BB News No. 129 dtd 31 May 2004

THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 129 DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY (Our 9th Year-20 Pages/4 Email Sections Issued monthly by G. J. Berghold) May 31, 2004 (c) 2004 G. J. Berghold - all rights reserved) *** THERE WILL BE NO JUNE NEWSLETTER, NEXT NEWSLETTER JULY 31. *** * ARE YOU USING THE BB HOMEPAGE URL LINK? MANY NEW MEMBERS ASK ME HOW TO ACCESS RELATED WEB SITES WHEN A DIRECT LINK CLICK WILL DO IT, READ ITEM 3 BELOW. INTERNET EDITOR ANNA KRESH MAINTAINS A LARGE LIST OF WEBSITES OF INTEREST TO BB MEMBERS INCLUDING THE LDS, AUSTRIAN PHONE AND EMAIL DIRECTORIES, DICTIONARIES, ETC. SCAN THIS LIST WITH SOME FREQUENCY. * ** BB ANNUAL MIDWEST PICNIC AUGUST 8! Chicago Editor Tom Glatz plans to drive to this year's BB Picnic in Eagen, Minnesota. If anyone in the Chicago area would like to accompany him and share travel expenses, please contsct him. SEE BB HOMEPAGE FOR PICNIC PARTICULARS. ** RECIPIENTS PLEASE READ: You are receiving this email because you are a BB member or have asked to be added to our distribution list. To discontinue these newsletters, email with message "remove". ("Cancel" will cancel membership, website listings and mail.) Send address and listing changes to the same place. Sign email with your full name and include BB in the subject line. Send no attachments or graphics unless well known to me. Please keep changes to a minimum. To join the BB, see our homepage. If you join, your email address will be available from our websites. We can't help with non-Burgenland family history. Appropriate comments and articles are appreciated. Staff and web site addresses are listed at the end of newsletter section "C". Notes and articles without a by-line are written by the editor and reflect his views. Members please exchange data in a courteous and cooperative manner-not to do so defeats the purpose of our organization. This first section of our 4-section newsletter concerns: 1. Update To Previous Articles: Grophas - Celestial Harmonies - Chicago Spurensuche - Klaus Gerger Visit - Ethnic Music - Schmarrm 2. New Jersey Ethnic Events In June 3. Change In BB Homepage URL Link 4. Report Spam To These Sites 5. Szeideman Family Data Update 6. What Is The Burgenland Bunch? 7. Dream In English - Dream In German 1. UPDATES TO PREVIOUS ARTICLES * Definition Of "Grophas" - an article about doughnuts or Krapfen mentioned that, in the midwest, they may be called "Grophas" and we wondered where that term came from. We were told that the dialect for Krapfen is "Gropfn" - spelled Gropfan phonetically, this changes to Grophas when we add the English "s" for the German plural "n", another case of old dialect giving way to new dialect. If your family name has changed as a result of immigration you might apply this reasoning. Either way, don't be misled by spelling changes that take place as we move from one language to another. * "Celestial Harmonies" - Newsletter 128 mentioned a new book about the Esterhazy Family called "Celestial Harmonies" written by a scion of the family. Member John Rajkovacz and I have both acquired copies and are sorry to report that the book is not a history but a fictionalized rendering of family memories and historical events. While much is based on fact, the events are clouded by the author's interpretations. John writes: I have obtained a copy of the book and I'm at page 100. Thus far I am disappointed with the contents and advise you to postpone buying a copy. I was anticipating more historical material in the narrative but it dwells too much on the tasteless behavior of the author's ancestors. Your editor replies: I agree with you. Very disappointed, but it gives one a certain feel for the times and the family. I won't review it in the newsletter. * "Chicago Spurensuche" - Newsletter 128C mentions the unveiling of a new Chicago Spurensuche website. Tom Glatz writes: The unveiling of this website was last Saturday. The building where the national headquarters of the DANK (Deutsch American National Kongress) is located will be turned into a cultural and heritage center shared by Germans, Austrians, and Swiss. It is a beautiful building with a lot of detailed moldings and paneling, built in the early 1930's. It has a lot of meeting space, classrooms, and a beautiful ballroom with a large kitchen. The city of Chicago wants to keep the Germanic flavor in the neighborhood and will add a lot of money for restoration. It should be interesting to see what the future brings. The website has Germanic clubs listed in two places. When the clubs and organizations button is pressed you will see the listing for the BB under Website für Nachfahren von Burgenländern with a direct link. I hope you all like the website at http://www.spurensuchemidwest.org/ There are English and German language versions. "Klaus Gerger Visit" - Klaus again visited me in Winchester where we were able to show him much of local historical significance. He later visited the Lehigh Valley for the second time where he met some more BB members. Member Ed Tantsits writes: As you know Klaus visited with me (again) before he went back to Vienna. My brother and I took him to visit Ellis Island. We took the audio tour. I had told Klaus that he must make the report of the tour. I feel that it would be much better having Klaus give his thoughts about this visit. In the evening we were at the 'Edelweiss' tavern in Northampton. Klaus had asked me to contact Bob Strauch and meet with us there. We spent a pleasurable evening talking and enjoying the music. Klaus writes - I am back again in Austria but I had to fight jet lag all week. But now, with a weekend of sleep I'm fine again. I'd like to thank you again for your hospitality. On Monday and Tuesday I had lunch with Fritz Königshofer at the World Bank. I finished my work on Wednesday and drove to Allentown on Thursday. Friday the Tantsits family took me on an excursion to Ellis Island (and the Statue of Liberty). Friday evening we met Bobby Strauch, his parents and the Eberhardt family at the weekly buttonbox meeting in the "Edelweiss" gasthaus. Saturday I left for New York where I departed from JFK in the afternoon. So this was another enjoyable trip to the States. Best regards from Vienna (next weekend we will be in Güssing) PS: family gave me a hearty welcome. Late News Flash! Klaus just notified me he will be in Detroit on business starting June 1! * " Ethnic Music" - Al Meixner Music Catalog" - The 2004 #2 Al Meixner Music catalog / newsletter is now in effect and online at www.almeixner.com. If you have any questions about any of the products please call 610-261-3881 Monday through Friday 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. ( Eastern USA Time) * "Schmarrm" - Kurt F. J. Heinrich writes: I have recently seen several questions and comments about a word written "Schmorn" or "Schmarn". According to my Brockhaus encyclopedia, this Bavarian-Austrian word for a type of omelet is "Schmarrn" or "Schmarren". The most popular version in Austria is the "Kaiserschmarrn", presumably a favorite of emperor Franz Joseph. But the word also means, something worthless, kitsch. A popular saying in Austria is: "Das geht Dich einen Schmarrn an", meaning: "This does not concern you a (damn) bit," slightly aggressive, but very expressive. In the Burgenlaendish dialect, this word may be pronounced "shmorn", as mentioned in one of the references in your newsletter. 