BB News No. 177 dtd 31 Aug 2008

THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 177 DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY August 31, 2008 (c) 2008 - The Burgenland Bunch - all rights reserved ~ GERRY BERGHOLD RETIRES HIS EDITORSHIP - SEE BELOW ~ Our 13th Year, Interim Guest Editor, Tom Steichen The Burgenland Bunch Newsletter, founded by Gerry Berghold, retired, is issued monthly as email and available online at http://www.the-burgenland-bunch.org Current Status Of The BB: * Members: 1647 * Surname Entries: 5378 * Query Board Entries: 3918 * Newsletters Archived: 176 * Number of Staff Members: 15 EMAIL RECIPIENTS PLEASE READ: You are receiving this email newsletter because you are a BB member or have asked to be added to our distribution list. To subscribe or unsubscribe, use the change form available from our Homepage at http://www.the-burgenland-bunch.org. You cannot send email to this newsletter. If you have problems receiving the newsletter as email, it may be read, downloaded, printed or copied from the BB Homepage. There is also an archive of previous newsletters. This first section of our 2-section newsletter concerns: 1. Gerry Berghold Retires from the BB 2. A Poetic Response to Gerry 3. Feri Tschank, Chief Editor BKF, Writes 4. Pictures from Klaus Gerger's US Visit 5. More Burgenland Pictures 1. GERRY BERGHOLD RETIRES FROM THE BB Editor: Burgenland Bunch Founder and Newsletter Editor Gerald J. (Gerry) Berghold recently announced his retirement from writing, research and editing for the BB. Starting in early 1997, at age 66, Gerry's interest in the Burgenland of Austria led him to formalize his research work via a small email newsletter. That first step evolved rapidly into the Burgenland Bunch, an organization formed to foster preservation of Burgenland ethnic heritage and memory of the Burgenland Auswanderung. From an initial mailing to 12 correspondents, the monthly newsletter now goes to over 1,500 recipients covering every US state and many countries of the world. A website, established in mid-year 1997 and dedicated to research into the multi-ethnic heritage of the Burgenland of Austria and adjoining areas of former West Hungary, now documents over 5000 Burgenland emigrant family names and holds extensive historical and genealogical resources. A joint US/Austrian staff of 15 volunteers supports this ever-growing website, provides input to the newsletter and provides answers and advice to researchers. During his career as Burgenland Newsletter Editor, Gerry published 176 monthly newsletters, each containing his unique combination of Burgenland research articles, interesting and educational exchanges with email correspondents, tantalizing Burgenland recipes that transported emigrants and their descendants back to the homeland (while also making our mouths water from his loving descriptions of the always tasty final product), news of the Burgenland and the ethnic Burgenland communities in the US and, maybe, just a touch of Burgenland "gossip" to round out the newsletter. The BB staff is now left with the truly difficult task of replacing Gerry's dedicated and outstanding editorial leadership. I, as President of the Burgenland Bunch, have chosen to be an interim "guest" editor for this month as we transition to our new chief Editor, Hannes Graf. Hannes will be ably assisted by Maureen Tighe-Brown. Please welcome them! We request that you direct any new newsletter correspondence to Hannes. As a reminder, the BB reserves the right to use any communication you have with us (email, letter, phone conversation, etc.) as part of our information exchange and educational research efforts. Our communications policy is published as part of our terms and conditions at the end of every newsletter and on our website home page. Below is Gerry's retirement message to the BB Staff: Hello All, A recent CAT scan reveals slow but continuous cancer growth. My oncologist suggests continued chemo and radiation but I'm tired; five years of this