© Copyright Peter Crawford 2012
August Kubizek
"He alone knows Hitler the Führer who knows Hitler the boy."
In 1951, Kubizek, who had rejected other post-war offers for his memoirs, agreed to publish 'Adolf Hitler, mein Jugendfreund' ('Adolf Hitler, My Boyhood Friend') through the Leopold Stocker Verlag.
Editor's Note:
"He alone knows Hitler the Führer who knows Hitler the boy."
It caused a stir when it was released in 1953 and was later translated into several languages.
In the epilogue Kubizek wrote, - "Even though I, a fundamentally unpolitical individual, had always kept aloof from the political events of the period which ended forever in 1945, nevertheless no power on earth could compel me to deny my friendship with Adolf Hitler."
In the epilogue Kubizek wrote, - "Even though I, a fundamentally unpolitical individual, had always kept aloof from the political events of the period which ended forever in 1945, nevertheless no power on earth could compel me to deny my friendship with Adolf Hitler."
Editor's Note:
Kubizek wrote 'Adolf Hitler, mein Jugendfreund' in German, for a mainly German and Austrian readership.
The world that he describes in his account is the world of central Europe, (Mitteleuropa), as it was at the end of the 19th Century, and the beginning of the 20th Century.
He assumes a knowledge, on the part of his readers, of the politics, culture, and personalities of that particular place and time.
For English readers, who may not be familiar with the particular period of history in question, the editor has provided copious notes, plus a brief 'Foreword' and a short biography of August Kubizek.
In addition, Kubizek's account has been lavishly illustrated - in many cases with contemporary photographs, but it should be noted that these illustrations do not appear in the original publications of Kubizek's book.
FOREWORD
Adolf Hitler is undoubtedly the most enigmatic figure of the twentieth century, or possibly of any century in recorded history.
Here is a man, unremarkable in most ways in his youth and early manhood, who eventually was looked upon, quite literally, as a god by most Germans and Austrians, and who held an entire society, from aristocrats to generals, intellectuals, university professors, captains of industry, artists, architects, engineers, philosophers - in fact almost all levels of society - in his sway, captivating them in a way that no other person has been able to captivate whole generations.
And when defeat and annihilation faced these same people, the vast majority continued to be held by this man's strange power right to the end, and to the very gates of death.
But this man had only one friend - a friend from his boyhood - and even then it was a one sided relationship with Hitler, as always, dominating.
And so here we have the recollections of this friend - biased undoubtedly - but giving us a fascinating insight into the personality of Adolf Hitler.
Editor's Note:
Wilhelm Richard Wagner - 22 May 1813 – 13 February 1883 - was a German composer, conductor, theatre director, philosopher, music theorist, poet, essayist and writer primarily known for his operas (or "music dramas", as they were later called).
Wagner's compositions, particularly those of his later period, are notable for their complex texture, rich harmonies and orchestration, and the elaborate use of leitmotifs: musical themes associated with individual characters, places, ideas or plot elements.
Unlike most other opera composers, Wagner wrote both the music and libretto for every one of his stage works. Perhaps the two most well-known extracts from his works are the Ride of the Valkyries from the opera Die Walküre, and the Wedding March (Bridal Chorus) from the opera Lohengrin.
The Austrian and the Hungarian lands became independent entities enjoying equal status. Austria-Hungary was a multinational realm and one of the world's great powers at the time.
The dual monarchy had existed for 51 years until it dissolved on 31 October 1918 before a military defeat on the Italian front of the First World War.
© Copyright Peter Crawford 2012
Linz and Vienna - the two cities that feature prominently in Kubizek's account - are indicated in gold - other provincial capitals of the empire are indicated in red.
© Copyright Peter Crawford 2012
Franz Joseph I
August Kubizek
a brief biograophy
August ("Gustl") Kubizek (3 August 1888, Linz – 23 October 1956, Eferding).
This account deals with the darkest, perhaps the most formative, and therefore, in some sense, the most interesting period of Hitler's life.
His public life is now fully-indeed oppressively-documented; his mature character is now, seemingly, fully known.
But his crucial early years, the years between leaving school and joining the Bavarian army are, in the language of one of his biographers (Thomas Orr, 'Das War Hitler- Revue', Munich, 1952, No. 4)], “impenetrable.
And yet those are the years in which that character, that unparalleled 'will power', that relentless systematic mind was formed.
Any light on those undocumented years is welcome.
The light shed by this account is more than that: it penetrates and reveals the character of the young Hitler as no other study has done.
But before showing this let us examine the meagre framework of fact into which it is fitted.
August was the first born and only surviving child of Michael and Maria Kubizek.
His sisters Maria, Therese and Karoline died in early childhood.
Kubizek later wrote that this was a striking parallel between his own life and that of Adolf Hitler, whose mother had lost four children prematurely.
As the surviving sons of grief stricken mothers, August and Adolf could not help but feel they had been spared or "chosen" by fate.
Kubizek and Hitler first met while competing for standing room in the Landestheater in Linz, Austria (see left).
Because of their shared passion for the operas of Richard Wagner they quickly became close friends and later roommates in Vienna while both sought admission into college.
Editor's Note:
Wilhelm Richard Wagner - 22 May 1813 – 13 February 1883 - was a German composer, conductor, theatre director, philosopher, music theorist, poet, essayist and writer primarily known for his operas (or "music dramas", as they were later called).
Wagner's compositions, particularly those of his later period, are notable for their complex texture, rich harmonies and orchestration, and the elaborate use of leitmotifs: musical themes associated with individual characters, places, ideas or plot elements.
Unlike most other opera composers, Wagner wrote both the music and libretto for every one of his stage works. Perhaps the two most well-known extracts from his works are the Ride of the Valkyries from the opera Die Walküre, and the Wedding March (Bridal Chorus) from the opera Lohengrin.
The two shared a small room in Stumpergasse 29/2 door 17 in the sixth district of Vienna from 22 February to early July 1908 (see right).
Editor's note :
Editor's note :
In 1804, during the Napoleonic wars, Vienna became the capital of the Austrian Empire and continued to play a major role in European and world politics, including hosting the 1814 Congress of Vienna.
After the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, Vienna remained the capital of what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The city was a centre of classical music, for which the title of the First Viennese School is sometimes applied.
During the latter half of the 19th century, the city developed what had previously been the bastions and glacis into the Ringstraße, a new boulevard surrounding the historical town and a major prestige project.
Former suburbs were incorporated, and the city of Vienna grew dramatically.
In 1918, after World War I, Vienna became capital of the First Austrian Republic.
From the late 19th century to 1938, the city remained a centre of high culture and modernism.
A world capital of music, the city played host to composers such as Brahms, Bruckner, Mahler and Richard Strauss.
The city's cultural contributions in the first half of the 20th century included, amongst many, the Vienna Secession movement, psychoanalysis, the Second Viennese School, the architecture of Adolf Loos and the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein.
As the only son of a self-employed upholsterer, August was expected to someday take over his father's business, but he secretly harboured dreams of becoming a conductor.
With Adolf's encouragement, he devoted more and more of his time to this passion, completing all the musical training available to him in Linz, however, to achieve his goal, he would require higher education in music which was only offered in Vienna.
It was Adolf Hitler who, at the age of eighteen, successfully persuaded Kubizek's father to let his son go to the metropolis to attend the conservatory.
This, Kubizek wrote, changed the course of his life for good.
He was immediately accepted into the Vienna Conservatory where he quickly made a name for himself.
Hitler, however, was twice denied entrance into Vienna's art academy, a fact which he kept hidden from his friend for some time.
Then, quite suddenly, on November 20, 1908, Kubizek returned to Vienna and, arriving at 29 Stumpergasse, found that his friend had disappeared, leaving no address.
It was only forty years later that Kubizek was to learn what had happened: “my friend had moved out of the Stumpergasse because the rent was too much for him and had found much cheaper accommodation at a so-called Men's Hostel in the Meldemannstrasse.
He was immediately accepted into the Vienna Conservatory where he quickly made a name for himself.
Hitler, however, was twice denied entrance into Vienna's art academy, a fact which he kept hidden from his friend for some time.
Then, quite suddenly, on November 20, 1908, Kubizek returned to Vienna and, arriving at 29 Stumpergasse, found that his friend had disappeared, leaving no address.
It was only forty years later that Kubizek was to learn what had happened: “my friend had moved out of the Stumpergasse because the rent was too much for him and had found much cheaper accommodation at a so-called Men's Hostel in the Meldemannstrasse.
Adolf had disappeared into the shady depths of the Metropolis.
Then began for him those years of bitterest misery of which he himself says little and of which there is no reliable witness."
Kubizek completed his studies in 1912 and was hired as conductor of the orchestra in Marburg on the Drau, Austria (called Maribor in Slovenia after 1918).
Then began for him those years of bitterest misery of which he himself says little and of which there is no reliable witness."
Kubizek completed his studies in 1912 and was hired as conductor of the orchestra in Marburg on the Drau, Austria (called Maribor in Slovenia after 1918).
He was later offered a position at the Stadttheater in Klagenfurt, but this job and his musical career were cut short by the beginning of World War I.
Before leaving for the front he married Anna Funke (7 October 1887 – 4 October 1976), a violinist from Vienna with whom he had three sons: Augustin, Karl Maria and Rudolf.
From August 1914 until November 1918 Kubizek served as a reservist in Regiment 2 of the Austro-Hungarian Infantry.
In the Carpathian winter campaign of 1915, he was wounded at Eperjes in Hungary (now Prešov in Slovakia) and later evacuated to Budapest in an ambulance train.
After months of convalescence, he returned to the front and was attached to a mechanised corps in Vienna.
Before leaving for the front he married Anna Funke (7 October 1887 – 4 October 1976), a violinist from Vienna with whom he had three sons: Augustin, Karl Maria and Rudolf.
From August 1914 until November 1918 Kubizek served as a reservist in Regiment 2 of the Austro-Hungarian Infantry.
In the Carpathian winter campaign of 1915, he was wounded at Eperjes in Hungary (now Prešov in Slovakia) and later evacuated to Budapest in an ambulance train.
After months of convalescence, he returned to the front and was attached to a mechanised corps in Vienna.
After the war Kubizek accepted a position as an official in the municipal council of Eferding, Upper Austria (see left), and music became his hobby.
After seeing Hitler on the front page of the Münchner Illustrierte (circa 1920) Kubizek followed his friend's career with some interest, although he did not attempt to contact him until 1933 when he wrote to congratulate him on having become Chancellor of Germany.
Six months later Kubizek received an unexpected reply from Hitler, who wrote to his old friend "Gustl" saying, "I should be very glad... to revive once more with you those memories of the best years of my life."
Thirty years after Hitler had broken off contact with Kubizek the two friends were reunited on 9 April 1938 during one of Hitler's visits in Linz.
The two spoke for over an hour at the Hotel Weinzinger and Hitler offered Kubizek the conductorship of an orchestra, which Kubizek politely refused.
Upon learning of his friend's three sons Hitler did, however, insist on financing their educations at the Anton Bruckner Conservatory in Linz.
After seeing Hitler on the front page of the Münchner Illustrierte (circa 1920) Kubizek followed his friend's career with some interest, although he did not attempt to contact him until 1933 when he wrote to congratulate him on having become Chancellor of Germany.
Six months later Kubizek received an unexpected reply from Hitler, who wrote to his old friend "Gustl" saying, "I should be very glad... to revive once more with you those memories of the best years of my life."
Thirty years after Hitler had broken off contact with Kubizek the two friends were reunited on 9 April 1938 during one of Hitler's visits in Linz.
The two spoke for over an hour at the Hotel Weinzinger and Hitler offered Kubizek the conductorship of an orchestra, which Kubizek politely refused.
Upon learning of his friend's three sons Hitler did, however, insist on financing their educations at the Anton Bruckner Conservatory in Linz.
Hitler later invited Kubizek to attend the Bayreuth festival (see right) as his guest in 1939 and again in 1940, experiences described by Kubizek as "the happiest hours of my earthly existence".
Editor's Note :
Editor's Note :
The Bayreuth Festival (German: Bayreuther Festspiele) is a music festival held annually in Bayreuth, Germany, at which performances of operas by the 19th century German composer Richard Wagner are presented.
Wagner himself conceived of and promoted the idea of a special festival to showcase his own works, in particular his monumental cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen and Parsifal.
Performances take place in a specially designed theatre, the Bayreuth Festspielhaus.
Wagner personally supervised the design and construction of the theatre, which contained many architectural innovations to accommodate the huge orchestras for which Wagner wrote as well as the composer's particular vision about the staging of his works.
In the 1920s, well before the rise of the Nazi party, Winifred Wagner became a strong supporter and close personal friend of Adolf Hitler; her correspondence with Hitler has never been released by the Wagner family.
She and other festival leaders were members of Nazi chief ideologue Alfred Rosenberg's 'Kampfbund für deutsche Kultur' - (Fighting League for German Culture) - which actively suppressed modernist music and works by "degenerate" artists.
The festival maintained some artistic independence under the Third Reich.
It was under the Third Reich that the festival made its first break from tradition, abandoning the deteriorating 19th century sets created by Richard Wagner.
Many protested at the changes, including prominent conductors such as Toscanini and Richard Strauss, and even some members of the Wagner family.
In their view, any change to the festival was a profanation against "the Master" (Wagner).
Nevertheless, Hitler approved of the changes, thus paving the way for more innovations in the decades to come.
Nevertheless, Hitler approved of the changes, thus paving the way for more innovations in the decades to come.
Kubizek saw Hitler for the last time on 23 July 1940, although as late as 1944 Hitler sent Kubizek's mother a food basket for her 80th birthday.
His friend told him: "This war will set us back many years in our building programme. It is a tragedy. I did not become Chancellor of the Greater German Reich to fight wars."
The Führer was speaking after the successful campaigns in Poland and France.
When the tide began to turn against Hitler's favour, Kubizek, who had avoided politics all his life, became a member of the NSDAP in 1942 as a gesture of loyalty to his friend.
In December 1945, Kubizek gathered the collection of postcards and other keepsakes given to him by Hitler during their youth and concealed them carefully in the basement of his house in Eferding.
He was arrested shortly afterwards and held at Glasenbach, where he was imprisoned and interrogated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command for 16 months.
His home was searched, but the Hitler correspondence and drawings were not found.
On 8 January 1956 Kubizek was named the first honorary member of the Musikverein in Eferding.
He died on 23 October 1956, aged 68, in Linz and is buried in Eferding, Upper Austria.
And what is the character which Hitler showed to Kubizek in these four years of friendship?
Externally Hitler appears a drifting character: he has failed at school, has no employment, has been rejected by the Academy, is in Vienna for no clearly stated purpose, and lives on a pittance eked out by painting postcards.
But behind this shiftless exterior Kubizek constructs what must have been there, although it was not apparent to casual acquaintances: the character of the man who, from these beginnings, without any other natural advantages besides his own personality, became the most powerful ruler and conqueror of modern history.
Here we see along with the incipient monomania, the repetitive clichés, and the Wagnerian romanticism of his later years -- the early evidence of that unbreakable will power, that extraordinary self-confidence.
We see the penniless, unemployed, unemployable young Hitler, at sixteen, confidently rebuilding in his imagination the city of Linz, as he was afterwards to rebuild it in fact, and never for a moment doubting that he would one day carry out these improbable plans; we see him exercising over an elderly Austrian upholsterer that irresistible hypnotic power with which he was afterwards to seduce a whole nation; we see him, in Vienna, fortifying himself against a corrupt and purposeless society by adopting an iron asceticism, like some ancient crusader guarding himself against corruption in a pagan world.
And then turning to detail, we see in Vienna, when Kubizek was closest to him, the working of Hitler’s mind as it feels its way towards the beginnings of national socialism: his voracious but systematic reading; his sudden discovery of politics; his hatred of the social injustice of urban life represented to him, the architect, by squalid slum buildings; his fear—the fear which he was afterwards to exploit among millions of lower-middle-class Germans of sinking into proletarian status.
Behind the outward meaninglessness of his hand-to-mouth existence we see the inner purposefulness of his studies, his experiences, his reasoning.
The account may sometimes be romanticised, but not, I think, much, or more than is legitimate and indeed inevitable in the recollections of youth.
By all external checks Kubizek's account is reliable, and to anyone who has studied the mind and character of Hitler it is also inherently plausible.
Hitler’s character, in the years after 1908, undoubtedly became harder.
In some respects it also changed, not its quality but its direction.
We learn casually from Kubizek that in his Vienna days, Hitler was a pacifist; and certainly the ruthlessness of his later worship of war becomes more comprehensible when we realise that it was the religion of a convert.
But fundamentally we see here what we have never seen before, and what superficial observers have never shown: the formation of that positive character which afterwards achieved the dreadful miracle of our century; the character of the man who, in circumstances of apparent hopelessness, resolved not to rest till he had found an answer not only to his problem, but to the problem of a continent.
“He did not know what resignation meant,” says Kubizek. “He who resigned, he thought, lost his right to live.”
Thanks to the experience and the harsh thought of those years Hitler was afterwards able, in circumstances which he could not then have envisaged, to mobilise, some of the best as well as some of the worst instincts of a defeated people:
'What though the field be lost ?
All is not lost; the unconquerable Will,
And study of revenge, immortal hate.
And courage never to submit or yield:
And what is else not to be overcome ?'
Editor's Note:
The Austro-Hungarian Empire
The setting for Kubizek's description of the early life of Adolf hitler is the Austro-Hungarian Empire - an empire which dissapeared at the conclusion of the Great War (1914-1918).
© Copyright Peter Crawford 2012
The Austro-Hungarian Empire, more formally known as the Kingdoms and Lands Represented in the Imperial Council and the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen, was a constitutional monarchic union between the crowns of the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary in Central Europe.
The union was a result of the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, under which the House of Habsburg agreed to share power with the separate Hungarian government, dividing the territory of the former Austrian Empire between them.
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
The realm comprised modern-day Austria (see right - small arms of Austria), Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and parts of Italy, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine.
The Habsburg monarch ruled as Emperor of Austria over the western and northern half of the country that was the Austrian Empire (Cisleithania or Lands represented in the Imperial Council), and as King of Hungary over the Kingdom of Hungary (see small arms left) (Transleithania or Lands of the Crown of Saint Stephen) which enjoyed a great deal of sovereignty with only a few joint affairs (principally foreign relations and defence).
The division was so marked in fact that there was no common citizenship: a person was either an Austrian or a Hungarian citizen (legally it wasn't allowed to hold both citizenships at the same time).
The two capitals of the Monarchy were Vienna for Austria and Buda for Hungary, the latter united with neighbouring Pest as Budapest from 1870.
Vienna, however, would serve as the nation's primary capital.
© Copyright Peter Crawford 2012
Austria-Hungary was geographically the second largest country in Europe after the Russian Empire (621,538 square kilometres (239,977 sq mi) in 1905), and the third most populous (after Russia and the German Empire).
As a multinational empire and great power in an era of national awakening, it found its political life dominated by disputes among the eleven principal national groups.
The Monarchy bore the name internationally of "Österreichisch-Ungarische Monarchie" (on decision by Franz Joseph I in 1868).
© Copyright Peter Crawford 2012
Austria–Hungary
Empire of Austria (Cisleithania): 1. Bohemia, 2. Bukovina, 3. Carinthia, 4. Carniola, 5. Dalmatia, 6. Galicia, 7. Küstenland, 8. Lower Austria, 9. Moravia, 10. Salzburg, 11. Silesia, 12. Styria, 13. Tyrol, 14. Upper Austria, 15. Vorarlberg;
Kingdom of Hungary (Transleithania): 16. Hungary proper 17. Croatia-Slavonia;
Austrian-Hungarian Condominium: 18. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Österreich-Ungarn 1910: Cisleithanien: 1. Böhmen, 2. Bukowina, 3. Kärnten, 4. Krain, 5. Dalmatien, 6. Galizien, 7. Küstenland, 8. Österreich unter der Enns, 9. Mähren, 10. Salzburg, 11. Schlesien, 12. Steiermark, 13. Tirol, 14. Österreich ob der Enns, 15. Vorarlberg; Transleithanien: 16. Ungarn, 17. Kroatien und Slawonien; 18. Bosnien und Herzegowina
Linz and Vienna - the two cities that feature prominently in Kubizek's account - are indicated in gold - other provincial capitals of the empire are indicated in red.
Franz Joseph I
During the period covered by Kubizek's account, the ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was Franz Joseph I (see right).
Franz Joseph I (Hungarian: I. Ferenc József, 18 August 1830 – 21 November 1916) was Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia, King of Croatia, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Galicia and Lodomeria and Grand Duke of Cracow from 1848 until his death in 1916.
In the December of 1848, Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria abdicated the throne as part of Ministerpräsident Felix zu Schwarzenberg's plan to end the Revolutions of 1848 in Austria, which allowed Ferdinand's nephew Franz Joseph to ascend to the throne.
Largely considered to be a reactionary, Franz Joseph spent his early reign resisting constitutionalism in his domains.
The Austrian Empire was forced to cede most of its claim to Lombardy–Venetia to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia following the conclusion of the Second Italian War of Independence in 1859, and the Third Italian War of Independence in 1866.
Although Franz Joseph ceded no territory to the Kingdom of Prussia after the Austrian defeat in the Austro-Prussian War (see left), the Peace of Prague (23 August 1866) settled the German question in favor of Prussia, which prevented the unification of Germany under the House of Habsburg (Großdeutsche Lösung).
Franz Joseph was troubled by nationalism during his entire reign.
He concluded the Ausgleich of 1867, which granted greater autonomy to Hungary, hence transforming the Austrian Empire into the Austro-Hungarian Empire under his Dual Monarchy.
His domains were then ruled peacefully for the next 45 years, although Franz Joseph's personal life became increasingly tragic after the suicide of his son, the Crown Prince Rudolf in 1889 (see left), and the assassination of his wife, the Empress Elisabeth in 1898.
Franz Joseph died on 21 November 1916, after ruling his domains for almost 68 years.
He was succeeded by his grandnephew Karl.
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© Copyright Peter Crawford 2012
'ADOLF HITLER - MEIN JUGENDFREUND'
('Adolf Hitler - My Boyhood Friend')
August Kubizek
'I was born in Linz on the third of August, 1888.
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
Before his marriage my father had been an upholsterer's assistant at a furniture manufacturer's in Linz (see left Stadtwappen Linz).
Editor's Note:
Linz is the third-largest city of Austria and capital of the state of Upper Austria (German: Oberösterreich).
It is located in the north centre of Austria, approximately 30 km (19 mi) south of the Czech border, on both sides of the river Danube.
The city was founded by the Romans, who called it Lentia.
The name Linz was first recorded in AD 799, after Bavarians expanded south and Linz (see right) became a center of trade.
It was a provincial and local government city of the Holy Roman Empire, and an important trading point connecting several routes, on either side of the river Danube from the East to the West and Bohemia and Poland from north to the Balkans and Italy to the south.
Being the city where the Habsburg Emperor Friedrich III spent his last years, it was, for a short period of time, the most important city in the empire.
It lost its status to Vienna and Prague after the death of the Emperor in 1493.
One important inhabitant of the city was Johannes Kepler (see left), who spent several years of his life in the city teaching mathematics.
He discovered, on 15 May 1618, the distance-cubed-over-time-squared — or 'third' — law of planetary motion.
The local public university, Johannes Kepler University, is named for him.
Another famous citizen was Anton Bruckner (see right), who spent the years between 1855 and 1868 working as a local composer and church organist in the city.
The local concert hall "Brucknerhaus" and a local private music and arts university are named after him.
My father used to have his midday meal in a little café and it was there he met my mother who was working as a waitress.
They fell in love, and were married in July, 1887.
At first the young couple lived in the house of my mother's parents.
My father's wages were low, the work was hard, and my mother had to give up her job when she was expecting me. Thus I was born in rather miserable circumstances.
One year later my sister Maria was born, but died at a tender age.
The following year, Therese appeared; she died at the age of four.
My third sister, Karoline, fell desperately ill, lingered on for some years, and died when she was eight. My mother's grief was boundless. Throughout her life she suffered from the fear of losing me, too; for I was the only one left to her of her four children.
Consequently all my mother's love was concentrated upon me.
My father's wages were low, the work was hard, and my mother had to give up her job when she was expecting me. Thus I was born in rather miserable circumstances.
One year later my sister Maria was born, but died at a tender age.
The following year, Therese appeared; she died at the age of four.
My third sister, Karoline, fell desperately ill, lingered on for some years, and died when she was eight. My mother's grief was boundless. Throughout her life she suffered from the fear of losing me, too; for I was the only one left to her of her four children.
Consequently all my mother's love was concentrated upon me.
Meanwhile, my father had set up on his own and had opened an upholsterer's business at No. 9 Klammstrasse.
The old Baernreiterhaus, heavy and ungainly, which still stands there unaltered, became the home of my childhood and youth.
