Norka a German colony in Russia Konrädchen
Contents
Dedication
Konrädchen im Winter
1
Konrädchen im Frühling
8
Konrädchen Im Sommer
15
Konrädchen Im Herbst
25
Konrädchen nach Amerika
43
Epilogue
73
Descendants of Conrad Derring
77
German Family Tree
78
Origin of Surname
81
Afterword 82
Germans from Russia Resource List
90
Photographs
Conrad “Coonie” Derring
(nee-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.
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.
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“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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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Little Konrad in the Springtime
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?
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Little Konrad in the Summer
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.
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Little Konrad in the Fall
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!!!
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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, wh