Back at the Square

I first introduced the part of Schweinfurt devoted to the Lithuanian Displaced Persons camp here. The city, which sat in the American-occupied zone of postwar Germany, fell under the administration of UNRRA.

Contrary to what you might think of postwar Germany, those areas under American and UNRRA control gave a lot of self-governance to the ethnic groups in the DP camps. The administrations encouraged "amateur cultural activities," sponsored exhibits, and supported all sorts of scouting activities and religious rites.

It's my impression that patriotism really swelled for most Lithuanian DPs after they became refugees.

Schweinfurt, Germany, about 1948. My Dad, in the lighter-colored shirt, joins fellow scouts at the Lithuanian entry to the DP camp.