has been enough. I've just had a very bad three weeks of chemo and scan side effects. I've decided to let nature take its course. We've recently discovered a lot of my nausea and chest pain was acid reflux probably encouraged by chemo and radiation, so one major discomfort is somewhat relieved. I no longer need the strength to support Molly [his recently deceased wife] (although I wish I could still do that) and there is no other reason for me to ward off the eventual effects of cancer. There is no cure and I've had enough treatments, so last Saturday I signed up with Blue Ridge Home Hospice. I can now forget about doctors, hospital visits, tests, treatments, medication side effects, tasteless food, etc. The hospice will keep me as comfortable as possible and provide 24/7 coverage in my home. My medication has been reduced to basics and pain killers. We've had a hospital bed and a recliner installed in our family room where I can look out the patio doors and be in peace. I'm not yet bedridden but walk with difficulty and spend much time horizontal or with my legs elevated. A bathroom is nearby so, in effect, I have a hospital room at home. Chris [his son] will be here half of the time starting in September (he's full time on medical leave now) and I will have both a nurse and a maid checking on me at least once a week. I'll probably connect to Med Alert so, at least for now, I'm amply covered. I'm now carrying a phone with me as I move about the house. No need for a nursing home or assisted living quarters as yet. Burgenland Bunch president Tom Steichen visited Thursday as did BB vice-president and cousin Klaus Gerger from Austria. I told them both that I have to discontinue my relationships with the BB and Burgenlandische Gemeinschaft. I'll no longer write articles or newsletters and will do no more research. It's time to stop and watch the morning and evening sun color the patio. "When the deep purple falls over sleepy garden walls." Chris and I are culling my library and still going through family effects. I cannot do much else. Chris is just a wonderful nurse, cook and companion, catering to my needs. I hope I'll be able to get a treat every now and then, like a chauffeured visit to the farmer's market or the local bakery, but even a simple transfer from bed to recliner or getting dressed, tires me out. We did have a railing installed by the walkway to help me get to the car, but I'm no longer sure I'll be able to use it. It will be a help for my older friends who visit. I may soon cancel my Internet connections, giving up email. I can't sit in front of the computer that long and I don't have the stamina for long sessions. I'll advise correspondents when I leave the net. I will answer surface mail and I now have a phone that allows me to hear using the telephone. I will welcome calls and visits but please call before you visit as I may be napping and not hear door chimes. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your efforts in support of the BB and your very personal loyalty to me and the goals of the BB. You have become close friends as well as volunteers in a great undertaking. I am sure you will give Tom Steichen and the governing staff of the BB the same cooperation you have given me. In the event you are near Winchester, I'd surely enjoy a visit. Macht's gute und Grüss Gott! I look forward to my remaining days with what I hope will be peace and tranquility, asking the good Lord to continue to have mercy on me as He has in the past. God bless all. Gerry Gerry Berghold Burgenland Bunch Founder Editor Burgenland Bunch News Retired August 9, 2008 2. A POETIC RESPONSE TO GERRY - Contributing Editor Maureen Tighe-Brown & Dorothy Zwick Gerry, Dorothy and I send you and Chris our love and our hopes and prayers for the kind of healing strength you need right now. We so loved being with you and Molly a year ago. We loved you then, and now. Here is a poem for you that I've been waiting for the right time to send: Jenny Kiss'd Me - James Henry Leigh