2. NEW JERSEY ETHNIC EVENTS IN JUNE (from Margaret Kaiser) June 5, Saturday: Hungarian Day in New Brunswick - many performances, food and exhibits with big Tanchaz/Party with Eletfa. Information: (202) 836-4869 June 6, Sunday: a one-day travel exhibit entitled "Archeological Excavations in Hungary", made available from the holdings of the Hungarian Cultural Center, NY, at the American Hungarian Citizen's League (21 New Schley Street, Garfield, New Jersey 07026). Information: (973) 473-0013 or (201) 836-4869 3. CHANGE IN BB HOMEPAGE URL LINK URL Editor Anna Kresh writes: Hap Anderson and I have agreed to move the BB URLs web page to the following site (you may wish to change your bookmark): http://users.zoominternet.net/~kresh/bb_urls.html Anna writes: The file now resides on both the new kresh site as well as Hap's host site. In the future I will maintain only the new site. Both will be accessible until Hap removes the original from the spacestar.com server. This should lighten the work load a little -- and perhaps prod me to update the site more frequently. I appreciate all Hap has done to handle the URL page link. When I look at our site, I am still amazed at how much the BB has accomplished. 4. REPORT SPAM TO THESE SITES (from Margaret Kaiser) Many Internet users are troubled with spam email. This url is for a lengthy, but very informative, article on this subject. http://tinyurl.com/338hm The article recommends spam receivers should: Forward obvious fraud (pyramid) emails to uce@ftc.gov and for severe contacts refer to www.ifccfbi.gov Forward stock fraud emails to: enforcement@sec.gov Forward Nigeria-type scam emails (with a subject line of "NO LOSS") to 419.fcd@usss.treas.gov. (ED. Note: If you report the BB News as SPAM, your Burgenland ancestors will haunt you!) 5. SZEIDEMAN FAMILY DATA UPDATE (from Ernest Szeideman) (ED. Note: We don't have space to report family updates in the newsletter and they can be found at our BB membership site as maintained by Hannes Graf. Every so often I get one that really shows a lot of work and I can't resist sharing it with you.) Ernest writes: I am already a member of the Burgenland bunch and really enjoy it. However, I have spent a considerable amount of time researching my family tree and wanted to "update" my membership information. Hope that is ok. Here it is: Ernest Szeideman; Ottawa, Ontario. SZEIDEMAN(N)/SZEIMAN(N), Olaszfalu, Hungary, Settled in Canada in the 1950s (NB, NOT "Glaszfalu" as I originally sent you!) RASZLOVETZKY/RAZOVETZKY/RADOWIECKI, Mosonszentpeter Hungary (now Janossomorja, Hungary), Settled in Neidenstein Germany 1946, Kitchener & St. Catharines Canada 1950's KERESZTES, Tenyo Hungary, Settled in Nagydem Hungary JANIKOVICS, Beke Hungary (now Mierovo Hungary), Settled in Pozsony Hungary (now Bratislava Slovakia) then Mosonszentpeter Hungary (now Janossomorja, Hungary) IHASZ, Bakonyszentlaszlo Hungary, Settled in Veszprem-varsany Hungary KISS, Nagydem Hungary SCHEDECZKA, Magyarkimle Hungary, Settled in Mosonszentpeter Hungary (now Janossomorja, Hungary) KURCZ, Also Szollos Czechoslovakia (now Vinodol Slovakia), Settled in Mosonszentpeter Hungary (now Janossomorja, Hungary) MOOR, Olaszfalu Hungary RABEL, ?, Settled in Bakonyszentlaszlo Hungary SZUP, ?, Settled in Nagydem Hungary MAURER, ?, Settled in Olaszfalu, Hungary PLASSELLER, Mosonszentjanos Hungary (now Janossomorja,Hungary) WEINBERGERIN, ?, Settled in Mosonszentjanos Hungary (now Janossomorja, Hungary) 6. WHAT IS THE BURGENLAND BUNCH? (suggested by Hannes Graf) ED. Note: When I founded the BB, I decided to restrict membership and data to descendants of immigrants from within today's borders. I soon found that this was not possible. Most of our immigrants came from the Burgenland area before that name was even coined and many of their family came from villages over today's borders. They all came from Transdanubia however, but Transdanubia is much larger than the Burgenland of today so what to do? I finally limited the group to the Burgenland of today plus immediate border villages. I no sooner did that than I received requests for villages just a few kms from those border villages - so it went - like ripples in a pond getting ever larger. I finally tried to restrict it to family names that are found in today's Burgenland, but even that has had some exceptions. In general I advise people from without our area that they would do better to join an Hungarian or Slovakian, Slovenian, etc. group. To that extent I continue to limit membership. My philosophy is based on Micro-genealogy not Macro-genealogy. If you haven't already done so, please read my magazine article on this subject - we can't be everything to everybody and still do a good job. You rarely receive any meaningful family data from those large macro-genealogy organizations. My approach has created some problems for our long suffering website editors - people have contacted them and asked "why can't I join?" In addition our editors have problems fitting some of these non-Burgenland places within their geographic formats. Hannes Graf, our membership editor recently wrote: I have updated the member list again and want to share some thoughts about it. This is not the first time I have this problem. It is no big problem, but sometimes I do get a little upset about it. What is the Burgenland Bunch really? A Bunch of people with roots inside what is NOW called Burgenland, a province of Austria. When I make the changes for Ernest Szeideman with his many surnames, I look for the villages, but there is not one inside the Burgenland. Also the new member Wallace D. Salisbury has ancestors POGLITSCH in Graz, Styria, Austria, some others in Vienna, and so on. In my mind, if we take everybody from near the border of Burgenland, as an example, from OBERPULLENDORF, to the northeast and the southeast point it is ca. 82 km (50 miles), if we go west and east, we are in VIENNA, GRAZ, St. Pölten, Wiener Neustadt, Sopron, Szombathly, Györ, and so on. So we could call ourselves: "The Former Austrian Hungarian Empire - So Called Eastern Hungary and Neighborhood Bunch". (:-)))) But I think it is really not a problem, because there are not many members researching places so far away. liebe Grüße, hannes To which I reply: Hannes - Who are we? - not only descendants of immigrants of today's Burgenland but descendants of Transdanubia (Dunatul) compressed to within a few kms (don't ask me to define how few!) of today's borders. I know it is difficult to give an exact area but I try to do it based on what people tell me -- to some I say yes; to others no -- (so it goes). I do not want the BB to be just another Hungarian site or German site or Croatian site. I want us to be a Burgenland site and that includes those places which probably should be in today's Burgenland (like Sopron, Köszeg, St. Gotthard, etc.) 7. DREAM IN ENGLISH - DREAM IN GERMAN (from Hannes Graf) Hannes writes: The last 10 days were very interesting for me, because Elfie and I spoke and heard only English and, at last, we dreamed in it. I had a cousin (SCHREYER) and siblings) with their two nephews in Vienna for sightseeing, meetings with relatives and so on. So I was very busy and I soon realized how small are our language skills. Sometimes I could not go out of the door to smoke a cigarette, because somebody calls me: please translate!!!! But it became easier every day and at last we joked together in a foreign language. To which I reply: It is good that you are dreaming in English! When I come to Austria I dream in German - when I wake up I wonder how did I know that word? When we have visitors we can see local places through new eyes - we have just done that with Klaus Gerger - it was fun like you had. Newsletter continues as no. 129A.

THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 129A DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY (Issued monthly by G. J. Berghold) May 31, 2004 (c) 2004 G. J. Berghold - all rights reserved) ******THERE WILL BE NO JUNE NEWSLETTER, NEWSLETTER JULY 31. ****** This second section of our 4-section newsletter includes: 1. Two Days To Visit Güssing - What To See? 2. City Directories - Data Sources 3. Finding Accommodations For Burgenland Visits 4. Family Links To Königsdorf & Eltendorf-Karner, Flasch & Hacker Families 5. Ethnic Appellations 1. TWO DAYS TO VISIT GÜSSING - WHAT TO SEE? Mary Anne Siderits writes: You have been so helpful in the past that I probably should not bother you again, but it is precisely because you have been so helpful that I am presuming to ask you for the following assistance: My husband and I are leaving for Europe on Saturday, and I have just learned that it will be possible for me to include a short stay in Stegersbach. Because of the proximity to Güssing, I'd like to take a day or two to investigate whatever resources might be available there. My interests are a bit different from those of many BB members; while I am interested in family history, I am perhaps even more interested in what I, for want of a better term, call environmental history. In other words, I am interested in learning what life might have been like for my ancestors (many of whom were serfs of Croatian extraction). I was, therefore, delighted with the Teklits material in the BB archives. But there are other things I'd like to discover, e.g., whether there is any history of the Batthyány estate. Could you suggest, given the brief time I'll have in Güssing, what would be the best places to hit for historical material? I know you must be very busy, so I'd just be grateful for any thoughts that might immediately occur. Reply: By all means you must visit the Güssing Castle and Museum (open 10 to 5; admission 5.5 Euro). This was the home of the Batthyány family for centuries (from 1524). It contains portraits of them as well as much in the way of historical implements, art etc. Don't miss the 12th century St. Jakob's church and cemetery on the way. Visit the Burgenlandische Gemeinschaft Office at Hauptplatz 7, Güssing and ask for brochures and other guides. Buy a copy of two books, if they still have them, Dujmovits' "Der Amerika Wanderung" and "Nach Amerika"; in German but you'll be glad you bought them. Also see if the English edition of Burgenland Panorama is still available; excellent photos and descriptions in English. Be sure to visit the Güssing Immigrants' Museum - inquire at the BG office. Tell them you are a member of the BB and that I sent you. Find your name in the immigrant book of descendants. Also see if the Batthyány crypt in the church is open; visit the church/cloister. To see Burgenland as it was, you must go to the outdoor museum in Gerersdorf (9-5, admission 3 Euro) just a few kms west of Güssing; a magnificent display of old Burgenland furnished cottages and other buildings. Take lots of film or digital memory! Another most worthwhile museum is the mine museum in Bernstein; buy yourself a piece of Bernstein jade; also see Bernstein castle. The finest Burgenland indoor museum of all is the Burgenland Provincial Museum in Eisenstadt, but that may be too far north for you. Of course, if you go there, you can also see the Esterhazy Palace (and it is a palace) as well as the "Mountain" Church (not on a mountain; it has progressive layers of stations of the cross in tableaus a "calvary mount" as it were; also Haydn's tomb and organ. It is gorgeous and you will shed a tear. There is a regional museum in Stegersbach, which I haven't seen. It's on the Sparkassenplatz; Tues-Sunday, 9-12 & 2-5, admin 2 Euro. Have a good trip and write us a trip report. Wish I could see some of these places again with "new eyes!" Except for maybe Eisenstadt, you should be able to do this in 2 days from Stegersbach. Have lunch, if possible, at Hotel/Pension Krutzler at Heiligenbrunn near Güssing and see the wine cellars nearby as well as the wine museum at Moschendorf. 2. CITY DIRECTORIES - DATA SOURCES An often overlooked source of immigrant data are the many city directories available in public libraries or in the holdings of historical societies. Some are now being put on line. I used the holdings of the Lehigh County (PA) Historical Society some years ago to pinpoint residences and vocations of many Allentown relatives during their early immigration period. Now Margaret Kaiser tells us that the 1929-1930 Allentown, PA, directory is online as well as some others. Margaret writes to URL editor Anna Kresh: Allentown City Directory, 1929-1930. There are a few city directories on this site, but this is probably one of the few interesting ones. http://distantcousin.com/Directories/PA/ 3. FINDING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR BURGENLAND VISITS In a message dated 5/11/04, a correspondent writes: I am contacting you because my husband and I are planning a visit to Alt Schlaining and Stadt Schlaining, where my parents were born and married. We thought we would make the trip two years ago but we had to cancel our plans. At that time I was in touch with someone there regarding hotel or pension accommodations. Unfortunately, I misplaced that information and I was wondering if you knew of a travel agent there I could contact. I would sincerely appreciate your help. If you know of no one, I appreciate your taking the time to read this message. Reply: There are Gasthauses in the area you mention, but really you will require no reservations as these places are quite small and usually have vacancies. Whether they speak English or not is anyone's guess. I assume you plan to drive from Vienna (I would make reservations there), about 1 1/2 hours, but for Schlaining I'd stay at one of the Gasthauses or in one of the larger nearby villages like Oberwart or Bad Tatzmannsdorf. Bad Tatzmannsdorf (a Spa community) is only a few kms north west from Stadtschlaining and has many modern hotels and pensions. You might try the internet to find what is available. Bad Tatz is big enough to provide email reservations as July and August can be pretty crowded. My favorite is the Hotel Krutzler in Heiligenbrunn (east of Güssing) but that is a little too far south for Stadtschlaining. Search our archives for trip hints and places to see. By all means visit Burg Schlaining (now a conference center - they may even provide accommodations.) The hotel situation changes rapidly and I hesitate to give suggestions as it has been almost three years since I was there last. Nonetheless I never stayed at a bad Gasthaus - just don't expect USA accommodations except in the larger places. Use the net to contact: www.TIScover.at?burgenland or www.burgenland.at/tourisimus for current suggestions. Be sure to reserve your car at Schwechat Airport (Vienna) if you will be renting one. Austrian Airlines has a flight directly from Washington (Dulles) to Vienna daily. Let me know how you make out. Perhaps you'll give us a trip report for the newsletter. Have a good trip - you'll need at least three days to see southern Burgenland but a week would be better. Be sure to visit the Burgenlandische Gemeinschaft office in Güssing; they can provide tourist help and you can visit the immigrant museum and the castle and cloister. 