THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 108
DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY
(Issued monthly by G. J. Berghold)
June 30, 2002
(c) 2002 G. J. Berghold - all rights reserved)

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in a courteous and cooperative manner - not to do so defeats the purpose of 
our organization. 

UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS OF INTEREST 
*** JUNE 28-JULY 27 - CASTLE PLAY GÜSSING: "CROSSING AT THE BORDER - LIFE & 
    DEATH OF THE BANDIT FOLK HERO JOSKA" (Burgspiele Güssing 2002: "Am Grenzweg 
    - vom Leben und Tod des Betyáren Savanyú Jóska") 
*** JULY 14th - BG ANNUAL PICNIC MOSCHENDORF, BURGENLAND 
*** AUGUST 24 - 5th ANNUAL BB MID-WEST PICNIC (see Homepage) 
*** OCTOBER 12 - CHICAGO REUNION OF OBERWART-BAD TATZMANNSDORF DESCENDANTS


This first section of our 4-section newsletter includes:

1. Burgenland Delegation Visits New York
2. Be Careful Of Those Names
3. Robert Strauch Joins BB Staff
4. Thank You Letter - Austrian Delegation
5. Two Useful Books
6. Germanic Migration - Dr. Edward Brandt


1. VISIT OF AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS TO NEW YORK CITY (from Frank Paukowits)

On Sunday, May 19th, The Brüderschaft Der Burgenländer Verein in New York 
held a dinner-dance at Castle Harbour Casino to commemorate the 65th 
anniversary of the formation of their society, and to honor the delegation of 
officials from Burgenland who had traveled to the United States as part of 
the festivities relating to the 80th anniversary celebration of Burgenland as 
a province of Austria.

More than 300 people were in attendance. Music was provided by the Joe Weber 
Orchestra from Pennsylvania. A Miss Brüderschaft Der Burgenländer Königen was 
also selected and many of the Austrian officials danced with her after she 
was crowned. In addition, there was a large birthday cake with lighted 
candles to celebrate the 80th birthday of Burgenland.

The Honorable Hans Niessel, Governor of Burgenland, spoke of the special ties 
between Burgenland and America as a result of the large immigration of 
Burgenlanders to the United States over the years. The Honorable Franz 
Steindl, the Lieutenant Governor, also talked of the special bonds that have 
existed over the years, and Dr. Walter Dujmovits, President of the Burgenland 
Gemeinschaft, singled out the efforts of The Burgenland Bunch and the work 
their members were doing to foster and continue links with the "Heimatland". 
It was a fun day for all at this last official stop before the delegation 
returned to Austria.


2. BE CAREFUL OF THOSE NAMES (with thanks to Hannes Graf)

I remember reading "By their names you shall know them" - I don't remember the 
connotation, but in effect it reinforces the fact that few of us leave 
anything permanent but our names in some article or document. It thus 
behooves us to get them right when we mention them. The only thing worse than 
not having your name mentioned is to have it misspelled. So often I receive 
mail from members that have incorrect spellings of family names or villages. 
It isn't easy to get them all right given the changes that take place 
between generations as well as language translations. One favorite of mine 
was mentioning the song Wien, Wien, nur du Allein" (Vienna, Vienna, only you 
alone [are unique]) in an article. I transposed the "ie" to "ei" making "Wine, 
Wine, only you alone" - this "ie-ei" business is something you learn in beginning 
German class and Gerhard Lang quickly told me about it. I passed it off as a 
joke, which didn't do well! That particular transposition is easy to make, but 
double letters can be just as bad and easy to do, given a sensitive keyboard. 
Now Hannes Graf mentions my latest:
 
<< Please write my name correct at the newsletter (Graf not Graff), normally 
it does not matter but there are two different translations: Graf=count & 
Graff=junk.
 
"It is more important to be a count (or have that name) rather than a junk 
 (dealer). (:-)))"

My reply: Hannes - Es tut mir leid - was kann ich sagen! Zu viel 
"clique-clique" - (I'm sorry, what can I say - too many clicks) Gerry

Had I written "Lied" instead of "Leid", I would have implied "I am singing" 
instead of "I am sorry!" See what I mean?


3. ROBERT STRAUCH JOINS BB STAFF

Bob Strauch has agreed to join the staff of the BB as a Corresponding Editor 
and area representative. He will be listed as:

Lehigh Valley (PA) Burgenland Enclave: strauchfam@enter.net (Robert Strauch)

Bob has been active in Burgenland ethnic affairs for many years. He is a 
contributor to the BG News and has served as Allentown BG representative. His 
knowledge of ethnic subjects, particularly music and German dialects and 
culture, as well as his various contacts will add to BB development. Bob 
spent two years in Graz, Austria under a Fulbright exchange program teaching 
English. He is also director of the Hianzenchor, a Lehigh Valley 
Burgenländische choral group. He recently received his second Burgenland 
award for his work advancing Burgenländische ethnicity. The Lehigh Valley 
area already has a number of BB members and there is great potential for 
increasing that number. 

Bob's ethnic background involves the southern Burgenland villages of 
Inzenhof, St. Kathrein and Punitz, and the immediate Hungarian border 
villages of Felsoronok and Pornoapati. His immigrant family members settled 
in the Allentown and Nazareth, PA areas. 

I am extremely happy to add Bob to our masthead. The BB is indeed fortunate 
in having such a great staff of volunteers. I hope someday, we can all meet 
as a group and perhaps by then, we will have a representative from all 
Burgenland enclaves. See our staff list at the end of 108C.


4. THANK YOU LETTER - AUSTRIAN DELEGATION 
(from Dr. Walter Dujmovits, President BG, translated from the German)

Dear Friend!
Having returned from our beautiful, harmonious and fruitful trip, I feel obliged 
to send my heartfelt thanks for your contribution. I am confident that the 
many personal meetings will yield their results. I thank you for your visit 
and your invitation to breakfast. I am sure that the cooperation between the 
government and the Burgenland-Bunch will improve constantly. The governor 
said about you: "He really is a Burgenländer." I also hope that our good 
cooperation will continue and sign with fond regards to you and your wife. 
Yours, Walter


5. TWO USEFUL BOOKS (From: R. F. Unger)

(ED. Note: One of the more difficult aspects of Burgenland Family History is 
the fact that we have to contend with two political entities [Austria and 
Hungary], at least four religions [Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist and 
Jewish], and six languages [German, Hungarian, Croatian, Slovenian, Latin, 
Hianzisch]. This requires a small library if we are to cope with it all. The 
Hungarian aspects are probably the most difficult for a western-oriented 
researcher. Some excellent help is available in commercial publications as 
well as the BB Archives.) 

