Quilting and sewing were other pre-war group projects, the ladies with their children rotating through all of the homes in the village so that everyone received help. Refreshments were available and gossip, songs and stories enlivened the work. Gertrude says that falling asleep to the murmur of adult
voices in the shadows cast by oil lamp light gave one a wonderful feeling of comfort and security.
Field work was an all day venture and a lunch and liquid refreshment were carried. I showed Gertrude a small antique pottery bottle from the Güssing area and she said she carried water in one just like it, closed with a cork.
In late 1945, the thunder of Russian and Wehrmacht artillery came ever closer to Heiligenkreuz. (One Russian Army Group swung south of Budapest to Lake Balaton, then split and swung west to the Austrian border.) When the flash of the guns was seen, Gertrude’s mother gathered her children and went to an Aunt’s home in Poppendorf just a few kilometers west. A fortunate decision on her part. Gertrude says that load noises made her tremble for years.
Heiligenkreuz is an important crossroads border village and was an important military objective. The Germans defended it. The village was shelled, burned and heavily damaged. There were civilian casualties among those who didn’t leave. Their names can be found on the war memorial. Poppendorf, much smaller, escaped much damage, although the next two villages, Eltendorf and Konigsdorf were shelled. When the fighting moved west, the Schlener family returned to their home to find it damaged and full of holes. Their possessions were broken or gone. The bad times, the hungry times started.
For some time there was nothing to buy, nothing to eat. Everything was in a state of chaos. The Russians were of some help but they did what they pleased. Some packages arrived from relatives and friends in the United States and were much appreciated. Early in the early 1950’s, the Schlener family had enough, decided to leave the old “Heimat” and emigrated to the United States.
We discussed the present situation in Burgenland. How prosperous it is, automobiles, roads, evidence of plenty, everything neat and well maintained, modern conveniences-a far cry from 1945. A Phoenix reborn from the chaos of war. I wonder if the villagers still socialize with busy work? I did see a group of Poppendorf ladies processing pumpkin seeds as late as 1993. Hope it continues. I’d gladly exchange television for some old fashioned socializing. Gertrude’s visit provided a glimpse of what our immigrant ancestors social life was all about.
 

by G. Berghold <GBerghold@aol.com>
     Albert Schuch, Burgenland Editor