(XIII,9) Wilhelm Karl Otto Wessel (XIII,9) Teacher The following notes were taken from Wilhelm of clergymen or former clergymen. There was much Wessel’s own biography. reading and still more writing. There was no basic Wilhelm, like both of his siblings, was born in instruction in geometry and singing. Although the Brenkenhof, Pommern, during an especially severe language used in teaching was high German, the verbal and snowy winter on 14 Jan 1881. On the day of exchange with the teacher was in low German. The his baptism, which took place at the parental home children addressed the teacher with “Schoolmaster.” on 16 Feb 1881, and was performed by the pastor of Mr Eggert began his well-deserved retirement Gramzow, a very old gentleman, another snowstorm Easter 1888; but he had no successor. The teaching blanketed the area. Godparents were the three oldest position offered such low wages that no one applied. residents of Brenkenhof: the teacher Friedrich Eggert, The school fees were suspended on 14 June 1888, and the colonist Friedrich Ketz, a farm neighbor, and the the State paid an annual salary subsidy of 400 Marks. colonist Johann Lorenz of the last farm at the west end Teachers of Wussentin and Medow instructed all classes of the village. All of them had white hair. simultaneously in Brenkenhof for three hours every An accident almost afternoon during the summer. cost little Wilhelm his life The local ecclesiastical during his early years. A school inspector tried another deep manure, pit filled with solution for this problem. The water, was located in the new oldest son of the teacher barn where later, the feeding Saare of Medow attended the station was. When Wilhelm teacher’s seminary in Pölitz, was on his way to Mr Witt, a but he had to quit after a while neighbor, the boy slipped on because of incompetence. the loamy soil and skidded Thereafter he enlisted in the helplessly down in the pit. armed forces and sought to Miraculously he got caught in obtain a position as a public the branches of a willow bush servant after the completion of which had grown down to the his military service in 12 years. water surface; his father, who He was discharged from the saw the accident, came to military after a few years, rescue him. because he had developed After reaching his 6th lung tuberculosis. After his year of life, he was enrolled discharge, he received a in school. The school was document which entitled him located at the east side of the to apply for a position in the old shepherd’s house, that civil service, on the basis of his was not needed after 1836, knowledge and abilities. The when the communal properties local school inspector was of were given to private hands. the opinion that Karl Saare One of Wilhelm’s godfathers, was qualified for the teacher’s Friedrich Eggert, was the position in Brenkenhof, since school director. He had not Wilhelm Wessel Teacher his predecessor was a cotton yet attended a teacher’s Wussentin, Pommern weaver who filled the position seminary; because such an for decades, and the new institution did not exist when he began his teaching applicant who had served in the military would mean career. He belonged to the guild of industrial arts somewhat of an improvement, since he had received teachers and was a cotton weaver. The salaries were some education at the teacher’s seminary. His illness so miserably low that the cost of living expenses had was ignored. Saare began his teaching position in to be paid by the guild instead of by the school. Every Brenkenhof during the winter semester of 1888–89. He child, regardless of how many there were in a family was challenged, since he was required to pass his first or from what social background, had to pay a monthly teacher’s examination pro loco (at the location). The fee of 12½ Pfennigs. Total enrollment was between time of the exam arrived, but Saare did not pass this 30 and 40 children and the monthly fees amounted to examination before the government official. He had to about 5.00 Marks at most. In addition, a free apartment resign and his brother Martin, who had also attended and the use of seven Morgen acreage, which abutted the teacher’s seminary, took his place. He also suffered the school property on the north, were provided. The from lung disease. instruction consisted mainly of religious subjects. This Because the enrollment of students in was not surprising, since the supervisors consisted Brenkenhof had shrunk to seven, the ecclesiastical

– 289 – (XIII,9) school inspector ordered the closure of the school. Because life at the boarding school did not The children should be sent to the school in Medow. agree with him, it was hard for him to keep up with the The parents responded with a school strike. The instruction for the time being. Nevertheless, he was representative of the legislature, Mr Frentz-Tramstow, easily promoted after one year and was admitted to negotiated with the education minister and obtained the seminary examination after three years’ study. He permission to continue the local school. However, the passed it with flying colors and was transferred to the village was obligated to build a new school house and a teacher’s seminary in Pölitz. The house rules of the farm building with no subsidies from the state. A teacher boarding school were very strict. Time to get up in the from Preetzen, a Mr Glave, instructed the children for morning was at 5:30 during the summer, and a half hour three hours daily during this time. later in winter. Instruction began at 7 o’clock, ending On 1 April Ewald Bartelt of Woserow near at noon. This was followed by a communal lunch and Anklam, who just had finished his seminary studies, free time from 1 to 3 o’clock. Instruction resumed at 3 took over the school in Brenkenhof. He was transferred p.m. and lasted until 5 p.m. From 5 to 7 p.m. there was after three months and the almost 70-year-old Wilhelm again free time, followed by self-study until 9:30. This Schuhmacher of Langkafel near Naugard took over. was followed by a brief evening devotion and bedtime Thus Wilhelm Wessel in eight years had eight different at 10 p.m. Each room was occupied by 8 seminarians teachers. In order to fully utilize the many hours of from the three classes, and the seminarians of all three schooling, the old teacher told the children to count all classes slept in a communal hall. The study was very the words of their resp. reading assignments and group intensive, and the need to live close together created a them into one, two, three and poly-syllabic words, to see real collegiality. how many of each were among them. The total had to Wilhelm passed the first teacher’s exam on 7 agree with the number of words contained in the resp. March 1901 with an above average grade. Since all of story. This was supposedly a training for accuracy. the students were in their 19th year of life, the mustering This extremely poor education was very was held at the military district command in Stettin detrimental for Wilhelm, as he himself had stated. Since after the graduation. 95% were declared fit for military he was considered fairly gifted for the circumstances in service, the remaining 5% had insufficient eyesight. Brenkenhof, he opined that the others were less gifted Public schoolteachers either served voluntarily for one than he; the one-eyed man in the realm of the blind year or actively (by being drafted) for one year; which would be king. There were 40 students. The decision meant either at own expense or being paid by the to choose an occupation became a priority after his State. There was no difference in training. To spare confirmation. His father had noted Wilhelm’s talent for his parents the expense of 1,000 Marks, Wilhelm was woodworking very early on and encouraged him in his drafted. He was assigned to the Fusilier Regiment No. endeavors. The saw mill work of his forefathers was 34 in Bromberg on 1 April 1901. The drill took place still in his blood. The millers had to build their mills with the II. Battalion. The draftees had their quarters at themselves, which required skills in construction. As a the military barracks and were assigned to the non-com boy Wilhelm made a big model of a windmill with sails officers’ quarters, while the volunteers were allowed to and cog wheels, which he took with him to the pasture live privately in the city and could eat wherever they when he tended the cows from August to October. wanted. The draftees had to clean their uniforms While his parents believed that the boy should become themselves while the volunteers could hire a cleaner. a master mason (bricklayer), the pastor advised that he The time of military service wasn’t too difficult should take up the teacher’s profession. He prevailed, physically, all of the enlistees were good gymnasts. In not only because the teacher’s profession was then a order to allow time for participating in cultural events, promising career but also that the mother worried about leave was granted until midnight. Bromberg had a very the hard competition which he would have to face as a good theater for the “furtherance of the Germanness master mason. in the easterly provinces”, and Wilhelm often attended The education to become a teacher was fairly the performances. Military service for Wilhelm ended simple. It began with the entrance into the preparatory on 31 March 1902 and Wilhelm was granted a position institution, which was for one year, and ended with the by the government in Stettin. On 1 April 1902, he got first teacher’s exam after six years’ seminary schooling. the second teacher’s position in Uchtdorf, Greifenhagen In order that he would be near his Aunt Mathilde County. Uchtdorf was a community of about 1,000 in Stettin, it was decided that he would attend the residents and had a school of three classes with two institution in Pölitz. The entrance exam was on 22 April teachers. The town was picturesquely located near 1895. Aunt Mathilde accompanied Wilhelm to this the forest and formerly belonged to the margraviate of place. During the exam, Wilhelm became aware how Schwedt. The school building was almost new and the poorly his past education had been. His grades, a B in residences for teachers were adequate. religion, a C in arithmetic, a D in German, were barely During summer vacation in 1902, Wilhelm sufficient to accept him on a trial basis. took the opportunity to visit his classmate Bernhard – 290 – (XIII,9)

Matthias, who was a teacher in Wussentin, a neighboring in Krien, which was centrally located and had 20 town of Brenkenhof. Wussentin got a brand-new members. A session was held once every month, and school building in 1900. Since Mathias at this time a member presented a program of current affairs within was informed about his transfer to Uckermünde on 1 the school system. An intensive discussion was held October, Wilhelm applied for the impending vacancy. after the presentation. Wilhelm, who never missed When Matthias submitted his resignation during this a session throughout the years, stated that these weekend to his local school inspector, who seven years association meetings always were a joy to attend. ago had confirmed Wilhelm, he told him that he had Here, the honorable profession and professional dignity no objections to Wilhelm assuming the position in received emphasis and collegiality was broadened. Wussentin on 1 October, if the government agreed to Trips and outings, with the participation of the families, transfer him there. All that was needed was a formal were taken. The participation in the provincial teacher’s application, for Wilhelm to assume the position at the meetings became highlights in Wilhelm’s life. school in Wussentin by October 1902. He came, to On 10 Oct 1905, he married Else Malchow. At benefit the community where he was actively involved the same time his income increased through, almost for 43 years. The school supervision by the clergy was three hours daily, private instruction. His young wife’s not so pronounced here; audits took place only two to presence helped to give his large apartment an attractive three times a year. The salary was very modest, only appearance. Little by little the rooms were renovated 764 Marks per annum! In Wussentin it amounted to and made suitable for the furniture. 955 Marks for an applicant, a cut of four-fifths, because Their first daughter, Lieschen, was born on 21 the school position was directly connected with an Aug 1906. ecclesiastical office. If one is unfamiliar with the Wilhelm was especially talented in graphic purchasing power at this time, the salary appears to be drawings, and drawing in general, he always got the especially low, though one could buy an expertly tailor- best grade in this field. He showed special interest in made suit for 64 Marks. maps of the local territory and pedagogic journals which One can imagine that life for a young teacher contained articles in regard to these got his undivided in a small, remote village hardly offered any diversion. attention. Since a local map was lacking for instruction Even the preparations for the school instruction as well in Wussentin, Wilhelm decided in 1905 to draw such as for the second teacher’s exam could not fill his free a map on a scale of 1:25,000 and made arrangements time. for its printing. A map for the students on a scale of Wilhelm passed the second teacher’s exam 1:100,000 was to be printed simultaneously. The sketch, on 30 April 1904, which was the prerequisite for a permanent position, and he assumed it several weeks later. A fire destroyed the residence and the barn of a farm located across from the school in 1904. Wilhelm allowed the family of seven to live at his home until the farm residence had been rebuilt. Wilhelm’s benevolence also brought him a housekeeper in the person of the farmer’s wife, who also provided good meals for him. He designed the blueprint for the new house. That was one of his natural talents and he wrote, the house was very nice after its completion. When the farmer and his family could move into their new home in late fall, Wilhelm became engaged to a Wussentin farmer’s daughter. When Wilhelm introduced himself to the county school inspector in Bahn, he stopped at an inn where the teacher’s association of Bahn and environs had a convention. The innkeeper, without hesitation, led him to the association’s president. This was the first time Wilhelm took part in a teacher’s convention. It became the guiding principle for his entire professional life. The teacher’s association, which included Wussentin, had its headquarters in Anklam. He could not attend their sessions because of the considerable distance Else Wessel born Malchow from Wussentin. To accommodate the teachers in the With her children Lieschen and Hildegard vicinity it was decided to establish a new association – 291 – (XIII,9)

Map of Anklam County drawn by Wilhelm Wessel for use in the schools.