Bob Unger writes:
Some years ago, I purchased two books that have proved to be extremely helpful 
while researching church records recorded in Hungarian, German and other 
languages. The specific books are "Handy Guide to Hungarian Genealogical 
Records," and "Central European Genealogical Terminology," both by Jared H. 
Suess and published by Everton Publishers, Inc. I recently looked for 
those books on the Everton Publisher's web page http://www.everton.com, but 
could not find them. Thus, I emailed Everton Publishers and got the following 
response: "Mr. Unger: here is the information you requested. 'Central European 
Genealogical Terminology' order #B56 = $12.00. 'Handy Guide to Hungarian 
Records' order #B70 = 6.50. To order these books you can call us at 
1-800-443-6325."

Since I have found these to books of great help and value, I thought that 
other BB members may be interested in them. The following is a table of 
contents for the 'Handy Guide to Hungarian Genealogical Records': Hungary, The 
language and history of Hungary, The Hungarian Alphabet and grammar, 
Hungarian Genealogical research, Examples from Parish registers, Examples 
from the catalog, Personal Hungarian names and forms of address, Hungarian 
given names - male and female, Using Hungarian gazetteers, Hungarian word 
list, Latin word list, German word list, The German alphabet, The Russian 
alphabet, The Serbian and Croatian alphabet, Counties of the Former Hungarian 
Empire (Before 1919), Administrative Subdivision of the Hungarian People's 
Republic, Map of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Map showing present-day county 
Boundaries of Hungary, Yugoslavian map, Historical events - Austria and 
Hungary.

The table of contents for 'Central European Genealogical Terminology': Preface, 
abbreviations used, terminologies (covering pages 1-140), French, German, 
Hungarian, Roman and Latin numerals, Former East European Areas and their 
present locations, Austria, France, German Empire, Germany, Hungary, 
Liechtenstein, Poland After 1945 (Map), Switzerland, Yugoslavia.


6. GERMANIC MIGRATION (suggested by R. F. Unger)

(ED. Note: As Burgenland researchers, you may wonder why it is that ethnic 
Germans and their descendants are found in what was primarily a Hungarian and 
Slavic region, as well as in so many other places both in Europe and in the 
Americas. The answers are many and varied and can lead to considerable study, 
which I can only begin to mention. Nonetheless, you will find that ethnic 
Germans were very desirable colonists, mostly because of their work ethic and 
knowledge of agriculture and the building trades. They also developed what is 
known as the "German Law" very early in medieval times. German Law was a 
method of village formation and administration that has survived to present 
times. As such, it was one of the first forms of urban government to arise 
from the feudal period. Aristocratic landowners, desirous of having their 
holdings generate maximum income, were attracted to colonists who could 
achieve that result. German families also practiced the rule of 
primogeniture, in which the eldest child inherited -- others had to fend for 
themselves. This, coupled with increased population at various times in 
European history, provided a constant pool of immigrant colonists. 
Aristocrats and royalty were quick to tap that pool, and ethnic emigration and 
colonization followed as early as the 10th century and periodically 
thereafter, reaching epidemic proportions in the 18th & 19th centuries. As 
many, if not more, Germanic peoples migrated east as migrated west to the 
Americas. It must also be understood that there were periods of ethnic 
cleansing in the east, which reversed these migrations. A number of 
genealogists have studied this phenomenon, giving rise to a considerable 
amount of "Germanic" publication and knowledge. Not all mention the 
Burgenland region, but much of what has been written, applies to the 
Burgenland as well. One of the better known experts in this field is Dr. 
Edward R. Brandt. Bob Unger sends us the following article concerning him.)

Bob writes: I attended a lecture on June 1, 2002 by Dr. Edward R. Brandt - a 
renowned German genealogist. It was sponsored by the German Research 
Association of San Diego. Dr. Brant's lecture focused on German speaking 
immigrants from Germany and from other areas of Europe, especially the 
lands east of Germany where German-speaking individuals had settled years 
prior to coming to the USA. He reported that the 1980 USA census results 
documented that a surprisingly large percentage of individuals then living 
in the USA were of Germanic ancestry. He further emphasized that those 
immigrants were good and noble people, whose ancestry we should cherish and 
build upon. Thus, I thought I would share some of what Dr. Brandt reported to 
the BB membership.

Dr. Brandt indicated that there are more than 100 different types of records 
from which we can learn about our ancestors. Most genealogical researchers 
are aware of parish records, many of which have been microfilmed and made 
available by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) at their 
family history centers. (ED. Note: For our Burgenland members wishing for LDS 
information written in German, go to the BB home page, go to BB links, search 
for family until you find LDS Austria - then click Deutsch.) However, there 
are a number of other records that were not microfilmed which are potential 
gold mines of useful information, such as the following: Land and Tax, Court, 
Probate, Residence lists, Guild records, Passports, Family books, etc. 
Unfortunately, the locations of those records are not widely known. (ED Note: 
Possibly BB members with knowledge of the most likely place to find any of 
the above listed records could report their findings so that all can 
benefit.) He added that guild records, which included letters of birth for 
often hard-to-trace traveling journeymen (very helpful, but often hard to 
find; quite a few have been published or are in archives; some go back to the 
16th century and many were kept long after guilds had lost any official or 
quasi-official functions.)

Throughout Dr. Brandt's lecture, he emphasized the possibility of errors in 
records. These errors were not made deliberately but were often due to 
translation skills, i.e., the recorders lacked the skill to write accurately 
what they heard - including the spelling of names and/or places. Also, the 
involvement of translations between different languages caused problems. 
Since most parish records used page formats, with hand written entries, 
deciphering the recorder's hand writing is also a major source of possible 
problems. Unfortunately it is even difficult to understand entries written in 
English because penmanship is so poor.

Knowing that records often have errors, Dr. Brandt emphasized the necessity 
to record all known and probable information about our ancestry. Noting that 
genealogical records are generated for the benefit of family members, he 
stressed it is important to publish what you have found and know to be 
correct, and to note any questionable matters by inserting question marks (?) 
with included footnotes.

Dr. Brandt closed by admonishing genealogical researchers to "cast your nets 
wide - find a way to overcome roadblocks."

(ED. Note: Dr. Brandt has published a series of books, monographs and 
lectures including "Contents and Addresses of Hungarian Archives", 1993, 
Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, MD.

Newsletter continues as no. 108A

THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 108A
DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY
(Issued monthly by G. J. Berghold)
June 30, 2002
(c) 2002 G. J. Berghold - all rights reserved


This second section of our 4-section newsletter contains:

1. History Of Emigration From Neusiedl am See
2. Toronto Visit - Note From Dr. Andrew Burghardt
3. Toronto Visit - Note From Helmut Jandresits
4. Chicago Oberwart - Bad Tatzmannsdorf Reunion
5. Splitter (Fragments From Members)


1. HISTORY OF THE EMIGRATION FROM NEUSIEDL AM SEE PART I 
   (Written by Tamara Gosch and Brigitte Horvath.) 
   [Summary & Translation by Albert Schuch.]

This article states that the emigration from Neusiedl am See must have begun 
before 1881, as on 22 May 1882 the municipality was asked by the 
Stuhlrichteramt to submit a "specification of those who emigrated to America 
from October 1881 till 1 June 1882, plus information about their motivation 
to do so."

