. The Vorsteher had been quick to see that the man was immediately summoned, as several other reports of the mans gross misconduct had been brought to his attention.
By the end of the week, Konrädchen was doing just fine. He was forgiven by Mama after solemnly vowing never to take something that belonged to someone else without having permission to do so.
As far as the bad man was concerned, not only did he receive a public whipping for having beaten his wife, but the Russian authorities from Saratov wanted to interrogate him for some criminal activity having to do with illegal alcohol. Strangely enough, the man was never seen nor heard of again.
Now that Sunday morning had arrived, the Döring family entered church with special prayers and thanks to God for Konrädchen’s well being. The Pastors sermon that morning was especially acknowledged when the topic he chose to expound upon was the Commandment Thou shalt not steal. Konrädchen, highly self-conscious at the mention of the sermon, shrunk down in his seat, with Mama squeezing his hand for encouragement.
Several years had passed and Konrädchen was now soon to be ten years old. He had grown to become more and more upset at being referred to in the diminutive as Konrädchen and now would correct people who called him Konrädchen and respond, “Ich bin Konrad, nicht Konrädchen!” I am Konrad, not Konrädchen!
There would always be one exception of who could refer to him as Konrädchen and that of course was Mama. The fact of the matter was that Konrädchen was still a small boy in stature, yet quite stocky, muscular and very strong for his size. He was quick to impress upon people that he was big when it came to doing a task that he might not be included to do. In his heart and mind he was indeed big, and like most boys, wanted to be able to be accepted along with doing what the big boys were called on to do.
A strong work ethic certainly wasn't denied Konrädchen by any means, and one would often hear him proclaim over the passing years,
“Arbeit macht das lebens süss”, Work makes life sweet, and “By the sweat of your brow, so shall you earn your daily bread.”
Bread was not to be taken for granted by Konrädchen. He knew too well the great importance that bread had meant in his life, as sometimes that was all he would have to eat on a given day. Bread filled his stomach, fought off the hungry, howling wolves within, got him through to the next day, and tempered his spirit to work harder for a better way of life. Bread became symbolic of life itself, and to have a meal served without bread, would be in his words, "A sin."
Summer in Norka was officially under way. Field crops and
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home gardens were flourishing. Houses were being repaired, and social life was in full swing. Two of Konrädchen’s best friends were both named Heinrich. Heinrich Kiltau and Heinrich Reisbich, who will be referred to as Heinrich K and Heinrich R. The three of them were the best of friends and would have a lifelong relationship. The three attended school together. It was at school where they were taught German in the morning, and taught Russian in the afternoon. Up on the front wall of the classroom on one side was a picture of the German ruler Kaiser Wilhelm, and on the other side was a picture of the Russian ruler Czar Nicholas. Konrädchen recollected the time a boy came to class one morning with the intention of getting on the good side of the teacher by bringing the teacher a switch to punish any of the students who might need to be punished. For having presented the teacher with a switch, that student immediately was the recipient of a thorough switching himself. If for any reason you received a switching by the teacher, it was most likely you received a switching from your parents when you got back home for having been responsible for the trouble you caused in the first place. And oh yes, Konrädchen received punishment in the form of switching from his older brothers on a number of occasions for having gotten into trouble. There was the incident back in early Autumn when he and his two Heinrich friends got caught in someone’s orchard stealing apples. By the time the three reached home, there was a big switch waiting for each of them. Konrädchen had his share of fights with other boys, but only would be punished if he had started the fight. His learned advice was, "Never start a fight, but if someone else starts a fight with you, don't back down."
Assuredly, things appeared to be prospering throughout the village. However, for the Döring family, as well as other families, food shortage, especially at this time of year when the storage of food needed to
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get them through the winter, spring and summer had dwindled, and in some cases depleted. It would be some time yet before harvest and for storehouses to be replenished. For the time being, they would not starve, yet their struggle to earn their "daily bread" came about only through an existence of tremendous physical hard labor and toil, as painfully apparent as was expressed in their furrowed brows and down turned mouths, attesting to the harshness that the reality of survival and poverty had confronted them with. They were a strong and sturdy lot of people and would endure much more without complaints, only to give thanks to God for what sustenance their labors provided and to pray for better things to come.
For over the past twenty years, beginning around the 1880's the Volga Germans steadily lost the autonomy that they for over one hundred years once had. The Russian Government had taken more control over their affairs and lives. Many Volga Germans realized that indeed the "writing on the wall" regarding their fate was to be heeded . By the thousands they were leaving Russia seeking freedom, more opportunity, and a better way of life in America, Canada, and South America. Young Konrädchen knew of many Norka families who emigrated to America, and now he heard talk that his oldest sister Louise and her husband Johannes Blum with their daughters Anna and Katharina were soon departing for America. His oldest brother Heinrich and his new bride Margarethe (Keiser) were also in the process of making final arrangements on emigrating to America.
Today Konrädchen would go to work in the fields and be paid for his labor in trade or money depending on whom he worked for. He would work an entire twelve-hour workday for no more than what would amount to one penny. If for example, the workday was paid to him in trade, lets say in potatoes, he wasn't given a sack full, nor an armful,
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but a mere handful of potatoes to bring home to Mama. Today, however, Konrädchen and his two friends Heinrich K and Heinrich R worked the entire day together cultivating and were each paid what amounted to a penny apiece. The three of them at the end of the workday headed down the road back home. It was the end of a very hot summer day when late afternoon meets early evening. The boys were covered with a muddied mixture of dust and perspiration that streamed off their sunburned faces. They were a ragamuffin sight to behold that only a mother could appreciate and love. The ever exuberant Konrädchen, exhibiting the showy on-stage like character his personality portrayed, danced a jig up ahead of his two tired and quiet friends, and shouted out a question to them that reawakened their tired bodies and spirits,
“Wollen Sie Schwimmen gehen!” Do you want to go swimming!?
“Ja!” Yes, the two boys emphatically shouted back in unison!
So off they ran, racing one another as fast as they could to their favorite swimming hole. It was Heinrich K who beat them getting there, with Heinrich R and Konrad some distance behind. By the time the latter two had reached the swimming hole, Heinrich K had already disrobed, dove in and was splashing about. Quickly, Konrädchen and Heinrich R flung off their clothes and boots and dove in to join Heinrich K. Instantly, Konrädchen felt as though he had entered another most wonderful world, so opposite in contrast to the sweltering day of toil. The refreshing plunge into the deep cool water revitalized his senses and spirit as it also did for Heinrich K, and Heinrich R. Konrädchen was a much better swimmer under water than he was afloat, in fact he preferred swimming submerged, not only to seek out the mysterious world below, but also to see how long he could hold his
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breath without coming up for air. This caused quite alarm for his two friends Heinrich who became worried when Konrädchen had not resurfaced after what seemed minutes had passed. Both boys called out,
“Konrad, wo bist du!?” Konrad where are you!? When the two dove below the surface to search, there was Konrädchen smiling and waving at them!
Having cleaned up and cooled off, the three friends laid out prone on their stomachs on a grassy bank to dry off and talk about whatever came to mind. Konrädchen said that his sister Louise and her family, and his brother Heinrich and his wife were going to America. Heinrich K said that some of the Kiltau relations went to America to a place called Michigan where they make motorcars. Heinrich R also said that some of the Reisbich family were living in America at a place called California. All three boys agreed that they too wanted to go to America if they only had a chance. And of course their conversation wasn't complete without mentioning girls, namely the Hölzer, Bauer and Weitzel girls. Realizing they had better head for home or else they would be in big trouble, they got dressed and started their way back to the village. Once closer to home, they each split off on their separate routes and waved one another goodbye.
Konrädchen was walking along at a brisk pace, when he happened to be passing a small field that had berries of some kind growing in rows. He also saw a house that was located off at the other end of the berry field. The sight of those berries caused the growling of hungry wolves in his stomach to remind him just how hungry he was. If I could only eat a big mouthful of those berries, he thought, maybe the wolves in my stomach would stop growling. So Konrädchen, like a wolf stalking its prey, bent down so as not to be seen, and stealthily
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crept forward in long strides and reached the berry vines. He had no sooner picked a small handful of berries and placed them to his mouth that he heard a cracking sound and at the same time felt a sharp burning sensation in his stomach which caused him to yelp out in pain and fright! He had been shot and a man was yelling at him,
“Raus mit dir du Schweinhund!” Get out of here you pig dog! Konrädchen turned and ran with the fear that he would next be feeling a shot in his back or head! It was only when he was far enough out of sight and distance, did he glance down to see where he had been shot and saw that the front of his tunic was sopping wet with blood accompanied by a dull hot pain. This frightened him so much that he didn't want to look under his tunic to see what it looked like. Overcome with fear and panic, he cried all the way home, and was equally fearful of the further trouble this would bring him. Upon entering the house, Konrädchen bravely tried to hold back his tears and the fear that gripped him, when all eyes shocked and stunned with disbelief and horror at the sight of his blood covered entrance, rushed over to him crying out,
“Konrad!!”
“Ach lieber Gott im Himmel, Konrädchen!” Oh dear God in heaven, Konrädchen!, exclaimed Mama at the verge of hysteria seeing her baby boy covered in blood! Immediately she pulled up his tunic and shuddered aloud when she saw two wounds about two inches apart where the bullet entered, and where it exited in the fatty flesh at the right side of his stomach!
“Ein Man hatte mir geshießt Mama!” A man shot me Mama, cried out Konrad!
“Wer Konrad, und warum hatte er dir geschießt!?”, fragte Bruder Johannes. Who Konrad, and why did he shoot you!?, inquired
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brother Johannes.
“Ich weisse nicht wer! In ein Beerenfeld war Ich!” I don’t know who! I was in a berry field!, cried Konrädchen.
All the three brothers and Anna were all talking at the same time, each assuming who it was that shot their little brother.
“Sei Still Kinder!” Be quiet children, ordered Mama. “Anna schnell, heisse Wasser und ein Handtuch mir bringen!” Anna, quick, bring me hot water and a towel!
Mama helped Konrädchen take off his tunic and had him lie down on his bed. She proceeded to carefully wash away the blood from his stomach and around the two wounds. Fortunately the bleeding had stopped, but one could see a great deal of inflammation and swelling around the area of the angry looking wounds. Konrädchen looked feverish, so Mama had Anna bring her a cold wet towel to place on Konrädchen’s forehead.
“Anna bringe mir das Grün Flasche da oben.” Anna bring me the green bottle up there, pointed out Mama. Mama then pulled out the stopper from the green bottle and poured a generous amount of it on a towel and said to Konrädchen, "Sei mutig Konrädchen, ein bischen schmerz, aber es werde die wunde Hilfe zu heilen." Be brave Konrädchen, a little pain, but it will help your wounds to heal.
The pain Konrädchen felt at that moment could be seen in the tensing of his body and the grimaced look on his face, but not a sound to be heard as he fought hard to hold back his silent cries.
Mama had placed a clean folded towel over the gunshot wounds, and with another long piece of torn off fabric, proceeded to wrap it around Konrädchen’s waist several times and then fastened securely. After taking care of Konrädchen’s emergency situation, Mama sat there in a chair at the bedside holding his hand and caressing his warm
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face and head. The other children left Mama alone with Konrädchen and had gone outside to talk amongst themselves about the disturbing event that had just confronted them all. Mama needed time to think clearly as to what should or shouldn’t be done as far as responding to the local authorities. She feared that it could possibly make matters worse for Konrädchen and for the family. The reason being, that Konrädchen had been trespassing and stealing berries, both serious offenses with strict laws and punishments handed out as a result. As if being shot wasn't punishment enough! Konrädchen’s offense didn't justify that he, a young child be shot! Perhaps the man who shot Konrädchen would make a complaint to the authorities and the Russian police brought in. Mama’s worst fears and worries began to overtake her in this most serious situation she now found herself facing. Her weary mind and tired body from a long pre-dawn workday had gotten the best of her. She realized that what she needed now more than ever was strength of heart and spirit and began to call on God with prayer.
The sun had already gone down and soon it was night and time for everyone to go to bed. That night, tallow candles maintained a flickering glow of light in the Döring household. No one could sleep as they were all concerned over Konrädchen’s well being and also worried about how well Mama was fairing through this ordeal. Each sibling took turns sitting at Konrädchen’s bedside with Mama. There was worry if there was possible internal bleeding, and worry when Konrädchen fell asleep if he would wake up again. It was an extremely tiring and stressful night.
The early dawning of a new summer day cast golden rays of sunlight through the open shutters of the house. Konrädchen awakened to Mamas smiling presence looking lovingly down on him. It was
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Mama now who fought back the tears of relief to see her Konrädchen appearing to be much better. The rest of the family gathered around smiling down on their little brother. Had circumstances been different, and the man instead of shooting Konrädchen, had reported him, Konrädchen would have received quite the reprimand in the form of a whipping for trespassing and stealing. Konrädchen learned his lesson of "Thou shalt not steal" the hard way and was lucky not to have been killed or crippled as a result. Nevertheless, It was a crime for the man to shoot Konrädchen without warning, and without first reporting that Konrädchen had trespassed and was caught stealing berries and then to be dealt with in the proper manner.
Adam, and Johannes were preparing to depart for work in the fields, but not before Mama instructed everyone.
“Sag nichts um Konrädchen.” Say nothing about Konrädchen.
On the way to the fields the brothers without Mamas knowledge or consent, set out to investigate just where the man that shot Konrädchen lived and who he was, yet not to confront him. Meanwhile, Mama had Anna go call on Frau Giebelhaus who was experienced in midwifery and doctoring, to please come and take a look at Konrädchen as soon as she could, but not to alarm her that he had been shot. Brother Peter remained at Konrädchen’s bedside keeping him company and entertained with games of imagination that they often played together.
Adam, and Johannes walking along the dirt road, were now passing along the property and home of the man who shot Konrädchen. They heard a loud commotion of a man yelling,
“Du Drecksau!” You dirty sow!
A woman was heard crying and screaming,
“Du bist Gsuffa! Schlag mir wieder nicht!”, You're drunk!
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Don’t hit me again!
The brothers knew that for a man to beat his wife was a serious punishable offense, and the punishment when reported, was for the man to receive a sound whipping in public. The brothers sensing their opportunity to see that this terrible man was punished, went directly to the local Vorsteher (Constable) and reported what they had just heard going on. The Vorsteher had been quick to see that the man was immediately summoned, as several other reports of the mans gross misconduct had been brought to his attention.
By the end of the week, Konrädchen was doing just fine. He was forgiven by Mama after solemnly vowing never to take something that belonged to someone else without having permission to do so.
As far as the bad man was concerned, not only did he receive a public whipping for having beaten his wife, but the Russian authorities from Saratov wanted to interrogate him for some criminal activity having to do with illegal alcohol. Strangely enough, the man was never seen nor heard of again.
Now that Sunday morning had arrived, the Döring family entered church with special prayers and thanks to God for Konrädchen’s well being. The Pastors sermon that morning was especially acknowledged when the topic he chose to expound upon was the Commandment Thou shalt not steal. Konrädchen, highly self-conscious at the mention of the sermon, shrunk down in his seat, with Mama squeezing his hand for encouragement.
Konrädchen im Herbst - Little Konrad in the Fall
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Three more years have passed and Konrädchen is now thirteen years old. Peter is sixteen, Johannes is nineteen, Adam is twenty-one, and Anna Katharina is fifteen. Konrädchen's oldest sister Louise, along with her husband Johannes Blum and their two daughters Anna and Katharina have since emigrated to America, and also his oldest brother Heinrich and his wife Margarethe. The year is 1909, harvest season is well underway, and food on the table, in the cupboards, and in the storehouses once again becomes abundant. The important thing, however, is to prepare and preserve foods that will be needed to make it not only through the long harsh winter, but all the way beyond the next spring and summer and up to the next harvest season.
Mama and Anna Katharina were busy slicing up heads of cabbage age in preparation of making sauerkraut. Many food items, to prevent them from spoiling or rotting were preserved by methods of pickling, which in regards to sauerkraut, meant that the cabbage used to make it, would be sliced, chopped or shredded, and placed in earthenware vessels, then filled with a solution of water, vinegar and salt, and covered. Cucumbers were basically done the same way with the addition of herbs, garlic and spices. Watermelon rinds were also pickled. Not all pickling of foods was on the sour side, as sugar was added for other preserved food delicacies. Food staples such as flour, sugar, salt, spices, etc., would be purchased, or bartered for with goods or labor. Meat and fish were preserved by being packed in barrels and layered in a heavy salt covering. Fish were strung up to dry. And that was pretty much how things were progressing along at
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the Döring household during harvest season.
There was quite an amount of excitement in the air at this time of year, as the harvest time celebration would soon begin. The one time of year over a several day period that the piety of the Church and strict moral code of the day would relax, and allow a special time for 'a letting off of steam'. Although dancing and drinking was generally forbidden in most places, especially in older times, harvest time or Kerb as it was known, tolerated a reasonable degree of merriment, which lasted up to three days. Fights occasionally broke out during these times as young men challenged one another over the attentions of a young woman. This passage or rite of season in celebration of harvest time was also in essence a mating ritual of young adults.
Konrädchen and Peter were still too young to participate in what their older brothers Johannes and Adam and their friends were permitted to celebrate in, but nevertheless they were happy and content for being able to be taken along and to observe what was going on. Besides, it was fun and exciting being in the company of young men and to hear what they talked about, even if some of the things they were talking about Konrädchen didn't understand, and didn't want to appear stupid for having to ask what it was they were talking about. Wherever they went, there was always food offered them, which they never turned down. The men were drinking schnapps and talking and laughing louder and louder as the evening progressed. One of the Weidenkeller boys got into what appeared to be none other than a friendly and boisterous push and shove match with a Hahn boy, but then slaps and cursing followed, and before you knew it, fists were flying. It was immediately broken up by the other older boys, and before long all was friendly and cheerful again between the two combatants. Camaraderie was in full swing with glasses raised high and toasts
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were shouted out in good fortune and high spirits, accompanied by a raucous chorus of, “Du, du liegst mir im Herzen, du, du liegst mir im Sinn, du, du, machst mir viel schmerzen, weisse Ich nicht gut es dir bin, ja, ja, ja, ja, weist nicht wie gut ich dir bin!” And so went the evening with Johannes leading the group in song and drink, while Konrädchen and Peter quite impressed with their big brother, gazed on with amusement as did several of the young women in attendance.
Eventually it was time for everyone to depart for home. Konrädchen and Peter trailed behind Johannes and Adam who were escorting two sisters to their home. It was one of those harvest moonlight nights, so bright that one needn't a lamp to see ones way along in the dark. Warm breezes captured the sweet smell of freshly cut hay that hung lazily in the balmy night air. With the long winter coming on, plans, dreams, prayers and hopes were heard to be the forefront topic of most conversation. Young adults were planning to get married, married couples were dreaming of emigrating out of Russia, older couples prayed for their family, and Konrädchen hoped that he would get to go to America. Johannes and Adam seeing the two sisters to their home, bid them farewell and off down the road toward home went the four brothers. Johannes and Adam were talking about the two sisters that they appeared to be so enamored over, and Konrädchen and Peter began giving their somewhat restrained version of the song “Du, du liegst mir im Herzen”. Moments later, all four were marching abreast down the road singing in unison. A couple of times along the way, they stopped to relieve themselves, then on down the road again singing, laughing and joking. No one called out for them to be quiet, only the arousal of an occasional barking dog. As they neared home, Adam stepped up ahead and turned around to face the front of the three brothers with a
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pointed finger held to his lips in a signal for them to quiet down. No, they didn't want to make any noise to disturb or waken Mama.
Mama hadn't been feeling very well for some time now with the trouble she was having with her leg. So, very quietly the brothers entered the house where a single candlelight cast an amber glow about the room. A breeze that followed them in caused the candle flame to flicker erratically as their looming shadows swayed and danced on the walls and ceiling. They all stepped quietly over to Mamas bedside and saw that she was awake. Each bent down and kissed her forehead and said,
“Gute Nacht Mama.”
As each boy bid Mama good night, she reached out to touch each of her sons face, gripped a tightly held hand, kissed them on the cheek, and saying their name, said good night.
Konrädchen laid in bed wide awake not wanting to fall asleep, but to relish in his thoughts of the wonderful evening that he had just partaken in with his brothers. He also thought, of how great it would be if he could simply travel through life with endless days of leisure and freedom to enjoy life and to have a good time like he had tonight. Instantly into his mind arose the saying, “Arbeit macht das Lebens süss,” Work makes life sweet. It wasn't as though Konrädchen minded working, what he did mind was having to toil away at such hard labor and at the end of the day having practically nothing to show for it but a worn body and spirit, a single penny, or a handful of potatoes. There had to be more to ones life than that. If there was only something he could do he thought, to make more money, then he would be able to have the freedom and leisure time to do what he wanted, and have enough money to buy what he wanted. Then, his thoughts automatically switched to America (Ah-May- ree-gah) that far off wondrous land he had often heard about, not only from letters sent
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home from his sister Louise and brother Heinrich, but also reports of news from other people whose relatives had emigrated to America. Konrädchen had hardly been out of his own village of Norka, let alone to a big town or city for that matter. The thought of this far away place of opportunity called America, conjured up strange images for Konrädchen where it was related to him that carriages and wagons were seen to move around without the need of horses to pull them. America must be like Heaven, he thought. And the thought of what it was like to be on a ship crossing over the Atlantic Ocean, which he also had absolutely no concept of what an ocean was, except that it was a large body of water that he saw in reference to a school map. It all seemed so exciting in comparison to life in Norka. So many marvelous images spinning through Konrädchen’s mind that before he knew it, he drifted off to dreamland.
The next morning, following the usual chores that needed attending to, Konrädchen, Peter and Anna Katharina were free to spend the rest of Saturday morning and the afternoon doing whatever their hearts desired. Anna Katharina planned on visiting with her girlfriends. Peter, who had been working for Old man Schleining, planned on spending the day with him traveling to the village of Balzer to see about buying horses. Konrädchen more than likely could have gone along with Peter and Old man Schleining to Balzer, however, he wanted to venture out on his own, as the lone wolf within him began to seek more independence. He couldn't wait to be older so he could do things and go places like his big brothers.
Both Johannes and Adam had finished washing themselves up after having shaved their faces with the exception of their moustaches, and were now brushing their hair. Their spotlessly bright and new white tunics were laid out on their beds alongside of their jackets they
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would be wearing today, and their boots were all shiny black from a good polishing. Adam liked to wear a cap, but Johannes preferred to go bareheaded so as not to mess up his handsomely brushed head of hair that he was so proud of having. Both brothers were brimming with joy, laughter, and jesting amongst themselves knowing that today and tomorrow would be filled with celebration, and especially an opportune time to meet up again with the two sisters they both had escorted home last night. Konrädchen, contemplating his plans for the day looked on pensively at his brother Johannes who he admired and wanted to be like. Johannes was always well-dressed, handsome, charming, energetic, fun, out going, entertaining, and everybody liked him. Soon, the brothers departed the house after having given Mama a kiss and their goodbyes, to her well wishes for them. Mama then turned a glance over to Konrädchen whose composure appeared to her as being rather melancholic. She began to wonder just what was going on with him, and why he was no longer excited at the chance to go along with Peter and go places and do things.
“Konrädchen, Was tunst du Heute?” Konrädchen what are you doing today?, inquired Mama.
“Ich weisse nichts Mama.” I don't know Mama, he replied.
“Konrädchen, warum weisst du nichts?” Konrädchen, why don’t you know?, Mama asked with motherly concern.
“Weil mein Hemd und Jacke so zerlumpt ist, und durch mein hose pfeift der Wind, mein Stiefel scheint nicht, und mein Haar zu kurz ist, Mama!” Because my shirt and jacket is so ragged, and the wind blows through my pants, my boots have no shine, and my hair is too short!, exclaimed Konrädchen.
It was so true, thought Mama, regarding Konrädchen’s displeasure with his appearance. After all, he being the youngest boy, was
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having to wear all of his brother’s hand me down clothes that were pretty worn for wear by the time Konrädchen acquired them. Mama also realized that her little boy was becoming a big boy, and time for him to have new clothes of his own. She had been planning ahead for such a day prior to his confirmation to announce to Konrädchen a surprise she had for him, but now it appeared that day had arrived, although months sooner than she had anticipated.
“Konrädchen, called Mama, komm mal her. Ich habe ein Überaschung für dich.” Konrädchen, come here. I have a surprise for you.
“Mama, du hast ein Überaschung für mich?!” Mama you have a surprise for me!?, exclaimed Konrädchen.
Over to Mamas side Konrädchen rushed trying to contain his anxiousness to discover the surprise that Mama had for him.
“Konrädchen, darunter mein Bett die Kiste mir hole.” Konrädchen fetch me the chest under my bed, said Mama.
