This letter is from father Alexander Braunhart to daughter Martha Braunhart Sternbach, who had immigrated and was living with her husband and children in Brooklyn, New York.
Based on travel records, Alexander had visited New York twice in the early 1880s. It is unknown why he did not immigrate. But in this letter he mentions a desire to immigrate, yet he states that his wife Helene likely does not wish to do so.
He also remarks about the ongoing strife in Schubin, with the conflict between the Poles and the Germans ebbing, but not yet over.
Finally, he discusses the dilemma of the Jews still in Schubin, and the fact that no matter what they do - they are still undergoing ill treatment.
Below is the original letter, followed by the English translation:
Based on travel records, Alexander had visited New York twice in the early 1880s. It is unknown why he did not immigrate. But in this letter he mentions a desire to immigrate, yet he states that his wife Helene likely does not wish to do so.
He also remarks about the ongoing strife in Schubin, with the conflict between the Poles and the Germans ebbing, but not yet over.
Finally, he discusses the dilemma of the Jews still in Schubin, and the fact that no matter what they do - they are still undergoing ill treatment.
Below is the original letter, followed by the English translation:
Page 1
Pages 2 and 3
Page 4
Thanks to our wonderful translator Matthias Steinke, the English translation is below:
Schubin, 7th. September 1919
Dear children and grandchildren!
Like to inform you that the parcel arrived. Best, best thanks. The parcel which was very necessary for us, caused here a stir. The parcel contained:
2 cans of tinned fish
1 can of sardines
2 packages rice
1 package tea
3 chocolate bars
1 can oil
After the description it was probably more in. If you can't afford it so good, don't send anymore to us, because the postage costs so much and the content is also expensive. In my time over 40 years ago everything was very cheap
over there.
Our detailed letter as answer to yours you will probably already hold in your hands .In any case write very often. Anna and Jakob let nothing hear from them. I wrote to them and also to Aunt in Oakland, to which I enclosed Jakob's letter, because I don't know his address. Greet Anna, Harry and the little one and Anna shall write finally. Or did something happen? To the turn of the year we congratulate.
Otherwise everything is calm here. Whether it will be that way? May God protect us against the experiences we already made in the past.
Cylli's husband will probably be released [from POW camp] in Berlin these days. She is already there.
Karl, wife and children start this week. They made good money. I hardly think, that it will be in Germany so good. We also want to move. But where? Have to wait. We don't like to be at the children, but "independent".
With the currency is going worse from day to day. Even the insurances have an end. Everything is going to Polish hands. The Polish government is very loyal, but the population is still very agitated. I have never been
hostile against Poles.
The Prussian state has done many sins to the Poles and the Jews. The Jews are the worst off. If they go right, its not good; if they go left the same, and if they stay neutral they are gutless and untrue. Frankly speaking the Jews have also sinned a lot, namely to persons who said them the truth. But what is to do? One is in the soup after all.
Apart from that the ours are doing well. Is Leo learning good? Speak the boys also German? Harold has probably to go to school now. If the times are better and Bromberg open, you will receive our pictures. How would it be if we come overthere? Mum probably doesn't want, and it doesn't give so much money for the journey. Otherwise, if the
bank would pay.
Now farewell and be greeted hearty by your loving parents.
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