Hanau, Germany, about 1946. This girl in this photo is Nijole. She stands with her Parents, her maternal Grandmother, and a family friend near the Displaced-Persons camp. Nijole writes, "But who were those ominous men in the ruins??" You can read more about Nijole's experience here.
Thanks to my friend Nijole for making this photo available to us.
6 comments:
The ominous men in the ruins may have been building inspectors, making sure there were no inhabitants before condemning it.
I don't doubt a lot of people used what was left of bombed out buildings for shelter that first winter after V-E Day.
That's a likely explanation.
Nijole's piece was harrowing and redemptive. The aunt relegated to Siberia who not only returned, but flourishes at 101! Luckily, the Balzekas Museum has extended its DP exhibit. For once, living in my sad southern suburb can be deemed a cultural advantage.
The Balzekas page has some additional background.
If you visit Balzekas, then I recommend a stop at Grand Duke's Restaurant in Summit. The Kugelis, potato sausages, and potato pancakes are great. "Tastes like home."
Grand Duke's is an irresistible add: you had me at potato pancakes, thanks! I love the cheek-and-jowl nature of the length of 63rd, as well as the buffeting lag between population shifts and cultural institutions.
The "Lithuanian Combo Plate" also is delicious.
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