The narrow, sombre Klammstrasse looked rather poor in comparison with its continuation, the broad and airy promenade, with its lawns and trees.
Our unhealthy housing conditions had certainly contributed to the early death of my sisters.
In the Baernreiterhaus things were different. On the ground floor there was the workshop and, on the first floor our apartment, which consisted of two rooms and a kitchen. But now my father was never free from money troubles.
In the Baernreiterhaus things were different. On the ground floor there was the workshop and, on the first floor our apartment, which consisted of two rooms and a kitchen. But now my father was never free from money troubles.
Business was bad.
More than once he contemplated closing down the business and again taking a job with the furniture makers. Yet, each time, he managed to overcome his difficulties at the last moment.
More than once he contemplated closing down the business and again taking a job with the furniture makers. Yet, each time, he managed to overcome his difficulties at the last moment.
I started school, a very unpleasant experience.
My mother wept over the bad reports I brought home. Her sorrow was the only thing that could persuade me to work harder. Whereas for my father there was no question but that I should in due course take over his business -- why else did he slave from morning till night? -- it was my mother's desire that I should study in spite of my bad reports; first I should have four years at the Grammar School, then perhaps go to the Teachers' Training College.
But I would not hear of it, I was glad when my father put his foot down and, when I was ten, sent me to the Council School. In this way, my father thought, my future was finally decided.
For a long time, however, there had been another influence in my life for which I would have sold my soul: music,
This love was given full expression when, at nine years of age, I was given a violin as a Christmas present.
I remember distinctly every single detail of that Christmas, and when today in my old age I think back, my conscious life seems to have started with that event. The eldest son of our neighbour was a young pupil-teacher and he gave me violin lessons. I learned fast and well.
I remember distinctly every single detail of that Christmas, and when today in my old age I think back, my conscious life seems to have started with that event. The eldest son of our neighbour was a young pupil-teacher and he gave me violin lessons. I learned fast and well.
When my first violin teacher took a job in the country I entered the lower grade of the Linz School of Music, but I did not like it there very much, perhaps because I was much more advanced than the other pupils.
After the holidays I once more had private lessons, this time with an old Sergeant-Major of the Austro-Hungarian Army Music Corps, who straightway made clear to me that I knew nothing and then began to teach me the elements of violin playing "in the military fashion." It was real barrack-square drill with old Kopetzky.
Sometimes when I got fed up with his rough sergeant-major manners he consoled me by assuring me that, with more progress, I should certainly be taken as apprentice-musician into the army, in his opinion the peak of a musician's glory.
I gave up my study with Kopetzky and entered the intermediate class of the School of Music where I was taught by Professor Heinrich Dessauer, a gifted, efficient and sensitive teacher. At the same time I studied the trumpet, trombone and musical theory, and played in the students' orchestra.
After the holidays I once more had private lessons, this time with an old Sergeant-Major of the Austro-Hungarian Army Music Corps, who straightway made clear to me that I knew nothing and then began to teach me the elements of violin playing "in the military fashion." It was real barrack-square drill with old Kopetzky.
Sometimes when I got fed up with his rough sergeant-major manners he consoled me by assuring me that, with more progress, I should certainly be taken as apprentice-musician into the army, in his opinion the peak of a musician's glory.
I gave up my study with Kopetzky and entered the intermediate class of the School of Music where I was taught by Professor Heinrich Dessauer, a gifted, efficient and sensitive teacher. At the same time I studied the trumpet, trombone and musical theory, and played in the students' orchestra.
I was already playing with the idea of making music my life's work when hard reality made itself felt. I had hardly left the Council School when I had to join my father's business as an apprentice. Formerly, when there was a shortage of labour, I had had to lend a hand in the workshop and so was familiar with the work.
It is a repulsive job to re-upholster old furniture by unravelling and remaking the stuffing. The work goes on in clouds of dust in which the poor apprentice is smothered. What rubbishy old mattresses were brought to our workshop!
All the illnesses that had been overcome -- and some of them not overcome -- left their mark on these old beds. No wonder that upholsterers do not live long. But soon I also learnt the more pleasant aspects of my work: personal taste and a feeling for art are necessary in it, and it is not too far removed from interior decorating. One would visit well-to-do homes, one saw and heard a lot and, above all, in winter there was little or nothing to do.
And this leisure, naturally, I devoted to music.
When I had successfully passed my journeyman's test, my father wanted to take on jobs in other workshops. I saw his point, but for me the essential thing was, not to improve my craftsmanship, but to advance my musical studies.
Thus, I chose to stay on in my father's workshop, since I could dispose of my time with more freedom there than under another master.
"There are generally too many violins in an orchestra, but never enough violas."
To this day I am grateful to Professor Dessauer for having applied this maxim and turned me into a good viola player.
Musical life in Linz in those days was on a remarkably high level; August Göllerich (see right) was the Director of the Music Society.
Being a disciple of Liszt's (see left) and a collaborator of Richard Wagner's at Bayreuth, Göllerich was the very man to be the musical leader of Linz, so much maligned as a "peasants' town."
Editor's Note :
Franz Liszt (October 22, 1811 – July 31, 1886) was a 19th-century Hungarian composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher.
Liszt became renowned in Europe during the nineteenth century for his virtuosic skill as a pianist.
He was said by his contemporaries to have been the most technically advanced pianist of his age.
In the 1840s he was considered by some to be perhaps the greatest pianist of all time.
He was also a well-known composer, piano teacher, and conductor.
He was a benefactor to other composers, including Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, Camille Saint-Saëns, Edvard Grieg and Alexander Borodin.
As a composer, Liszt was one of the most prominent representatives of the "Neudeutsche Schule" ("New German School").
He left behind an extensive and diverse body of work in which he influenced his contemporaries.
Some of his most notable contributions were the invention of the symphonic poem, developing the concept of thematic transformation as part of his experiments in musical form and making radical departures in harmony.
Every year the Music Society gave three symphony concerts and one special concert, when usually a choral work was performed, with orchestra.
Editor's Note :
Franz Liszt (October 22, 1811 – July 31, 1886) was a 19th-century Hungarian composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher.
Liszt became renowned in Europe during the nineteenth century for his virtuosic skill as a pianist.
He was said by his contemporaries to have been the most technically advanced pianist of his age.
In the 1840s he was considered by some to be perhaps the greatest pianist of all time.
He was also a well-known composer, piano teacher, and conductor.
He was a benefactor to other composers, including Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, Camille Saint-Saëns, Edvard Grieg and Alexander Borodin.
As a composer, Liszt was one of the most prominent representatives of the "Neudeutsche Schule" ("New German School").
He left behind an extensive and diverse body of work in which he influenced his contemporaries.
Some of his most notable contributions were the invention of the symphonic poem, developing the concept of thematic transformation as part of his experiments in musical form and making radical departures in harmony.
Every year the Music Society gave three symphony concerts and one special concert, when usually a choral work was performed, with orchestra.
My mother, in spite of her humble origin, loved music, and hardly ever missed one of these performances.
While still a small boy, I was taken to concerts.
My mother explained everything to me, and, as I came to master several instruments, my appreciation of these concerts grew.
While still a small boy, I was taken to concerts.
My mother explained everything to me, and, as I came to master several instruments, my appreciation of these concerts grew.
My highest aim in life was to play in the orchestra, either on the viola or the trumpet.
But for the time being it was still a matter of remaking dusty old mattresses and papering walls. In those years my father suffered much from the usual occupational diseases of an upholsterer. When persistent lung trouble once kept him in bed for six months, I had to run the workshop alone.
Thus the two things existed side by side in my young life: work, which made calls on my strength and even on my lungs, and music, which was my whole love.
I should never have thought that there could be a connection between the two.
And yet there was.
Thus the two things existed side by side in my young life: work, which made calls on my strength and even on my lungs, and music, which was my whole love.
I should never have thought that there could be a connection between the two.
And yet there was.
One of my father's customers was a member of the Provincial Government, which also controlled the theatre.
One day there came to us for repair the cushions of a set of rococo furniture.
When the work was done my father sent me to deliver them to the theatre.
The stage manager directed me to the stage, where I was to replace the cushions in their frames. A rehearsal was in progress. I don't know which piece was being rehearsed, but it was certainly an opera.
What I remember still is the enchantment which came over me as I stood there on the stage, in the midst of the singers.
I was transformed as though now, for the first time, I had discovered myself.
When the work was done my father sent me to deliver them to the theatre.
The stage manager directed me to the stage, where I was to replace the cushions in their frames. A rehearsal was in progress. I don't know which piece was being rehearsed, but it was certainly an opera.
What I remember still is the enchantment which came over me as I stood there on the stage, in the midst of the singers.
I was transformed as though now, for the first time, I had discovered myself.
Theatre ! What a world !
A man stood there, magnificently attired. He seemed to me like a creature from another planet. He sang so gloriously that I could not imagine this man could ever speak in the ordinary way. The orchestra responded to his mighty voice.
Here I was on more familiar ground, but in this moment everything that music had hitherto meant to me seemed to be trifling. Only in conjunction with the stage did music seem to reach a higher, more solemn plane, the highest imaginable.
But there I stood, a miserable little upholsterer, and fitted the cushions back into their place in the rococo suite. What a lamentable job! What a wretched existence !
Theatre, that was the word that I had searched for. Play and reality became confused in my excited mind. That awkward fellow with ruffled hair, apron and rolled-up shirt sleeves who stood in the wings and fumbled with his cushions as though to justify his presence -- was he really only a poor upholsterer ? A poor, despised simpleton, pushed from pillar to post and treated by the customer as if he were a stepladder, placed here, placed there according to the moment's need and then, its usefulness over, put aside?
It would have been absolutely natural if that little upholsterer with his tools in his hand had stepped forward to the footlights and, at a sign from the conductor, had sung his part only to prove to the audience in the stalls, nay to an attentive world, that in reality he was not that pale, lanky fellow from the upholsterer's shop in the Klammstrasse, but that his place was really on the stage in the theatre!
A man stood there, magnificently attired. He seemed to me like a creature from another planet. He sang so gloriously that I could not imagine this man could ever speak in the ordinary way. The orchestra responded to his mighty voice.
Here I was on more familiar ground, but in this moment everything that music had hitherto meant to me seemed to be trifling. Only in conjunction with the stage did music seem to reach a higher, more solemn plane, the highest imaginable.
But there I stood, a miserable little upholsterer, and fitted the cushions back into their place in the rococo suite. What a lamentable job! What a wretched existence !
Theatre, that was the word that I had searched for. Play and reality became confused in my excited mind. That awkward fellow with ruffled hair, apron and rolled-up shirt sleeves who stood in the wings and fumbled with his cushions as though to justify his presence -- was he really only a poor upholsterer ? A poor, despised simpleton, pushed from pillar to post and treated by the customer as if he were a stepladder, placed here, placed there according to the moment's need and then, its usefulness over, put aside?
It would have been absolutely natural if that little upholsterer with his tools in his hand had stepped forward to the footlights and, at a sign from the conductor, had sung his part only to prove to the audience in the stalls, nay to an attentive world, that in reality he was not that pale, lanky fellow from the upholsterer's shop in the Klammstrasse, but that his place was really on the stage in the theatre!
Ever since that moment I have remained under the spell of the theatre.
Washing down the walls in a customer's house, slapping on the paste, affixing the undercoat of newspaper and then pasting on the wallpaper, I was all the time dreaming of roaring applause in the theatre, seeing myself as conductor in front of an orchestra.
Such dreaming did not really help my work, and at times it would happen that the pieces of wallpaper were sadly out of position.
But once back in the workshop, my sick father soon made me realise what responsibilities faced me.
Washing down the walls in a customer's house, slapping on the paste, affixing the undercoat of newspaper and then pasting on the wallpaper, I was all the time dreaming of roaring applause in the theatre, seeing myself as conductor in front of an orchestra.
Such dreaming did not really help my work, and at times it would happen that the pieces of wallpaper were sadly out of position.
But once back in the workshop, my sick father soon made me realise what responsibilities faced me.
Thus I swayed between dream and reality.
At home nobody had any inkling of my state of mind; for rather than utter a word about my secret ambitions, I would have bitten off my tongue.
Even from my mother I hid my hopes and plans, but she perhaps guessed what was occupying my thoughts. But should I have added to her many worries ? Thus there was no one to whom I could unburden myself.
I felt terribly lonely, like an outcast, as lonely as only a young man can be to whom is revealed, for the first time, life's beauty and its danger.
Even from my mother I hid my hopes and plans, but she perhaps guessed what was occupying my thoughts. But should I have added to her many worries ? Thus there was no one to whom I could unburden myself.
I felt terribly lonely, like an outcast, as lonely as only a young man can be to whom is revealed, for the first time, life's beauty and its danger.
The theatre gave me new courage.
I didn't miss a single opera performance. However tired I was after my work, nothing could keep me from the theatre.
Naturally, with the small wages that my father paid me, I could only afford a ticket for standing room.
Therefore I used to go regularly into the so-called Promenade, from which one had the best view; and moreover, I found, no other place had better acoustics. Just above the promenade was the Royal box supported by two wooden columns.
These columns were very popular with the habitués of the Promenade as they were the only places where one could prop oneself up with an undisturbed view of the stage. For if you leaned against the walls, these very columns were always in your field of vision.
I was happy to be able to rest my weary back against the smooth pillars, after having spent a hard day on the top of the stepladder! Of course, you had to be there early to be sure to get that place.
Naturally, with the small wages that my father paid me, I could only afford a ticket for standing room.
Therefore I used to go regularly into the so-called Promenade, from which one had the best view; and moreover, I found, no other place had better acoustics. Just above the promenade was the Royal box supported by two wooden columns.
These columns were very popular with the habitués of the Promenade as they were the only places where one could prop oneself up with an undisturbed view of the stage. For if you leaned against the walls, these very columns were always in your field of vision.
I was happy to be able to rest my weary back against the smooth pillars, after having spent a hard day on the top of the stepladder! Of course, you had to be there early to be sure to get that place.
Often it is the trivial things which make a lasting impression on one's memory. I can still see myself rushing into the theatre, undecided whether to choose the left -- or the righthand pillar. Often, however, one of the two columns, the right-hand one, was already taken; somebody was even more enthusiastic than I was.
Half annoyed, half surprised, I glanced at my rival.
He was a remarkably pale, skinny youth, about my own age, who was following the performance with glistening eyes.
I surmised that he came from a better-class home, for he was always dressed with meticulous care and was very reserved.
We took note of each other without exchanging a word.
During the interval of a performance some time later we started talking, as apparently neither of us approved of the casting of one of the parts. We discussed it together and rejoiced in cur common adverse criticism.
I marvelled at the quick, sure grasp of the other.
In this he was undoubtedly my superior.
On the other hand, when it came to talking of purely musical matters, I felt my own superiority. I cannot give the exact date of this first meeting; but I am sure it was around All Saints' Day in 1904.
During the interval of a performance some time later we started talking, as apparently neither of us approved of the casting of one of the parts. We discussed it together and rejoiced in cur common adverse criticism.
I marvelled at the quick, sure grasp of the other.
In this he was undoubtedly my superior.
On the other hand, when it came to talking of purely musical matters, I felt my own superiority. I cannot give the exact date of this first meeting; but I am sure it was around All Saints' Day in 1904.
This went on for some time -- he revealing nothing of his own affairs, nor did I think it necessary to talk about myself. But all the more intensely did we occupy ourselves with whatever performance there happened to be and sensed that we both had the same enthusiasm for the theatre.
Once, after the performance, I accompanied him home to No. 31 Humboldtstrasse (see right). When we took leave of each other he gave me his name: Adolf Hitler.
Chapter 2 - FIRST MEETING
From now on we saw each other at every Opera performance and also met outside the theatre, and on most evenings we would go for a stroll together along the Landstrasse.
While Linz (see right), in the last decade, has become a modern industrial town and attracted people from all parts of the Danube region, it was then only a country town.
In the suburbs there were still the substantial, fortresslike farmhouses, and tenement houses were springing up in the surrounding fields where cattle were still grazing.
In the little taverns the people sat drinking the local wine; everywhere you could hear the broad country dialect.
In the suburbs there were still the substantial, fortresslike farmhouses, and tenement houses were springing up in the surrounding fields where cattle were still grazing.
In the little taverns the people sat drinking the local wine; everywhere you could hear the broad country dialect.
There was only horse-drawn traffic in the town and the carriers took care to see that Linz remained "in the country."
The townspeople, though largely themselves of peasant origin and often closely related to the country folk, tended to draw away from the latter the more intimately they were connected with them.
The townspeople, though largely themselves of peasant origin and often closely related to the country folk, tended to draw away from the latter the more intimately they were connected with them.
Almost all the influential families of the town knew each other; the business world, the civil servants and the military determined the tone of society.
Everybody who was anybody took his evening stroll along the main street of the city, which leads from the railway station to the bridge over the Danube and is called significantly "Landstrasse (see left)."
As Linz had no university, the young people in every walk of life were all the more eager to imitate the habits of university students.
Social life on the Landstrasse could almost compete with that of Vienna's Ringstrasse. At least the Linzers thought so.
Social life on the Landstrasse could almost compete with that of Vienna's Ringstrasse. At least the Linzers thought so.
Patience did not seem to be one of Adolf's outstanding characteristics; whenever I was late for an appointment, he came at once to the workshop to fetch me, no matter whether I was repairing an old, black horsehair sofa or an oldfashioned fashioned wing chair, or anything else.
My work was to him nothing but a tiresome hindrance to our personal relationship. Impatiently he would twirl the small black cane which he always carried. I was surprised that he had so much spare time and asked innocently whether he had a job.
My work was to him nothing but a tiresome hindrance to our personal relationship. Impatiently he would twirl the small black cane which he always carried. I was surprised that he had so much spare time and asked innocently whether he had a job.
"Of course not," was his gruff reply.
This answer, which I thought very peculiar, he elaborated at some length.
He did not consider that any particular work, a "bread-and-butter job" as he called it, was necessary for him.
Such an opinion I had never heard from anybody before. It contradicted every principle which had so far governed my life. At first I saw in his talk nothing more than youthful bragging, although Adolf's bearing and his serious and assured manner of speaking did not strike me at all as that of a braggart. In any case, I was very surprised at his opinions but refrained from asking, for the time being at least, any further questions, because he seemed to be very sensitive about questions that did not suit him; that much I had already discovered. So it was more reasonable to talk about Lohengrin, the opera which enchanted us more than any other, than about our personal affairs.
Perhaps he was the son of rich parents, I thought, perhaps he had just come into a fortune and could afford to live without a "bread-and-butter job" -- in his mouth that expression sounded full of contempt. By no means did I imagine he was work-shy, for there was not even a grain of the superficial, carefree idler in him.
When we passed by the Café Baumgartner he would get wildly worked up about the young men who were exhibiting themselves at marble-topped tables behind the big windowpanes and wasting their time in idle gossip, without apparently realising how much this indignation was contradicted by his own way of life. Perhaps some of those who were sitting "in the shop window" already had a good job and a secure income.
Perhaps this Adolf is a student? This had been my first impression.
The black ebony cane, topped by an elegant ivory shoe, was essentially a student's attribute.
On the other hand it seemed strange that he had chosen as his friend just a simple upholsterer, who was always afraid that people would smell the glue with which he had been working during the day. If Adolf were a student he had to be at school somewhere.
Suddenly I brought the conversation round to school.
"School ?" This was the first outburst of temper that I had experienced with him. He didn't wish to hear anything about school. School was no longer his concern, he said.
Editor's Note :
Empress Maria Theresa instituted the "General School Regulations,in 1774", creating the Austrian educational system.
Eight-year compulsory education was introduced in 1869.
Four years of elementary school (Volksschule for ages 6–10) are followed by secondary education in a Hauptschule, or the first four years of Gymnasium as intermediate school.
It has to be noted that in particular in the rural areas, there is quite often no gymnasium available, so everyone attends the hauptschule.
After the age of 14, students have their first real choice to make, no matter which they have attended until then. They can spend a year at the polytechnic school which qualifies them for vocational school as part of a apprenticeship. Or they can go to the Höhere Technische Lehranstalt (HTL), which are technically-orientated higher colleges and a unique feature of the Austrian educational system within Europe.
Finalising the HTL permits to use the title "Ing." (Engineer).
Another option would be the Handelsakademie with a focus on accounting and business administration.
Finally there is the Gymnasium which ends with the Matura exam as the ultimate preparation for a further education at a university.
He hated the teachers and did not even greet them any more, and he also hated his schoolmates whom, he said, the school was turning into idlers. No, school I was not allowed to mention. I told him how little success I had had at school myself. "Why no success ?" he wanted to know.
He did not like it at all that I had done so badly at school in spite of all the contempt he expressed for schooling. I was confused by this contradiction. But so much I could gather from our conversation, that he must have been at school until recently, probably a grammar school or perhaps a technical school, and that this presumably had ended in disaster. Otherwise this complete rejection would hardly have been possible.
For the rest, he presented me with ever recurring contradictions and riddles. Sometimes he seemed to me almost sinister.
One day when we were taking a walk he suddenly stopped, produced from his pocket a little black notebook -- I still see it before me and could describe it minutely -- and read me a poem he had written.
He did not like it at all that I had done so badly at school in spite of all the contempt he expressed for schooling. I was confused by this contradiction. But so much I could gather from our conversation, that he must have been at school until recently, probably a grammar school or perhaps a technical school, and that this presumably had ended in disaster. Otherwise this complete rejection would hardly have been possible.
For the rest, he presented me with ever recurring contradictions and riddles. Sometimes he seemed to me almost sinister.
One day when we were taking a walk he suddenly stopped, produced from his pocket a little black notebook -- I still see it before me and could describe it minutely -- and read me a poem he had written.
I do not remember the poem itself any longer; to be precise, I can no longer distinguish it from the other poems which Adolf read to me in later days. But I do remember distinctly how much it impressed me that my friend wrote poetry and carried his poems around with him in the same way that I carried my tools.
When Adolf later showed me his drawings and designs which he had sketched -- somewhat confused and confusing designs which were really beyond me -- when he told me that he had much more and better work in his room and was determined to devote his whole life to art, then it dawned on me what kind of person my friend really was.
He belonged to that particular species of people of which I had dreamed myself in my more expansive moments; an artist, who despised the mere bread-and-butter job and devoted himself to writing poetry, to drawing, painting and to going to the theatre.
This impressed me enormously. I was thrilled by the grandeur which I saw here. My ideas of an artist were then still very hazy -- probably as hazy as were Hitler's. But that made it all the more alluring.
When Adolf later showed me his drawings and designs which he had sketched -- somewhat confused and confusing designs which were really beyond me -- when he told me that he had much more and better work in his room and was determined to devote his whole life to art, then it dawned on me what kind of person my friend really was.
He belonged to that particular species of people of which I had dreamed myself in my more expansive moments; an artist, who despised the mere bread-and-butter job and devoted himself to writing poetry, to drawing, painting and to going to the theatre.
This impressed me enormously. I was thrilled by the grandeur which I saw here. My ideas of an artist were then still very hazy -- probably as hazy as were Hitler's. But that made it all the more alluring.
Adolf spoke but rarely of his family. He used to say that it was advisable not to mix too much with grownups, as these people with their peculiar ideas would only divert one from one's own plans. For instance, his guardian, a peasant in Leonding called Mayrhofer, had got it into his head that he, Adolf, should learn a craft. His brother-in-law, too, was of this opinion.
I could only conclude that Adolf's relations with his family must have been rather peculiar. Apparently among all the grownups he accepted only one person, his mother.
And yet he was only sixteen years old, nine months younger than I.
However much his ideas differed from bourgeois conceptions it did not worry me at all -- on the contrary! It was this very fact, that he was out of the ordinary, that attracted me even more. To devote his life to the arts was, in my opinion, the greatest resolution that a young man could take; for secretly I, too, played with the idea of exchanging the dusty and noisy upholsterer's workshop for the pure and lofty fields of art, to give my life to music. For young people it is by no means insignificant in what surroundings their friendship first begins. It seemed to me a symbol that our friendship had been born in the theatre, in the midst of brilliant scenes and to the mighty sound of great music. In a certain sense our friendship itself existed in this happy atmosphere.
Moreover my own position was not dissimilar to Adolf's. School lay behind me and could give me nothing more. In spite of my love and devotion to my parents, the grownups did not mean very much to me. And, above all, in spite of the many problems that beset me there was nobody in whom I could confide.
Nevertheless, it was at first a difficult friendship because our characters were utterly different. Whereas I was a quiet, somewhat dreamy youth, very sensitive and adaptable and therefore always willing to yield, so to speak, a "musical character," Adolf was exceedingly violent and high-strung. Quite trivial things, such as a few thoughtless words, could produce in him outbursts of temper which I thought were quite out of proportion to the significance of the matter. But probably I misunderstood Adolf in this respect. Perhaps the difference between us was that he took things seriously which seemed to me quite unimportant. Yes, this was one of his typical traits; everything aroused his interest and disturbed him -- to nothing was he indifferent.