Konrädchen dropped down on his knees, bent over and reached his arms out under Mamas bed grasping hold of the chest and pulling it out from under the bed. Mama motioned for him to place it in front of her where she was seated at the table, and told him to sit down in the chair next to her. She reached down with a key to unlock the chest, then lifted up the lid, and pulled out the top tray. First, she brought out two new tunic shirts, one white, and the other with blue, grey and white vertical stripes, and laid them on the table. Next, she lifted up a pair of dark grey trousers, followed by a new brown leather jacket. Konrädchen was so overcome with joy to the verge of tears that he hugged and squeezed Mama while declaring his most grateful thanks to her. There was yet another surprise to follow as Mama reached for a large white sack at the bottom of the chest and handed it to Konrädchen. He found it hard to believe that there could possibly be any more
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wonderful surprises after what he had already received from Mama, and it wasn't even Christmastime or his birthday. Still, he thought, in all the Christmases and birthdays of the past combined, he had never been afforded the luxury of the gifts that Mama was now presenting him with. He untied the drawstrings to the sack, pulled it open, and reached inside to discover a brand new pair of shiny black leather boots, a crimson tunic sash, and a leather belt with a large metal buckle. Mama was as anxious as he was to see what the new clothes looked like on him.
“Konrädchen, bevor sich in deinen neue Bekleidung tragst, Ich wolle dir gründlich reinig. Gehst du jetzt und ein Bad nehmen!” Konrädchen, before you wear your new clothes, I want you thoroughly cleaned. Go now and take a bath!
“Ja, Ja, Mama!”, sagte ein sehr überglücklich Konrädchen. Yes, yes, Mama!, responded a very overjoyed Konrädchen.
Never before had Konrädchen been so quick to want to get cleaned up, and never before had he been given brand new clothes that he could claim as his very own. Minutes later, having given himself a thorough washing and drying off, he was ready to put on his new clothes. First, he put on his new trousers and buttoned up the fly. They were a bit large around the waist and length in order to allow him growing room, as they were to last him several years. The same held true for the white tunic he slipped his arms into, then down over his head past his shoulders and chest. He put on the leather belt with the large metal buckle to hold up his pants, around his waist over the white tunic shirt, he wrapped the crimson sash and tied it to one side. Reaching for a shiny black boot, he easily slipped a foot into it, as the boots too, were large enough for him to grow into, then on with the other boot, which later he would stuff a cloth into the toe of each boot to get a
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snugger fit. He finished buttoning up the side of his tunic shirt, and then tucked his trouser legs into his boots. He didn't put on his new jacket yet, for he wanted to see what he looked like in the mirror. He came out from behind the curtain partition into the room to show Mama how he looked, and also to see himself in the mirror. When Mama saw how good Konrädchen looked in his new clothes she beamed with joy and the esteem it presented him with, and also recognizing that her baby boy was now becoming a young man. Nevertheless he would always be her Konrädchen, and her baby boy.
“Konrädchen, mein Bub du guckst Wunderbar!” Konrädchen, my boy you look wonderful!, declared Mama.
“Mama, darf Ich mit deinen Spiegel sehe?” Mama, may I see with your mirror?
“Ach Ja, hier ist der Spiegel”, sagte Mama. Oh yes, here is the mirror, said Mama.
While Konrädchen glanced up and down at his new image he saw reflected in the mirror, Mama gave with a few slight tugs and pulls at his tunic and trousers to see how they fit him, noticing how roomy and loose the fit was, and yet understandably so.
Konrädchen turned to Mama and asked, “Mama, kann Ich meine neue Bekleidung Heute trage?” Mama can I wear my new clothes today?
Mama, at first with a doubtful and questionable look on her face, soon turned to a smile and replied,
“Ja Konrädchen, du kannst, aber hörst du mich, spielst du nicht und bekommst du nicht dreckig in deinen neue Bekleidung. Verstehst du?” Yes Konrädchen, you can, but listen to me, do not play and do not get dirty in your new clothes. Do you understand?
“Ja Mama, Ich verstehe!” Yes Mama I understand!
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responded a gleeful Konrädchen.
“Und wo gehst du Heute?” And where are you going today?, asked Mama.
“Ich möchte Spazieren machen Mama.” I would like to go for a walk Mama, said Konrädchen.
Mama nodded her approval, and then said,
“Nimmst du mit etwas Brot, Käse, und ein Apfel. Ach ja Konrädchen, auch nimmst mit ein stück Rivvelkuche, es ist frisch gebäckt. Also, sei zurück nach Hause für Abendsessen, und sei nicht spät.” Take with you some bread, cheese, and an apple. Oh yes Konrädchen, also take a piece of Rivvelkuche, it is fresh baked. So, be back home for dinner, and don't be late.
“Ja Mama, und vielen dank für alles, es freut mich sehr!” Yes Mama, and many thanks for everything, I am very pleased.
Konrädchen stepped over towards Mama to give her a kiss and hug goodbye just as she began to rise from her chair, but before he reached her, she began to falter as if her leg was giving out on her and Konrädchen immediately grabbed a hold of her to keep her from falling!
“Mama, was ist los?” Mama what’s the matter?
“Nichts, nichts, gar nichts. Ich glaube daß meine Beine schläfen ist, daß ist alles, aber du mir zu mein Bett hilfe kannst und Ich werde sich ausruhen.” Nothing, nothing, nothing at all. I believe that my leg is sleeping, that's all, but you can help me to my bed and I will take a rest, said Mama.
Konrädchen was worried and concerned that everything was not alright with Mama considering that she seemed to be having more and more trouble with her leg when it came to walking or getting up out of bed or getting up from a chair. Maybe this is just how people are when they get old thought Konrädchen.
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Konrädchen once again thanked Mama for his brand new clothes and gave her a big heartfelt hug and kiss, then headed for the door and the walk around the village that he had planned on doing.
“Wiedersehen Mama!” Goodbye Mama, said Konrädchen.
“Machs gut Konrädchen” Take care of yourself Konrädchen, said Mama.
“Ja Mama, Ich werde.” Yes Mama, I will.
And so off down the road with his old dog Zärkol tagging along, Konrädchen began his walk feeling very proud and grownup looking in his new garments. This newly acquired status now gave him the confidence to actively approach and greet people who he would have been too embarrassed to in the past because of his dirt-poor looking appearance. Konrädchen was always the colorful 'on stage' sort of character with his personal friends and family, but now all of Norka was his stage, and he in all his glory was in full charge with brief encounters of entertaining and charming villagers who he greeted and was greeted by along the way.
It was now nearing midday and seeing the steeple of the Norka church in the not far distance, Konrädchen decided to make a visit while services were not being conducted. It would be interesting to see what it was like without the entire congregation present. Upon entering, he now had the opportunity of viewing the entire magnificence of the church without distraction, and to be totally enveloped in the hallowed grace of beauty and silence. There were only two old woman seated separately in the church praying. He wanted to be close to the altar and sat himself in a pew near it. He gazed around some more, then sank deep into his thoughts and came up with prayer that gave thanks to Mama for his new clothes and that the trouble with her leg would be better. He said a prayer for his brothers and sisters.
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He prayed that he wanted to go to America, and ended with a prayer to someday be able to see the face of his father Konrad up in Heaven. Overwhelmed with emotion, Konrädchen fought off the welling feeling tightening up in his chest and in his throat. He clenched his teeth tightly to hold back the tears. Not all tears could be withheld as a few trickled down his cheeks. With the back of his hand and fingers he wiped them away. Waiting a minute or so to recompose himself, he rose from the pew, thanked God, and made his way to the outdoors, where the ever-faithful Zärkol eagerly anticipated his reappearance.
A feeling of well-being and goodness accompanied him as he stood there scanning the area deciding on which direction next to take. The lone wolf within him never felt more independent, in control and in charge of his existence, to be able to randomly create his own path of adventure and where it would take him. Off towards the direction of the millpond was his next destination, for it was there he would have his lunch. He continued to greet people along the way, yet kept up a brisk pace, not bothering to stop. Having arrived, he sought out the shade of a tree located right at the edge of the millpond, and proceeded to eat his lunch. As he ate, he stared vacantly into the reflection of passing clouds and blue sky on the millpond. Occasionally he would bend over and pick up a stone and toss it into the pond to observe the broken mirrored surface emit circles of rippling waves, and then become as smooth as glass once again. Having given his last bite of food to Zärkol, he suddenly heard voices from behind and turned to see three boys coming towards him. As they approached, the oldest and biggest who was about fifteen spoke,
“Was machst du hier?” What are you doing here? asked the boy with a smirk on his face.
“Nichts.” Nothing, replied Konrädchen.
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“Wie heißt du? What’s your name? asked the boy.
“Ich heiße Konrad, Konrad Döring.”
Instantly, Konrädchen fearful that a fight was to ensue, being totally vulnerable in his brand new clothes that Mama permitted him to wear, was dreadfully aware of the pain this would cause her and the shame he would have to bare for letting her down, knowing that he would be coming back home in dirtied, torn, and bloodstained clothes, directly added,
“Ich bin der Bruder von Peter, Johannes, Adam, und Heinrich Döring, kennst du ihnen?” I am the brother of Peter, Johannes, Adam, and Heinrich Döring, do you know them?
All three boys turned and whispered to one another, then the big boy spoke again,
“Ja, Ich kenne deinen Brudern.” Yeh, I know your brothers.
And with that, the three would be predators sauntered off, but not without casting glaring looks over their shoulders at Konrädchen. It was as if to say, 'We'll get you one day when your brothers aren’t around to protect you, or your dog.' The fact of the matter was, that had it not been for the new clothes that Konrädchen felt so vulnerable wearing and fearful for ruining, he would have not in the least avoided a fight started by the big boy, and then sending the other two running as fast as they could for home with Zärkol chasing and barking after them. He looked forward to encountering them again, with one exception, that he would be wearing his old clothes.
Relieved that his new clothes were intact, Konrädchen headed back to a more populated area of Norka and resumed his proud and determined stride once again greeting people and himself being greeted. Then came the time to eventually head back home, but not before stopping by the homes of his two best friends Heinrich Kiltau and
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Heinrich Reisbich to show off his new clothes and to tell them about the three boys who tried to start a fight with him, but at the mention of his brothers, avoided having to ruin his new clothes his mother gave him. Realizing that the sun was beginning to show signs of a sunset and before long it would be night, Konrädchen bid his friends goodbye and headed for home.
When he arrived home and entered the house, he was quite surprised to see all of the family gathered together. His joy to see them all suddenly changed when along with the eerie silence, he discovered some rather disturbing and somber looks on each of their faces. Immediately sensing that something was wrong, he blurted out,
“Was ist los?” Then turned to Mama and repeated himself, “Mama was ist los?!!” What’s the matter, Mama what’s the matter?!!
Mama seated with Frau Giebelhaus at her side spoke,
“Konrädchen, Mama am Morgenfrüh nach Saratov mit Adam, Johannes, und Frau Giebelhaus im Wagen fahren müssen. Ich muss ein besuch mit der Arzt mache. Aber keine sorge, es ist nur die Beine und dann kommen wir uns sofort zurück.” Konrädchen, Mama must travel early tomorrow morning to Saratov in the wagon with Adam, Johannes, and Frau Giebelhaus. I must make a visit with the doctor. But don't worry, it is only the leg, and then we'll come back right away.
“Mama, kann Ich auch mit Euch gehe?” Mama, can I also go with you?, asked Konrädchen.
“Konrädchen, du bleibst zu Hause mit Peter und Anna Katharina und Morgen in die Kirche gehen. Verstanden?” Konrädchen, you stay home with Peter and Anna Katharina and tomorrow go to church. Understood?, answered Mama.
“Ja Mama, verstanden.” Yes Mama, understood, replied a rueful Konrädchen.
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“Sei nicht traurig mein Kind, sagte Mama. Und nun, bitte nehmen Sie ein platz auf den Tisch und Essen von die Goldene Ernte das Gott für uns beschaffen hatte.” Don’t be sad my children, said Mama. And now, Take a seat at the table and eat of the golden harvest that God has provided for us.
Johannes led the prayer at the table. Everyone did their best to act cheerful and after supper to go on talking as if nothing in particular was the matter, yet in each and everyone’s mind they all were well aware of the serious situation that Mama and they themselves were in for. All except for Konrädchen that is. The truth of the matter was that Mama was diabetic, whether or not she herself or anyone else at the time knew that to be the diagnosis of her condition. The devastating effect was that gangrene had set in her leg and taken its toll with the inevitable consequence that would result in the amputation of her leg. Even more serious consequences of the loss of her leg would follow., but for now Konrädchen assured that Mama would be alright after having seen a doctor, said his prayers that night, thanking Mama for his new clothes and praying for her leg to be better.
Before dawn the next morning, Peter hurried off to 'Old man Schleining's' to borrow his best wagon and horses that he was told could be used for Mamas trip to Saratov. By the time Peter returned, Johannes was standing outside ready to lay out a thick cushion of straw in the wagon, and blankets to cover the straw. Adam carried out several baskets of food, blankets, and containers of water, including a large folded tarp in case it rained. Mama was taken out to the wagon and carefully laid back on the bed of straw with pillows to allow her to sit up, and make her as comfortable as they could for the lengthy trip to Saratov and back. It was Frau Giebelhaus to ride in
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back with her, and Johannes and Adam sitting up front handling the reins. Without hesitation, they were swiftly off down the road with Konrädchen, Peter and Anna Katharina waving to Mama until the wagon disappeared from view. It was then that Anna Katharina ran back into the house wailing and sobbing her heart out! Konrädchen and Peter both sensing fear and compassion rushed to comfort their sister and sat there on the edge of Mamas bed in a huddled embrace, that was so moving, so caring, and so bound together as family in time of crisis. They then got down on their knees with their elbows resting on Mamas bed and heads bowed and began to pray.
Three whole days had passed and they hadn't returned yet. Shortly before dark on the evening of the fourth day, the creaking sound of the wagon was heard and racing out to greet them ran Konrädchen, Peter and Anna Katharina. They halted abruptly as they approached the wagon having seen Johannes signal to them to be quiet. Not a voice was spoken as Adam and Johannes carefully lifted Mama out of the wagon and carried her into the house and laid her down on her bed. Frau Giebelhaus kept Konrädchen and Peter outside but sent in Anna Katharina. Directly back out came Adam. With a nod of his head he motioned the brothers to follow him a short distance away from the house, then softly spoke,
“Peter und Konrad, Mama nicht Gesund ist und sie auch sehr müde ist. Sie brauchst viel erholung und Ruhe haben. Ihr nicht laut sprechen müssen und auch kein Streiten, verstanden? Und nun hör zu und sei mutig, am Dienstag Mama Chiurgie hatte. Ihr Beine sehr schlescht war und der Artzt ihr Beine runder das Knie Amputieren hatte. Bald, Frau Giebelhaus wird sagte das euch im Hause gehen können und Mama sehen. Wann Ihr Mama sehen, gucken nicht traurig, sei munter das Mama zurück zu Hause ist, sagen
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nur ein wenig, und dann an ihr Gute Nacht sagen.” Peter and Konrad, Mama is not well and she is also very tired. She needs much rest and quiet. You must not speak loud and also no quarreling, understood? And now listen and be brave, on Tuesday Mama had surgery. Her leg was very bad and the Doctor amputated her leg below the knee. Soon Frau Giebelhaus will tell you that you can go in the house and see Mama. When you see Mama, don’t look sad, be cheerful that Mama is back home, say only a little, then say good night to her.
When Konrädchen heard Adam mention that Mamas leg had been amputated, he gave with a startled gasp, and was immediately offered solace by a firm shoulder embrace from Peter. The hurt welling up in him caused him to purse his mouth tightly and bite his bottom lip to keep from bursting out in tears. Adam continued on, saying that Mama would need to be cared for, with Anna Katharina and Frau Giebelhaus changing her bandages, bathing and dressing her, and that we men, especially Konrädchen, would have to be there to lift Mama up in bed, or carry her to sit in a chair after her wound has healed and she is feeling much better and stronger.
About a half hour had passed when the door to the house opened and the silhouetted figure of Frau Giebelhaus was observed standing in the doorway waving them to come in. Konrädchen and Peter were ushered in first and saw Anna Katharina seated next to Mamas bedside holding Mamas hand. She rose from her chair to allow Konrädchen and Peter to come alongside the bed where they both kneeled and placed their hands on the area of the blanket that covered Mamas arm and hand. In the dimly candlelit room, Mamas face shone white and pale. Her eyes were closed but she was not yet asleep, and heard both Konrädchen and Peter softly whisper,
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“Mama.”
She turned her head towards their voices with eyes too heavy to open, although managing a slight smile knowing it was them. Adam tapped them on the shoulder and they both bid Mama goodnight.
Back outdoors went Konrädchen and Peter. Peter had to get the wagon and horses back to 'Old man Schleining’s' before it got too late. Peter didn't offer Konrädchen to go along with him, and neither did Konrädchen ask to go along, as both boys wanted to be left alone to endure the painful feelings that each was now so heavily overwhelmed with. The lone wolf within Konrädchen called out for him to run, and run as fast as he could, away from the houses and across the harvested fields, faster and faster he ran as if being pursued, and once far removed from where he would be seen or heard, and totally out of breath and exhausted, he dropped face down to the ground and howled, and howled, and howled!!!
Three more years have passed and Konrädchen is now thirteen years old. Peter is sixteen, Johannes is nineteen, Adam is twenty-one, and Anna Katharina is fifteen. Konrädchen's oldest sister Louise, along with her husband Johannes Blum and their two daughters Anna and Katharina have since emigrated to America, and also his oldest brother Heinrich and his wife Margarethe. The year is 1909, harvest season is well underway, and food on the table, in the cupboards, and in the storehouses once again becomes abundant. The important thing, however, is to prepare and preserve foods that will be needed to make it not only through the long harsh winter, but all the way beyond the next spring and summer and up to the next harvest season.
Mama and Anna Katharina were busy slicing up heads of cabbage age in preparation of making sauerkraut. Many food items, to prevent them from spoiling or rotting were preserved by methods of pickling, which in regards to sauerkraut, meant that the cabbage used to make it, would be sliced, chopped or shredded, and placed in earthenware vessels, then filled with a solution of water, vinegar and salt, and covered. Cucumbers were basically done the same way with the addition of herbs, garlic and spices. Watermelon rinds were also pickled. Not all pickling of foods was on the sour side, as sugar was added for other preserved food delicacies. Food staples such as flour, sugar, salt, spices, etc., would be purchased, or bartered for with goods or labor. Meat and fish were preserved by being packed in barrels and layered in a heavy salt covering. Fish were strung up to dry. And that was pretty much how things were progressing along at
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the Döring household during harvest season.
There was quite an amount of excitement in the air at this time of year, as the harvest time celebration would soon begin. The one time of year over a several day period that the piety of the Church and strict moral code of the day would relax, and allow a special time for 'a letting off of steam'. Although dancing and drinking was generally forbidden in most places, especially in older times, harvest time or Kerb as it was known, tolerated a reasonable degree of merriment, which lasted up to three days. Fights occasionally broke out during these times as young men challenged one another over the attentions of a young woman. This passage or rite of season in celebration of harvest time was also in essence a mating ritual of young adults.
Konrädchen and Peter were still too young to participate in what their older brothers Johannes and Adam and their friends were permitted to celebrate in, but nevertheless they were happy and content for being able to be taken along and to observe what was going on. Besides, it was fun and exciting being in the company of young men and to hear what they talked about, even if some of the things they were talking about Konrädchen didn't understand, and didn't want to appear stupid for having to ask what it was they were talking about. Wherever they went, there was always food offered them, which they never turned down. The men were drinking schnapps and talking and laughing louder and louder as the evening progressed. One of the Weidenkeller boys got into what appeared to be none other than a friendly and boisterous push and shove match with a Hahn boy, but then slaps and cursing followed, and before you knew it, fists were flying. It was immediately broken up by the other older boys, and before long all was friendly and cheerful again between the two combatants. Camaraderie was in full swing with glasses raised high and toasts
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were shouted out in good fortune and high spirits, accompanied by a raucous chorus of, “Du, du liegst mir im Herzen, du, du liegst mir im Sinn, du, du, machst mir viel schmerzen, weisse Ich nicht gut es dir bin, ja, ja, ja, ja, weist nicht wie gut ich dir bin!” And so went the evening with Johannes leading the group in song and drink, while Konrädchen and Peter quite impressed with their big brother, gazed on with amusement as did several of the young women in attendance.
Eventually it was time for everyone to depart for home. Konrädchen and Peter trailed behind Johannes and Adam who were escorting two sisters to their home. It was one of those harvest moonlight nights, so bright that one needn't a lamp to see ones way along in the dark. Warm breezes captured the sweet smell of freshly cut hay that hung lazily in the balmy night air. With the long winter coming on, plans, dreams, prayers and hopes were heard to be the forefront topic of most conversation. Young adults were planning to get married, married couples were dreaming of emigrating out of Russia, older couples prayed for their family, and Konrädchen hoped that he would get to go to America. Johannes and Adam seeing the two sisters to their home, bid them farewell and off down the road toward home went the four brothers. Johannes and Adam were talking about the two sisters that they appeared to be so enamored over, and Konrädchen and Peter began giving their somewhat restrained version of the song “Du, du liegst mir im Herzen”. Moments later, all four were marching abreast down the road singing in unison. A couple of times along the way, they stopped to relieve themselves, then on down the road again singing, laughing and joking. No one called out for them to be quiet, only the arousal of an occasional barking dog. As they neared home, Adam stepped up ahead and turned around to face the front of the three brothers with a
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pointed finger held to his lips in a signal for them to quiet down. No, they didn't want to make any noise to disturb or waken Mama.
Mama hadn't been feeling very well for some time now with the trouble she was having with her leg. So, very quietly the brothers entered the house where a single candlelight cast an amber glow about the room. A breeze that followed them in caused the candle flame to flicker erratically as their looming shadows swayed and danced on the walls and ceiling. They all stepped quietly over to Mamas bedside and saw that she was awake. Each bent down and kissed her forehead and said,
“Gute Nacht Mama.”
As each boy bid Mama good night, she reached out to touch each of her sons face, gripped a tightly held hand, kissed them on the cheek, and saying their name, said good night.
Konrädchen laid in bed wide awake not wanting to fall asleep, but to relish in his thoughts of the wonderful evening that he had just partaken in with his brothers. He also thought, of how great it would be if he could simply travel through life with endless days of leisure and freedom to enjoy life and to have a good time like he had tonight. Instantly into his mind arose the saying, “Arbeit macht das Lebens süss,” Work makes life sweet. It wasn't as though Konrädchen minded working, what he did mind was having to toil away at such hard labor and at the end of the day having practically nothing to show for it but a worn body and spirit, a single penny, or a handful of potatoes. There had to be more to ones life than that. If there was only something he could do he thought, to make more money, then he would be able to have the freedom and leisure time to do what he wanted, and have enough money to buy what he wanted. Then, his thoughts automatically switched to America (Ah-May- ree-gah) that far off wondrous land he had often heard about, not only from letters sent
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home from his sister Louise and brother Heinrich, but also reports of news from other people whose relatives had emigrated to America. Konrädchen had hardly been out of his own village of Norka, let alone to a big town or city for that matter. The thought of this far away place of opportunity called America, conjured up strange images for Konrädchen where it was related to him that carriages and wagons were seen to move around without the need of horses to pull them. America must be like Heaven, he thought. And the thought of what it was like to be on a ship crossing over the Atlantic Ocean, which he also had absolutely no concept of what an ocean was, except that it was a large body of water that he saw in reference to a school map. It all seemed so exciting in comparison to life in Norka. So many marvelous images spinning through Konrädchen’s mind that before he knew it, he drifted off to dreamland.
The next morning, following the usual chores that needed attending to, Konrädchen, Peter and Anna Katharina were free to spend the rest of Saturday morning and the afternoon doing whatever their hearts desired. Anna Katharina planned on visiting with her girlfriends. Peter, who had been working for Old man Schleining, planned on spending the day with him traveling to the village of Balzer to see about buying horses. Konrädchen more than likely could have gone along with Peter and Old man Schleining to Balzer, however, he wanted to venture out on his own, as the lone wolf within him began to seek more independence. He couldn't wait to be older so he could do things and go places like his big brothers.
Both Johannes and Adam had finished washing themselves up after having shaved their faces with the exception of their moustaches, and were now brushing their hair. Their spotlessly bright and new white tunics were laid out on their beds alongside of their jackets they
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would be wearing today, and their boots were all shiny black from a good polishing. Adam liked to wear a cap, but Johannes preferred to go bareheaded so as not to mess up his handsomely brushed head of hair that he was so proud of having. Both brothers were brimming with joy, laughter, and jesting amongst themselves knowing that today and tomorrow would be filled with celebration, and especially an opportune time to meet up again with the two sisters they both had escorted home last night. Konrädchen, contemplating his plans for the day looked on pensively at his brother Johannes who he admired and wanted to be like. Johannes was always well-dressed, handsome, charming, energetic, fun, out going, entertaining, and everybody liked him. Soon, the brothers departed the house after having given Mama a kiss and their goodbyes, to her well wishes for them. Mama then turned a glance over to Konrädchen whose composure appeared to her as being rather melancholic. She began to wonder just what was going on with him, and why he was no longer excited at the chance to go along with Peter and go places and do things.