Hunt, 1784-1859 Jenny kiss'd me when we met, Jumping from the chair she sat in; Time, you thief, who loves to get Sweets into your list, put that in! Say I'm weary, say I'm sad, Say that health and wealth have miss'd me, Say I'm growing old, but add, Jenny kiss'd me. Loving you bunches, Dorothy and Maureen 3. FERI TSCHANK, CHIEF EDITOR BKF, WRITES Editor: Feri Tschank, Chief Editor BKF, writes to say that the news clips he prepared from his September 2007 trip to the US are now available on the BKF website. If you go to the website (address below) then click on the link "EINFACH LEBEN" (Simple Life), you will find three news clips from the trip (Ellis Island, Allentown, and Edelweiss Bar). BB contributing editors Frank Paukowits and Margaret Kaiser hosted the visit and enjoyed yeomanly support from BB members Ed and Frank Tantsits while Feri was in the Allentown area. Here is Feri's note: Hallo Mr. Berghold! This is Feri Tschank from Burgenland. I am the Chief Editor from BKF (Burgenland Fernsehen). Last autumn, I was in the states and met a few members of the Burgenland Bunch and made a report on Allentown and Ellis Island. We relaunched our homepage and now you can find these movies on our homepage www.bkf.at, and a lot of other nice stories about the Burgenland too. If you have any questions, I would be pleased to answer them. Best wishes from Burgenland Feri Tschank Chief Editor BKF, das Burgenlandfernsehen 4. PICTURES FROM KLAUS GERGER'S US VISIT Editor: We mentioned in the last newsletter that Klaus Gerger, BB VP and BG liaison, and daughters Viki and Eva would be visiting the United States throughout much of August. VP Hannes Graf has placed pictures from the early part of the trip on the BB website: Hannes writes: Hello all Bobby Strauch sends me photos and the names of ALL people and I make a page about the BB gathering in Coplay. Maybe the "Events-page" can show people there is more life in the Bunch... http://www.the-burgenland-bunch.org/Events/BBE.htm liebe Grüße hannes 5. MORE BURGENLAND PICTURES Editor: BB VP Hannes Graf continues to refine the Burgenland Pictures pages he edits. As you will see in his message below, he has split the site to add a new section for Village pictures. He hopes to emphasize the smaller, less known Burgenland villages. For those of you that don't know and might not catch the mini "joke" in the last few lines in Hannes' message, Anna is VP Anna Tanczos Kresh and Tanczosberg is a named location in the Burgenland but is so small it does not qualify for an "official" village designation. Anna, we await your response! Hannes writes (in part): Hello all I started the new picture project and split the series into 2 categories. First, known as Burgenland Impressions, should be for highlights like little museums or landscape or cemeteries, or whatever. Second, is for Village Pictures, now I change the 3 we had and added a new one. (Willersdorf). I think, it's good to give the small villages a chance, because the bigger are well known. Maybe next will be the TANCZOSBERG. Dear Anna, do You think the story is good enough for all members? Then tell it. liebe Grüße hannes Newsletter continues as number 177A.

THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 177A DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY August 31, 2008 (c) 2008 - The Burgenland Bunch - all rights reserved The second section of this 2-section newsletter includes: 1. Lehigh Valley Ethnic Events 2. Follow-up to Newsletter 176 Article 3. Moschendorf Church Records on CD 4. Village Thumbnail Series: Ragendorf (Rajka, Hungary) 5. Burgenland Emigrant Obituaries 6. Mail List Administrator (May Be) Needed 1. LEHIGH VALLEY ETHNIC EVENTS - Bob Strauch Aug. 22: Summer Oktoberfest @ Evergreen Country Club in Fleetwood. Music by the Emil Schanta Band. Aug. 23 & 24: Coplay Community Days @ Coplay Swimming Pool in Coplay. Music by the Shoemaker Bros., The Joes (Sat.), Sky's the Limit and the Johnny Dee Orchestra (Sun.). Aug. 24: Josef Kroboth Orchestra @ Emmaus