The photo on the left is from about 1903 when the majority of the Alexander and Helene Braunhart family had happier times in Schubin, Germany. In the 17 years since that photo, four had served in World War I for Germany, with one it seems, Theo, never recovering physically from the war on his health. Three had immigrated to America and two had served in prison in Germany for a stupid mistake.
At the time of this letter to daughter Anna, Alexander discusses the near end of the family's residence in Schubin, due to the continuing conflicts in that city, as well as the interminable financial stress due to the coming hyperinflation. Several of the children had already relocated in Berlin and Alexander and Helene, and daughters Selma and Frieda were soon to join them.
He also mentions the emerging influence of the Bolsheviks. And as usual, finances are discussed, and the still unfinished resolution of Alexander's brother Samuel's estate. 14 years had passed since Samuel had died, which occurred in San Francisco, shortly after the great 1906 earthquake.
Below is the two page letter to Anna from Alexander, followed by the English translation.
At the time of this letter to daughter Anna, Alexander discusses the near end of the family's residence in Schubin, due to the continuing conflicts in that city, as well as the interminable financial stress due to the coming hyperinflation. Several of the children had already relocated in Berlin and Alexander and Helene, and daughters Selma and Frieda were soon to join them.
He also mentions the emerging influence of the Bolsheviks. And as usual, finances are discussed, and the still unfinished resolution of Alexander's brother Samuel's estate. 14 years had passed since Samuel had died, which occurred in San Francisco, shortly after the great 1906 earthquake.
Below is the two page letter to Anna from Alexander, followed by the English translation.
Page 1
Page 2
Below is the English translation, which was performed by our good friend Matthias Steinke:
Schubin, 13th April 1920
Dear daughter Anna!
Already since weeks no message from you. Are very concerned. Martha wrote about 14 days ago that you are fine, but we would rather hear it from yourself. Also received from Martha a check over 5.555 Polish Mark. If the money would have been sent to Germany we would have gotten triple, because the Polish money is worth less. For example 100 Mark Polish is 32 Mark German. You, dear Anna have probably also contributed to it. Many thanks. So far we have everything for living.
Theo wrote that you bought a house. Good luck and blessing. Mum and Selma wrote a couple of days ago to Martha. I also wrote to her. Martha informed us that Jakob is all right. Who will believe it? - The boys weren't here.
Here is calm before the storm. We believe, that the Bolsheviki will come. Among the workers is a tremendous excitement concerning the rise of the prices. The boys wrote that they applied for an apartment for us. And as soon as we get an apartment, then we will move out. We will take everything with us, because over there its also expensive; for example a chair is 150 Mark. We have beautiful furniture. Bought new before the war. Moritz gave us before the war a huge carpet, for which we can get 6.000 Mark. But we are on our guard to sell.
According the bank I will write today to Coffey, Uncle's lawyer in San Francisco. He didn't answer so far. A crazy time: for 20 Mark in gold they pay here 800 Mark Polish, also German money, for 1 Mark silver 13 Mark. Julius is here, and made money. Sold recently clothes to Frieda for 300 Mark, which are worth 600 mark. But have to be altered. From tomorrow on the postage to Germany for 1 letter costs 1 Mark and also to America 1 Mark. But this shall not prevent us writing to you. How is the little one doing? If I am not wrong, she has her birthday in May. Kiss and hug her from me. Also greet Harry, Martha, Benny and the boys. A lot already died here due to the flu. All German officials are gone. This isn't a tragedy. The Polish are more polite. From the 16th this month Frieda shall visit the business school in Bromberg. Go there each morning, back each evening. She must learn something. Write back soon. Fare well and be greeted by your your truly loving father.
Schubin, 13th April 1920
Dear daughter Anna!
Already since weeks no message from you. Are very concerned. Martha wrote about 14 days ago that you are fine, but we would rather hear it from yourself. Also received from Martha a check over 5.555 Polish Mark. If the money would have been sent to Germany we would have gotten triple, because the Polish money is worth less. For example 100 Mark Polish is 32 Mark German. You, dear Anna have probably also contributed to it. Many thanks. So far we have everything for living.
Theo wrote that you bought a house. Good luck and blessing. Mum and Selma wrote a couple of days ago to Martha. I also wrote to her. Martha informed us that Jakob is all right. Who will believe it? - The boys weren't here.
Here is calm before the storm. We believe, that the Bolsheviki will come. Among the workers is a tremendous excitement concerning the rise of the prices. The boys wrote that they applied for an apartment for us. And as soon as we get an apartment, then we will move out. We will take everything with us, because over there its also expensive; for example a chair is 150 Mark. We have beautiful furniture. Bought new before the war. Moritz gave us before the war a huge carpet, for which we can get 6.000 Mark. But we are on our guard to sell.
According the bank I will write today to Coffey, Uncle's lawyer in San Francisco. He didn't answer so far. A crazy time: for 20 Mark in gold they pay here 800 Mark Polish, also German money, for 1 Mark silver 13 Mark. Julius is here, and made money. Sold recently clothes to Frieda for 300 Mark, which are worth 600 mark. But have to be altered. From tomorrow on the postage to Germany for 1 letter costs 1 Mark and also to America 1 Mark. But this shall not prevent us writing to you. How is the little one doing? If I am not wrong, she has her birthday in May. Kiss and hug her from me. Also greet Harry, Martha, Benny and the boys. A lot already died here due to the flu. All German officials are gone. This isn't a tragedy. The Polish are more polite. From the 16th this month Frieda shall visit the business school in Bromberg. Go there each morning, back each evening. She must learn something. Write back soon. Fare well and be greeted by your your truly loving father.
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