“Konrädchen, Was tunst du Heute?” Konrädchen what are you doing today?, inquired Mama.
“Ich weisse nichts Mama.” I don't know Mama, he replied.
“Konrädchen, warum weisst du nichts?” Konrädchen, why don’t you know?, Mama asked with motherly concern.
“Weil mein Hemd und Jacke so zerlumpt ist, und durch mein hose pfeift der Wind, mein Stiefel scheint nicht, und mein Haar zu kurz ist, Mama!” Because my shirt and jacket is so ragged, and the wind blows through my pants, my boots have no shine, and my hair is too short!, exclaimed Konrädchen.
It was so true, thought Mama, regarding Konrädchen’s displeasure with his appearance. After all, he being the youngest boy, was
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having to wear all of his brother’s hand me down clothes that were pretty worn for wear by the time Konrädchen acquired them. Mama also realized that her little boy was becoming a big boy, and time for him to have new clothes of his own. She had been planning ahead for such a day prior to his confirmation to announce to Konrädchen a surprise she had for him, but now it appeared that day had arrived, although months sooner than she had anticipated.
“Konrädchen, called Mama, komm mal her. Ich habe ein Überaschung für dich.” Konrädchen, come here. I have a surprise for you.
“Mama, du hast ein Überaschung für mich?!” Mama you have a surprise for me!?, exclaimed Konrädchen.
Over to Mamas side Konrädchen rushed trying to contain his anxiousness to discover the surprise that Mama had for him.
“Konrädchen, darunter mein Bett die Kiste mir hole.” Konrädchen fetch me the chest under my bed, said Mama.
Konrädchen dropped down on his knees, bent over and reached his arms out under Mamas bed grasping hold of the chest and pulling it out from under the bed. Mama motioned for him to place it in front of her where she was seated at the table, and told him to sit down in the chair next to her. She reached down with a key to unlock the chest, then lifted up the lid, and pulled out the top tray. First, she brought out two new tunic shirts, one white, and the other with blue, grey and white vertical stripes, and laid them on the table. Next, she lifted up a pair of dark grey trousers, followed by a new brown leather jacket. Konrädchen was so overcome with joy to the verge of tears that he hugged and squeezed Mama while declaring his most grateful thanks to her. There was yet another surprise to follow as Mama reached for a large white sack at the bottom of the chest and handed it to Konrädchen. He found it hard to believe that there could possibly be any more
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wonderful surprises after what he had already received from Mama, and it wasn't even Christmastime or his birthday. Still, he thought, in all the Christmases and birthdays of the past combined, he had never been afforded the luxury of the gifts that Mama was now presenting him with. He untied the drawstrings to the sack, pulled it open, and reached inside to discover a brand new pair of shiny black leather boots, a crimson tunic sash, and a leather belt with a large metal buckle. Mama was as anxious as he was to see what the new clothes looked like on him.
“Konrädchen, bevor sich in deinen neue Bekleidung tragst, Ich wolle dir gründlich reinig. Gehst du jetzt und ein Bad nehmen!” Konrädchen, before you wear your new clothes, I want you thoroughly cleaned. Go now and take a bath!
“Ja, Ja, Mama!”, sagte ein sehr überglücklich Konrädchen. Yes, yes, Mama!, responded a very overjoyed Konrädchen.
Never before had Konrädchen been so quick to want to get cleaned up, and never before had he been given brand new clothes that he could claim as his very own. Minutes later, having given himself a thorough washing and drying off, he was ready to put on his new clothes. First, he put on his new trousers and buttoned up the fly. They were a bit large around the waist and length in order to allow him growing room, as they were to last him several years. The same held true for the white tunic he slipped his arms into, then down over his head past his shoulders and chest. He put on the leather belt with the large metal buckle to hold up his pants, around his waist over the white tunic shirt, he wrapped the crimson sash and tied it to one side. Reaching for a shiny black boot, he easily slipped a foot into it, as the boots too, were large enough for him to grow into, then on with the other boot, which later he would stuff a cloth into the toe of each boot to get a
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snugger fit. He finished buttoning up the side of his tunic shirt, and then tucked his trouser legs into his boots. He didn't put on his new jacket yet, for he wanted to see what he looked like in the mirror. He came out from behind the curtain partition into the room to show Mama how he looked, and also to see himself in the mirror. When Mama saw how good Konrädchen looked in his new clothes she beamed with joy and the esteem it presented him with, and also recognizing that her baby boy was now becoming a young man. Nevertheless he would always be her Konrädchen, and her baby boy.
“Konrädchen, mein Bub du guckst Wunderbar!” Konrädchen, my boy you look wonderful!, declared Mama.
“Mama, darf Ich mit deinen Spiegel sehe?” Mama, may I see with your mirror?
“Ach Ja, hier ist der Spiegel”, sagte Mama. Oh yes, here is the mirror, said Mama.
While Konrädchen glanced up and down at his new image he saw reflected in the mirror, Mama gave with a few slight tugs and pulls at his tunic and trousers to see how they fit him, noticing how roomy and loose the fit was, and yet understandably so.
Konrädchen turned to Mama and asked, “Mama, kann Ich meine neue Bekleidung Heute trage?” Mama can I wear my new clothes today?
Mama, at first with a doubtful and questionable look on her face, soon turned to a smile and replied,
“Ja Konrädchen, du kannst, aber hörst du mich, spielst du nicht und bekommst du nicht dreckig in deinen neue Bekleidung. Verstehst du?” Yes Konrädchen, you can, but listen to me, do not play and do not get dirty in your new clothes. Do you understand?
“Ja Mama, Ich verstehe!” Yes Mama I understand!
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responded a gleeful Konrädchen.
“Und wo gehst du Heute?” And where are you going today?, asked Mama.
“Ich möchte Spazieren machen Mama.” I would like to go for a walk Mama, said Konrädchen.
Mama nodded her approval, and then said,
“Nimmst du mit etwas Brot, Käse, und ein Apfel. Ach ja Konrädchen, auch nimmst mit ein stück Rivvelkuche, es ist frisch gebäckt. Also, sei zurück nach Hause für Abendsessen, und sei nicht spät.” Take with you some bread, cheese, and an apple. Oh yes Konrädchen, also take a piece of Rivvelkuche, it is fresh baked. So, be back home for dinner, and don't be late.
“Ja Mama, und vielen dank für alles, es freut mich sehr!” Yes Mama, and many thanks for everything, I am very pleased.
Konrädchen stepped over towards Mama to give her a kiss and hug goodbye just as she began to rise from her chair, but before he reached her, she began to falter as if her leg was giving out on her and Konrädchen immediately grabbed a hold of her to keep her from falling!
“Mama, was ist los?” Mama what’s the matter?
“Nichts, nichts, gar nichts. Ich glaube daß meine Beine schläfen ist, daß ist alles, aber du mir zu mein Bett hilfe kannst und Ich werde sich ausruhen.” Nothing, nothing, nothing at all. I believe that my leg is sleeping, that's all, but you can help me to my bed and I will take a rest, said Mama.
Konrädchen was worried and concerned that everything was not alright with Mama considering that she seemed to be having more and more trouble with her leg when it came to walking or getting up out of bed or getting up from a chair. Maybe this is just how people are when they get old thought Konrädchen.
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Konrädchen once again thanked Mama for his brand new clothes and gave her a big heartfelt hug and kiss, then headed for the door and the walk around the village that he had planned on doing.
“Wiedersehen Mama!” Goodbye Mama, said Konrädchen.
“Machs gut Konrädchen” Take care of yourself Konrädchen, said Mama.
“Ja Mama, Ich werde.” Yes Mama, I will.
And so off down the road with his old dog Zärkol tagging along, Konrädchen began his walk feeling very proud and grownup looking in his new garments. This newly acquired status now gave him the confidence to actively approach and greet people who he would have been too embarrassed to in the past because of his dirt-poor looking appearance. Konrädchen was always the colorful 'on stage' sort of character with his personal friends and family, but now all of Norka was his stage, and he in all his glory was in full charge with brief encounters of entertaining and charming villagers who he greeted and was greeted by along the way.
It was now nearing midday and seeing the steeple of the Norka church in the not far distance, Konrädchen decided to make a visit while services were not being conducted. It would be interesting to see what it was like without the entire congregation present. Upon entering, he now had the opportunity of viewing the entire magnificence of the church without distraction, and to be totally enveloped in the hallowed grace of beauty and silence. There were only two old woman seated separately in the church praying. He wanted to be close to the altar and sat himself in a pew near it. He gazed around some more, then sank deep into his thoughts and came up with prayer that gave thanks to Mama for his new clothes and that the trouble with her leg would be better. He said a prayer for his brothers and sisters.
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He prayed that he wanted to go to America, and ended with a prayer to someday be able to see the face of his father Konrad up in Heaven. Overwhelmed with emotion, Konrädchen fought off the welling feeling tightening up in his chest and in his throat. He clenched his teeth tightly to hold back the tears. Not all tears could be withheld as a few trickled down his cheeks. With the back of his hand and fingers he wiped them away. Waiting a minute or so to recompose himself, he rose from the pew, thanked God, and made his way to the outdoors, where the ever-faithful Zärkol eagerly anticipated his reappearance.
A feeling of well-being and goodness accompanied him as he stood there scanning the area deciding on which direction next to take. The lone wolf within him never felt more independent, in control and in charge of his existence, to be able to randomly create his own path of adventure and where it would take him. Off towards the direction of the millpond was his next destination, for it was there he would have his lunch. He continued to greet people along the way, yet kept up a brisk pace, not bothering to stop. Having arrived, he sought out the shade of a tree located right at the edge of the millpond, and proceeded to eat his lunch. As he ate, he stared vacantly into the reflection of passing clouds and blue sky on the millpond. Occasionally he would bend over and pick up a stone and toss it into the pond to observe the broken mirrored surface emit circles of rippling waves, and then become as smooth as glass once again. Having given his last bite of food to Zärkol, he suddenly heard voices from behind and turned to see three boys coming towards him. As they approached, the oldest and biggest who was about fifteen spoke,
“Was machst du hier?” What are you doing here? asked the boy with a smirk on his face.
“Nichts.” Nothing, replied Konrädchen.
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“Wie heißt du? What’s your name? asked the boy.
“Ich heiße Konrad, Konrad Döring.”
Instantly, Konrädchen fearful that a fight was to ensue, being totally vulnerable in his brand new clothes that Mama permitted him to wear, was dreadfully aware of the pain this would cause her and the shame he would have to bare for letting her down, knowing that he would be coming back home in dirtied, torn, and bloodstained clothes, directly added,
“Ich bin der Bruder von Peter, Johannes, Adam, und Heinrich Döring, kennst du ihnen?” I am the brother of Peter, Johannes, Adam, and Heinrich Döring, do you know them?
All three boys turned and whispered to one another, then the big boy spoke again,
“Ja, Ich kenne deinen Brudern.” Yeh, I know your brothers.
And with that, the three would be predators sauntered off, but not without casting glaring looks over their shoulders at Konrädchen. It was as if to say, 'We'll get you one day when your brothers aren’t around to protect you, or your dog.' The fact of the matter was, that had it not been for the new clothes that Konrädchen felt so vulnerable wearing and fearful for ruining, he would have not in the least avoided a fight started by the big boy, and then sending the other two running as fast as they could for home with Zärkol chasing and barking after them. He looked forward to encountering them again, with one exception, that he would be wearing his old clothes.
Relieved that his new clothes were intact, Konrädchen headed back to a more populated area of Norka and resumed his proud and determined stride once again greeting people and himself being greeted. Then came the time to eventually head back home, but not before stopping by the homes of his two best friends Heinrich Kiltau and
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Heinrich Reisbich to show off his new clothes and to tell them about the three boys who tried to start a fight with him, but at the mention of his brothers, avoided having to ruin his new clothes his mother gave him. Realizing that the sun was beginning to show signs of a sunset and before long it would be night, Konrädchen bid his friends goodbye and headed for home.
When he arrived home and entered the house, he was quite surprised to see all of the family gathered together. His joy to see them all suddenly changed when along with the eerie silence, he discovered some rather disturbing and somber looks on each of their faces. Immediately sensing that something was wrong, he blurted out,
“Was ist los?” Then turned to Mama and repeated himself, “Mama was ist los?!!” What’s the matter, Mama what’s the matter?!!
Mama seated with Frau Giebelhaus at her side spoke,
“Konrädchen, Mama am Morgenfrüh nach Saratov mit Adam, Johannes, und Frau Giebelhaus im Wagen fahren müssen. Ich muss ein besuch mit der Arzt mache. Aber keine sorge, es ist nur die Beine und dann kommen wir uns sofort zurück.” Konrädchen, Mama must travel early tomorrow morning to Saratov in the wagon with Adam, Johannes, and Frau Giebelhaus. I must make a visit with the doctor. But don't worry, it is only the leg, and then we'll come back right away.
“Mama, kann Ich auch mit Euch gehe?” Mama, can I also go with you?, asked Konrädchen.
“Konrädchen, du bleibst zu Hause mit Peter und Anna Katharina und Morgen in die Kirche gehen. Verstanden?” Konrädchen, you stay home with Peter and Anna Katharina and tomorrow go to church. Understood?, answered Mama.
“Ja Mama, verstanden.” Yes Mama, understood, replied a rueful Konrädchen.
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“Sei nicht traurig mein Kind, sagte Mama. Und nun, bitte nehmen Sie ein platz auf den Tisch und Essen von die Goldene Ernte das Gott für uns beschaffen hatte.” Don’t be sad my children, said Mama. And now, Take a seat at the table and eat of the golden harvest that God has provided for us.
Johannes led the prayer at the table. Everyone did their best to act cheerful and after supper to go on talking as if nothing in particular was the matter, yet in each and everyone’s mind they all were well aware of the serious situation that Mama and they themselves were in for. All except for Konrädchen that is. The truth of the matter was that Mama was diabetic, whether or not she herself or anyone else at the time knew that to be the diagnosis of her condition. The devastating effect was that gangrene had set in her leg and taken its toll with the inevitable consequence that would result in the amputation of her leg. Even more serious consequences of the loss of her leg would follow., but for now Konrädchen assured that Mama would be alright after having seen a doctor, said his prayers that night, thanking Mama for his new clothes and praying for her leg to be better.
Before dawn the next morning, Peter hurried off to 'Old man Schleining's' to borrow his best wagon and horses that he was told could be used for Mamas trip to Saratov. By the time Peter returned, Johannes was standing outside ready to lay out a thick cushion of straw in the wagon, and blankets to cover the straw. Adam carried out several baskets of food, blankets, and containers of water, including a large folded tarp in case it rained. Mama was taken out to the wagon and carefully laid back on the bed of straw with pillows to allow her to sit up, and make her as comfortable as they could for the lengthy trip to Saratov and back. It was Frau Giebelhaus to ride in
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back with her, and Johannes and Adam sitting up front handling the reins. Without hesitation, they were swiftly off down the road with Konrädchen, Peter and Anna Katharina waving to Mama until the wagon disappeared from view. It was then that Anna Katharina ran back into the house wailing and sobbing her heart out! Konrädchen and Peter both sensing fear and compassion rushed to comfort their sister and sat there on the edge of Mamas bed in a huddled embrace, that was so moving, so caring, and so bound together as family in time of crisis. They then got down on their knees with their elbows resting on Mamas bed and heads bowed and began to pray.
Three whole days had passed and they hadn't returned yet. Shortly before dark on the evening of the fourth day, the creaking sound of the wagon was heard and racing out to greet them ran Konrädchen, Peter and Anna Katharina. They halted abruptly as they approached the wagon having seen Johannes signal to them to be quiet. Not a voice was spoken as Adam and Johannes carefully lifted Mama out of the wagon and carried her into the house and laid her down on her bed. Frau Giebelhaus kept Konrädchen and Peter outside but sent in Anna Katharina. Directly back out came Adam. With a nod of his head he motioned the brothers to follow him a short distance away from the house, then softly spoke,
“Peter und Konrad, Mama nicht Gesund ist und sie auch sehr müde ist. Sie brauchst viel erholung und Ruhe haben. Ihr nicht laut sprechen müssen und auch kein Streiten, verstanden? Und nun hör zu und sei mutig, am Dienstag Mama Chiurgie hatte. Ihr Beine sehr schlescht war und der Artzt ihr Beine runder das Knie Amputieren hatte. Bald, Frau Giebelhaus wird sagte das euch im Hause gehen können und Mama sehen. Wann Ihr Mama sehen, gucken nicht traurig, sei munter das Mama zurück zu Hause ist, sagen
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nur ein wenig, und dann an ihr Gute Nacht sagen.” Peter and Konrad, Mama is not well and she is also very tired. She needs much rest and quiet. You must not speak loud and also no quarreling, understood? And now listen and be brave, on Tuesday Mama had surgery. Her leg was very bad and the Doctor amputated her leg below the knee. Soon Frau Giebelhaus will tell you that you can go in the house and see Mama. When you see Mama, don’t look sad, be cheerful that Mama is back home, say only a little, then say good night to her.
When Konrädchen heard Adam mention that Mamas leg had been amputated, he gave with a startled gasp, and was immediately offered solace by a firm shoulder embrace from Peter. The hurt welling up in him caused him to purse his mouth tightly and bite his bottom lip to keep from bursting out in tears. Adam continued on, saying that Mama would need to be cared for, with Anna Katharina and Frau Giebelhaus changing her bandages, bathing and dressing her, and that we men, especially Konrädchen, would have to be there to lift Mama up in bed, or carry her to sit in a chair after her wound has healed and she is feeling much better and stronger.
About a half hour had passed when the door to the house opened and the silhouetted figure of Frau Giebelhaus was observed standing in the doorway waving them to come in. Konrädchen and Peter were ushered in first and saw Anna Katharina seated next to Mamas bedside holding Mamas hand. She rose from her chair to allow Konrädchen and Peter to come alongside the bed where they both kneeled and placed their hands on the area of the blanket that covered Mamas arm and hand. In the dimly candlelit room, Mamas face shone white and pale. Her eyes were closed but she was not yet asleep, and heard both Konrädchen and Peter softly whisper,
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“Mama.”
She turned her head towards their voices with eyes too heavy to open, although managing a slight smile knowing it was them. Adam tapped them on the shoulder and they both bid Mama goodnight.
Back outdoors went Konrädchen and Peter. Peter had to get the wagon and horses back to 'Old man Schleining’s' before it got too late. Peter didn't offer Konrädchen to go along with him, and neither did Konrädchen ask to go along, as both boys wanted to be left alone to endure the painful feelings that each was now so heavily overwhelmed with. The lone wolf within Konrädchen called out for him to run, and run as fast as he could, away from the houses and across the harvested fields, faster and faster he ran as if being pursued, and once far removed from where he would be seen or heard, and totally out of breath and exhausted, he dropped face down to the ground and howled, and howled, and howled!!!
Konrädchen nach Amerika
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Autumn 1911
Nearly two years have passed and Konrädchen is now fifteen years old. It is the autumn of 1911. Peter is eighteen, Anna Katharina is seventeen, Adam is twenty-three and has been serving in the Russian military, Johannes is twenty-one and is anticipating that soon he too will be conscripted to serve. Heinrich and his wife Margarethe have long since emigrated to America joining their older sister Louise and her husband Johannes Blum. The one main source of joy, solace and comfort that the Döring family looked forward to were letters from America and from Adam. This could be said true of nearly every Volga Colony village, as there wasn't a single family who hadn't a family member or close relative who hadn't emigrated to either America, Canada, South America, or western Siberia, or sons conscripted to serve in the Russian military. There were countless good reasons for emigrating, yet for many there were good reasons to remain. Older people saw no reason to start life anew in another land. Those, who in business had acquired great wealth and land, had no reason to emigrate. The chance to acquire more land from those departing would be an incentive to remain. The infirm, chronically ill, diseased, mentally and physically disabled had no chance of being excepted for immigration, and even though they and their families with all their hopes might try, would be rejected and sent back home. This would be equally upsetting for other family members who would be qualified for immigration, yet would as well have to return with the rejected family member whose care was dependent upon them. With this being the case, many families didn't even apply for emigration knowing that they couldn't abandon a family member and must remain
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to take care of them. This of course did not mean that all of the family had to remain, depending on the size of the family. How it was decided who would get to emigrate, and just who would have to stay behind is another issue, where some undoubtedly tough choices and sacrifices would be made and felt.
Konrädchen was seated outside at the outdoor table reading a recent letter from his brother Heinrich who was relating the wonders of life in America at the town called Portland in the State of Oregon. Not only were there carriages that could move without horses to pull them, that even common folk owned, unlike in Russia where the only one who could own a horseless carriage were the big Russian Government authorities. Like the one time a high-ranking government official came to Norka from Saratov several years ago in a horseless carriage, the very first time anyone in the village had ever seen or knew what a horseless carriage was.
Konrädchen tried his best to imagine what it was like to have an indoor toilet inside ones home like he was told that many people in America had. Trying to visualize an outhouse indoors didn't seem to him as being very sanitary or private, and the stench that would reek throughout the house was unthinkable. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad seeing as houses in America were as large as the Norka church and with two floors and big cellars. You could even travel in American towns on what was called a streetcar that was like the car of a train that ran by electricity on iron tracks. In some of the homes there was electricity for lights in every room, which meant that you could stay up longer after dark and not have to go to bed so early. Other homes had gas that came through underground pipes for lights and for stoves. There were all sorts of wondrous things described to him and the family about this town called Portland in the State of Oregon.
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Picture postcards were also sent depicting the nearby mountains, ocean, waterfalls, streets and buildings. Both brother Heinrich and sister Louise gave mention that they were living in a section of Portland referred to in English as "Rooshian town". Most people living there were from Norka, but that they were meeting other neighbors and people at church who had immigrated from Huck, Balzer, Dietel, Grimm, Beideck, and Frank. Many of the German men went into business for themselves and became garbage men, so wrote Heinrich. Their sister Louise’s husband Johannes Blum had his garbage business, and so did Deines, Hahn, Miller, Hohnstein, Glanz, Traudt, Wolf, Meyer, Krieger, and others to just name a few. Other large numbers of Germans were employed in furniture factories, and it was rumored that you could make as much as one dollar a day. Konrädchen's imagination was running wild with grandiose visions that would lie in store for him, if only he himself was able to go to America. He would constantly write letters asking questions and saying that he too wanted to come to America. He was quick to point out in his letters that he was big and strong. Strong he was, but big, physically in stature to speak of, he wasn't. Probably at that time no taller than five feet-two. Oh, he would stretch out and stand on his tiptoes for sure if need be, especially on that one occasion when a family photograph was taken. Anything he could do to convince his brother Heinrich to be his sponsor for coming to America, he would be sure to bring attention to in his letters.
Here it was late October and the sun still shone bright in the sky, but now a cold wind was whipping about the yard and blowing the pages of Konrädchen’s letter off of the table, scattering them about, with him chasing after them. After he retrieved his letter he stood there, then slowly turned full circle observing the vast panorama of sky
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above the Steppes and saw that large foreboding dark clouds from a northwesterly direction were rolling in. In minutes, the sun was completely blotted out and the cold wind grew more intense. Once back inside the house, Konrädchen reported his observance on the dramatic change of weather to Mama.
“Der Himmel ist mit dunkeln Wolken bedeckt und der Wind sehr kalt ist.” The sky is covered with dark clouds and the wind is very cold.
It wasn't long thereafter that the first bright flash of lightning could be seen illuminating the darkened afternoon horizon, followed by the distant rumbling sounds of thunder, and very soon descending down from the Norka heavens directly above them came the earth shattering explosion of crackling thunder, so powerfully loud and felt, as it ripped through the atmosphere sending jagged bolts of lightning to the earth! Most people took this passing of the elements quite seriously and huddled their children safely under tables or down in cellars. Certainly anyone out in a field would head for shelter so as not to be struck down. Even Zärkol the old family dog crept nervously into a corner to hide. During past thunderstorms he would begin with loud barking and end up with a wailing howl, but now, very old and somewhat feeble, he wrinkled a furrowed brow, gave with a slight moan, and sought cover and refuge. Konrädchen however, stood at a window with opened shutter and watched with excitement the spectacular display of nature’s forces gone awry.
“Konrädchen”, shouted Mama, “mach das Fensterladen zu und komm mal her!” Konrädchen, close the shutter and come here!
Konrädchen slowly closed the shutter catching a last glimpse of lightning as it lit up the entire darkened sky and land. The blasts of thunder became more frequent, closer and louder between each
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luminous flash of lightning! No sooner had Konrädchen walked away from the window, there came a most powerful resounding boom of thunder crashing down directly over the house, causing everything to vibrate and shake as if an earthquake was taking place! The overwhelming roar and violent tremor of the thunder startled Mama so much that she cursed aloud,
“Donner Wetter!!”
Immediately, Mama remorsefully placed a hand over her mouth having even surprised herself, and Konrädchen, that she made such a startled response. Not a Christian thing to say or do, but under the circumstances she was hopeful that God would forgive her. Literally, Donner Wetter meant nothing more than 'thunder weather', however, verbalized in an emotionally upset or angry manner was considered a form of cursing or swearing.