Community Park in Emmaus, 6 PM. Aug. 29-Sep.1: Allentown Fair. In the Music Tent: Sep. 27, Walt Groller Orchestra; Sep. 30, Jimmy Sturr Orchestra. Aug. 29: Farewell Button Accordion Jam Session at the Edelweiss Haus in Northampton. Aug. 31: Parish Picnic @ St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Stiles. Music by the Lizzard Creek Country Band and the Johnny Dee Orchestra. Sep. 5-7: Russian Days Festival @ St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Bethlehem. Sep. 6: Annual Stegersbach-Northampton Sister City Celebration @ Northampton Community Park. Music by the Emil Schanta Band and the Walt Groller Orchestra. Sep. 18-21: Greek Fall Festival @ St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Bethlehem. Sep. 21: Oktoberfest @ the Coplay Sängerbund in Coplay. Music by the Emil Schanta Band and the Josef Kroboth Orchestra. Sep. 28: 100th Anniversary Celebration @ Holy Family Club in Nazareth. Music by the Emil Schanta Band. Oct. 3-5: Greek Festival @ Annunciation Hellenic Orthodox Church in Easton. Oct. 11: Weinlesefest/Grape Dance @ the Coplay Sängerbund in Coplay. Music by the Emil Schanta Band and the Hianz'nchor (après-dinner mini-concert). 2. FOLLOW-UP TO NEWSLETTER 176 ARTICLE Editor: In Newsletter 176, Article "2. Correspondent Writes About Immigrant Father," correspondent Helen Boss spoke of the dinner-table stories of her father's pre-emigration life in Austria. The article prompted a response from correspondent Roman Weber, which we reproduce here. Roman writes (in part): Very interesting things your father told you over the supper table, etc. Reminds me of my father telling me things of when a boy in Steinbach. Of most interest to me personally is his having been a Russian POW, escape, etc. Did you obtain his military history from any other sources, or did it all come only from what he told you? Reason I ask is that I have cousins living in Steinbach today. During past couple of years, I have been trying to find out how to find out relatives that no doubt were in the WW2 German army. Probably, too, WW1. If all came only from what your father told you, your story was interesting as many others published in the BB newsletters. Roman Weber, Highlandville, MO PS My mother's family, both sides, all came from Niederstadtfeld, Germany, to MN about 1900. I know I had rather close cousins from there in the WW2 German army. I've been trying to find out how to get information as to cousins that were in the WW2 German military. I was in Germany/Austria for about 10 years (1952-1963) before retiring from the army. I don't know about Austria, but do know that Germans keep very detailed records of "everything." Yet still having problem obtaining a lot of info from Germany, too. (I had never heard of Burgenland, much less Steinbach, until I became a member of the BBunch and met Burgenlanders by email that told me of the LDS films which I got into almost every day for 2 years). Latest thought is that I might write to bergermeister of Steinbach. He might be able to get me "started" on what I want, cousin members of German army, WW1 & WW2. -- I did obtain a letter from one of my mothers nieces (old and now deceased). The letter was the last letter mother's niece, my cousin, received from her son that was on the Russian Front. Before the letter was received, she had been informed that her son, my distant cousin, died, froze to death later learned, someplace in Russia. 