4. FAMILY LINKS TO KÖNIGSDORF & ELTENDORF - KARNER, FLASCH & HACKER FAMILIES In a message dated 5/3/04, a correspondent writes: This is in response to your kind offer for assistance listed in the April 30, 2004 newsletter. You indicated you would be willing to provide available information re immigrants from Königsdorf and we should send names, birth dates etc. This contains that information below as section 1 and also some other information re immigrants from the area in section 2. It would be appreciated if you could provide suggestions or comments regarding what other research could be done to further identify the Karner / Flasch / Hacker lines. Reply: I may not have made myself clear in my offer for help. I have a book that lists the inhabitants of K-dorf over a period of many years. The data is arranged in such a way that marriages and parents are easily discernable. In effect, it is a summary of what appears in the K-dorf (and Eltendorf for K-dorf inhabitants) church records and local "Grundbuch." For someone whose family inhabited K-dorf for a long period of time, it would be relatively easy to search for ancestors by family name. In your case; however, your people rented a house for a very brief period after having migrated, probably from Wolfau as you state. As such you already have the available data since you have a copy of the book. In case you don't, below is the only entry for Karner: House nr. 68 (56): Karner Mathias, Sö (Sollner - did not own land) - married 1889 (est.) to Theresia Flasch, both Lutheran. Mathias is German for Mathew and the Hungarian for Michael is Mihaly, so perhaps a clerical error was made given the correct bride's name. There may also have been another Mihaly (father?) and the son may have used the name Mathias; I have experienced similar situations. Also it is not surprising that some pastors got confused. The previous householders of no. 68 were named Bauer and the author states it is not known what happened to this family after occupying the house for almost 100 years. It was rented to Karner about 1888, who then lived there until about 1890, when it was sold to Hettlinger. You state that Karner then migrated to the US. This is about the extent of your family involvement with K-dorf. Before we leave the area, I might mention your connection to Eltendorf (Hacker family). Eltendorf is the main Lutheran village of southern Burgenland having the Martin Luther Kirche, a Lutheran church for over 200 years, which in turn replaced an even older one. This new church was built following the Edict Of Toleration. Most of the inhabitants today are still Lutheran. I spent 11 days in 1993 copying my own Poppendorf family records from this church. Doing this requires much experience. I found even the pastor at that time was not capable of reading the older records. You should be able to do this by using the LDS 1828-1896 Eltendorf records, which are microfilm nos. 0700737-739; Civil from 1896-1920 are 0700435-439. So much for Hacker. Still two families by that name in E-dorf. The other data, which you are fortunate to have, places the Flasch & Karner families in Wolfau (Hungarian Farkasfalva), another semi-Lutheran village not too far distant in the district of Oberwart. Inhabitants of Wolfau went to church (both RC & Lutheran) in Markt Allhau (Hungarian Alho), which has both an RC and a Lutheran church. In 1878, Wolfau had 651 Lutherans; Markt Allhau 1522. The LDS has 1828-1896 microfilm of the church records, no. 0700644; Civil as well 1896-1920, nos. 0665220-223. If you don't already know, see our archives on how to use these records. I would also look at the 1825 Hungarian census to determine if family resided in Wolfau at that time and who the prime family householders were as well as their holdings in livestock, crop yields, etc. The LDS number for this census is 0623008. Do not discount the importance of religion in this search. Lutheran ties were (still are) strong in what was a predominantly Catholic Empire. Almost all of the Empire became Lutheran or Calvinist during the Reformation, reverting to RC during the Counter Reformation. Your Lutheran families would have always opted to move to a Lutheran community, hence Wolfau to K-dorf (Eltendorf.) Given the large number of Flasch & Karner families still resident in Wolfau, I wonder why you haven't tried contacting them, given family visits to Burgenland? Another bit of information: I have a copy of the Canonical Visitation of South Burgenland for the year 1757, written in Latin. In the portion dealing with Wolfau inhabitants, I find that, in 1751, Hanss (sic) Flasch von einer Hauss Statt paid 3 denarios rent to the church. He also contributed another 3 denarios to the church annually. This tells us that Flasch families inhabited Wolfau as early as 1751. Where they came from is unknown; I would guess Styria, Upper Austria, Bavaria or Swabia sometime about 1690-1700. No Karners were listed but they may have rented from the local aristocracy, as opposed to the church, or even owned their homes (only aristocracy could own land at that time). In my history of the church in Eltendorf, I find that in 1873, one William Karner was the teacher at the Lutheran school in Zahling (now an appendage of Eltendorf) - coincidence? Again, the religious factor appears. Also: Johann Karner (1881-1973) was Bürgermeister of Wolfau from 1933-37. Josef Karner (landwirt-farmer) (1899-1972) from 1950-54. Again in 1955-58. That just about exhausts my data re your families. I'll probably use our correspondence (edited) in our next newsletter with the hope that it may give some other members some clues. 5. ETHNIC APPELLATIONS Correspondent writes: My father used to tell us that our ancestors were "Bohunks." I always assumed that meant Hungarian, but I have yet to find someone who recognizes the term (it always sounded fondly derogative). Reply: As near as I can tell the term is considered derogatory, but is nothing more than a contraction of Bohemia-Hungary, causing me to believe that the native born Americans of the southeastern European immigration period (1880-1924) had as poor an understanding of European geography and history as they do today! Of course, in the area where your immigrants settled, there may well have been mostly Czechs and Hungarians, which would give rise to Bohunks as a label for people from the two places mentioned. Not much different from other immigrant appellations like Chinks, Micks, Kikes, Spics etc. Many of my own first generation relatives, who had parents from villages in what was then Hungary (now in Burgenland, Austria), would often refer to newly arrived Burgenland immigrants as Hunkies - a case of a dime looking down on two nickels! People who use these terms display an abysmal knowledge and ignorance of the world in general. In today's politically correct environment, many ethnic groups now use such appellations as badges of honor! As they say here in Virginia - "there's them that's born here and then there's them that comes here!" Been going on in the US for the last 300 years. It bothers me somewhat that your father used the term, as he must have known that your people came from Austria (Styria has always been Austrian), as opposed to Hungary, and Austrians were always very prompt to declare their origin, as opposed to being Hungarian or some other Austrian Empire racial group. Even today, there are Austrians (in the original 8 provinces) who consider Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Slovenes, Croatians, Bohemians, Burgenlanders, etc. as inferior. Racial enmity is far from being dead! Perhaps your father considered this a term for immigrants in general. It's important only in considering your origin in Styria as opposed to elsewhere further east. If he thought you were Hungarians, I'd look again at your Styrian data! I'd nail this down, although it looks like you have already done a great job in tracing your origin. Newsletter continues as no. 129B.

THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 129B DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY (Issued monthly by G. J. Berghold) May 31, 2004 (c) 2004 G. J. Berghold - all rights reserved) *THERE WILL BE NO JUNE NEWSLETTER, NEXT NEWSLETTER JULY 31.* This third section of our 4-section newsletter includes: 1. Family Links To Königsdorf - Leitgeb Family 2. Family Links To Königsdorf - Perl, Fuchs Families 3. Airline Flights To Burgenland 4. Village Of Bergwerk 5. Taste Of The Burgenland - Meatless Bean Soup - Bob Strauch 1. FAMILY LINKS TO KÖNIGSDORF - LEITGEB FAMILY Correspondent writes: "Anton (my grandfather, b. 1879, d. 1918 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) married Maria Grosschedl (b. 1885, d. 1928 in Milwaukee), Johann Leitgeb (b. 1875, d. 1961 in Milwaukee), Josefa nee Leitgeb Koldorfer (b. 1877, d. ? in Gutendorf) and Anna nee Leitgeb Leitgeb (she married another Anton Leitgeb b. 1885, d. 1922 in Gutendorf). Any connections you may find with the Koenigsdorf Leitgebs would be greatly appreciated." Reply: You are correct when you say Leitgeb is not an uncommon Germanic name, and all of your names are Germanic so we can probably ignore any Hungarian possibilities. I believe the name derives from someone who lives on the slope of a hill or mountain (which would apply to the region around Gutendorf - I've been there - spent time in Graz, Fehring and Bad Gleichenberg), but don't hold me to that. What I do know is that it is fairly common in the area east of Graz and in southern Burgenland both. Unfortunately, Germanic migration to the Burgenland is poorly documented, as explained in my K-dorf newsletter article. Gutendorf is a small Styrian village just a few kms from the Burgenland border, next to Mühlgraben - one of the smallest Lutheran villages in southern Burgenland. I know that Lutheran Bergholds moved there from Styria some time before the 1800's. That there was migration from Styria to what was then Hungary is well established. However, it occurred so often, and mostly in an individual manner (as opposed to group movement), that the period of the movement is cloudy. I have found it helps to look at it in two ways: 1. was the movement caused by economic factors (free land and other benefits) or 2. by religious factors (Styria went Catholic during the Counter Reformation) or 3. by aristocratic recruitment (area being depopulated by war and plague) or 4. a combination of two or more of the above? Answering this can provide a window of migration, although the window can be quite large, a few hundred years or more; nonetheless, I am led to believe that, for today's Burgenland inhabitants, most migration of their ancestors to southern Burgenland took place in the period 1650-1750. It would be too lengthy for me to elaborate here. Let's just take it as a given and look at K-dorf Leitgebs. Whether we can link any to yours is doubtful - in three hundred years we have at least 12 generations - given exponential growth we are looking at a possibility (from a possible 1650 migration) of 4112 people! From Sepp Kametler's work, we know that Leitgebs were present in 1635-1641. Of course, we don't know if they came from the origin (Styria) of your Leitgebs, but it's very probable. Looking at the earliest Leitgeb householders we have: House number 6 (5) Leutgeb (spelling) Michael, b 1732 - married 1760 - father Georg and mother Barbara Lenz - spouse Eva Kohl Leutgeb Mathias, b 1766 - m 1789 - parents above - spouse Katharina Kurz Leitgeb Stephan, b 1792 - m 1812 - parents above - spouse Regina Schreiner Leitgeb Franz, b 1814 - m1838 - parents above - spouse Maria Kamedler Leitgeb Franz, b 1841 - m1864 - parents above - spouse Theresia Holler A gap occurred in 1864, when a Michael Weber was householder, then in 1894 again appears: Leitgeb Jossef, b1868 - m1894 - parents above (Franz and Theresia) - spouse Theresia Deutsch. A soldier in the 26th K. Regt. The housename (Vulgo) of this house was Juden-Leitgeb, since a Jewish business was located next door. Interesting - a good note, otherwise you might think some of your people were Hebrew - another branch to research and a most difficult one! There are still a number of Leitgebs in K-dorf but not at this house number. House number 11 (10) Leitgeb Franz, b 1844 - m 1866 - parents Mathias L & R Holler-see previous - spouse Cacillia Duld Leitgeb Franz, b 1868 - m 1892 - parents above - spouse Juliana Lang (Erna Leitgeb lives here today) House nr. 78 (74) Leutgeb George, m Barbara Lentz 1722 - no further data but Lentz's appear in Mühlgraben (previously mentioned) - a possible link to Guttendorf. George died (when?) and his widow married Martin Fandl from Limbach. House nr. 90 (71) Leitgeb Michael, m1719 - spouse Maria? descendants thru 1827. There are many others but they are descendants of the first family mentioned, Given what you know, I see only the one possible link (house no. 78). I have not listed the others and might add that we find the name in other villages - even in Güssing - a very prolific family group! I find four in nearby Eltendorf - a Lutheran village - are your Leitgebs Lutheran? If so their appearance in Burgenland stems from migration reason 2 and is a clue for further research. Another point to obviate a direct link is the absence of the name Anton - often used in your branch but not here. Male children were often given the names of their fathers and /or uncles. I find no Antons in K-dorf. I doubt if I've helped much but you now have knowledge of another branch, which obviously stemmed from the Styrian trunk. I'll be using our correspondence in the next newsletter. 2. FAMILY LINKS TO KÖNIGSDORFm - PERL & FUCHS FAMILIES In a message dated 5/15/04, correspondent writes: My grandmother was Cacillia Perl born 27/4/1887 K-dorf died 7/9/1942 in Graz. Her parents were Andreas & Terese (Fuchs) Perl all born in K-dorf. Andreas 10/9/1855 d. 2/3/1932 possibly in Gratkorn. Terese b. 6/1/1867 K-dorf. Andreas Perl's parents all from K-dorf were Andreas Joseph Perl b. 17/6/1820 d. ?? and Terezia (Kurz) no info on b. or d. The furtherest back I found were Andreas Perl and Elizibeth ?? no b. or d. records. The only other info I have is my great grandmother Terese Fuchs Perl's parents also from K-dorf were Joseph Fuchs and Trezia Wagner no b. d. Where they lived in K-dorf, I have no idea or whether the homes still exist. As I remember there didn't seem to be too many houses in K-dorf. One thing I have never understood is, when the payments end for the graves, what happened to the coffins/gravestones/records etc. I am hoping to have time later in June to visit the area again. If you do have any information on this family I would greatly appreciate anything you can provide. I understand that the name Perl is quite common in the area, but I don't know if they are all related. Reply: Your query provided me with a lot of interest. There are a lot of Perls and a lot of Cacilia Perls - I even have one in my line. Before I list what I have found, let me correct what may be an error on your part as to the place of origin of your family. K-dorf has about 250 houses, a church, two cemeteries, a post office, at least one Gasthaus, bank branch, A&O store, Lutheran school, Volksschule, etc., with many Perls still in residence. K-dorf proper is south of the E66, the road connecting Rudersdorf with Heiligenkreuz via Dobersdorf, Eltendorf and Poppendorf. About 4 kms north of the E66 is K-dorf-bergen, a small appendage of K-dorf where your family had a home for about 100 years. There are not many houses in this area. In other words your immediate family