Zärkol began to whimper as he retook refuge and comfort at the foot of Mama seated at the table, as the voluminous echo and clamor of thunder continued to resonate with full fury and force upon their humble dwelling!
In the wake of the passing thunder and lightning, large pelting drops of rain could be heard which quickly turned into a torrential downfall soundly beating against the roof, house and ground. It was quite dark now in the house and a lamp had to be lighted. The unceasing heavy rains showed no let up, propelled by gale winds it lowered the temperature and brought with it a feeling of dampness into the house.
“Konrädchen, es gibts ein bischen kalt, bitte machts du ein Feuer in das Ofen, auch ein Messer und die Kartoffel mir bringe.” Konrädchen, its a little cold, please make a fire in the stove, also bring me a knife and the potatoes, requested Mama.
Konrädchen had a good fire going in the stove that soon took the
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chill and dampness out of the room. Mama had instructed him to put a pot of water on for the potatoes to cook in, and another pot with a little water in it for the sauerkraut, while she prepared dough for Apfelkloess (apple dumplings). After that had been done, then big slices of Wurst was mixed in with the sauerkraut and the Apfelkloess dough placed atop the sauerkraut, followed by a dishcloth wrapped around the lid to serve as a gasket so as not to allow the steam to escape from the pot, and therefore steam the dumplings.
After the potatoes had cooked, and the potato water had been drained off, Konrädchen mashed and seasoned them, and this was referred to in German cooking as "Brei", and what we simply call mashed potatoes.
The hungry little wolves in the pit of Konrädchen’s stomach were beginning to stir and awaken. One was hardly conscious that a recent thunderstorm had occurred, or that the hard rains still persisting had any effect on it now being so comfortable, warm and cozy indoors along with the appetizing aroma of hearty and wholesome German food emitting from the cook stove. Konrädchen had become quite an excellent cook with Mama there to teach him the refinements of measuring and seasoning. He had become Mamas right arm, so to speak, with it now having been slightly over two years since she had her left leg amputated. Unable to walk or get around, it was up to him to lift and carry her from place to place around the house or to the outdoors. By today’s life expectancy standards, she wouldn't seem that old at only fifty-four, yet by the life expectancy standards of the time, she was old, and she was in very poor health being a diabetic with little or no medical treatment to speak of. Whether or not she had the use of crutches is unknown, or even if she had them, would she have the strength to manage them.
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Konrädchen was preoccupied with his thoughts of how things had changed so much in the family. He was realizing how much he missed his oldest brother Heinrich who was like a father figure to him being ten years older, and even Adam who was eight years older now serving in the Russian Army somewhere in Turkey. It wouldn't be long, he thought, that Johannes would be summoned to enter into the Russian military. At least Peter and Anna Katharina would hopefully still be around. His gaze turned to Mama who was reading her Bible and thought how hard this life was on her, to have lost her husband and parents about the same time, the miscarriages, to be so poor, and then to have a leg removed. Even though the outward demeanor of her spirit had changed, and she spoke very little, the one thing that she didn't lose, and the one thing that hadn't changed was her faith in God. She had a great understanding of all that was mortal, and all that was of mankind’s making, and all that was her burden to bear. Her salvation and inner strength, despite all the pain, sorrow, suffering and human frailties she was confronted with, was a sanctuary of peace, joy, solace and great comfort that resided within her, no matter what further tragic events might come her way, she knew that nothing would or could effect that which God had provided and blessed her with. Above all, thought Konrädchen, above all, Mama was a woman of great faith and virtue.
It was now time to eat, the food was cooked, and ready to be served, which is exactly what Konrädchen did. He was estimably proud of his cooking ability as he proceeded with a plate to scoop up a generous portion of Kraut, Wurst, Apfelkloess, and Brei and serve it to Mama. She too felt proud as such that Konrädchen was a good cook, after all, she thought, God provides food for everyone, and it is up to all to know how to cook, either for oneself or for others if need
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be, and not just left to the womenfolk to rely dependence on. “Konrädchen, es freut mich sehr daß ein sehr gutes Koch du hast bekommt.” Konrädchen, I am very happy that you have become a very good cook.
“Danke Mama, es freut mich auch daß was habe Ich gelernt, Ich habe von dir gelernt. Ich bin auch an Gott sehr dankvoll.” Thanks Mama, it makes me happy also that what I have learned, I have learned from you. I am also unto God very thankful.
Konrädchen could see the glow of warmth enveloping Mamas countenance. She became especially pleased when he gave thanks to God. Whether or not he intentionally gave thanks to God, assuredly knowing that it would please her, which he knew it would, but the fact of the matter was that he meant it. He then dished himself a plateful of food and sat down, bowed his head and led a prayer offering thanks to God for the bountiful Fall harvest, and a prayer for each member of the family. Mama’s eyes were beginning to glass over, yet managing to hold back her tears of joy.
After they had finished eating, Mama wanted to lie down to rest and motioned for Konrädchen to assist her to bed. She put her arm around his shoulder as he carefully picked her up and carried her over to her bed, eased her down on it, and covered her with a blanket. Back at the table he proceeded to continue with his letter writing. Not long thereafter, in came Anna Katherina having spent the day with Frau Giebelhaus making lye soap. They spoke of the thunderstorm, shortly joined by Peter relating his commentary of how the frightened horses over at Old man Schleining's had reacted to the fury of the storm, after having kicked boards out of the side of the barn. Then in came Johannes who had been working for the Sittners, reporting the news that lightning had struck a wagon loaded with hay causing it to burn
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to the ground. He also added that there would undoubtedly be more reports of news to come in the evening and in the morning regarding the storm and any further damage or harm that might have occurred. Konrädchen however, consciously oblivious as to what was being discussed, was seen to be fully absorbed in letter writing to his brother Heinrich and sister Louise in America.
Winter 1911
The unforgiving below freezing temperature winds of early December mercilessly descended upon Norka, gripping it tightly in a chilling cloak of frozen ice and snow. A grim reminder of how Mamas husband and the Döring children’s father Konrad froze to death some thirteen years ago while having been caught out in a snow blizzard in December of 1898. On the other hand, the severe Norka winters were nothing new to them, nor being snowed in for months at a time. It would be no out of the ordinary problem with cupboards and storehouses stocked with enough provisions to get them through the severest of winters extreme effects, and equally enough food staples to stretch beyond to the next harvest season. Refrigeration for meat during winter certainly was of no problem, as long as it was locked up safe and secure from the reach of predators. Even during springtime and up into the summer, blocks of ice that had been wrapped in heavy burlap or a thick felt sacks and then covered over with piles of straw serving as insulation to aid in the slowing down of the melting process of the ice as temperatures began to rise, was an added means to the preserving of food, and other uses thereof. Outdoor cellars and sturdy shed storehouses made for excellent natural refrigeration units during the winter and into the spring.
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“Nicht so viel Holz Konrädchen”, Not so much wood Konrädchen, said Mama referring to the amount of wood Konrädchen was adding to the fire in the stove. “Es wird ein lang Winter zu sein und wir nicht so schnell so viel Holz brennen mussen”, It will be a long winter and we must not so quickly burn up so much wood.
“Ja, ja Mama Ich weiss. Ganz bestimmt ein sehr lang Winter.” Yes, yes Mama I know. Definitely a very long winter.
A sound rapping at the door summoned Konrädchen to see who was there. Upon opening the door, there stood Postman Krieger with a large package.
“Guten Tag Frau Döring, Ich habe ein Paket für Sie aus Amerika von dein Sohn Heinrich.” Good afternoon Frau Döring, I have a package for you from your son Heinrich in America.
“Guten Tag Herr Krieger, danke schön. Möchten Sie ein Tasse Tee haben? Der Teekessel auf der Ofen sehr heiß ist.” Good afternoon Herr Krieger, thank you. Would you like to have a cup of tea? The teakettle on the stove is very hot.
“Nein, aber vielen dank Frau Döring, Ich muß fahrt gehe mit viele Briefe und Pakete zustellen. Auf Wiedersehen.” No, but many thanks Frau Döring, I must travel on with many letters and packages to deliver. Goodbye.
“Auf Wiedersehen Herr Krieger.”
Herr Krieger had barely stepped out the door, as the very inquisitive and excited Konrädchen rushed over to Mamas side, anxious to learn of the contents within the large package. Mama, aware of Konrädchen nervously fidgeting to find out what the package contained, handed it over to him to open. He immediately reached for a knife and began to cut away at the twine that bound the package, then to Mamas chagrin began tearing away at the heavy paper wrapping,
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to which she immediately picked up a sugar beet and hit him with it to discourage him from ruining the useful paper. After uncovering the contents of the package, Mama and he both discovered what appeared to be winter clothing consisting of sweaters, stockings, wool scarves, caps, gloves, skirts, trousers, tobacco, tea, and candy. Also, there were two letters, one for Mama and one for Konrädchen. And just like a hungry little wolf with its own bone to chew on, off he whisked himself to a corner to sit and devour whatever information and news within the letter there was, regarding responses to his previous communiqués to America. The letter read;
Autumn 1911
Nearly two years have passed and Konrädchen is now fifteen years old. It is the autumn of 1911. Peter is eighteen, Anna Katharina is seventeen, Adam is twenty-three and has been serving in the Russian military, Johannes is twenty-one and is anticipating that soon he too will be conscripted to serve. Heinrich and his wife Margarethe have long since emigrated to America joining their older sister Louise and her husband Johannes Blum. The one main source of joy, solace and comfort that the Döring family looked forward to were letters from America and from Adam. This could be said true of nearly every Volga Colony village, as there wasn't a single family who hadn't a family member or close relative who hadn't emigrated to either America, Canada, South America, or western Siberia, or sons conscripted to serve in the Russian military. There were countless good reasons for emigrating, yet for many there were good reasons to remain. Older people saw no reason to start life anew in another land. Those, who in business had acquired great wealth and land, had no reason to emigrate. The chance to acquire more land from those departing would be an incentive to remain. The infirm, chronically ill, diseased, mentally and physically disabled had no chance of being excepted for immigration, and even though they and their families with all their hopes might try, would be rejected and sent back home. This would be equally upsetting for other family members who would be qualified for immigration, yet would as well have to return with the rejected family member whose care was dependent upon them. With this being the case, many families didn't even apply for emigration knowing that they couldn't abandon a family member and must remain
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to take care of them. This of course did not mean that all of the family had to remain, depending on the size of the family. How it was decided who would get to emigrate, and just who would have to stay behind is another issue, where some undoubtedly tough choices and sacrifices would be made and felt.
Konrädchen was seated outside at the outdoor table reading a recent letter from his brother Heinrich who was relating the wonders of life in America at the town called Portland in the State of Oregon. Not only were there carriages that could move without horses to pull them, that even common folk owned, unlike in Russia where the only one who could own a horseless carriage were the big Russian Government authorities. Like the one time a high-ranking government official came to Norka from Saratov several years ago in a horseless carriage, the very first time anyone in the village had ever seen or knew what a horseless carriage was.
Konrädchen tried his best to imagine what it was like to have an indoor toilet inside ones home like he was told that many people in America had. Trying to visualize an outhouse indoors didn't seem to him as being very sanitary or private, and the stench that would reek throughout the house was unthinkable. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad seeing as houses in America were as large as the Norka church and with two floors and big cellars. You could even travel in American towns on what was called a streetcar that was like the car of a train that ran by electricity on iron tracks. In some of the homes there was electricity for lights in every room, which meant that you could stay up longer after dark and not have to go to bed so early. Other homes had gas that came through underground pipes for lights and for stoves. There were all sorts of wondrous things described to him and the family about this town called Portland in the State of Oregon.
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Picture postcards were also sent depicting the nearby mountains, ocean, waterfalls, streets and buildings. Both brother Heinrich and sister Louise gave mention that they were living in a section of Portland referred to in English as "Rooshian town". Most people living there were from Norka, but that they were meeting other neighbors and people at church who had immigrated from Huck, Balzer, Dietel, Grimm, Beideck, and Frank. Many of the German men went into business for themselves and became garbage men, so wrote Heinrich. Their sister Louise’s husband Johannes Blum had his garbage business, and so did Deines, Hahn, Miller, Hohnstein, Glanz, Traudt, Wolf, Meyer, Krieger, and others to just name a few. Other large numbers of Germans were employed in furniture factories, and it was rumored that you could make as much as one dollar a day. Konrädchen's imagination was running wild with grandiose visions that would lie in store for him, if only he himself was able to go to America. He would constantly write letters asking questions and saying that he too wanted to come to America. He was quick to point out in his letters that he was big and strong. Strong he was, but big, physically in stature to speak of, he wasn't. Probably at that time no taller than five feet-two. Oh, he would stretch out and stand on his tiptoes for sure if need be, especially on that one occasion when a family photograph was taken. Anything he could do to convince his brother Heinrich to be his sponsor for coming to America, he would be sure to bring attention to in his letters.
Here it was late October and the sun still shone bright in the sky, but now a cold wind was whipping about the yard and blowing the pages of Konrädchen’s letter off of the table, scattering them about, with him chasing after them. After he retrieved his letter he stood there, then slowly turned full circle observing the vast panorama of sky
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above the Steppes and saw that large foreboding dark clouds from a northwesterly direction were rolling in. In minutes, the sun was completely blotted out and the cold wind grew more intense. Once back inside the house, Konrädchen reported his observance on the dramatic change of weather to Mama.
“Der Himmel ist mit dunkeln Wolken bedeckt und der Wind sehr kalt ist.” The sky is covered with dark clouds and the wind is very cold.
It wasn't long thereafter that the first bright flash of lightning could be seen illuminating the darkened afternoon horizon, followed by the distant rumbling sounds of thunder, and very soon descending down from the Norka heavens directly above them came the earth shattering explosion of crackling thunder, so powerfully loud and felt, as it ripped through the atmosphere sending jagged bolts of lightning to the earth! Most people took this passing of the elements quite seriously and huddled their children safely under tables or down in cellars. Certainly anyone out in a field would head for shelter so as not to be struck down. Even Zärkol the old family dog crept nervously into a corner to hide. During past thunderstorms he would begin with loud barking and end up with a wailing howl, but now, very old and somewhat feeble, he wrinkled a furrowed brow, gave with a slight moan, and sought cover and refuge. Konrädchen however, stood at a window with opened shutter and watched with excitement the spectacular display of nature’s forces gone awry.
“Konrädchen”, shouted Mama, “mach das Fensterladen zu und komm mal her!” Konrädchen, close the shutter and come here!
Konrädchen slowly closed the shutter catching a last glimpse of lightning as it lit up the entire darkened sky and land. The blasts of thunder became more frequent, closer and louder between each
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luminous flash of lightning! No sooner had Konrädchen walked away from the window, there came a most powerful resounding boom of thunder crashing down directly over the house, causing everything to vibrate and shake as if an earthquake was taking place! The overwhelming roar and violent tremor of the thunder startled Mama so much that she cursed aloud,
“Donner Wetter!!”
Immediately, Mama remorsefully placed a hand over her mouth having even surprised herself, and Konrädchen, that she made such a startled response. Not a Christian thing to say or do, but under the circumstances she was hopeful that God would forgive her. Literally, Donner Wetter meant nothing more than 'thunder weather', however, verbalized in an emotionally upset or angry manner was considered a form of cursing or swearing.
Zärkol began to whimper as he retook refuge and comfort at the foot of Mama seated at the table, as the voluminous echo and clamor of thunder continued to resonate with full fury and force upon their humble dwelling!
In the wake of the passing thunder and lightning, large pelting drops of rain could be heard which quickly turned into a torrential downfall soundly beating against the roof, house and ground. It was quite dark now in the house and a lamp had to be lighted. The unceasing heavy rains showed no let up, propelled by gale winds it lowered the temperature and brought with it a feeling of dampness into the house.
“Konrädchen, es gibts ein bischen kalt, bitte machts du ein Feuer in das Ofen, auch ein Messer und die Kartoffel mir bringe.” Konrädchen, its a little cold, please make a fire in the stove, also bring me a knife and the potatoes, requested Mama.
Konrädchen had a good fire going in the stove that soon took the
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chill and dampness out of the room. Mama had instructed him to put a pot of water on for the potatoes to cook in, and another pot with a little water in it for the sauerkraut, while she prepared dough for Apfelkloess (apple dumplings). After that had been done, then big slices of Wurst was mixed in with the sauerkraut and the Apfelkloess dough placed atop the sauerkraut, followed by a dishcloth wrapped around the lid to serve as a gasket so as not to allow the steam to escape from the pot, and therefore steam the dumplings.
After the potatoes had cooked, and the potato water had been drained off, Konrädchen mashed and seasoned them, and this was referred to in German cooking as "Brei", and what we simply call mashed potatoes.
The hungry little wolves in the pit of Konrädchen’s stomach were beginning to stir and awaken. One was hardly conscious that a recent thunderstorm had occurred, or that the hard rains still persisting had any effect on it now being so comfortable, warm and cozy indoors along with the appetizing aroma of hearty and wholesome German food emitting from the cook stove. Konrädchen had become quite an excellent cook with Mama there to teach him the refinements of measuring and seasoning. He had become Mamas right arm, so to speak, with it now having been slightly over two years since she had her left leg amputated. Unable to walk or get around, it was up to him to lift and carry her from place to place around the house or to the outdoors. By today’s life expectancy standards, she wouldn't seem that old at only fifty-four, yet by the life expectancy standards of the time, she was old, and she was in very poor health being a diabetic with little or no medical treatment to speak of. Whether or not she had the use of crutches is unknown, or even if she had them, would she have the strength to manage them.
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Konrädchen was preoccupied with his thoughts of how things had changed so much in the family. He was realizing how much he missed his oldest brother Heinrich who was like a father figure to him being ten years older, and even Adam who was eight years older now serving in the Russian Army somewhere in Turkey. It wouldn't be long, he thought, that Johannes would be summoned to enter into the Russian military. At least Peter and Anna Katharina would hopefully still be around. His gaze turned to Mama who was reading her Bible and thought how hard this life was on her, to have lost her husband and parents about the same time, the miscarriages, to be so poor, and then to have a leg removed. Even though the outward demeanor of her spirit had changed, and she spoke very little, the one thing that she didn't lose, and the one thing that hadn't changed was her faith in God. She had a great understanding of all that was mortal, and all that was of mankind’s making, and all that was her burden to bear. Her salvation and inner strength, despite all the pain, sorrow, suffering and human frailties she was confronted with, was a sanctuary of peace, joy, solace and great comfort that resided within her, no matter what further tragic events might come her way, she knew that nothing would or could effect that which God had provided and blessed her with. Above all, thought Konrädchen, above all, Mama was a woman of great faith and virtue.
It was now time to eat, the food was cooked, and ready to be served, which is exactly what Konrädchen did. He was estimably proud of his cooking ability as he proceeded with a plate to scoop up a generous portion of Kraut, Wurst, Apfelkloess, and Brei and serve it to Mama. She too felt proud as such that Konrädchen was a good cook, after all, she thought, God provides food for everyone, and it is up to all to know how to cook, either for oneself or for others if need
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be, and not just left to the womenfolk to rely dependence on. “Konrädchen, es freut mich sehr daß ein sehr gutes Koch du hast bekommt.” Konrädchen, I am very happy that you have become a very good cook.
“Danke Mama, es freut mich auch daß was habe Ich gelernt, Ich habe von dir gelernt. Ich bin auch an Gott sehr dankvoll.” Thanks Mama, it makes me happy also that what I have learned, I have learned from you. I am also unto God very thankful.
Konrädchen could see the glow of warmth enveloping Mamas countenance. She became especially pleased when he gave thanks to God. Whether or not he intentionally gave thanks to God, assuredly knowing that it would please her, which he knew it would, but the fact of the matter was that he meant it. He then dished himself a plateful of food and sat down, bowed his head and led a prayer offering thanks to God for the bountiful Fall harvest, and a prayer for each member of the family. Mama’s eyes were beginning to glass over, yet managing to hold back her tears of joy.
After they had finished eating, Mama wanted to lie down to rest and motioned for Konrädchen to assist her to bed. She put her arm around his shoulder as he carefully picked her up and carried her over to her bed, eased her down on it, and covered her with a blanket. Back at the table he proceeded to continue with his letter writing. Not long thereafter, in came Anna Katherina having spent the day with Frau Giebelhaus making lye soap. They spoke of the thunderstorm, shortly joined by Peter relating his commentary of how the frightened horses over at Old man Schleining's had reacted to the fury of the storm, after having kicked boards out of the side of the barn. Then in came Johannes who had been working for the Sittners, reporting the news that lightning had struck a wagon loaded with hay causing it to burn
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to the ground. He also added that there would undoubtedly be more reports of news to come in the evening and in the morning regarding the storm and any further damage or harm that might have occurred. Konrädchen however, consciously oblivious as to what was being discussed, was seen to be fully absorbed in letter writing to his brother Heinrich and sister Louise in America.
Winter 1911
The unforgiving below freezing temperature winds of early December mercilessly descended upon Norka, gripping it tightly in a chilling cloak of frozen ice and snow. A grim reminder of how Mamas husband and the Döring children’s father Konrad froze to death some thirteen years ago while having been caught out in a snow blizzard in December of 1898. On the other hand, the severe Norka winters were nothing new to them, nor being snowed in for months at a time. It would be no out of the ordinary problem with cupboards and storehouses stocked with enough provisions to get them through the severest of winters extreme effects, and equally enough food staples to stretch beyond to the next harvest season. Refrigeration for meat during winter certainly was of no problem, as long as it was locked up safe and secure from the reach of predators. Even during springtime and up into the summer, blocks of ice that had been wrapped in heavy burlap or a thick felt sacks and then covered over with piles of straw serving as insulation to aid in the slowing down of the melting process of the ice as temperatures began to rise, was an added means to the preserving of food, and other uses thereof. Outdoor cellars and sturdy shed storehouses made for excellent natural refrigeration units during the winter and into the spring.
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“Nicht so viel Holz Konrädchen”, Not so much wood Konrädchen, said Mama referring to the amount of wood Konrädchen was adding to the fire in the stove. “Es wird ein lang Winter zu sein und wir nicht so schnell so viel Holz brennen mussen”, It will be a long winter and we must not so quickly burn up so much wood.
“Ja, ja Mama Ich weiss. Ganz bestimmt ein sehr lang Winter.” Yes, yes Mama I know. Definitely a very long winter.
A sound rapping at the door summoned Konrädchen to see who was there. Upon opening the door, there stood Postman Krieger with a large package.
“Guten Tag Frau Döring, Ich habe ein Paket für Sie aus Amerika von dein Sohn Heinrich.” Good afternoon Frau Döring, I have a package for you from your son Heinrich in America.
“Guten Tag Herr Krieger, danke schön. Möchten Sie ein Tasse Tee haben? Der Teekessel auf der Ofen sehr heiß ist.” Good afternoon Herr Krieger, thank you. Would you like to have a cup of tea? The teakettle on the stove is very hot.
“Nein, aber vielen dank Frau Döring, Ich muß fahrt gehe mit viele Briefe und Pakete zustellen. Auf Wiedersehen.” No, but many thanks Frau Döring, I must travel on with many letters and packages to deliver. Goodbye.
“Auf Wiedersehen Herr Krieger.”
Herr Krieger had barely stepped out the door, as the very inquisitive and excited Konrädchen rushed over to Mamas side, anxious to learn of the contents within the large package. Mama, aware of Konrädchen nervously fidgeting to find out what the package contained, handed it over to him to open. He immediately reached for a knife and began to cut away at the twine that bound the package, then to Mamas chagrin began tearing away at the heavy paper wrapping,
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to which she immediately picked up a sugar beet and hit him with it to discourage him from ruining the useful paper. After uncovering the contents of the package, Mama and he both discovered what appeared to be winter clothing consisting of sweaters, stockings, wool scarves, caps, gloves, skirts, trousers, tobacco, tea, and candy. Also, there were two letters, one for Mama and one for Konrädchen. And just like a hungry little wolf with its own bone to chew on, off he whisked himself to a corner to sit and devour whatever information and news within the letter there was, regarding responses to his previous communiqués to America. The letter read;
Lieber Bruder Konrad,
Du hast mir geschreibt daß du sehr gross bist und du willst nach Amerika kommen und Arbeit. Ich habe an Mutter gebitten um was sie denkst. Ich warte für ihr antwort.
Frohe Weihnachten und ein Gutes Neues Jahr
Grüß,
dein Bruder Heinrich
Dear brother Konrad,
You have written me that you are very big and you want to come to America
and work. I have asked Mother about what she thinks. I wait for her answer.
Merry Christmas and Happy New year.
Regards, your brother Heinrich
His reaction upon receiving the letter, and after having read it, was most thought provoking to say the least, thus ushering him into a state of exuberant bliss, followed by a multitude of wondrous images sending him along into the future of yet to be adventures, sparked by his hopes and dreams of emigrating to America which quite possibly could become a reality. Not wanting to overreact in front of Mama,
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he managed to contain his enthusiasm as he approached her.
“Was schreibt Heinrich, Mama?” What did Heinrich write, Mama?