3. MOSCHENDORF CHURCH RECORDS ON CD Editor: New BB member Kerry Kedl wrote to retired Editor, Gerry Berghold, noting the commonality of their research area and mentioning that he has a CD of Moschendorf church records from 1799 to 1895. He is in need of advice for carrying forth his research into more recent times. If you can help, drop me a note and I will publish it in the next newsletter. Kerry writes: Hello. My name is Kerry Kedl. I live in Laurys Station, PA. I have looked at various Burgenland Bunch web articles and have noticed that you are also from my area with ancestors from the same area. My Grandfather, Stephen Kedl, was born in Moschendorf, Austria. I am trying to put together a family tree to share with my relatives. I have obtained a CD with Catholic Church records of Birth, Death and wedding information from the entire town of Moschendorf from about 1799 to 1895. Do you have this disc? If not would you like a copy? I am in need of more recent info. I can not trace things past my Grandfathers wedding. I can not see if he had any siblings or cousins. He is dead now and did not talk about his roots much. Do you have any advise for me that will help me find out any recent info? Thank You. Kerry 4. VILLAGE THUMBNAIL SERIES: RAGENDORF (RAJKA, HUNGARY) - Margaret Kaiser & Tom Steichen Editor: Newsletter 176A, Article 4, discussed the ongoing transcription and formatting of entries from the 1899-1904 "Leuchs Adressbuch" for use in the BB online Village Histories section. As an ongoing series, we will publish selected, interesting entries from that work (by Margaret & Tom) in the Newsletter. Here is their entry for Rajka, Hungary: Rajka, Hungary (Ragendorf) In 1899-1904: Small community of 2575 inhabitants; chair district Rajka; Court of Justice in Györ; district court Magyaróvár. Businesses & Proprietors: Gasth. (Restaurant / Inn): Beier Josef; Dukovics Franz; Maas Michael, jun.; Nader Franz; Nader Math.; Prak Elisabeth; Tesch Emilie Weinschänker (Wine bar): Berger Moritz Café (Coffee shop): Seiler Alois Notar (Notary): Lang Andreas Apotheker (Pharmacist): Oth Franz Bäcker (Baker): Hoffmann Josef; Mátyás Franz; Palme Eduard; Puster Alois Binder (Barrel maker): Konrad Mathias Dachdecker (Roofer): Heim Ignatz; Müller Mathias Drechsler (Wood Turner): Lang Gábor Eierhdl. (Egg dealer): Stampfl Joh. Fleischer (Butcher): Nader Mat.; Weiss Ignátz; Weiss Moritz Friseur (Hairdresser / Barber): Gröller Johann Geschirrhdl. (Tableware dealer): Adler Leopold Getreidehdl. (Grain dealer): Herz Wilh.; Kurz Leop.; Nader Carl; Weiss Hugo Glaser (Glazier): Josefi Franz Greisler (Grocer): Kostelni Stefan; Lörincz Stefan's Wwe.; Silberberg Leopold; Strassler Sigmund Gutsbes. (Estate owner): Erzherzog Friedrich; Jakob Graf Ziehy'sche Gutsverwaltung Handschuhmacher (Glove maker): Gögös Alexander; Matuschek Mathias Holzhdl. (Wood dealer): Maas Michael, jun. (Bau-); Rumpeltes Johann Honigversandt en gros (Bulk Honey Shipment): Walch Hermann Hutmacher (Hat maker): Muth Andreas Kohlenhdl. (Coal dealer): Löwin Jakob; Nader Carl Kürschner (Furrier): Stampfl Mathias Manufaktur- u. Schnittwarenhdl. (Drapery Manufacturer & Dealer): Löwin Jetti Maurermeister (Master mason): Baar Joh.; Grasi Paul; Knotz Franz; Maass Joh. Produktenhdl. (Produce dealer): Löwin Jakob Riemer u. Sattler (Strap and Harness maker): Heiling Lorenz; Heiling Mathäus Schlosser (Locksmith): Weber Georg Schmiede (Blacksmith): Oeller Jos.; Utzman Adam Schneider (Tailor): Baar Franz; Gröller Johann; Holzmann Anton; Roth Andr. Schuhmacher (Shoe Maker): Eckhardt Anton; Fischer Mathias; Hajostek Michael; Katona Carl; Katona Georg; Lehofer Carl; Mazan Carl, Pollak Franz Spengler (Plumber): Winkler Carl Spezerei- u. Gemischtwarenhdl. (Spices and Groceries Dealer): Adler Maria; Godler Katharina; Holzmann Josef; Kurz Leopold; Löwin Sámuel; Löwin Jakob; Nader Carl; Puster Maria; Silberberg & Köppich; Weisz Max. Tischler (Joiner: wood furniture maker): Eder Franz; Fuchs Johann Wagner (Carriage maker): Hofer Georg; Pehholz Stefan; Stelzer Johann Ziegeleien (Brickyard): Erzherzog Albrecht'sche Ziegelei; Gemeinde Ragendorf Zimmermeister (Master carpenter): Matuschek Josef, Zitterer Josef Source: Leuchs Adressbuch, Band 18: Ungarn, Kroatien und Slavonien, 1899-1904, 9.Ausgabe (Leuchs' Directory, Volume 18: Hungary, Croatia and Slavonia, 1899-1904, 9th Edition) 5. BURGENLAND EMIGRANT OBITUARIES (courtesy of Bob Strauch) Anna (Pendl) Temmel, 87, of Nazareth, died Aug. 17, 2008 in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, Bethlehem. She was the wife of the late Stephen J. Temmel, who died June 