– 292 – (XIII,9) which shaded the various altitudes in 11 different colors, carried out his duties for 4½ years on the staff of the was favorably review by experts, but it was difficult to 2nd battalion. He took part in all battles the regiment find a printer, since well-known publishers, such as was involved in, from the battle by Tannenberg and the Westermann, Perthes, Velhagen & Klasing refused defensive action by Smorgon-Krewo to the occupation to print it, because the county of Anklam was too of the Ukraine. He returned to his home from small a marketing area. At last, a smaller cartographic Swinemünde, where the regiment was demobilized, establishment was found, and for 1,000 Marks printed with his own horse-drawn vehicle. 100 wall maps and for 600 Marks did 5,000 student Through Wilhelm’s wife, the death of his maps. The maps became available during the summer childless aunt Mathilde and the death of the parents, of 1912. The small maps were sold quickly, the wall Wilhelm came into a small fortune. A mortgage maps sold more slowly. The provincial government paid amounted to 25,000 Marks, the bank accounts of the Wilhelm an award of 150 Marks and ordered all of the family amounted to about 6,000 Marks. In addition, schools in the county should have these wall maps. Wilhelm had a life insurance policy of 12,000 Marks. The comparison of teacher’s salaries between The purchasing power of the Mark dropped day after city and country revealed considerable disparity. The day. Inflation, heretofore nonexistant, made ever rural communities paid the minimum salaries provided greater inroads. The nice fortune melted away like by law, however the urban areas paid considerably snow in the warm sun; and still consisted of Goldmarks more, according to the population and financial in 1914. The loss, in material assets, was comparable situation. As a consequence every young teacher to 80 milk cows. They became poor overnight. sought to find a position in the city. Since the cities The school in Wussentin had reached a chose the teachers with the best credentials and those pinnacle of success shortly before the outbreak of who were younger, rural schoolteachers were seen as the war, and it reached an all-time low during the war. second-rate. A heated dispute developed around the Wilhelm’s wife hired a private tutor to give her children future draft of a new law regulating the salaries of the the opportunity to make at least some progress. She teaching profession. Wilhelm, as representative of the asked if the private tutor could teach the entire school interests of rural teachers, was foremost involved in this and receive a salary, but the local government rejected dispute. During the provincial teacher’s convention in it, even though Else Wessel offered to provide the Kolberg in 1907, Wilhelm commented on a strongly teacher with a free apartment. This shows how little the worded motion presented by the teacher’s association community cared to do something for the children of of Krien, which found the full support by all of the those who were on the battlefield. The tutor continued teachers assembled. The motion was accepted. The to instruct the daughters even after Wilhelm’s return, decision was now in the hands of the legislature. while he concentrated all his efforts on overhauling the With due consideration, Wilhelm applied for a school and its eight classes. position in Stettin. He was called in for a competency In order to overcome the catastrophic economic test, had a medical checkup and was accepted. 1 conditions after the war, Wilhelm took over the acreage Oct 1907, was set as the date to assume his teaching which belonged to the school and cultivated it. He also position. Because of the pending production of maps, acquired two cows and four pigs. This enabled him to which he could not handle efficiently from Stettin, he secure a food supply for his family. The acreage was asked for a postponement to assume his position, relinquished after normal conditions had returned in the which was accepted. In the meantime, the new law, for country. which Wilhelm lobbied so vigorously with his motion in Wussentin had still a totally insufficient supply Kolberg, was passed by the legislature and approved by of electricity. The expansion of the electric grid was the Ministry of Education. It provided equal pay for all in its infancy at this time, held up because of lack of schools. Thereupon Wilhelm withdrew his application materials. Only a few villages had electric power for in Stettin and settled permanently in Wussentin. lighting or machinery. This led to the founding of a co-op The second daughter, Hildegard, was born on after the war, and Wilhelm was chosen as its chairman. 7 Aug 1909. In this capacity he served as the soul of the enterprise. The family lived contentedly in Wussentin and A network of iron wires was laid throughout the village, hoped that it would remain so for a long time. The first since copper was not yet available because of the war. world war broke out on 1 Aug 1914. Wilhelm, who had The iron wires were replaced with copper wires 11 been assigned to the Landwehr (local militia) on 1 April years later and it was established like no other in the 1914, had to enlist on the fifth day of mobilization. He county. Wilhelm remained as chairman of the co-op for was ordered to Stralsund, where two battalions of the 30 years, after which he resigned, since the local grid Landwehr Regiment No. 2 were activated. There were was taken over by the Märkische Elektrizitätswerke (the only some gaps to fill, the main body of the troops was power company of the territory) and the co-op became already organized. Nobody had been found as sergeant unnecessary. of the quartermaster, so Wilhelm was assigned. He When the school board president died in 1920, – 293 – (XIII,9) the government appointed Wilhelm as president. This was of special importance, because the external affairs of the school were now assigned to him. He could now discuss school building projects directly with the district office and the government regarding grants from the State. The present mayor died in 1923. He had always hindered the development of the school. A new generation was now at the helm when a successor was elected who was a contemporary of Wilhelm Wessel‘s home and school Wilhelm, and a new Wussentin member took over the school treasury. the federal road 110 weren’t even completed during Someone was needed who could communicate the next 12 years; it was impossible to get the needed with officials, therefore Wilhelm was added to the funds for the project. administration. Wilhelm became the intellectual leader When the first indications of National Socialism of his community. Not a single document was sent out, were showing up in Anklam County in 1928, a few that Wilhelm had not composed himself. He had a free adherents were also found in Wussentin. Since all hand for all measures that would benefit the school, and political parties were powerless to do anything about acted accordingly. Dr Frank, the ministerial director the depressed economy, they wanted to see if the new opined during an inspection that this school was one of people would be able to succeed. They founded a local the most attractive in all of Prussia. chapter, called a “Ortsgruppe”, with 6 members. “For In spite of all the efforts to improve the school, me, a membership in this organization was out of the the interests of the community were not neglected. question, although I was urged frequently to join. These Wussentin was severely impacted by bad roads. It did people were too noisy for me and then I was bound to the not have any good connections to the main roads of oath of office which I had sworn to uphold to the federal the county. The connector roads were so badly mired government”, Wilhelm Wessel stated. Purposely he during most of the year that the physician and the kept a distance from this movement. General elections veterinarian had to be brought in from the nearest main were held on March 5th and 12th in 1933 following the road by a team of horses. A thorough change came takeover on 30 Jan 1933. As a deputy elections official about when, beginning in 1924, a stretch of local road he had an intimate insight in the election results. There was paved annually, first a road to Medow, then to Krien were no irregularities in Hitler’s favor and his men and finally to the federal road 110. This consisted of 6½ were almost unanimously elected without coercion. km (4 miles) in 12 years. The new Reichstag (parliament) ratified the “National The board of judges awarded Wussentin the Empowerment Act”, which gave Hitler unrestricted prize for being the most beautiful village of the county. power, and all other political parties were dissolved with It was awarded first prize during the harvest festival in little resistance. There was only one party now, which had 1938. all governmental powers. When community elections Wussentin lost its independence when 7 to were held for the offices of mayor and jurymen, it was 10 villages were merged into one, and with it went the demanded by higher authorities that these people had initiative to improve the roads. The missing 1.5 km to to be members of the National Socialist Party. Wilhelm – 294 – (XIII,9) had already been a juryman for several years and was of the Nazi Party and was fired from his post without eligible for reelection, however he was not a member of receiving a pension. The couple lost their residence the party. “Since I was needed, I was urged to join the and had to live in a small, smoky room, where they party”, Wilhelm wrote, “and thus I took this step against cooked, slept and lived. Any other affliction which they my convictions and for the benefit of the school and my endured will only be known when the zone borders have community. I joined the party on 1 May 1933, so my disappeared and East Germany will be a free country collaboration with school and community would be kept again — or never. intact. I was now privileged during the following years The school board member, Mr Rußland, with to achieve a great deal of progress in road construction whom Wilhelm had worked for many years, wrote of and the school.” him, that he esteemed him as one of the best and his In December 1933 Wilhelm was nominated school had been his pride and joy during their 18 years as the political instructor of the local chapter. He had of working together in the county of Anklam. Wilhelm encountered serious disagreements over national always had the best of rapport with his pupils. His socialist interpretation of history with the county political teaching was a special event for the entire school. He instructor during the first sessions. Wilhelm was often introduced new ideas and incorporated them ousted and forbidden to talk about ideological questions skillfully, drawing from his rich experiences. His school in public. He even had to give up his chairmanship of work included serious scientific research, that especially the teacher’s association, which he had held for over 20 benefitted local historical research and its application years. Wilhelm withdrew entirely from party affairs and at school. He was highly esteemed by his colleagues never received a membership card. His only activity and was a true friend, whose home and family he was to collect membership dues and send them to the enjoyed visiting, and he still maintains his friendship local party headquarters. with Wilhelm today (1951). After his teaching responsibilities, Wilhelm Wilhelm wrote the following about the used his remaining time in research of his local area. conditions in Wussentin during the Second World War, He worked on a history of his hometown Wussentin with the lot of his children as refugees and his own after the material collected since 1906, mainly from the archives war: in Stettin, Frankfurt/Oder, Greifswald and Anklam. “Even when Wussentin was far removed from From the Swedish archives he copied the first parcel the front, it was affected by war events. There was record of Wussentin from the year of 1697 and from the not any production of war materiel here, unless one archives of the Royal General Commission he copied a considered grain, potatoes and meat as war production. parcel record depicting the Wussentin parcel before and Air raid warnings came at midnight on 20 April 1942. after the division of communal property. Also included We slept during the alarm and were finally awakened was the mortgage register from the times of Frederick by the noise of the aircraft engine. We saw an Anglo- the Great, in regard to Wussentin. He also wrote an American plane, coming from the direction of Medow article for the local calendar about the settlement of the and flying at a low altitude in the direction of the village state-owned Vorwerk (farm outside of castle walls) in road over Wussentin. Tracer bullets whizzed from a Wussentin, which was inhabited by 15 colonist families double-barreled machine gun into the village. The in 1763. Wilhelm discontinued his Wussentin historcal school alone sustained 20 hits; two beehives were hit research after the collapse of the Third Reich. and a bullet made a hole in the washtub. Four houses Lieschen, the oldest daughter, married the further down the road, the bullets hit the straw in a barn schoolteacher Fritz Bethke in Leven near Feldberg in that was connect to a residence. It sank totally into 1934. The wedding was celebrated on 6 April with about ashes except for the massive walls; and was rebuilt 60 guests in attendance. Mr Bethke was transferred to during the summer at the expense of the government. the neighboring Demmin during Easter of 1937. On 15 July 1944, we got an idea what kind of Hildegard, the younger daughter, married effect air bombardments can have. An American plane the student teacher Helmut Eggert in Lauenburg, flew at a low altitude past our village and for some reason Pommern. released his bombs. They hit at intervals of about 100 Wilhelm was exempt from military service meters and caused craters at a depth of 12 meters on during the second world war. It was painful for him to the field of my neighbor. An erratic block was thrown 50 quit driving his “Hanomag” (name of car model), which meters during this bombardment. If these bombs had was parked in 1939. He had made his last trip through hit the village, it would have been totally destroyed. Mecklenburg with his Demmin children in August 1939. I was especially displeased during the war by The car remained in the garage for almost six years, the deferment of citizens who were entirely capable undamaged and jacked up, until it was picked up by of serving in the armed forces. A large percentage of grinning Russians on 13 May 1945 and was not seen men in the agricultural sector were exempt from military any more, but this was not the worst. On 9 Jan 1946, service. They fought the so-called production battle, Wilhelm was accused of having been a former member which had the advantage of having enough to eat and – 295 – (XIII,9) no bullets were involved. Prisoners of war performed possible during that time. After conditions had settled to most of the farm labor, and were in ample supply since some degree, the refugee children could also be taught, the Polish campaign. They, without exception, were and a teacher I knew, from the county of Greifenberg well treated and fed by their farm bosses. I came in helped me instruct the children. We did this all in the closer contact with prisoners of war in 1941, when a same classroom. camp for Yugoslavs was established here. They were My daughter was residing in Lauenburg, but paid and received their spiritual care and mail through returned to us on 21 Jan 1945. Her husband had been the Red Cross, which I distributed. A watchman was in drafted in 1939 and was severely wounded on his foot charge of supervision. and lower leg during the campaign in France. The Several Russian families arrived in Wussentin officials designated his abilities as “fit for work only.” on 2 Jan 1945, and were housed in a local camp. They After a complaint he was able to resume his teaching and their children and baggage had been taken to East at the gymnasium (secondary school) in Lauenburg on Prussia. The adults were used as laborers and they 1 Oct 1940, where he had previously taught philology. received regular passports. When the front moved Although he could hardly walk without a cane, he was closer to that area, they were sent to the interior of the drafted again in August 1944. It was obvious a large country. As a consequence, 50 Russian civilians also pocket was in the making through encirclement, that came to Wussentin. The village administration was would include eastern Pommern and the Polish corridor. responsible for furnishing the camp. The NSV (national We urged our daughter to leave the area and move with welfare administration) assigned the responsibility her children to Wussentin, but it was not so simple to of their feeding and medical care to me. When they move from Lauenburg. Only those who had official were moved to West Germany three months later, they permission to leave were able to get a train ticket. She presented a letter of thanks to me on the evening before finally left after dusk with her two children, aged 5 and their departure, and several months later I gave it to 2½ years, abandoned her beautiful home and took someone to translate it for me. It was very helpful for only the absolutely needed luggage to the train station, me later on – that is, for a while. It stated: where she entered a train filled with refugees coming from East Prussia. It was extremely cold. Many trains “To Mr Wilhelm Wessel, Teacher. arrived without stopping. Oftentimes the people sat On behalf of the entire camp of Russian tightly together in open freight cars, exposed to the civilians, numbering 47, who were brought to the village elements. One cannot estimate the number of children of Wussentin 3 Jan 1945, and who had been evacuated who froze to death while cradled by their mothers. on 29 March 1945. We had the very best relations Hildegard had some luck when she found a covered with the teacher, who was the camp commander. He freight car in such a train, but here was no straw. A has concentrated all his efforts toward us, has seen to few men were able to get some straw when the train it that we had enough provisions and provided for our stopped in Stolp. After arriving in Belgard, the train was personal safety. He helped us in every respect as far as directed toward Kolberg. The people exited the train at he was able to. His wife and daughter also dedicated a intermittent station, which was the destination for the much of their attention to us Russian civilians. refugees. A heavy snowstorm swept over the area, but They cared