Mayor Anton Treppo answered that 3 men, 2 women and 4 children had left 
Neusiedl during this period, thereby increasing the total number of emigrants 
to 44. As to the reasons for their emigration, he gave the following information:

1. Most inhabitants make a living from the wine growing business. But the 
taxes and the amounts of money they have to pay as a consequence of the 
abolishment of the "Weinzehent" (the tenth of the harvest that used to be 
owed to the landlords) are so high that not much is left for themselves. Many 
vineyards are already deserted.

2. The way the land tax is collected (4 times a year) is an additional burden 
for people whose income is concentrated on the harvest season.

3. The taxes to be paid by heirs are too high.

4. Apart from these there are additional burdens to bear: A special duty for 
the regulation of the Raab river, contributions to public welfare, the 
compulsory housing of soldiers etc.

5. The 12 years of military service are "a mighty factor", as well as the 
"Militärbefreiungstaxe" (the money one had to pay to be released from 
military duties).

6. The inefficient and expensive legal system.

7. The annual increase in taxes and the constant invention of new taxes, 
which can only be paid in years of good harvests.

Although the emigration of more than 50 inhabitants of Neusiedl before 1900 
seems to be a fact, the municipal archive has no record of them. The authors 
of this article relied on oral history to reconstruct the fate of the 
following emigrants:

Josef Ettl:

Emigrated in 1911, because he fell in love with a girl who was not accepted 
as his bride by his parents. From New York he moved to Missouri, where he 
bought a farm and married a widow from Northern Germany. Due to their very 
different dialects, it is said that they had to speak English to each other.
His wife brought 5 children with her, and together they had another 5 
children. All 10 children went to High School. Josef Ettl died on 22 Feb 1978.

Franz Dachs:

Born 17 April 1895 in Neusiedl. His parents died young, so life was not easy 
for him and his two sisters. Franz learned the cooper trade before emigrating 
in 1922. During the passage, a fire broke out aboard his ship, leading him to 
vow not to return before the Atlantic could be crossed on a plane. (Which he 
did in 1957.) In the US, Franz changed his name to Frank and found work in a 
Chicago brewery. His wife Irma nee Meinhardt also came from Neusiedl. She 
worked in a popcorn factory. They had a daughter (1932) and a son. Frank and 
Irma died in 1978.

Franziska Köstner:

Born 1891, emigrated in 1909. She remained in New York, where she married a 
German by the name of Eckhold. They owned a bakery. Their son Willy (1916-89) 
became a baker too, daughter Paula graduated in St. Paul and became a teacher.

Franziska organized the emigration of several of her brothers and sisters: 
First came Anna (b. 1897), together with her husband (Mr. Rittsteuer), then - 
in 1923 - Elisabeth (b. 1900), who married a Mr. Keffel from Germany. They 
owned a grocery and had no children. Elisabeth died in 1990. Brother Franz 
also came in 1923. He worked as a butcher in a meat factory and did not have 
to serve in WW2. After his wife (no children) had passed away in 1965, he 
visited Neusiedl for 3 months. Brother Anton, who came in 1937, also was a 
butcher. He established his own business. His wife Frieda (from Germany) gave 
birth to two children, Walter and Linda. During the war Anton worked on a 
farm in the South.

Lorenz Kast:

He was a brother of Josef Kast, who was Neusiedl's mayor 1933-38 and 
1945-49). Lorenz was a blacksmith. He found a job in Chicago (construction 
work on skyscrapers). With his wife Ernestine Sonnleitner, also from 
Neusiedl, he had 6 children: Helen, Emma, Jakob, Larry, Anna and Ernestine. 
Helen visited Neusiedl just recently, in the year 2000. After Ernestine had 
died, Lorenz married another woman from Neusiedl (Meinhardt).

Lorenz's sister Theresia and her husband Franz Seitz (they had already 
married in Neusiedl) emigrated to Chicago as well, because they could not 
earn enough with their grocery in Vienna. Since Theresia was only 17, she had 
to change her age on the emigration documents to 18. In America, Theresia 
worked in a kitchen, her husband found a job as a waiter. They had 2 sons 
(Robert and Richard) and 3 daughters (Frances, Martha and Gertrude). Richard 
served in the US army in Germany and visited Neusiedl. Likewise, his uncle 
Josef had been visited by Theresia during his time in a POW camp in Florida.

Paul and brother Anton Dinhof:

Emigrated ca. 1900 to St. Paul, where they became farmers. Paul married a 
girl from Mönchhof - he died early. His daughters Regina and Mary visited 
Neusiedl in 1977. Adolf became very old. Each year at Christmas he wrote a 
kind of an annual report to his sister Anna (b. 1872, married Rittsteuer) who 
had remained in Neusiedl. Anna and later her daughter used to write back once 
a year too. Anton often wrote that he wished to see his hometown once again 
and to make a pilgrimage to Mariazell - but he always lacked the money for 
the passage. His son-in-law was stationed in Upper Austria during the years 
of the Allied occupation - but was not allowed to travel to Neusiedl, which 
was part of the Russian zone. Adolf's wife came from Apetlon. Their daughter 
Luise worked as a librarian. In his later years, Anton relocated to Omak near 
Seattle.

Johann Gumatz:

He got to know America (and other parts of the world) during his 4 years with 
the Austro-Hungarian Navy; learned the cooper trade afterwards from a family 
of Jewish craftsmen in Dapotz, Hungary. He emigrated to St. Paul in 1912 or 
1913, where he started out as a farm laborer and had to share his room with 4 
or 5 fellow emigrants. (They also shared one suit.) Later he found a job at a 
brewery, where he worked as a cooper. He married a woman from Illmitz. Their 
two sons served in the US army during WW2, in Africa and Japan. Their 
daughter married a farmer and had 6 children. 50 years after his emigration, 
Johann Gumatz visited Neusiedl. In 1968, he was visited in the US by his 
sister Anna Wiest and her husband.

Antonia and sister Elisabeth Göschl:

Elisabeth married Mr. Höld, a butcher from St. Georgen. They emigrated to 
Brazil in 1930, where they had three children: Lise-Lotte, Rosa and Herbert. 
It is said that they did not do very well. Elisabeth married Franz Kast from 
Mönchhof, who emigrated to the US. Six years later, in 1934, his wife and 
their 6 year old son Franz Hermann followed. Franz found work in the 
automotive industry and later as a mechanic. They also had a daughter 
Patricia, who has visited Austria twice together with her children. Antonia 
and Elisabeth kept in touch with their hometown throughout their life and 
were subscribers of the "Neusiedler Nachrichten".