But in spite of all the difficulties arising out of our varying temperaments, our friendship itself was never in serious danger. Nor did we, as so many other youngsters, grow cool and indifferent with time. On the contrary! In everyday matters we took great care not to clash. It seems strange, but he who could stick so obstinately to his point of view could also be so considerate that sometimes he made me feel quite ashamed. So, as time went on we got more and more used to each other.
Soon I came to understand that our friendship endured largely for the reason that I was a patient listener. But I was not dissatisfied with this passive role, for it made me realise how much my friend needed me. He, too, was completely alone. His father had been dead for two years. However much he loved his mother, she could not help him with his problems. I remember how he used to give me long lectures about things that did not interest me at all, as for example the excise duty levied at the Danube bridge, or a collection in the streets for a charity lottery. He just had to talk and needed somebody who would listen to him. I was often startled when he would make a speech to me, accompanied by vivid gestures, for my benefit alone. He was never worried by the fact that I was the sole audience.
But a young man who, like my friend, was passionately interested in everything he saw and experienced had to find an outlet for his tempestuous feelings. The tension he felt was relieved by his holding forth on these things. These speeches, usually delivered somewhere in the open, seemed to be like a volcano erupting. It was as though something quite apart from him was bursting out of him.
Such rapture I had only witnessed so far in the theatre, when an actor had to express some violent emotions, and at first, confronted by such eruptions, I could only stand gaping and passive, forgetting to applaud.
But soon I realised that this was not play-acting. No, this was not acting, not exaggeration, this was really felt, and I saw that he was in dead earnest. Again and again I was filled with astonishment at how fluently he expressed himself, how vividly he managed to convey his feelings, how easily the words flowed from his mouth when he was completely carried away by his own emotions.
But a young man who, like my friend, was passionately interested in everything he saw and experienced had to find an outlet for his tempestuous feelings. The tension he felt was relieved by his holding forth on these things. These speeches, usually delivered somewhere in the open, seemed to be like a volcano erupting. It was as though something quite apart from him was bursting out of him.
Such rapture I had only witnessed so far in the theatre, when an actor had to express some violent emotions, and at first, confronted by such eruptions, I could only stand gaping and passive, forgetting to applaud.
But soon I realised that this was not play-acting. No, this was not acting, not exaggeration, this was really felt, and I saw that he was in dead earnest. Again and again I was filled with astonishment at how fluently he expressed himself, how vividly he managed to convey his feelings, how easily the words flowed from his mouth when he was completely carried away by his own emotions.
Not what he said impressed me first, but how he said it. This to me was something new, magnificent. I had never imagined that a man could produce such an effect with mere words. All he wanted from me, however, was one thing -- agreement. I soon came to realise this. Nor was it hard for me to agree with him, because I had never given any thought to the many problems which he raised.
Nevertheless, it would be wrong to assume that our friendship confined itself to this unilateral relationship only. This would have been too cheap for Adolf and too little for me. The important thing was that we were complementary to each other. In him, everything brought forth a strong reaction and forced him to take a stand; for his emotional outbursts were only a sign of his passionate interest in everything. I, on the other hand, being of a contemplative nature, accepted unreservedly all his arguments on things that interested him and yielded to them, always excepting musical matters.
Of course, I must admit that Adolf's claims on me were boundless and took up all my spare time. As he himself did not have to keep to a regular timetable I had to be at his beck and call. He demanded everything from me, but was also prepared to do everything for me. In fact I had no alternative. My friendship with him did not leave me any time for cultivating other friends; nor did I feel the need of them, Adolf was as much to me as a dozen other ordinary friends. Only one thing might have separated us -- if we had both fallen in love with the same girl; this would have been serious. As I was seventeen at the time this might well have happened. But it was precisely in this respect that fate had a special solution in store for us.
Such a unique solution-I describe it later in the chapter called "Stefanie" -- that, rather than upsetting our friendship, served to deepen it.
Such a unique solution-I describe it later in the chapter called "Stefanie" -- that, rather than upsetting our friendship, served to deepen it.
I knew that he, too, had no other friends besides me. I remember in this connection a quite trivial detail. We were strolling along the Landstrasse when it happened. A young man, about our age, came around the corner, a plump, rather dandified young gentleman. He recognised Adolf as a former classmate, stopped, and grinning all over his face, called out, "Hello, Hitler!" He took him familiarly by the arm and asked him quite sincerely how he was getting on. I expected Adolf to respond in the same friendly manner, as he always set great store by correct and courteous behaviour. But my friend went red with rage. I knew from former experience that this change of expression boded ill. "What the devil is that to do with you?" he threw at him excitedly, and pushed him sharply away. Then he took my arm and went with me on his way without bothering about the young man whose flushed and baffled face I can still see before me. "All future civil servants," said Adolf, still furious, "and with this lot I had to sit in the same class." It was a long time before he calmed down.
Another experience sticks out in my memory. My venerated violin teacher, Heinrich Dessauer, had died. Adolf went to the funeral with me, which rather surprised me as he did not know Professor Dessauer at all. When I expressed my surprise he said, "I can't bear it that you should mix with other young people and talk to them."
There was no end to the things, even trivial ones, that could upset him. But he lost his temper most of all when it was suggested that he should become a civil servant. Whenever he heard the word "civil servant," even without any connection with his own career, he fell into a rage. I discovered that these outbursts of fury were, in a certain sense, still quarrels with his long-dead father, whose greatest desire it had been to turn him into a civil servant. So to speak, a "posthumous defence."
It was an essential part of our friendship at that time, that my opinion of civil servants should be as low as his. Knowing his violent rejection of a career in the civil service, I could now appreciate that he preferred the friendship of a simple upholsterer to that of one of those spoilt darlings who were assured of patronage by their good connections and knew in advance the exact course their life would follow. Hitler was just the opposite.
With him everything was uncertain. There was another positive factor which made me seem, in Adolf's eyes, predestined to be his friend: like him I considered art to be the greatest thing in man's life. Of course, in those days, we were not able to express this sentiment in such hifalutin words. But in practice we conformed to this principle, because in my life music had long since become the decisive factor - I worked in the workshop only to make my living.
For my friend art was even more. His intense way of absorbing, scrutinising, rejecting, his terrific seriousness, his ever active mind needed a counterpoise. And only art could provide this.
With him everything was uncertain. There was another positive factor which made me seem, in Adolf's eyes, predestined to be his friend: like him I considered art to be the greatest thing in man's life. Of course, in those days, we were not able to express this sentiment in such hifalutin words. But in practice we conformed to this principle, because in my life music had long since become the decisive factor - I worked in the workshop only to make my living.
For my friend art was even more. His intense way of absorbing, scrutinising, rejecting, his terrific seriousness, his ever active mind needed a counterpoise. And only art could provide this.
Thus I fulfilled all the requirements he would look for in a friend: I had nothing in common with his former classmate, I had nothing to do with the civil service and I lived entirely for art. In addition I knew a lot about music.
The similarity of our inclinations welded us closely together as did the dissimilarity of our temperaments.
I leave it to others to judge whether people who, like Adolf, find their way with a sleepwalker's sureness, pick up at random the companion that they need for that particular part of their path, or whether fate chooses for them. All I can say is that from our first meeting in the theatre up to his decline into misery in Vienna I was that companion for Adolf Hitler.
Adolf was of middle height and slender, at that time already taller than his mother.
His physique was far from sturdy, rather too thin for its height, and he was not at all strong.
His health, in fact, was rather poor, which he was the first to regret.
He had to take special care of himself during the foggy and damp winters which prevailed in Linz.
He was ill from time to time during that period and coughed a lot. In short, he had weak lungs.
His nose was quite straight and well proportioned, but in no way remarkable. His forehead was high and receded a little. I was always sorry that even in those days he had the habit of combing his hair straight down over his forehead.
Yet this traditional forehead-nose-mouth description seems rather ridiculous to me.
Yet this traditional forehead-nose-mouth description seems rather ridiculous to me.
For in this countenance the eyes were so outstanding that one didn't notice anything else. Never in my life have I seen any other person whose appearance -- how shall I put it -- was so completely dominated by the eyes.
They were the light eyes of his mother, but her somewhat staring, penetrating gaze was even more marked in the son and had even more force and expressiveness.
It was uncanny how these eyes could change their expression, especially when Adolf was speaking.
Editor's Note :
Professor Trevor-Roper concurs: ‘Hitler had the eyes of a hypnotist which seduced the wits and affections of all who yielded to their power." One does not acquire such power by accident!
Goebbels wrote about his first meeting with Hitler: "I was fascinated by Hitlers blue eyes...".
Traudl Junge, his last secretary often told in interviews, that "...people were amazed about Hitler's blue eyes....".
Martha Dodd writes in her book that, "Hitler's eyes were startling and unforgettable - they seemed pale blue in color, were intense, unwavering, hypnotic."
One only acquires such power of the eyes by patient training, and undoubtedly Hitler's ability to use his eyes in such a way resulted from his time with Lodz and Eckart - and does the nickname of 'Wolf' for Hitler come from this pseudo-canine dominance trait of the eyes ?However - even when he was young Hitler's eyes were remarkable.
To me his sonorous voice meant much less than the expression of his eyes.
In fact, Adolf spoke with his eyes, and even when his lips were silent one knew what he wanted to say.
When he first came to our house and I introduced him to my mother, she said to me in the evening, "What eyes your friend has!"
And I remember quite distinctly that there was more fear than admiration in her words.
If I am asked where one could perceive, in his youth, this man's exceptional qualities, I can only answer, "In the eyes."
Naturally his extraordinary eloquence, also, was striking. But I was then too inexperienced to attach to it any special significance for the future.
I, for one, was certain that Hitler some day would be a great artist, a poet I thought at first, then a great painter; until later, in Vienna, he convinced me that his real talent was in the field of architecture. For these artistic ambitions his eloquence was of no use, rather a hindrance. Nevertheless, I always liked to listen to him. His language was very refined.
He disliked dialect, in particular Viennese, the soft melodiousness of which was utterly repulsive to him.
To be sure, Hitler did not speak Austrian in the true sense.
It was rather that in his diction, especially in the rhythm of his speech, there was something Bavarian.
Perhaps this was due to the fact that from his third to his sixth year, the real formative years for speech, he lived in Passau (see left), where his father was then a customs official.
I, for one, was certain that Hitler some day would be a great artist, a poet I thought at first, then a great painter; until later, in Vienna, he convinced me that his real talent was in the field of architecture. For these artistic ambitions his eloquence was of no use, rather a hindrance. Nevertheless, I always liked to listen to him. His language was very refined.
He disliked dialect, in particular Viennese, the soft melodiousness of which was utterly repulsive to him.
To be sure, Hitler did not speak Austrian in the true sense.
It was rather that in his diction, especially in the rhythm of his speech, there was something Bavarian.
There is no doubt that my friend Adolf had shown a gift for oratory from his earliest youth. And he knew it. He liked to talk, and talked without pause.
Sometimes when he soared too high in his fantasies I couldn't help suspecting that all this was nothing but an exercise in oratory.
Then again I thought otherwise.
Did I not take everything for gospel that he said?
Sometimes Adolf would try out his powers of oratory on me or on others.
It always stuck in my memory how, when not yet eighteen, he convinced my father that he should release me from his workshop and send me to Vienna to the Conservatory. In view of the awkward and unforthcoming nature of my father this was a considerable achievement.
From the moment I had this proof of his talent -- for me so decisive -- I considered that there was nothing that Hitler could not achieve by a convincing speech.
Sometimes when he soared too high in his fantasies I couldn't help suspecting that all this was nothing but an exercise in oratory.
Then again I thought otherwise.
Did I not take everything for gospel that he said?
Sometimes Adolf would try out his powers of oratory on me or on others.
It always stuck in my memory how, when not yet eighteen, he convinced my father that he should release me from his workshop and send me to Vienna to the Conservatory. In view of the awkward and unforthcoming nature of my father this was a considerable achievement.
From the moment I had this proof of his talent -- for me so decisive -- I considered that there was nothing that Hitler could not achieve by a convincing speech.
He was in the habit of emphasizing his words by measured and studied gestures.
Now and then, when he was speaking on one of his favourite subjects, such as the bridge over the Danube, the rebuilding of the Museum or even the subterranean railway station which he had planned for Linz, I would interrupt him and ask him how he imagined he would ever carry out these projects -- we were only poor devils.
Then he would throw at me a strange and hostile glance as though he had not understood my question at all. I never got an answer; at the most he would shut me up with a wave of his hand. Later I got used to it and ceased to find it ridiculous that the sixteen- or seventeen-year-old boy should develop gigantic projects and expound them to me down to the last detail.
If I had listened only to his words the whole thing would have appeared to be either idle fantasy or sheer lunacy; but the eyes convinced me that he was in deadly earnest.
Now and then, when he was speaking on one of his favourite subjects, such as the bridge over the Danube, the rebuilding of the Museum or even the subterranean railway station which he had planned for Linz, I would interrupt him and ask him how he imagined he would ever carry out these projects -- we were only poor devils.
Then he would throw at me a strange and hostile glance as though he had not understood my question at all. I never got an answer; at the most he would shut me up with a wave of his hand. Later I got used to it and ceased to find it ridiculous that the sixteen- or seventeen-year-old boy should develop gigantic projects and expound them to me down to the last detail.
If I had listened only to his words the whole thing would have appeared to be either idle fantasy or sheer lunacy; but the eyes convinced me that he was in deadly earnest.
Adolf set great store by good manners and correct behaviour.
He observed with painstaking punctiliousness the rules of social conduct, however little he thought of society itself.
He always emphasized the position of his father, who as a customs official ranked more or less with a captain in the army.
Hearing him speak of his father, one would never have imagined how violently he disliked the idea of being a civil servant.
Nevertheless, there was in his bearing something very precise.
He would never forget to send regards to my people, and every postcard bore greetings to my "esteemed parents."
He observed with painstaking punctiliousness the rules of social conduct, however little he thought of society itself.
He always emphasized the position of his father, who as a customs official ranked more or less with a captain in the army.
Hearing him speak of his father, one would never have imagined how violently he disliked the idea of being a civil servant.
Nevertheless, there was in his bearing something very precise.
He would never forget to send regards to my people, and every postcard bore greetings to my "esteemed parents."
When we lodged together in Vienna, I discovered that every evening he would put his trousers carefully under the mattress so that the next morning he could rejoice in a faultless crease.
Adolf realised the value of a good appearance, and, in spite of his lack of vanity, knew how to make the best of himself. He made excellent use of his undoubted histrionic talents, which he cleverly combined with his gift for oratory.
I used to ask myself why Adolf, in spite of all these pronounced capabilities, did not get on better in Vienna; only later did I realise that professional success was not at all his ambition.
People who knew him in Vienna could not understand the contradiction between his well-groomed appearance, his educated speech and his self-assured bearing on the one hand, and the starveling existence that he led on the other, and judged him either haughty or pretentious. He was neither. He just didn't fit into any bourgeois order.
Adolf realised the value of a good appearance, and, in spite of his lack of vanity, knew how to make the best of himself. He made excellent use of his undoubted histrionic talents, which he cleverly combined with his gift for oratory.
I used to ask myself why Adolf, in spite of all these pronounced capabilities, did not get on better in Vienna; only later did I realise that professional success was not at all his ambition.
People who knew him in Vienna could not understand the contradiction between his well-groomed appearance, his educated speech and his self-assured bearing on the one hand, and the starveling existence that he led on the other, and judged him either haughty or pretentious. He was neither. He just didn't fit into any bourgeois order.
Adolf had brought starvation to a fine art, though he ate very well when occasion offered.
To be sure, in Vienna he generally lacked the money for food. But even if he had it, he would prefer to starve and spend it on a theatre seat.
He had no comprehension of enjoyment of life as others knew it. He did not smoke, he did not drink, and in Vienna, for instance, he lived for days on milk and bread only.
To be sure, in Vienna he generally lacked the money for food. But even if he had it, he would prefer to starve and spend it on a theatre seat.
He had no comprehension of enjoyment of life as others knew it. He did not smoke, he did not drink, and in Vienna, for instance, he lived for days on milk and bread only.
With his contempt for everything pertaining to the body, sport, which was then coming into fashion, meant nothing to him. I read somewhere of how audaciously the young Hitler had swum across the Danube. I do not recollect anything of the sort; the most swimming we did was an occasional dip in the Rodel stream.
He showed some interest in the bicycle club, mainly because they ran an ice rink in the winter. And this only because the girl he adored used to practise skating there.
He showed some interest in the bicycle club, mainly because they ran an ice rink in the winter. And this only because the girl he adored used to practise skating there.
Walking was the only exercise that really appealed to Adolf.
He walked always and everywhere and, even in my workshop and in my room, he would stride up and down. I recall him always on the go. He could walk for hours without getting tired.
We used to explore the surroundings of Linz in all directions.
His love of nature was pronounced, but in a very personal way.
Unlike other subjects, nature never attracted him as a matter for study; I hardly ever remember seeing him with a book on the subject. Here was the limit of his thirst for knowledge.
Details did not interest him, but only nature as a whole. He referred to it as "in the open." This expression sounded as familiar on his lips as the word "home."
And, in fact, he did feel at home with nature.
As early as in the first years of our friendship I discovered his peculiar preference for nocturnal excursions, or even for staying overnight in some unfamiliar district.
He walked always and everywhere and, even in my workshop and in my room, he would stride up and down. I recall him always on the go. He could walk for hours without getting tired.
We used to explore the surroundings of Linz in all directions.
His love of nature was pronounced, but in a very personal way.
Unlike other subjects, nature never attracted him as a matter for study; I hardly ever remember seeing him with a book on the subject. Here was the limit of his thirst for knowledge.
Details did not interest him, but only nature as a whole. He referred to it as "in the open." This expression sounded as familiar on his lips as the word "home."
And, in fact, he did feel at home with nature.
As early as in the first years of our friendship I discovered his peculiar preference for nocturnal excursions, or even for staying overnight in some unfamiliar district.
Being in the open had an extraordinary effect upon him.
He was then quite a different person from what he was in town.
Certain sides of his character revealed themselves nowhere else.
He was never so collected and concentrated as when walking along the quiet paths in the beech woods of the Mühlviertel, or at night when we took a quick walk on the Freinberg (see left).
To the rhythm of his steps his thoughts would flow more smoothly and to better purpose than elsewhere.
For a long time I could not understand one peculiar contradiction in him.
When the sun shone brightly in the streets and a fresh, revivifying wind brought the smell of the woods into the town, an irresistible force drove him out of the narrow, stuffy streets into the woods and fields. But hardly had we reached the open country, than he would assure me that it would be impossible for him to live in the country again. It would be terrible for him to have to live in a village.
For all his love of nature, he was always glad when we got back to the town.
He was then quite a different person from what he was in town.
Certain sides of his character revealed themselves nowhere else.
To the rhythm of his steps his thoughts would flow more smoothly and to better purpose than elsewhere.
For a long time I could not understand one peculiar contradiction in him.
When the sun shone brightly in the streets and a fresh, revivifying wind brought the smell of the woods into the town, an irresistible force drove him out of the narrow, stuffy streets into the woods and fields. But hardly had we reached the open country, than he would assure me that it would be impossible for him to live in the country again. It would be terrible for him to have to live in a village.
For all his love of nature, he was always glad when we got back to the town.
As I grew to know him better, I also came to understand this apparent contradiction. He needed the town, the variety and abundance of its impressions, experiences and events; he felt there that he had his share in everything; that there was nothing in which his interest was not engaged. He needed people with their contrasting interests, their ambitions, intentions, plans and desires. Only in this problem-laden atmosphere did he feel at home.
From this point of view the village was altogether too simple, too insignificant, too unimportant, and did not provide enough scope for his limitless need to take an interest in everything. Besides, for him, a town was interesting in itself as an agglomeration of houses and buildings.
It was understandable that he should want to live only in a town.
From this point of view the village was altogether too simple, too insignificant, too unimportant, and did not provide enough scope for his limitless need to take an interest in everything. Besides, for him, a town was interesting in itself as an agglomeration of houses and buildings.
It was understandable that he should want to live only in a town.
On the other hand, he needed an effective counterweight to the town, which always troubled and excited him and made constant demands on his interests and his talents.
He found this in nature, which even he could not try to change and improve because its eternal laws are beyond the reach of the human will.
Here he could once more find his own self, since here he was not obliged, as he was in town, eternally to be taking sides.
He found this in nature, which even he could not try to change and improve because its eternal laws are beyond the reach of the human will.
Here he could once more find his own self, since here he was not obliged, as he was in town, eternally to be taking sides.
My friend had a special way of making nature serve him. He used to seek out a lonely spot outside the town, which he would visit again and again. Every bush and every tree was familiar to him. There was nothing to disturb his contemplative mood. Nature surrounded him like the walls of a quiet, friendly room in which he could cultivate undisturbed his passionate plans and ideas.
For some time, on fine days, he used to frequent a bench on the Turmleitenweg where he established a kind of openair study.
There he would read his books, sketch and paint in water colours.
Here were born his first poems.
Another spot, which later became a favourite, was even more lonely and secluded. We would sit on a high, overhanging rock looking down on the Danube.
The sight of the gently flowing river always moved Adolf.
How often did my friend tell me of his plans up there ! Sometimes he would be overcome by his feelings and give free reign to his imagination.
I remember him once describing to me so vividly Kriemhild's journey to the country of the Huns that I imagined I could see the mighty ships of the kings of Burgundy drifting down the river.
There he would read his books, sketch and paint in water colours.
Here were born his first poems.
Another spot, which later became a favourite, was even more lonely and secluded. We would sit on a high, overhanging rock looking down on the Danube.
The sight of the gently flowing river always moved Adolf.
How often did my friend tell me of his plans up there ! Sometimes he would be overcome by his feelings and give free reign to his imagination.
I remember him once describing to me so vividly Kriemhild's journey to the country of the Huns that I imagined I could see the mighty ships of the kings of Burgundy drifting down the river.
Quite different were our far-ranging excursions.
Not much preparation was necessary -- a strong walking stick was the only requisite. With his everyday clothes Adolf would wear a coloured shirt and, as a sign of his intention to undertake a long trip, would sport instead of the usual tie a silk cord with two tassels hanging down.
We wouldn't take any food with us, but somewhere would manage to find a bit of dry bread and a glass of milk. What wonderful, carefree times those were!
Not much preparation was necessary -- a strong walking stick was the only requisite. With his everyday clothes Adolf would wear a coloured shirt and, as a sign of his intention to undertake a long trip, would sport instead of the usual tie a silk cord with two tassels hanging down.
We wouldn't take any food with us, but somewhere would manage to find a bit of dry bread and a glass of milk. What wonderful, carefree times those were!
We despised railways and coaches and went everywhere on foot.
Whenever we combined our Sunday trip with an outing for my parents, which for us had the advantage that my father treated us to a good meal in a country inn, we started out early enough to meet them at our destination, to which they had come by train.
My father was particularly fond of a little village called Walding, which attracted us because nearby was the Rodel stream in which we liked to bathe on warm summer days.
Whenever we combined our Sunday trip with an outing for my parents, which for us had the advantage that my father treated us to a good meal in a country inn, we started out early enough to meet them at our destination, to which they had come by train.
My father was particularly fond of a little village called Walding, which attracted us because nearby was the Rodel stream in which we liked to bathe on warm summer days.
A little incident stands out in my memory.
Adolf and I had left the inn for a bathe.
Adolf and I had left the inn for a bathe.
We were both fairly good swimmers, but my mother, nevertheless, was nervous. She followed us and stood on a protruding rock to watch us. The rock sloped down to the water and was covered with moss. My poor mother, while she was anxiously watching us, slipped on the smooth moss and slid into the water. I was too far away to help her at once, but Adolf immediately jumped in after her and dragged her out. He always remained attached to my parents.
As late as 1944, on my mother's eightieth birthday, he sent her a food parcel, and I never discovered how he came to know about it.
From the Pöstlingberg we would walk across the Holzpoldl and the Elendsimmerl to Gramastetten or wander through the woods round the Lichtenhag Ruins.
Adolf measured the walls, though not much of them remained, and entered the measurements in his sketchbook, which he always carried with him.
Then with a few strokes he sketched the original castle, drew in the moat and the drawbridge and adorned the walls with fanciful pinnacles and turrets.
He exclaimed there once to my surprise, "This is the ideal setting for my sonnet !" But when I wanted to know more about it he said, "I must first see what I make of it." And on our way home he confessed that he was going to try to extend the material into a play.
When we were unsuccessful Adolf had a strange idea.
He was convinced that the people who lived there would have some faint memory of that great battle.
The following day he went again alone, after a vain attempt to get my father to give me the day off. He spent two days and two nights there, but I don't remember with what result.
For the sole reason that Adolf wanted, for a change, to see his beloved Linz from the east, I had to make with him the unattractive climb up the Pfennigberg (see right), in which the Linzers, as he complained, didn't show enough interest.