“Er hat mir geschreibt das die Margarethe ein anderer Bube hat. Er heißt Heinrich, und das Sie an ein neu Haus wohnin.” He wrote me that Margarethe had another boy. He is called Heinrich, and that they live in a new house.
“Sonnst noch etwas, Mama?” Anything else, Mama?, inquired Konrädchen, standing there at the threshold of nervous anticipation, barely able to restrain his feelings of suspense, not knowing whether or not he would be permitted to make that giant leap forward bridging the deep chasm that separated him from his dream of emigrating to America, or whether he would suffer a great fall, thereby ending all hope.
Mama, now looking up at Konrädchen, saw the deep expression and look written all over his face, betraying the feelings he was so much in vain trying to conceal, put her arm around him and said,
“Ja Konrädchen, Heinrich er wollte an dir nach Amerika komme. Willst du nach Amerika gehe?” Yes Konrädchen, Heinrich wants you to come to America. Do you want to go to America? She knew exactly what his answer would be, as his immediate unleashed response was resounding!
“Ja Mama, Ich wolle nach Amerika gehe! Bitte, darf Ich gehe!?” Yes Mama, I want to go to America! Please, may I go!?
“Gut, Ja mein Sohn, du kannst nach Amerika geht, aber nicht vor dein sechzehnte geburtstag.” Good, yes my son, you can go, but not before your sixteenth birthday.
Overcome with unbelievable joy, he threw his arms around Mama, hugging and kissing her, and she holding onto him tightly, would now
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be faced with the reality of never seeing him again. It was she who initiated Konrädchen to emigrate to America in the first place, by reenforcing upon him an interest to go there. She was the one who encouraged him to write letters to his brother and sister in America. She was the one who wrote to Heinrich to ask if he would sponsor Konrädchen to come to America. She had planned out the move way in advance, unbeknownst to Konrädchen himself. The reason being, she wanted to make sure that this was something that he wanted to do, a choice for him to make on his own and accept some responsibility for his decision. She was not sending him away, she was doing what most mothers unselfishly do, and that was to protect him by saving him. Saving him from poverty, misery, her death, and saving him from what she saw and felt were terrible times yet to confront Russia, as would be the fate for all Volga Germans. At the time, one needn't gaze into a crystal ball to be able to forecast the future, in order to sense the direction Russia was headed, seeing as that direction, specifically regarding the Volga German communities, had been steadily gaining momentum on a downhill plunge towards oblivion as history would later attest to. She didn't look upon the matter as being a sacrifice on her behalf to be sending Konrädchen off to far away America, but more as the divine intervention of prayers answered, even if it meant losing a much loved, needed and beneficial son. She lost one Konrad in her life, and she was determined not to lose another.
“Mama, darf Ich an meinen Freunde erzählen?” Mama, may I tell my friends?
“Ja, ja, geh du, geh! Und vergisst du nicht warme Bekleidung!” Yes, yes, go you, go! And don’t forget warm clothes!
He dressed as rapidly he could, then darted out the door to share the wonderful news with his friends. This was his newly achieved
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status, and the fact that he was to travel by himself and not with a family was even more adventurous and exciting news. Once outdoors and unrestrained he let off with a howl that would perk up the ears of wolves for miles around. This was just at the very moment that Anna Katharina was approaching the house, and as she opened the door, stepped inside with a puzzled look on her face, asked,
“Mama was ist los mit Konrädchen?!” Mama, what's the matter with Konrädchen?!
“Nichts mit ihn ist los Kathchen. Dein Bruder sehr Glücklig ist.” Nothing is the matter with him Kathchen, Your brother is very happy.
Now the question might arise, Why Konrädchen, and not the others who were older and in line for their chance to go to America? Adam certainly had his chance before being conscripted to serve in the Russian Army, and for the time being, he was presently stationed in Turkey. Or perhaps after serving in the military with his obligation fulfilled, he would consider emigrating. Johannes, no doubt would soon be called upon to be conscripted to serve. Possibly the two older brothers didn't want to appear as though they were evading conscription by emigrating out of the country, deserting friends heeding their call of conscription into the military, and thereby bring shame and disgrace on the family. Perhaps they wouldn't have been allowed to legally emigrate in the first place without having completed their military obligation, which also was a fact to consider. It's all speculative of course, as emigrating to America was not a priority, or shared interest of importance to everyone. There were also reasons and incentive for remaining. There quite possibly were special women in Adam and Johannes’s lives. Women that they planned on marrying someday. It's also quite possible that employment and work prospects had opportuned
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itself to them once their military days were completed.
One incentive why many men chose to remain, is that every time that a male member of a family emigrated, another male family member, relative, or man from the village could purchase the departing persons land allotment, referred to as a Duscha. Money received, generally was used to fund ones payment for passage to emigrate. The more males born into a family, the more land under the Duscha system a family was allotted. So, with brother Heinrich having given up his land allotment, and Konrädchen soon to give up his, the three remaining brothers, which included Peter, would have more land. This practice was said not to have been legal, and by the time the Russian Revolution of 1917 was over, the land laws were changed, and the people who bought the parcels of land from departing relatives lost it all, including their investment. But that by comparison, would be a small loss compared to the horrendous losses they soon would be confronted with.
One other reason for remaining, was a responsibility to stay and care for a family member who wouldn’t qualify to emigrate, or be accepted at point of immigration, due to illness, disease, and infirmity. Someone would have to remain to care for Mama. Four made the choice to remain, Adam, Johannes, Peter, and Anna Katharina. After 1917, and a new Communist Russia, they had no choice. No one in Russia, from that time on, had a choice.
Spring 1912
They made it through another harsh winter without too much difficulty other than the usual case of being kept indoors for such long periods at a time. Once again, it was a good feeling to spend some
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enjoyable time in the outdoors and breathe the fresh air, hear the birds sing, see the new growth of blossoms, hang out wash to dry, and simply to feel the warmth of sun. Patches of snow and ice still covered the ground. Soon, within a week, with the melting came the problem of muddy roads and paths, causing carts and wagons to occasionally get stuck in the mud. Fortunately the problem wasn't further exacerbated by rainfall, and soon the muddy roads and paths dried up and all visible snow and ice had vanished.
It was now into the first week of April and Mama wanted to go outside and spend some time tending to her flower garden. Konrädchen brought out a chair for her along with a basket of her garden tools, came back inside and carried her out and sat her on the chair, where she immediately began to snip, weed and dig away. Every so often he would come to move her around to a new spot. When she grew tired, he would bring her back in the house.
With Konrädchen departing for America in no more than three months, everyone began to share in the role of taking care of, and tending to Mamas needs. That way, the transition of Konrädchen’s departure would be much easier on her with a shared response of dependence from the others, rather than her sole dependence on him alone. This was not to say that the other siblings were doing little for their mother, on the contrary, it was just Konrädchen who assumed the major role of caregiver. Not because he was expected to, not because it was his obligation to, not out of guilt, but simply out of wanting to and feeling good about it. It would primarily be up to Anna Katharina and Peter to care for her, but mostly Anna Katharina as Peter would be out working during the day. Johannes would be leaving soon for the military, and Adam was still serving in the military and would be for some time to come, as would be the same for Johannes. The time
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would come when Anna Katharina would be asked to marry. She would be expected to move to her husband’s house. In that case, either Adam, Johannes or Peter, one or all of them presumably married by that time, would be living at home, on their land, with wives to help out with Mama. One could readily assume that more homes would be built on the family property.
It wasn't surprising what the message would be contained in the official letter addressed to Johannes Döring delivered by Postman Krieger. He mentioned that he had already delivered several of the same official looking letters that morning to other young men in Norka, and had a few more of them with him. Even though Mama knew the day was coming, it didn't make it any easier for her to be confronted with. It was an ominous sign for her that nothing good was to come of it. She had only wished that Johannes would have emigrated while he had a chance. Somehow she was now feeling guilt, that because of her infirmity, some of her children were obligated to remain in Russia because of her, and to their detriment. The one saving grace and consolation resting on her heart and mind was that Konrädchen would be spared the fate of remaining here and would be leaving soon, and not soon enough.
At last, sometime around mid June, after all papers had been filed, Konrädchen received his passport, completing another giant step forward towards the realization of his big move of traveling to America. For fear of losing it or anything happening to it, he never took it with him to show off to his friends and other acquaintances, but kept it hidden in a safe place, along with his passage fare for the trains and ship, until it was time to depart Norka, which would be less than a month away.
On July 3rd, 1912 the Döring family celebrated Konrädchen’s
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sixteenth birthday and going away party, also coinciding with a celebration and party for Johannes who received his notice to report for duty into the Russian Army. Both a joyous and somber occasion, especially somber for Mama to see two sons being sent off knowing that she would never see her Konrädchen again, nor possibly for that matter with Johannes now conscripted to serve in the military.
That night as Konrädchen lay in bed wide awake on the eve of departure that would take him out of Norka, out of the Volga German settlements, out of Russia, and across the Atlantic Ocean to America, he anticipated the adventure with great enthusiasm and excitement. He only dozed that night, and was up very early before anyone else, checking to see that everything was ready and in order, so as not to forget a thing. He got dressed in his best clothes, the only ones that he would be wearing for the entire one and a half month trip.
By now everyone was up and concentrating attention on their little brother who was soon to be leaving that early morning for Saratov and the train to Libau, Poland where he would board a ship. Although he would be the only one in the family to travel such a distance, another girl by the name of Elisabeth who was nineteen years old was also on her way to America and would be his traveling companion. Soon, an older couple with a wagon would be driving up to the house to pick up Konrädchen along with the girl and give them a ride to Saratov.
As the wagon was heard to be approaching the house, the last hugs, embraces, and seeing Mama, Peter, and Anna Katharina would be his last, even though at that time, he was unaware of such a possibility. He was young, idealistic, naive, yet with great hopes and a positive outlook that they would all be together again, reunited in America. He was going to work very hard to see it become a reality, just as possible as the reality he was now confronted with. Certainly,
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he thought, that with his prospects of work, money earned, along with the combined assistance of brother Heinrich and sister Louise, all the family would be brought over to America. And so with that positive outlook, he came to Mama in embrace. She hugged onto him with all the strength she could muster knowing that this would be her most fond, motherly farewell, kissing his cheeks and unable to hold back the tears and crying that followed.
“Mama bitte schreist Du nicht, Ich werde viele Briefe an dir schreibe, und bald wir alle in Amerika zusammenfassen.” Mama please don’t cry, I will write many letters to you, and soon we will all unite in America.
Joy combined with sadness was felt all around as he was re-enforced with the necessary precautionary safety measures he must pay attention to while traveling on his long journey to America. He was then given farewell embraces and well wishes by Johannes, Peter and Anna Katharina. He picked up his little satchel filled mostly with food to last him until he reached the ship in Libau, and then hopped up on the back of the wagon alongside his traveling companion Elisabeth. The driver of the wagon cracked his whip at the same time shouting, “Shoi!!,” causing the creaking wagon to lunge forward as both Konrädchen and Elisabeth's quick reflexes braced themselves so as not to fall off the back of the wagon. Slowly the wagon began to move, as there remaining behind stood Johannes, Peter, Anna Katharina waving goodbye to him, and Mama seated waving to him with one hand while her other hand held a handkerchief to her face soaking up the tears that streamed from her eyes. And even old Zärkol giving a feeble bark and wag of the tail to him. Konrädchen sensed that they appeared like a photograph image to him as he waved back, although this real life image was to be his last, it remained indelibly etched into
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his entire being. The wagon began to move faster and before long the family he left behind were now out of sight. All through Norka Konrädchen called out to people along the way.
“Wir gehen nach Amerika!” We're going to America!
Soon they were outside of Norka, and on the road to Saratov. He had been on the very same road before, but this time it was much different as he reveled in the moment-to-moment adventure that lie before him.
Several hours had passed, and yet it was still early morning, when two riders on horses overcame them and yelled out to the driver of the wagon to halt. It turned out that they were Cossack border police and stopped the wagon to check everyone’s papers and also searched the wagon to see that everything was in order. Having done so, they allowed the wagon and its occupants to continue on. Although everything was in order, it was still a very frightening and intimidating experience.
About an hour later they had stopped the wagon to get off and relieve themselves, walk around a bit, have a bite of food to eat, and then to continue on.
They had made good time upon their arrival to Saratov. The couple dropped the two off at the train station, wished them well and said their goodbyes. Inside the train station, Konrädchen and Elisabeth made the inquiry as to when and where they would board the train for Libau, Poland. Informed that it would be about two hours, they went outside to stand and wait on the platform that they soon would depart. Every new sight to see was interesting and exciting as well. From the hustle and bustle of big town sounds, to the different kinds of people in different kinds of clothing, vendors, even motorcars motoring along on stone streets.
Large crowds of people were now seen to be gathering out on the
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platform. Konrädchen instinctively remembered his warning to be on guard of his important possessions, primarily his passport, ship boarding pass, instructions and addresses, his travel money, and not to get lured or tempted by any stranger no matter what. Then at last came the train they were to board as it chugged into the station puffing billows of steam followed by the braking sounds of screeching steel on steel. When it came to a full stop, passengers arriving quickly filed out, and those standing in line waiting to depart began to shuffle aboard. The two traveling companions located themselves a compartment to ride in, which they shared with a Russian family of four. As the train slowly pulled out of the station, the excitement of the ride gave way with their eyes transfixed to the window and the view it presented them. Few words were spoken during the daylight hours, but when the view out the window no longer could be seen due to nightfall, the two began conversation with each other about where they were headed for in America and what they thought they might be doing once they arrived there. They spoke of other things as well, and before long sleep crept up on them only to be awakened at every new train stop along the route. Elisabeth wasn't feeling well, and appeared rather fatigued. As the train ride progressed, her physical well being steadfastly worsened.
“Elisabeth, was ist los mit dir?” Elisabeth, what's the matter with you?
“Ich bin krank Konrad. Ich weisse nicht was ist los mit mir, aber Ich fühle nicht gut.” I am sick Konrad. I don’t know what's the matter with me, but I don't feel good.
By the time they had reached Libau, Konrad had to help Elisabeth up and escort her off the train. He carried her bag while she with both hands, held tightly onto his right arm as they slowly walked along and out of the train station. It was a seemingly long and arduous walk
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down to the where the ocean going ships were docked, partly because Elisabeth’s weight was bearing down so heavily on Konrad as they walked. Having at long last reached the terminal, and discovered where their ship was docked, they both registered and presented the proper papers and identification, and were told when they would be allowed to board the ship. Unfortunately, Elisabeth’s condition progressively headed on a rapid decline and she had to be admitted to the first aid station in the terminal. When it came time to board the ship, Elisabeth therefore unable to continue on, remained a mystery throughout Konrad's life as to whether her condition improved or worsened, and whatever became of her, he never knew it.
Troubled by the loss of his traveling companion, and being crowded in among so many strange looking people for the very first time, and not hearing a single word spoken in German, was a very lonely and frightening experience. The best part was to be allowed up on deck in the daytime in the fresh air and simply to look out at the ocean.
The next stop was Southampton, England where more passengers were taken on. The new passengers who entered the steerage section were much more frightening looking than any he had previously encountered, as he was completely unawares of the existence of dark skinned people like the ones who were now boarding wearing very strange clothes with wrappings around their heads, and still not a word of German being spoken to relate to or confide in. He prayed to himself on a frequent basis and kept his thoughts on Mama, Peter, Johannes and Anna Katharina back in Norka, and in anticipation on brother Heinrich and sister Louise in America. Anywhere but there below in steerage. The one saving grace was that it was summertime, the weather was good, and he could spend all day long topside enjoying the ride, gazing out over the vast expanse of ocean and having
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good thoughts to see him through.
Day after day was pretty much the same, until about one hundred miles out from New York the weather took a change for the worse. Warning came that a storm was approaching! In no time at all the ship began crashing through huge waves that were brought on by large swells in the ocean, causing the ship to greatly rock backwards then up, and then forwards and down, and with it rolling from side to side at the same time! Up and down, side to side! Up and down, side to side! Children were crying and screaming! People were holding on for their dear lives, including Konrad whose thought of the ship going down sent a chill of fear rushing through him! This, after all, was the year of 1912, the year when the news heard around the world was of the sinking of the Titanic! Konrad amidst all the panic and fear, closed his eyes and focused his mind on visions of Norka and Mama. A man who worked on the ship was heard calling out for everyone to put on his or her life preservers. In doing so, many people were falling down and rolling back and forth trying to catch themselves, grabbing on to something or someone, and trying to put on their life preservers! You could hear people praying out loud, and others retching their guts out, as well as messing themselves! It was difficult to tell how much time had passed before the storm had begun to subside to a lesser degree and eventually die down. When things got back to normal sailing once again, work crews were organized to clean up, and any of the sick or injured were sent to the ship's infirmary.
The next day, the ocean was as smooth as glass, and it wouldn't be long before land was sighted. Watchful eyes prevailed towards the horizon. Sure enough, the first person to see land shouted out their discovery with outstretched arm and finger causing a most inquisitive and joyous crowd to gather. With hours having passed and nearer to
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land, they could see other ships and boats, and make out what appeared to be buildings and houses. Before long they saw towns and then the biggest town of all when someone shouted, “New York!”
By now, everyone with all their belongings were present up on deck. It wasn't long before the Statue of Liberty could be seen. Finally their mutual destination had been arrived at, Ellis Island. There they would all undergo immigration processing and find out who was and who wasn't eligible to enter the country. Given the go ahead, down the gangplank they all shuffled along, looking exactly like the ragtag refugees they were, and definitely not of the tourist class. There at the end of the gangplank to greet them were the immigration officials, pointing them in the direction to move along to the building where they would wait to be called on for processing. Fortunately for Konrad his stay on Ellis Island would be a short one. When called on, his papers and passport were all in order, and that his brother Heinrich was named his sponsor. The only difference he noted was that Heinrich was written down as Henry, and the spelling of their last name was written as Deering and not as it should have been as either Döring or Doering*. Konrad's name would now become written down as Conrad Deering. So, from Konrädchen to Konrad to Conrad. With everything in order, and having been deloused, Conrad Deering was sent on his way from Ellis Island aboard a ferryboat to New York City where he went directly to the train station and boarded a train for the
*Note: (Umlauts are accent marks used in German over the vowels ä, ö, and ü. It tells the person reading the word or name what the accent given to the word sounds like. Whenever an umlaut is deleted, the letter e is added and the accent on the word remains the same. See Origin of Surname.)
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long journey across America to Portland, Oregon. Again, there happened not to be a single German speaking person along the route that he could speak with. About the only thing he could do was to stare out the window and enjoy the sights along the way.
At long last, his lengthy journey of one an a half months was now coming to an end as the train, shortly after sunup, slowly began pulling into the Portland train depot. When he got off of the train, he looked up and down the entire length of the platform and discovered that there was no one waiting around to greet him. He then proceeded to go inside the terminal to see if anyone was waiting for him there, but to no avail. He went and sat down on a bench to wait for Heinrich or Louise to show up, but after a couple of hours of waiting he grew restless and hungry besides. Immediately he ventured over to the train station restaurant where he saw people seated and eating. He sat down at a counter where he saw pastries across the counter aisle, and when a waitress walked over to ask him what he would like to order, not understanding what she was saying to him, he simply pointed at the pastries, and she in turn pointed at each one until he nodded his head affirmatively at the pastry of his choice. He placed some coins on the counter hoping there was enough to cover the cost. The waitress leaned slightly over the counter and looked straight at him with a smile on her face.
“Sind Sie Deutsch?” Are you German?
“Ja, ja, Ich bin Deutsch, Wolga Deutsch aus Norka, Rußland!” Yes, yes, I am German, Volga German from Norka, Russia! One and a half months in traveling and ironically at the end of the line someone is actually speaking German with me, he thought!
“Wie heißen Sie?” What's your name, asked the waitress?
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“Ich heiße Konrad Döring.” My name is Konrad Döring.”
“Also Konrad, möchten Sie etwas Frühstück, Sie mehr wie Kuchen Essen müssen ja? Keine angst, es kostet nicht mehr.” So Konrad, Would you like some Breakfast, you must eat more than pastry, yes? Don’t worry, It doesn't cost more.
Konrad heartily agreed to accepting the breakfast. The truth of the matter was that the waitress took a sympathetic liking to Konrad, the young German-speaking immigrant who looked as though he had just 'stepped off the turnip truck'. What a sight he must have been to her, for her to have paid for his breakfast, without him knowing it at the time.
After he had finished 'wolfing down' the breakfast of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and bread, she approached him once again.
“Konrad, fahren Sie weiter, oder bleiben Sie here in Portland?” Konrad, do you travel further, or do you stay here in Portland?
“Ich bleibe hier in Portland und warte Ich an meinen Bruder und Schwester, aber Sie haben noch nicht gekommen. Vielleicht Sie nicht denken daß Ich hier bin.” I stay here in Portland and I wait for my brother and sister, but they have not yet come. Maybe they don't think that I am here.
“Warte hier Konrad, Ich werde an dir hilfe bringen, daß Sie deinen Bruder und Schwester ausfindig machen. Ich komme bald zurück.” Wait here Konrad, I will bring you help, so you can locate your brother and sister. I'll come right back.
She was gone no more than five minutes when she came back accompanied by a policeman.
“Konrad, bitte gehen Sie mit der Polizeibeamte nach der Polizeiwache, und dort Sie können deinen Bruder und Schwester für dich ausfindig machen.” Konrad, please go with the police officer to the
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police station, and there they can locate for you your brother and sister.
Konrad very appreciatively thanked the waitress and said goodbye, then proceeded to walk with the amiable police officer to the police station. At the police station, Konrad produced the names and addresses of his brother and sister, and right away a policeman was designated to go locate one of them to come down to the station and claim their little brother.
Nearly three hours had passed, when through the main entrance of the police station in walks brother Heinrich with his wife Margarethe and their sons John and Henry jr., followed by sister Louise and her husband Johannes Blum, and their two daughters Anna and Katharina. And there seated at a bench eating a donut and holding a drink in his hand sat Konrad.
“Konrad!”, called out a joyful Heinrich and Louise to their little brother.
Instantly, Konrad put everything down, jumped up from the bench and rushed down the hall to meet them! What a sight he must have been to them, looking like ragamuffin of a refugee, standing there, not as tall as he had claimed to be, wearing a tunic shirt with crimson sash, and pants stuffed into his calf high boots. The very clothes he had been wearing for a month and a half, a bit worn, soiled and tattered, and he in need of a bath. All that aside, it was a joyous event and a very welcomed and loving one. After having expressed his thanks to the police officers, they went to catch the next trolley car back to the Albina neighborhood and the home of Louise and John.
When they all arrived at Louise's, the very first thing she did was escort Konrad off to the bathroom.
“Kommt Konrad, Du mußt ein Bad nehmen.” Come Konrad,
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you must take a bath.
Louise ran a bath for him, while he just stood there waiting and looking around at this most wonderful indoor outhouse, that didn't even smell or look like an outhouse, and the fact that it even had a bath with hot running water was a pretty amazing experience to behold. In the meantime, Louise went to bring him a fresh, clean, brand new change of American style clothing, along with a sack to dispose of his wretched worn out 'Old Country' rags. She explained to him that after he got undressed, he was to get into the bathtub, sit down in it, and then wash himself all over real good, and when he was through, to pull the bathtub plug, let the dirty water and soap drain out, and then turn back on some water and rinse off the soap before getting out to dry off with a towel. Here he now was in America, and this would be his very first experience of having a hot bath in a bathtub. Being that it was his first real bath in a bathtub, he didn't know exactly how long he should remain in it, when a knock on the door from Louise alerted him that it was time for him to get out of the tub.
After he had dried off, he put on his new American clothing, brushed his hair back, and reentered the main part of the house where everyone was seated and waiting for his reappearance. They were most astonished to see the remarkable transformation from peasant refugee having stepped off the 'turnip truck', to that of a very handsome young brother.
“Setz dich Konrad.” Sit down Konrad, beamed Heinrich.
While the three men sat and conversed, with many questions directed to Konrad about what was going on in Norka at the time prior to his departure, Louise and Margarethe went to the kitchen to prepare a special dinner in celebration of Konrad's arrival.
When they were all called to the dinner table and seated, it was
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Louise’s husband Johannes who led them in the dinner prayer, and also expressed thanks for safely bringing Konrad to them.
Konrad obviously was starving for the real home cooked food placed on the table in front of him, seeing as it had been one and a half months since he last had a real home cooked dinner at the celebration eve of his departure from Norka. Once he had filled his plate with the roast beef, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, green beans and fresh out of the oven homemade bread, he swallowed down every single bite, and when he had finished Louise insisted he eat more, which he obligingly did. Dessert was Apfelkuchen and whipped cream, and of that too, he had a second large helping.
After dinner, they all went out into the backyard to sit and talk more about life back in Norka, although Konrad was more interested in talking about what life was like in Portland, and wanting to see all that he could see. He was also anxious to look up some of his old friends who also had emigrated to Portland, and most likely living nearby.