Johann Lichtscheidl:

Emigrated in 1880, at the age of 17. He started to work at the age of 12, as 
a butcher's apprentice in Bruck an der Leitha. Johann went to Minnesota, 
where he married Anna Staatsfeld. He established a meat market in St. Paul 
and did very well in his business. When he visited Neusiedl in 1924 together 
with his daughter Mary, he persuaded his nephew (also named Johann 
Lichtscheidl, b. 1900) to emigrate as well. He found work as a blacksmith and 
married a woman from (probably) Czechoslovakia. They had a son (b. 1942) and 
a daughter, who already visited Neusiedl.

Johann Lichtscheidl's (the elder's) brother Josef and his wife (Sack from 
Tadten) also emigrated to Minnesota where they farmed and had six children.

A third brother, Franz, and a sister, Theresia, emigrated to the US too. 
Franz (who did not marry) worked on a large farm. One day when he had a lot 
of money at home (for the payment of the laborers; so he may in fact have 
owned the farm?) he was killed while sleeping. Theresia found work as a cook 
for a millionaire in St. Paul. She was married to Mr. Dachs, also from 
Neusiedl, with whom she had 4 children.

Source: Tamara Gosch and Brigitte Horvath: History of the emigration from Neusiedl 
am See (Part 1) In: "Neusiedler Jahrbuch", vol. 3, 2000, p. 19-37 (includes 
several photos) Publisher: Verein zur Erforschung der Stadtgeschichte von 
Neusiedl am See. Editor: Dr. Sepp Gmasz, A-7100 Neusiedl am See. (Part 2 said 
to appear in vol. 4)


2. TORONTO VISIT - NOTE FROM DR. ANDREW BURGHARDT

(ED. Note - Andrew Burghardt, retired professor from McMasters University, in 
1961 authored "Borderland, A Historical And Geographical Study Of 
Burgenland." Long out of print, it remains one of the few English language 
publications concerning the Burgenland. Dr. Burghardt lives in Canada and 
retains his interest in the Burgenland through visits to Toronto. Following 
is a summary of his recent note reporting the visit of the Burgenland delegation.)

I received a nice note and two pictures from Dr. Andrew Burghardt. He 
mentioned that the "gala" the Toronto club gave the delegation was a success. 
He said the hall was full and the Donauschwaben cooking staff did themselves 
proud. Herr Stubits was an excellent MC. The pictures include Landeshauptmann 
Niessl with Burghardt and Mrs Burghardt and Dr. Dujmovits (Burghardt is 
wearing his Ehrenzeichen), a very good picture, also a picture of the choir 
under a sign that reads "Toronto grüsst das Burgenland." A fine evening, a 
good show. He sends his best wishes to all of us. Gerry


3. TORONTO VISIT - NOTE FROM HELMUT JANDRISITS

Thanks for your May Newsletter. I will talk to Oskar Stubits, our Secr. Treasurer, 
to put an Input in from the Burgenlaender in Toronto. Our Burgenlaender Visit 
was also a success with an Heimatabend and other visits. Greeting, Helmut


4. OBERWART AREA DESCENDANT REUNION (from Tom Glatz)

(ED. Note: We've heard more concerning a Chicago area reunion of descendants 
from the Oberwart-Bad Tatzmannsdorf region.)

In a message dated 05/30/2002, William Hosh writes: Mr. Glatz: You 
& your family are welcome to attend. It will be early fall, instead of late 
summer. The date is Sat. Oct. 12 @ 1:30 P.M. Location: Grace Fellowship Church 
(youth room) 11049 Laporte Rd, 1 block e. of Wolf Road in Mokena, IL. I've 
had some replies, but in a month or so, I will send e-mails with full 
details. It would be great, if you would come to represent the BB. This event 
is open to anyone from Bad T. & the Oberwart district. Regards, William Hosh


5. SPLITTER (FRAGMENTS)

* From Hannes Graf - 
Hi all - First, our member list today (June 4) has exactly 900 members!! 
Second: Today I got a very nice email from the "Green-Card-Lottery" to work 
and live in the USA. I think it is very nice, but 20 years too late! (:-))) 
(Ed. Note - You'd think this could be managed better.) Third: the first of 
Effie's recipes for cucumber pickles is finished, now I must try to translate it. 
Liebe Grüße. hannes

* From: Regina Espenshade - 
Since you live in the Washington DC metro area, you may be interested in 
attending performances of Theatre J at the DC Jewish Community Center. They 
are presenting an 8 week repertory of 2 plays, BORN GUILTY, and PETER AND THE 
WOLF, May 19 through July 14, 2002. These plays are relevant to the themes of 
peace and conflict resolution. Historically based in the Holocaust and its 
aftermath, they transcend these concerns. The universal message addresses the 
human dimension of reckonings and reconciliation that must occur after 
violent hostilities cease. The opening of BORN GUILTY received rave reviews 
in the Washington Post last Thursday. I attended the opening of PETER AND THE 
WOLF on Sunday and it was superb. I enclose the webpage address of Theatre J 
for you to find additional information. http://www.dcjcc.org/tj_01-02.htm

* From Bill Rudy -
Hello all. Sorry for the inconvenience but I needed to change ISPs. 
My old provider could not solve some web (ftp) problems, and after 8 calls 
I gave up. So, starting today the villages web page will be at 
www.burgoyne.com/pages/ardsley/Burgenland/Villages.htm
If those who have links to this page could change them, that would be great. 
The above address is now active. Please note the capital B in Burgenland and 
the V in Villages. My new email, effective now, is eberau@mail.burgoyne.com 
Thanks. Bill Rudy, Villages Pages editor

* From: Hermine Reinisch (Bigpond) -
This is to let you know how much I have appreciated the help and support that 
Fritz Königshofer has given me over the past 12 months. Without Fritz's 
assistance I would not have been able to achieve the results that I have 
obtained. I also wish to thank the Burgenland Bunch members for their 
continued support in assisting me to achieve my goal. Once again thank you 
all. Kindest regards, Hermine

* From: Carol Sorensen - 
Just found this interesting article called "Hungarian in Austria", that 
compliments the Oberwart article done by Fritz (Königshofer). I thought you 
might like to include a reference to it someday. The website is located at: 
http://www.uoc.es/euromosaic/web/document/hongares/an/i1/i1.html
My son just showed me a French search engine that he heard was excellent, and 
I found this by typing in Oberwart. The search engine is www.kartoo.com Best 
Regards, Carol Sorensen

* From: Margaret Kaiser -
Guten Appetit: A lot of description here, but rather interesting. Just paste 
in your browser and read the NY Times review of Cafe Sabarsky in the Nueue 
Galerie (new German/Austrian Art Museum in NYC). 
http://www.nytimes.com/guests/nytoday/bin/rst?st=rst&rid=1005691752145

* From: Bob Gollinger -
Thought you might be interested in how the Pennsylvania "Dutch" used the 
language. Taken from a Rootsweb site. HUMOR. Thanks to Joan Young. An old 
Pennsylvania Dutch book quoted an ad from a Pennsylvania German newspaper 
showing how "thrifty" the Pennsylvania Dutch were. The ad read: "Tsu 
Ferkoffa (For Sale) -have a large crop of very cheap oats to sell. It's a 
little soiled. It's been through the horse. But it's cheap." I grew up with 
my mother speaking this dialect from her Pennsylvania ancestors and my 
father speaking the Burgenland dialect. No wonder I encountered problems 
studying Scientific German at university.

