Zeit(ungs)reise: Living History
On May 28, 1819, a severe cloudburst caused extensive damage in Tscherms near Lana. In addition to devastated vineyards and flooded stables and cellars, the local church was deeply buried under debris. The financial damage to the small village is substantial.
In Schwaz, 58 florins were collected for the needy at the turn of the year in place of traditional gift exchanges. Furthermore, detailed meteorological data for the year 1820 was published for Innsbruck, revealing a colder, wetter, and windier year compared to the 44-year average.
In November 1820, Aloys dal Piaz was solemnly installed as the new provost in Bozen. Reports also mention a particularly bountiful grape harvest of varying quality and a series of suspected arson attacks occurring on Sundays in Lana, Terlan, and St. Peter.
A historical account compares statutory wages for farmhands, maids, and day laborers in the Inn Valley and Vinschgau from the mid-14th century with monetary values in 1820. The overview illustrates the significant decline in money's purchasing power over roughly 450 years, attributed to the influx of precious metals from America and new European mines.
A statistical overview for the year 1819 records a total population of 733,083 inhabitants for Tyrol and Vorarlberg, alongside their distribution across individual districts. Despite unfavorable circumstances, the population increased slightly over eleven years, with a notable female majority. Additionally, it is announced that weather observations from Trento will be published regularly starting with the next issue.
A report from Bozen outlines favorable harvest prospects for wine, corn, and silk cocoons, as well as visits by foreign travelers and the researcher F. W. Sieber. From Rovereto, the arrival of Archduke Rainer, Viceroy of the Lombard-Venetian Kingdom, and his consort is reported.
The Princely Thurn und Taxis Revenue Office in Merano announces a public auction of approximately 300 Yhren of red and white wine, as well as vinegar, for 16 May 1820. The notice lists the starting prices by quality class as well as the terms of payment and collection. The announcement is signed by revenue officer Franz Anton Tschohl.
In the district of Botzen, the Emperor's birthday was celebrated on 12 February 1820 with solemn high masses across all deaneries and parishes. Numerous inhabitants and local authorities attended the church services to express their loyalty to the monarch. In some communities, the occasion was further marked by charitable donations.
On November 30, the 73-year-old Dean Gottfried von Egloff zu Stadhof und Melans celebrated his 50th priestly jubilee in Bozen. The celebrations included a solemn high mass attended by local authorities and the public, accompanied by mortar shots from the Virgl mountain. A subsequent festive banquet honored the jubilee celebrant.
On 14 November 1819, a solemn ceremony took place in Bozen to award the medium gold medal of honor to former Landesschützen Major Count Joseph von Mohr. The Emperor thus recognized his merits during the defense of the country in 1809. The ceremony in the Mercantile Hall was led by District Captain Leopold Ritter von Hauer in the presence of civil and military authorities.
In 1819, on the initiative of Gubernorial Vice President Count von Chotek, the first experiments in cultivating Chinese mountain rice were conducted in Bozen and Trient. Despite late sowing and severe drought, the results demonstrated the crop's potential for Tyrolean agriculture. Further cultivation trials were announced for the following year.
The upcoming Bartholomew Market in Bozen raises hopes for high attendance, as numerous Austrian merchants have already arrived. A large selection of domestic goods is prepared for Italian and other foreign buyers. Government measures facilitate the transport of goods to the Lombardo-Venetian Kingdom.
The provost of the Bozen parish church and president of the Charity Commission, Anton v. Jäger, has passed away at the age of approximately 80. He was known for his charitable work for the poor and previously served as a parish priest in Lienz. Additionally, an accident in the parish church is reported, where a broken bell clapper injured a mason.
The report provides details on the Corpus Domini market in Bozen and the demand for Austrian cloth and leather. It also highlights the low attendance of Italian merchants due to trade stagnation and notes an exceptionally good silkworm harvest in southern Tyrol.
A report from Bozen indicates excellent harvest prospects for field crops, fruit, and wine. Due to plentiful supplies from the previous wine harvest, wine prices are falling while grain prices remain stable. It is also reported that a thunderstorm on June 12 passed without causing damage.
On June 12, 1819, a severe thunderstorm hit Bozen. Lightning struck the house of the Engel butcher in Fleischgasse, entering the room of Dr. Eichholzer and causing significant material damage. The doctor suffered burns to his wig and ear, but survived the incident largely unharmed.
On May 28, 1819, a severe cloudburst caused extensive damage in Tscherms near Lana. In addition to devastated vineyards and flooded stables and cellars, the local church was deeply buried under debris. The financial damage to the small village is substantial.
End of the archive reached.