for us in the same manner he did. the NSV (relief organization) provided shelter for all of We received more than ample supplies for our journey the refugees. Hildegard was lucky again, she was sent home. We want to express our great appreciation in to a forester’s house. The forester had lived close by this letter to the entire Wessel family for the sympathetic my neighborhood and was well acquainted with us. He attitude toward us Russians. saw to it that their journey could continue after letting All Russians of this Camp, on 29 March 1945.” them thoroughly rest and regain their strength. I was The signatures of all the Russians follow. (Not overjoyed when I heard the voice of my daughter over included here). the phone on Sunday, 28 January. After overcoming several difficulties, she arrived at the home of her sister- Numerous refugees streamed in from the in-law in Anklam. A team of strong horses and a warm Neumark and East Pommern and passed through our sled were soon provided and we had the three of them area from the middle of January 1945. Our area was at our place five hours later. The father was seriously designated as gathering area for the county population wounded for the second time when this took place. It of Arnswalde. Hundreds came into our village and had took three months before we got the news from a field to be housed. Since the inn hall was occupied by the 50 hospital in Vienna. Both, the western and eastern fronts Russian civilians, the first admissions always took place moved closer and the field hospitals in Vienna had to in the school classroom. There, they were assigned to be evacuated. Helmut Eggert’s field hospital train the various quarters within the village. Not all of the traveled for four weeks, as the destinations changed refugees could be accommodated, so some had to daily because of the military situation. remain in the classroom. Regular instruction was not The refugees from Arnswalde County left us – 296 – (XIII,9) for a undetermined destination. After their departure, in Sternfeld and Tenzerow. Making haste was of the many other desperate people came in ever larger essence, because the army column could experience numbers from the counties of Cammin, Naugard and the same fate a moment later. Hurriedly they took the Regenswalde. The population of Wussentin had more most essential baggage from their wagon and rode than tripled. The Oder river became Germany’s river of along. They arrived unhindered at a village near Eutin destiny. Its defense appeared questionable. We made in the Holstein province. The horse-drawn wagons preparations for an eventual evacuation for this reason. from Demmin wanted to go around Demmin, but they Everyone thought that it was impossible for all to go only got to Verchen at the Kummerow lake, where they to West Germany and find a place there, because a were overrun by the Red Army on 30 April. Most of famine would surely follow west of the Elbe river. We the people returned to their village, but the Bethkes considered a separate flight, since the Hanomag car were not among them. We heard from them three was in perfect running order. We would all have room weeks later, since the connection between Demmin and the car had enough fuel for the 400-km trip, and we and Wussentin was interrupted. My brother-in-law had provisions for 6 to 8 weeks. and I went to Demmin on 24 May. Nobody there was However, the thought of fleeing this way made able to tell us what happened to our children. It was me feel like a traitor. For 43 years I was associated very difficult for me to see the familiar apartment and with my village, come what may; half of the residents beautiful furniture without the presence of the rightful had been my pupils. Would I leave them now cowardly owners, who probably weren’t alive anymore. Strangers and disloyal during this most difficult time? This was had already taken possession and viewed it as their decidedly out of the question. I had a clear conscience property. They secretly wished that the rightful owners even in the face of the enemy. of the school house would never return. The cabinets The outskirts of Stettin were evacuated after were empty, all the linen and clothing was gone. The fierce fighting early on 26 April 1945. The district beds with all accessories were missing. And the fine administrator of Anklam gave the order for the apiary with its 34 hives was vacant. populace to pack, which was widely followed. A few I don’t want to write about my own experiences large landholders took flight toward the west with their during the days from 28 April to 13 June 1945, while workers. living in the eastern zone; it could have serious I was especially concerned about the safety of consequences for me. my other children, who lived in Demmin, 11 km from During the de-nazification campaign, I was here, and where a clover field had been converted into arrested on 13 June 1945, most likely because of a an airport. On the day when the order to pack had been denunciation. Ten other Party members were not given, I went to them. We discussed all possibilities harassed. Sixteen others from five villages were and came to the decision to stay out of the way when arrested. We were transported like dangerous criminals fighting should take place, but we would not take flight and taken to a cell at the local jail. The cells were toward the west. So we parted; it ended up into a narrow and primitive, but the treatment by the guards separation of more than five months. My son-in-law gave no reason for complaints. We were interrogated called me two days later. He had the chance to come by a Soviet commissar since the 17th of June. My turn to us, with his family. A military vehicle could bring them came on 18 June. I was released, since no criminal here. I advised against it, because I considered this evidence was found and I had not belonged to the S.A. as cowardice. I regretted this advice later on, and I or S.S. chided myself that I had rejected my children when they The school, which had been closed since sought refuge at my place. During the late afternoon 26 April 1945, had not yet been reopened. Every of this day the estate manager of Demmin suddenly member of the teaching staff had to be interviewed by decided to flee with his entire work crew and all teams the new district administrator who inquired about their of horses. My children could not leave any longer, since political activities during the previous years. I received a military vehicle was not available. A communication permission to resume my teaching position. The lower per phone was out of the question and meeting each grade students received regular instruction, while the other was impossible, because we were too far apart older students had to gather herbs. They received and the time was too short. From now on we didn’t regular instruction after the fall vacations. The teachers know anything about each other. The convoy stopped received their salaries beginning 1 Oct. Instruction in near Demmin the next morning. The roads were totally history and geography was forbidden. congested now, since the German army was in retreat New teaching personnel were instructed in from the enemy. While my children were waiting by 4-week courses to replace teachers who had been the road, the trucks drove past the Demmin airport. released or were killed in the war. Our instructors were The drivers knew them and beckoned them to come teachers who were not accepted into the Party because along. The decision was not hard, because they had of their past membership in masonic lodges or pacifist just experienced the bombardment of the train stations organizations. They taught the same curriculum under – 297 – (XIII,9) the supervision of party officials and paid voluntary delay, during which Bethke had to apply numerous dues to the party and its auxiliary organizations, and times. In the meantime he became an experienced were considered as having a clean record and were farmhand, with livestock breeding, planting potatoes, appointed as principals and district superintendents. etc. The new teachers were young people, and I had reached my 65th year of life on 14 Jan 1946, only some of them had attended a secondary school and so could not hope to be hired again. Therefore I until graduation. Fifty percent were young girls who applied to enter retirement in June of 1947, which was earned their living as kindergarten teachers, office granted. I received a pension of 148.10 Deutsche Mark clerks and housekeepers, but they conveniently forgot (East German currency!), which was not paid by the that they once held leading positions in the HJ (Hitler public treasury but by the Social Security administration. Youth) or BDM (German Girls Organization). During Five DM in East German currency are equivalent to one that time they vigorously espoused the Nazi ideology DM in West German currency. A yard of cloth for a suit and denounced the teachers as senile old dopes who costs 75 to 100 DM, a pound of butter costs 10 DM had been good democrats and only went along with (East) in open trade. great reluctance. All of a sudden, these young teachers My successor was not yet of majority age, so were convinced democrats and the old teachers were he could not conclude any contracts. Therefore the inveterate fascists. superintendent leased only the acreage which belonged Finally on 3 Aug 1945 I found out that my to the school apartment. That enabled me to live in children were still alive and lived in Neudorf near Eutin relative comfort. (West Germany). Correspondence by letter was only We had shared our large teacher’s apartment possible through border crossers. If they remained with refugees, which left only two rooms for ourselves. in the West, they would lose everything they had left The new teachers who arrived here had nothing. They behind on 28 April. During a consultation with the new didn’t make any effort to buy furniture; they preferred to school superintendent, he gave me the assurance that rent a furnished apartment from us. In addition, they Fritz Bethke immediately would get his position back if resented the fact that they had to share the house with he returned and furthermore there was nothing that he us, since they were the ones in charge by now. Their could be charged with. The Bethke family came back true attitude was expressed by one of these “gentlemen”, on 16 Oct 1945 and took up residence in an apartment a Mr Esser, during a teacher’s meeting when they of the school in Demmin. But Mr Bethke did not get believed they were among like-minded persons. He his teaching position back. He worked as a farmhand said: “We treated the old teachers the wrong way. We in order to earn a living. He was able to salvage the should have sent them 50 kilometers away with 50 kilos furniture, and 24 of the 34 beehives were also returned of baggage like we did with the large landowners.” This to him. This was a long period of waiting for him, filled way they could acquire all the possessions they had to with very heavy labor, with steadfast hopes to be hired leave behind. The leaders of the occupation forces were as teacher again. But he wouldn’t live to see this informed about this idea and they gave their support, as happen. one might expect. As a result, they ordered through The percentage of the rehired teachers who the German official channels that all of the old teachers had been members of the [Nazi] party seemed much too had to evacuate their school apartments by 1 July 1947. high for the governmental agencies. For this reason, Most of the refugees were allowed to remain in the the government of Mecklenburg ordered that all former school apartments. But where should these teachers members of the party had to be dismissed at once. find an apartment, since the smallest room was already A young man of 19 years brought me the discharge occupied? Bethkes found a place and lived with a farm papers on 1 Sep 1946. I took my books and left. This worker. was the end of a 45-year teaching career. I resisted this treatment and went to the Soviet The 4-week instruction courses alone were not Kommandantura (garrison headquarters) with the writ enough to alleviate the teacher shortage, to say nothing of appreciation the Russian civilians had given me about the superficiality of the teaching method. Eight- previously. The commander was sympathetic to my month courses were in the planning stage for those plight and gave me a written authorization that I would who participated in the 4-week courses, while the lack be allowed to remain in the school apartment. I believed of teachers became a bigger problem. Therefore it was that this would settle the matter, but I had not thought decided to ease some of the restrictions regarding the that these commanders would be succeeded by others. former teachers. Those who applied for re-employment Six months later, the German party officials complained were examined by a school commission, consisting of to the new commander that these Russian civilians had party chairmen in larger communities, who considered been members of Wlassow’s armed forces. (Wlassow their worthiness. The commission in Krien accepted was a Russian general, who, after his capture by the Fritz Bethke, while I was rejected. But Bethke was still Germans, organized other Russian POWs to fight not able to get the teaching position. It was a continuous against the Soviet Regime on the German side). I could – 298 – (XIII,9) easily refute this underhanded slander. During the time his return to the ministry office. I was in charge of these Russian civilians, I copied all of Fritz was missing on the next morning and their passports and presented them to the commander. after a long search he was found drowned in shallow He was visibly surprised and refrained from ordering water at the edge of a lake. It was claimed that he the eviction. But I would still have to move as soon as wanted to get some fresh air and left his room early the village mayor would be able to assign an apartment in the morning. His throat had choke marks, but the to me. Since this was not possible for the time being, public health officer stated that he drowned and that no they came up with a serious charge: I was accused foul play was involved. No autopsy was performed and of having been a gendarme over the Russian civilians it was not determined if his lungs had been filled with and I extorted the writ of appreciation from them. How water. Suicide or heart attack were unlikely. should I counter this big lie? This time the commander From now on, my concerns were increased from came himself and ordered that I had to evacuate the those about my own family to the family of the victim. house within three days. I had no other choice now; My mood became very grave and we withdrew from continued resistance would have been foolish. So everything and everyone. The only joys we still knew we took our belongings and the village mayor and the were the visits of our children and the correspondence housing commission beat their brains to find housing with our relatives; I want to especially mention Dr for me, until I made a proposal which was submitted Eckhard Wessel in Buxtehude and Rhinehardt by a mediator. It was as follows: I was informed that Harmon Wessel in Frederick, Oklahoma, U.S.A. They a room at my sister-in-law’s house had become vacant have often sent me some needed supplies because of and would be available. It was in a run-down condition the goodness of their hearts, which I won’t forget. Later, after refugees had lived there, but it was spacious and the church replaced the field I had lost with a piece of had a cooking stove. There was also a place (stable) land of the same size and leased it to me.” for the livestock. I was able to improve my living conditions through the acreage which they had allowed The following lines, taken from a poem by Paul me to keep, but this didn’t last long. The lease for the Keller, which he composed after the first world war, land was canceled on 1 Oct 1947, although the lease probably in 1924, were written by Wilhelm Wessel protection office sided with me this time. in 1952, when he was 71 years old. They mirror the As the school officials decided to give the feelings and experiences of a man who lived during teaching staff only a piece of land not larger than 0.5 a time when the tragedy of the German downfall took hectares (abt. 1¼ acres) and let me keep the remaining place once again, and who, as numerous others, 1.12 hectares of acreage and 0.74 hectares of pasture. suffered unjust degradations: They suddenly had another idea to convert the 1.12 hectares into garden plots for the refugees, so that ALL WILL BE FORGOTTEN SOME DAY the farmers would not have to give up some of their All will be forgotten some day land. This decision of the village council was more than All the shame and all the pain. mockery seen from a socialist point of view. 34 farmers Once again our German river Rhine with a total acreage of 560 hectares (1,384 acres) Will belong to Germany and our people. could not be expected to give 0.3% of their land for a The flag will proudly wave in the breeze charitable purpose! But it was alright to take 100% of And will have regained its respect once more. an old teacher’s livelihood, who at that time still didn’t Orders will not be given by powers from abroad, receive a pension! I was ashamed that I had served The great German soul will be free again. this community with full devotion in the school and the And all that has caused pain will be but a memory local economy for over 45 years. I never demanded And the ailing German nation will rise again. even a farthing for my communal work, nor did I expect And when will this come to pass? it. God alone does know it! Another heartbreak occurred during these But we will be forgotten by then. difficult days: At the end of June in 1949, Mr Bethke The eyes, which have observed this wearily, participated in a course for culture and education, By then are closed peacefully. which was organized by the SED (Socialist Unity Party), And everything that had raged so fiercely in this and was held at a castle near Schwerin. The original world, participant at the last moment declined to take part. And what we have so passionately censured or Fritz wanted to do the farm administrator a favor and praised, agreed to attend. During this meeting he also met the And everything which has been gained through our education minister of Mecklenburg. During a discussion efforts, after one of the topics had been presented, the minister And everything that has come to nought became aware of Fritz and promised him that he would Will not be of concern to us anymore. make it a priority to work for Fritz’s reinstatement after We will rest in the great and quiet harbor – 299 – (XIII,9)