Around 8:00 p.m., Heinrich and Margarethe and their sons John and Henry jr., said goodbye and departed for home. It was still quite light out and a very warm August evening. The excitement of the long day finally reached Konrad with several yawns and sleepy eyes. Louise sensing this, showed Konrad to his very own private bedroom, with a real bed, white sheets and pillows. Such unbelievable luxury he had never known! And the indoor toilet was amazing, plus sinks with hot and cold water that came out of faucets! But what he really liked was his very first bath in a bathtub! And just what would he discover tomorrow, he thought.
Louise and he spoke for a little while longer relating all the news of the family and Norka. Louise would become more like a mother now to
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Konrad. She knew it, although at the time he didn't. The fact that she was seventeen years older than he, certainly put her in a mothering position. After saying goodnight, Konrad went to his room, turned out the light and got in bed. How comfortable and happy he was to be reunited with his oldest brother and sister. His thoughts turned back to the past month and a half of travel and the memories of which that time contained. Before long he was back once again in Norka with Peter, Johannes, Anna Katharina, and Mama tearfully waving him goodbye. He then said his nightly prayer, and at the end, prayed that Mama and the rest of them would soon be able to come to America where the family would all be together again. He ended his prayer with "Amen", followed by a big yawn and closed his eyes. Somewhere on that fine line of semi-consciousness and sleep where the mind plays tricks, he could hear the wolves of Norka howl, and they were calling out to him.
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he managed to contain his enthusiasm as he approached her.
“Was schreibt Heinrich, Mama?” What did Heinrich write, Mama?
“Er hat mir geschreibt das die Margarethe ein anderer Bube hat. Er heißt Heinrich, und das Sie an ein neu Haus wohnin.” He wrote me that Margarethe had another boy. He is called Heinrich, and that they live in a new house.
“Sonnst noch etwas, Mama?” Anything else, Mama?, inquired Konrädchen, standing there at the threshold of nervous anticipation, barely able to restrain his feelings of suspense, not knowing whether or not he would be permitted to make that giant leap forward bridging the deep chasm that separated him from his dream of emigrating to America, or whether he would suffer a great fall, thereby ending all hope.
Mama, now looking up at Konrädchen, saw the deep expression and look written all over his face, betraying the feelings he was so much in vain trying to conceal, put her arm around him and said,
“Ja Konrädchen, Heinrich er wollte an dir nach Amerika komme. Willst du nach Amerika gehe?” Yes Konrädchen, Heinrich wants you to come to America. Do you want to go to America? She knew exactly what his answer would be, as his immediate unleashed response was resounding!
“Ja Mama, Ich wolle nach Amerika gehe! Bitte, darf Ich gehe!?” Yes Mama, I want to go to America! Please, may I go!?
“Gut, Ja mein Sohn, du kannst nach Amerika geht, aber nicht vor dein sechzehnte geburtstag.” Good, yes my son, you can go, but not before your sixteenth birthday.
Overcome with unbelievable joy, he threw his arms around Mama, hugging and kissing her, and she holding onto him tightly, would now
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be faced with the reality of never seeing him again. It was she who initiated Konrädchen to emigrate to America in the first place, by reenforcing upon him an interest to go there. She was the one who encouraged him to write letters to his brother and sister in America. She was the one who wrote to Heinrich to ask if he would sponsor Konrädchen to come to America. She had planned out the move way in advance, unbeknownst to Konrädchen himself. The reason being, she wanted to make sure that this was something that he wanted to do, a choice for him to make on his own and accept some responsibility for his decision. She was not sending him away, she was doing what most mothers unselfishly do, and that was to protect him by saving him. Saving him from poverty, misery, her death, and saving him from what she saw and felt were terrible times yet to confront Russia, as would be the fate for all Volga Germans. At the time, one needn't gaze into a crystal ball to be able to forecast the future, in order to sense the direction Russia was headed, seeing as that direction, specifically regarding the Volga German communities, had been steadily gaining momentum on a downhill plunge towards oblivion as history would later attest to. She didn't look upon the matter as being a sacrifice on her behalf to be sending Konrädchen off to far away America, but more as the divine intervention of prayers answered, even if it meant losing a much loved, needed and beneficial son. She lost one Konrad in her life, and she was determined not to lose another.
“Mama, darf Ich an meinen Freunde erzählen?” Mama, may I tell my friends?
“Ja, ja, geh du, geh! Und vergisst du nicht warme Bekleidung!” Yes, yes, go you, go! And don’t forget warm clothes!
He dressed as rapidly he could, then darted out the door to share the wonderful news with his friends. This was his newly achieved
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status, and the fact that he was to travel by himself and not with a family was even more adventurous and exciting news. Once outdoors and unrestrained he let off with a howl that would perk up the ears of wolves for miles around. This was just at the very moment that Anna Katharina was approaching the house, and as she opened the door, stepped inside with a puzzled look on her face, asked,
“Mama was ist los mit Konrädchen?!” Mama, what's the matter with Konrädchen?!
“Nichts mit ihn ist los Kathchen. Dein Bruder sehr Glücklig ist.” Nothing is the matter with him Kathchen, Your brother is very happy.
Now the question might arise, Why Konrädchen, and not the others who were older and in line for their chance to go to America? Adam certainly had his chance before being conscripted to serve in the Russian Army, and for the time being, he was presently stationed in Turkey. Or perhaps after serving in the military with his obligation fulfilled, he would consider emigrating. Johannes, no doubt would soon be called upon to be conscripted to serve. Possibly the two older brothers didn't want to appear as though they were evading conscription by emigrating out of the country, deserting friends heeding their call of conscription into the military, and thereby bring shame and disgrace on the family. Perhaps they wouldn't have been allowed to legally emigrate in the first place without having completed their military obligation, which also was a fact to consider. It's all speculative of course, as emigrating to America was not a priority, or shared interest of importance to everyone. There were also reasons and incentive for remaining. There quite possibly were special women in Adam and Johannes’s lives. Women that they planned on marrying someday. It's also quite possible that employment and work prospects had opportuned
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itself to them once their military days were completed.
One incentive why many men chose to remain, is that every time that a male member of a family emigrated, another male family member, relative, or man from the village could purchase the departing persons land allotment, referred to as a Duscha. Money received, generally was used to fund ones payment for passage to emigrate. The more males born into a family, the more land under the Duscha system a family was allotted. So, with brother Heinrich having given up his land allotment, and Konrädchen soon to give up his, the three remaining brothers, which included Peter, would have more land. This practice was said not to have been legal, and by the time the Russian Revolution of 1917 was over, the land laws were changed, and the people who bought the parcels of land from departing relatives lost it all, including their investment. But that by comparison, would be a small loss compared to the horrendous losses they soon would be confronted with.
One other reason for remaining, was a responsibility to stay and care for a family member who wouldn’t qualify to emigrate, or be accepted at point of immigration, due to illness, disease, and infirmity. Someone would have to remain to care for Mama. Four made the choice to remain, Adam, Johannes, Peter, and Anna Katharina. After 1917, and a new Communist Russia, they had no choice. No one in Russia, from that time on, had a choice.
Spring 1912
They made it through another harsh winter without too much difficulty other than the usual case of being kept indoors for such long periods at a time. Once again, it was a good feeling to spend some
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enjoyable time in the outdoors and breathe the fresh air, hear the birds sing, see the new growth of blossoms, hang out wash to dry, and simply to feel the warmth of sun. Patches of snow and ice still covered the ground. Soon, within a week, with the melting came the problem of muddy roads and paths, causing carts and wagons to occasionally get stuck in the mud. Fortunately the problem wasn't further exacerbated by rainfall, and soon the muddy roads and paths dried up and all visible snow and ice had vanished.
It was now into the first week of April and Mama wanted to go outside and spend some time tending to her flower garden. Konrädchen brought out a chair for her along with a basket of her garden tools, came back inside and carried her out and sat her on the chair, where she immediately began to snip, weed and dig away. Every so often he would come to move her around to a new spot. When she grew tired, he would bring her back in the house.
With Konrädchen departing for America in no more than three months, everyone began to share in the role of taking care of, and tending to Mamas needs. That way, the transition of Konrädchen’s departure would be much easier on her with a shared response of dependence from the others, rather than her sole dependence on him alone. This was not to say that the other siblings were doing little for their mother, on the contrary, it was just Konrädchen who assumed the major role of caregiver. Not because he was expected to, not because it was his obligation to, not out of guilt, but simply out of wanting to and feeling good about it. It would primarily be up to Anna Katharina and Peter to care for her, but mostly Anna Katharina as Peter would be out working during the day. Johannes would be leaving soon for the military, and Adam was still serving in the military and would be for some time to come, as would be the same for Johannes. The time
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would come when Anna Katharina would be asked to marry. She would be expected to move to her husband’s house. In that case, either Adam, Johannes or Peter, one or all of them presumably married by that time, would be living at home, on their land, with wives to help out with Mama. One could readily assume that more homes would be built on the family property.
It wasn't surprising what the message would be contained in the official letter addressed to Johannes Döring delivered by Postman Krieger. He mentioned that he had already delivered several of the same official looking letters that morning to other young men in Norka, and had a few more of them with him. Even though Mama knew the day was coming, it didn't make it any easier for her to be confronted with. It was an ominous sign for her that nothing good was to come of it. She had only wished that Johannes would have emigrated while he had a chance. Somehow she was now feeling guilt, that because of her infirmity, some of her children were obligated to remain in Russia because of her, and to their detriment. The one saving grace and consolation resting on her heart and mind was that Konrädchen would be spared the fate of remaining here and would be leaving soon, and not soon enough.
At last, sometime around mid June, after all papers had been filed, Konrädchen received his passport, completing another giant step forward towards the realization of his big move of traveling to America. For fear of losing it or anything happening to it, he never took it with him to show off to his friends and other acquaintances, but kept it hidden in a safe place, along with his passage fare for the trains and ship, until it was time to depart Norka, which would be less than a month away.
On July 3rd, 1912 the Döring family celebrated Konrädchen’s
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sixteenth birthday and going away party, also coinciding with a celebration and party for Johannes who received his notice to report for duty into the Russian Army. Both a joyous and somber occasion, especially somber for Mama to see two sons being sent off knowing that she would never see her Konrädchen again, nor possibly for that matter with Johannes now conscripted to serve in the military.
That night as Konrädchen lay in bed wide awake on the eve of departure that would take him out of Norka, out of the Volga German settlements, out of Russia, and across the Atlantic Ocean to America, he anticipated the adventure with great enthusiasm and excitement. He only dozed that night, and was up very early before anyone else, checking to see that everything was ready and in order, so as not to forget a thing. He got dressed in his best clothes, the only ones that he would be wearing for the entire one and a half month trip.
By now everyone was up and concentrating attention on their little brother who was soon to be leaving that early morning for Saratov and the train to Libau, Poland where he would board a ship. Although he would be the only one in the family to travel such a distance, another girl by the name of Elisabeth who was nineteen years old was also on her way to America and would be his traveling companion. Soon, an older couple with a wagon would be driving up to the house to pick up Konrädchen along with the girl and give them a ride to Saratov.
As the wagon was heard to be approaching the house, the last hugs, embraces, and seeing Mama, Peter, and Anna Katharina would be his last, even though at that time, he was unaware of such a possibility. He was young, idealistic, naive, yet with great hopes and a positive outlook that they would all be together again, reunited in America. He was going to work very hard to see it become a reality, just as possible as the reality he was now confronted with. Certainly,
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he thought, that with his prospects of work, money earned, along with the combined assistance of brother Heinrich and sister Louise, all the family would be brought over to America. And so with that positive outlook, he came to Mama in embrace. She hugged onto him with all the strength she could muster knowing that this would be her most fond, motherly farewell, kissing his cheeks and unable to hold back the tears and crying that followed.
“Mama bitte schreist Du nicht, Ich werde viele Briefe an dir schreibe, und bald wir alle in Amerika zusammenfassen.” Mama please don’t cry, I will write many letters to you, and soon we will all unite in America.
Joy combined with sadness was felt all around as he was re-enforced with the necessary precautionary safety measures he must pay attention to while traveling on his long journey to America. He was then given farewell embraces and well wishes by Johannes, Peter and Anna Katharina. He picked up his little satchel filled mostly with food to last him until he reached the ship in Libau, and then hopped up on the back of the wagon alongside his traveling companion Elisabeth. The driver of the wagon cracked his whip at the same time shouting, “Shoi!!,” causing the creaking wagon to lunge forward as both Konrädchen and Elisabeth's quick reflexes braced themselves so as not to fall off the back of the wagon. Slowly the wagon began to move, as there remaining behind stood Johannes, Peter, Anna Katharina waving goodbye to him, and Mama seated waving to him with one hand while her other hand held a handkerchief to her face soaking up the tears that streamed from her eyes. And even old Zärkol giving a feeble bark and wag of the tail to him. Konrädchen sensed that they appeared like a photograph image to him as he waved back, although this real life image was to be his last, it remained indelibly etched into
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his entire being. The wagon began to move faster and before long the family he left behind were now out of sight. All through Norka Konrädchen called out to people along the way.
“Wir gehen nach Amerika!” We're going to America!
Soon they were outside of Norka, and on the road to Saratov. He had been on the very same road before, but this time it was much different as he reveled in the moment-to-moment adventure that lie before him.
Several hours had passed, and yet it was still early morning, when two riders on horses overcame them and yelled out to the driver of the wagon to halt. It turned out that they were Cossack border police and stopped the wagon to check everyone’s papers and also searched the wagon to see that everything was in order. Having done so, they allowed the wagon and its occupants to continue on. Although everything was in order, it was still a very frightening and intimidating experience.
About an hour later they had stopped the wagon to get off and relieve themselves, walk around a bit, have a bite of food to eat, and then to continue on.
They had made good time upon their arrival to Saratov. The couple dropped the two off at the train station, wished them well and said their goodbyes. Inside the train station, Konrädchen and Elisabeth made the inquiry as to when and where they would board the train for Libau, Poland. Informed that it would be about two hours, they went outside to stand and wait on the platform that they soon would depart. Every new sight to see was interesting and exciting as well. From the hustle and bustle of big town sounds, to the different kinds of people in different kinds of clothing, vendors, even motorcars motoring along on stone streets.
Large crowds of people were now seen to be gathering out on the
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platform. Konrädchen instinctively remembered his warning to be on guard of his important possessions, primarily his passport, ship boarding pass, instructions and addresses, his travel money, and not to get lured or tempted by any stranger no matter what. Then at last came the train they were to board as it chugged into the station puffing billows of steam followed by the braking sounds of screeching steel on steel. When it came to a full stop, passengers arriving quickly filed out, and those standing in line waiting to depart began to shuffle aboard. The two traveling companions located themselves a compartment to ride in, which they shared with a Russian family of four. As the train slowly pulled out of the station, the excitement of the ride gave way with their eyes transfixed to the window and the view it presented them. Few words were spoken during the daylight hours, but when the view out the window no longer could be seen due to nightfall, the two began conversation with each other about where they were headed for in America and what they thought they might be doing once they arrived there. They spoke of other things as well, and before long sleep crept up on them only to be awakened at every new train stop along the route. Elisabeth wasn't feeling well, and appeared rather fatigued. As the train ride progressed, her physical well being steadfastly worsened.
“Elisabeth, was ist los mit dir?” Elisabeth, what's the matter with you?
“Ich bin krank Konrad. Ich weisse nicht was ist los mit mir, aber Ich fühle nicht gut.” I am sick Konrad. I don’t know what's the matter with me, but I don't feel good.
By the time they had reached Libau, Konrad had to help Elisabeth up and escort her off the train. He carried her bag while she with both hands, held tightly onto his right arm as they slowly walked along and out of the train station. It was a seemingly long and arduous walk
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down to the where the ocean going ships were docked, partly because Elisabeth’s weight was bearing down so heavily on Konrad as they walked. Having at long last reached the terminal, and discovered where their ship was docked, they both registered and presented the proper papers and identification, and were told when they would be allowed to board the ship. Unfortunately, Elisabeth’s condition progressively headed on a rapid decline and she had to be admitted to the first aid station in the terminal. When it came time to board the ship, Elisabeth therefore unable to continue on, remained a mystery throughout Konrad's life as to whether her condition improved or worsened, and whatever became of her, he never knew it.
Troubled by the loss of his traveling companion, and being crowded in among so many strange looking people for the very first time, and not hearing a single word spoken in German, was a very lonely and frightening experience. The best part was to be allowed up on deck in the daytime in the fresh air and simply to look out at the ocean.
The next stop was Southampton, England where more passengers were taken on. The new passengers who entered the steerage section were much more frightening looking than any he had previously encountered, as he was completely unawares of the existence of dark skinned people like the ones who were now boarding wearing very strange clothes with wrappings around their heads, and still not a word of German being spoken to relate to or confide in. He prayed to himself on a frequent basis and kept his thoughts on Mama, Peter, Johannes and Anna Katharina back in Norka, and in anticipation on brother Heinrich and sister Louise in America. Anywhere but there below in steerage. The one saving grace was that it was summertime, the weather was good, and he could spend all day long topside enjoying the ride, gazing out over the vast expanse of ocean and having
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good thoughts to see him through.
Day after day was pretty much the same, until about one hundred miles out from New York the weather took a change for the worse. Warning came that a storm was approaching! In no time at all the ship began crashing through huge waves that were brought on by large swells in the ocean, causing the ship to greatly rock backwards then up, and then forwards and down, and with it rolling from side to side at the same time! Up and down, side to side! Up and down, side to side! Children were crying and screaming! People were holding on for their dear lives, including Konrad whose thought of the ship going down sent a chill of fear rushing through him! This, after all, was the year of 1912, the year when the news heard around the world was of the sinking of the Titanic! Konrad amidst all the panic and fear, closed his eyes and focused his mind on visions of Norka and Mama. A man who worked on the ship was heard calling out for everyone to put on his or her life preservers. In doing so, many people were falling down and rolling back and forth trying to catch themselves, grabbing on to something or someone, and trying to put on their life preservers! You could hear people praying out loud, and others retching their guts out, as well as messing themselves! It was difficult to tell how much time had passed before the storm had begun to subside to a lesser degree and eventually die down. When things got back to normal sailing once again, work crews were organized to clean up, and any of the sick or injured were sent to the ship's infirmary.
The next day, the ocean was as smooth as glass, and it wouldn't be long before land was sighted. Watchful eyes prevailed towards the horizon. Sure enough, the first person to see land shouted out their discovery with outstretched arm and finger causing a most inquisitive and joyous crowd to gather. With hours having passed and nearer to
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land, they could see other ships and boats, and make out what appeared to be buildings and houses. Before long they saw towns and then the biggest town of all when someone shouted, “New York!”
By now, everyone with all their belongings were present up on deck. It wasn't long before the Statue of Liberty could be seen. Finally their mutual destination had been arrived at, Ellis Island. There they would all undergo immigration processing and find out who was and who wasn't eligible to enter the country. Given the go ahead, down the gangplank they all shuffled along, looking exactly like the ragtag refugees they were, and definitely not of the tourist class. There at the end of the gangplank to greet them were the immigration officials, pointing them in the direction to move along to the building where they would wait to be called on for processing. Fortunately for Konrad his stay on Ellis Island would be a short one. When called on, his papers and passport were all in order, and that his brother Heinrich was named his sponsor. The only difference he noted was that Heinrich was written down as Henry, and the spelling of their last name was written as Deering and not as it should have been as either Döring or Doering*. Konrad's name would now become written down as Conrad Deering. So, from Konrädchen to Konrad to Conrad. With everything in order, and having been deloused, Conrad Deering was sent on his way from Ellis Island aboard a ferryboat to New York City where he went directly to the train station and boarded a train for the
*Note: (Umlauts are accent marks used in German over the vowels ä, ö, and ü. It tells the person reading the word or name what the accent given to the word sounds like. Whenever an umlaut is deleted, the letter e is added and the accent on the word remains the same. See Origin of Surname.)
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long journey across America to Portland, Oregon. Again, there happened not to be a single German speaking person along the route that he could speak with. About the only thing he could do was to stare out the window and enjoy the sights along the way.
At long last, his lengthy journey of one an a half months was now coming to an end as the train, shortly after sunup, slowly began pulling into the Portland train depot. When he got off of the train, he looked up and down the entire length of the platform and discovered that there was no one waiting around to greet him. He then proceeded to go inside the terminal to see if anyone was waiting for him there, but to no avail. He went and sat down on a bench to wait for Heinrich or Louise to show up, but after a couple of hours of waiting he grew restless and hungry besides. Immediately he ventured over to the train station restaurant where he saw people seated and eating. He sat down at a counter where he saw pastries across the counter aisle, and when a waitress walked over to ask him what he would like to order, not understanding what she was saying to him, he simply pointed at the pastries, and she in turn pointed at each one until he nodded his head affirmatively at the pastry of his choice. He placed some coins on the counter hoping there was enough to cover the cost. The waitress leaned slightly over the counter and looked straight at him with a smile on her face.
“Sind Sie Deutsch?” Are you German?
“Ja, ja, Ich bin Deutsch, Wolga Deutsch aus Norka, Rußland!” Yes, yes, I am German, Volga German from Norka, Russia! One and a half months in traveling and ironically at the end of the line someone is actually speaking German with me, he thought!
“Wie heißen Sie?” What's your name, asked the waitress?
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“Ich heiße Konrad Döring.” My name is Konrad Döring.”
“Also Konrad, möchten Sie etwas Frühstück, Sie mehr wie Kuchen Essen müssen ja? Keine angst, es kostet nicht mehr.” So Konrad, Would you like some Breakfast, you must eat more than pastry, yes? Don’t worry, It doesn't cost more.
Konrad heartily agreed to accepting the breakfast. The truth of the matter was that the waitress took a sympathetic liking to Konrad, the young German-speaking immigrant who looked as though he had just 'stepped off the turnip truck'. What a sight he must have been to her, for her to have paid for his breakfast, without him knowing it at the time.
After he had finished 'wolfing down' the breakfast of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and bread, she approached him once again.
“Konrad, fahren Sie weiter, oder bleiben Sie here in Portland?” Konrad, do you travel further, or do you stay here in Portland?
“Ich bleibe hier in Portland und warte Ich an meinen Bruder und Schwester, aber Sie haben noch nicht gekommen. Vielleicht Sie nicht denken daß Ich hier bin.” I stay here in Portland and I wait for my brother and sister, but they have not yet come. Maybe they don't think that I am here.
“Warte hier Konrad, Ich werde an dir hilfe bringen, daß Sie deinen Bruder und Schwester ausfindig machen. Ich komme bald zurück.” Wait here Konrad, I will bring you help, so you can locate your brother and sister. I'll come right back.
She was gone no more than five minutes when she came back accompanied by a policeman.
“Konrad, bitte gehen Sie mit der Polizeibeamte nach der Polizeiwache, und dort Sie können deinen Bruder und Schwester für dich ausfindig machen.” Konrad, please go with the police officer to the
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police station, and there they can locate for you your brother and sister.
Konrad very appreciatively thanked the waitress and said goodbye, then proceeded to walk with the amiable police officer to the police station. At the police station, Konrad produced the names and addresses of his brother and sister, and right away a policeman was designated to go locate one of them to come down to the station and claim their little brother.
Nearly three hours had passed, when through the main entrance of the police station in walks brother Heinrich with his wife Margarethe and their sons John and Henry jr., followed by sister Louise and her husband Johannes Blum, and their two daughters Anna and Katharina. And there seated at a bench eating a donut and holding a drink in his hand sat Konrad.
“Konrad!”, called out a joyful Heinrich and Louise to their little brother.
Instantly, Konrad put everything down, jumped up from the bench and rushed down the hall to meet them! What a sight he must have been to them, looking like ragamuffin of a refugee, standing there, not as tall as he had claimed to be, wearing a tunic shirt with crimson sash, and pants stuffed into his calf high boots. The very clothes he had been wearing for a month and a half, a bit worn, soiled and tattered, and he in need of a bath. All that aside, it was a joyous event and a very welcomed and loving one. After having expressed his thanks to the police officers, they went to catch the next trolley car back to the Albina neighborhood and the home of Louise and John.
When they all arrived at Louise's, the very first thing she did was escort Konrad off to the bathroom.
“Kommt Konrad, Du mußt ein Bad nehmen.” Come Konrad,
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you must take a bath.
Louise ran a bath for him, while he just stood there waiting and looking around at this most wonderful indoor outhouse, that didn't even smell or look like an outhouse, and the fact that it even had a bath with hot running water was a pretty amazing experience to behold. In the meantime, Louise went to bring him a fresh, clean, brand new change of American style clothing, along with a sack to dispose of his wretched worn out 'Old Country' rags. She explained to him that after he got undressed, he was to get into the bathtub, sit down in it, and then wash himself all over real good, and when he was through, to pull the bathtub plug, let the dirty water and soap drain out, and then turn back on some water and rinse off the soap before getting out to dry off with a towel. Here he now was in America, and this would be his very first experience of having a hot bath in a bathtub. Being that it was his first real bath in a bathtub, he didn't know exactly how long he should remain in it, when a knock on the door from Louise alerted him that it was time for him to get out of the tub.
