Source: Dakota Rundschau, 15 May 1931 · 📰

From: Krasna, Bessarabia
22 April 1931

Dear Editor Brendel:

Easter went well although the weather was cold. Some farmers are done with their planting already. They complain that it is hard work because the ground is so wet and the temperature is low. Our wood stoves are still burning. Much rain!

A mishap occurred on April 13 on a trip home from the fields. Basilius Steiert followed the wagon of his son and his son’s maid. Nikolaus Harsche walked alongside the road and Basilius stopped to pick him up. Enroute near the mountain where the road turned rough, the drill machine began to rattle at the back of the wagon. The horses shied and took off running, hitting the wagon in front tearing it apart. Son and maid were tossed off the wagon and the horses took off. Nikolaus Harsche landed under the drill machine and was almost killed as the runaway horses dragged Basilius. He is in bed now with large head wounds and a concussion.

Another accident happened to the widow of the late Eugenius Dressler, Theresia, who stood at the window preparing dough for dumplings. Across from her window is the well where a neighbor just watered his horses. The horses got into a fight and one of the horses shattered her window. The widow was hit in the eye with flying glass. She was transported to the doctor in Tarutino. She could not get help there, but was told to go to Akkermann where the entire eye has to be removed.

Thanks to Mr. Philipp Kahl in Shields, ND for his nice reports in the Rundschau, that is passed around over all of Krasna. Max Kahl expressed his thanks about the news of his brother, Augustin. We often raised the question which of our Krasna folk actually ended up in Shields. Could Cousin Philipp perhaps be so kind and write a short report on that theme in the Rundschau? We would be grateful.

On April 17, we had rain and snow. Such a terrible storm that one sod house collapsed after another. Soggy cellars were flooded and burst apart. At least the masons will have work.

Johannes Bachmeier, the son of Georg, is asking his friend Alexius Wingenbach from Brisbane, ND to show a sign of life. It can be done through the Rundschau, which is widely read here. He sends his regards.

Katharina Folk, daughter of widower Gabriel Folk, died on April 19 at the age of 18. She was the main support of the family. Her sickness cost the family a pretty penny too. May the Lord give her eternal peace!

A strange thing happened to Max Haag. One of his ewes gave birth to a quadruplet of lambs. Two are suckled by the mother and two on cow’s milk. The lambs are healthy and visitors stop daily to see them.

Today, April 22, our weather is nice and the cattle are grazing outside in green pasture.

Greetings to the editor and all readers here and there.

Joseph Braun