By God’s anchor and sleep and sleep. During the entire vacation. Forgetting all the bitterness which we had endured And how many presents we got from you! in life. With gratefulness we will remember this. The war, the shame and all the calamities, We, the grandchildren, want to honor you today. And we are far removed from all brutishness and Nobody can hinder us from this. savagery. All the love which we received from you Far away in peaceful realms. May grace you on this day. Why should we care how time passes us by, You beloved couple, on you golden anniversary Why should we care how the world continues in its Joyfully I express my good wishes to you. ways, I stand before you now Why should we care about vile peace accords With a grateful heart and true devotion. And all the treacherous blows of fate? This little crown shall grace our grandma Everything was vanity, everything was — nothing! To her joy and our delight. In the rays of eternal light It is not myrtle, it is not silver – no, now it is gold. Our pitiful earthly existence Which both of you shall behold with joy. Will be shown to us in all its folly Since gold is the most precious thing on this earth, All will be forgotten some day you shall be honored with it today. Out there in the stillness of the graves – You have proved you golden hearts long ago. How wonderful this will be – how wonderful this will Our heavenly Father be praised! be! May He keep you in His good care, We will gratefully clasp our hands in prayer And then he wrote to me during the same year And will ask Him to protect you henceforth – in 1952: “I had the chance to resume my former By His almighty Father’s grace. career in another town once more. But I was afraid that Now, Grandma, take the golden wreath. my nerves would not be able to endure this. Incidently, May it adorn your dignity. as the saying goes, “Once burned, the child will shun And with your children and grandchildren the fire.” Celebrate this festive time. In spite of all their hardships during their And Grandpa, looking at you with pride, retirement years, Wilhelm and Else Wessel celebrated is your beloved golden bride. their golden wedding anniversary in good health on 10 May this day remain in all our minds Oct 1955. Wilhelm wrote us in a letter about the details Covering all that is gloomy, and hold on to what is of this great celebration: making us happy, golden and beautiful! Dörthe Eggert. Wussentin, the 20th of Oct 1955 My dear Cousin, A picture was taken as soon as the guests “The wonderful days of Aranguez have now arrived and then we went to the nearby church. We passed.“ We are again within the familiar walls of sang the same hymns we sang fifty years ago, and our home and from time to time we think about how Lieschen accompanied us on the harmonium (small wonderful it was 10 days ago. organ). The pastor of Medow, who also was in charge of Our children and Christel Eggert made every the Wussentin parish, came to Demmin and performed effort to make our golden anniversary as impressive as the ceremony on the basis of the same text that was possible, and they totally succeeded. Our entire family used 50 years ago. This ended the solemn part of of ten was there since Saturday, as there was no train the day. We went to the coffee table, decorated with or bus service on Sundays. flowers, asparagus and candles. You made sure that The celebration began on Monday at 3 o’clock no “Muckefug” needed to be served, by sending your with the presentation of the golden wreath by the last two parcels to us. (Muckefug is a Low German term youngest grandchild, who also recited a poem that had meaning a beverage made from roasted grain instead been composed especially for this occasion: of coffee beans, similar to Postum). What you had sent us is a rarity among we DDR-people (DDR = Deutsche FOR THE GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Demokratische Republik or German Democratic OF OUR BELOVED GRANDPARENTS! Republic, East Germany). It was much appreciated The day of the golden wedding anniversary has by everyone. I drank at least five cups, and this was now arrived, not the record of the day. Lieschen (Liesel) baked the We learned of it with joy, cake, and all turned out well, even the cake which was And happily we hastened to see you, the hardest to make. Since you always shared joy and grief with us For the evening meal, a chicken broth and rolls How we enjoy being with you, dear ones, spread with anchovies were served (we had provided the – 300 – (XIII,9) chickens), followed with vegetables and meatballs. The Alexander the Great: “Too much for one, too little for vegetables consisted of peas, carrots and cauliflower. everyone.” The two of us enjoyed the chocolate by We canned the former during early summer, and the eating a small piece every night. And we thankfully latter came from Hartmut’s teaching nursery. This was remember the giver. something special. The next course was roast duck, Now we wish both of you our heartfelt best, the usual fare presented at this time of year. We raised Your, Else and Wilhelm Wessel. the ducks during the summer. There was only a modest assortment of A photo of the honored couple amidst their children, libations. “Rüdesheimer Berg” and other labels were grandchildren, relatives and friends – all 25 persons not on the table. German wine from the Rhine valley – was included. Wilhelm lists all of the persons shown costs 10 to 12 DM per glass. So, we had to be content on the photo, beginning with the lower row, always with our homemade wine made from currants. Not beginning from the left: much to celebrate with.

