Zeitungsreise: Living History
On December 24, 1821, a severe landslide occurred in Guntschna near Gries, in which a meadow and massive rocks collapsed onto a farmhouse. While the father and two children escaped, the mother was buried under the debris. Despite immediate rescue operations led by Kreishauptmann Ritter von Hauer, the woman remained missing.
An article in the Bote für Tirol recalls the historical presence and use of Tyrolean white marble, particularly from Schlanders, Göflan, Ratschings, and other locations. Reference is made to historical reports from 1738 by archivist Anton Roschmann, comparing Tyrolean marble to that of Carrara.
The second part of the historical treatise on the fires of Bozen describes the magistrate's 1598 statute mandating tile roofs. This regulation protected Bozen from major conflagrations for over 300 years. The article emphasizes that fireproof roofs are of vital importance for the safety and prosperity of any city.
A historical account outlines the devastating fires in the city of Bozen in the years 1224, 1291, 1443, and 1483. Alongside victim counts and the extent of destruction, municipal chronicles and tax relief granted by the authorities are analyzed. The text also examines the geographical and structural causes of these catastrophic blazes.
The article summarizes the results of the population and livestock census in the seven circles of Tyrol and Vorarlberg for the military year 1820. The total population reached 737,562 souls, representing an increase of 5,480 over the previous year. A significant growth in livestock, particularly horses, oxen, and cows, is also documented.
The second part of the essay examines the German language islands in southern Tyrol and northern Italy, such as Deutschnofen, Truden, Altrei, and the Sette Comuni. The author discusses dialectal characteristics and historical theories regarding settlement by miners or during the establishment of the March of Verona. Furthermore, he calls for urgent linguistic research in the field, as the use of the German language is rapidly declining.
A historical investigation into the origins, language, and dialects of the German linguistic islands in southern Tyrol and Upper Italy, including the Sette and Tredici Comuni as well as the settlements in the Regglberg area. The author discusses various hypotheses regarding the establishment of these colonies and calls for thorough scientific study before the German language vanishes from these regions.
Following heavy downpours in late May 1821, all of Tyrol from Innsbruck to Valsugana suffered severe flooding. The Sill, Eisack, Etsch, Passer, and Fersina rivers overflowed their banks, causing extensive destruction to roads, bridges, dikes, and fields. Damage to infrastructure and agriculture matched or surpassed that of the disastrous year 1817 in several areas.
In late May 1821, heavy rainfall in the Bozen area caused a significant rise in the Eisack and Talfer rivers. The floodwaters washed away large quantities of timber, damaged the main road near Deutschen, and temporarily disrupted postal services to the south.
In 1820, cultivation experiments with Chinese mountain rice were carried out in the Bozen district. While trials in higher-altitude locations failed due to harsh weather and cold winds, locations such as Bozen, Lana, Meran, Andrian, and Tramin yielded positive results. District Captain Ritter von Hauer plans further trials in the Bozen valley plain in the coming year.
Numerous workers are currently employed in hydraulic engineering projects along the Eisack and Etsch rivers. The k. k. district engineer is seeking additional workers at a fair daily wage.
An account of the origins of the Hohlepfannfeuer bonfires near Merano, traced back to the plague years of 1634–1635. At that time, the fires served as signs of life for those who had fled to the mountains. In 1821, the fires were lit less frequently due to concerns over fire hazards.
On the occasion of the Emperor's birthday, court cashier Johann Hofer is solemnly awarded the small gold medal of honor in St. Leonhard in Passeier for his services to the defense of the country. The festivities include a high mass, a procession with a Schützen company and Turkish music, and a celebratory shooting match. The award honors Hofer's long-standing dedication to Tyrol.
A report from Bozen informs about the passage of two battalions of the Imperial-Royal Infantry Regiment Argenteau heading towards Trent and South Tyrol. Alongside the exemplary conduct of the troops, the outstanding performance of the regiment's musicians is highlighted, who delighted the public with performances in the theatre and during a high mass.
The article provides a detailed cost breakdown for clearing land and establishing vineyards in the I. R. District Court of Merano up to the first yield in the fourth year. In addition to material and labor costs, it considers soil conditions on the Küchelberg and maize intercropping.
In 1821, so-called excuse cards were sold in Botzen, Bruneck, and other Tyrolean judicial districts in place of traditional New Year visits to raise funds for local workhouses and poorhouses. Additionally, the report details military movements and the quartering of the Imperial-Royal Infantry Regiment Argenteau in Bruneck.
The second part of the treatise from Lana examines the various wine types of Tyrol and the geographical and climatic influences on wine quality in the Etsch valley. It also explores the reasons why pure must fermentation has so far met with little acceptance compared to traditional grape fermentation. Finally, the author calls for a practical, generally understandable dissemination of agricultural knowledge.
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.
An article discussing the characteristics of Tyrolean viticulture and wine processing compared to other regions. The author examines natural conditions, consumption habits, and foreign trade. Logistical and economic obstacles preventing long-term storage are also highlighted.
End of the archive reached.