From: Krasna, Bessarabia
12 December 1930
Esteemed Staats Anzeiger!
Finally, it seems that the dry weather has come to an end over here. The long awaited moisture is pouring down continuously for the second day and slowly soaks into the thirsting ground. Already several weeks ago, lesser rains came down, but these were insignificant. Because of the long lasting drought, only small amounts of winter wheat were planted this fall. This little bit of seeding showed only a meager growth. However, should the current warm spell and the wet weather last a while, then the winter seeds could possibly develop fairly well.
Peter and Maximilian Müller are hereby notified that their sister Marianna died recently.
All in all the health among people and animals is satisfactory. As far as I know, no one is on the sick list. All are in good health, and I believe that young and old alike are looking forward to a soon to arrive Christmas. Certainly, this time around, there will be fewer presents. One already has gotten used to the miserable low amount of cash on hand and also learned how to be happy and content with less.
As always, this year before Christmas, management of our community store procured very nice things, only in lesser quantities. Members of the community store take care of the cash register and sales transactions. It was my turn the last few days. I must say, that it was a joy for me to look into those shiny eyes of children who came along to shop with their moms for Christmas presents. However, one had to conform to a tight budget and buy only as little as possible. Less than usual is bought, yet the children are content and indescribably happy.
Yes, there is a shortage everywhere and it has to take its’ course, for such are the circumstances. Regardless, however, passions come to their full account. Our community store does a quarter of a million Lei worth of business annually with tobacco goods.
In addition to the community store, there are two private stores, which probably transact even more of such articles. Consequently, over a half a million Lei go up in smoke in Krasna. And what all could be done with a half a million Lei! It is regrettable that such great sacrifice is given to this vice.
Nevertheless, there is yet another vice. Wine, which is indulged more by men than women. There are far over a hundred widows in Krasna and only a few widowers. In retrospect, the women’s opinions by large seem to be correct when they say that the Saiber wine and tobacco are to blame.
Krasna needed a new bell. The biggest among the old ones cracked and became useless. Now a new one was ordered which supposedly weighs 320 Kilos. By the time it is put into place it will most likely cost 60,000 Lei. Salvaging the old bell will offset this amount; the supplier of the new bell will pay 65 Lei per kilogram. The weight of the old bell is about the same as that of the new one. A bell by itself is nothing, but its’ meaning in service is huge, “The living I call, the dead I mourn, lightening I defuse.” By the time these lines reach their destination, the old year most likely will have ended and the new one will be on its’ course.
Therefore, I do not want to neglect to wish the entire reader circle, as well as the newspaper folks, lots of luck and God’s rich blessing for the New Year.
Greeting you respectfully,
Isidor Leinz