Newsletter
Dedicated to Austrian-Hungarian Burgenland Family History
THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 177
August 31, 2008, (c) 2008 by The Burgenland Bunch
All rights reserved. Permission to copy excerpts granted if credit is provided.
~ GERRY BERGHOLD RETIRES HIS EDITORSHIP - SEE BELOW ~
Our 13th Year, Interim Guest Editor, Tom Steichen
The Burgenland Bunch Newsletter, founded by Gerry Berghold, retired, is issued monthly as email
and available online at http://www.the-burgenland-bunch.org
Current Status Of The BB:
* Members: 1647 * Surname Entries: 5378 * Query Board Entries: 3918
* Newsletters Archived: 176 * Number of Staff Members: 15
This first section of our 2-section newsletter concerns:
1. Gerry Berghold Retires from the BB
2. A Poetic Response to Gerry
3. Feri Tschank, Chief Editor BKF, Writes
4. Pictures from Klaus Gerger's US Visit
5. More Burgenland Pictures
1. GERRY BERGHOLD RETIRES FROM THE BB
Editor: Burgenland Bunch Founder and Newsletter Editor Gerald J. (Gerry) Berghold
recently announced his retirement from writing, research and editing for the BB.
Starting in early 1997, at age 66, Gerry's interest in the Burgenland of Austria led him to
formalize his research work via a small email newsletter. That first step evolved rapidly into
the Burgenland Bunch, an organization formed to foster preservation of Burgenland ethnic
heritage and memory of the Burgenland Auswanderung.
From an initial mailing to 12 correspondents, the monthly newsletter now goes to over 1,500
recipients covering every US state and many countries of the world. A website, established in
mid-year 1997 and dedicated to research into the multi-ethnic heritage of the Burgenland of
Austria and adjoining areas of former West Hungary, now documents over 5000 Burgenland emigrant
family names and holds extensive historical and genealogical resources. A joint US/Austrian
staff of 15 volunteers supports this ever-growing website, provides input to the newsletter and
provides answers and advice to researchers.
During his career as Burgenland Newsletter Editor, Gerry published 176 monthly newsletters, each
containing his unique combination of Burgenland research articles, interesting and educational
exchanges with email correspondents, tantalizing Burgenland recipes that transported emigrants
and their descendants back to the homeland (while also making our mouths water from his loving
descriptions of the always tasty final product), news of the Burgenland and the ethnic
Burgenland communities in the US and, maybe, just a touch of Burgenland "gossip" to round out
the newsletter.
The BB staff is now left with the truly difficult task of replacing Gerry's dedicated and
outstanding editorial leadership. I, as President of the Burgenland Bunch, have chosen to be an
interim "guest" editor for this month as we transition to our new chief Editor, Hannes Graf.
Hannes will be ably assisted by Maureen Tighe-Brown. Please welcome them!
We request that you direct any new newsletter correspondence to Hannes. As a reminder, the
BB reserves the right to use any communication you have with us (email, letter, phone
conversation, etc.) as part of our information exchange and educational research efforts. Our
communications policy is published as part of our terms and conditions at the end of every
newsletter and on our website home page.
Below is Gerry's retirement message to the BB Staff:
Hello All,
A recent CAT scan reveals slow but continuous cancer growth. My oncologist suggests continued
chemo and radiation but I'm tired; five years of this has been enough. I've just had a very bad
three weeks of chemo and scan side effects. I've decided to let nature take its course. We've
recently discovered a lot of my nausea and chest pain was acid reflux probably encouraged by
chemo and radiation, so one major discomfort is somewhat relieved. I no longer need the strength
to support Molly [his recently deceased wife] (although I wish I could still do that) and there
is no other reason for me to ward off the eventual effects of cancer. There is no cure and I've
had enough treatments, so last Saturday I signed up with Blue Ridge Home Hospice.
