Tender

Near Erlangen, German, about 1944. By the time this woman—a medical-school classmate of my Mom's—gave Mom this snapshot, the woman's husband had long departed for the Eastern Front.

Gathered

Neuhaus Displaced Persons Camp, Germany 1944. Relatives from my Dad's side adjust to camp life.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Fear-of-Heights Reunion

Germany, about 1947. Dad also saved this postcard issued by the Bavarian Railway.

"Welcome to U.S.A.!"

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Atlantic Ocean, July 2, 1949. This is the last newletter the General Howze issued prior to docking in New York City. My friend Kris's Uncle Al did the artwork and hand lettering for the piece.

Thanks to Kris for making this document available to us.

Exchanging Portraits (Part 65)

Probably Schweinfurt, Germany about 1948. This fellow was one of my Dad's scouting buddies.

A Sunny Summer

Schweinfurt, Germany, about 1947. This is a close friend of my paternal Grandmother, Tatjana.

Imagine the beach.

Near Seligenstadt, Germany, 1948. Make the most of the location.

Identification

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Near Schweinfurt, Germany, February 26, 1949. Dad received this card shortly before he emigrated to the United States.

Traveler's Memento

Frankfurt, Germany, about 1948. Dad saved a stack of postcards from his travels in Germany.

Welcome, Summer

Near Seligenstadt, Germany, 1948. Find your summer spot.

The German Minister's Villa, in Three Takes

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Kaunas, Lithuania, October 2010. In the 1920s, the villa was the site of some swanky diplomatic entertaining. It was also home to a Saint Bernard.

Thanks to the Granddaughter of the American Consul for making this photo available to us.

A View of the Displaced Persons Camps

From the "No Home to Go To" Exhibit.

Exchanging Portraits (Part 58)

Seligenstadt, Germany, about 1949. My Mom's friend has a passport photo, and she is ready to emigrate.

Another Party at the German Villa

Kaunas, Lithuania, April 26, 1927. The American Consul to Lithuania wrote:

This storm had abated somewhat when Professor Ranzoni and I went to the Morahts' where we were invited for the dinner they were giving President and Mrs. Smetona and the Minister President and Mrs. Voldemaras. Lily was unable to go . . . There were again 13 persons at the table, my second experience of this kind within 24 hours . . . this was the President's first appearance in a private gathering since his election. Mrs. Smetona has always wanted to accept such invitations, but the Foreign Offie steadfastly objected on the ground that it would be improper for the President to appear socially at legations since by so doing, he would be obliged to accept all such invitations, whether he wishes to or not. But Mrs. Smetona finally had her way, as usual. She accepted the Moraht invitation on the condition that the party should be informal; so to keep up the fiction of informality, no invitations were send out and the guests were requested to come in afternoon clothes. Everybody did this but Professor Voldemaras, who wore a Tuxedo. The party was rather stiff at first, but after the first glass of wine, everybody became lively and the animation became greater as time passed. After dinner, the ladies played bridge. Mr. Moraht retired to a quiet corner with the President and talked for over an hour. Professor and Mrs. Voldemaras left and midnight and the President and his wife an hour later. Mr. Moraht compelled the professor and me to stay one. We left at about half-past one after a very enjoyable and interesting evening.

 Thanks to the Consul's Granddaughter for making this photo and narrative available to us.

Committee Meeting

Hanau, Germany, about 1946. My friend Nijole's Dad was leader of the Hanau Displaced Persons Camp. He stands on the right, and his wife stands next to him. Thanks to my friend Nijole for making this photo available to us.

Dedication

Hanau, Germany, about 1946. My friend Nijole has brought a doll to the scouting ceremony.

Thanks to Nijole for making this photo available to us.

Winter Station

Germany, about 1947. Here's another postcard from the Bavarian Railway.

Clinical Education

Erlangen, Germany, about 1946 or 1947. Mom remembers many medical-school clinics in the center of the college town.

The MV Wilhelm Gustloff . . .

. . . sank 71 years ago today. Over 9,000 passengers—including many Displaced Persons—died.

The German Minister's Villa

Kaunas, Lithuania, about 1926 or 1927. This is the villa occupied by the German Minister (here's the doggie). The American Consul to Lithuania wrote: 

[September 19, 1926] "At the top of the so-called green hill, where there is a fine view of Kovno, we saw the home of the German minister. It is a detachable wooden house brought from Germany. As there is a great scarcity of apartments here and it is only now that a start has been made in erecting modern and sanitary buildings, the Germans solved their housing problem in a very practical manner—they brought their house with them."

[Otober 25, 1926] "At noon, I returned the German minister's call and this afternoon he [Minister Moraht] and Mrs. Moraht called on us. They are pleasant people and we hope to see much of them."

[October 30, 1926] "From [there], we went to the German Minister's house, which is also on the 'green hill.' It is small and has an unfinished appearance inside because the walls are not papered. The walls and ceilings are of wood painted a dark brown, but there may be rooms with more cheerful colors. Mrs. Moraht said that they have ordered another room which will be sent from Germany in pieces and set up by German workmen who will come for that purpose."

[February 5, 1927] "This evening we had dinner with the Morahts at their villa on the green hill, this being the first party they have given since the house was enlarged and their furniture installed. It is nicely furnished with some fine old furniture and a number of beautiful oriental rugs. The dinner was rather elaborate, beginning with caviar on toast and ending with ice cream. They served excellent German wines and champagne. The cognac, dated 1830, was also German. At about midnight we went to the Hotel Metropole where there was a ball. The place was crowded and everybody seemed to be in good spirits. Mr. Moraht took the party to the Metropole (It took two trips). Mr. Moraht took us home in his car at three o'clock. It was a pleasant and interesting evening."
 
Thanks to the Consul's granddaughter for making this photo and narrative available to us.