I also liked the view of the city, but least of all from this side. Nevertheless, Adolf remained for hours in this uninviting spot, sketching.
I also liked the view of the city, but least of all from this side. Nevertheless, Adolf remained for hours in this uninviting spot, sketching.
On the other hand, St. Florian (see left) became for me, too, a place of pilgrimage, for here, where Anton Bruckner (see right) had worked and hallowed the surroundings by his memory, we imagined that we actually met "God's musician" and heard his inspired improvisations on the great organ in the magnificent church.
Editor's Note:
Anton Bruckner (4 September 1824 – 11 October 1896) was an Austrian composer known for his symphonies, masses, and motets.
The first are considered emblematic of the final stage of Austro-German Romanticism because of their rich harmonic language, complex polyphony, and considerable length.
Bruckner's compositions helped to define contemporary musical radicalism, owing to their dissonances, unprepared modulations, and roving harmonies.
Unlike other radicals, such as Richard Wagner or Hugo Wolf who fit the enfant terrible mould, Bruckner showed extreme humility before other musicians, Wagner in particular.
This apparent dichotomy between Bruckner the man and Bruckner the composer hampers efforts to describe his life in a way that gives a straightforward context for his music.
His works, the symphonies in particular, had detractors, most notably the influential Austrian critic Eduard Hanslick, and other supporters of Johannes Brahms, who pointed to their large size, use of repetition, and Bruckner's propensity to revise many of his works, often with the assistance of colleagues, and his apparent indecision about which versions he preferred.
On the other hand, Bruckner was greatly admired by subsequent composers, including his friend Gustav Mahler, who described him as "half simpleton, half God".
The wonderful monastery had aroused my friend to the heights of enthusiasm.
He had stood in front of the glorious staircase for an hour or more -- at any rate much too long for me.
And how much did be admire the splendour of the library !
But the deepest impression was made on him by the contrast between the overdecorated apartments of the monastery and Bruckner's simple room.
When he saw its humble furniture, he was strengthened in his belief that on this earth genius almost always goes hand in hand with poverty.
Such visits were revealing to me, for Adolf was by nature very reserved.
There was always a certain element in his personality into which he would allow nobody to penetrate.
He had his inscrutable secrets, and in many respects always remained a riddle to me.
But there was one key that opened the door to much that would have remained hidden: his enthusiasm for beauty.
All that separated us disappeared when we stood in front of such a magnificent work of art as the Monastery of St. Florian.
Editor's Note:
The monastery, named after Saint Florian, was founded in the Carolingian period.
From 1071 it has housed a community of Augustinian Canons, and is thus is one of the oldest operational monasteries in the world following the Rule of St. Augustine.
Between 1686 and 1708 the monastery complex was reconstructed in Baroque style by Carlo Antonio Carlone, of whom St. Florian's is reckoned the masterpiece.
After his death the work was continued by Jakob Prandtauer.
The result is the biggest Baroque monastery in Upper Austria.
The frescoes were created by Bartolomeo Altomonte.
Construction of the library wing was not begun until 1744, by Johann Gotthard Hayberger.
The library comprises about 130,000 items, including many manuscripts.
The gallery contains numerous works of the 16th and 17th centuries, but also some late medieval works of the Danube School, particularly by Albrecht Altdorfer.
St. Florian's Priory possesses two organs, the larger one of which is known as the "Bruckner organ" (Brucknerorgel) of more than 7,000 organ pipes.
It was played by composer and organist Anton Bruckner (see above), previously a choir boy at the monastery, when he was the organist, between 1848 and 1855.
He is buried beneath the organ inside the church.
St. Florian is also known for its boys' choir (St. Florianer Sängerknaben), founded in 1071.
This choir has been a traditional part of the monastic worship from its foundation.
Then, fired by enthusiasm, Adolf would lower all his defences and I felt to the full the joy of our friendship.
There was always a certain element in his personality into which he would allow nobody to penetrate.
He had his inscrutable secrets, and in many respects always remained a riddle to me.
But there was one key that opened the door to much that would have remained hidden: his enthusiasm for beauty.
All that separated us disappeared when we stood in front of such a magnificent work of art as the Monastery of St. Florian.
Editor's Note:
The monastery, named after Saint Florian, was founded in the Carolingian period.
From 1071 it has housed a community of Augustinian Canons, and is thus is one of the oldest operational monasteries in the world following the Rule of St. Augustine.Between 1686 and 1708 the monastery complex was reconstructed in Baroque style by Carlo Antonio Carlone, of whom St. Florian's is reckoned the masterpiece.
After his death the work was continued by Jakob Prandtauer.
The result is the biggest Baroque monastery in Upper Austria.
The frescoes were created by Bartolomeo Altomonte.
Construction of the library wing was not begun until 1744, by Johann Gotthard Hayberger.
The library comprises about 130,000 items, including many manuscripts.
The gallery contains numerous works of the 16th and 17th centuries, but also some late medieval works of the Danube School, particularly by Albrecht Altdorfer.
St. Florian's Priory possesses two organs, the larger one of which is known as the "Bruckner organ" (Brucknerorgel) of more than 7,000 organ pipes.
It was played by composer and organist Anton Bruckner (see above), previously a choir boy at the monastery, when he was the organist, between 1848 and 1855.
He is buried beneath the organ inside the church.
St. Florian is also known for its boys' choir (St. Florianer Sängerknaben), founded in 1071.
This choir has been a traditional part of the monastic worship from its foundation.
Then, fired by enthusiasm, Adolf would lower all his defences and I felt to the full the joy of our friendship.
I have often been asked, and even by Rudolf Hess (see right), who once invited me to visit him in Linz, whether Adolf, when I knew him, had any sense of humour.
One feels the lack of it, people of his entourage said. After all, he was an Austrian and should have had his share of the famous Austrian sense of humour. Certainly one's impression of Hitler, especially after a short and superficial acquaintance, was that of a deeply serious man. This enormous seriousness seemed to overshadow everything else.
It was the same when he was young. He approached the problems with which he was concerned with a deadly earnestness which ill suited his sixteen or seventeen years. He was capable of loving and admiring, hating and despising, all with the greatest seriousness. One thing he could not do was to pass over something with a smile.
Even with a subject in which he did not take a personal interest, such as sport, this was, nevertheless, as a phenomenon of modern times, just as important to him as any other. He never came to the end of his problems.
His profound earnestness never ceased to attack new problems, and if he did not find any in the present, he would brood at home for hours over his books and burrow into the problems of the past. This extraordinary earnestness was his most striking quality.
Many other qualities which are characteristic of youth were lacking in him: a carefree letting go of himself, living only for the day -- the happy attitude of "What is to be, will be." Even "going off the rails," in the coarse exuberance of youth, was alien to him.
His idea, strange to say, was that these were things that did not become a young man. And because of this, humour was confined to the most intimate sphere as if it were something taboo. His humour was usually aimed at people in his immediate circle, in other words a sphere in which problems no longer existed for him.
For this reason his grim and sour humour was often mixed with irony, but always an irony with friendly intent. Thus, he saw me once at a concert where I was playing the trumpet. He got enormous amusement out of imitating me and insisted that with my blown-out cheeks I looked like one of Rubens' angels.
One feels the lack of it, people of his entourage said. After all, he was an Austrian and should have had his share of the famous Austrian sense of humour. Certainly one's impression of Hitler, especially after a short and superficial acquaintance, was that of a deeply serious man. This enormous seriousness seemed to overshadow everything else.
It was the same when he was young. He approached the problems with which he was concerned with a deadly earnestness which ill suited his sixteen or seventeen years. He was capable of loving and admiring, hating and despising, all with the greatest seriousness. One thing he could not do was to pass over something with a smile.
Even with a subject in which he did not take a personal interest, such as sport, this was, nevertheless, as a phenomenon of modern times, just as important to him as any other. He never came to the end of his problems.
His profound earnestness never ceased to attack new problems, and if he did not find any in the present, he would brood at home for hours over his books and burrow into the problems of the past. This extraordinary earnestness was his most striking quality.
Many other qualities which are characteristic of youth were lacking in him: a carefree letting go of himself, living only for the day -- the happy attitude of "What is to be, will be." Even "going off the rails," in the coarse exuberance of youth, was alien to him.
His idea, strange to say, was that these were things that did not become a young man. And because of this, humour was confined to the most intimate sphere as if it were something taboo. His humour was usually aimed at people in his immediate circle, in other words a sphere in which problems no longer existed for him.
For this reason his grim and sour humour was often mixed with irony, but always an irony with friendly intent. Thus, he saw me once at a concert where I was playing the trumpet. He got enormous amusement out of imitating me and insisted that with my blown-out cheeks I looked like one of Rubens' angels.
I cannot conclude this chapter without mentioning one of Hitler's qualities which, I freely admit, seems paradoxical to talk about now.
Hitler was full of deep understanding and sympathy.
He took a most touching interest in me.
Without my telling him, he knew exactly how I felt. How often this helped me in difficult times!
He always knew what I needed and what I wanted.
However intensely he was occupied with himself he would always have time for the affairs of those people in whom he was interested.
It was not by chance that he was the one who persuaded my father to let me study music and thereby influenced my life in a decisive way. Rather, this was the outcome of his general attitude of sharing in all the things that were of concern to me.
Sometimes I had a feeling that he was living my life as well as his own.
Hitler was full of deep understanding and sympathy.
He took a most touching interest in me.
Without my telling him, he knew exactly how I felt. How often this helped me in difficult times!
He always knew what I needed and what I wanted.
However intensely he was occupied with himself he would always have time for the affairs of those people in whom he was interested.
It was not by chance that he was the one who persuaded my father to let me study music and thereby influenced my life in a decisive way. Rather, this was the outcome of his general attitude of sharing in all the things that were of concern to me.
Sometimes I had a feeling that he was living my life as well as his own.
Thus, I have drawn the portrait of the young Hitler as well as I can from memory.
But for the question, then unknown and unexpressed, which hung above our friendship, I have not to this day found any answer: "What were God's intentions when he created this man ?"
But for the question, then unknown and unexpressed, which hung above our friendship, I have not to this day found any answer: "What were God's intentions when he created this man ?"
Chapter 4 - HITLER'S MOTHER
When I first met her, Klara Hitler was already forty-five years old and a widow of two years' standing.
Whenever I saw her I had -- I don't know why -- a feeling of sympathy for her, and felt that I wanted to do something for her.
She was glad that Adolf had found a friend whom he liked and trusted, and for this reason Frau Hitler liked me, too.
How often did she unburden to me the worries which Adolf caused her. And how fervently did she hope to enlist my help in persuading her son to follow his father's wishes in the choice of a career!
I had to disappoint her, yet she did not blame me, for she must have felt that the reasons for Adolf's behaviour were much too deep, far beyond the reach of my influence.
Just as Adolf often enjoyed the hospitality of my parents' home, I went often to see his mother and on taking leave was unfailingly asked by Frau Hitler to come again. I considered myself as part of the family -- there was hardly anybody else who visited them.
No. 31 Humboldtstrasse (see right) is a three-storied, not unpleasant tenement building. The Hitlers lived on the third floor. I can still visualise the humble apartment.
The small kitchen, with green painted furniture, had only one window, which looked out on to the courtyard. The living room, with the two beds of his mother and little Paula, overlooked the street.
On the side wall hung a portrait of his father, with a typical civil servant's face, impressive and dignified, whose rather grim expression was mitigated by the carefully groomed whiskers à la Emperor Franz Joseph.
Adolf lived and studied in the closet, off the bedroom.
The small kitchen, with green painted furniture, had only one window, which looked out on to the courtyard. The living room, with the two beds of his mother and little Paula, overlooked the street.
On the side wall hung a portrait of his father, with a typical civil servant's face, impressive and dignified, whose rather grim expression was mitigated by the carefully groomed whiskers à la Emperor Franz Joseph.
Adolf lived and studied in the closet, off the bedroom.
Paula, (see right and left) Adolf's little sister, was nine when I first met the family.
She was a rather pretty girl, quiet and reserved. I never saw her gay.
We got on rather well with each other but Adolf was not particularly close to her.
This was due perhaps to the difference in age -- he always referred to her as "the kid."
Paula never married and later lived in Königssee, near Berchtesgaden.
This was due perhaps to the difference in age -- he always referred to her as "the kid."
Paula never married and later lived in Königssee, near Berchtesgaden.
Another acquaintance I made in the Hitler family was a striking-looking young woman of just over twenty, called Angela, whose place in the family puzzled me at first, although she addressed Klara Hitler as "Mother," just as Paula did.
Later I learned the solution of the mystery.
Later I learned the solution of the mystery.
Angela (see right), born on the twenty-eighth July, 1883, that is to say six years before Adolf, was a child of the father's previous marriage.
Her mother, Franziska Matzelsberger, died the year after her birth. Five months later the father married Klara Pölzl.
Angela, who naturally had no recollection of her own mother, looked upon Klara as her mother.
In September 1903, a year before I became acquainted with Adolf, Angela had married a revenue official called Raubal.
She lived with her husband nearby and often came to visit her stepmother, but never brought him with her; at any rate, I never met Raubal. Angela was quite unlike Frau Hitler, a jolly person who enjoyed life and loved to laugh. She brought some life into the family.
She was very handsome with her regular features, and her beautiful hair which was as dark as Adolf's.
Angela, who naturally had no recollection of her own mother, looked upon Klara as her mother.
In September 1903, a year before I became acquainted with Adolf, Angela had married a revenue official called Raubal.
She lived with her husband nearby and often came to visit her stepmother, but never brought him with her; at any rate, I never met Raubal. Angela was quite unlike Frau Hitler, a jolly person who enjoyed life and loved to laugh. She brought some life into the family.
She was very handsome with her regular features, and her beautiful hair which was as dark as Adolf's.
From Adolf's description, but also from some hints of his mother's, I gathered that Raubal was a drunkard.
Adolf hated him.
He saw in him a personification of everything he despised in a man.
He spent his time in the pub, drank and smoked, gambled his money away, and on top of that -- he was a civil servant.
He saw in him a personification of everything he despised in a man.
He spent his time in the pub, drank and smoked, gambled his money away, and on top of that -- he was a civil servant.
And as though that were not enough, Raubal thought it was his duty to support his father-in-law's views by urging Adolf to become a civil servant himself.
This was enough to antagonise Adolf completely.
When Adolf talked of Raubal his face assumed a truly threatening aspect.
Perhaps it was Adolf's pronounced hatred of his half sister's husband that kept Raubal away from the Humboldtstrasse.
At the time of Raubal's death, only a few years after his marriage to Angela, the break between him and Adolf was already complete.
Angela remarried later, an architect in Dresden, and died in Munich in 1949.
This was enough to antagonise Adolf completely.
When Adolf talked of Raubal his face assumed a truly threatening aspect.
Perhaps it was Adolf's pronounced hatred of his half sister's husband that kept Raubal away from the Humboldtstrasse.
At the time of Raubal's death, only a few years after his marriage to Angela, the break between him and Adolf was already complete.
Angela remarried later, an architect in Dresden, and died in Munich in 1949.
I learned from Adolf that from his father's second marriage there was also a son, Alois (see right), who spent his childhood with the Hitler family but left them while they were living in Lambach.
This half brother of Adolf's -- born on December 13, 1882, in Braunau (see left) - was seven years older than Adolf.
While his father was alive he still came to Leonding a couple of times, but as far as I know he never appeared in the Humboldtstrasse.
He never played any important part in Hitler's life, nor did he take any interest in Adolf's political career.
He turned up once in Paris, then in Vienna, and later in Berlin.
While his father was alive he still came to Leonding a couple of times, but as far as I know he never appeared in the Humboldtstrasse.
He never played any important part in Hitler's life, nor did he take any interest in Adolf's political career.
He turned up once in Paris, then in Vienna, and later in Berlin.
His first marriage was to a Dutchwoman and they had a son, William Patrick Hitler, who in August 1939 published a pamphlet, 'My Uncle Adolf'; a son by his second wife, Heinz Hitler, fell as an officer on the Eastern Front.
Frau Hitler did not like to talk about herself and her worries, yet she found relief in telling me of her doubts about Adolf.
Naturally she didn't get much satisfaction from the vague and, for her, meaningless utterances of Adolf about his future as an artist.
The preoccupation with the well-being of her only surviving son depressed her increasingly.
"Our poor father cannot rest in his grave," she used to say to Adolf, "because you will flout his wishes.
The preoccupation with the well-being of her only surviving son depressed her increasingly.
"Our poor father cannot rest in his grave," she used to say to Adolf, "because you will flout his wishes.
Obedience is what distinguishes a good son, but you don't know the meaning of the word. That's why you did so badly at school and why you're not getting anywhere now."
Gradually I learned to understand the suffering this woman endured.
She never complained, but she told me about the hard time she had had in her youth.
She never complained, but she told me about the hard time she had had in her youth.
So I came to know, partly by experience, partly by what I was told, the circumstances of the Hitler family.
Occasionally mention was made of some relations in the Waldviertel, but it was difficult for me to understand whether these were his father's relations or his mother's.
Editor's Note:
The Waldviertel (Forest Quarter) is the northwestern region of the Austrian state Lower Austria.
It is bounded to the south by the Danube, to the southwest by Upper Austria, to the northwest and the north by the Czech Republic and to the east by the Manhartsberg (537 m), which is the survey point dividing Waldviertel from Weinviertel.
In any case, the Hitler family had relations only in the Waldviertel, quite unlike other Austrian civil servants, who had relatives scattered all over the country.
Only later did I come to realise that Hitler's paternal and maternal lineage already merged in the second generation, so that from the grandfather upwards Adolf had only one set of forebears. I remember that Adolf did visit some relatives in the Waldviertel.
Once he sent me a picture postcard from Weitra, which is in the part of the Waldviertel nearest to Bohemia.
Editor's Note:
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
Weitra is a small town in the district of Gmünd in the Austrian state of Lower Austria.
It is located within the rural Waldviertel region on the upper Lužnice (Lainsitz) river, near the border with the Czech Republic.
The municipality consists of the Katastralgemeinden Brühl, Großwolfgers, Oberwindhag, Reinprechts, Spital, St. Wolfgang, Sulz, Walterschlag, Weitra and Wetzles.
I do not know what had taken him there.
He never spoke very willingly about his relations in that part of the country, but preferred to describe the landscape; poor, barren country, a striking contrast to the rich and fertile Danube valley of the Wachau.
This raw, hard peasant country was the homeland of both his maternal and paternal ancestors.
Frau Klara Hitler, nee Pölzl, was born on August 12, 1860, in Spital, a poor village in the Waldviertel.
Her father, Johann Baptist Pölzl, was a simple peasant.
Her mother's maiden name was Johanna Hüttler.
The name Hitler is spelt differently in the various documents.
There is the spelling Hiedler and Hüttler, while Hitler is used for the first time by Adolf's father.
Her father, Johann Baptist Pölzl, was a simple peasant.
Her mother's maiden name was Johanna Hüttler.
The name Hitler is spelt differently in the various documents.
There is the spelling Hiedler and Hüttler, while Hitler is used for the first time by Adolf's father.
This Johanna Hüttler, Adolf's maternal grandmother, was, according to the documents, a daughter of Johann Nepomuk Hiedler.
Thus Klara Pölzl was directly related to the Hüttler--Hiedler family, for Johann Nepomuk Hiedler was the brother of that Johann Georg Hiedler who appears in the baptismal register of Döllersheim as Adolf's father's father.
Klara Pölzl was, therefore, a second cousin of her husband.
Alois Hitler always referred to her before their marriage simply as his niece.
Klara Pölzl was, therefore, a second cousin of her husband.
Alois Hitler always referred to her before their marriage simply as his niece.
Klara Pölzl had a miserable childhood in the poor and wretched home where there were so many children.
In 1875, when she was fifteen years old, her relative, the customs official Alois Schicklgruber at Braunau, invited her to come and help his wife in the house.
Alois Schicklgruber, who only in the following year assumed the name Hiedler, which he changed into Hitler, was then married to Anna Glasl-Hörer.
This first marriage of Alois Hitler with a woman fourteen years older than himself remained without issue and they finally separated.
When his wife died in 1883, Alois Hitler married Franziska Matzelsberger, who was twenty-four years his junior.
The children of this marriage were Adolf's half brother Alois and half sister Angela. Klara, who had continued living in the house during the time he was separated from his first wife, left on the second marriage and went to Vienna.
As Franziska, the second wife, fell gravely ill after the birth of her second child, Alois Hitler called his niece back to Braunau (see right - Stadt Wappen Braunau am Inn - and left 19th century print).
Editor's Note:
Braunau am Inn is a town in the Innviertel region of Upper Austria (Oberösterreich), the north-western state of Austria.
It lies about 90 km west of Linz and about 60 km north of Salzburg, on the border with the German state of Bavaria.
A port of entry, it is connected by bridges over the River Inn with its Bavarian counterpart, Simbach am Inn.
The town was first mentioned around 810 and received a statute in 1260, which makes it one of the oldest towns in Austria. It became a fortress town and important trading route junction, dealing with the salt trade and with ship traffic on the River Inn.
Throughout its history, it changed hands four times.
It was Bavarian until 1779 and became an Austrian town under the terms of the treaty of Teschen, which settled the War of the Bavarian Succession.
As a major Bavarian settlement, the town played an outstanding role in the Bavarian uprising against the Austrian occupation during the War of the Spanish Succession, when it hosted the Braunau Parliament, a provisional Bavarian Parliament in 1705 headed by Georg Sebastian Plinganser born 1680 in Pfarrkirchen; and died 7 May 1738 in Augsburg.
Under the terms of thetreaty of Pressburg, Braunau became Bavarian again in 1809.
In 1816, during reorganisation of Europe after the Napoleonic Wars, Bavaria ceded the town to Austria and was compensated by the gain of Aschaffenburg. Braunau has been Austrian ever since.
Franziska died on August 1,0, 1884, barely two years after her marriage. (Alois, the first child of this union, had been born out of wedlock and adopted by his father.)
On January 7, 1885, six months after the death of his second wife, Alois Hitler married his "niece" Klara (see left), who was already expecting a child by him, the first son, Gustav, who was born on May 17, 1885, that is to say five months after the marriage, and who died on December 9, 1887.
In 1875, when she was fifteen years old, her relative, the customs official Alois Schicklgruber at Braunau, invited her to come and help his wife in the house.
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
This first marriage of Alois Hitler with a woman fourteen years older than himself remained without issue and they finally separated.When his wife died in 1883, Alois Hitler married Franziska Matzelsberger, who was twenty-four years his junior.
The children of this marriage were Adolf's half brother Alois and half sister Angela. Klara, who had continued living in the house during the time he was separated from his first wife, left on the second marriage and went to Vienna.
As Franziska, the second wife, fell gravely ill after the birth of her second child, Alois Hitler called his niece back to Braunau (see right - Stadt Wappen Braunau am Inn - and left 19th century print).
Editor's Note:
Braunau am Inn is a town in the Innviertel region of Upper Austria (Oberösterreich), the north-western state of Austria.
It lies about 90 km west of Linz and about 60 km north of Salzburg, on the border with the German state of Bavaria.
A port of entry, it is connected by bridges over the River Inn with its Bavarian counterpart, Simbach am Inn.
The town was first mentioned around 810 and received a statute in 1260, which makes it one of the oldest towns in Austria. It became a fortress town and important trading route junction, dealing with the salt trade and with ship traffic on the River Inn.
Throughout its history, it changed hands four times.
It was Bavarian until 1779 and became an Austrian town under the terms of the treaty of Teschen, which settled the War of the Bavarian Succession.
As a major Bavarian settlement, the town played an outstanding role in the Bavarian uprising against the Austrian occupation during the War of the Spanish Succession, when it hosted the Braunau Parliament, a provisional Bavarian Parliament in 1705 headed by Georg Sebastian Plinganser born 1680 in Pfarrkirchen; and died 7 May 1738 in Augsburg.
Under the terms of thetreaty of Pressburg, Braunau became Bavarian again in 1809.
In 1816, during reorganisation of Europe after the Napoleonic Wars, Bavaria ceded the town to Austria and was compensated by the gain of Aschaffenburg. Braunau has been Austrian ever since.
Franziska died on August 1,0, 1884, barely two years after her marriage. (Alois, the first child of this union, had been born out of wedlock and adopted by his father.)
Although Klara Pölzl was only a second cousin, the couple needed an ecclesiastical dispensation for their marriage.
The application for this, in the clean, copper-plate handwriting of an Austro-Hungarian civil servant, still exists in the archives of the Episcopate in Linz under the number 6.911/11/2 1884. The documents read as follows:
Application of Alois Hitler and his fiancée, Klara Pölzl, for permission to marry.
Most Reverend Episcopate !