Golden Anniversary Wilhelm Wessel and Else born Malchow 10 October 1955 Wussentin was in the Soviet Russian zone of occupation then. We returned home on Thursday, the 13th. We used (Front row) a small truck, belonging to the farm in Demmin, to 1. Elfriede Witt, born Malchow, of Wussentin; sister travel back and forth. This might have been the last to 3 and 11; mother of 13, 14 and 17; mother-in-law celebration of our lives. Now the drab monotony of of 12, 15 and 18. everyday life had us again, but we were still surrounded 2. Lieschen Bethke, born Wessel, of Demmin; by a numerous vases, pots and baskets of flowers for daughter of 3 and 4; mother of 21 and 23; sister awhile. of 5. We thank you all very much for your heartfelt 3. Else Wessel, born Malchow, of Wussentin; sister congratulations. You contributed much to the success of 1 and 11; grandmother of 20, 21, 22 and 23; of the festivities with the two parcels you sent, and mother-in-law of 6. we drank real coffee days before and days after the 4. Wilhelm Wessel, of Wussentin; father of 2 and 5; celebration. We kept two items from the rest of the grandfather of 20, 21, 22 and 23; father-in-law of family: two bars of chocolate. We felt the same as 6.

– 301 – (XIII,9)

5. Hildegard Eggert, born Wessel,of Greifswald; 20. Dörthe Eggert, of Greifswald; daughter of 5 and 6; daughter of 3 and 4; mother of 20 and 22; sister sister of 22; granddaughter of 3 and 4. of 2. 21. Hartmut Bethke, of Demmin-Friedland; son of 2; 6. Helmut Eggert, of Greifswald; father of 20 and 22; brother of 23; grandson of 3 and 4 brother of 9. 22. Helga Eggert, of Greifswald; daughter of 5 and 6; (Middle row) sister of 20; granddaughter of 3 and 4. 7. Hans Helmut Ohm, of Medow; pastor in Medow, 23. Eckhard Bethke, of Demmin-Anklam; son of 2; he officiated in Demmin on 10 Oct. brother of 21; grandson of 3 and 4. 8. Waltraut Ohm, born Zimmer, of Medow; wife of 7. 24. Gerda Malchow, born Genz, of Wussentin; 9. Christel Eggert, of Demmin; employed by the daughter-in-law of 10 and 11. school in Demmin; sister of 6. 25. Ulrich Malchow, of Wussentin; son of 10 and 11. 10. Anna Malchow, born Klinkenberg, of Wussentin; mother of 25. Two years ago, our daughter, Hildegard and 11. Karl Malchow, of Wussentin; father of 25; brother her husband, Helmut Eggert of Greifswald visited us of 1 and 3. while en route to [the island of] Sylt. 12. Ursula Witt, born Ossenkop, of Wussentin; On 7 March 1960 – around the time when all daughter-in-law of 1. farms were confiscated, and all farmers lost their farms 13. Rudolf Witt, of Wussentin; son of 1; brother of 14 and became dispossessed farmhands on kolkhozes and 17. (Soviet collective farms), Wilhelm informed me in a 14. Erika Roloff, born Witt, of Brenkenhof; daughter of letter that his farm also was “socialized” a week ago, 1; sister of 13 and 17. together with 16 other farms which had been owned by 15. Walter Roloff, of Brenkenhof; son-in-law of 1. farmers since the time of Friedrich the Great. 16. Alfred Feist, of Medow; friend of the Wessel family I still keep in touch with Wilhelm Wessel by for over 53 years. letter and learn of the small and great problems this (Back row) couple are experiencing. For some time he has suffered 17. Ilse Heidmann, born Witt, of Wussentin; daughter from circulatory weakness. She broke her upper thigh of 1; sister of 13 and 14. several years ago and spent some time at the university 18. Werner Heidmann, of Wussentin; son-in-law of 1. clinic in Greifswald, where the fracture was healed. 19. Harald Damerow, of Demmin; school mate of 21. Shortly before the war – it probably was in

Dörthe, Hildegard, born Wessel (XIV, 9), Helmut and Helga Eggert, Greifswald, East Germany - December 1962

– 302 – (XIII,9)

1937 – I spent a pleasant day with the Wessels in from foreign countries in addition to the needed recruits Wussentin and still enjoy remembering these hours with for his army. Those who had come and settled here, in them. Their two daughters, Lieschen and Hildegard, turn were used as recruitment agents, just as is being and future son-in-law, Fritz Bethke were also present done today. They had to write letters to relatives living this day. It was during the winter and bitter cold, but abroad, describing the favorable conditions which they cozy in the schoolhouse and residence, which radiated wanted to share. Colonists who had been firmly settled a peaceful pastoral tranquility and, combined with the were sent to the old homeland to bring new prospective nearby duck pond, made it idyll. colonists with them. The success of these efforts bore fruit. “Without regard to nationality or religion”, as The following is taken from Wilhelm Wessel’s Friedrich himself had formulated it, the new settlers articles appearing in the “Anklamer Zeitung” (Anklam streamed into the land from many nations. They were newspaper) or in the monthly parish newsletter, and from Swedish-Vorpommern, Mecklenburg-Strelitz and were the results of his local historical research: Schwerin, and even from the Palatinate and Baden- Durlach and represented the majority of the colonists Colonization of the Interior in our area. About 62 families, comprising around During the Days of the Great King 300 persons, were settled in a newly-founded village (From Wussentin’s Past) within the parish district of Medow alone between (Published around 1911) 1755 and 1765. There were 5,312 new families, about 26,500 persons, settled in 182 newly-founded villages … The villages of Brenkenhof, Wussentin, in Pommern, with the exception of the governmental Postlow and a part of Nerdin are living witnesses of district of Stralsund, which was still under Swedish Friedrich the Great’s wide-ranging colonization efforts. administration at this time. The Seven-Years’ War had not yet ended and the The drawbacks resulting from the behavior of Russians had just left the land, when he gave orders to immigrants had to be endured; many of them were simply restore the desolate areas of Pommern and Neumark. rabble. The king consoled himself and others with the Almost all of the monarchs of the Hohenzollern fact that the first generation of colonists usually were of branch colonized, but only Friedrich the Great low caliber. Some of the applicants even managed to organized the colonization in a system and created an receive the travel expenses from three different places. independent administration representing its interests. Once they had arrived in the land unscathed, they During these days, he, as the youngest war and territory remained the idlers which they probably were before chief, studied the documents, grasping an understanding they came. Occasionally they even claimed that they for the rural population, that caused him to write the were asked to come here to increase the population. following to Voltaire: “True wealth is only that which Many had no inkling how to run their farms or simply the earth can produce. Whoever improves the soil, had no interest in farming. A vivid description of the reclaims desolate land and drains swamps, is the one thinking of these colonist is an incident which happened who conquers the wilds and creates a basis of support in the Neumark area. As the new colonists arrived for the settlers.” After he ascended to the throne, he in Neu-Ulm near Driesen, they found that their farms immediately created an independent fifth department, were completely set up and their fields cultivated and of what was called the “General Directorium”, which is planted. Several weeks later the new farmers came to a separate ministry or government department today. the war and estate office and announced that the “grain It’s purpose was “to attract as many settlers from would soon be ready to harvest, and they need to know abroad as possible, and the promotion of increased who would cut it.” This explained why the occupants of mercantilism.” The disproportion between land, these farms were often succeeded by others. property and population density was to be remedied as The way in which a “Vorwerk” (large farm) was quickly as possible. Colonization was the focal point of divided and occupied by colonists can be shown from his entire domestic policies. Several million Taler were Wussentin documents. spent annually for this purpose, the accounting details Our land is organized in counties today. 200 known only by the king and his financial privy councillor, years ago it was divided into districts, called “Amt”, Mr Brenkenhoff. Methods to attract strangers were which were leased to an “Oberamtmann” or chief similar to those which overseas governments used administrator. Although the parish of Medow belonged to lure our countrymen to their shores, but with the to the district of Stolp, it was under the jurisdiction of the difference that Friedrich kept the promises of freedom chief administrator in Clempenow, a Mr Fleischmann, which he offered to the immigrants. His permanent because he had the districts of Stolpe, Clempenow agencies were in Frankfurt on the Main and Hamburg. and Verchen as general leaseholds. Therefore the Special efforts were particularly made at the latter place administration of our area was in Clempenow. All of to those interested in emigrating. The king also allowed the decrees which the king proclaimed were forwarded his enlistment officers occasionally to sign up colonists to this place. From there, school administrators were – 303 – (XIII,9) appointed, and war taxes and service assessments successor of his father, Henning Joachim Kantzow, were paid. The judicial commissioner in Clempenow who owned the domain from 1679. also settled contentions of the residents and their The last arendator (lessor), Peter Friedrich violations of the law were punished by the “Schlüter” Schönbaum, paid 400 Taler, 17 Groschen and 5 (turnkey or jailer), with “ungebrannter Asche”, meaning Pfennig rent for the 900 Morgen estate; and he also had without reduced jail time. to pay 122 Taler, 16 Groschen and 6 Pfennig war tax, Around 1750 Wussentin mainly was a small totaling 531 Taler, 7 Groschen and 11 Pfg. in expenses. domain of about 650 Morgen acreage, 140 Morgen When the lease ended in 1763, the war and domain pasture land and 100 Morgen meadow. (A Morgen is office in Stettin, upon instructions from the king, ordered about two-thirds of an acre). In addition there were four the division of the estate and assigned the war and cossets and six owners of small homes in the village. The domain administrator with the task. Before the colonists latter were subjects of the arendator (lessor). Together, could occupy the farmsteads, a lot of preliminary work the cossetrs had about 180 Morgen of acreage, 30 had to be done. The needed foreign families were not Morgen pastures and 20 Morgen meadows, and they immediately available, and according to the will of the were required to perform fairly extensive services for the king, only foreigners should occupy the new farms. manor. These services were somewhat eased through For this reason, Schönbaum remained on the domain a decree by the king around 1748. Each paid 10 Taler somewhat longer, took care of the harvest and also in lieu of service annually. In addition, everyone had to planted a part of the acreage with winter grain, as he pay 12 Taler, 6 Groschen and 1 Pfennig of war tax, 12 had done before. New farms were surveyed during Groschen interest, 6 Gr. yarn tax and 18 Gr. spin tax, this time. 14 half farms and 1 cosset farm were created a total of 23 Taler, 16 Groschen and 1 Pfennig. The from the former domain. Each half farm consisted acreage of the domain was situated on both sides of the of 45 Morgen acreage, 6½ Morgen meadow and 9¼ Anklam road and included the farm land of the present Morgen pasture. There were also extensive areas of farmers Dabers, W. Kruse and P. Hoth. The acreage uncultivated land, which the settlers could share as of the cossetrs was to the left and right, comprising a pasture land. The departing leaseholder, who did the part of the acreage of the current farmer, Mr Malchow harvesting and replanting, was paid 492 Taler, and 6 and the eastern portion of the Emilienhof (estate), the Groschen for his work. He then acquired another farm part that is in Wussentin. In the latter area, the cossetrs in Brenkenhof. This amount had to be remitted by the owned several larger pastures, all of which were 15 new colonists to the district office and was their down irregularly wedged between the fields. payment. According to the old Brandenburg currency, There was also extensive acreage in the area every half farm had to pay 33 Taler, 22 Groschen and south and southwest of the village. This was the so- 10 Pfenning in down payment, and each cossetr had to called Hölzfield. (Hölz = derived from “Holz”, meaning pay 16 Taler, 23 Groschen and 5 Pfennig. wood). It got this name because there were large The first nine colonists appeared at the district forests which surrounded the fields on three sides. The office in Clempenow on 16 Oct 1763, where they were central part of the acreage belonged to the domain. assigned farmsteads. This day, the 16th of October, The cossetrs had several fields to the left and the right 1763, became the birthday of the village of Wussentin. of it. Numerous megalithic graves existed in this part The colonists were composed of 6 from the Palatinate, of the fields. Some of them can still be seen today as 1 from Mecklenburg and 2 from Swedish-Pommern. rock hills and point to the fact that this is the oldest They were: developed land in this village. The pasture, which was 1. Kilian Dewald of Offstein in the Palatinate; located between the Holzfeld and the village, was 2. Conrad Hildler of Speek, Baden-Durlach; called the Teichkoppel (Teich = pond; koppel = pasture). 3. George Sieckinger, of the same place; It was bordered on the east and the west by the Medow 4. Simon Zwiseler of Letzingen in Württemberg; road and the Kriener road and had an area of about 100 5. George Pelschmer of Speek, Baden-Durlach; Morgen. 6. Johann Michael Keil of Sehl in Saxony; The domain was leased by Peter Friedrich 7. Christoph Dantzig of Zirzow in Mecklenburg- Schönbaum until 1763. He also was employed Strelitz; as scribe and inspector at the estate farm (the only 8. Hans Wessel of Nossendorf in Swedish- inspector in Wussentin) and in 1748 married Katharina Pommern; Gertrud Stubbe, born Raschen, the widow of 9. Heinrich Kruse of Kassow (perhaps Katzow) in Christian Stubbe, his deceased master, who died in Swedish-Pommern. 1747. Christian Stubbe took over the estate from his The following contract of conveyance was father, Martin Stubbe in 1742, who had taken it over made: from Johann Albert Kantzow in 1735, because the 1. “Every half farmer in Wussentin, District of Stolpe, latter went into bankruptcy. Johann Albert Kantzow will receive, besides the farm buildings, garden had owned the farm from about 1716 and he was the and marshland, 45 Morgen acreage, 6 Morgen 90 – 304 – (XIII,9)

