Gerhard Berlenbach Transcriptions
This part of the collection contains letters written by Gerhard Berlenbach during the period just after World War II. They were written to his friend, Ernest Balarzs. In these we can get a glimpse of what life was like in the French occupied part of Germany, following World War II. We have provided a letter-style transcription for each document, below a gallery containing all of the corresponding images. In addition, the gallery contains the text associated with each individual image. For a full line-by-line transcription of all the letters written by Gerhard, a PDF is available for viewing as well.
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Ingelheim,
June 1st 1946.
My dear Ernst,
You will be surely surprised finally to hear something from myself. May I hope that you still remember me from the days you spent with me in Germany. Do you also remember the fair and warm evenings at the fense in front of our house with me, my mother, my sister Emma and often my little friend Kavl Helmut? I wish that you and your comarades are already in the States and that you and your parents are glad and healthy like we.
Every day I go to school again. We have much to do. Besides English and Latin we have got French. It is more difficult to learn than the English language which is simple to write and to read.
In the afternoons when I have done my home-work I play foot-ball and other games or I help my parents in the fields because there is much to work. On sundays I like to see fine films and
interesting football matchs but sometimes I prefer to swim in the “River Rhine” or to go for a walk along it. Now my dear friend I have told you all what I know. I hope that my letter survives and that you are glad about it. If I have done any mistakes I beg your pardon because it’s my first English letter I write. Dear Ernst, I would be very happy if I would also get a news from my old American fellow.
With kindest regards
Your friend,
Gerhard.
gerhard002
adress: Gerhard Berlenbach
(18) Ingelheim I.
Bingerstr. 166.
Ingelheim 27. January, 47.
Dear Ernst!
I am sorry that have let such a long time pass without writing you a letter but I expected your answer on my last letter in vain. How it seems to me you have’nt received it, you surely would have written me some lines. Before I go any further I will ask how are things with you and your parents?
Because you wanted an information about socially and economically things I will repeat once more. what I have told you in my last letter. This year we have to face a hard winter. Hunger and cold, sickness and death rage around us. No foods, no clothing, nothing to burn and little to eat, everywhere the same. We are all glad when this winter is over and spring comes again.
Old fellow, in your last letter you wrote me that if I need anything you would try to send it to me. At first I would’nt make use of your kind offer. But because our need is too great I would Be you ever grateful to you if you would send me some provisions or some clothes. x
When I have finished my study at school I have the purpose to go to the States and I hope to see you there once again. Then I shall personally thank you for all what you have done for me. Now I will stop. for now. I wish you very much success in your study and before all a good health.
Sincerely a friend
“Gerhard”
x It may be worn clothes of you.
Before I shut the envelope I will send you the regards of my parents and my sister “Emma.”
My address:
GERHARD BERLENBACH
INGELHEIM I
BINGERSTRASSE 166.
(ZONE FRANÇAISE.)
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AMERICA
RED INK STAMP: [Taxe percue1 O_TS Om__RM]
INK STAMP: [INGELHEIM (RHEIN) 15.3.47.-16]
Mr
ERNST BALARZS
BOX 412.
CONCORD COLLEGE
ATHENS, WEST VIRGINIA.
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E. BERLENBACH, INGELHEIM/RHEIN
BINGERSTR. 166. (ZONE FRANCAISE)
VERTICAL WRITING:[Vice.
Nancy Horn
Eleanor Ringler
Sec. Ringler]