After he had dried off, he put on his new American clothing, brushed his hair back, and reentered the main part of the house where everyone was seated and waiting for his reappearance. They were most astonished to see the remarkable transformation from peasant refugee having stepped off the 'turnip truck', to that of a very handsome young brother.
“Setz dich Konrad.” Sit down Konrad, beamed Heinrich.
While the three men sat and conversed, with many questions directed to Konrad about what was going on in Norka at the time prior to his departure, Louise and Margarethe went to the kitchen to prepare a special dinner in celebration of Konrad's arrival.
When they were all called to the dinner table and seated, it was
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Louise’s husband Johannes who led them in the dinner prayer, and also expressed thanks for safely bringing Konrad to them.
Konrad obviously was starving for the real home cooked food placed on the table in front of him, seeing as it had been one and a half months since he last had a real home cooked dinner at the celebration eve of his departure from Norka. Once he had filled his plate with the roast beef, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, green beans and fresh out of the oven homemade bread, he swallowed down every single bite, and when he had finished Louise insisted he eat more, which he obligingly did. Dessert was Apfelkuchen and whipped cream, and of that too, he had a second large helping.
After dinner, they all went out into the backyard to sit and talk more about life back in Norka, although Konrad was more interested in talking about what life was like in Portland, and wanting to see all that he could see. He was also anxious to look up some of his old friends who also had emigrated to Portland, and most likely living nearby.
Around 8:00 p.m., Heinrich and Margarethe and their sons John and Henry jr., said goodbye and departed for home. It was still quite light out and a very warm August evening. The excitement of the long day finally reached Konrad with several yawns and sleepy eyes. Louise sensing this, showed Konrad to his very own private bedroom, with a real bed, white sheets and pillows. Such unbelievable luxury he had never known! And the indoor toilet was amazing, plus sinks with hot and cold water that came out of faucets! But what he really liked was his very first bath in a bathtub! And just what would he discover tomorrow, he thought.
Louise and he spoke for a little while longer relating all the news of the family and Norka. Louise would become more like a mother now to
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Konrad. She knew it, although at the time he didn't. The fact that she was seventeen years older than he, certainly put her in a mothering position. After saying goodnight, Konrad went to his room, turned out the light and got in bed. How comfortable and happy he was to be reunited with his oldest brother and sister. His thoughts turned back to the past month and a half of travel and the memories of which that time contained. Before long he was back once again in Norka with Peter, Johannes, Anna Katharina, and Mama tearfully waving him goodbye. He then said his nightly prayer, and at the end, prayed that Mama and the rest of them would soon be able to come to America where the family would all be together again. He ended his prayer with "Amen", followed by a big yawn and closed his eyes. Somewhere on that fine line of semi-consciousness and sleep where the mind plays tricks, he could hear the wolves of Norka howl, and they were calling out to him.
Epilogue
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Conrad "Coonie" Derring lived for another sixty-nine years beyond the story herein to the age of eighty-five, and that, believe me, is an entire other story. Here then are some brief notations of his life here in Portland, Oregon.
Drafted into the U.S Army during WW1 in 1918. Honorably discharged
Married Petra Amanda Pedersen of Kjerring Øy, Norway Aug. 17, 1926
Fathered five children
Wood finisher for Doernbecher Furniture Factory, B.P. Johns Furniture Factory, Petie Ainge Fixture Co., Stadler Fixture Wks., Columbia Cabinet, and retiring from Cassady Fixture Works in 1961
Contact with his mother Katharina Elisabeth (Köhler) Döring, brothers Peter, Johannes, and Adam Döring, and sister Anna Katharina Döring who remained in Norka, Russia was completely cut off due to World War One and the Russian Revolution of 1917 and that time forward. Conrad never knew whatever became of his mother or when she died, but had heard that she, including approximately 170,000 lives were lost throughout the Volga German Colonies (5,000,000 lives throughout Russia!), as the result of having been systematically starved to death by Lenin’s Communist takeover after
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the Revolution of 1917. This led to the confiscation of livestock, farming equipment, granaries, and having the most devastating effect was the confiscation of seed wheat, and the lack thereof, that inevitably brought about crop failure, the famines of the early 1920's, and millions of deaths by starvation. This was all part of Lenin’s social architectural planning in the restructuring of old Czarist Russia into the new Communist Marxist utopia.
Brother Adam was reported to have been held in an Austrian prisoner of war camp for four years during World War One.
Brother Johannes was rounded up by the Bolshevik Communists, along with other young men in Norka and faced a firing squad. It was said that he had a chance to escape but didn't want to desert his fellow comrades. After being shot, still alive, he made it back home to the front door with his stomach shot out and died in the arms of his mother, my grandmother, who is referred to as 'Mama' in this story.
Nothing at the time was known as to whatever happened to brother Adam, Peter and sister Anna Katharina, but years later it was learned that in 1941 during World War Two, all German colonists throughout the entire Volga German settlement region were forcibly rounded up by the thousands, uprooted from their homes and possessions, and herded off in unheated boxcar trains to permanent exile in Siberia and Kazakhstan. Many died enroute. Once dumped off in the frozen far reaches of Siberia, families were forced to separate; women from men, wives from husbands, and sent off to labor camps in the wilderness. Children separated from parents were left to grovel about like wild stray animals, starving, sick, diseased, uncared for,
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and unwanted by local Russians. Konrad’s brothers Peter and Adam, and sister Anna Katharina, their spouses and children all faced the ungodly brutal horrors that the Stalinist Communist Govt. of Russia imposed on them, which ushered forth a Holocaust unto tens of millions of lives throughout Russia, that to this very day has barely caused an 'eye blink' in the world of academia or journalism! The evidence cites that 85,000,000 to 100,000,000 people have been killed by Communists in the Soviet Union, China, Eastern Europe, North Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Latin America, and Africa. And still, barely a whisper or mention by those in academia, journalism, or the media. In Seattle, Washington, while visiting there a year ago, I was deeply distressed to see an approximate 20-foot high statue of Lenin outside on a main street in the Fremont district of Seattle! A man, who in his lifetime, was responsible for the mass starvations, murders, and executions of over 5,000,000 lives! And here in America, the land of the free, his bigger than life presence stood towering high above for all to casually observe. Just imagine what the media news coverage would be, the uproar, the demonstrations, and the arrests that would take place, if instead of Lenin’s statue, it was a towering statue of Adolph Hitler! Unthinkable indeed, yet regarding the biggest mass murderer, socio-politico architect that this world has ever known, next to Stalin himself, responsible for the genocide of tens of millions of lives, there has not a squeak or peep to be heard! Amazing!
Brother Heinrich Döring, (Henry Deering) living here in America, lost his wife Margarethe (Keiser) Deering during the 1918 Flu epidemic along with a son. Heinrich never was the same after that and lived out his life as a hermit in poverty as he chose to do. His two sons Henry Deering jr. and John Deering, after their mother’s death,
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were raised by their aunt Louise (Döring) Blum and uncle Johannes (John) Blum. Brother Heinrich (Henry) Deering died in 1969.
Louise (Döring) Blum, like her mother, a diabetic, died in 1940 as a result of her illness.
In 1969, after fifty seven years had passed since my father Conrad Derring had emigrated from Norka, Russia back in the Summer of 1912, with the help of a local Portland barber of Volga German descent, and a man who owned a weight machine and scale shop, along with the help of a man in Lincoln, Nebraska, my father was able to locate an address of his sister Anna Katharina in Siberia, Russia. Letters were written back and forth. At the time, I was young and did not share an active involved interest, other than being happy for my father that after all the years that had passed between them, they both were at long last able to contact one another. The tragic misfortune was that all letters and addresses were lost. I have no idea as to why or when the letters stopped coming, or why my father stopped writing. It was a time, when beginning in the early 1970's, that my fathers mind was gradually becoming more and more disoriented due to the progression of Alzheimer’s. The only thing that survived loss was a photo of my uncle Adam Döring and his wife, presumably taken in the early 1950's in Siberia. The discovered loss of the letters with the addresses and information they held came as quite blow when my interest and involvement in the late 1980's of the Volga German organizations and genealogical research began. Having since acquired my Döring and Köhler family charts, I have future hopes of gaining contact from cousins either still living in Russia (Siberia), or those who have had the good fortune of emigrating to Germany.
Conrad "Coonie" Derring lived for another sixty-nine years beyond the story herein to the age of eighty-five, and that, believe me, is an entire other story. Here then are some brief notations of his life here in Portland, Oregon.
Drafted into the U.S Army during WW1 in 1918. Honorably discharged
Married Petra Amanda Pedersen of Kjerring Øy, Norway Aug. 17, 1926
Fathered five children
Wood finisher for Doernbecher Furniture Factory, B.P. Johns Furniture Factory, Petie Ainge Fixture Co., Stadler Fixture Wks., Columbia Cabinet, and retiring from Cassady Fixture Works in 1961
Contact with his mother Katharina Elisabeth (Köhler) Döring, brothers Peter, Johannes, and Adam Döring, and sister Anna Katharina Döring who remained in Norka, Russia was completely cut off due to World War One and the Russian Revolution of 1917 and that time forward. Conrad never knew whatever became of his mother or when she died, but had heard that she, including approximately 170,000 lives were lost throughout the Volga German Colonies (5,000,000 lives throughout Russia!), as the result of having been systematically starved to death by Lenin’s Communist takeover after
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the Revolution of 1917. This led to the confiscation of livestock, farming equipment, granaries, and having the most devastating effect was the confiscation of seed wheat, and the lack thereof, that inevitably brought about crop failure, the famines of the early 1920's, and millions of deaths by starvation. This was all part of Lenin’s social architectural planning in the restructuring of old Czarist Russia into the new Communist Marxist utopia.
Brother Adam was reported to have been held in an Austrian prisoner of war camp for four years during World War One.
Brother Johannes was rounded up by the Bolshevik Communists, along with other young men in Norka and faced a firing squad. It was said that he had a chance to escape but didn't want to desert his fellow comrades. After being shot, still alive, he made it back home to the front door with his stomach shot out and died in the arms of his mother, my grandmother, who is referred to as 'Mama' in this story.
Nothing at the time was known as to whatever happened to brother Adam, Peter and sister Anna Katharina, but years later it was learned that in 1941 during World War Two, all German colonists throughout the entire Volga German settlement region were forcibly rounded up by the thousands, uprooted from their homes and possessions, and herded off in unheated boxcar trains to permanent exile in Siberia and Kazakhstan. Many died enroute. Once dumped off in the frozen far reaches of Siberia, families were forced to separate; women from men, wives from husbands, and sent off to labor camps in the wilderness. Children separated from parents were left to grovel about like wild stray animals, starving, sick, diseased, uncared for,
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and unwanted by local Russians. Konrad’s brothers Peter and Adam, and sister Anna Katharina, their spouses and children all faced the ungodly brutal horrors that the Stalinist Communist Govt. of Russia imposed on them, which ushered forth a Holocaust unto tens of millions of lives throughout Russia, that to this very day has barely caused an 'eye blink' in the world of academia or journalism! The evidence cites that 85,000,000 to 100,000,000 people have been killed by Communists in the Soviet Union, China, Eastern Europe, North Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Latin America, and Africa. And still, barely a whisper or mention by those in academia, journalism, or the media. In Seattle, Washington, while visiting there a year ago, I was deeply distressed to see an approximate 20-foot high statue of Lenin outside on a main street in the Fremont district of Seattle! A man, who in his lifetime, was responsible for the mass starvations, murders, and executions of over 5,000,000 lives! And here in America, the land of the free, his bigger than life presence stood towering high above for all to casually observe. Just imagine what the media news coverage would be, the uproar, the demonstrations, and the arrests that would take place, if instead of Lenin’s statue, it was a towering statue of Adolph Hitler! Unthinkable indeed, yet regarding the biggest mass murderer, socio-politico architect that this world has ever known, next to Stalin himself, responsible for the genocide of tens of millions of lives, there has not a squeak or peep to be heard! Amazing!
Brother Heinrich Döring, (Henry Deering) living here in America, lost his wife Margarethe (Keiser) Deering during the 1918 Flu epidemic along with a son. Heinrich never was the same after that and lived out his life as a hermit in poverty as he chose to do. His two sons Henry Deering jr. and John Deering, after their mother’s death,
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were raised by their aunt Louise (Döring) Blum and uncle Johannes (John) Blum. Brother Heinrich (Henry) Deering died in 1969.
Louise (Döring) Blum, like her mother, a diabetic, died in 1940 as a result of her illness.
In 1969, after fifty seven years had passed since my father Conrad Derring had emigrated from Norka, Russia back in the Summer of 1912, with the help of a local Portland barber of Volga German descent, and a man who owned a weight machine and scale shop, along with the help of a man in Lincoln, Nebraska, my father was able to locate an address of his sister Anna Katharina in Siberia, Russia. Letters were written back and forth. At the time, I was young and did not share an active involved interest, other than being happy for my father that after all the years that had passed between them, they both were at long last able to contact one another. The tragic misfortune was that all letters and addresses were lost. I have no idea as to why or when the letters stopped coming, or why my father stopped writing. It was a time, when beginning in the early 1970's, that my fathers mind was gradually becoming more and more disoriented due to the progression of Alzheimer’s. The only thing that survived loss was a photo of my uncle Adam Döring and his wife, presumably taken in the early 1950's in Siberia. The discovered loss of the letters with the addresses and information they held came as quite blow when my interest and involvement in the late 1980's of the Volga German organizations and genealogical research began. Having since acquired my Döring and Köhler family charts, I have future hopes of gaining contact from cousins either still living in Russia (Siberia), or those who have had the good fortune of emigrating to Germany.
Descendants of Conrad Derring
Father of ;
Donna Marie (Derring)Harris b. May 4, 1927
Shirley Jean (Derring) Stauber b. Oct. 16, 1929
Carol Elaine(Derring)Bigness b. Apr, 15, 1931 - d. Dec. 24, 1999
Nancy Ann (Derring) Keele b. Jul. 16, 1932
Roy Conrad Derring b. Oct. 3, 1939
_____________________________________________
Grandfather of ;
Randall Harris, Gary Harris, Teresa Harris,
Sharon (Stauber) Fenske, Julie (Stauber) ?, Martin Stauber,
David Stauber, Craig Stauber, Connie Stauber,
Karen (Bigness) Rahuilly, Rick Bigness, Ron Bigness,
Laura(Keele)Paea, Linda(Keele)Chahine and Heidi (Keele) Lesny
_____________________________________________
Great Grandfather of ;
Christopher Harris, Lisa Harris, Monica Harris, Tina Harris, Michael Lambert, Angela(Fenske) ?, Adam Fenske, Jennifer Flock, Matt Flock, Nicholas Stauber, Derek Stauber, Tyler Stauber, Stephanie Stauber, Trevor Stauber, Benjamin Stauber, Sarah Stauber, Breanna Stauber, Christina Stauber, Sherissa Stauber, Aaron Christenson, Michelle Bigness, Jennifer Bigness,
Shannon Bigness, Jason Bigness, Heather (Cambe) Kanahele, Sean Cambe, Lose Sarah Paea, Ryan Chahine, Dustin Chahine, Alec Thomas, and Annie Lesny
_____________________________________________
Great-Great Grandfather of ;
Cody Kanahele, Luke Kanahele, Seth Kanahele, Hazen Fenske
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German Family Tree
The descent from Johann Heinrich Döring to:
Roy Conrad Derring
Nancy Ann (Derring) Keele
Carol Elaine (Derring) Bigness
Shirley Jean (Derring) Stauber
Donna Marie (Derring) Harris
1. Johann Heinrich Döring b. 1717 - d. before 1775, wife Maria Elisabeth b. 1735 - d. unknown.
Reformed faith farmer from Isenburg(a region in the State of Hessen, Germany) Arrived in the Volga German colony of Norka, Russia on August 15, 1767.
2. Johann Michael Döring b. 1755 or 1756 - d. 1824, wife Katharina Müller b. 1761 - d. unknown.
3. Adam Döring b. 1781 or 1782 - d. 1823, wife Katharina Geier b. unknown- d. unknown
4. Heinrich Döring b. July 13, 1801 - d. June 23, 1855, wife Elisabeth Schreiner b. Oct. 24, 1802 - d. Oct. 26, 1869, married April 12, 1820
5. Heinrich Döring b. Sept. 26, 1828 - d. Jun. 9, 1888, wife Kristina Elisabeth Schleuning b. Nov. 8, 1834 - d. Aug. 17, 1902, married Feb. 15, 1855
6. Konrad Döring b. Aug. 19, 1855 - d. Dec. 6, 1898 (froze to death), wife Katharina Elisabeth Köhler b. Jan. 23, 1854 - d. unknown, married Feb. 8, 1877
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7. (Johann*) Konrad Döring, > Conrad "Coonie" Derring b. Jul. 3, 1896 - d. Sept. 3, 1981 *Baptismal first name, wife Petra Amanda Pedersen b. May 20, 1903 - d. Aug 7, 1995, married Aug. 17, 1926
8. Roy Conrad Derring b. Oct. 3, 1939
Nancy Ann (Derring) Keele b. Jul. 16, 1932
Carol Elaine (Derring) Bigness b. Apr. 15, 1931 - d. Dec. 24, 1999
Shirley Jean ( Derring) Stauber) b. Oct. 16, 1929
Donna Marie (Derring) Harris b. May 4, 1927
_____________________________________________
The descent from Peter Köhler to:
Roy Conrad Derring
Nancy Ann (Derring) Keele
Carol Elaine (Derring) Bigness
Shirley Jean (Derring) Stauber
Donna Marie (Derring) Harris
1. Peter Köhler b. 1728 or 1729 - d. 1798, wife Anna Margarethe (maiden name unknown) b. 1730 - d. before 1798
Reformed faith farmer from Isenburg ( a region in the State of Hessen, Germany) Arrived from Germany to the Volga German Colony of Norka, Russia on Aug. 15, 1767
2. Johannes Köhler b. 1753 or 1754 - d. 1820, wife Katharina Wagner from the colony of Schilling b. 1757 - d. ? 3. Konrad Köhler b. Nov. 18, 1788, - d. Jun. 6, 1854, wife Katharina Bauer b. May 8, 1785 - d. Jan. 21. 1841, married on Feb. 14, 1805
Page 79
4. Jost Köhler b. Apr. 25, 1809 - d. Aug. 19, 1868, 1st wife Kristina Brill b. Nov. 15, 1807 - d. Jan. 24, 1860, married on Feb. 1, 1827. 2nd wife Katharina Söder b. Nov. 11, 1812 - d. Feb. 16, 1867
5. Konrad Köhler b. Jan. 12, 1831, - d. ?, 1st wife Anna Marie Klahs (Glaß ?) b. Jul. 1, 1832 - d. May 2, 1861, married on Jan. 27, 1858. 2nd wife Anna Maria Brehm b. 1835 - d. ? married on Jan. 8, 1865
6. Katharina Elisabeth Köhler b. Jan. 23, 1854 - d. ?, husband Konrad Döring b. Aug. 19, 1855 - d. Dec. 6, 1898 (froze to death).
7. Johann Konrad Döring, > Conrad "Coonie" Derring b. Jul. 3, 1896 - d. Sept. 3, 1981, wife Petra Amanda Pedersen b. May 20, 1903 - d. Aug. 7, 1995.
8. Roy Conrad Derring b. Oct. 3, 1939
Nancy Ann (Derring) Keele b. Jul. 16, 1932
Carol Elaine (Derring) Bigness b. Apr.15, 1931 d - Dec. 24, 1999
Shirley Jean (Derring) Stauber b. Oct. 16, 1929
Donna Marie (Derring) Harris b. May 4, 1927
Donna Marie (Derring)Harris b. May 4, 1927
Shirley Jean (Derring) Stauber b. Oct. 16, 1929
Carol Elaine(Derring)Bigness b. Apr, 15, 1931 - d. Dec. 24, 1999
Nancy Ann (Derring) Keele b. Jul. 16, 1932
Roy Conrad Derring b. Oct. 3, 1939
_____________________________________________
Grandfather of ;
Randall Harris, Gary Harris, Teresa Harris,
Sharon (Stauber) Fenske, Julie (Stauber) ?, Martin Stauber,
David Stauber, Craig Stauber, Connie Stauber,
Karen (Bigness) Rahuilly, Rick Bigness, Ron Bigness,
Laura(Keele)Paea, Linda(Keele)Chahine and Heidi (Keele) Lesny
_____________________________________________
Great Grandfather of ;
Christopher Harris, Lisa Harris, Monica Harris, Tina Harris, Michael Lambert, Angela(Fenske) ?, Adam Fenske, Jennifer Flock, Matt Flock, Nicholas Stauber, Derek Stauber, Tyler Stauber, Stephanie Stauber, Trevor Stauber, Benjamin Stauber, Sarah Stauber, Breanna Stauber, Christina Stauber, Sherissa Stauber, Aaron Christenson, Michelle Bigness, Jennifer Bigness,
Shannon Bigness, Jason Bigness, Heather (Cambe) Kanahele, Sean Cambe, Lose Sarah Paea, Ryan Chahine, Dustin Chahine, Alec Thomas, and Annie Lesny
_____________________________________________
Great-Great Grandfather of ;
Cody Kanahele, Luke Kanahele, Seth Kanahele, Hazen Fenske
Page 77
German Family Tree
The descent from Johann Heinrich Döring to:
Roy Conrad Derring
Nancy Ann (Derring) Keele
Carol Elaine (Derring) Bigness
Shirley Jean (Derring) Stauber
Donna Marie (Derring) Harris
1. Johann Heinrich Döring b. 1717 - d. before 1775, wife Maria Elisabeth b. 1735 - d. unknown.
Reformed faith farmer from Isenburg(a region in the State of Hessen, Germany) Arrived in the Volga German colony of Norka, Russia on August 15, 1767.
2. Johann Michael Döring b. 1755 or 1756 - d. 1824, wife Katharina Müller b. 1761 - d. unknown.
3. Adam Döring b. 1781 or 1782 - d. 1823, wife Katharina Geier b. unknown- d. unknown
4. Heinrich Döring b. July 13, 1801 - d. June 23, 1855, wife Elisabeth Schreiner b. Oct. 24, 1802 - d. Oct. 26, 1869, married April 12, 1820
5. Heinrich Döring b. Sept. 26, 1828 - d. Jun. 9, 1888, wife Kristina Elisabeth Schleuning b. Nov. 8, 1834 - d. Aug. 17, 1902, married Feb. 15, 1855
6. Konrad Döring b. Aug. 19, 1855 - d. Dec. 6, 1898 (froze to death), wife Katharina Elisabeth Köhler b. Jan. 23, 1854 - d. unknown, married Feb. 8, 1877
Page 78
7. (Johann*) Konrad Döring, > Conrad "Coonie" Derring b. Jul. 3, 1896 - d. Sept. 3, 1981 *Baptismal first name, wife Petra Amanda Pedersen b. May 20, 1903 - d. Aug 7, 1995, married Aug. 17, 1926
8. Roy Conrad Derring b. Oct. 3, 1939
Nancy Ann (Derring) Keele b. Jul. 16, 1932
Carol Elaine (Derring) Bigness b. Apr. 15, 1931 - d. Dec. 24, 1999
Shirley Jean ( Derring) Stauber) b. Oct. 16, 1929
Donna Marie (Derring) Harris b. May 4, 1927
_____________________________________________
The descent from Peter Köhler to:
Roy Conrad Derring
Nancy Ann (Derring) Keele
Carol Elaine (Derring) Bigness
Shirley Jean (Derring) Stauber
Donna Marie (Derring) Harris
1. Peter Köhler b. 1728 or 1729 - d. 1798, wife Anna Margarethe (maiden name unknown) b. 1730 - d. before 1798
Reformed faith farmer from Isenburg ( a region in the State of Hessen, Germany) Arrived from Germany to the Volga German Colony of Norka, Russia on Aug. 15, 1767
2. Johannes Köhler b. 1753 or 1754 - d. 1820, wife Katharina Wagner from the colony of Schilling b. 1757 - d. ? 3. Konrad Köhler b. Nov. 18, 1788, - d. Jun. 6, 1854, wife Katharina Bauer b. May 8, 1785 - d. Jan. 21. 1841, married on Feb. 14, 1805
Page 79
4. Jost Köhler b. Apr. 25, 1809 - d. Aug. 19, 1868, 1st wife Kristina Brill b. Nov. 15, 1807 - d. Jan. 24, 1860, married on Feb. 1, 1827. 2nd wife Katharina Söder b. Nov. 11, 1812 - d. Feb. 16, 1867
5. Konrad Köhler b. Jan. 12, 1831, - d. ?, 1st wife Anna Marie Klahs (Glaß ?) b. Jul. 1, 1832 - d. May 2, 1861, married on Jan. 27, 1858. 2nd wife Anna Maria Brehm b. 1835 - d. ? married on Jan. 8, 1865
6. Katharina Elisabeth Köhler b. Jan. 23, 1854 - d. ?, husband Konrad Döring b. Aug. 19, 1855 - d. Dec. 6, 1898 (froze to death).