Those, in humblest devotion undersigned, have decided to marry. According to the enclosed family tree they are prevented by the canonical impediment of collateral affinity in the third degree touching the second. They therefore humbly request the Reverend Episcopate to graciously procure them dispensation on the following grounds: According to the enclosed death certificate the bridegroom has been a widower since 10th August of this year and is father of two infant children, a boy of two and a half (Alois) and a girl of one year and two months (Angela) for whose care he needs a woman-help as he, being a customs official, is away from his home the whole day and also often at night, and therefore hardly able to supervise the education and upbringing of the children. The bride has looked after the children ever since the death of the mother and they are very fond of her, so that it may be justifiably assumed that the upbringing would be successful and the marriage a happy one. Moreover, the bride is without means and it is therefore unlikely that she will ever have another opportunity of a good marriage.
For these reasons the undersigned repeat their humble petition for the gracious procurement of dispensation from the impediment of affinity.
Braunau, 27th October, 1884
ALOIS HITLER, Bridegroom - KLARA PÖLZL, Bride
The Linz Episcopate declared itself not competent to issue the dispensation and forwarded the application to Rome where it was granted by papal decree.
Alois Hitler's marriage with Klara was described by various acquaintances as very happy, which was presumably due to the submissive and accommodating nature of the wife.Once she said to me in this respect, "What I hoped and dreamed of as a young girl has not been fulfilled in my marriage;" and added resignedly, "But does such a thing ever happen ?"
The birth of the children in quick succession was a heavy psychological and physical burden for the frail woman: in 1885 the son Gustav was born, in 1886 a daughter, Ida, who died after two years, in 1887 another son, Otto, who only lived three days, and on April 20, 1889, again a son, Adolf.
How much suffering is hidden behind these bare figures!
When Adolf was born the three other children were already dead. With what care the sorely tried mother must have looked after this fourth child !
She told me once that Adolf was a very weak child and that she always lived in fear of losing him, too.
When Adolf was born the three other children were already dead. With what care the sorely tried mother must have looked after this fourth child !
She told me once that Adolf was a very weak child and that she always lived in fear of losing him, too.
Perhaps the early death of the three children was due to the fact that the parents were blood relations.
I leave it to the experts to give the final verdict.
But in this connection I would like to draw attention to one point to which, in my opinion, greatest importance should be attached.
I leave it to the experts to give the final verdict.
But in this connection I would like to draw attention to one point to which, in my opinion, greatest importance should be attached.
The most outstanding trait in my friend's character was, as I had experienced myself, the unparalleled consistency in everything that he said and did.
There was in his nature something firm, inflexible, immovable, obstinately rigid, which manifested itself in his profound seriousness and was at the bottom of all his other characteristics. Adolf simply could not change his mind or his nature.
Everything that lay in these rigid precincts of his being remained unaltered for ever. How often did I experience this! I remember what he said to me when we met again in 1938 after an interval of thirty years. "You haven't changed, Kubizek, you have only grown older." If this was true of me, how much more was it of him! He never changed.
Everything that lay in these rigid precincts of his being remained unaltered for ever. How often did I experience this! I remember what he said to me when we met again in 1938 after an interval of thirty years. "You haven't changed, Kubizek, you have only grown older." If this was true of me, how much more was it of him! He never changed.
I have tried to find an explanation for this fundamental trait in his character. Influence of surroundings and education can hardly account for it, but I could imagine -- although a complete layman in the field of genetics -- that the biological effect of the intermarriage in the family was to fix certain spheres and that those "arrested complexes" have produced that particular type of character. It was just this inflexibility that was responsible for Adolf Hitler's causing such innumerable sorrows to his mother.
Once more the mother's heart was sorely tried by destiny.
Five years after Adolf's birth, on March 24, 1894, she gave birth to a fifth child, a son, Edmund, who also died young, on June 29, 1900, in Leonding.
Although Adolf had no recollection of the first three children in Braunau, and never spoke of them, he could clearly remember his brother Edmund, at the time of whose death he was already eleven years old.
Although Adolf had no recollection of the first three children in Braunau, and never spoke of them, he could clearly remember his brother Edmund, at the time of whose death he was already eleven years old.
He told me once the Edmund had died of diphtheria. The youngest child, a girl called Paula, born on January 21, 1896, survived.
Thus, an early death had deprived Klara Hitler of four of her six children. Perhaps her mother's heart was broken by these terrible trials.
Only one thing remained, the care of the two surviving children, a care which she had to bear alone after the death of her husband. Small comfort that Paula was a quiet, easily led child; all the greater was the anxiety over the only son, an anxiety that only ended with her death.
Only one thing remained, the care of the two surviving children, a care which she had to bear alone after the death of her husband. Small comfort that Paula was a quiet, easily led child; all the greater was the anxiety over the only son, an anxiety that only ended with her death.
Adolf really loved his mother. I swear to it before God and man.
I remember many occasions when he showed this love for his mother, most deeply and movingly during her last illness; he never spoke of his mother but with deep affection. He was a good son. It was beyond his power to fulfil her most heartfelt wish to see him started on a safe career. When we lived together in Vienna he always carried his mother's portrait with him.
I remember many occasions when he showed this love for his mother, most deeply and movingly during her last illness; he never spoke of his mother but with deep affection. He was a good son. It was beyond his power to fulfil her most heartfelt wish to see him started on a safe career. When we lived together in Vienna he always carried his mother's portrait with him.
Although his father had been dead nearly two years when I first met Adolf he was still "ever present" to his family.
The mother perpetuated his personality in every way, for with her malleable nature she had almost entirely lost her own, and what she thought, said and did was all in the spirit of the dead father. But she lacked the strength and energy to put into effect the father's will.
She, who forgave everything, was handicapped in the upbringing of her son by, her boundless love for him. I could imagine how complete and enduring the influence of this man had been on his family, a real partriarchal father-of-the-family, whose authority was unquestioningly respected. Now his picture hung in the best position in the room.
On the kitchen shelves, I still remember, there were carefully arrayed the long pipes which he used to smoke. They were almost a symbol in the family of his absolute power.
Many a time, when talking of him, Frau Hitler would emphasise her words by pointing to these pipes as though they should bear witness how faithfully she carried on the father's tradition.
She, who forgave everything, was handicapped in the upbringing of her son by, her boundless love for him. I could imagine how complete and enduring the influence of this man had been on his family, a real partriarchal father-of-the-family, whose authority was unquestioningly respected. Now his picture hung in the best position in the room.
On the kitchen shelves, I still remember, there were carefully arrayed the long pipes which he used to smoke. They were almost a symbol in the family of his absolute power.
Many a time, when talking of him, Frau Hitler would emphasise her words by pointing to these pipes as though they should bear witness how faithfully she carried on the father's tradition.
Adolf spoke of his father with great respect.
I never heard him say anything against him, in spite of their differences of opinion about his career. In fact he respected him more as time went on. Adolf did not take it amiss that his father had autocratically decided on his son's future career; for this was considered his right, even his duty.
It was quite a different matter when Raubal, his step-sister's husband, this uneducated person, who was himself only a little revenue official, arrogated to himself this right.
Adolf would certainly not permit him to interfere in his personal affairs. But the authority of his father still remained, even after his death, the force in the struggle with which Adolf developed his own powers.
His father's attitude had provoked him first to secret, then to open rebellion.
There were violent scenes, which often ended in the father giving him a good hiding, as Adolf told me himself.
But Adolf matched this violence with his own youthful obstinacy, and the antagonism between father and son grew sharper.
I never heard him say anything against him, in spite of their differences of opinion about his career. In fact he respected him more as time went on. Adolf did not take it amiss that his father had autocratically decided on his son's future career; for this was considered his right, even his duty.
It was quite a different matter when Raubal, his step-sister's husband, this uneducated person, who was himself only a little revenue official, arrogated to himself this right.
Adolf would certainly not permit him to interfere in his personal affairs. But the authority of his father still remained, even after his death, the force in the struggle with which Adolf developed his own powers.
His father's attitude had provoked him first to secret, then to open rebellion.
There were violent scenes, which often ended in the father giving him a good hiding, as Adolf told me himself.
But Adolf matched this violence with his own youthful obstinacy, and the antagonism between father and son grew sharper.
Consequently we have good pictures showing him at various stages of his life. Not so much at his weddings, which were always under an unlucky star, but at the various promotions in his career, did he have his picture taken.
Most of the pictures show him, with his dignified civil servant's face, in gala uniform of white trousers and dark tunic, on which the double row of highly polished buttons gleamed. The man's face is impressive. A broad, massive head, the most notable feature being the side whiskers, modelled on those of his supreme master, the Emperor.
The expression of the eyes is penetrating and incorruptible, the eyes of a man who, as a customs official, is obliged to view everything with suspicion. But in most pictures dignity prevails over the "inquisitiveness" of the gaze. Even the pictures taken at the time when
Alois Hitler had already retired show that this man was, in spirit, still on duty.
Although he was past sixty he didn't show any of the typical signs of age.
One of the pictures, probably the last one, which can also be seen on his grave in Leonding, shows Alois Hitler as a man whose life consisted of service and duty.
To be sure there is also an earlier photograph, dating from his Leonding days, which, emphasising his private life, depicts him as a comfortable, well-to-do citizen, fond of good living.
Although he was past sixty he didn't show any of the typical signs of age.
One of the pictures, probably the last one, which can also be seen on his grave in Leonding, shows Alois Hitler as a man whose life consisted of service and duty.
To be sure there is also an earlier photograph, dating from his Leonding days, which, emphasising his private life, depicts him as a comfortable, well-to-do citizen, fond of good living.
Alois Hitler's rise from being the illegitimate son of a poor servant girl to the position of a respected civil servant is the path from insignificance and inferior status to the highest rank open to him in the service of the State.
His colleagues in the Customs Service describe him as a precise, dutiful official who was very strict and had his "weak spots."
As a superior Alois Hitler was not very popular. Out of office he was considered a liberal-minded man who did not conceal his convictions.
He was very proud of his rank. Every day he would pay his morning visit to the inn with an official's punctuality. His regular drinking companions found him good company but he could flare up over trifles and become rude, displaying both his inborn violence and the sternness that he had acquired in his job.
As a superior Alois Hitler was not very popular. Out of office he was considered a liberal-minded man who did not conceal his convictions.
He was very proud of his rank. Every day he would pay his morning visit to the inn with an official's punctuality. His regular drinking companions found him good company but he could flare up over trifles and become rude, displaying both his inborn violence and the sternness that he had acquired in his job.
His illegitimate birth is conclusively proved by the Church register of the Parish of Strones. According to this, the forty-two-year-old servant maid Anna Maria Schicklgruber gave birth to a son on July 7, 1837, who was christened Alois.
The godfather was her employer, the peasant Johann Trummelschlager, in Strones. As far as is known the child was the first and the only one. The identity of the father was not revealed by the mother.
The godfather was her employer, the peasant Johann Trummelschlager, in Strones. As far as is known the child was the first and the only one. The identity of the father was not revealed by the mother.
Anna Maria Schicklgruber married the mill worker Johann Georg Hiedler in 1842 when the illegitimate child was already five years old.
The Church Register of Döllersheim contains the following entry:
'The undersigned hereby confirm that Johann Georg Hiedler, who is well known to the undersigned witnesses, has acknowledged paternity of the child Alois of Anna Maria Schicklgruber and requests that his name be entered in the Baptismal Register.'
The entry is signed by the Parish priest and four witnesses.
Johann Georg Hiedler again acknowledged his paternity in an official document concerning some inheritance in 1876 before the Notary in Weitra. He was then eighty-four years old and the child's mother had been dead for over thirty years. Alois Schicklgruber had been a customs official in Braunau for many years.
As the boy was not officially adopted after his mother's wedding, his name remained Schicklgruber. He would have kept this name throughout his life had not Johann Nepomuk Hiedler, Johann Georg's younger brother, made a will and left a modest sum to the illegitimate son of his brother. But he made the condition that Alois should assume the name Hiedler, and on June 4, 1876, the name Alois Schicklgruber in the Church Register of the Parish of Döllersheim was altered to Alois Hiedler; the local government authority in Mistelbach ratifying this alteration on January 6, 1877.
From now on Alois Schicklgruber called himself Alois Hitler, a name which meant as little as the other, but which secured him his legacy.
From now on Alois Schicklgruber called himself Alois Hitler, a name which meant as little as the other, but which secured him his legacy.
Once when we were talking about his relatives Adolf told me the story of his father's change of names. Nothing his "old man" ever did pleased him as much as this; for Schicklgruber seemed to him so uncouth, so boorish, apart from being so clumsy and unpractical. He found "Hiedler" too boring, too soft; but "Hitler" sounded nice and was easy to remember.
It is typical of his father that instead of accepting the version "Hiedler," as did the rest of his relations, he invented the new spelling, "Hitler."
It was in keeping with his mania for ceaseless change.
His superiors had nothing to do with this; for in all his forty years of service he was transferred only four times.
The towns to which he was posted, Saalfelden, Braunau, Passau and Linz, are so favourably situated that they form the ideal setting for a customs official's career.
But hardly had he settled down in one of these places, when he began to move house.
During his period of service in Braunau there are recorded twelve changes of address; probably there were more.
During the two years in Passau (see left) he moved twice.
Soon after his retirement he moved from Linz to Hafeld, from there to Lambach -- first in the Leingartner Inn, then to a mill, that is to say, two changes in one year -- then to Leonding. When I met Adolf he remembered seven removals and had been to five different schools.
It would not be true to say that these constant changes were due to bad housing conditions. Surely the Pommer Inn -- Alois Hitler was very fond of living in inns -- (where Adolf was born) was one of the finest and most presentable buildings in the whole of Braunau.
Nevertheless, the father left there soon after Adolf's birth. Actually he often moved from a decent dwelling into a poorer one. The house was not the important thing; rather the moving. How can one explain this strange mania?
It was in keeping with his mania for ceaseless change.
His superiors had nothing to do with this; for in all his forty years of service he was transferred only four times.
But hardly had he settled down in one of these places, when he began to move house.
During his period of service in Braunau there are recorded twelve changes of address; probably there were more.
During the two years in Passau (see left) he moved twice.
Soon after his retirement he moved from Linz to Hafeld, from there to Lambach -- first in the Leingartner Inn, then to a mill, that is to say, two changes in one year -- then to Leonding. When I met Adolf he remembered seven removals and had been to five different schools.
It would not be true to say that these constant changes were due to bad housing conditions. Surely the Pommer Inn -- Alois Hitler was very fond of living in inns -- (where Adolf was born) was one of the finest and most presentable buildings in the whole of Braunau.
Nevertheless, the father left there soon after Adolf's birth. Actually he often moved from a decent dwelling into a poorer one. The house was not the important thing; rather the moving. How can one explain this strange mania?
Perhaps Alois Hitler simply hated to remain in one spot; and as his service forced on him a certain stability, he at least wanted some change in his own sphere.
As soon as he had got used to certain surroundings, he grew weary of them. To live meant to change one's conditions, a trait which I experienced in Adolf too.
As soon as he had got used to certain surroundings, he grew weary of them. To live meant to change one's conditions, a trait which I experienced in Adolf too.
Three times Alois remodelled his family. It is perhaps true that this was due to outside circumstances. But if so, certainly fate played strangely into his hands.
We know that his first wife, Anna, suffered very much from his restlessness, which eventually led to their separation and was partly responsible for her unexpected death.
For while his first wife was still alive, Alois Hitler already had a child by the woman who became his second wife.
And again when the second wife fell gravely ill and died, Klara, the third, was already expecting a child of his. Just sufficient time elapsed for the child to be born in wedlock. Alois Hitler was not an easy husband. Even more than from Frau Hitler's occasional hints could one gather this from her weary, drawn face. This lack of inner harmony was perhaps partly due to the fact that Alois Hitler never married a woman his own age. Anna was fourteen years older, Franziska twenty-four years younger, and Klara twenty-three years younger.
We know that his first wife, Anna, suffered very much from his restlessness, which eventually led to their separation and was partly responsible for her unexpected death.
For while his first wife was still alive, Alois Hitler already had a child by the woman who became his second wife.
And again when the second wife fell gravely ill and died, Klara, the third, was already expecting a child of his. Just sufficient time elapsed for the child to be born in wedlock. Alois Hitler was not an easy husband. Even more than from Frau Hitler's occasional hints could one gather this from her weary, drawn face. This lack of inner harmony was perhaps partly due to the fact that Alois Hitler never married a woman his own age. Anna was fourteen years older, Franziska twenty-four years younger, and Klara twenty-three years younger.
This strange and unusual habit of the father's, always to change his circumstances, is all the more remarkable as those were peaceful, comfortable times without any justification for such change. I see in the father's character an explanation of the strange behaviour of the son, whose constant restlessness puzzled me for so long.
When Adolf and I strolled through the familiar streets of the good, old town -- all peace, quiet and harmony -- my friend would sometimes be taken by a certain mood and begin to change everything he saw. That house there was in a wrong position; it would have to be demolished. There was an empty plot which could be built up instead. That street needed a correction in order to give a more compact impression. Away with this horrible, completely bungled tenement block! Let's have a free vista to the Castle.
Thus he was always rebuilding the town. But it wasn't only a matter of building.
A beggar, standing before the church, would be an occasion for him to hold forth on the need for a State scheme for the old, which would do away with begging.
A peasant woman coming along with her milk cart drawn by a miserable dog -- occasion to criticize the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for their lack of initiative.
Two young lieutenants sauntering through the streets, their sabres proudly clanking -- sufficient reason for him to inveigh against the shortcomings of a military service which permitted such idleness.
This inclination to be dissatisfied with things as they were, always to change and improve them, was ineradicable in him.
When Adolf and I strolled through the familiar streets of the good, old town -- all peace, quiet and harmony -- my friend would sometimes be taken by a certain mood and begin to change everything he saw. That house there was in a wrong position; it would have to be demolished. There was an empty plot which could be built up instead. That street needed a correction in order to give a more compact impression. Away with this horrible, completely bungled tenement block! Let's have a free vista to the Castle.
Thus he was always rebuilding the town. But it wasn't only a matter of building.
A beggar, standing before the church, would be an occasion for him to hold forth on the need for a State scheme for the old, which would do away with begging.
A peasant woman coming along with her milk cart drawn by a miserable dog -- occasion to criticize the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for their lack of initiative.
Two young lieutenants sauntering through the streets, their sabres proudly clanking -- sufficient reason for him to inveigh against the shortcomings of a military service which permitted such idleness.
This inclination to be dissatisfied with things as they were, always to change and improve them, was ineradicable in him.
And this was by no means a peculiarity which he had acquired through external influences, by his upbringing at home or at school, but an innate quality that was also apparent in his father's unsettled character. It was a supernatural force, comparable to a motor driving a thousand wheels.
Nevertheless, father and son were affected by this quality in different ways. The father's unruly nature was bridled by one steadying factor -- his position. The discipline of his office gave his volatile character purpose and direction. Again and again he was saved from complications by the hard exigencies of his duties.
The uniform of the customs official served as a cover for anything that may have gone on in the stormy sphere of his private life. In particular, being in the service, he unreservedly accepted the authority on which the service was built.
Although Alois Hitler was inclined to liberal views -- an inclination not uncommon in the Austrian Civil Service -- he would never have questioned the authority of the State, epitomized in the person of the Emperor. By fully submitting to this accepted authority, Alois Hitler was able to steer safely through all the dangerous reefs and sandbanks of his life, on which otherwise he might have foundered.
Although Alois Hitler was inclined to liberal views -- an inclination not uncommon in the Austrian Civil Service -- he would never have questioned the authority of the State, epitomized in the person of the Emperor. By fully submitting to this accepted authority, Alois Hitler was able to steer safely through all the dangerous reefs and sandbanks of his life, on which otherwise he might have foundered.
This also throws a different light on his obstinate efforts to make a civil servant of Adolf.
It was for him more than a father's usual preoccupation with his son's future. His purpose was rather to direct his son into a position which necessitated submission to authority. It is quite possible that the father did not himself realise the inner reason of his attitude, but his determination in insisting on his point of view shows that he must have felt how much was at stake for his son. So well did he know him.
It was for him more than a father's usual preoccupation with his son's future. His purpose was rather to direct his son into a position which necessitated submission to authority. It is quite possible that the father did not himself realise the inner reason of his attitude, but his determination in insisting on his point of view shows that he must have felt how much was at stake for his son. So well did he know him.
With equal determination Adolf refused to comply with his father's wishes, although he himself had only very hazy ideas about his future. To become a painter would have been the worst possible insult to his father, for it would have meant just that aimless wandering to which he (the father) was so much opposed.
With his refusal to enter the Civil Service, Adolf Hitler's path diverges sharply from that of his father; it takes a different course, final and irrevocable. It was, indeed, the great decision of his life. The years that followed it I spent at his side.
I could observe how earnestly he tried to find the right path for his future, not merely a job that would provide a livelihood, but real tasks for which his talents were fitted.
I could observe how earnestly he tried to find the right path for his future, not merely a job that would provide a livelihood, but real tasks for which his talents were fitted.
Alois Hitler died suddenly.
On January 3, 1903 -- he was sixty-five and still strong and active -- he went, as usual, punctually at ten o'clock in the morning to have his drink.
Without warning he collapsed in his chair. Before a doctor or a priest could be called, he was dead.
On January 3, 1903 -- he was sixty-five and still strong and active -- he went, as usual, punctually at ten o'clock in the morning to have his drink.
Without warning he collapsed in his chair. Before a doctor or a priest could be called, he was dead.
When the fourteen-year-old son saw his dead father he burst out into uncontrollable weeping.
When I first knew Adolf Hitler he had, as far as he was concerned, already finished with school.To be sure, he was still attending the technical school in Steyr (see left and right) and frequently came home, usually every Sunday.
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
Steyr is a town, located in the Austrian federal state of Upper Austria. The town is situated at the confluence of the rivers Steyr and Enns. Steyr is Austria's 12th most populated town and simultaneously the 3rd largest town in Upper Austria.
It has a long history as a manufacturing center and has given its name to several manufacturers headquartered there, such as Steyr Mannlicher (a firearms manufacturer best known for the Steyr AUG), Steyr Tractor, and Steyr Automobile.
Historically, Steyr has had a number of well-known residents or visitors, including Franz Schubert (see left) who wrote his "Trout Quintet" there while on holiday, composer Anton Bruckner (see above), was the organist at the local pfarrkirche, or parish church.
Adolf Hitler spent a brief period there while in his teens. Hitler, who lived in a room at the Grünmarkt, went to the high school of Steyr in 1904. The school is located in the same building as the famous Saint Michael's Church.
Only for his mother's sake had he -- as he put it -- consented to this "last of all attempts."
His report from the third form of the technical school in Linz had indeed been so bad that Frau Hitler had been advised to let Adolf continue his studies at another school.
To put it bluntly, the difficult pupil had been promoted only on the condition that he left. In this manner the school in the capital of the Province got rid of its less satisfactory pupils by pushing them off into the schools of the smaller towns.
Adolf himself was infuriated by this sly method and from the very start regarded his attempt in the fourth form of the technical school in Steyr as a failure.
By this time he knew all that there was to know about schools and had come to the conclusion that in view of his own plans for his future, school was of no more use to him.
The knowledge that he lacked he would make up by studying by himself.
Art had long since captured him. To art he dedicated himself with youthful passion, convinced that this was his true vocation. Compared with art, school with its routine appeared grey and monotonous.
At long last he wanted to be free and go his own way, and despised those young men who did not think likewise.
As he emancipated himself from the hated atmosphere of school, so did our friendship gain in value and importance.
What his old classmates in all their insignificance had not been able to give him he expected from his new friend.
To put it bluntly, the difficult pupil had been promoted only on the condition that he left. In this manner the school in the capital of the Province got rid of its less satisfactory pupils by pushing them off into the schools of the smaller towns.
Adolf himself was infuriated by this sly method and from the very start regarded his attempt in the fourth form of the technical school in Steyr as a failure.
By this time he knew all that there was to know about schools and had come to the conclusion that in view of his own plans for his future, school was of no more use to him.
The knowledge that he lacked he would make up by studying by himself.
Art had long since captured him. To art he dedicated himself with youthful passion, convinced that this was his true vocation. Compared with art, school with its routine appeared grey and monotonous.
At long last he wanted to be free and go his own way, and despised those young men who did not think likewise.
As he emancipated himself from the hated atmosphere of school, so did our friendship gain in value and importance.
What his old classmates in all their insignificance had not been able to give him he expected from his new friend.
At the elementary school (see left) Hitler was always one of the best pupils. He was quick to learn and made progress even without working
very hard. His first teacher, Karl Mittermaier, gave him a report, "Full marks in every subject."
Mittermaier lived till 1938, when he was naturally asked to tell what he remembered of his former pupil. Although he still remembered the pale and sickly boy, he had little to say about him. The little Adolf had been very docile, his school things always in perfect order.
For the rest there was nothing outstanding about him, either good or bad. Incidentally, when Adolf Hitler was Chancellor in 1939 he visited that school again and seated himself at the same desk at which he had learned to read and write.