I can now forget about doctors, hospital visits, tests, treatments, medication side effects,
tasteless food, etc. The hospice will keep me as comfortable as possible and provide 24/7
coverage in my home. My medication has been reduced to basics and pain killers. We've had a
hospital bed and a recliner installed in our family room where I can look out the patio doors
and be in peace. I'm not yet bedridden but walk with difficulty and spend much time horizontal
or with my legs elevated. A bathroom is nearby so, in effect, I have a hospital room at home.
Chris [his son] will be here half of the time starting in September (he's full time on medical
leave now) and I will have both a nurse and a maid checking on me at least once a week. I'll
probably connect to Med Alert so, at least for now, I'm amply covered. I'm now carrying a phone
with me as I move about the house. No need for a nursing home or assisted living quarters as
yet.
Burgenland Bunch president Tom Steichen visited Thursday as did BB vice-president and cousin
Klaus Gerger from Austria. I told them both that I have to discontinue my relationships with the
BB and Burgenländische Gemeinschaft. I'll no longer write articles or newsletters and will do no
more research. It's time to stop and watch the morning and evening sun color the patio. "When
the deep purple falls over sleepy garden walls."
Chris and I are culling my library and still going through family effects. I cannot do much
else. Chris is just a wonderful nurse, cook and companion, catering to my needs. I hope I'll be
able to get a treat every now and then, like a chauffeured visit to the farmer's market or the
local bakery, but even a simple transfer from bed to recliner or getting dressed, tires me out.
We did have a railing installed by the walkway to help me get to the car, but I'm no longer sure
I'll be able to use it. It will be a help for my older friends who visit.
I may soon cancel my Internet connections, giving up email. I can't sit in front of the computer
that long and I don't have the stamina for long sessions. I'll advise correspondents when I
leave the net. I will answer surface mail and I now have a phone that allows me to hear using
the telephone. I will welcome calls and visits but please call before you visit as I may be
napping and not hear door chimes.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your efforts in support of the BB and your very personal
loyalty to me and the goals of the BB. You have become close friends as well as volunteers in a
great undertaking. I am sure you will give Tom Steichen and the governing staff of the BB the
same cooperation you have given me. In the event you are near Winchester, I'd surely enjoy a
visit. Macht's gute und Grüss Gott!
I look forward to my remaining days with what I hope will be peace and tranquility, asking the
good Lord to continue to have mercy on me as He has in the past. God bless all. Gerry
Gerry Berghold
Burgenland Bunch Founder
Editor Burgenland Bunch News Retired
August 9, 2008
2. A POETIC RESPONSE TO GERRY
- Contributing Editor Maureen Tighe-Brown & Dorothy Zwick
Gerry,
Dorothy and I send you and Chris our love and our hopes and prayers for the kind of healing
strength you need right now.
We so loved being with you and Molly a year ago. We loved you then, and now. Here is a poem for
you that I've been waiting for the right time to send:
Jenny Kiss'd Me
- James Henry Leigh Hunt, 1784-1859
Jenny kiss'd me when we met,
Jumping from the chair she sat in;
Time, you thief, who loves to get
Sweets into your list, put that in!
Say I'm weary, say I'm sad,
Say that health and wealth have miss'd me,
Say I'm growing old, but add,
Jenny kiss'd me.
Loving you bunches,
Dorothy and Maureen
3. FERI TSCHANK, CHIEF EDITOR BKF, WRITES
Editor: Feri Tschank, Chief Editor BKF, writes to say that the news clips he
prepared from his September 2007 trip to the US are now available on the BKF website. If you go
to the website (address below) then click on the link "EINFACH LEBEN" (Simple Life), you will
find three news clips from the trip (Ellis Island, Allentown, and Edelweiss Bar). BB
contributing editors Frank Paukowits and Margaret Kaiser hosted the visit and enjoyed yeomanly
support from BB members Ed and Frank Tantsits while Feri was in the Allentown area.
Here is Feri's note:
Hallo Mr. Berghold!
This is Feri Tschank from Burgenland. I am the Chief Editor from BKF (Burgenland Fernsehen).