Ruten meadows and 9 Morgen 45 Ruten pasture (a On 16 October the six colonists from the Rute is about 4 square yards). There is also some Palatinate and the two from Mecklenburg, Mr Dantzig good pasture available. and Mr Weßel, were not able to make the down payment 2. Every farmer also receives, free of charge, all of of 33 Taler, 22 Groschen and 10 Pfennig at once. the lumber needed for the living quarters and the Probably they had not yet transferred their assets from barn, where the stables will be attached; and the their former residences. In order to enable them to take lumber will also be transported free of charge from possession of the farms, Heinrich Kruse, a brother- the royal forest. Furthermore, every farmer will in-law of Heinrich Christoph Freede, the school also receive 30 Taler for building expenses paid superintendent of Wussentin at the time, gave them out by the royal treasury, but he will be required to the entire sum, namely 305 Taler, 13 Groschen and 6 refurbish the rooms himself without any help from Pfennig. All of the above mentioned farmers promised the royal treasury. to pay his 33 Taler, 22 Groschen and 10 Pfennig by 3. All the seeds of the domain (from the royal Trinitatis (the week after Whitsuntide) in 1764 to Mr inventory), as long as available, will be available Kruse. They pledged all their assets as collateral. free of charge. For all the planting and expenses Four other colonists appeared at the district office the incurred by the [former] lessee, every farmer will next day to get their farms assigned. They were Jakob pay to the lessee, (Mr Schönbaum), 33 Taler, 22 Schmidt of Dargun and Martin Goern (Jürrens or Groschen and 10 Pfennig. Jürgens) of Neuhoff in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, also 4. But every farmer has to acquire all implements and Christian Dedelow of Peckatel and Jakob Dammann livestock ex propiis (from his own means) and is not of the district of Broda in Mecklenburg-Strelitz. They entitled to receive it from the royal treasury. received the same contract as the colonists from the 5. Every farmer will be free from payments for 3 years, Palatinate on the prior day. They also were not able to 1763-66, but he will be required to pay annually 23 make the down payment at once, so they came back Taler and 12 Groschen land taxes and 8 Taler, 11 on 20 Oct with the down payment, “thereafter they were Groschen and 1 Pfennig war taxes, beginning in assigned their respective farms and were provided with 1767, if they are demanded by the district office. the necessary transportation to move their possessions.” 6. Since he is permitted to brew his own beer and other On 23 October, Karl Friedrich Schmidt of Sandhagen beverages, he also has to pay 2 Taler to the district appeared to get the last half farm assigned to him. With office in Stolp, but he has to get the beer from the this action, all 14 of the half farms were occupied by the district office in Stolp for christenings, weddings colonists. Only the cosset farm was still free. and other festivities. Although the cosset community had its own 7. Every farmer can obtain free firewood from the mayor, the new farmers got their own mayor, who was forest in Crien, provided that he notifies the forester appointed by the district office and chosen from among every time and accepts the forest regulations. He the colonists who came from the Palatinate. Soon it must pay the annual tribute, including the basic became obvious that the chief district administrator charge, of 9 Groschen. had made a serious mistake in choosing this man, in 8. He receives the free lumber for his rooms this time other words, “he made the fox to guard the hen house”, only. In later years he has to purchase his lumber, because by 28 Oct all of the colonists in Wussentin is required to keep his rooms in good condition appeared at the district office, with the exception of Mr and has to finance the maintenance from his own Dewald, the mayor. They complained “that Dewald had resources. caused a lot of trouble in the village, by walking through 9. He [the farmer] shall be free from all additional the farmyard between piles of straw with a lighted services; but he will assist with the emergency tobacco pipe. He also is tearing down the fences, services after the free years, and is required to be causing damage, especially when he destroyed the subject to the village ordinances, which include help fence around the garden, enabling the pigs to enter the with road repair, planting of trees, etc. garden. Dewald is taking advantage of his neighbors, 10. Annually he will give 14 Scheffl. rye, 12 Scheffl. oats who appeared before the court. On the field where and 16 eggs to the priest, and one loaf of bread and every farmer planted four Scheffel of grain, Dewald one sausage to the sexton. planted seven, which shows that he had embezzled 11. The half farm will be registered as his own, with the three of them. And he sifted some buckwheat recently. right of inheritance, as long as he pays the required Not long ago he entered the stable by the barn with land taxes. a large kettle that had flames shooting out of it. That 12. He is under the jurisdiction of the District of could easily have resulted in a blaze bringing misfortune Clempenow, which he has to respect as his local to all. He always has his horses in the stable and feeds government, and he is entitled to his protection as them hay, using up a lot of hay. He goes out during long as he conducts himself as a loyal subject of the night and steals the hay. He does not understand the king.” how to run a farm and doesn’t work at all. Those of us – 305 – (XIII,9) who appeared [before the court] view it as unbearable farmers W. Fink and Rossow, but it fell victim to a blaze to retain Dewald as mayor; and because he does not on 17 Jan 1904. The shepherd’s house remained as do anything nor is able to issue directives, we therefore community property until 1841. Half of it is still standing. ask that another able man be appoint from among us as In order to put the remaining buildings to use, they had mayor of Wussentin.” to be divergent from the others. Rossow’s and Fink’s One can imagine that this protocol contained residences, were also destroyed during the great fire. only a fraction of the complaints which the colonists For this reason they were situated with the gable toward submitted, and it must be admired that the chief the street, while the other farms had the residences administrator did not accept the unanimous wishes of farther to the back, and the barn was situated with the the complainants. A later time will prove if their judgment gable toward the street. of Dewald’s abilities was indeed valid. Therefore 13 new residences and 12 barns On 3 Nov 1763, the heretofore unoccupied were needed for the 14 colonists. Mr Meißenburg, the cosset farm was finally taken over. Johann Fitzdam, or master carpenter of Stolpe and Clempenow, committed Vitzdam, of Kittendorf in Mecklenburg arranged for the to mortise the needed lumber and do all the carpentry farm too be assigned to him. Now there were 15 foreign in the house and barn. The colonists promised to pay families in Wussentin, who spent the year of 1763/64 44 Taler and 19 Groschen for the house and 35 Taler in their new hometown. It remains a puzzle where and 3 Groschen for the barn. Besides the cash, the these people found places to live, because among entire community had to give 18 Scheffel rye to the them were families that numbered from 5 to 7 persons. master carpenter. Payments had to be made in three The residence of the Vorwerk farm had been vacated. installments as follows: one-third at the delivery of Otherwise there are only 10 families still residing in the the lumber, one third during construction and the last village. Furthermore, the rooms of the cossets and the third, including the rye, after construction had been day laborers were so limited in size during these times, completed. that only a very few were able to take in a second family. The procurement of the lumber created a great Moreover, when we learn that these 15 colonist families difficulty, because the royal forests near Wussentin were not the only ones without a home, but that the did not have the required amount of useable timber. six families from the Palatinate also were in the same The nearby Criener forest provided mostly fire wood predicament (Jakob Greiff, Friedrich Brecht, Michael and some timber, as does the forest near Steinmock Boy, Tobias Schmaltz, Michael Simon and Matthias still today. The chief forester, Mr Meyer, directed that Brecht), because they were unable to procure the the required lumber be obtained from the forest in down payment for the seeds, and were considered “little Jädkemühl near Torgelow, close enough to our village. people”. Many families had to find primitive shelters in The farmers of the surrounding villages were to transport stables and barns. the lumber without compensation as additional services. Therefore the most urgent task was to provide The following villages were assigned to provide the a dwellings. The district office pursued this with all predetermined number of wagons within the district of eagerness. Mr Kreißer, the master builder of the area, Stolpe: Crien, 44; Dennin, 6; Görke, 36; Grüttow, 36, drew up the blueprints for the buildings. Consequently included was the mayor of Stolpe; Liepen, 38; Medow, they were of uniform design in shape and floor plan. 36; Nerdin, 10; Tramstow, 12; Völschow, 88; Wegezin, The stables were arranged fairly evenly between house 12 wagons. From the Clempnow district: Cölln, 48 and barn. The horse stable and pig pen always were wagons, to be used for the transport of the lumber to the inside the house. Each gable of the residence had the lumber mill; Bartow, 44; Belau (Gr. Below), 8 wagons; characteristic triangular roof, and some of them have Clatzow, 24; Gnewkow, 2; Weltzin, 32; Peselin, 8; been preserved until our time. Letzin, 28; Golchen, 40 wagons; for a grand total The contract to construct the houses between of 522 wagons. One fourth of the transports had to the 14 colonists and the master carpenter Meißenburg be completed by 3 Jan 1764. The master carpenter in Stolpe was concluded on 7 Nov 1763. It was decided arranged the speed-up of deliveries. If one can imagine that the existing buildings of the domain, consisting of what the condition of the roads and wagons was during the administration building, the sheep stable and the that time, then it becomes clear that the transportation residence of the shepherd, should remain. These from Weltzin and Letzin to Torgelow must have been three buildings were in good condition. All of the extremely difficult because of the lack of firm roads, other buildings were scheduled to be torn down and even during freezing periods. The transports also had the usable lumber to be used for the new structures. to be supervised, because some of the lumber could The house of the lessee became the residence for a have intentionally disappeared and the wagons would colonist, and the sheep stable and the barn provided have arrived half-empty in Wussentin. The directives the housing for two settlers. The shepherd’s house was of the chief magistrate Fleischmann in regard of the retained as community property. The sheep stable was lumber transport were very strict for that very reason. still in use until recent times as a barn for the present This is shown in the following order: “It is herewith – 306 – (XIII,9) decreed, that one-quarter of the required wagons have this time. The quarrel between the colonists and their to be present at the Torgelow forest near Blumenthal village mayor had not been settled. The chief magistrate on the coming Tuesday, 3 Jan 1764 and report to the made a report to the war and domain councillor Ullrich mayor in the presence of the mounted policeman, on 8 Dec 1763, reporting on the state of affairs in the where they will receive instructions about the location village: “I personally went to Wussentin to investigate of the harvested lumber. The mounted policeman, Mr everything in detail and to proceed in a way that I will Stoll, will then assign the lumber for every wagon which accomplish the directives and wishes of Your Excellency has to be transported to the building site in Wussentin. for the creation of this colony, and I am now ready to We seriously warn against any attempts to steal even submit the reports of my activities. During my arrival in the smallest amount of lumber; a violation will result in Wussentin, everyone screamed about the village Mayor corporal punishment. The hauling of the lumber will be Dewald from the Palatinate. I kept silent for a long continued until every village has completed the assigned time, until they became hoarse from shouting. Their transports, which is four times, because every regular complaints were trivial and resulted from the jealousy of farmer has to haul four loads and every half farmer has the Mecklenburgers with the Palatinate colonists, over to haul two. The assigned transports cannot be reduced the honor to appoint the village mayor and the outcome and no wagon can be exempted and anyone who acts of the dispute on who should occupy the Vorwerk contrary to this order will be severely punished. We residence that came into the hands of the Mecklenburg urge everyone to take heed to this order. colonist Schmidt of Sandhagen. In order to stifle the Clempenow, the 27th of December, 1763. disagreements, I have threatened serious jail time, if Given by the local Royal District. one should dare to hit or hurl insults at another, and I (Signed): Fleischmann, Chief Magistrate.” have reinstated Mayor Dewald in his office. To please the ambitions of Mr Schmidt and to assuage the This was an extensive and thankless task for Mecklenburg and Sweden colonist’s discontent, as well the local policeman, Mr Stoll, as he was ordered on 3 as to achieve better coordination and management, I Jan, to inspect 118 wagons, whose owners tolerated this have appointed Mr Schmidt as member of the court extra procedure only with the greatest loathing. It was with the consent of his countrymen. He doesn’t want possible that he looked the other way from time to time, to accept, as he insists that he should be mayor, but if when something was not in order, but the matter had an Your Excellency agrees with me, then he will have to unpleasant aftermath for him. In a memorandum from accept the appointment. I have ordered the six demoted the war and domain councillor Ullrich, it was stated: Palatinate farmers to thresh in the barn, and have found “In passing, I need to say that I am greatly dissatisfied that they are hard working and are threshing well and with the poor performance of the local district policeman therefore earn their bread. These aforementioned Stoll. I should have sent a report to the royal domain farmers are Jakob Greiff, Friedrich Brecht, Michael chamber so that he receives his punishment. I will let Boy, Tobias Schmaltz, Michael Simon and Matthias the matter drop this time hoping that he will mend his Brecht. Because none of them were able to pay their ways and that the royal district office will rebuke him assessments to Mr Schönbaum, it was proposed they for his poor inspection (supervision) of the lumber accept the position of “small farmers” in Wussentin. designated for Wussentin, as well as, the intrigues Twelve were still needed for this designation. They he involved himself in, with the domain administrator were informed that each family would receive six of Tramstow. I will make it emphatically clear to him Morgen of tillable land, however they would be required to refrain from any unauthorized instructions, or to act to cultivate their fields with their own resources during without the foreknowledge of the royal district office, their three “free years”. They would receive the lumber otherwise he will be immediately dismissed. That will be free of charge. Everyone would be required to pay 12 reported at once; furthermore, the domain administrator Taler per annum after the end of the three free years. of Tramstow is required to return the purloined lumber All six farmers objected and explained that they could to the construction site with his own wagons. The same not accept this proposal. They could not see how they applies to the subjects (farmers) from the surrounding would be able to provide their livelihood, as so many villages, who have to return the lumber, without poor families in Wussentin did not have employment complaining, to the construction site. All of them will to provide for themselves. However, according to the be punished with two hours of Ganthen, because these report by the chief magistrate, it appears that they insubordintions cannot be tolerated in any way. remained in Wussentin after all. Stettin, the 9th of March, 1764. “They can’t store enough rye, as it is used for (s) Ullrich.” bread. They have divided the barley and the peas among (Note: The “Ganthen” was a cramped jail cell, where themselves. I have directed they take nothing from the one could only stand with bended knees, not stand grain bin to barter away, nor should they take even the normally or lie down). smallest amount from the barn or grain bin without my Various events took place in Wussentin during directive. Generally, the entire farmstead of the village – 307 – (XIII,9) mayor is very muddled. The fodder is continually being cannot pay for them with his own funds. used up, and will be gone by Christmas, because of 6. The Palatinate Konrad Hildler declared he has the random taking of fodder. I therefore have ordered two horses. He is willing to go to his homeland that they get the fodder allowance from the village for his assets, then he will acquire his “Hofwehr” mayor, Mr Passow (he was the mayor of the four (livestock and farm equipment), and provide money old cossets) or from Messrs, Dewoldt and Schmidt. for construction. Actually, the farms of the Palatinates still make a very 7. Heinrich Kruse stated his livestock consists of poor impression. Many try their best to cultivate and three horses, two oxen and four cows, and he has work, but others do not have their needed livestock and sufficient funds to pay for the construction. farm equipment, but refer to the assets they have not 8. Hans Wessel presently has four horses, five brought along from their homeland. I admonished them cows and also is wealthy, so he can pay for the not to consume all of their grain, but should get ready construction. to return to their homeland for their assets, in order to 9. Jacob Dammans has three horses, three oxen have the means to equip their farmsteads. Then they and three cows. He also will be able to pay for his will have all that is needed to cultivate their fields. I construction costs. have issued passports to all of them, registered their 10. Jakob Schmidt has four horses, three cows and names, and sent that to the chamber, as required. For can pay for the construction costs any time it is provisions, I have ordered that each receive a portion demanded. of the shepherd’s grain in the colonists’ barn. It is my 11. Christian Dedelow’s livestock consists of three wish that the Palatinate people will endure the journey, horses, two oxen and four cows; he has enough and have given them all possible support. I strongly money to pay for his construction costs. suspect that some might not return. There is no need to 12. Christoph Dantzig has three horses, one filly, two worry, as there are about 20 upstanding Mecklenburger oxen and four cows, also has the money to pay for people who have presented themselves and asked to his construction costs. settle here. In regard to the settling of the 12 small 13. Martin Jürgens has two horses, two fillies, two families (farmers), I have to inform Your Honor …” Here oxen and two cows; also enough money to pay for the report is interrupted; the final part is missing.) his construction costs. On 29 Jan 1764, by order of the war and 14. The cosset Fitzdam, who has one horse, two oxen domain councilor, Mr Ullrich, the colonists of Wussentin and three cows, can pay for his construction costs. were thoroughly examined by the chief administrator 15. The Palatinate Georg Sieckinger declared that he Fleischmann in Medow to determine the condition of doesn’t mind if the farm would be taken from him, the farm equipment and livestock of their respective because he is unable to get his livestock and pay farms. They were warned that any of them who did for the construction of the farm.” not have the necessary equipment and livestock by the The forfeited farm was assigned to Johann end of the coming month (February), would be removed Bartmann of Wartmannshagen, Mecklenburg. He had from their farms like the four from the Palatinate. The already registered at the office in Clempenow and was investigation had the following result: a miller in Swedish Pommern. 1. “The mayor from the Palatinate, Dewald, declares Soon thereafter, Christian Dedelow gave up that he has two horses, but nothing else. However his farm, because he was not among the colonists, he will have the needed things by the end of the when the royal construction costs (subsidies) in the following month. amount of 30 Thaler were paid. Christoph Mericke 2. The juryman Karl Friedrich Schmidt declares, took the farm in his stead. that he already has two horses, two oxen and six The erection of the buildings did not commence cows. He has the means to get the other needed as quickly as expected. Although all the dwellings equipment. had been built from the delivered lumber, most of the 3. The Palatinate Jürgen Peltzner has two horses, colonists didn’t get their barns built before the summer two oxen and a cow. He also promises to obtain of 1764. The harvest, which was not very significant, the rest of his equipment, and he has the means to had to be taken to the Vorwerk buildings (estate farm). pay for the construction as agreed in the contract of The lumber for the barns that had yet to be constructed, the district master carpenter. arrived in September. There were 156 loads of lumber. 4. The Palatinate Johann Michael Keil, who has two They had to be delivered by the Verchen district farm horses and two oxen, also promises he will acquire villages. On 21 Sep the following villages provided: the missing items from his own funds. Sieden-Bollentin 9 wagon loads [of lumber]; Grapzow 9, 5. The Palatinate Simon Zwiseler declares that his Japzow 7, Kessin 2, Lebbin 7, Liekenzin 5, Remberg 8, present livestock consists of one horse, two oxen Gross Tetzleben 8, Wolkow 10. On 22 Sep: Beggerow and one cow. In regard to the construction costs, 8, Hohenbollentin 8, Kessin 6, Glendin 4, Gramentin 5, he says he will seek advice, but he must admit he Hasseldorf 4, Molzahn 4 and Törpin 10 wagon loads. – 308 – (XIII,9)