As usual, he made good use of his visit and changed everything possible. He personally bought the old school building and ordered the construction of a fine new school. The teacher who had succeeded old Mittermaier was invited to Obersalzburg, together with her pupils.
But things altered when Adolf Hitler in September 1900 entered the technical school at Linz. He himself writes about those years:
Only one thing was certain, my obvious failure at school. I learned what I liked -- in particular, all that which I considered would be useful to me as a painter later. What I thought was unimportant in this respect or what did not attract me, I neglected completely. My marks in this period show extremes, varying according to the subject and my regard for it: there is "Praiseworthy" and "Excellent" but also "Fair" and "Unsatisfactory". By far my best efforts were in geography and even more in history, my favourite subjects, in which I was far ahead of the rest of the class.
One is apt to get a wrong picture of Adolf's schooldays from his own words. Although Adolf spoke to me of his schooldays with reluctance and always with a curious indignation, nevertheless our friendship was, so to speak, overshadowed by them. In this way I got quite a different impression from the one he conveys in his writings of fifteen years later.
In the first place the eleven-year-old boy found it difficult to adapt himself to the new surroundings. Every day he had to make the long journey from Leonding into the town to school. He often told me that, nevertheless, this daily walk was one of the nicest things he could remember of those years. At least this hour's journey to school assured him a bit of freedom, which he appreciated all the more as until then he had always lived in the country. Everything in town seemed strange and unfriendly to him. His classmates, mostly from rich homes, did not accept as an equal the queer youngster who came daily to town "from the peasants." His teachers' interest in him was confined to their classes. All this had been so different at the elementary school, where the easygoing teacher knew all his pupils intimately and used to take his regular drink with their fathers in the evening. At the elementary school the boy had been accustomed to passing up each year without any special effort. At his new school, to start with, he also tried improvisation at which he was a master. He had to do it all the more as he found little pleasure in learning by heart, so much valued by his teachers. But here the trick did not work. So he started to sulk and let things drift. Nobody took much notice of him in class; he had no friends and did not want any. Sometimes some of his spoiled classmates would make him feel that they did not accept as one of them this village boy -- a sufficient reason for him to withdraw even more. It is significant that not one of his many schoolmates could claim any close relationship or friendship with him.
Thus, after his first year at the technical school, Hitler brought home to his father a report bearing twice "Unsatisfactory" and the verdict that the pupil would not pass up into the next class.
Adolf never told me how his father reacted to this, but it can be imagined.
Adolf never told me how his father reacted to this, but it can be imagined.
Now he had to start all over again.
His form master was now Professor Eduard Huemer, who besides German, also taught French, the only foreign language taught in the lower forms of the technical school and also, to my knowledge, the only foreign language which Adolf Hitler ever studied, or rather was made to study.
But in the meantime he had "acclimatised" himself.
His second year in the first form was more successful and he was promoted to the second form. But from there, again, he passed only by the skin of his teeth.
Again, his father had to acknowledge a report which showed "Unsatisfactory" in mathematics. Obviously this judgment was not due to ill-will on the part of the teachers.
Hitler hated mathematics because it was too dry and required hard, systematic work.
We often talked about it.
Later in Vienna Hitler realised that he would need mathematics if he wanted to become an architect. But this made no difference to his violent aversion.
His form master was now Professor Eduard Huemer, who besides German, also taught French, the only foreign language taught in the lower forms of the technical school and also, to my knowledge, the only foreign language which Adolf Hitler ever studied, or rather was made to study.
But in the meantime he had "acclimatised" himself.
His second year in the first form was more successful and he was promoted to the second form. But from there, again, he passed only by the skin of his teeth.
Again, his father had to acknowledge a report which showed "Unsatisfactory" in mathematics. Obviously this judgment was not due to ill-will on the part of the teachers.
Hitler hated mathematics because it was too dry and required hard, systematic work.
We often talked about it.
Later in Vienna Hitler realised that he would need mathematics if he wanted to become an architect. But this made no difference to his violent aversion.
He finished the third form again with two "Unsatisfactory" reports, again in mathematics and in addition in German, although Professor Huemer was one of the teachers whom, he later admitted, he respected.
This was the year of his father's death.
Professor Huemer explained to his mother that promotion to the fourth form was only possible if he went to another school. It is, therefore, not correct to say that Adolf Hitler was thrown out of the Linz technical school. He was only moved "to the country."
This was the year of his father's death.
Professor Huemer explained to his mother that promotion to the fourth form was only possible if he went to another school. It is, therefore, not correct to say that Adolf Hitler was thrown out of the Linz technical school. He was only moved "to the country."
After reading Dante's Divine Comedy he talked to me of the school as "Purgatory."
In Steyr Hitler lodged with a court official by the name of Edler von Cichini at No. 19 Grünmarkt (see left), but whenever he had a moment's spare time he would come to Linz.
As could be foreseen, the result was bad and remained so when he repeated his examination between September 1 and 15, 1905.
As well as the usual "Unsatisfactory" for mathematics, there appeared another "Unsatisfactory" for practical geometry.
As could be foreseen, the result was bad and remained so when he repeated his examination between September 1 and 15, 1905.
As well as the usual "Unsatisfactory" for mathematics, there appeared another "Unsatisfactory" for practical geometry.
When Professor Huemer, who had been Hitler's form master for three years, gave evidence as to his pupil's character at the Treason Trial after the unsuccessful Putsch of November 1923 he said: "Hitler was certainly gifted, although only for particular subjects, but he lacked self-control and, to say the least, he was considered argumentative, autocratic, self-opinionated and bad-tempered, and unable to submit to school discipline. Nor was he industrious; otherwise he would have achieved much better results, gifted as he was."
Having passed this rather negative judgment Professor Huemer, in a more sentimental mood, added: "Yet, as experience shows, what happens at school has not much bearing on life, and while model pupils sink from view without leaving a trace, the difficult boys develop only when they have the elbow room they need.
My former pupil Hitler seems to belong to this latter species and I hope from the bottom of my heart that he will recover from his recent hardships and upsets and live to see the fulfillment of those ideals which he harbours in his bosom, which do credit to him, as they do to any German."
My former pupil Hitler seems to belong to this latter species and I hope from the bottom of my heart that he will recover from his recent hardships and upsets and live to see the fulfillment of those ideals which he harbours in his bosom, which do credit to him, as they do to any German."
These words, written in 1924, are certainly not influenced by wisdom after the event.
They show remarkable solidarity between teacher and former pupil.
In an indirect way, Professor Huemer proclaims that the ideals for which Adolf Hitler was then standing his trial were indeed the ideals of his school.
And this, in spite of the fact that in the subject which Dr. Huemer taught, German, Hitler by no means excelled; which is borne out by the many spelling mistakes in the letters and cards which he sent to me.
They show remarkable solidarity between teacher and former pupil.
In an indirect way, Professor Huemer proclaims that the ideals for which Adolf Hitler was then standing his trial were indeed the ideals of his school.
And this, in spite of the fact that in the subject which Dr. Huemer taught, German, Hitler by no means excelled; which is borne out by the many spelling mistakes in the letters and cards which he sent to me.
Among the teachers who, although their subject did not appeal to him, were favourably looked upon by Hitler for their personality was the science master, Professor Theodor Gissinger, who replaced Professor Engstler.
Gissinger was very fond of the open air, a hardy walker and mountaineer and enthusiastic about gymnastics. He was the most rabid of all the Nationalist teachers.
The political differences of that period were also evident within the teaching body, indeed even more so than in the general public. This atmosphere charged with political tension was more important for the intellectual development of the young Hitler than anything he was taught.
As is generally the case, not the subjects taught, but the atmosphere of a school determines its value.
Gissinger was very fond of the open air, a hardy walker and mountaineer and enthusiastic about gymnastics. He was the most rabid of all the Nationalist teachers.
The political differences of that period were also evident within the teaching body, indeed even more so than in the general public. This atmosphere charged with political tension was more important for the intellectual development of the young Hitler than anything he was taught.
As is generally the case, not the subjects taught, but the atmosphere of a school determines its value.
Incidentally, Professor Gissinger too has in later years given his judgment on his former pupil, Hitler. This remarkable document reads: "As far as I was concerned, Hitler left neither a favourable nor an unfavourable impression in Linz. He was by no means a leader of the class. He was slender and erect, his face pallid and very thin, almost like that of a consumptive, his gaze unusually open, his eyes brilliant."
The history teacher, Dr. Leopold Pötsch (see left), was the third and last of those teachers who found favour in Hitler's eyes. He is the only one of almost a dozen teachers of whom Hitler, already at that time, approved. However reluctant Hitler was to talk to me of his former teachers, he made an exception of Pötsch.
The words which Hitler dedicated to his former history teacher are well known:
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| Doktor Leopold Pötsch |
Undoubtedly this subsequent judgment is exaggerated.
This is borne out by the fact that Hitler's last school report in Linz shows only a "Fair" for history, although perhaps the change of school had something to do with it.
Nevertheless this teacher's influence on the very sensitive boy should not be underestimated. If it is true to say that the greatest value of the study of history is the enthusiasm which it arouses, then Dr. Pötsch has achieved his end.
This is borne out by the fact that Hitler's last school report in Linz shows only a "Fair" for history, although perhaps the change of school had something to do with it.
Nevertheless this teacher's influence on the very sensitive boy should not be underestimated. If it is true to say that the greatest value of the study of history is the enthusiasm which it arouses, then Dr. Pötsch has achieved his end.
Pötsch was a native of the southern border region and before he came to Linz had taught in Marburg and other places near the German language border. He therefore had a vivid experience of the struggle among the nationalities. I believe that the absolute love for everything that was German which Pötsch combined with his aversion to the Hapsburg Monarchy was the decisive revelation for the young Hitler. This fervent devotion to the German people gave him a firm foundation for the rest of his life.
Adolf Hitler remained grateful to his old history teacher throughout his life, indeed his attachment to school and teacher grew with the passing of the years. In 1938 Hitler came to Klagenfurt and met Pötsch again. He spent more than an hour in a room alone with the frail old man, When he left the room he said to those accompanying him, "You cannot imagine how much I owe to that old man."
Editor's Note:
Leopold Poetsch (18 November 1853 - 16 October 1942) was an Austrian history teacher.
He was a high school teacher of Adolf Hitler and influenced the future leader's later views.
Dr Leopold Pötsch came from the southern German border regions.
There, political struggles between Slavs and ethnic Germans angered him and turned him into a loud and fiery proponent of the Pan-German movement.
He began teaching in Maribor, and later moved to Linz to teach history.
Pötsch was Hitler's teacher from first through third grade (1901–04) in geography, and in second and third grade in history. He also ran the school library.
As a special privilege, Hitler was allowed to bring his teacher maps, which put him in particularly close contact with him.
Aside from his service at the school, Pötsch was a much sought after official speaker.
He spoke at German national associations but also on the occasion of the emperor's anniversary in 1908. In 1905, he joined the Linz city council as a representative of the German People's party.
Hitler became enamored of Poetsch as a teenager, captivated by the professor's fiery speeches.
Pötsch was a fervent pan-German.
Poetsch despised the Habsburgs and forcefully argued that all ethnic Germans should be united by a single government. Like many Austro-Germans, Poetsch wanted to see the old empire break up and Austria join Germany, to the north.
He asserted that the Aryan race was stronger, healthier, and more fit to rule than any other people. Poetsch declared that Jews and Slavs were what he termed "inferior races". (This position was not uncommon among impoverished Germans after World War I.)
Hitler hated all his classes except Poetsch's history class.
Hitler was captivated by Poetsch's teachings and began regularly reading a local anti-Semitic newspaper.
Poetsch captured the imagination of his young students with heroic tales of the ancient Teutons and German victories. In his later years, Hitler spoke of Poetsch as a "great man."
As dictator of Germany, Hitler attempted to unite all German-speaking people, just as Poetsch's lectures had demanded, and persecuted Slavs, Jews, Gypsies, and other minorities, eventually attempting to exterminate them in the "Final Solution".
Hitler stated that "Poetsch used our budding nationalistic fanaticism as a means of educating us, frequently appealing to us our sense of national honor." Under Poetsch, Hitler came to the realization that: "Germanism could be safeguarded only by the destruction of Austria, and, furthermore, the national sentiment is in no sense identical with dynastic patriotism; that above all the house of Habsburg was destined to be the misfortune of the German national."
Poetsch gave popular slide lectures entitled "Images of German History." In them he strongly emphasized the Germanic era and the time of the early German emperors before the rule of the Habsburgs and proceeded to pinpoint the German national awakening up until the Franco-Prussian war.
The following is a quote from one of his speeches: Since the great days of the magnificent German victories of the years 1870-71, we have become increasingly conscious of our German identity and now thumb more ardently through the books of German myth, legends and history.
However, during those Hitler's teenage years while he may have been inspired by Leopold Poetsch's class, he was not motivated enough to become involved in politics. His only obsession was to become an artist.
Though a fervent pan-German, Poetsch was also an Austrian patriot at the same time.
Later in life, Poetsch was very annoyed when he discovered that in Mein Kampf he received high praise as a teacher but at the same time was denounced as an enemy of Austria. In reference to Poetsch, Hitler wrote: "For who could have studied German history under such a teacher without becoming an enemy of the state which, through its ruling house, exerted so disastrous an influence on the destinies of the nation. And who could retain a loyalty to a dynasty that ... betrayed the needs of the German people again and again for shameless private advantage."
In 1936, when some teachers in Linz sent their now-famous pupil photos to remind him of them, and they asked Poetsch to join them, he refused, arguing that he did not agree with Hitler in his defamation of Austria as he had sworn an official oath for Austria.
But these subsequent opinions of Hitler's about his teachers should not falsify the real picture of his schooldays anymore than the subsequent opinions of the teachers about their former pupil -- not to speak of the very contradictory opinions of his numerous classmates.
The truth is -- and I am witness to it -- that Adolf left school with a fundamental hatred for it. I would take care not to bring the conversation round to the subject; but he sometimes would be seized by the necessity to hold forth against it violently.
He never tried to keep in touch with any of the teachers, not even with Pötsch. On the contrary, he avoided them and pretended not to recognise them when he met them in the street.
The truth is -- and I am witness to it -- that Adolf left school with a fundamental hatred for it. I would take care not to bring the conversation round to the subject; but he sometimes would be seized by the necessity to hold forth against it violently.
He never tried to keep in touch with any of the teachers, not even with Pötsch. On the contrary, he avoided them and pretended not to recognise them when he met them in the street.
His quarrel with school was going on at the same time as another conflict, which was much more important to him: his settling of accounts with his mother. This expression should not be misunderstood.
Adolf tried to spare his mother as much as he could. But this became impossible when he finally failed at school and so gave up the career which his father had envisaged for him. Adolf was much more preoccupied with this psychological conflict than with the eternal guerrilla war with the teachers. What did he care about bad reports? But to his mother they meant that Adolf would not reach his goal.
Adolf tried to spare his mother as much as he could. But this became impossible when he finally failed at school and so gave up the career which his father had envisaged for him. Adolf was much more preoccupied with this psychological conflict than with the eternal guerrilla war with the teachers. What did he care about bad reports? But to his mother they meant that Adolf would not reach his goal.
I myself witnessed how Adolf tried to spare his mother during the last school year, and yet he could not spare her because it was impossible to convince her that his future lay elsewhere. Where, he did not yet know himself; and not for many years after his mother's death. So she took this, her greatest worry, the future of her son, with her into the grave.
In those gloomy days of autumn, 1905, Adolf was on the razor's edge.
Superficially, the decision the sixteen-year-old had to take was whether to repeat the fourth form in the technical school at Steyr, or leave school forever. But its meaning for him was graver: should he, for his mother's sake, continue on a path which he knew was mistaken and hopeless for him; or should he ignore the grief that he would cause his mother and choose the other way, of which he could only say that it was the path towards art, a word which, one can understand, didn't offer much comfort to his mother?
Superficially, the decision the sixteen-year-old had to take was whether to repeat the fourth form in the technical school at Steyr, or leave school forever. But its meaning for him was graver: should he, for his mother's sake, continue on a path which he knew was mistaken and hopeless for him; or should he ignore the grief that he would cause his mother and choose the other way, of which he could only say that it was the path towards art, a word which, one can understand, didn't offer much comfort to his mother?
But in view of his nature this was not for Adolf really a decision in the true sense of the word; for in reality there was no dilemma at all. He simply could not do otherwise and, leaving school, he embarked on the second path without looking back. But he knew how upset his mother was by this decision and this, I know, caused him immeasurable grief.
In those months Adolf passed through a grave crisis, the gravest during the years of our friendship. It manifested itself by his falling seriously ill.
He describes it in his book as lung trouble.
His sister Paula mentions a hemorrhage. Others again assert that it was some gastric trouble brought on by autosuggestion.
I visited him almost every day during his illness, because I had to give him regular reports about Stefanie, who even at that time he worshiped.
As far as I can remember, his illness was actually some lung trouble. I know that for a long time afterwards he was plagued by coughs and nasty catarrhs, especially on damp, foggy days.
He describes it in his book as lung trouble.
His sister Paula mentions a hemorrhage. Others again assert that it was some gastric trouble brought on by autosuggestion.
I visited him almost every day during his illness, because I had to give him regular reports about Stefanie, who even at that time he worshiped.
As far as I can remember, his illness was actually some lung trouble. I know that for a long time afterwards he was plagued by coughs and nasty catarrhs, especially on damp, foggy days.
Also, in his mother's eyes, he was released by this illness from continuing school. Thus, it just suited his decision.
To what extent this illness was autosuggestion, to what extent it was the natural consequence of his inner crisis, to what extent it was purely constitutional, I cannot say.
To what extent this illness was autosuggestion, to what extent it was the natural consequence of his inner crisis, to what extent it was purely constitutional, I cannot say.
When Adolf rose from his sickbed, he had made up his mind. He had definitely finished with school and without the slightest doubt or inhibition he steered his way towards the career of an artist.
The two years of his life that followed were without any visible aim.
"In the hollowness of the life of leisure" is the title he gave to this phase when, in compiling 'Mein Kampf' he discovered with some uneasiness this gap in his career.
Superficially this title is correct.
He did not go to school, he did not bother about any practical training, he lived with his mother and let her keep him.
"In the hollowness of the life of leisure" is the title he gave to this phase when, in compiling 'Mein Kampf' he discovered with some uneasiness this gap in his career.
Superficially this title is correct.
He did not go to school, he did not bother about any practical training, he lived with his mother and let her keep him.
In reality, this chapter of his life was filled with unceasing activity.
He sketched, he painted, he wrote poems and he read.
I cannot remember that Adolf was ever idle or felt bored even for a single hour. If by chance he got fed up with something, as for instance a play that we saw, his boredom made him condemn the play so vehemently that, in this way, he roused himself to highest activity.
To be sure, he was as yet not very systematic. There was no apparent purpose, no clear goal. He only accumulated with unbounded energy impressions, experience and material. What would ever become of it all remained an open question. He did nothing but search, he searched everywhere and always.
He sketched, he painted, he wrote poems and he read.
I cannot remember that Adolf was ever idle or felt bored even for a single hour. If by chance he got fed up with something, as for instance a play that we saw, his boredom made him condemn the play so vehemently that, in this way, he roused himself to highest activity.To be sure, he was as yet not very systematic. There was no apparent purpose, no clear goal. He only accumulated with unbounded energy impressions, experience and material. What would ever become of it all remained an open question. He did nothing but search, he searched everywhere and always.
Meanwhile Adolf found a way of proving to his mother how useless any further schooling would have been for him. He proved it -- how typical of his way of tackling problems -- by convincing his mother of the futility of the whole school system.
"One can learn much better by oneself," he told her.
He subscribed to the library of the Adult Education.
He joined the Museum Society and borrowed books from its library. He also used some lending libraries. From that moment I remember Adolf as always surrounded by books, especially by the volumes of his favourite work, with which he never parted, the German Mythology. How often did he persuade me, when I came from my work, to take with me and study this or that book which he had just read so that he could discuss it with me. Now suddenly he had all the qualities which he had lacked at school; application, interest and pleasure in learning. He had, as he said, beaten the school at its own game.
"One can learn much better by oneself," he told her.
He subscribed to the library of the Adult Education.
He joined the Museum Society and borrowed books from its library. He also used some lending libraries. From that moment I remember Adolf as always surrounded by books, especially by the volumes of his favourite work, with which he never parted, the German Mythology. How often did he persuade me, when I came from my work, to take with me and study this or that book which he had just read so that he could discuss it with me. Now suddenly he had all the qualities which he had lacked at school; application, interest and pleasure in learning. He had, as he said, beaten the school at its own game.
Chapter 7 Stefanie
To tell the truth, it is not very agreeable for me to be the only witness -- apart from Stefanie herself -- who can tell of my friend's youthful love, which lasted four years from the beginning of his sixteenth year.
I fear that by giving a picture of the actual facts, I shall disappoint those who are expecting sensational disclosures.
Adolf's relations with this girl from a much respected family were confined to those permitted by the prevailing code of morals and were absolutely normal, unless today's conception of sexual morality is so upsidedown that one considers it abnormal if two young people have an affair and -- to put it briefly -- "nothing happens."
I must ask to be excused from mentioning this girl's surname as well as her later married name. Occasionally I have revealed it to persons engaged in research on Hitler's youth, who had satisfied me as to their good faith.
Stefanie, who was one, or perhaps, two years older than Adolf, later married a high-ranking officer and now lives, a widow, in Vienna.
The reader will therefore understand my discretion.
One evening in the spring of 1905, as we were taking our usual stroll, Adolf gripped my arm and asked me excitedly what I thought of that slim blonde girl walking along the Landstrasse arm-inarm with her mother. "You must know, I'm in love with her," he added resolutely.
Stefanie was a distinguished-looking girl, tall and slim.
She had thick fair hair, which she mostly wore swept back in a bun. Her eyes were very beautiful -- bright and expressive. . She was exceptionally well dressed and even her bearing indicated that she came from a good, well-to-do family'.
Editor's Note:
The young girl named was Stephanie Rabatsch (see right), to whom Hitler sent one anonymous love letter in 1908 just before to depart for Vienna : in it, he asked her to wait for him to graduate from Art School and they would get married.
He never dared to approach her and was always satisfied with a quick glance from her. He even wrote a poem about her entitled 'Hymn to the beloved'.
Urged by Kubizek to be more decisive and bolder, Hitler shunned away arguing he was not yet in a position to conquer the heart of his beloved.
She got engaged to a Captain from the Hessian command in Linz soon after.
After the war, this woman confirmed to have been the recipient of an anonymous love letter in the 1900s, but always maintained she was unaware of the identity of the writer.
The photograph by Hans Zivny, taken in Urfahr, on her leaving school was somewhat earlier than this meeting and Stefanie could only have been then seventeen, or, at the most, eighteen years old. It shows a young girl with pretty, regular features
The expression of the face is completely natural and open. The abundant hair, still worn in the Gretel fashion, serves to strengthen this impression. A freshness and lack of affectation show in the girl's healthy countenance.
The evening stroll along the Landstrasse (see left) was, in those years, a favourite habit with the Linzers.
The ladies looked at the shopwindows and made little purchases. Friends met -- and the younger generation amused themselves in innocent ways. There was a lot of flirting and the young army officers were particularly good at it. It seemed to us that Stefanie must live in Urfahr, for she always came from the bridge up the main square, and strolled down the Landstrasse arm-in-arm with her mother. At five o'clock, almost precisely, mother and daughter appeared -- we stood waiting at the Schmiedtoreck. It would have been improper to salute Stefanie, as neither of us had been introduced to the young lady. A glance had to take the place of a greeting.
From then on, Adolf did not take his eyes off Stefanie. In that moment he was changed, no longer his own self.
I found out that Stefanie's mother was a widow and did, indeed, live in Urfahr, and that a young man who occasionally accompanied them, to Adolf's great irritation, was her brother, a law student in Vienna.
This information eased Adolf's mind considerably. But from time to time the, two ladies were to be seen in the company of young officers. Poor, pallid youngsters like Adolf naturally could not hope to compete with these young lieutenants in their smart uniforms.
Adolf felt this intensely and gave vent to his feelings with eloquence. His anger, in the end, led him into uncompromising enmity towards the officer class as a whole, and everything military in general.
"Conceited blockheads," he used to call them.
It annoyed him immensely that Stefanie mixed with such idlers who, he insisted, wore corsets and used scent.
To be sure, Stefanie had no idea how deeply Adolf was in love with her; she regarded him as a somewhat shy but, nevertheless, remarkably tenacious and faithful admirer.
When she responded with a smile to his inquiring glance, he was happy, and his mood became unlike anything I had ever observed in him; everything in the world was good and beautiful and well ordered, and he was content.
When Stefanie, as happened just as often, coldly ignored his gaze, he was crushed and ready to destroy himself and the whole world.