Newsletter continues as no. 108B

THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 108B
DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY
(Issued monthly by G. J. Berghold)
June 30, 2002
(c) 2002 G. J. Berghold - all rights reserved

*** IF YOU LIVE IN THE MID-WEST - SEE THE INVITATION TO THE 5TH MINNEAPOLIS 
BB PICNIC, AUSUST 24. A LINK TO DETAILS AND A MAP IS AVAILABLE FROM THE BB 
HOMEPAGE ***

*** A GOOD NAME IS BETTER THAN PRECIOUS OINTMENT - Ecclesiastics 7:1 ***

This third section of our 4-section newsletter contains:

1. Burgenland Tourism Is Booming
2. Wisconsin Local History & Vital Records
3. Burgspiele Güssing (Güssing Castle Productions)
4. Steinbrunn - Village Names
5. Anna Kresh Featured in Butler, PA, News


1. BURGENLAND TOURISM IS BOOMING 

(originally published in German in the Burgenländische Gemeinschaft News 
Nr. 376 as "Tourisimus im Aufschwung" - written by Dr. Walter Dujmovits. 
Translation by Inge Schuch. See BG website for German language article.)

Tourism is Booming (English translation)

Burgenland used to be a poor country. The majority of people were earning 
their living in agriculture, but because farming was concentrated in huge 
landed estates, most peasants had to make do with small plots. Many peasants 
with smallholdings were in fact unable to produce enough to feed their large 
families. As there was not much of a chance of finding a job elsewhere, since 
the country was poor in mineral resources and jobs in industry were scarce, 
tens of thousands of Burgenlanders had no other choice but to leave their 
homes and emigrate.

Industrialization started late in Burgenland and was mostly limited to the 
establishment of textile manufacturing plants that employed mainly women. The 
men, meanwhile, often commuted to Vienna to work in the building trades. Once 
production and wage costs increased in the local textile industry, amid the 
economic catching-up process, and cheap products started pouring in from 
abroad, this period of old-style industrialization came to a rapid end.

But the diligence of the people in Burgenland and innovative policies opened 
up new and un-thought-of opportunities: investment in higher education and 
quality tourism. Suddenly, the fact that Burgenland was ripe for development 
proved to be a real asset: a pristine landscape, the fresh air and the quiet 
woodlands provided an ideal setting for recreational tourism. Much that has 
long since become a thing of the past in other Austrian provinces can still 
be found in Burgenland, making it a popular "soft tourism" or eco-tourism 
destination.

Efforts have been made to improve the quality of traditional summer holidays 
and, at the same time, to develop facilities and attractions that appeal to 
tourists the year round - with the result that, in recent years, no other 
economic sector in Burgenland has been booming as much as tourism. Overnight 
stays have been increasing year after year, to as much as 2.5 million stays a 
year in 2001. The number of visitors to the thermal spas, for instance, 
increased by 5% in 2001 compared with a year earlier. In 2001, 320,000 
visitors were counted at the Lutzmannsburg spa; 215,000 at the Bad 
Tatzmannsdorf spa; and 160,000 at the Stegersbach spa. Roughly 140 million 
euro, including subsidies from the European Union, have been invested in 
expanding the thermal spas in recent years.

Burgenland has thus asserted itself as a prime destination for "healthy 
lifestyle" or "wellness" breaks. In addition, tourists will find plenty of 
opportunities to enjoy cultural events, play golf, go cycling or riding, and 
taste the local wines. Most importantly, all this comes with the 
quintessential hospitality of the people of Burgenland, which also ensures 
that this boom will continue.

(ED. Note - implied but not mentioned is the tourism generated by the 
descendants of emigrants who are looking for a glimpse of the "Heimat." I 
wonder what percentage of BB members have visited the Burgenland? As stated, 
those wishing to experience "Old Europe" - a vanishing commodity in northern 
Europe, can still find traces here.)


2. WISCONSIN LOCAL HISTORY & VITAL RECORDS
 
(ED. Note: a number of early Burgenland immigrants settled in the Wisconsin area. 
We have a large number of members who may be interested in this communication.)

Dear colleague, I thought the two short texts inserted below my signature 
might interest people who moderate local email lists or edit newsletters. 
Feel free to run them in your printed or email newsletter, forward them to 
your members, or place a link anywhere on a site you maintain. If you want to 
expand or edit these paragraphs, feel free to visit the web sites below and 
select any text there that would be helpful.
 
If this message isn't appropriate for your organization, please accept my 
apologies. I thought the people with whom you communicate might like to learn 
about these two new services at the Wisconsin Historical Society's Web site. 

Best wishes,
 
Michael Edmonds 
Deputy Director, Library/Archives Division, Wisconsin Historical Society
608-264-6538
 
1. "Wisconsin Local History on the Web"
 
The Wisconsin Historical Society Library recently mounted more collections on 
the World Wide Web for genealogists and local historians.
 
"Wisconsin Local History & Biography Articles" 
(www.wisconsinhistory.org/wlhba/index.asp) contains nearly 16,000 local 
newspaper articles published statewide between 1860 and 1940. These consist 
mainly of pioneer reminiscences, portraits of community institutions, 
interviews with early settlers, strange anecdotes of eccentric personalities, 
and other grass-roots information. These real stories of real people have not 
been altered in any way; images of the original newspaper articles display on 
the researcher's screen. All of them are easy to search by personal name or a 
variety of subject headings, about 50,000 pages of local history and genealogy in all.
 
There is no charge to use this collection. It is made possible by funding 
from the Wisconsin Dept. of Public instruction through the Library Services 
and Technology Act and through a very generous donation from the late Scott 
M. Cutlip, a UW-Madison professor of mass communications.
 
If you have any questions about the website, contact Michael Edmonds, Deputy 
Director, Library/Archives Division, Wisconsin Historical Society, or use the 
feedback buttons on the web site.
 

2. "Order Wisconsin Vital Records Online"
 
A new online service from the Wisconsin Historical Society lets you order a 
search of Wisconsin's pre-1907 birth, marriage and death records over the 
Internet. 
 
Vital records are a fundamental information source for genealogists. They can 
reveal minute details about a person such as birth, marriage or death date, 
birthplace, maiden name, and religious affiliation, as well as information 
about their parents. Genealogists use them as stepping-stones to other 
valuable sources such as obituaries and census records.
 