On 23 Sep: Sophiental 3, Borrentin 5, Mesiger 17, colonists were left. Six Palatinates had left, with the Melschow 4, Penz 4, Schönfeld 6, Selz 2 and Trittelfitz exception of Hildler and Keil and they also disappeared 5. The hauled lumber was not quite enough for building a few years later. It can be said that the Palatinates the Wussentin colony. On 16 Dec 1764 the last 16 didn’t gain much respect in Wussentin. They lacked the wagon loads were provided by the villages of Grüttow, industriousness and skill to run their farms, in contrast Wussentin, Wegezin, Nerdin and Dennin, and the to the Mecklenburgers, who all did well. They only remaining wood was hauled from Torgelower Heide demonstrated how it should not be done. (heath). This consisted mostly of slats and stakes. The promised three “free years” for the Construction of the new village of Wussentin was Wussentin colonists ended a week after Whitsuntide completed during the spring of 1765. in 1766. However, the chief financial officer, von The report issued 29 Jan 1764 about the farm Brenkenhoff, granted them another free year, as most equipment and livestock on hand, revealed some farms of the colonists got their farms during the fall of the first were sadly lacking in this respect. The colonists from year. “This generous gesture was to encourage the the Palatinate, in particular, demonstrated their inability colonists to put even greater effort and faith in managing to use the state-provided funds wisely. On 12 May 1865, their farms.” the district gendarme, Mr Stoll, made a compilation of As is known, there were four cossets in the grain sown by the Wussentin colonists which clearly Wussentin prior to the dismantling of the Vorwerk showed the faulty farm management of the Palatinate (estate farm), who had less farmland than the new gentlemen (“Herren Pfälser”), as they were called by colonists and were required to perform some labor at the chief magistrate in his report 8 Dec 1763. Simon other Vorwerks. In order that there would not be two Zwieseler had sown 2 Scheffel rye, (Scheffel equals 4½ gals.), 3 Sch. barley and 5 Sch. same acreage, rights and duties as the new colonists. oats, which was an adequate amount. The farmer The protocol which had been set up for this Peltzner only sowed 1 Sch. rye, 4 Sch. barley and 2 cause, reads as follows: “When the dismantling of the Sch. oats. The village mayor, Kilian Dewald, had sown Vorwerk Wussentin and its occupation by colonists took only 1 Sch. rye, ½ Sch. barley and 2 Sch. oats. There place, the four cossets who had served at the Vorwerk, is no doubt that a family and their livestock would not were informed that they would be equal in acreage, have enough for sustenance from the harvest of such pastures and other incidentals with the 14 new “half a small amount of seed grain, even these people had farmers” (farmers of a half-sized farm; about 15 Morgen extraordinarily modest claims to make a living and the or 5 acres) and they have been ordered by the war and farm animals found their fodder in the pastures. Other domain councilor Ullrich to appear here, which they farmers in Wussentin, in contrast to the others, had did. They were informed of their new assessments sown 12 Sch. rye, 12 Sch. barley and 10 Sch. oats. according to the established tax tables; instead of the It was therefore not surprising that the three farmers annual taxes of 10 Taler and 18 Groschen service fees disappeared from Wussentin during the summer of 1765. to the lessor and the 12 Taler, 4 Gr. and 1 Pf. war tax, Either the farms were taken from them by officialdom or they have to pay the same taxes as the new colonists, they sold them. They had the right to do this, because excepting the brewing and firewood fees, as follows: 21 the farms had been given to them as “inheritable and Taler, 16 Gr. and 4 Pf. service fees, and 9 Taler, 6 Gr. proprietary”. Dewald’s farm came into possession of Mr and 4 Pf. war tax. Whereby they were informed that the Dobbert, Peltzner’s farm became Freese’s farm and increase of the service fees resulted from the increase of Zwieseler’s farm was taken over by Mr Brauer. It is their farm land during the equalization with the colonists. not known where the former owners went or where the Futhermore, the war tax had been reduced by 2 Taler, new owners came from. Only that the latter came from 21 Gr. and 4 Pf. and they also had been freed from the Wussentin area, as the names Dobbert, Freese serving on the estate farm, which would be to their great and Brauer, were known here long before the colony advantage. They replied that although they had to pay of Wussentin was founded. Karl Friedrich Schmidt much more in service fees, but were freed from serving of Sandhagen sold his farm to Mr Lampe prior to 12 on the estate farm, therefore they would accept the May 1765. His reasons were not based on poor farm equalization with the new colonists. They wanted to be management or insufficient food production. We know free from this extra service like the colonists, otherwise he wanted to play the main role in the village inasmuch they would be at a disadvantage and would have to keep as he was sure of his superior intelligence. Perhaps he more livestock to perform this service. They hope that left this new settlement because he became disgruntled this favor would be to their advantage, but would put up when not able to achieve his goal. He saw things go with it, if such service would be required of them once from bad to worse for the former mayor, Mr Dewald, and more. They hope this extra service would be credited to Schmidt failed to obtain this position during the winter them and would not be to their disadvantage, since they of 1764/65. Christoph Mericke was chosen as mayor have less livestock. instead of himself. Only nine of the original 15 foreign Clempenow, the 6th of Aug 1766.