Certainly such phenomena are typical of every first great love, and one might perhaps be tempted to dismiss Adolf's feelings for Stefanie as calf love.
This may have been true as far as Stefanie's own conception of them was concerned, but for Adolf himself, his relation to Stefanie was more than calf love.
The mere fact that it lasted more than four years, and even cast its splendour over the subsequent years of misery in Vienna, shows that Adolf's feelings were deep and true, and real love. Proof of the depth of his feelings is that for Adolf, throughout these years, no other woman but Stefanie existed -- how unlike the usual boy's love, which is always changing its object. I cannot remember that Adolf ever gave any thought to another girl.
Later, in Vienna, when Lucie Weidt (see right) roused his enthusiasm in the part of Elsa in 'Lohengrin', the highest praise he could give her was that she reminded him of Stefanie.
Editor's Note:
Lohengrin is a character in German Arthurian literature.
The son of Parzival (Percival), he is a knight of the Holy Grail sent in a boat pulled by swans to rescue a maiden who can never ask his identity.
His story, which first appears in Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival, is a version of the Knight of the Swan legend known from a variety of medieval sources.
Wolfram's story was expanded in two later romances.
In 1848 Richard Wagner adapted the medieval tale into his popular opera 'Lohengrin'.
In appearance, Stefanie was ideally suited for the part of Elsa, and other female roles of Wagner's operas, and we spent much time wondering whether she had the necessary voice and musical talent. Adolf was inclined to take it for granted.
Just her Valkyrie-like appearance never failed to attract him, and to fire him with unbounded enthusiasm.
Editor's Note:
In Norse mythology, a valkyrie (from Old Norse valkyrja "chooser of the slain") is one of a host of female figures who decides who dies in battle. Selecting among half of those who die in battle (the other half go to the goddess Freyja's afterlife field Fólkvangr), the valkyries bring their chosen to the afterlife hall of the slain, Valhalla, ruled over by the god Odin. There, the deceased warriors become einherjar. When the einherjar are not preparing for the events of Ragnarök, the valkyries bear them mead. Valkyries also appear as lovers of heroes and other mortals, where they are sometimes described as the daughters of royalty, sometimes accompanied by ravens, and sometimes connected to swans or horses.
He wrote countless love poems to Stefanie.
"Hymn to the Beloved" was the title of one of them, which he read to me from his little black notebook.
Stefanie, a high-born damsel, in a dark blue, flowing velvet gown, rode on a white steed over the flowering meadows, her loose hair fell in golden waves on her shoulders.
A clear spring sky was above. Everything was pure, radiant joy.
I can still see Adolf's face glowing with fervent ecstasy and hear his voice reciting these verses. Stefanie filled his thoughts so completely that everything he said, or did, or planned for the future, was centred around her.
With his growing estrangement from his home, Stefanie gained more and more influence over my friend, although he never spoke a word to her.
My ideas about these things were much more prosaic, and I remember very well our repeated arguments on the subject -- and my recollections of Adolf's relationship to Stefanie are particularly distinct.
He used to insist that, once he met Stefanie, everything would become clear without as much as a word being exchanged. For such exceptional human beings as himself and Stefanie, he said, there was no need for the usual communication by word of mouth; extraordinary human beings would understand each other by intuition.
Whatever the subject we might discuss at any time, Adolf was always sure that Stefanie not only knew his ideas exactly, but that she shared them enthusiastically.
If I dared to comment that he hadn't spoken to Stefanie about them, and to express my doubts as to whether she was at all interested in such things, he became furious and shouted at me: "You simply don't understand, because you can't understand the true meaning of extraordinary love."
In order to quiet him down, I asked him if he could transmit to Stefanie the knowledge of such complicated problems simply by gazing at her.
He only replied, "It's possible! These things cannot be explained. What is in me, is in Stefanie too."
Of course, I took great care not to push these delicate matters too far.
But I was pleased that Adolf trusted me so much, for to nobody else, not even to his mother, had he talked about Stefanie.
He expected Stefanie to reciprocate his love for her to the exclusion of all others. For a long time he put up with the interest she took in other young men, especially the officers, because he regarded it as a sort of deliberate diversion to conceal her own tempestuous feelings for him. But this attitude often gave way to fits of raging jealousy; then Adolf would be desperate when Stefanie ignored the pale youth who was waiting for her, and concentrated her attention instead on the young lieutenant escorting her. Why, indeed, should a lively young girl have been satisfied
with the anxious glances of a secret admirer, while others expressed their admiration so much more gracefully?
But I, of course, would never have dared to express such a thought in Adolf's presence.
One day he asked me, "What shall I do ?"
Never before had he asked for my advice and I was extremely proud that he did; at last, for a change, I could feel superior to him.
"It's quite simple," I explained. "You approach the two ladies and, raising your hat, introduce yourself to the mother by giving your name, and ask her permission to address the daughter and to escort them."
Adolf looked at me doubtfully and pondered my suggestion for quite a while. In the end, however, be rejected it. "What am I to say if the mother wants to know my profession? After all, I have to mention my profession straightway; it would be best to add it to my name -- 'Adolf Hitler, academic painter,' or something similar. But I am not yet an academic painter, and I can't introduce myself till I am. For the mama, the profession is even more important than the name."
I thought for a long time that Adolf was simply too shy to approach Stefanie.
And yet it was not shyness that held him back.
His conception of the relationship between the sexes was already then so high that the usual way of making the acquaintance of a girl seemed to him undignified.
As he was opposed to flirting in any form, he was convinced that Stefanie had no other desire but to wait until he should come to ask her to marry him.
I did not share this conviction at all; but Adolf, as was his habit with all problems that agitated him, had already made an elaborate plan.
And this girl, who was a stranger to him and had never exchanged a word with him, succeeded where his father, the school and even his mother had failed: he drew up an exact program for his future which would enable him, after four years, to ask for Stefanie's hand.
We discussed this difficult problem for hours, with the result that Adolf commissioned me to collect further information about Stefanie.
In the Music Society there was a cellist whom I had occasionally seen talking to Stefanie's brother.
Through him I learned that Stefanie's father, a higher government official, had died some years earlier. The mother had a comfortable home and was in receipt of a widow's pension, which she used to give her two children the best possible education.
Stefanie had attended the Girl's High School and had already matriculated. She had a great number of admirers -- small wonder, beautiful as she was.
She was fond of dancing and, the previous winter, had gone with her mother to all the important dances of the town.
As far as he knew, the cellist added, she was not engaged.
Adolf was highly satisfied with the result of my investigations -- that she was not engaged he had, anyhow, taken for granted.
There was only one point in my report that disturbed him greatly: Stefanie danced, and, according to the cellist's assurance, she danced well, and enjoyed it. This did not fit at all into Adolf's own image of Stefanie.
A Valkyrie who waltzed round the ballroom in the arms of some "blockhead" of a lieutenant, was for him too terrible to be contemplated.
What was the origin of this strange, almost ascetic trait in him which made him reject all the pleasures of youth?
Adolf's father, after all, had been a man who enjoyed life and who, as a good-looking custom's official, had certainly turned many a girl's head.
Why was Adolf so different? After all, he was a most presentable young man, well built, slender, and his somewhat severe and exaggeratedly serious features were enlivened by his extraordinary eyes, whose peculiar brilliance made one forget the sickly pallor of his face.
And yet -- dancing was as contrary to his nature as smoking or drinking beer at a pub.
These things simply did not exist for him, although nobody, not even his mother, encouraged him in this attitude.
After having been his butt for so long, at last I had a chance of pulling his leg. I proclaimed, with a straight face, "You must take dancing lessons, Adolf."
Dancing immediately became one of his problems. I well remember that our lonely perambulations were no longer punctuated by discussions on "The Theatre" or "Reconstruction of the Danube Bridge," but were dominated by one subject -- dancing.
As with everything that he couldn't tackle at once, he indulged in generalisations.
"Visualise a crowded ballroom," he said once to me, "and imagine that you were deaf. You can't hear the music to which these people are moving, and then take a look at their senseless progress, which leads nowhere. Aren't these people raving mad ?" "All this is no good, Adolf," I replied, "Stefanie is fond of dancing. If you want to conquer her, you will have to dance around just as aimlessly and idiotically as the others."
That was all that was needed to set him off raving. "No, no, never !" he screamed at me. "I shall never dance! Do you understand! Stefanie only dances because she is forced to by society on which she unfortunately depends. Once she is my wife, she won't have the slightest desire to dance !"
Contrary to the rule, this time his own words did not convince him; for he brought up the question of dancing again and again.
I rather suspected that, secretly at home, he practised a few cautious steps with his little sister. Frau Hitler had bought a piano for Adolf.
Perhaps, I thought, I might soon be asked to play a waltz on it, and then I would chaff Adolf about being deaf while he danced.
He did not need music for his movements. I also intended to point out to him the harmony between music and bodily movements, of which he did not seem to have any conception. But it never got as far as this.
Adolf went on brooding for days and weeks trying to find a solution.
In his depressed mood, he hit on a crazy idea: he seriously contemplated kidnaping Stefanie. He expounded his plan to me in all its details and assigned me my role, which was not a very rewarding one; for I had to keep the mother engaged in conversation, while he seized the girl. "And what are you both going to live on ?" I asked prosaically.
My question sobered him up a little and the audacious plan was abandoned.
To make matters worse, Stefanie was at that time in an unfriendly mood.
She would pass the Schmiedtoreck with her face averted, as though Adolf didn't exist at all.
This brought him to the verge of despair. "I can't stand it any longer !" he exclaimed. "I will make an end of it !"
It was the first and, as far as I know, the last time that Adolf contemplated suicide seriously.
He would jump into the river from the Danube bridge, he told me, and then it would be over and done with.
But Stefanie would have to die with him -- he insisted on that.
Once more a plan was thought up, in all its details.
Every single phase of the horrifying tragedy was minutely described, including the part I would have to play; even my conduct as the sole survivor was ordained.
This sombre scene was with me, even in my dreams.
Soon the sky was blue again and for Adolf came that happiest of days in June 1906 which I am sure remained in his memory as clearly as it did in mine.
Summer was approaching and a flower festival was held in Linz. As usual, Adolf waited for me outside the Carmelite Church (see left), where I used to go every Sunday with my parents; then we took up our stand at the Schmiedtoreck.
The position was extremely favourable, as the street there is narrow and the carriages in the parade had to pass quite close to the pavement.
The regimental band led the string of flower-decked carriages, from which young girls and ladies waved to the spectators. But Adolf had no eye nor ears for any of this; he waited feverishly for Stefanie to appear. I was already giving up hope of seeing her when Adolf gripped my arm so violently that it hurt. Seated in a handsome carriage, decorated with flowers, mother and daughter turned into the Schmiedtorstrasse. I still have the picture clearly in my mind. The mother, in a light grey silk dress, holds a red sunshade over he head, through which the rays of the sun seemed to cast, as though by magic, a rosy glow over the countenance of Stefanie, wearing a pretty silk frock.
Stefanie has adorned her carriage, not with roses as most of the others, but with simple, wild blossoms -- red poppies, white marguerites and blue cornflowers. Stefanie holds a bunch of the same flowers in her hand. The carriage approaches Adolf is floating on air.
Never before has he seen Stefanie so enchanting. Now the carriage is quite close to us. A bright glance falls on Adolf. Stefanie sends him a beaming smile and, picking a flower from her bouquet, throws it to him.
Never again did I see Adolf as happy as he was at that moment.
When the carriage had passed he dragged me aside and with emotion he gazed at the flower, this visible pledge of her love. I can still hear his voice, trembling with excitement, "She loves me! You have seen! She loves me !"
During the following months, when his decision to leave school had caused a conflict with his mother, and he was ill, his love for Stefanie was his only comfort and he always kept her flower in his locket.
Adolf was never in greater need of my friendship; for as I was the only person who shared his secret, it was only through me that he could get news about her.
I had to go every day to the usual spot at the Schmiedtoreck and to report to him all my observations and tell him, in particular, who had spoken to mother and daughter.
That I stood alone at the familiar corner, Adolf felt, would naturally upset Stefanie immeasurably. It did not, but I kept it from him.
Fortunately, it had never occurred to Adolf that I might fall in love with Stefanie, for his slightest suspicion in this respect would have meant the end of our friendship; and as there was no real reason for it, I was able to give my reports to my poor friend wholly disinterestedly.
Adolf's mother had been aware for a long time of the change in her son.
One evening -- I remember it well because it embarrassed me considerably -- she asked me straight out: "What's the matter with Adolf ? He's so impatient to see you."
I muttered some excuse and hurried into Adolf's room.
He was happy when I brought him some new facts concerning Stefanie. "She has a good soprano voice," I told him one day. He jumped up. "How do you know that ?" "I followed her very closely for some time and I heard her speak. I know enough music to be able to tell that somebody with such a clear and pure voice must be a good soprano."
How happy this made Adolf. And I was pleased that he, languishing in his bed, had a moment of happiness.
Every evening I had to get back to the Humboldtstrasse from the evening stroll by the quickest route.
I would often find Adolf sketching a big blueprint. "Now I have made up my mind," he said, in dead earnest, after having heard my report, "I have decided to build the house for Stefanie in Renaissance style."
And then I had to give my opinion, especially as to whether I was satisfied with the shape and size of the music room. He had paid special attention to the acoustics of the room, he said, and asked me to say where the piano should go, and so on, and so on.
All this in a manner as though there were not the slightest doubt that the plans would be carried out.
A timid inquiry about the money brought forth the rude reply, "Oh, to hell with the money !" -- an expression which he frequently employed.
We had some arguments as to where this villa would be built; as a musician I was all for Italy. Adolf insisted that it could only be built in Germany, in the neighbourhood of a big city so that he and Stefanie could go to the opera and concerts.
As soon as he could leave his bed he went down and took up his position at the Schmiedtoreck; he was still very pale and ill.
Punctually as usual, Stefanie and her mother appeared. Seeing Adolf, pale-faced and hollow-eyed, she smiled at him. "Did you notice ?" he asked me happily.
From that moment on, his health improved rapidly.
In spring 1906, when Adolf left for Vienna, he gave me detailed instructions how I should behave vis-Ã -vis Stefanie; for he was convinced that she would soon ask me whether my friend, was ill again, as I was there alone.
Then I was to answer as follows: "My friend is not ill, but he had to go to Vienna to take up his studies at the Academy of Art. When his studies are finished he will spend a year travelling, abroad, of course." (I insisted on being allowed to say "in Italy." Very well, then, Italy.) "In four years time he will return and ask for your hand in marriage. In case of an affirmative answer, the preparations for the wedding would be put in hand forthwith."
While Adolf was in Vienna, I naturally had to send him regular written reports about Stefanie.
As it was cheaper to send postcards than letters, Adolf gave me a code word for Stefanie before he left.
It was Benkieser, the name of a former classmate.
A picture postcard which he sent me on May 8 from Vienna shows how much this "Benkieser" was still on his mind in spite of his many new and varied impressions in Vienna. "I am longing to return to my beloved Linz and Urfahr," it reads.
The word Urfahr is underlined, alluding, of course, to Stefanie, who lived there.
"I have to see Benkieser again. I wonder what he's doing."
A few weeks later Adolf returned from Vienna and I met him at the station.
I still remember how we took turns carrying his bag and he urged me to tell him all about Stefanie, at once.
We were in a hurry because the evening stroll would begin in an hour's time.
Adolf would not believe that Stefanie had not asked after him, for he took it for granted that she was longing for him just as much as he was for her.
But at heart he was glad that I had not had the opportunity to tell Stefanie about his grandiose plans for the future, as his prospects at the moment were not very bright.
We hardly stopped in the Humboldtstrasse to greet his mother before we hurried off to the Schmiedtoreck.
Full of excitement, Adolf waited.
Punctually Stefanie and her mother appeared. She threw him a surprised glance. That was sufficient -- he did not want more. But I became impatient.
"You can see that she wants you to talk to her," I said to my friend. "Tomorrow," he answered. But the morrow never came, and weeks, months and years passed without his taking any steps to change this state of affairs which caused him so much unrest.
t was natural that Stefanie did nothing beyond that first phase of exchanging glances.
The most Adolf could have expected of her was the flower thrown at him with a roguish smile in the carefree atmosphere of the Flower Festival. Besides, any move of hers beyond the rigid limits of convention would have destroyed the picture of her which Adolf kept in his heart. Perhaps even his strange timidity was prompted by the fear that any closer acquaintance might destroy this ideal. For to him Stefanie was not only the incarnation of all womanly virtues, but also the woman who took the greatest interest in all his wide and varied plans. There was no other person, apart from himself, whom he credited with so much knowledge and so many interests. The slightest divergence from this picture would have filled him with unspeakable disappointment.
Of course, I am convinced the first words he exchanged with Stefanie would have caused that very disappointment, because she was fundamentally a young, happy girl, like thousands of others, and certainly had the same kind of interests.
Adolf would have sought in vain for those grandiose thoughts and ideas with which he had surrounded her to such an extent as to make her the female image of himself.
Only the most rigid separation could preserve his idol.
It is most revealing that the young Hitler, who so thoroughly despised bourgeois society, nevertheless, as far as his love affair was concerned, observed its codes and etiquette more strictly than many a member of the bourgeoisie itself. The rules of bourgeois conduct and etiquette became for him the barricade behind which he built up his relationship to Stefanie. "I have not been introduced to her."
How often have I heard him say these words, although ordinarily he would make light of such obstacles. This strict observance of social customs was part of his whole nature.
It was apparent in his neat dress and in his correct behaviour as much as in his natural courtesy, which my mother liked so much about him.
I never heard him use an ambiguous expression or tell a doubtful story.
So, in spite of all apparent contradictions, this strange love of Hitler for Stefanie falls into the pattern of his character.
Love was a field where the unforeseeable might happen, and which might become dangerous. How many men who had set out with great intentions had been forced off their path by irregular and complicated love affairs.
It was imperative to be on one's guard! Instinctively, the young Hitler found the only correct attitude in his love for Stefanie: he possessed a being whom he loved, and at the same time, he did not possess her.
He arranged his whole life as though he possessed this beloved creature entirely. But as he himself avoided any personal meeting, this girl, although he could see that she walked the earth, remained nevertheless a creature of his dream world, towards whom he could project his desires, plans and ideas.
And thus he kept himself from deviating from his own path; indeed, this strange relationship, through the power of love, increased his own will.
He imagines Stefanie as his wife, builds the house in which they live together, surrounds it with a magnificent garden and arranges his home with Stefanie, just as, in fact, he did later on the Ober-Salzburg, though without her.
This mixing of dream and reality is characteristic of the young Hitler.
And whenever there is a danger that the beloved would entirely escape into the realm of fantasy, he hurries to the Schmiedtoreck and makes sure that she really walks the earth.
Hitler was confirmed in the choice of his path, not by what Stefanie actually was, but by what his imagination made of her.
Thus, Stefanie was two things for him, one part reality and one part wish and imagination.
Be that as it may, Stefanie was the most beautiful, the most fertile and purest dream of his life.
As I begin to describe the young Hitler's political beliefs and ideas, I seem to hear his voice again, saying, "You don't understand it," or, "These are matters I can't discuss with you"; sometimes he was even more scathing, as for instance when listening to some of his political observations, I would nod assent, instead of expressing disgust, as he had expected: "In politics, Gustl, you are nothing but a fool."
After all, I had only one interest in life: music.
To begin with, Adolf agreed with me about the supremacy of art. But during the years we spent together, his interest in politics gradually became paramount, although he never lost sight of his artistic aspirations.
One could put it this way: the years in Linz were dominated by art, the following years in Vienna, by politics.
I was fully aware that it was only in artistic matters I counted for him.
And the more he became interested in politics, the less our friendship mattered. Not that he showed it to me; for one thing he took our friendship too seriously and, for another, perhaps he didn't even realise it himself.
To begin with, Adolf agreed with me about the supremacy of art. But during the years we spent together, his interest in politics gradually became paramount, although he never lost sight of his artistic aspirations.
One could put it this way: the years in Linz were dominated by art, the following years in Vienna, by politics.
I was fully aware that it was only in artistic matters I counted for him.
And the more he became interested in politics, the less our friendship mattered. Not that he showed it to me; for one thing he took our friendship too seriously and, for another, perhaps he didn't even realise it himself.
Politics had always been the critical point in our relationship. Having no political ideas of my own, or where I did have, not feeling strongly enough about them to defend them or to impose them on others, I was an unsatisfactory partner for Adolf in our discussions. He would rather have converted me than convinced me. But in fact, I accepted everything he said readily and uncritically, and even retained something so that I could occasionally throw in a clever remark, But to contradict, as he would have liked, I was not capable. I just was not fertile soil for politics. I was like a deaf-mute in front of an orchestra, who sees that the musicians are playing, but hears nothing. I had simply no political sense.
This reduced Adolf to despair.
It seemed inconceivable to him that there should be on earth a specimen so absolutely innocent of politics.
He tried all means to prove to me that this was impossible. And he was none too gentle with me. In Vienna he compelled me repeatedly to go with him to Parliament, although I did not like it at all and would have preferred to spend the time at the piano. But Adolf did not yield. I had to go with him, although he knew very well that I was always terribly bored by this Parliament business. But Heaven help me if I had said so.
It seemed inconceivable to him that there should be on earth a specimen so absolutely innocent of politics.
He tried all means to prove to me that this was impossible. And he was none too gentle with me. In Vienna he compelled me repeatedly to go with him to Parliament, although I did not like it at all and would have preferred to spend the time at the piano. But Adolf did not yield. I had to go with him, although he knew very well that I was always terribly bored by this Parliament business. But Heaven help me if I had said so.
It is generally believed that politicians come from politically conscious circles. This was certainly not so in the case of my friend. On the contrary !
Here again is one of Hitler's innumerable contradictions.
The father was rather fond of talking politics and never hid his liberal opinions. But he would not hear a word against the Monarchy: this old, faithful civil servant would never go as far as that.
When on the Emperor's birthday (see left) on the eighteenth of August, he put on his gala uniform, he was a loyal servant of his Imperial and Royal Majesty.
Probably Adolf, when little, never beard much talk of politics from his father, for politics, the father believed, was not a matter to be discussed in the family circle, but in the pub. And I cannot remember that Adolf had ever quoted his father for any one of his political opinions.
Here again is one of Hitler's innumerable contradictions.
When on the Emperor's birthday (see left) on the eighteenth of August, he put on his gala uniform, he was a loyal servant of his Imperial and Royal Majesty.
Probably Adolf, when little, never beard much talk of politics from his father, for politics, the father believed, was not a matter to be discussed in the family circle, but in the pub. And I cannot remember that Adolf had ever quoted his father for any one of his political opinions.
Still less was there any sign of it in the quiet home in the Humboldtstrasse. Adolf's mother was a simple, devout woman, far removed from politics. When the father was still alive she might have heard him grumble occasionally about the political situation, but it had not sunk in and certainly she had not passed it on to the children.
After his death, they never had visitors who might have introduced politics and I cannot remember ever hearing any political discussion in Frau Hitler's house.
Even when some political event was agitating the whole town, nothing of it would penetrate into this quiet household, for even Adolf would not mention such things at home. Their life flowed quietly on.
The only change I ever saw in the family was that Frau Klara towards the end of 1906 moved from the Humboldtstrasse to Urfahr (see right) - (see left wappen Urfahr).
Editor's Note:
Urfahr received on 16 December 1808 the legal market and was on 4 November 1882 became a town.
Since 1888, combines the Mühlkreisbahn the train station Linz Urfahr with Aigen - Schlägl in the upper Mühlviertel . 1919 the first community Pöstlingberg, located in the pilgrimage church was incorporated by Urfahr, shortly afterwards was even incorporated Urfahr of Linz.
At the time of incorporation Urfahr counted approximately 15,000 residents.
The name evolved from the word crossing , which was necessary to get from Linz there.
This was by no means an after-effect of the father's restlessness, it was rather the result of purely practical considerations.
In those days Urfahr, which is now a part of Linz, was still a separate parish of mainly rural character, a favourite residence for retired people.
As no excise duties were levied there, many things, for instance meat, were cheaper than in town. Frau Klara hoped to be able to manage better with her modest pension of 140 crowns (90 for herself and 25 each for Adolf and Paula). And she was glad to be living among meadows and fields again.
The quiet house at No. 9 Blütengasse still stands as it was, and sometimes when I pass by, I think I can see Frau Klara standing on the little balcony.
For Adolf it was a special source of satisfaction to live "on the same bank" as Stefanie.
Our nightly journey home was made longer because of the move to Urfahr. But this suited us well, for the problems which we tackled had become more profound and numerous. The way across the bridge was sometimes too short for us, so that if we were particularly concerned with a problem we had to walk to and fro across the Danube until our subject was exhausted. To be exact, Adolf needed the time for talking, and I for listening
After his death, they never had visitors who might have introduced politics and I cannot remember ever hearing any political discussion in Frau Hitler's house.