did not come from K-dorf proper but from K-dorf-bergen. Many villages have these "bergen" appendages - small crossroad hamlets in the hills mostly involved with forest cutting or vineyards. Too small to administer themselves, they look to nearby villages for their admin needs. Perls (original spelling was Perdl - it changed to Perl about 1720 - can be found in K-dorf as early as 1635 (Canonical Visitation); in K-dorf-bergen from about 1780. They may have moved there from K-dorf proper, house no. 89 (built about 1720, one of the earliest pre-1740 K-dorf farmer dwellings). Other Perl houses in K-dorf proper were nos. 7, 71, 108, 101, 129, 138 157 and 173 - again, many Cacilias. Another house, no. 179 Vulgo Perl-Schuster, is also found in K-dorf-bergen, along with no. 160, which is the main home of your family called in the Vulgo: Waldhütter-Perl. Most, if not all of your family were Lutherans attending the Martin Luther Kirche in Eltendorf (after 1740); before that they attended the RC church in K-dorf or perhaps even in Kukmirn. I find your people were mostly Söllner (had house, no land) working as artisans or day laborers. As Lutherans, they were probably refugees from Styria during the religious troubles of the Counter Reformation when Styria reverted to Catholicism. The Batthyány who had the Herrschaft of Southern Burgenland were very tolerant and accepted Protestant refugees. With the Act of Toleration of 1720, Lutheran Churches could again be built and the Martin Luther Kirche in Eltendorf was the result. During the interim, the Lutherans used prayer houses (Bethaus) and looked to the RC church for the sacraments - hence the RC records of Lutheran families. You furnished the parents of your grandmother as: Andreas Perl b1855 & Terese Fuchs b1867 (I found the date as 1864) (they were married 1885 and had house number 179.) PERLS Parents of Andreas 1855 were Andreas 1820 & Regina Kurz 1820 (you have Tereszia Kurz-another marriage?). They were married in 1839 house number 179. Parents of Andreas 1820 were Andreas 1796 & Elizabeth Fischl 1789, house number 160-married 1814. Parents of Andreas 1796 were Mathias 1771 & Katharina Doppler 1763. Married 1795 house number 160. Parents of Mathias were Michael Perl and Regina? married 1768, house no. 160. Parents of Michael may have been Andreas Perdl ? & Veronica Kaindl ? married 1720 house no. 89 or Georg Perdl ? & Regina Monschain ? married 1739. A better choice would be Michael Perdl and Katharina Waldecker, married 1729, house number 67. FUCHS (this name was spelled Fux - changed about 1770.) Parents of Terese Fuchs 1867 (date prob. correct based on parents marriage date) were Joseph Fuchs 1835 & Trezia Wagner 1841, married 1866, house no. 154 Parents of Joseph were Andreas 1796 & Barbara Trinkl 1806, married 1831 Parents of Andreas 1796 were Peter Fux 1771 & Regina Frenz 1746 married 1793 Parents of Peter 1771 were Mathias Fux 1741 & Maria Frenz 1746, married 1768 Parents of Mathias 1741 were Andreas Fux and Veronica Springer, married 1739 house no. in K-bergen. KURZ Parents of Regina Kurz were Michel Kurz and Barbara Decker. FISCHL Parents of Elizabeth Fischl were George Fischl & Maria Damhesl DOPPLER Parents of Katharina Doppler were Georg Doppler & Anna Perl (many Dopplers were from Poppendorf-I have one in my tree) That's about it, I could have gone on to try and find more on the distaff side, but if you are like me, one generation of the distaff is all I use except for direct blood lines. This data comes from Sepp Kametler's book which is a synopsis of the K-dorf and Eltendorf church records as well as civil records from 1896. I spent 11 days with the E-dorf records in 1993 and I can assure you Kametler did an excellent job of correlating what could be correlated. I hope you are pleased with the result. Try another trip and go digging around K-dorf bergen; you should find relatives. I'll probably use this correspondence (edited) in my newsletter. 3. FLIGHTS TO BURGENLAND Correspondent writes: I am considering a trip to Austria for about a month this year; leaving sometime early August. Do you have any info on airlines or where to look for good fares, etc., please? Reply: I assume you are flying into Vienna. If so try Austrian Airlines, who operate a direct flight from Dulles (Washington, DC) and I believe also Kennedy. Try them on the internet. They often offer special rates. I have found good fares and most reliable service by using the AOL travel service as well as AAA and AARP. I'm leery of using some of these discount services - very iffy and I've heard some bad tales. If you are planning to visit southern Burgenland you might look for a flight to Graz, which is now an international airport. Be sure to check our archives for trip suggestions. Let me know how you make out. 4. VILLAGE OF BERGWERK Correspondent writes: I am trying to locate Bergwerk, Austria, where my Grandmother came from. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Reply: Bergwerk was a small village in the district of Oberwart in the south of Burgenland. Its Hungarian name was Öribanya, when it was in the district of Eisenburg in the Hungarian County (Megye) of Vas (before 1921). Inhabitants use the RC church in Mariasdorf and the Lutherans use the Lutheran church in Stadtschlaining, where the civil records are also located. Today it is part of the market community of Mariasdorf (in the district of Oberwart) along with the villages of Grodnau, Neustift bei Schlaining and Tauchen. Total population of all is about 1300. First mentioned in the 14th century, Bergwerk belonged to the Counts of Güssing. In 1645, its name was Perckwerck, with 40 houses. There was some iron and copper mining nearby hence the name. About 50 families are listed in the Burgenland phone directory. It is about 10 kms northeast of Oberwart - use a map with a scale of 1:200,000 or less to find it. 5. TASTE OF THE BURGENLAND - MEATLESS BEAN SOUP (from Bob Strauch) Bob writes: BB member Ed Tantsits recently mentioned that he's been searching for a recipe for a meatless bean soup with sour cream that was made by his mother and grandmother. I've only ever had bean soups that were made with smoked meat. So, I searched through my copy of "Vom Essen auf dem Lande" by Franz Maier-Bruck, the bible of Austrian regional home cooking. In the chapter on Burgenland, I found a meatless potato soup to which beans can also be added. In the chapter on Lower Austria, I found a recipe for a meatless sour cream soup, which also can be enhanced by the addition of potatoes or beans. Grumbiansupp'm (Potato Soup) 300-400 grams potatoes, peeled and diced water (no amount given) salt pepper caraway 1 garlic clove, crushed a few celery leaves, chopped thyme 1/2 Bay leaf 1/8 liter sour cream 1 Tbsp. flour vinegar Cook potatoes until done in lightly salted water with pepper, caraway, garlic, celery leaves, thyme, and Bay leaf. Whisk together sour cream and flour and stir into the soup. Add vinegar to taste, if desired. Bring back to a simmer briefly before serving. For "Boundlsupp'm" (bean soup), add cooked beans (150 grams dried beans, soaked overnight and cooked until soft) to the above recipe. Rahmsupp'm (Sour Cream Soup) 1 liter water caraway salt 3/10 liter sour milk 1 heaping Tbsp. flour 1/4 liter cream vinegar, to taste (optional) Add caraway and salt to and bring to a boil. Whisk together sour milk and flour and stir into the boiling water. Return to boil and remove from heat. Add cream and vinegar, to taste. Serve with rye bread. Cooked and diced potatoes or cooked (or canned) beans may also be added. Newsletter continues as no. 129C.

THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 129C DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY (Issued monthly by G. J. Berghold) May 31, 2004 (c) 2004 G. J. Berghold - all rights reserved) This fourth section of our 4-section newsletter includes: 1. Auto Rental In Austria - Tips 2. Taste Of The Burgenland - Zwetschk'nknödln - Plum Dumplings 3. Lehigh Valley, PA Ethnic News - Bob Strauch AUTO RENTAL IN AUSTRIA - TIPS (from Anna Kresh, Fritz Königshofer et al) Anna Kesh writes: I wonder if you can give me some tips on car rental in Austria. Josef Pandl, one of the Board of Directors (and one of the founders) of the Austrian American Cultural Society in Pittsburgh, PA, is accompanying the AACS on their trip to Austria at the end of July. The tour is through Blaguss Travel in Eisenstadt. Mr. Pandl would like to spend 4 additional days in Burgenland at the end of the tour and would like to get some info on the rental of a mid-size car with automatic transmission, picking it up at the Graz airport and possibly dropping it off in downtown Vienna. Can you suggest the best way for him to proceed? Is there an agency you could recommend, possibly Blaguss itself? Are there any cautions? Editor's Reply: I have found it was always best to reserve a car before leaving. I've used many of the better known agencies, Avis, Hertz, etc. and found them to be very good. One can reserve via phone or internet or even through AAA or AARP. Reserve directly with them - not through some other agency - I've heard horror stories from people who reserved through lesser known agencies (they provide a low rate - don't meet all of the renter's requirements and you get stuck with a big bill when you get home.) I have always flown to Vienna, but since Graz is an international airport and the 2nd largest city, I'm sure auto rental is the same as Vienna. Use a credit card or you'll be stuck with a hefty insurance bill. Do not plan to use the car in Hungary (because of auto theft, a heavy insurance fee will be charged), however, a few day trips across the border are always possible - just don't tell anyone and be very, very careful. The drive from Graz to southern Burgenland is a pleasant one. The Hungarian crossing at Heiligenkreuz can get grid-locked on weekends. No special driving requirements; although some guide books tell you to get an international drivers license, I have never used one. I found my Virginia license (with picture) was always accepted. Be sure all auto papers are in the car at all times. Be familiar with international road signs and German words for Enter, Exit, No Parking, One Way, etc. Some parking lots are automatic, inquire how they work. When parking in some places, a clock card is necessary. One can get them at nearby banks or stores or a permanent one at the auto agencies; not a bad idea as they can give you a national card (USA) as well. I have found Austrian drivers to be a little aggressive. They like to drive fast and will get excited if you drive slow in order to look at scenery. Parking in the center of even small villages can be a problem. Take the first available space and do not violate any traffic laws or parking restrictions; it can be expensive. I paid 50 Euro for going the wrong way on a one-way street in Schwechat. Gas is expensive -the word for "fill it up please" is "Tanken bitte"- best to let them serve you although they have self-serve in some places. Lock your car when leaving, of course, and leave no valuables in sight. I enjoy driving in Austria; much to see and the easiest way to get around. Avoid rush hours just like here - every Austrian has a car these days and loves to go out on weekends. I had a diesel car last time and loved it (after I learned how to put it in reverse - one pushes down on the gear shift lever before slotting in R). If you drive through any mountain passes, be careful. Those switchbacks and steep downhill grades can be difficult and Austrian drivers who use them go fast. I found I had to use 2nd or even low gear to reduce braking. Brakes will heat up on the steep grades. Give postal buses a wide clearance; they will pass at scary points. Do not drink and drive. Austrian DWI penalties are very harsh; even a few glasses of wine can get you in trouble. Fritz writes: When I visit Austria for several weeks (which happens about once per year), I usually rent my car via EuropebyCar, see their website at http://www.europebycar.com. They seem to have the best prices. However, their minimum renting is one week. It may well be that their one-week rental is less expensive than renting for four days directly from a rent-a-car firm. In the past years, EuropebyCar has cooperated with Europcar. The latter's web page is at www.europcar.at. My experience has been that renting only up to three days is less expensive if directly renting from Europcar. Europcar (and by implication EuropebyCar) have city and airport locations. However, pickup or drop at the airport of Graz involves an extra charge as the firm has to send a person to the airport. It's likely cheaper to take a cab at Graz Airport (Thalerhof) to the city location of Europcar, about a $25 ride. They easily allow to drop the car in Vienna, though I don't know whether there is an extra charge for dropping the car at the airport there. When I checked last year, I vaguely remember that only Avis seemed to have an office staffed at the airport of Graz for almost all week long. I would suggest that it requires visiting the web sites of the major car rental companies to find the best deal. By default, I still think that the offers by EuropebyCar are the best. They are definitely my first choice. Member Bob Eder writes: I traveled to Austria on 9/11/02 on a 10 day excursion. My arrangements were made by AAA. My British Airways flight was routed from Miami to London. Then to Frankfurt and Graz via Lufthansa. Upon arrival in Graz, I picked up my Avis rental car (mid-size diesel, automatic transmission) without incident. BUT, IT WAS EXPENSIVE! I had paid $621.00 up-front here in Florida. Then, upon arrival, I was charged an additional $157.97. I thought that that was expensive - a total of $778.97 + fuel used. I did request to take the car into Hungary and that might have impacted the rental charge. My father was born in Pornoapati (Pernau), Hungary, which is just across the border from Gussing. 