Last autumn, I was in the states and met a few members of the Burgenland Bunch and made a report
on Allentown and Ellis Island. We relaunched our homepage and now you can find these movies on
our homepage www.bkf.at, and a lot of other nice stories about
the Burgenland too. If you have any questions, I would be pleased to answer them.
Best wishes from Burgenland
Feri Tschank
Chief Editor BKF, das Burgenlandfernsehen
4. PICTURES FROM KLAUS GERGER'S US VISIT
Editor: We mentioned in the last newsletter that Klaus Gerger, BB VP and BG
liaison, and daughters Viki and Eva would be visiting the United States throughout much of
August. VP Hannes Graf has placed pictures from the early part of the trip on the BB website:
Hannes writes:
Hello all
Bobby Strauch sends me photos and the names of ALL people and I make a page about the BB
gathering in Coplay. Maybe the "Events-page" can show people there is more life in the Bunch...
http://www.the-burgenland-bunch.org/Events/BBE.htm
liebe Grüße
hannes
5. MORE BURGENLAND PICTURES
Editor: BB VP Hannes Graf continues to refine the Burgenland Pictures pages he
edits. As you will see in his message below, he has split the site to add a new section for
Village pictures. He hopes to emphasize the smaller, less known Burgenland villages.
For those of you that don't know and might not catch the mini "joke" in the last few lines in
Hannes' message, Anna is VP Anna Tanczos Kresh and Tanczosberg is a named location in the
Burgenland but is so small it does not qualify for an "official" village designation. Anna, we
await your response!
Hannes writes (in part):
Hello all
I started the new picture project and split the series into 2 categories.
First, known as Burgenland Impressions, should be for highlights like little museums or
landscape or cemeteries, or whatever.
Second, is for Village Pictures, now I change the 3 we had and added a new one. (Willersdorf).
I think, it's good to give the small villages a chance, because the bigger are well known. Maybe
next will be the TANCZOSBERG.
Dear Anna, do You think the story is good enough for all members? Then tell it.
liebe Grüße
hannes
Newsletter continues as number 177A.
THE BURGENLAND BUNCH NEWS - No. 177A
DEDICATED TO AUSTRIAN-HUNGARIAN BURGENLAND FAMILY HISTORY
August 31, 2008
(c) 2008 - The Burgenland Bunch - all rights reserved
The second section of this 2-section newsletter includes:
1. Lehigh Valley Ethnic Events
2. Follow-up to Newsletter 176 Article
3. Moschendorf Church Records on CD
4. Village Thumbnail Series: Ragendorf (Rajka, Hungary)
5. Burgenland Emigrant Obituaries
6. Mail List Administrator (May Be) Needed
1. LEHIGH VALLEY ETHNIC EVENTS
- Bob Strauch
Aug. 22: Summer Oktoberfest @ Evergreen Country Club in Fleetwood. Music by the
Emil Schanta Band.
Aug. 23 & 24: Coplay Community Days @ Coplay Swimming Pool in Coplay. Music by the
Shoemaker Bros., The Joes (Sat.), Sky's the Limit and the Johnny Dee Orchestra (Sun.).
Aug. 24: Josef Kroboth Orchestra @ Emmaus Community Park in Emmaus, 6 PM.
Aug. 29-Sep.1: Allentown Fair. In the Music Tent: Sep. 27, Walt Groller Orchestra;
Sep. 30, Jimmy Sturr Orchestra.
Aug. 29: Farewell Button Accordion Jam Session at the Edelweiss Haus in
Northampton.
Aug. 31: Parish Picnic @ St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Stiles.
Music by the Lizzard Creek Country Band and the Johnny Dee Orchestra.
Sep. 5-7: Russian Days Festival @ St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in
Bethlehem.
Sep. 6: Annual Stegersbach-Northampton Sister City Celebration @ Northampton
Community Park. Music by the Emil Schanta Band and the Walt Groller Orchestra.
