From: Krasna, Bessarabia 1 June 1930

Dear Editor Brendel:

I told you in my last report that the winter wheat had sustained some damage, but things have changed. We had a few days of great rainfall and all is fresh and green. We anticipate a good harvest.

We are having trouble with the rapeseed; however, the caterpillars are a real plague. We have tried many ways to get rid of them, but without any results. Root vegetables, which we had thought a loss, are also making a comeback. Several of the farmers plowed over their barley fields after last year’s harvest hoping to plant corn there this year. When they arrived at those fields in the spring, they found these parcels were green and did not plow them under. Now the barley is standing tall in splendor. I have never seen such great looking barley in all of my life. A sea of barley! It is only a pity that there is no good market for it. Prices are still way too low. Barley fetches 20 Lei and corn (Bobschoi) 34 Lei.

Thursday, May 29 was the Ascension of Christ celebration. We had a procession to the cemetery where Pastor Leibham held a moving sermon. He talked about the fallen in the world war. He suggested beginning a collection to establish a lasting monument just like many other villages had already done. During the Vesper, 2,500 Lei was collected. Our major appointed a contingent of men to go from house to house and continue the collection.

In response to your message, Editor Brendel, thank you. I have received it and the Furch brothers are especially grateful and will never forget your kindness. Our chief Pastor Haase in Tarutino is a very kind old gent, who will be glad to receive your message and take steps to save the unfortunate man. It was a real thrill for me to have assisted in this matter as well. When I get my copy of the Rundschau, there are already three people in line to read it. Everyone wants to read that paper. Please advise our fellow countrymen in America and Canada to spread the word to subscribe and send subscriptions to friends over here who are poor. You would really make them happy.

Weddings: Widow Elisabetha Ternes nee Fenrich and the bachelor son of Max Marthe, Albert. Much happiness in your marriage!

The following left this morning for Canada: Vinzenz Fenrich and wife Katharina nee Koch and their five children. – Mrs. Veronika nee Rückert, with four children. Best of luck in your new homeland!

Greetings to Johannes Mueller [Müller] in Montebela [Montebello], Brazil. Please write more often to the Dakota Rundschau. Your reports are well received here and eagerly anticipated.

To all readers here and there, the editor and staff, greetings.

Joseph Braun