From: Shields, North Dakota
7 January 1930

Dear Dakota Rundschau:

Up to now I have been reading your publication at my neighbor’s house, my godfather Nikolaus Fergel whose wife is the daughter of Johannes Wingenbach of Krasna.

I am very impressed by the rich variety of material the Rundschau offers and I am herewith ordering my own subscription, check enclosed.

We are already 20 years in America. Just reading the article by Mr. Braun about the Krasna village, one gets a clear and concise picture of what is going on there as to who is still alive, who lives in what house, etc. I would like to encourage my fellow Krasna villagers not to pay any mind to the two dollars and subscribe to this great paper. It offers a wealth of Bessarabian news and how life is there. I personally am overjoyed to have found my sibling Fridolinus Arnold again, whom I am greeting herewith.

We had beautiful weather over the holidays. The cattle did not need to be fed; they could graze. On January 5, however, a cold spell arrived and temperatures dropped to 23 below zero.

Our last harvest was very weak and prices are still down. Cream only brings 35¢. And, dear farmer, the butter sells for 50¢ or 60¢ per pound. Such prices could ruin dairy people.

There is always talk about bringing about changes, but nothing changes. Even the farmers, who have essentially a common interest in the matter, do not trust each other. Each one is for him. He can’t help out others either, since he can barely survive himself. One turns to the bank and feels betrayed again. My brother Zacheaus [Zachäus] and I sold some cattle and put our money in the bank on July 5. The bank closed July 13. Our cattle were gone, so was the money. People say it doesn’t hurt the farmer, but we farmers know that it hurts plenty.

In closing, I would like to greet all our Bessarabian countrymen and urge them to order the Rundschau and read it diligently. Braun and young Schlick are beginning with the description of the village.

Kindest regards,
Philipp Kahl