It is heartwarming to see the traditions of Burgenland maintained by immigrants after they leave Austria for a new life in another country. It is especially uplifting to see the children of these people perpetuate these traditions long after their parents have passed away. Usually, it’s the food, music, language, etc. that endures for the longest time. However, sometimes people choose unique ways to preserve their Burgenland roots and honor their heritage.

Two such people are Anton and Lillian (Wagner) Gross. For the last twenty years they have put up miniature displays of their parents’ birthplaces of Gaas and Jabing during the Christmas season to capture the spirit of Burgenland in their home. Each year the displays stay up longer and longer. They’re now left up until March each year because Lillian says they provide such joy to her and Tony since they are a constant reminder of the wonderful and joyous experiences they have had in their lifetimes that are so closely linked to Burgenland.

How did this all come about? Lillian said it started when she received a miniature alpine house for a gift one year. After that she added more and more to her collection, until she finally had enough pieces to recreate a town. They found a miniature church that looked like Maria Weinberg and one that looked like “Sankt Anna’s Kirche” in Jabing, and of course what Burgenland town would be without a “gasthaus”…..so they added these to the displays too.

Lillian and Tony were both born in the United States. Lillian’s parents both emigrated from Jabing to the United States in the 1920’s. Her father, Joseph Wagner, first settled in Chicago, and lived there for four years. He then came to New York City to reunite with his girlfriend from Jabing, Mary Titz, whom he married in 1927.
Tony’s parents both immigrated to the United States in 1930…. but from Gaas. His father, Rudolph Gross, and his mother, Mary Feibel, had married the year before in Gaas. When they immigrated and arrived in the United States, Mary was pregnant with Tony, who was then born in Northampton, Pennsylvania.
Tony spent six years in Gaas with his grandparents when he was a young boy so his parents could both work and earn a livelihood during the Depression. This was very common for many of the early Burgenland immigrants at that time. Life in the United States was not that easy for the new immigrant families at that time.
Tony returned to America in 1938 when he was eight years old. His parents were then living in the Yorkville section of New York City where many of the other Burgenland immigrants lived. That’s where he met Lillian, whose family also lived there. Both Lillian and Tony speak so fondly of those years when they were teenagers and young adults, sharing many happy times with their Burgenland friends, many of whom they still socialize with today……..more than 50 years later.
Tony and Lillian got married in 1952 and had a big Burgenland “Hochzeit”. Tony had jus t finished college, and was working as a chemist for the Nabisco Corporation. It was the right time to settle down and be on their own.

They were married from St. Joseph’s Church on 87th Street in New York City, which was the adopted church for many Burgenlaenders who lived in the Yorkville section of the City at that time. They had their wedding reception at the Bohemian Hall, a popular place for Austrians at that time. Soon after, they bought a house and moved to Orangeburg, a suburb of New York City.
Lillian and Tony have three adult daughters and seven grandchildren. Family means a lot to them, and they make a point of getting everyone together for the holidays each year, even though this has become more difficult as people have scattered to many different areas.
Over the years they have made numerous trips to Burgenland… thirteen to be exact. In the 1970’s they would visit every three or four years. Tony has relatives in Gaas and Lillian has relatives in Jabing. The two towns became their “homes” and the focal point of all of their visits to Austria.
Tony fondly recalls his first trip back to Burgenland in 1973. He had driven up to the “Weinbergen” in Gaas with his two aunts. He stopped the car and his eyes lit up when he noticed the old “Weinkeller”, which he pointed out to his aunts. They were amazed that he had remembered such a detail after being away from Gaas for so many years.
Tony and Lillian have made a point of exposing their daughters and grandchildren to the customs and traditions of Burgenland. All of the daughters were lucky enough to travel with them on trips to Burgenland, where they met relatives they had heard about, but had never seen before. On some of the later trips it was the grandchildren who were fortunate enough to travel with them. The trips have provided lasting memories for the family and an appreciation by all of the beauty of the area and the friendliness of the people.

Three years ago, while driving back from a visit to their daughter in North Carolina, Lillian lost vision in one of her eyes. Shortly thereafter, the sight in the other eye began to deteriorate.
For most of us, this would have dampened our spirits and altered our lifestyle. However, Lillian did not let this get in her way. She continues to view life in a positive manner. Her enthusiasm remains…..especially her strong feelings for Burgenland and its traditions.
She and Tony have continued to put up the miniature displays of Jabing and Gaas at Christmastime, even though this has become a much more difficult chore. Also, they have maintained close associations with their Burgenland friends, and have not let their setback affect their enjoyment of life. Everyone loves to spend time with Lillian and share her company. Indeed, she is an inspiration to all who meet her.

Frank Paukowits