Sep. 18-21: Greek Fall Festival @ St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Bethlehem.
Sep. 21: Oktoberfest @ the Coplay Sängerbund in Coplay. Music by the Emil Schanta
Band and the Josef Kroboth Orchestra.
Sep. 28: 100th Anniversary Celebration @ Holy Family Club in Nazareth. Music by
the Emil Schanta Band.
Oct. 3-5: Greek Festival @ Annunciation Hellenic Orthodox Church in Easton.
Oct. 11: Weinlesefest/Grape Dance @ the Coplay Sängerbund in Coplay. Music by the
Emil Schanta Band and the Hianz'nchor (après-dinner mini-concert).
2. FOLLOW-UP TO NEWSLETTER 176 ARTICLE
Editor: In Newsletter 176, Article "2. Correspondent Writes About Immigrant
Father," correspondent Helen Boss spoke of the dinner-table stories of her father's
pre-emigration life in Austria. The article prompted a response from correspondent Roman Weber,
which we reproduce here.
Roman writes (in part):
Very interesting things your father told you over the supper table, etc. Reminds me of my father
telling me things of when a boy in Steinbach.
Of most interest to me personally is his having been a Russian POW, escape, etc. Did you obtain
his military history from any other sources, or did it all come only from what he told you?
Reason I ask is that I have cousins living in Steinbach today. During past couple of years, I
have been trying to find out how to find out relatives that no doubt were in the WW2 German
army. Probably, too, WW1.
If all came only from what your father told you, your story was interesting as many others
published in the BB newsletters.
Roman Weber, Highlandville, MO
PS My mother's family, both sides, all came from Niederstadtfeld, Germany, to MN about 1900. I
know I had rather close cousins from there in the WW2 German army. I've been trying to find out
how to get information as to cousins that were in the WW2 German military. I was in
Germany/Austria for about 10 years (1952-1963) before retiring from the army. I don't know about
Austria, but do know that Germans keep very detailed records of "everything." Yet still having
problem obtaining a lot of info from Germany, too. (I had never heard of Burgenland, much less
Steinbach, until I became a member of the BBunch and met Burgenländers by email that told me of
the LDS films which I got into almost every day for 2 years). Latest thought is that I might
write to bergermeister of Steinbach. He might be able to get me "started" on what I want, cousin
members of German army, WW1 & WW2. -- I did obtain a letter from one of my mothers nieces (old
and now deceased). The letter was the last letter mother's niece, my cousin, received from her
son that was on the Russian Front. Before the letter was received, she had been informed that
her son, my distant cousin, died, froze to death later learned, someplace in Russia.
3. MOSCHENDORF CHURCH RECORDS ON CD
Editor: New BB member Kerry Kedl wrote to retired Editor, Gerry Berghold, noting
the commonality of their research area and mentioning that he has a CD of Moschendorf church
records from 1799 to 1895. He is in need of advice for carrying forth his research into more
recent times. If you can help, drop me a note and I will publish it in the next newsletter.
Kerry writes:
Hello. My name is Kerry Kedl. I live in Laurys Station, PA. I have looked at various Burgenland
Bunch web articles and have noticed that you are also from my area with ancestors from the same
area. My Grandfather, Stephen Kedl, was born in Moschendorf, Austria. I am trying to put
together a family tree to share with my relatives. I have obtained a CD with Catholic Church
records of Birth, Death and wedding information from the entire town of Moschendorf from about
1799 to 1895. Do you have this disc? If not would you like a copy? I am in need of more recent
info. I can not trace things past my Grandfathers wedding. I can not see if he had any siblings
or cousins. He is dead now and did not talk about his roots much. Do you have any advice for me
that will help me find out any recent info? Thank You. Kerry
4. VILLAGE THUMBNAIL SERIES: RAGENDORF (RAJKA, HUNGARY)
- Margaret Kaiser & Tom Steichen
Editor: Newsletter 176A, Article 4, discussed the ongoing transcription
and formatting of entries from the 1899-1904 “Leuchs Adressbuch” for use in the BB online
Village Histories section. As an ongoing series, we will publish selected, interesting entries
from that work (by Margaret & Tom) in the Newsletter. Here is their entry for Rajka, Hungary:
Rajka, Hungary (Ragendorf)
In 1899-1904: Small community of 2575 inhabitants; chair district
Rajka; Court of Justice in Györ; district court Magyaróvár.