– 309 – (XIII,9)

Backe, clerk, mark (in lieu of signature) by: Joachim 1136 A.D. because of his Christian faith, was dedicated Passow, Johann Cadow, Joachim Langhoff, Peter on this day, 40 years ago – 10 Nov 1893 – and is not Breisprecher.” the first Wartislaw Memorial Church in Stolpe. Another The borders of the village of Wussentin were one existed almost 800 years ago, but was not known surveyed in 1871 by the land surveyor Kieck upon by the same name. request by all of the residents. Wussentin was at a When Wartislaw died, he left two under-age disadvantage to the neighboring communities of Krien sons. His brother, Ratibor, took over the guardianship and Brenkenhof in hay and pastures, etc. This resulted for them. Otto von Bamberg left Pommern in November in continued quarrels, which sometimes led to stronger 1128 and entrusted the work, which he began in 1124, actions. To make an end to these contentions, the to Adalbert, his loyal partner. He also recommended borders of the Wussentin were surveyed with the help him to the Pope as bishop of the diocese he founded, of the Swedish map of 1697. This map still exists today. Wollin, later Kammin. The castellany of Groswin with It is stored at the royal state archives in Stettin and is the village of Stolpe, and many others, belonged to this admired by experts for the tidiness of its design. diocese. Although Ratibor had much less enthusiasm In 1787, the village mayor and the court officials for the introduction of Christianity, he and Adalbert submitted a petition to the war and domain chamber nevertheless founded a church in Stolpe in memory to reassign the farms once more, because they were of his murdered devout brother. This was the first irregular in size. They received the following dismissive Wartislaw Memorial Church. It was dedicated to John reply: “The following reply is sent to the village mayor the Baptist and was the first church which Adalbert and the court officials pursuant to their petition in consecrated as bishop. Since Adalbert received his regard to the inequality of their properties: Since our appointment and confirmation as bishop from the Pope local documents state that all of the properties formerly in 1139 A.D., the consecration of the first Wartislaw belonging to the Vorwerk in Wussentin, had been Memorial Church most likely took place during the year surveyed again by the late district architect Kreißler, of 1140. What was the location of this church in Stolpe? and had been divided in equal sizes and all of the All of the Wendish villages were “Rundlinge” (villages, future occupants had drawn lots, hence no inequality where the farmsteads were arranged in a circle), with a exists in acreage and pastures. Some industrious meadow in the center, whose size was determined by occupants have improved their properties through the number and size of the surrounding farms. When their own efforts and increased not only their planting Christianity was introduced, the church was erected but also the yields through improved fertilizing. This there, surrounded by the cemetery. This practice can agreed entirely with the report submitted by the local still be observed in all former Wendish villages today official. Therefore it would be wholly unjustified, if (Gruettow, Medow, Postlow, Tramstow, etc.). another equalization of the properties, which are Why should it have been different in Stolpe? owned by the current industrious proprietors, would be The Stolpe cemetery actually was at the western portion conducted and parts of their properties given to less of the village. It certainly was a part of the former industrious and negligent neighbors. The petition of meadow and its purpose was not changed during eight the supplicants will be rejected under these conditions; centuries. Here undoubtedly stood the first Wartislaw and the correctly divided properties for the colonists will Memorial Church, also named St. John’s church. There remain unchanged. If the farmers who presently are is nothing left today that reminds us of it. It could not less successful would apply themselves in the same have had its own pastor, because it was the only church manner as their neighbors to improve their properties in the entire area. A single pastor could not dare to go and livestock, they would do as well as the former, to such a dangerous outpost. Someone even dared instead of envying their prosperity. to get close to the duke with a dagger four years ago. th Stettin, the 13 of Jan 1788. How much easier it would have been to approach a The Royal War and Domain Chamber.” priest this way! The nearest ecclesiastical location was in Gützkow, established by Otto von Bamberg himself The Wartislaw Memorial Church in 1128. 10 November 1893 – 1933 Overall, Christianity was not very well established. A large part of the population still lived Recently we published an informative article under paganism and the new religion had still not taken by Pastor Weidemann of Medow on the regional roots with most converts. When preparations for the Wartislaw Memorial Church. Schoolteacher Wessel of second crusade were made in Christian Germany in Wussentin provided us with the following treatise about 1146, a part of the crusaders was sent to the pagan the church’s recent anniversary. (The Editors). Wends in Pommern and Mecklenburg with the approval of the Pope, to win them entirely over to Christianity, The new church in Stolpe, which was erected but it brought hardly any results. The ecclesiastical in memory of the first Pomeranian duke, murdered in pomp and the presence of the bishops might not have – 310 – (XIII,9) been without impact on the population. It is certain that the rural resident, the production of linen was a long an agreement with the ruling duke had been reached. and tedious process. Among many others, namely Saxon dukes, was Ratibor The seed was spread broadly over the good, who attended the “Prince’s Day” in Havelberg in 1148. richly fertilized soil by this principle: “Thickly sow the Here he professed his Christian faith publicly and vowed flax”. Since linen was of eminent importance for the to ensure the proliferation of Christianity by any means. clothing of the masses of the rural population, all of And he has kept his vow. the unmarried rural workers received a portion of their We find him during following times in close remuneration in linen, or the availability of acreage for cooperation with Bishop Adalbert. Both concentrated the seeding of flax for those who were married. Why on bringing greater numbers of Christian pastors, the seeding in rows was not adopted, cannot be figured mostly members of monasteries, to the country. The out. Perhaps they were of the persuasion that the single times required that the clerics belonged, almost without plants would develop better than being sown in a row. exception, to a group of canons or a monastery. If Perhaps the traditional method was standardized. an individual was placed amidst a large group which The flaxseed germinated. With it also came all outwardly confessed to be Christians, but inwardly kinds of weeds, like cornflowers, hedge mustard and resisted it, in most circumstances he would not be alyssum. As soon as these began to choke the young able to oppose this resistance and give up. But if an flax seedlings, weeding was begun. This was mostly a entire group was committed, the individual would find quasi punishment labor, mainly done by women. This the support which he needed when the task became was not done by crawling through the rows, but by stoop too hard for him. When Ratibor and Adalbert thought labor, so that the flax plants would not be damaged. to establish cloisters in their land for the stabilization Farms used large crews to do the weeding under the of Christianity, two of the many existing clerical orders supervision of the secretary. were involved in the development of the newly- The next weeks were for the development of established Christian congregations. They were the the flax plants, but it was also important to eliminate the Premonstratenser and the Zisterzienser orders. Ratibor newly growing weeds. Finally the flax came into bloom. directed his attention and predilection more to the A field of flax in full bloom is a wonderful sight with its Premonstratenser Order, because he got acquainted sky-blue colors. But the blossoms open only during with them during the Princes’ Day in Havelberg and bright sunshine. (The genus of this flax was called in earned their respect. However, Adalbert preferred Latin: Linum usitatissimum; – Transl.). the Benedictine Order. As the most loyal follower of As soon as the grain harvest was completed, Otto and his favorite pupil, associate and successor, the cultivation of the flax began, since the development he also shared his preference for this Order. So he of the seed pods was ended, as well as that of the fibers began the establishment of a Benedictine Cloister in of the stem. Now it was not Lein (Lat. Linum) any more, his favored location around 1150, with the energetic it was flax. So that the fiber could be harvested with its assistance of Ratibor. He chose Stolpe as location of full length, the stems were pulled out by hand instead this order, most likely because it was convenient to the cut with a scythe. The stems were bundled into sheaves ecclesiastical maintenance of the isolated St. John’s with bands of straw and put together in small piles like Church. Everything was sufficiently prepared by 1153, grain. After they had dried completely, the seeds were so that the Episcopal consecration could take place harvested. For this purpose, a beam was put at table on 3rd of May. Adalbert received the first monks from height across the barn floor. Combs, 30 to 40 cm wide the abbot of the cloister Bergen near Magdeburg. Of and 40-50 cm long, were fastened to it, according to the course there was no space at the village meadow for the number of people who would work on them. (30 cm is cloister and all that was connected with it. The location about a foot in length). The flax stems with the seed was chosen outside of the village, where firm ground pods were drawn through the combs by hand until all of property reached the waters of the Peene River. the pods had been removed. This procedure was called “Räpeln”. The further treatment is not of general interest. Wilhelm Karl Otto Wessel, gives the following The flax straw was bundled with ropes fashioned from interesting report about the home-grown linen rye straw. These bundles then were submerged in a manufacture by the rural population until about 100 water hole nearby and weighed down with boards and years ago: stones in such a way that all bundles were completely How our rural population clothed themselves for three covered with water. This procedure was called “röten” generations and more: and therefore the water hole was called “Rötsoll”. Sheep’s wool and flaxen fibers were the raw (Both terms cannot be rendered into English – Transl.). materials for the production of the most important pieces “Röten is derived from “rotten”, meaning expanding. of clothing since the oldest of times. This remained until The woody texture of the stems becomes distended. it was replaced by cotton about 100 years ago. While It can easily distend too much, and then the fiber also the production of sheep’s wool was relatively simple for distends; therefore only an experienced specialist can – 311 – (XIII,9) decide when the process has to be suspended. hackling procedure. It was done on a 30x40 cm board, Then the bundles were removed from the water which had 5 cm steel spikes or bristles like on a brush. and spread out on the field to dry. It doesn’t take long The flax was combed clean and smooth on this device. if the weather is sunny. Afterwards the flax stems were The residue was called “Hechelhede.” It was used for bundled again, taken home and stored open to the air. the manufacture of cow’s rope; because the cows were Bakeries did not exist in rural areas two or three not tied to chains in the sheds during that time. generations ago. The rural population had to bake their Now it was time to begin with the spinning bread themselves. It could not be done in the house, of the flax. As soon as the outside work began to because all houses in the villages had roofs of straw ease, the spinning wheels were brought out. The use or reed covered roofs. Because twigs were only used of spinning reels was already obsolete. Every free to heat the stove, the danger of fire would increase. evening during the long winter nights was used for Therefore local authorities ordered that all home owners spinning by the women and young girls. If boredom set had to construct baking ovens of bricks at an adequate in, the neighbor’s wife was visited. The work moved distance from buildings. The ovens were covered with along swiftly with song and conversation. When spring soil on top of the bricks, overgrown by grass during the arrived, all of the flax and wool had been spun. passing years. They looked like giant toads from afar. In Mecklenburg and in Mecklenburgisch- The sourdough loaves were prepared in the houses Pomerania it was not customary that the spun yarn was and then brought to the well-heated oven to be baked. also woven by the women. This was done by the yarn When the breads were done, the flax bundles were weavers. There was hardly a village bin in the land brought and put in the still hot stove. The wooden parts where there was not a yarn weaver who pursued his of the stems became very brittle. Now was the actual trade. The regular wool weavers lived in the city and time to reap the flax. The entire family and friends came had their own street. The raw material of flax provided together in the evening, each with a “flax breaker” over the material for sacks, outer clothing for men and their shoulders and gathered around the baking stove. women and their entire laundry, through its conversion The flax breaker was a tool which had a height ofa to yarn. The undergarments and aprons of women were table, which mainly consisted only of two levers, which embroidered with colorful decorations. All that was deeply interlocked lengthwise. A handful of flax stems destined to become laundry was spread out on a nice were laid with the left hand on the lower lever and the lawn during the months of June and July and sprinkled upper lever was pressed down hard with the right hand. with water. This had the effect that the linen was nicely The angles were too short for the wooden stems. They bleached by the sun as time went by. separated from the bast and fell to the ground. Finally As endlessly the refinement of the linen the flax was free of stem parts and could be laid aside. developed from the sowing of the flax until the bleaching Of course there was competition, in which everyone on the lawn, likewise the finished linen was carefully tried to gain the purest flax. And so it went evening after preserved or handled during daily use. Tablecloths and evening during good weather until late into the night, until other laundry items have been inherited all the way to the last bundle had been processed. The operation of our time. That which was not needed in daily use, was the flax breaker caused a clatter which could be heard carefully preserved in special chests and cabinets. The at a distance. In the vernacular the people named chests were made of oak wood and with their contents it the barking of the “autumn dogs”. Whatever else were very heavy. Only strong men could move them. needed to be done could be handled on the barn floor At each end were two small wheels, so that the chest and didn’t need to be rushed. It was the swingling and didn’t have to be carried, and could be rolled instead. the hackling. The swingle was about 70 cm high and a In most cases they were placed close to the entrance in meter- long wooden wall. The helper stood on one side order that they could be moved relatively easy in case and moved a small windmill with a hand crank. The of a fire. The lady of the house looked with satisfaction four vanes were sharp-edged and rotated closely along on the contents of her linen cupboard. The four shelves the wall. Now, a handful of flax after another was held were graced with the poem: over the board in such a way that the vanes brushed It bloomed in the summer wind, over the flax and removed the last of the stem parts. And bleached on a green meadow, The residue was called “Schwingelhede”. It was used Quietly now it lies in the closet as lining for upholstery furniture. Then followed the As the pride of the German woman.

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