Requesting a search online is quite simple. After receiving your instructions 
and credit card payment via our secure Web site, staff trained in researching 
Wisconsin vital records will carefully search for the records you specify and 
send photocopies of their findings. All orders are guaranteed to ship within 
4 weeks; rush service is also available for an additional charge. For more 
information, including the fee schedule, visit the Society's Online Genealogical 
Research Service at www.wisconsinhistory.org/genealogy/ogrs/index.html 
or contact Michael Edmonds, Deputy Director, Library/Archives Division, 
Wisconsin Historical Society


3. BURGSPIELE GÜSSING (GÜSSING CASTLE PRODUCTIONS) 
   - (suggested by Margaret Kaiser)

The most romantic and interesting historical sites to visit in the Burgenland 
area are the castles remaining in various stages of disrepair. Many of us 
brought up on an early diet of historical fiction can easily picture castle 
life as portrayed a la Hollywood and television. I've read enough medieval 
history to know that the reality was much different. Nonetheless, castle 
ruins are a great tourist draw, even though my children complained bitterly 
when told we'd be visiting the umpteenth castle on my list. I've often 
fantasized about owning a castle. One DDDr Illig, who bought Castle 
Schlaining (now a center for peace seminars) after WW-II and restored it, soon 
dispelled any ideas I had when he told our tour group in 1974 how much it 
cost to repair and maintain. No one wants to see these magnificent structures 
disappear and many ways to generate enough funds to preserve them have been 
developed. One is to turn them into a hotel or bed and breakfast as was done 
at Castle Bernstein, some can be museums, as at Castle Forchtenstein, or even 
a double-barreled approach by creating museums and centers for plays and 
concerts, as at Castle Lockenhaus and Castle Güssing. (see BB newsletter 13A 
for a description of other castles).

A few years ago, the first play was produced to a sell-out audience at Castle 
Güssing, using a sound and light approach. Others have followed annually. 
This is in the tradition of Minnesinger and Knight Peter der Wachtelsack, who 
in the 13th century was in the service of Güssing Count Iwein. Productions 
are now under the direction of Burgverein Güssing, 7540 Güssing, Bergstrasse 
13. In addition to the annual play, other events and concerts are held here 
and at St. Emmerich Church (Inzenhof-Felso Ronok) throughout the summer.

When visiting Burgenland, add one or more of these events to your itinerary. 

Margaret Kaiser writes:
Subj: Re: BB: Fwd: Österreich Reise-News 10/2002

<< If you scroll down the attached newsletter until you come to Burgenland, 
and then click on the Bergfestspiele, you'll be taken to another page that 
refers to a play being presented in Güssing this summer about the 
Burgenlaendische Robin Hood. Have you heard of Savanyu Joska? (What kind of 
a name is that - Hungarian???) >>

Reply: Yes Margaret - this play at the castle (directed by Frank Hoffmann - whom 
I've met - and promoted by our own BB member Heinz Koller and his wife) and 
including Burgverein members as well as professionals for actors, concerns an 
Hungarian border folk hero by that name. There were others. Like a Robin 
Hood, but if the truth were known, they were nothing but border bandits 
created by bad economic times.

Last summer, while in Burgenland, I was the Koller's guest for the play "Der 
Kampf ums Recht" (The Fight For Right). A most memorable event, which kept 
us enthralled even though we couldn't follow all of the German. Access to the 
castle can now be made by aerial tramway (slight charge), eliminating a 
tedious climb for old legs. Upon arrival at the top of the hill, one can be 
refreshed with a glass of wine or a snack, pre-curtain time (no curtain is 
used - the castle is the backdrop, with stage props in the castle "hof" or one 
can visit the castle wine vault and arrange for purchases. Nights at that 
height can be cool and the local Red Cross and Disaster Group rents blankets. 
These plays done with period costume, light, sound, music and frequently 
dance begin when darkness descends to the castle compound and end about 11:00 
or 12:00 PM. They are becoming the feature cultural event of southern 
Burgenland. It is also a place for local people to see and be seen. Tickets 
cost 20-26 Euro, children 12 Euro. Regards, Gerry

(ED. Note: Other Burgenland cultural events are held at Mörbisch (Lake Festival), 
Eisenstadt (Haydn Festival), Burg Lockenhaus (Chamber Music Festival), 
Wiesen (Jazz-Rock Festival, Bad Tatzmannsdorf (Folklore to Chamber Music), 
Kobersdorf (Castle Festival), Burg Forchtenstein (Medieval Adventure), 
Güssing (Historic City Festival), Eisenstadt (Schloss Esterhazy Music Matinees). 
To visit Burgenland without attending some of these functions would be a big mistake. 
Check websites and tourist bureaus for more information.)


4. STEINBRUNN VILLAGE NAMES - From Wolfgang Schriefl
 
ORTSGRÜNDUNG - ORTSNAME: (village founding and village name 
- test your German ability, you should be able to translate most of this) 
 
Die Existenz der Siedlung Stinkenbrunn wird erstmals 1271, in der ungarischen 
form "BYZURKUT" urkundlich erwähnt. Der Ortsname soll laut "Sage" durch den Absturz 
eines Drachen in den Ortsbrunnen (stinkender Brunnen) entstanden sein. 
 
Kroatischer Name: Stikapron 
Ungarischer Name bis 1920: BÜDÖSKUT 
Deutscher Name bis 1958: Stinkenbrunn 
Deutscher Name seit 1959: Steinbrunn 

Source: http://www.steinbrunn.at/ 
 
Mit den besten Grüßen / best regards
Mag. Wolfgang Schriefl
Consultant Business Innovation Services
BMS/ERP SCM CRM, IBM Österreich, Obere Donaustraße 95, A-1020 Wien


5. ANNA KRESH FEATURED IN BUTLER, PA, NEWS

We've already mentioned that four of our staff members, who were able to 
greet the Burgenland delegation during their recent visit, received 
provincial awards in recognition of their work. Needless to say, they were 
surprised, and none more so than Anna Kresh. Anna joined the BB some time ago 
and promptly volunteered to join our staff as Internet Editor. This is one of 
our very time-consuming jobs. Not only does Anna seek and list web sites of 
interest to BB members, she also visits all of them periodically to insure 
that they meet our objectives, are still current and have not changed 
addresses (URL's). She then lists them as a site on our homepage, after 
summarizing them by subject. Each new member also receives an email letter 
from her describing how to use this resource. I might also mention that this 
particular job exposes Anna to much virus and junk mail as her travels take 
her all over the net and her address then becomes a prime target.

When Anna and husband Rudy returned home from the Allentown meeting, her 
daughter phoned the local newspaper and told them that she thought this would 
make a great human interest story. A reporter arrived on the scene and was 
given a summary of the BB's activities and Anna's place in them. A large 
article, complete with Anna's photo holding her Burgenland Medallion followed.

Anna has already received numerous requests for more information from people 
who have just learned about the BB and the availability of help from our 
organization. Another way in which the BB receives public notice.