Businesses & Proprietors:
Gasth. (Restaurant / Inn): Beier Josef; Dukovics Franz; Maas Michael, jun.; Nader
Franz; Nader Math.; Prak Elisabeth; Tesch Emilie
Weinschänker (Wine bar): Berger Moritz
Café (Coffee shop): Seiler Alois
Notar (Notary): Lang Andreas
Apotheker (Pharmacist): Oth Franz
Bäcker (Baker): Hoffmann Josef; Mátyás Franz; Palme Eduard; Puster Alois
Binder (Barrel maker): Konrad Mathias
Dachdecker (Roofer): Heim Ignatz; Müller Mathias
Drechsler (Wood Turner): Lang Gábor
Eierhdl. (Egg dealer): Stampfl Joh.
Fleischer (Butcher): Nader Mat.; Weiss Ignátz; Weiss Moritz
Friseur (Hairdresser / Barber): Gröller Johann
Geschirrhdl. (Tableware dealer): Adler Leopold
Getreidehdl. (Grain dealer): Herz Wilh.; Kurz Leop.; Nader Carl; Weiss Hugo
Glaser (Glazier): Josefi Franz
Greisler (Grocer): Kostelni Stefan; Lörincz Stefan's Wwe.; Silberberg Leopold;
Strassler Sigmund
Gutsbes. (Estate owner): Erzherzog Friedrich; Jakob Graf Ziehy'sche
Gutsverwaltung
Handschuhmacher (Glove maker): Gögös Alexander; Matuschek Mathias
Holzhdl. (Wood dealer): Maas Michael, jun. (Bau-); Rumpeltes Johann
Honigversandt en gros (Bulk Honey Shipment): Walch Hermann
Hutmacher (Hat maker): Muth Andreas
Kohlenhdl. (Coal dealer): Löwin Jakob; Nader Carl
Kürschner (Furrier): Stampfl Mathias
Manufaktur- u. Schnittwarenhdl. (Drapery Manufacturer & Dealer): Löwin Jetti
Maurermeister (Master mason): Baar Joh.; Grasi Paul; Knotz Franz; Maass
Joh.
Produktenhdl. (Produce dealer): Löwin Jakob
Riemer u. Sattler (Strap and Harness maker): Heiling Lorenz; Heiling Mathäus
Schlosser (Locksmith): Weber Georg
Schmiede (Blacksmith): Oeller Jos.; Utzman Adam
Schneider (Tailor): Baar Franz; Gröller Johann; Holzmann Anton; Roth Andr.
Schuhmacher (Shoe Maker): Eckhardt Anton; Fischer Mathias; Hajostek
Michael; Katona Carl; Katona Georg; Lehofer Carl; Mazan Carl, Pollak Franz
Spengler (Plumber): Winkler Carl
Spezerei- u. Gemischtwarenhdl. (Spices and Groceries Dealer): Adler Maria; Godler
Katharina; Holzmann Josef; Kurz Leopold; Löwin Sámuel; Löwin Jakob; Nader Carl; Puster Maria;
Silberberg & Köppich; Weisz Max.