5, 1980. Anna was born July 25, 1921 in Sulz, Burgenland, Austria, daughter of the late Frank and Theresia (Didovits) Pendl. Hermine Bodisch Traupman, 95, formerly of New York City, died Aug. 12, 2008, in Fellowship Manor, Whitehall. She was married to the late Anton Traupman and previously to the late Alois Bodisch. Born in Glasing, Austria, she was the daughter of the late Alois and Maria (Deutsch) Stranzl. Editor: Bob noted that "Frau Hermine Traupmann, die Schwiegermutter von BB-Referent Frank Paukowits aus New York, ist vorgestern in Whitehall verstorben. (BB-Editor Frank Paukowits' mother-in-law passed away on Tuesday in Whitehall)." 6. MAIL LIST ADMINISTRATOR (MAY BE) NEEDED Editor: Charles Wardell, a long time BB staff member who still does a few tasks for the BB, wrote to say that he was looking for someone to take over the Austria-L mailing list. Moments after I uploaded the Newsletter for mailing with his message in it (and just minutes before I released the Newsletter for mailing!) he wrote to say "Please don't publish in the newsletter; I already have a volunteer!" So, I'm now editing this note to honor his request... However, it reminded me of a much earlier message from Charles concerning adoption of the Aut-Burgenland-L Mailing list. This was a message from Sept 2000, so I don't know what the current administration status of that list is, but, if you have an interest, you might look into it. This list has not had much traffic over the years (31 messages since founding in 2000; none this year), likely because no one promotes it (including the BB, I admit). If you would like to change that as Administrator, the BB would work with you to provide promotion and would be glad to add you as a staff member in charge of mailing lists! Why not take it on? Not much work or difficulty and you return a little to the community that helped you discover your heritage. Think about it. If you have an interest, please drop me a note and we can talk about promotion efforts. Charles wrote (in 2000): Tom, Gerry et al, I cannot judge whether a standard mailing list would be a good step for the Burgenland Bunch -- or not . . . However, if you do decide to implement one, please note that one has already been set up: http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/intl/AUT/AUT-BURGENLAND.html All you have to do is to "adopt" it -- and then promote it. Best wishes, Charles END OF NEWSLETTER NOTICE (Terms and Conditions): The Burgenland Bunch (BB) was formed and exists to assist Burgenland descendants in their research into their heritage and, toward that end, reserves the right to use any communication you have with us (email, letter, phone conversation, etc.) as part of our information exchange and educational research efforts. . If you do not want your communication to be used for this purpose, indicate that it is "confidential" and we will abide by that request. . Correspondents who communicate with the BB without requesting confidentiality retain their copyright but give a non-exclusive license to the BB allowing us to forward to BB members, publish in our monthly newsletter or on our website, and/or subsequently and permanently archive all or parts of such communications. The Burgenland Bunch homepage (website) can be found at: http://www.the-burgenland-bunch.org/ We can also be reached from the Burgenländische Gemeinschaft web site. Use our website to access our lists and web pages. WORLDGEN WEB BURGENLAND QUERY BOARD: http://bb-board.at.tt BB NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES INDEX and threaded search facility (enter number of newsletter) available from: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/index (also reached via Home Page hyperlinks.) Burgenland Bunch Newsletter (c) 2008 Archived courtesy of RootsWeb.com, Inc. P.O. Box 6798, Frazier Park, CA 93222-6798. Newsletter published monthly by the Burgenland Bunch. Newsletter and List Rights Reserved. Permission to Copy Granted; You Must Provide Credit and Mention Source.