Newsletter continues as no. 108C.
THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 108C
DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY
(Issued monthly by G. J. Berghold)
June 30, 2002
(c) 2002 G. J. Berghold - all rights reserved

This fourth section of our 4-section newsletter contains:

1. Stuck? Check Nearby Villages
2. Thank You From Landeshauptmann Niessl
3. Correspondence From Bob Strauch
4. Correspondence From Tom Glatz


1. STUCK? CHECK NEARBY VILLAGES

As mentioned previously, our Burgenland ancestors moved around more than we 
are probably aware. As children became adults, all but the oldest had to seek 
their fortune. This often took them to other villages or larger towns. Some 
were able to secure positions as teachers and government employees, such as 
customs officials or auditors. It was not uncommon for those in these 
positions to move frequently. Two in my genealogy were schoolteachers, they 
moved many times before settling in one spot. Their children were thus born 
in various villages. I have an ancestor who was a government lottery auditor. 
He moved from city to city in three Austrian provinces as well as in Hungary. 
It took help from Fritz Königshofer, on-site, to put that puzzle together. 
Generally, we can expect that money will marry money. To say it another way, 
class generally married class. Nonetheless, it is not uncommon to find 
teachers in the 19th and 20th centuries, marrying local village women. Not 
all village peasant small holders remained poor; some enlarged their holdings 
or improved their social status in other ways. As a result, their children 
became desirable mates. I'm also enough of a romantic to believe that a 
beautiful woman often transcended social class, so we can have someone from a 
remote area marrying someone from our village. While we often can trace the 
village pedigree, tracing the remote area spouse can be a nightmare of 
frustration. My great-grandfather Emil Langash, born in Vienna, married in 
Heiligenkreuz (wife from Rábafüzes), first teacher at Inzenhof, then 
Poppendorf, is a perfect example. You'll find that story in the archives.

Recently, I was made aware of another. Charter member and corresponding 
editor, Bob Unger, was able to easily trace his ancestors in the Rudersdorf 
area. A grandmother, however, eluded him and the path eventually took him to 
Vienna, where he had no luck at all, and it was just recently that the path 
led back to Felsőrönök (see newsletter 106-5). This provided more 
questions than answers. Recently the answers were forthcoming in the 
following correspondence. This is a perfect example of how the location of 
records can be traced and the advisability of scanning nearby village records 
for answers. 

Message From R. F. Unger To Fritz Königshofer:
Subject: Unger research update

Dear Fritz: I had an opportunity to again research the Kirchfidisch RC 
church microfilm. Unfortunately, some of the filmed records are in very poor 
condition. I found that I misread one birth day and one birth year. I have 
made those corrections below. 

1870: On 9 February, Franciscus Sternitzky, age 35, married Elizabeth 
Pernitz, age 22. Her residence was listed as Pözön # 31. His place of 
residence was Felsö (don't know where that is). However, our BB village list 
contains "Felsőcsatár, Hungary (Oberschilding), Vas Megye" - possibly that is 
the village where he was born.

On 9 May, Maria was born to parents Franciscus Sternitzky and Elizabeth 
nee Pernitz, residing at Pözön #32 - just as you had reported in 
your email of 19 May 2002.

1872: On 8 September, a male child was born, Francisesis, to parents 
Franciscus Sternitzky and Elizabeth nee Pernitz, residing at Pözön #38.

1875: On 21 July, a male child was born, Joannis, to parents  
Franciscus Sternitzky and Elizabeth nee Pernitz, residing at Pözön #48. 
Joseph Schneller, the blacksmith, mentioned in your email of 19 May, was 
listed as the godparent for this newborn child.

1877: On 14 March, Francisesis, child of Franciscus Sternitzky and Elizabeth 
nee Pernitz, died at Pözön #33, at the age of 4 1/2 years. Fritz, in your 
email response of 6/16 you wrote, in part: I had found the birth of an 
Elizabeth Pernitz on April 20, 1845 in Pözsön, to parents János Pernitz, 
schoolmaster, and Erzsébet nee Vehofsitz. You also wrote, in part: The term 
"Felsõ" means "Upper," therefore something is missing in the mentioning of 
the original town of Franz Sternitzky. Can you check the record again? My 
suspicion is that it says Felsõ Õr, which was the Hungarian name for 
Oberwart. 

I next checked the records for any Pernitz entries and found that János 
Pernitz, and Erzsébet nee Vehofsitz had the following children:

Jànos Pernitz, born 23 November 1840, and listed under the Polgàri sorsa 
column was Oskola Mefser (sp?).

Elizabeth Pernitz, born 20 May 1845, and listed under the Polgàri sorsa 
column was Iskola Mefser (sp?),

You told me that János Pernitz, and Erzsébet nee Vehofsitz also had a child, 
Anna, born in Salamonfalva in 1839. Where is Salamonfalva, and what is it 
called today?

I also found the death record for Joannes Pernitz, 3 September 1875, Pözsön 
23.

Unfortunately I could not find the death records for Franciscus Sternitzky, 
and Elizabeth, nee Pernitz. Family legend tells that my Grandmother's parent 
died when she was very young. Thus, if I could find their death records, it 
would help link the family together.

You said the term "Felsõ" means "Upper," therefore something is missing in 
the mention of the original town of Franz Sternitzky. Can you check the 
record again? My suspicion is that it says Felsõ Õr, which was the Hungarian 
name for Oberwart. As you know, I had expected that the groom hailed from 
Unterwart, rather than Oberwart, because this is where Maria later had home 
rights. On the other hand, the game would change if she became an orphan and 
was in foster care or adopted.

Did they keep home right records, and if so where would I look while I am in 
Burgenland during my July 15-22 visit? Would the home right records tell me 
where Franz and Elizabeth Sternitzky died? Also, is it possible that the 
original Kirchfidisch RC church records might have a notation in the margin 
of the marriage record of when and where they died? Bob Unger

Reply From Fritz Königshofer:

Bob, This continues to be most fascinating. I had lost the connection to 
Salamonfalva, which is today's Salmannsdorf in the parish of Pilgersdorf. 
Therefore, I am happy you pointed it out. It means that the Anna Lorencz nee 
Pernitz of Heiligenkreuz no. 81 had been a daughter of the same teacher 
Johann Pernitz senior of Badersdorf!

It means that Johann Pernitz senior was likely a teacher in Salmannsdorf, 
parish of Pilgersdorf, before obtaining the schoolmaster position in 
Badersdorf. He must have changed jobs about 1840. In this case, you will be 
able to track this family back a bit further (via the records of Pilgersdorf).

It also means there was indeed an aunt of Maria Sterniczky/Bernitz who lived 
in Heiligenkreuz in the 1880s, namely Anna Lorencz nee Pernitz, an older 
sister of Johann junior and Elizabeth! It would also provide a possible 
connection to the Ungers in Rudersdorf, as the son of Anna, Gyula (Julius) 
Pernitz, was a flour miller journeyman in Königsdorf, which lies next to 
Rudersdorf.

We now have a clear blood connection between the Maria Sterniczky, who bore 
Therese in Heiligenkreuz in 1888, and Anna Lorencz nee Pernitz, who lived 
there at about the same time and died in Heiligenkreuz in 1896. This Anna 
was the older sister of Elisabeth (mother of Maria), i.e., she was the aunt 
of Maria.