2. TASTE OF THE BURGENLAND - ZWETSCHK'NKNÖDLN - PLUM DUMPLINGS In a message dated 4/30/04, a corrspondent writes: I'm sure you don't want to turn the newsletters into a "recipe club" but mention was made in newsletter 128B of plum dumplings made with a potato dough and bread crumbs. Reply: I thought it was time to feature these in the newsletter. You get a preview for suggesting same. You will find many Burgenland recipes in our newsletter archives under the title "Taste Of The Burgenland." Our ethnic heritage lives on in the memory of our tastebuds and stomachs! Zwetschk'nknödln (plum dumplings) are my all time favorite. I believe we touched on this delicacy a number of times but haven't published a recipe, as you state. It is one of those "kitchen food" recipes, often served as a dessert or for a snack called Mehlspeisen. It utilizes a potato dough dumpling filled with sugared fruit (plums are most often used, although I had a strawberry dumpling at the Hotel Burgenland in Eisenstadt). The dumplings are boiled and put in a large frying pan with buttered breadcrumbs and often served with a sauce made of the same fruit as the filling, but the dumplings really make their own sauce when you open them. If you are lucky you will also get some rolled noodles ("wutszels") made of the same dough and also covered with buttered breadcrumbs as an accompaniment. Potato Dough ("Erdäpfelteig) 2 2/3 lb. potatoes 3 tbsp. butter 2 egg yolks 3 tbsp. flour 2 tbsp. cornstarch 5 tbsp. farina (use "cream of wheat") 1 tsp salt Cook potatoes in salted water, peel and mash while hot. Add remaining ingredients and knead quickly. On floured board, form into a roll and cut pieces according to recipe being used. Makes enough dumplings for 4 to 6 people. Plum Dumplings ("Zwetschk'nknödln") 1 recipe potato dough (as above) 1 1/2 doz. Italian plums (the little purple ones which come in the Fall are best-you want a very sweet plum) 1/2 cup butter 1 cup breadcrumbs 4 tbsp powdered sugar granulated sugar or sugar cubes Prepare dough. While potatoes are cooking, prepare plums by washing, removing pits and replacing with a sugar cube or about 1/2 - 1 tsp granulated sugar, set aside. With well floured hands, work dough into a 3 inch diameter roll. Cut 1/2 inch slices. Quickly roll out each slice thin and wrap a prepared plum in it, pinching all edges closed (if they leak your dumplings are ruined.) Roll dumplings between floured hands until a smooth ball is formed. Cook in simmering salted water for 10-15 minutes, (when dumplings rise to the surface of the water they are done) drain and roll in slightly browned buttered breadcrumbs in a large pan. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately while still warm. Variations: Serve with a sauce made by boiling sugar and peeled and pitted mashed fruit with a little water-for a real adult Hungarian flair-add a few teaspoons of plum brandy (Slivovitz). I wonder if I could invent a "flaming Zwetschk'nknödln?" Serve with "Wutszels" made of leftover dough, tear off marble sized pieces and roll into oblong shapes about 1/2 inch in diameter. Boil these along with the dumplings, scooping them out when they rise to the surface. Set aside and add to pan of breadcrumbs when dumplings are added. These were utilized to use up left over dough but grandparents often made just these (sans fruit) as a treat for youngsters. Use apricots, prunes (pitted and slightly cooked) or even large strawberries in place of plums. When you cut into these with a fork, a sauce of plum juice and sugar will run out flavoring the dumpling. The amount of sugar used can be adjusted to taste. You can also try vanilla sugar or even a sugar substitute like "Splenda." If any dumplings are left over (ha-ha) they can be reheated in a microwave but don't let them dry out. Crumbs made from Vienna bead or Italian bread seem to taste best although that may be a purists choice. Do not burn the butter or crumbs. Mealy potatoes seem to work best. These dumplings are labor intensive but well worth the effort-I bribed a waiter to get me a serving of those being served to full pension guests in a Baden hotel-we hadn't taken full pension. Zwetschk'nknödln and Palatschinken (filled pancakes) are a permanent menu feature of the Hotel/Pension Krutzler in Heiligenbrunn, southern Burgenland. Zwetschk'nknödln must have been frozen or prepared for quick service in some manner because we didn't have to wait long to get them. I must look into this. Perhaps they can be frozen and reheated and still taste freshly made-does anyone know? Basic recipes taken from "The Cooking Of Burgenland by Alois Schmidl as translated by Robert Strauch. Published by Edition Roetzer, Wien-Eisenstadt. 3. LEHIGH VALLEY, PA ETHNIC NEWS (from Bob Strauch) 1. At the annual Maypole Dance held on May 1, 2004 at the COPLAY SÄNGERBUND, Mrs. Theresa Perl, née Jost of Stiles was crowned May Queen 2004. Mrs. Perl's parents, Johann and Bertha, née Marx, were natives of Inzenhof and Raabfidisch and immigrated to the US in 1922, settling in Coplay. 2. The COPLAY SÄNGERBUND at 5th St. & Schreiber Ave. in Coplay will celebrate its 87th Anniversary at the annual Stiftungsfest on Sunday, June 27, 2004. A choral concert at 2:00 PM given by the Coplay Sängerbund Mixed Chorus, the Hianznchor, and other guest choruses will be followed by dancing in the grove to the Johnny Dee Orchestra from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. 3. SACRED HEART OF JESUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH on N. 4th St. in Allentown will hold a Founders Weekend and Homecoming on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 - 6, 2004. The event will feature special masses, food, and an exhibit of displays dealing with parish history, Burgenland, and related institutions such as the St. Aloysius Young Men's Society and the St. Francis Beneficial Society. Sacred Heart is celebrating it's 135th Anniversary this year. 4. OUR LADY OF HUNGARY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH on Newport Ave. in Northampton will hold its annual Summer Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 - 6, 2004. (I'm told they serve "lángos", the flat Hungarian fried potato bread that is schmiered with garlic) 5. ST. JOSEPH'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH in Limeport will hold the first of its summer church picnics on Sunday, June 13, 2004. Music will be provided by the Walt Groller Orchestra. 6. The 2nd RAAB VALLEY REUNION will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2004 at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Limeport. The event is open to everyone, not just to natives of the Raab Valley villages or their descendants. The deadline for reservations is August 15, 2004. Send checks to Terry Deutsch, 205 Virginia Ave., Whitehall/PA 18052. END OF NEWSLETTER BURGENLAND BUNCH STAFF (USA residents unless designated otherwise) Coordinator & Editor Newsletter (Gerald 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) Szt. Gotthard & Jennersdorf Districts (Margaret Kaiser) Western US BB Members-Research (Bob Unger) WorldGenWeb-Austria, RootsWeb Liason-Burgenland (Charles Wardell, Austria) BB ARCHIVES (can be reached via Home Page hyperlinks) BURGENLAND HOME PAGE (WEB SITE) http://the-burgenland-bunch.org http://go.to/burgenland-bunch (also provides access to Burgenländische Gemeinschaft web site.) The BB is in contact with the Burgenländische Gemeinschaft, Hauptplatz 7, A-7540 Güssing, Burgenland, Austria. Burgenl.gem@bnet.at 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.