Tischler (Joiner: wood furniture maker): Eder Franz; Fuchs Johann
Wagner (Carriage maker): Hofer Georg; Pehholz Stefan; Stelzer Johann
Ziegeleien (Brickyard): Erzherzog Albrecht'sche Ziegelei; Gemeinde Ragendorf
Zimmermeister (Master carpenter): Matuschek Josef, Zitterer Josef
Source: Leuchs Adressbuch, Band 18: Ungarn, Kroatien und Slavonien, 1899-1904, 9.Ausgabe
(Leuchs' Directory, Volume 18: Hungary, Croatia and Slavonia, 1899-1904, 9th Edition)
5. BURGENLAND EMIGRANT OBITUARIES (courtesy of Bob Strauch)
Anna (Pendl) Temmel, 87, of Nazareth, died Aug. 17, 2008 in Lehigh Valley
Hospital-Muhlenberg, Bethlehem. She was the wife of the late Stephen J. Temmel, who died June 5,
1980. Anna was born July 25, 1921 in Sulz, Burgenland, Austria, daughter of the late Frank and
Theresia (Didovits) Pendl.
Hermine Bodisch Traupman, 95, formerly of New York City, died Aug. 12, 2008, in
Fellowship Manor, Whitehall. She was married to the late Anton Traupman and previously to the
late Alois Bodisch. Born in Glasing, Austria, she was the daughter of the late Alois and Maria
(Deutsch) Stranzl.
Editor: Bob noted that "Frau Hermine Traupmann, die Schwiegermutter von BB-Referent
Frank Paukowits aus New York, ist vorgestern in Whitehall verstorben. (BB-Editor Frank
Paukowits' mother-in-law passed away on Tuesday in Whitehall)."
6. MAIL LIST ADMINISTRATOR (MAY BE) NEEDED
Editor: Charles Wardell, a long time BB staff member who still does a few tasks
for the BB, wrote to say that he was looking for someone to take over the Austria-L mailing
list. Moments after I uploaded the Newsletter for mailing with his message in it (and just
minutes before I released the Newsletter for mailing!) he wrote to say "Please don't publish in
the newsletter; I already have a volunteer!" So, I'm now editing this note to honor his
request...
However, it reminded me of a much earlier message from Charles concerning adoption of the
Aut-Burgenland-L Mailing list. This was a message from Sept 2000, so I don't know what the
current administration status of that list is, but, if you have an interest, you might look into
it. This list has not had much traffic over the years (31 messages since founding in 2000; none
this year), likely because no one promotes it (including the BB, I admit). If you would like to
change that as Administrator, the BB would work with you to provide promotion and would be glad
to add you as a staff member in charge of mailing lists! Why not take it on? Not much work or
difficulty and you return a little to the community that helped you discover your heritage.
Think about it. If you have an interest, please drop me a note at
tj.steichen(a)comcast.net and
we can talk about promotion efforts.
Charles wrote (in 2000):
Tom, Gerry et al,
I cannot judge whether a standard mailing list would be a good step for the Burgenland Bunch --
or not . . .
However, if you do decide to implement one, please note that one has already been set up:
http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/intl/AUT/AUT-BURGENLAND.html
All you have to do is to "adopt" it -- and then promote it.
You can adopt it by writing to:
AUT-BURGENLAND-admin(a)rootsweb.com
Best wishes,
Charles
END OF NEWSLETTER
NOTICE (Terms and Conditions): The Burgenland Bunch (BB) was formed and exists to
assist Burgenland descendants in their research into their heritage and, toward that end,
reserves the right to use any communication you have with us (email, letter, phone conversation,
etc.) as part of our information exchange and educational research efforts.
• If you do not want your communication to be used for this purpose, indicate that it is
"confidential" and we will abide by that request.
• Correspondents who communicate with the BB without requesting confidentiality retain their
copyright but give a non-exclusive license to the BB allowing us to forward to BB members,
publish in our monthly newsletter or on our website, and/or subsequently and permanently archive
all or parts of such communications.
The Burgenland Bunch homepage (website) can be found at:
http://www.the-burgenland-bunch.org/
We can also be reached from the Burgenländische Gemeinschaft web site.
Use our website to access our lists and web pages.
BB NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES (reached via Home Page hyperlinks)
Burgenland Bunch Newsletter (c) 2008 by The Burgenland Bunch
All rights reserved. Permission to copy excerpts granted if credit is provided.