7. Johann Konrad Döring, > Conrad "Coonie" Derring b. Jul. 3, 1896 - d. Sept. 3, 1981, wife Petra Amanda Pedersen b. May 20, 1903 - d. Aug. 7, 1995.
8. Roy Conrad Derring b. Oct. 3, 1939
Nancy Ann (Derring) Keele b. Jul. 16, 1932
Carol Elaine (Derring) Bigness b. Apr.15, 1931 d - Dec. 24, 1999
Shirley Jean (Derring) Stauber b. Oct. 16, 1929
Donna Marie (Derring) Harris b. May 4, 1927
Origin of Surname Döring/Doering
Page 80
Center German and Low German, an old term for a Thuringian*, old form Düring/Duering or Döhring/Doehring. Bertram Doringh, Greifswald 1367. As found in the book entitled; 'Dictionary of German Names ' by Hans Bahlow.
Variations on the name include: Deerinck, Dierick, Dierickx, Duericx, Duerinck, Duerinckx, Duerink, Duhring, Durinck Durinx,, Durick, During, Derringer, Dieringer, Doeringer, Dueringer, Deering, Derring, Dering, Thuringer, Von Düring.
*A Thuringian is a person from the Central German State of Thuringia. From the eighth Century German tribe of people known as the Thuringi. (Note: the combined letters (Th) in German has simply a (T) sound, as the letter (h) that follows is silent.)
For information on the DNA Döring surname project, check out this website
www.duerinck.com/
Common Volga German First Names
When researching family genealogy you will most likely come across many ancestors down the family tree with the exact same first and last names, and discovering many same names, though unrelated. Predominant first names for males were Heinrich, Johannes, Adam, Konrad, and Peter. Common first names for females were Anna, Katharina, Marie, Elisabeth, and Kristina. In order to distinguish a person of the same name from another, nicknames were a commonly used description of a person’s talent, skill or occupation. Nicknames were also descriptive of an obvious trait or characteristic about a person, either flattering, or for that matter, extremely unflattering.
Center German and Low German, an old term for a Thuringian*, old form Düring/Duering or Döhring/Doehring. Bertram Doringh, Greifswald 1367. As found in the book entitled; 'Dictionary of German Names ' by Hans Bahlow.
Variations on the name include: Deerinck, Dierick, Dierickx, Duericx, Duerinck, Duerinckx, Duerink, Duhring, Durinck Durinx,, Durick, During, Derringer, Dieringer, Doeringer, Dueringer, Deering, Derring, Dering, Thuringer, Von Düring.
*A Thuringian is a person from the Central German State of Thuringia. From the eighth Century German tribe of people known as the Thuringi. (Note: the combined letters (Th) in German has simply a (T) sound, as the letter (h) that follows is silent.)
For information on the DNA Döring surname project, check out this website
www.duerinck.com/
Common Volga German First Names
When researching family genealogy you will most likely come across many ancestors down the family tree with the exact same first and last names, and discovering many same names, though unrelated. Predominant first names for males were Heinrich, Johannes, Adam, Konrad, and Peter. Common first names for females were Anna, Katharina, Marie, Elisabeth, and Kristina. In order to distinguish a person of the same name from another, nicknames were a commonly used description of a person’s talent, skill or occupation. Nicknames were also descriptive of an obvious trait or characteristic about a person, either flattering, or for that matter, extremely unflattering.
Afterword
Page 81
The German language used in this story is written in standard German and directly followed by its English translation. A choice was made not to give a Volga German 'phonetic' spelling of words in order to get across to the reader how the Volga German dialect (Platt deutsch) sounds. One reason being, if you don’t know the German
language, or even the dialect, you are still not going to know the true sound, let alone find its meaning in a German dictionary, combined with the added confusion as to the varied spellings of phonetically written out words according to how each person down the genealogical line has chose to spell them, and each assuming that the version they learned is the correct one.
When the Volga German 'phonetic' varied spelling of words reached this country, an added English 'phonetic' spelling was written out by everyone’s aunt, uncle, brother, and cousin. In other words, what is meant by 'phonetic' spelling, be it in German, English, or a hybrid combination of both, is that words are spelled, according to how the word sounds to the person. If this were at least fifty years ago and beyond, where the Volga German dialect was spoken here on a daily basis, I wouldn't hesitate to write out the German used in this story in a Volga German 'phonetic' sounding dialect, as there would be a multitude of Volga German speaking people who could understand and relate to what was being conveyed, even though some of them would say that this wasn't the way some of the words should be spelled. That, by and large, is not the case anymore. To the best of my awareness and knowledge, here in the year 2001, there are no large groups or numbers of Volga Germans in this country who speak German (Platt deutsch) on a daily basis. Nor are there large groups
Page 82
or numbers of Volga Germans who speak German on a daily basis in Russia. Those descendants in Russia are as Russianized, as we here in America are Americanized, consisting now of descendants with a variety of added ethnicities, cultures, and nationalities. Recent Volga German descendants living in Russia, who have since emigrated to Germany, are having to learn for the first time the German language. What they are learning is standard German. Standard German of course was also taught in the schools in the Volga German settlements of Russia. It is my fervent intention to reach out to the younger generations of interested descendants who would pursue the German language as taught in the classroom, and possibly as an aid to their travels to Germany, as students, through employment opportunities, armed forces overseas, or even via e-mail correspondence on the Internet.
My father, who this story is about, said that his education in Norka amounted to what would have been comparable to that of a third grade education. This was most likely the extent of a majority of people’s education at that time living in an agrarian society. Just enough education to grasp the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The fact that they became literate was a great step forward, and correct spelling and correct German grammar a minor problem in the scope of daily life.
I surely needn't explain the difficulty one encounters, arising from the conglomerate mishmash of phonetic spellings that have been made throughout the generations, in regards to German family surnames, especially to those of you who have been researching family genealogy. This is a prime example of how everyone down the family tree chose to spell their last name according to how it sounded to them in Russia, and especially here in America and Canada. From a German
Page 83
phonetic version to an English phonetic version of spelling, to even a hybrid German/English phonetic spelling, Whew! A genealogist’s nightmare! The same equally would hold true for those Volga Germans who emigrated to Spanish and Portuguese speaking South America. Think about that one for a while! I could literally cite hundreds of examples pertaining to surnames alone and their varied given spellings.
In regards to umlaut accent marks used with German surnames i.e., Müller, Schäffer, Döring, etc. When the umlaut accent is omitted, grammatically there is always the letter 'e' added, Müller/ Mueller, Schäffer/Schaeffer, Döring/Doering. Either way is a correct German spelling of that surname. Naturally umlauts were omitted here in America, however not always was the letter 'e' added to the surname. An example of a hybrid fifty-fifty half German, half English version on surnames, Giebelhaus became Giebelhouse, Grünwald/Gruenwald became Greenwald.
Many spellings of surnames were intentionally changed here in America as to retain the sound of the name when spoken or read in English. For example , the surname Jäger/Jaeger became Yeager, Jost became Yost, as a J in German has a Y sound. Some names received a literal English translation of a particular surname. Blum to Bloom, Müller/Mueller to Miller, Göbel/Goebel to Gable, and Koch to Cook. However, not all was the case, as this is only to give an example of surname spelling changes upon immigration into English speaking America and Canada.
It is not my intention to offend anyone’s prior use of the Volga German dialect regarding incorrect spelling and the compounded misspelled versions in English. That is not the point here. Nor am I here to offend the written script of other storytellers, folklorists, or
Page 84
linguists. However, I do support the notion and fact, that there is definitely such a thing as correct German grammar, which includes spelling, as I am also supportive that there is also definitely such a thing as good English grammar including spelling.
The one place you will hear any semblance of the dialect to that of the Volga German dialect being spoken by vast numbers of people to this very day is in Germany, notably in the German State of Hessen where many Germans were recruited to settle the Volga region of Russia back in the 1760's. Having spent nearly two years in Hessen, and several recent trips there, I can assure you that the dialect is alive and well! One thing, however, you wont find to any degree, is phonetically spelled out words. What you will find is good usage of standard German grammar and spelling. Having said that, I have no doubt that there are stories in German where dialogue is phonetically written out to present the sound to the reader of a certain dialect or regional accent which in Germany there are many dialects of German being spoken, the difference being, is that German speaking persons know what is being conveyed to them, they know the difference, seeing as German is their mother tongue. For example, we too, when reading a story or novel in English pertaining to say the dialogue of a Southern dialect, a New York dialect, or an eastern seaboard dialect, when it is written out phonetically in English, we know what is being conveyed to us, we know the difference, as English here in America and Canada is our mother tongue. So yes, dialect written out phonetically has its place, but not to the detriment and expense of correct grammar, nor as the legitimate use of the English language, no more than to acknowledge that Pidgin English or Ebonics is a legitimate spoken or written form of English, or Yiddish (phonetic for the German word Jüdisch, meaning Jewish) as a legitimate written form
Page 85
of German, seeing as the Yiddish dialect is the German language written out phonetically in English, which is exactly what many Germans from Russia and their descendants have been doing ever since they immigrated to the Americas, be it an English, Spanish or Portuguese speaking country.
Another example, to stress the point being made here on maintaining correct spelling, be you a parent or teacher, if your child or student wrote on a paper and handed it to you that read, "I reely lernt a lot in skool tuday, an hopfuly I will lern a hole lot mor."
Naturally one would like to think that as a parent or teacher, you would help that child with his or her spelling, rather than to pass it off as amusing, charming, or quaint. There are generations of us, unknowledgeable primarily due to our grasp of the German language, who have taken for granted all the misspellings of German words passed on to us as being correct, no matter how much the spelling of German words were changed to suit whoever spelled the word or ones own surname. I certainly do not blame them or anyone for that matter, as they did the very best they could do under the circumstances without having to worry over a seemingly trivial matter as correct or near correct spelling. The fact that they were literate at all was a Godsend and then having to contend with English or Spanish upon immigration. To this very day the majority of Volga German descendants remain clueless, as the majority of us are simply not active or fluent in German, and even if we were at one time or the other, daily usage and communication for most part is nil. Again, the stress here is the importance of correct usage of the German language and grammar to the younger generations of descendants.
Here is a phonetic spelling of a simple three letter phrase that a person of Volga German descent e-mailed to me with reference to a
Page 86
food that her grandmother used to fix for dinner. Here is what she wrote, ' Kahdovill unt vohrscht'. I am sure that some of you old-timers know exactly what is being conveyed in this phonetically written out phrase. It would be quite some time even for my German friends to figure this one out. The phrase simply translates to 'Potatoes and sausage'. Yet the correct spelling as you would see anywhere in German, or even Germans from the State of Hessen where most of our ancestors hailed from, would be written, 'Kartoffel und Wurst'. This misspelling was only one form of misspelling, as it, and so many other countless surnames, words, and phrases received their own compounded incorrect version.
I find it ludicrous that some of the so called "professional " folklorists and linguists amongst us, would laud the usage of poor German grammar, yet would not even themselves think of using English grammar incorrectly. I suggested to this one "professional" as he claimed to be , that I thought that it would be a good idea that a Volga German phonetic dictionary be produced so as to aide persons in research of just how the word or phrase sounded, what it meant, accompanied by the correct standard German spelling. Without hesitation, he immediately vetoed the idea, stating, "We don’t need dictionaries, we need respect for our language!" Some respect I thought coming from a person who isn't even fluent in the German language, and yet promotes its phonetically written dialect as legitimate German. And this nonsense from a person who has had the abundant opportunity and privilege of receiving a much higher education here in America, than any of his ancestors could have ever hoped or dreamed of. Incredible! Like I stated before, my father had a third grade level of education. A very excellent one at that, even by Volga German standards, yet it would be his wish that if he had children, that
Page 87
perhaps they would at least achieve an eighth grade education. My mother had an eighth grade education and her wish was that she hoped that all her children would have at least a high school education. And so it goes with parents wanting their children to be able to achieve a better way of life through higher education, not only job wise, but for knowledge, intelligence, intellect, common sense, and hopefully wisdom as well. It would be unthinkable for our parents, or any parents, to want their children to remain on the same level as theirs, specifically back in the days when many people, for many reasons were unable to, nor permitted the opportunity of receiving a higher education. Be it noted, however, that what many of our ancestors lacked in the way of a formal education, due to hard physical work and time needed for basic survival, they made up with pure common sense and wisdom, with a solid grasp of reading, writing and arithmetic.
Being a first generation born American, and remembering back to the 1950's when I was a teenager growing up in Portland, Oregon, a large majority of the kids from the Germans from Russia neighborhood of Albina attending Jefferson High School, were of Volga German descent, and many of them also being first generation born Americans, yet we were right from the very 'get-go', one hundred percent All-American kids, and far removed from the culture of our immigrant parents and grandparents. We, for most part, were oblivious as to what it was, or meant to be of Volga German descent. It hardly even entered our consciousness to any degree of significance, and never to my recollection did any of us say, "Are you of German from Russia descent?", or, "Did your parents come from Russia?" Sure, we at times heard our parents, their friends, relatives, and mostly the older adults on occasion speak German, and we ate German food, and some of us attended the German churches, yet our
Page 88
conscious cultural emphasis was on being American, looking American, assimilating, speaking, reading, and writing English. One also must be informed and remember that with the advent of World War One and World War Two with Germany, being notably of German descent was not a popular ethnicity to flaunt during those times, which further added to the loss of our cultural identity and a greater assimilation into the homogenous melting pot of Caucasian white America. I must admit, in our grandparents and parents desires for us to become full-fledged Americans, as well as they themselves, we lost our inherent culture that so many of us later in life want to learn about and to rediscover, the genealogy and family charts, history, folklore, food, customs, language, and to pass this abundant heritage on to our descendants.
The restoration of the German language that has been widely altered and phonetically modified throughout the generations, can be looked upon in the way that one would take on the restoration of an old home that throughout the century had been remodeled on numerous occasions, neglected, and then through sincere desire, interest and concern, completely restored to the stately grace and beauty that it once was. Restoration begins by encouraging your children, your grandchildren and yourself to enter into and attend German classes, or for that matter, whatever language it might be that is also a part of your cultural heritage other than German. The language, above all, with a complete life, passion and vitality of its own, was the catalyst, the unifying factor, and the life of our people, our ancestors...
Roy Conrad Derring
The German language used in this story is written in standard German and directly followed by its English translation. A choice was made not to give a Volga German 'phonetic' spelling of words in order to get across to the reader how the Volga German dialect (Platt deutsch) sounds. One reason being, if you don’t know the German
language, or even the dialect, you are still not going to know the true sound, let alone find its meaning in a German dictionary, combined with the added confusion as to the varied spellings of phonetically written out words according to how each person down the genealogical line has chose to spell them, and each assuming that the version they learned is the correct one.
When the Volga German 'phonetic' varied spelling of words reached this country, an added English 'phonetic' spelling was written out by everyone’s aunt, uncle, brother, and cousin. In other words, what is meant by 'phonetic' spelling, be it in German, English, or a hybrid combination of both, is that words are spelled, according to how the word sounds to the person. If this were at least fifty years ago and beyond, where the Volga German dialect was spoken here on a daily basis, I wouldn't hesitate to write out the German used in this story in a Volga German 'phonetic' sounding dialect, as there would be a multitude of Volga German speaking people who could understand and relate to what was being conveyed, even though some of them would say that this wasn't the way some of the words should be spelled. That, by and large, is not the case anymore. To the best of my awareness and knowledge, here in the year 2001, there are no large groups or numbers of Volga Germans in this country who speak German (Platt deutsch) on a daily basis. Nor are there large groups
Page 82
or numbers of Volga Germans who speak German on a daily basis in Russia. Those descendants in Russia are as Russianized, as we here in America are Americanized, consisting now of descendants with a variety of added ethnicities, cultures, and nationalities. Recent Volga German descendants living in Russia, who have since emigrated to Germany, are having to learn for the first time the German language. What they are learning is standard German. Standard German of course was also taught in the schools in the Volga German settlements of Russia. It is my fervent intention to reach out to the younger generations of interested descendants who would pursue the German language as taught in the classroom, and possibly as an aid to their travels to Germany, as students, through employment opportunities, armed forces overseas, or even via e-mail correspondence on the Internet.
My father, who this story is about, said that his education in Norka amounted to what would have been comparable to that of a third grade education. This was most likely the extent of a majority of people’s education at that time living in an agrarian society. Just enough education to grasp the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The fact that they became literate was a great step forward, and correct spelling and correct German grammar a minor problem in the scope of daily life.
I surely needn't explain the difficulty one encounters, arising from the conglomerate mishmash of phonetic spellings that have been made throughout the generations, in regards to German family surnames, especially to those of you who have been researching family genealogy. This is a prime example of how everyone down the family tree chose to spell their last name according to how it sounded to them in Russia, and especially here in America and Canada. From a German
Page 83
phonetic version to an English phonetic version of spelling, to even a hybrid German/English phonetic spelling, Whew! A genealogist’s nightmare! The same equally would hold true for those Volga Germans who emigrated to Spanish and Portuguese speaking South America. Think about that one for a while! I could literally cite hundreds of examples pertaining to surnames alone and their varied given spellings.
In regards to umlaut accent marks used with German surnames i.e., Müller, Schäffer, Döring, etc. When the umlaut accent is omitted, grammatically there is always the letter 'e' added, Müller/ Mueller, Schäffer/Schaeffer, Döring/Doering. Either way is a correct German spelling of that surname. Naturally umlauts were omitted here in America, however not always was the letter 'e' added to the surname. An example of a hybrid fifty-fifty half German, half English version on surnames, Giebelhaus became Giebelhouse, Grünwald/Gruenwald became Greenwald.
Many spellings of surnames were intentionally changed here in America as to retain the sound of the name when spoken or read in English. For example , the surname Jäger/Jaeger became Yeager, Jost became Yost, as a J in German has a Y sound. Some names received a literal English translation of a particular surname. Blum to Bloom, Müller/Mueller to Miller, Göbel/Goebel to Gable, and Koch to Cook. However, not all was the case, as this is only to give an example of surname spelling changes upon immigration into English speaking America and Canada.
It is not my intention to offend anyone’s prior use of the Volga German dialect regarding incorrect spelling and the compounded misspelled versions in English. That is not the point here. Nor am I here to offend the written script of other storytellers, folklorists, or
Page 84
linguists. However, I do support the notion and fact, that there is definitely such a thing as correct German grammar, which includes spelling, as I am also supportive that there is also definitely such a thing as good English grammar including spelling.
The one place you will hear any semblance of the dialect to that of the Volga German dialect being spoken by vast numbers of people to this very day is in Germany, notably in the German State of Hessen where many Germans were recruited to settle the Volga region of Russia back in the 1760's. Having spent nearly two years in Hessen, and several recent trips there, I can assure you that the dialect is alive and well! One thing, however, you wont find to any degree, is phonetically spelled out words. What you will find is good usage of standard German grammar and spelling. Having said that, I have no doubt that there are stories in German where dialogue is phonetically written out to present the sound to the reader of a certain dialect or regional accent which in Germany there are many dialects of German being spoken, the difference being, is that German speaking persons know what is being conveyed to them, they know the difference, seeing as German is their mother tongue. For example, we too, when reading a story or novel in English pertaining to say the dialogue of a Southern dialect, a New York dialect, or an eastern seaboard dialect, when it is written out phonetically in English, we know what is being conveyed to us, we know the difference, as English here in America and Canada is our mother tongue. So yes, dialect written out phonetically has its place, but not to the detriment and expense of correct grammar, nor as the legitimate use of the English language, no more than to acknowledge that Pidgin English or Ebonics is a legitimate spoken or written form of English, or Yiddish (phonetic for the German word Jüdisch, meaning Jewish) as a legitimate written form
Page 85
of German, seeing as the Yiddish dialect is the German language written out phonetically in English, which is exactly what many Germans from Russia and their descendants have been doing ever since they immigrated to the Americas, be it an English, Spanish or Portuguese speaking country.
Another example, to stress the point being made here on maintaining correct spelling, be you a parent or teacher, if your child or student wrote on a paper and handed it to you that read, "I reely lernt a lot in skool tuday, an hopfuly I will lern a hole lot mor."
Naturally one would like to think that as a parent or teacher, you would help that child with his or her spelling, rather than to pass it off as amusing, charming, or quaint. There are generations of us, unknowledgeable primarily due to our grasp of the German language, who have taken for granted all the misspellings of German words passed on to us as being correct, no matter how much the spelling of German words were changed to suit whoever spelled the word or ones own surname. I certainly do not blame them or anyone for that matter, as they did the very best they could do under the circumstances without having to worry over a seemingly trivial matter as correct or near correct spelling. The fact that they were literate at all was a Godsend and then having to contend with English or Spanish upon immigration. To this very day the majority of Volga German descendants remain clueless, as the majority of us are simply not active or fluent in German, and even if we were at one time or the other, daily usage and communication for most part is nil. Again, the stress here is the importance of correct usage of the German language and grammar to the younger generations of descendants.
Here is a phonetic spelling of a simple three letter phrase that a person of Volga German descent e-mailed to me with reference to a
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food that her grandmother used to fix for dinner. Here is what she wrote, ' Kahdovill unt vohrscht'. I am sure that some of you old-timers know exactly what is being conveyed in this phonetically written out phrase. It would be quite some time even for my German friends to figure this one out. The phrase simply translates to 'Potatoes and sausage'. Yet the correct spelling as you would see anywhere in German, or even Germans from the State of Hessen where most of our ancestors hailed from, would be written, 'Kartoffel und Wurst'. This misspelling was only one form of misspelling, as it, and so many other countless surnames, words, and phrases received their own compounded incorrect version.
I find it ludicrous that some of the so called "professional " folklorists and linguists amongst us, would laud the usage of poor German grammar, yet would not even themselves think of using English grammar incorrectly. I suggested to this one "professional" as he claimed to be , that I thought that it would be a good idea that a Volga German phonetic dictionary be produced so as to aide persons in research of just how the word or phrase sounded, what it meant, accompanied by the correct standard German spelling. Without hesitation, he immediately vetoed the idea, stating, "We don’t need dictionaries, we need respect for our language!" Some respect I thought coming from a person who isn't even fluent in the German language, and yet promotes its phonetically written dialect as legitimate German. And this nonsense from a person who has had the abundant opportunity and privilege of receiving a much higher education here in America, than any of his ancestors could have ever hoped or dreamed of. Incredible! Like I stated before, my father had a third grade level of education. A very excellent one at that, even by Volga German standards, yet it would be his wish that if he had children, that
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perhaps they would at least achieve an eighth grade education. My mother had an eighth grade education and her wish was that she hoped that all her children would have at least a high school education. And so it goes with parents wanting their children to be able to achieve a better way of life through higher education, not only job wise, but for knowledge, intelligence, intellect, common sense, and hopefully wisdom as well. It would be unthinkable for our parents, or any parents, to want their children to remain on the same level as theirs, specifically back in the days when many people, for many reasons were unable to, nor permitted the opportunity of receiving a higher education. Be it noted, however, that what many of our ancestors lacked in the way of a formal education, due to hard physical work and time needed for basic survival, they made up with pure common sense and wisdom, with a solid grasp of reading, writing and arithmetic.
Being a first generation born American, and remembering back to the 1950's when I was a teenager growing up in Portland, Oregon, a large majority of the kids from the Germans from Russia neighborhood of Albina attending Jefferson High School, were of Volga German descent, and many of them also being first generation born Americans, yet we were right from the very 'get-go', one hundred percent All-American kids, and far removed from the culture of our immigrant parents and grandparents. We, for most part, were oblivious as to what it was, or meant to be of Volga German descent. It hardly even entered our consciousness to any degree of significance, and never to my recollection did any of us say, "Are you of German from Russia descent?", or, "Did your parents come from Russia?" Sure, we at times heard our parents, their friends, relatives, and mostly the older adults on occasion speak German, and we ate German food, and some of us attended the German churches, yet our
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conscious cultural emphasis was on being American, looking American, assimilating, speaking, reading, and writing English. One also must be informed and remember that with the advent of World War One and World War Two with Germany, being notably of German descent was not a popular ethnicity to flaunt during those times, which further added to the loss of our cultural identity and a greater assimilation into the homogenous melting pot of Caucasian white America. I must admit, in our grandparents and parents desires for us to become full-fledged Americans, as well as they themselves, we lost our inherent culture that so many of us later in life want to learn about and to rediscover, the genealogy and family charts, history, folklore, food, customs, language, and to pass this abundant heritage on to our descendants.
The restoration of the German language that has been widely altered and phonetically modified throughout the generations, can be looked upon in the way that one would take on the restoration of an old home that throughout the century had been remodeled on numerous occasions, neglected, and then through sincere desire, interest and concern, completely restored to the stately grace and beauty that it once was. Restoration begins by encouraging your children, your grandchildren and yourself to enter into and attend German classes, or for that matter, whatever language it might be that is also a part of your cultural heritage other than German. The language, above all, with a complete life, passion and vitality of its own, was the catalyst, the unifying factor, and the life of our people, our ancestors...
Roy Conrad Derring
Photographs
Source
This version of the print story was published online with the permission of Roy Conrad Derring, July 2001.
Last updated November 29, 2023