Of course, we still don't know why Maria Sterniczky may have assumed the last 
name Pernitz after 1888.

It is possible that the family of Franz Sterniczky moved from Badersdorf. 
Flour miller journeymen were likely to be on the move. You might want to 
check the records of Unterwart (Alsó Eõr) to see if they settled (and perhaps 
died) there after 1876. Perhaps they moved there and obtained home rights, as 
this would explain why Maria was listed with these home rights when she bore Teréz.

I don't know whether communes like Unterwart have records today about the people 
receiving home rights. Please do ask the question when you visit the archives in 
Eisenstadt and the administrative offices (Standesämter) in Oberwart and Unterwart.

Bob, when you visit Austria, try to look up the original Kirchfidisch birth 
record of Maria Sterniczky of May 9, 1870, and determine whether it contains 
any subsequent marginal notes. If I were you, I would try to contact the 
Sterniczky families still living in Oberwart and environs to see if they have 
any memory of the flour miller Franz Sterniczky and the story of his daughter 
Maria, who may have been the one marrying John Unger after emigrating to the USA.

By the way, the entries about John Pernitz senior which you read from 
Badersdorf, iskola mester or oskola mester, all mean the same thing, namely 
schoolmaster. Regards, Fritz


2. THANK YOU FROM LANDESHAUPTMANN NIESSL

An official thank you for our help and hospitality was received from the 
office of Landeshauptmann Hans Niessl in Eisenstadt. He states that he was 
astonished at experiencing the strong bonds which exist between Burgenland 
descendants and the "old homeland." He was especially pleased that the modern 
medium of the Internet was being used to strengthen those bonds and praised 
our initiative in accomplishing this. He further states that he hopes we can 
both continue to find ways in which we can work together with the younger 
generations of Burgenländers. He extends heartfelt thanks to me personally. 
The letter is signed by Hans Niessl, Franz Steindl, Helmut Bieler and Karl 
Kaplan. 


3. CORRESPONDENCE FROM BOB STRAUCH

Hi BB'ers - a Misch-Masch of info and updates:

1. There was a change in this year's Coplay S-Bund Stiftungsfest schedule. 
The whole thing didn't begin until 2:30 PM. No band before the choral 
concert. The concert was in the 2nd floor hall. The Johnny Dee Orch. played 
in the grove. Admission was $1.00. Many local BB'ers attended as well as Bob 
Eder, BBer from Florida (native of Allentown), and friend Joanne. 
Incidentally, I e-mailed Gov. Niessl a week ago and asked him for a short 
"Grussbotschaft" (message of greetings, congrats) for me to read aloud at the 
concert. 

2. TV Tip - Friday, June 21, 2002, 9:00-9:30 (EST), TV Food Network: Wolfgang 
Puck "Only in Austria: Apple Balsamic Vinegar". 

3. BB group fotos from Coplay S-Bund 5/16/2002: I've had copies made for all 
on the picture. I gave them out at Stiftungsfest in Coplay to those that 
attended. I'll mail out the others.

4. I'm sure that everybody noticed the item on cheap airfares to Austria in 
the last BB newsletter. Well, get this: according to the latest issue of "The 
Austrian-American" newsletter, put out by Walter Pomper in Chicago, you can 
wait and spend New Year's Eve in Vienna as part of a special travel package. 
The "New Year's Eve Ball" package, from Dec. 27 to Jan. 3, includes dinners, 
tours, and the Ball at the Imperial Palace. And it costs only $6,980.00 per 
person. Trans-atlantic flight is NOT included. How about a BB field trip? 
That popular song will have to be updated to "Vienna, City of my Bankruptcy". 
For details, go to "annemarievictory.com". (ED. Note - Molly and I have a 
previous engagement!)

5. I was able to attend the Founder's Weekend at Sacred Heart Church, along 
with other BBers Judy/Tim Snyder and Dennis/Frieda Eberhardt. Had a 
Burgenland display using materials (maps, fotos) from the BB website. 

All for now. Take care and Servus. Bob


5. CORRESPONDENCE FROM TOM GLATZ

(ED. Note: Tom Glatz, BB corresponding editor, Chicago enclave, was a special 
guest at the reception for the Burgenland ddelegation hosted by the Austrian 
General Consul in Chicago. He was presented with the Burgenland Gold 
Medallion for his many years of effort promoting Burgenland ethnicity. He 
subsequently received the following message.)

In a message dated 05/24/2002, AustriaCG writes:
 
Dear Tom,

It was a pleasure meeting you last week and I hope to see you again soon. I 
also wanted to pass on the new website of the young Austrians in Chicago 
(perhaps you want to establish some "cross links"): 
groups.yahoo.com/group/austriansinchicago

With regard to obtaining birth certificates from Austria and possible 
problems you might encounter: We have so far never had any problems when 
requesting them officially. If anyone wishes to hand in a request through the 
Consulate General, here is the relevant form in German and English. The fee 
is currently US$ 21.40 (as of May 2002).

If there are any further questions in this regard, the staff member to turn 
to at the Consulate General (312-222-1515) is Ms. Sonja Ng (ext. 11), who is 
in charge of all matters relating to Austrians or their descendants in the 
Midwest.

Best wishes
Elisabeth Kehrer, Consul General of Austria 


END OF NEWSLETTER

BURGENLAND BUNCH STAFF (USA unless designated otherwise)
Coordinator & Editor Newsletter: (Gerald J. Berghold) 
Burgenland Editor: (Albert Schuch; Austria) 
Home Page Editor: (Hap Anderson)
Internet/URL Editor: (Anna Tanczos Kresh)

Contributing Editors:
Austro/Hungarian Research: (Fritz Königshofer)
Burgenland Co-Editor: (Klaus Gerger, Austria)
Burgenland Lake Corner Research: (Dale Knebel)
Chicago Burgenland Enclave: (Tom Glatz)
Croatian Burgenland: (Frank Teklits)
Home Page village lists: (Bill Rudy)
Home Page surname lists: (Tom Steichen)
Home Page membership list: (Hannes Graf, Austria)
Judaic Burgenland: (Maureen Tighe-Brown)
Lehigh Valley Burgenland Enclave: (Robert Strauch)
Western US BB Members-Research: (Bob Unger)
WorldGenWeb-Austria, RootsWeb Liason-Burgenland: (Charles Wardell, Austria)

BB ARCHIVES (can be reached via Home Page hyperlinks)

The BB is in contact with the Burgenländische Gemeinschaft, Hauptplatz 7, 
A-7540 Güssing, Burgenland, Austria.

Burgenland Bunch Newsletter distributed courtesy of (c) 1999 RootsWeb.com, 
Inc. P.O. Box 6798, Frazier Park, CA 93222-6798 

Newsletter and List Rights Reserved. Permission to Copy Granted; Provide 
Credit and Mention Source.