“Lost Homeland Georgshausen”

GEORGSHAUSEN / GYÖRGYHÁZA / VELIKA GREDA BOOK - ENGLISH EDITION

Henry Fischer has a great knowledge of the Danube Swabian culture and dialect, because of that he did a wonderful translation, without him this work would not have been accomplished.  He has written several books on the Danube Swabians.  Since the original book used local words, it was unlike translating a typical German book, but fortunately, we were able to contact a number of the former villagers who helped answer the numerous questions that arose during the translation.  In addition, the author’s daughter, Barbara Hebenstreit, proof read the entire book.  

Dr. Wüst wrote the book in a style that Germans refer to as: “to the heart going,” its like he is sitting there telling the story.  Primary topics covered: 

• A short history of the Banat.
• The consequences of the First World War.
• The founding of Georgshausen in 1849 and its development, such as the railroad, artesian wells, enlarging the village, church life, politics and industry.  Also its bond with Zichydorf.
• WWII and shortly after.  About 55 pages are devoted to this.  It includes many personal stories, and the tragedies that WWII brought to the village.
• Life in the village and the customs; about 50 pages.  The author did a very good job with this topic.  In the chapter “This is the Way it was Back Home” he starts with the beginning of the year and discusses all of the major events and holidays throughout the year.  He also includes the customs for baptisms, weddings and funerals. 
• The Birg family of Georgshausen, formerly from Karlsdorf.  The Birgs were one of the most well known families throughout the Banat.  They were industrialists and large farmers.  The life and legends about this family are covered in the book.
• Housing, eating and drinking.
• Agriculture, industry, shopkeepers and trades.
• Social organizations and the activities and games for the children.
•  “An Excursion to the Kirchweih in Gross Gaj.”  This is a humorous story that took place when the automobile was still a novelty in the Banat.  A group of young men commandeered a traveling salesman’s automobile and drove it to the Kirchweih celebration in the neighboring village of Gross Gaj.  The problem was they did not know anything about cars, nor was the road suited for auto travel!  It turned out to be a sensation in Gross Gaj.
• The names of the villagers who were living in the village at Easter of 1941 and where the former villagers were living in 1991.
• A table of words from the local dialect.
• A 1941 village map showing where each family lived.

The English edition has additional pages and footnotes added to describe some things in more detail.  It also has about 30 more pictures than the German edition.  Total number of pictures in the book is a little over 150.  It’s a hard cover book.  Counting the introductory section and a few blank pages, the book is 294 pages. 

The price is $46 (USD or CAD), plus shipping. 

Shipping rates:

In the US, the book can be shipped by media mail for $3. 

Sending one book to Canada is $21.20, there is no media mail rate for Canada.  However, I may be able to mail it from within Canada for much less.  I am checking into this option.  Multiple books can be sent to Canada much cheaper in flat rate postal boxes.  There are two flat rate boxes, one will hold three books and costs $24 for postage ($8 per book), there is a bigger box that will hold five books and costs $30 for postage ($6 per book).  For the folks in the Regina area, I will be sending them in bulk to Glenn Schwartz and you can pick up a copy at his house. 

The postage for sending one book to Germany, Austria, Serbia or Hungary is $25.15 (16 EUR) , sending three in a flat rate box to those countries is $39 (24.72 EUR).  Total cost to Europe for one book is $71.15 (45.15 EUR).  

If interested in a copy or copies contact Ray Borschowa - Telephone:  503 845-6487 

Henry Fischer websites: 

www.swabiantrek.com
www.dvhh.org/community/interviews/fischer.htm
http://geocities.com/childrenofdanube/html/introducing.html 

Georgshausen Website - English: 
www.akten-center.at/3Doerfer_im_Banat/index.php?S=start&PHPSESSID=bmm98qd1eaqh5hbtmiifhup0v4 

Georgshausen Website - German: 
www.akten-center.at/3Doerfer_im_Banat/index.php?S=start