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
Even when some political event was agitating the whole town, nothing of it would penetrate into this quiet household, for even Adolf would not mention such things at home. Their life flowed quietly on.The only change I ever saw in the family was that Frau Klara towards the end of 1906 moved from the Humboldtstrasse to Urfahr (see right) - (see left wappen Urfahr).
Editor's Note:
Urfahr received on 16 December 1808 the legal market and was on 4 November 1882 became a town.
Since 1888, combines the Mühlkreisbahn the train station Linz Urfahr with Aigen - Schlägl in the upper Mühlviertel . 1919 the first community Pöstlingberg, located in the pilgrimage church was incorporated by Urfahr, shortly afterwards was even incorporated Urfahr of Linz.
At the time of incorporation Urfahr counted approximately 15,000 residents.
The name evolved from the word crossing , which was necessary to get from Linz there.
This was by no means an after-effect of the father's restlessness, it was rather the result of purely practical considerations.
In those days Urfahr, which is now a part of Linz, was still a separate parish of mainly rural character, a favourite residence for retired people.
As no excise duties were levied there, many things, for instance meat, were cheaper than in town. Frau Klara hoped to be able to manage better with her modest pension of 140 crowns (90 for herself and 25 each for Adolf and Paula). And she was glad to be living among meadows and fields again.
The quiet house at No. 9 Blütengasse still stands as it was, and sometimes when I pass by, I think I can see Frau Klara standing on the little balcony.
For Adolf it was a special source of satisfaction to live "on the same bank" as Stefanie.
Our nightly journey home was made longer because of the move to Urfahr. But this suited us well, for the problems which we tackled had become more profound and numerous. The way across the bridge was sometimes too short for us, so that if we were particularly concerned with a problem we had to walk to and fro across the Danube until our subject was exhausted. To be exact, Adolf needed the time for talking, and I for listening
In studying the political career of such an extraordinary man as Adolf Hitler, one has to distinguish between external influences and the man's own predispositions, for I believe that the latter are much more important than the external events. After all, many other young people had the same teachers as Adolf, experienced the same political incidents, rejoicing or getting angry over them, and yet these very same people have become worthy businessmen, technicians or manufacturers and never rose to political significance.
The spirit of nationalism dominated the Linz Technical School.
The class was secretly opposed to all traditional institutions, such as patriotic plays, dynastic manifestations and festivals, to Divine Service in school and to Corpus Christi processions. Adolf Hitler describes in his book this atmosphere which to him was more important than the lessons.
The class was secretly opposed to all traditional institutions, such as patriotic plays, dynastic manifestations and festivals, to Divine Service in school and to Corpus Christi processions. Adolf Hitler describes in his book this atmosphere which to him was more important than the lessons.
Money was collected for Sudmark and Schulverein, one's sentiments were manifested by wearing cornflowers and black-red-gold colours, we used "Heil" as a greeting and sang "Deutschland über Alles" instead of the Hapsburg Imperial Hymn.
All this in spite of warnings and punishment.
All this in spite of warnings and punishment.
The struggle for existence of the German population in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy agitated the younger generation in those days; understandably, for Austria's German population stood alone in the midst of the Slav, Magyar and Italian nations of Austria-Hungary.
Linz, to be sure, was remote from the racial border and was entirely German. But there was always trouble in neighbouring Bohemia (see left).
In Prague (see right) one street demonstration after another took place.
Even in Linz much indignation was caused by the fact that the Imperial and Royal police were not capable of protecting German houses from the Czech mob, so that it was necessary to proclaim a state of siege in Prague in peacetime.
Budweis was then still a German town with German administration and a German majority in the Town Council. Those of Adolf's classmates who came from Prague, Budweis or Prachatitz used to weep with rage when they were jokingly called "Bohemians"; for they wanted to be solely German, like the others. Soon there was even unrest in Linz.
A few hundred Czechs lived there, as quiet and modest workmen and artisans, without anybody taking much notice of them.
Now a Capucine Monk, a Czech named Jurasek, founded a Sokol Club, preached in St. Martin's Church in Czech, and collected money for the building of a Czech school.
This caused a great sensation in the town and some worthy Nationalists already saw in the action of the fanatic monk the preparation of a Czech invasion. Of course that was exaggerated. Nevertheless, just this Czech activity made the indolent Linzers feel that they were threatened, with the result that, almost unanimously, they joined in the Nationalist struggle.
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
Linz, to be sure, was remote from the racial border and was entirely German. But there was always trouble in neighbouring Bohemia (see left).In Prague (see right) one street demonstration after another took place.
Even in Linz much indignation was caused by the fact that the Imperial and Royal police were not capable of protecting German houses from the Czech mob, so that it was necessary to proclaim a state of siege in Prague in peacetime.
Budweis was then still a German town with German administration and a German majority in the Town Council. Those of Adolf's classmates who came from Prague, Budweis or Prachatitz used to weep with rage when they were jokingly called "Bohemians"; for they wanted to be solely German, like the others. Soon there was even unrest in Linz.
A few hundred Czechs lived there, as quiet and modest workmen and artisans, without anybody taking much notice of them.
Now a Capucine Monk, a Czech named Jurasek, founded a Sokol Club, preached in St. Martin's Church in Czech, and collected money for the building of a Czech school.
This caused a great sensation in the town and some worthy Nationalists already saw in the action of the fanatic monk the preparation of a Czech invasion. Of course that was exaggerated. Nevertheless, just this Czech activity made the indolent Linzers feel that they were threatened, with the result that, almost unanimously, they joined in the Nationalist struggle.
Those teachers of the Technical School, who were nationalists, led the struggle. Dr. Leopold Pötsch, the history teacher, was an active politician.
As a member of the Town Council he was one of the leading lights of the Nationalist Party. He hated the Hapsburg multi-racial state (which today - what a change - seems to us to be the very model of a supranational community) and all the enthusiastic young Nationalists took up his watchword.
As a member of the Town Council he was one of the leading lights of the Nationalist Party. He hated the Hapsburg multi-racial state (which today - what a change - seems to us to be the very model of a supranational community) and all the enthusiastic young Nationalists took up his watchword.
"Who could remain loyal to a dynasty which again and again vilely betrayed, past and present, the interests of the German people for their own advantage ?"
Thus Hitler definitely and irrevocably had abandoned his father's ways in favour of a pan-German program. When Adolf, raging on, let himself go on this train of thought, I could hardly keep up with what he was saying, let alone take an active part in the discussion.
Yet one word, which regularly cropped up in his discourse, always struck me: the "Reich."
With this word he used to wind up his long outpourings. Whenever he had talked himself into a blind alley and was at a loss how to continue, he would say categorically: "This problem will be solved by the Reich"; if I asked, for instance, who would finance all these gigantic building projects which he sketched on his drawing board, his brief answer was, "The Reich."
Even trivialities were left to the care of the "Reich." There was a "Reich's Stage Designer," who would improve the unsatisfactory equipment of provincial theatres. (It is well known that, after 1933, there really was a man who filled that post. I remember that Adolf Hitler coined that term as far back as his Linz days, when he was sixteen or seventeen.) Even the care of the blind, or the protection of animals belonged, in his opinion, to the jurisdiction of the "Reich"!
Yet one word, which regularly cropped up in his discourse, always struck me: the "Reich."
With this word he used to wind up his long outpourings. Whenever he had talked himself into a blind alley and was at a loss how to continue, he would say categorically: "This problem will be solved by the Reich"; if I asked, for instance, who would finance all these gigantic building projects which he sketched on his drawing board, his brief answer was, "The Reich."
Even trivialities were left to the care of the "Reich." There was a "Reich's Stage Designer," who would improve the unsatisfactory equipment of provincial theatres. (It is well known that, after 1933, there really was a man who filled that post. I remember that Adolf Hitler coined that term as far back as his Linz days, when he was sixteen or seventeen.) Even the care of the blind, or the protection of animals belonged, in his opinion, to the jurisdiction of the "Reich"!
The word "Reich" is used in Austria for the territory of Germany; its inhabitants are called Reich's Germans. But my friend's use of the term, meant more than merely the German State, though he carefully avoided any more exact definition. For to him the word was simply a portmanteau expression, which comprised everything that was politically important for him-and that was a lot.
With the same fanaticism with which he loved the German people, and this "Reich," did he reject everything foreign. He had no desire to know other countries. That longing for distant lands so typical of all open-minded young people was utterly alien to him -- even the artist's classical enthusiasm for Italy. There was only one place for his plans and ideas -- the Reich.
His violent nationalism, which was unequivocally directed against the Hapsburg Monarchy, showed all the particular predispositions of his character, especially the iron consistency with which he stuck to everything he had once accepted as correct.
The Nationalist ideology became his political creed and formed an unalterable element of his nature. No failure or setback would change him. He remained till his death what he had been at sixteen -- a Nationalist.
The Nationalist ideology became his political creed and formed an unalterable element of his nature. No failure or setback would change him. He remained till his death what he had been at sixteen -- a Nationalist.
With this end firmly fixed before his eyes, he observed and studied the existing political conditions. Nothing was too unimportant; he gave his attention to even the most trivial things. He took a stand in regard to everything-the less it concerned him, the more heatedly. He made up for the utter insignificance of his own existence by taking an interest in all public affairs, thus giving aim and direction to his urge to change things.
With all his all-embracing interests, he had so much against him, and he saw everywhere only obstacles and hostility. And yet, nobody had ever heard of him.
Sometimes I was even sorry for him. With his undoubted gifts, what a happy life he could have led; and how difficult he made things for himself !
He was always up against something and at odds with the world. Just that healthy, carefree spirit which distinguishes most young people was utterly alien to him.
I never saw him take anything lightly; everything had to be thoroughly studied and tested for how it would fit into his great political design. Tradition, in the political sense, meant nothing to him. To sum up -- the world had to be radically changed in all its aspects.
With all his all-embracing interests, he had so much against him, and he saw everywhere only obstacles and hostility. And yet, nobody had ever heard of him.
Sometimes I was even sorry for him. With his undoubted gifts, what a happy life he could have led; and how difficult he made things for himself !
He was always up against something and at odds with the world. Just that healthy, carefree spirit which distinguishes most young people was utterly alien to him.
I never saw him take anything lightly; everything had to be thoroughly studied and tested for how it would fit into his great political design. Tradition, in the political sense, meant nothing to him. To sum up -- the world had to be radically changed in all its aspects.
Yet it would be wrong to conclude that the young Hitler threw himself heart and soul into the political struggle of the day.
A pale, sickly, lanky youth, quite unknown and inexperienced in the ways of the city, shy and reticent rather than pushing, he carried on this intense activity all on his own. Only the most important ideas and solutions, that needed an audience, would he propound in the evening to me, an equally insignificant and lonely figure.
The young Hitler's relationship to politics is similar to his attitude to love -- if I may be permitted this rather indelicate comparison.
The more intensely he was intellectually occupied with politics, the more did he refrain from taking part in practical, political activity.
He did not join any party or organization, did not take part in party manifestations, and took care not to spread his own ideas outside of our friendship.
What I noticed then in him in Linz -- to stick to my metaphor -- may be described as a first ogling with politics, nothing more, as though he had had a presentiment of what politics would come to mean to him.
A pale, sickly, lanky youth, quite unknown and inexperienced in the ways of the city, shy and reticent rather than pushing, he carried on this intense activity all on his own. Only the most important ideas and solutions, that needed an audience, would he propound in the evening to me, an equally insignificant and lonely figure.
The young Hitler's relationship to politics is similar to his attitude to love -- if I may be permitted this rather indelicate comparison.
The more intensely he was intellectually occupied with politics, the more did he refrain from taking part in practical, political activity.
He did not join any party or organization, did not take part in party manifestations, and took care not to spread his own ideas outside of our friendship.
What I noticed then in him in Linz -- to stick to my metaphor -- may be described as a first ogling with politics, nothing more, as though he had had a presentiment of what politics would come to mean to him.
For the time being, politics remained for him only an exercise in the realm of ideas. This striking reticence shows a trait in his character that seems to contradict his impatience -- his ability to wait.
Politics remained for him for some years a matter of watching, of criticising social conditions, of study, gathering experience; it remained a matter private to himself, and consequently without any importance for the public life of that day.
Politics remained for him for some years a matter of watching, of criticising social conditions, of study, gathering experience; it remained a matter private to himself, and consequently without any importance for the public life of that day.
It is interesting to note that the young Hitler in those years was strongly opposed to everything military. This seems to be contradicted by a passage in Mein Kampf.
From now on, I grew increasingly enthusiastic for everything that had anything to do with war or soldiers.
I suspect that this recollection owes its existence to the circumstances of his imprisonment in Landsberg, where his book was written; for when I knew Adolf Hitler, he was utterly averse to "anything to do with war or soldiers."
Of course he was annoyed by the young lieutenants who fluttered around Stefanie. But his aversion was deeper.
Even the idea of compulsory military service could infuriate him. No, he would never let himself be forced into being a soldier. If he ever became a soldier he would do it of his own free will, and certainly never in the Austrian army.
Of course he was annoyed by the young lieutenants who fluttered around Stefanie. But his aversion was deeper.
Even the idea of compulsory military service could infuriate him. No, he would never let himself be forced into being a soldier. If he ever became a soldier he would do it of his own free will, and certainly never in the Austrian army.
Before concluding this chapter on Adolf Hitler's political development, I would like to deal with two questions, which seem to me to be more important than anything else there is to say about politics: the young Hitler's attitude to Jewry and to the church. Adolf Hitler himself writes about his attitude to the Jewish problem during the years in Linz:
It is difficult, if not impossible, for me today to say when the word "Jew" first gave me food for thought.
At home, in my father's lifetime, I cannot remember ever having heard the word. I believe that the old gentleman would have thought it a cultural retrogression to give this word any special emphasis. In the course of his life he had acquired some more or less cosmopolitan ideas, which not only coexisted with his strong nationalism, but influenced me too. And at school nothing led me to change this inherited conception.
At home, in my father's lifetime, I cannot remember ever having heard the word. I believe that the old gentleman would have thought it a cultural retrogression to give this word any special emphasis. In the course of his life he had acquired some more or less cosmopolitan ideas, which not only coexisted with his strong nationalism, but influenced me too. And at school nothing led me to change this inherited conception.
It is true that at the Technical School I met a Jewish boy, whom we all handled with care, but only because owing to various experiences, we couldn't rely on him not to give us away. But we didn't give the matter any thought.
Not before I was fourteen or fifteen years old did I occasionally hear the word "Jew," partly in the course of political conversations. I felt a slight resentment against it and the usual unpleasant feeling that overcame me when people quibbled about religious matters in my presence.
That was all I knew about it. There were not many Jews in Linz....
All this sounds very plausible, but it doesn't correspond to my impressions.
To begin with, it seems to me that the character sketch of his father had been touched up to emphasise his liberal ideas. The circle in which he moved in Linz already subscribed to the ideas of Schönerer, and it can therefore be presumed that his father was also against Jews.
In describing the school years, Hitler omits to mention that some of the teachers of the Technical School were openly anti-Semitic and made no bones about acknowledging their hatred of the Jews in front of their pupils; and Hitler, at the Technical School, must certainly have been aware of the political aspects of the Jewish problem. It cannot have been otherwise, for when I met Adolf Hitler first, his anti-Semitism was already pronounced.
I remember distinctly that once when we were going along the Bethlehemstrasse and passed the little synagogue, he said to me, "This shouldn't be here."
I remember distinctly that once when we were going along the Bethlehemstrasse and passed the little synagogue, he said to me, "This shouldn't be here."
As far as I know, Adolf Hitler was already a confirmed anti-Semite when he went to Vienna. And although his experiences in Vienna might have deepened this feeling, they certainly did not give birth to it.
In my opinion, Adolf Hitler's own version seeks to convey the following: In Linz, where the number of Jews was negligible, the question did not concern me. It was only in Vienna, where the Jews were more numerous, that I was forced to face this problem.
His attitude to the church is a somewhat different matter. Mein Kampf hardly mentions it at all, except for a description of his childhood experiences in Lambach.
Nothing was more natural than that I should see a most desirable ideal in the Abbot, as once my father had done in the little parish priest. This was so, at any rate, for some time.
Hitler's forebears were certainly religious, churchgoing people, as is natural with peasant folk.
But Hitler's own parents were divided in this respect; his mother was pious and devout, his father liberal, a lukewarm Christian.
It is certain that the question of the church interested his father more than the Jewish problem. As a servant of the state, in view of the close connection between state and church, he could not afford to be openly anti-clerical.
But Hitler's own parents were divided in this respect; his mother was pious and devout, his father liberal, a lukewarm Christian.
It is certain that the question of the church interested his father more than the Jewish problem. As a servant of the state, in view of the close connection between state and church, he could not afford to be openly anti-clerical.
As long as the little Adolf remained close to his mother, he was completely influenced by her devout behaviour and receptive to all the grandeur and beauty of the church.
The pale little choir boy was absorbed by his faith.
Though Hitler devotes only a few words to the subject, what he does say means a lot. The magnificent monastery had become familiar to him.
In his childish susceptibility he was attracted by the church and his mother certainly encouraged him.
As he grew away from his childhood experience, with the passing of the years, and became closer to his father, the latter's liberalism gained in influence.
The school in Linz also helped.
Franz Sales Schwarz, who taught religion at the Technical School, was not the man to have any effect on these young people, for the pupils did not take him seriously.
The pale little choir boy was absorbed by his faith.
Though Hitler devotes only a few words to the subject, what he does say means a lot. The magnificent monastery had become familiar to him.
In his childish susceptibility he was attracted by the church and his mother certainly encouraged him.
As he grew away from his childhood experience, with the passing of the years, and became closer to his father, the latter's liberalism gained in influence.
The school in Linz also helped.
Franz Sales Schwarz, who taught religion at the Technical School, was not the man to have any effect on these young people, for the pupils did not take him seriously.
My own recollections can be summed up in a few sentences: as long as I knew Adolf Hitler I never remember his going to church.
He knew that I used to go every Sunday with my parents, and accepted this fact. He never tried to persuade me not to go, though he said occasionally that he couldn't understand me -- his mother was also a religious woman, but nevertheless he would not let her drag him to church. Moreover he made these comments only by the way, with a certain tolerance and patience, which was not usual with him. But in this case, apparently, he was not even interested in imposing his own idea. I cannot remember that, when he used to meet me at the close of the Sunday service, he ever made any derogatory remarks about this Sunday churchgoing, or behaved improperly. To my astonishment, he never made this an occasion for an argument.
He knew that I used to go every Sunday with my parents, and accepted this fact. He never tried to persuade me not to go, though he said occasionally that he couldn't understand me -- his mother was also a religious woman, but nevertheless he would not let her drag him to church. Moreover he made these comments only by the way, with a certain tolerance and patience, which was not usual with him. But in this case, apparently, he was not even interested in imposing his own idea. I cannot remember that, when he used to meet me at the close of the Sunday service, he ever made any derogatory remarks about this Sunday churchgoing, or behaved improperly. To my astonishment, he never made this an occasion for an argument.
Yet one day he came to me full of excitement and showed me a book about witch trials, and another time about the Inquisition. But however worked up he got about the events described in these books, he never drew any political conclusions from them. Perhaps this was a case in which he did not consider me the right audience.
Every Sunday his mother went, with little Paula, to Mass.
I can't remember that Adolf ever accompanied her, or that Frau Klara would have asked him to. Devout as she was herself, she was resigned to the fact that her son was different.
It may be that in this case she was held back by the different attitudes of the father, whose precept and example was still her model for her son.
I can't remember that Adolf ever accompanied her, or that Frau Klara would have asked him to. Devout as she was herself, she was resigned to the fact that her son was different.
It may be that in this case she was held back by the different attitudes of the father, whose precept and example was still her model for her son.
In conclusion, I would describe Hitler's attitude towards the church at that time as follows: he was by no means indifferent to the church, but the church could give him nothing.
To sum up, it can be said: Adolf Hitler became a Nationalist.
I have seen with what absolute dedication, even as early as that, he gave himself to the people whom he loved.
Only in this people could he live. He knew nothing other than this people.
I have seen with what absolute dedication, even as early as that, he gave himself to the people whom he loved.
Only in this people could he live. He knew nothing other than this people.
While I was undecided whether to list my friend among the great musicians or the great poets of the future, he sprang on me the announcement that he intended to become a painter.
I immediately remembered that I had seen him sketching, both at home and on our excursions.
As our friendship progressed, I saw many samples of his work. In my job as an upholsterer, I had occasionally to do some sketches, which I always found difficult, so the more was I astonished by my friend's facility.
He habitually carried with him various types of paper.
The start had always been the worst part for me; for him it was the other way round. He would take his pencil, and throwing a few bold strokes on the paper, would express his meaning.
Where words failed him, the pencil would do the job.
There was something attractive about these first rough lines -- it thrilled me to see a recognisable design gradually emerge from their confusion. However, he wasn't so keen on finishing the rough draft.
As our friendship progressed, I saw many samples of his work. In my job as an upholsterer, I had occasionally to do some sketches, which I always found difficult, so the more was I astonished by my friend's facility.
He habitually carried with him various types of paper.
The start had always been the worst part for me; for him it was the other way round. He would take his pencil, and throwing a few bold strokes on the paper, would express his meaning.
Where words failed him, the pencil would do the job.
There was something attractive about these first rough lines -- it thrilled me to see a recognisable design gradually emerge from their confusion. However, he wasn't so keen on finishing the rough draft.
The first time I went to visit him at home, his room was littered with sketches, drawings, blueprints.
Here was "The New Theatre," there the Mountain Hotel on the Lichtenberg.
It was like an architect's office.
Watching him at work at the drawing board -- he was more careful then and more precise in details than he used to be in moments of happy improvisation -- I was convinced that he must long since have acquired all the technical and specialised skill necessary for his work. I simply could not believe that it was possible to set down such difficult things on the spur of the moment, and that everything I saw was improvised.
Here was "The New Theatre," there the Mountain Hotel on the Lichtenberg.
It was like an architect's office.
Watching him at work at the drawing board -- he was more careful then and more precise in details than he used to be in moments of happy improvisation -- I was convinced that he must long since have acquired all the technical and specialised skill necessary for his work. I simply could not believe that it was possible to set down such difficult things on the spur of the moment, and that everything I saw was improvised.
The number of these works is sufficient to allow one to form a judgment of Adolf Hitler's talents. There is, in the first place, a water colour -- rather, water colour is not the right term, as it is a simple pencil drawing coloured with tempera.
But just the rapid catching of an atmosphere, of a certain mood, which is so typical of a water colour and which, with its delicate touch, imparts to it freshness and liveliness -- this was missing completely in Adolf's work. Just here, where he might have worked with fast, intuitive strokes, he has painted with painstaking precision.
But just the rapid catching of an atmosphere, of a certain mood, which is so typical of a water colour and which, with its delicate touch, imparts to it freshness and liveliness -- this was missing completely in Adolf's work. Just here, where he might have worked with fast, intuitive strokes, he has painted with painstaking precision.
All I can say about Adolf's artistic activity refers to his first attempts, and the only water colour of his I possess is one of these.
It is still very clumsy, impersonal and really primitive, though perhaps this gives it a special attraction. In vivid colours it depicts the Pöstlingberg, the landmark of Linz. I still remember when Adolf gave it to me.
It is still very clumsy, impersonal and really primitive, though perhaps this gives it a special attraction. In vivid colours it depicts the Pöstlingberg, the landmark of Linz. I still remember when Adolf gave it to me.
One cannot expect any artistic revelations from this water colour and the hundreds which followed it.
His intention was not to express any of his own emotions, but just to paint pleasant little pictures. So he chose popular subjects, for preference architecture and, rarely, landscapes. If these postcards and pictures had not been painted by Adolf Hitler, no one would have bothered about them.
His drawings are a different matter, but there are only a few of them in existence.
Although he gave me several, only one of them is left, a purely architectural drawing with little meaning.
It shows a villa at No. 7 Stockbauerstrasse.
It had just been built and it appealed to Adolf. So he drew it and made me a present of it.
Apart from revealing his love for architecture, it is of no significance.
Although he gave me several, only one of them is left, a purely architectural drawing with little meaning.
It shows a villa at No. 7 Stockbauerstrasse.
It had just been built and it appealed to Adolf. So he drew it and made me a present of it.
Apart from revealing his love for architecture, it is of no significance.
Casting my thoughts back to those years, I have to say this: Adolf never took painting seriously; it remained rather a hobby outside his more serious aspirations.
But building meant much more to him. He gave his whole self to his imaginary building and was completely carried away by it. Once he had conceived an idea he was like one possessed. Nothing else existed for him -- he was oblivious to time, sleep and hunger. Although it was a strain for me to follow him, those moments remain unforgettable.
There he stood, with me, in front of the new Cathedral, this pallid, skinny youth, with the first dark brown showing on his upper lip, in his shabby pepper-and-salt suit, threadbare at the elbows and collar, with his eyes glued to some architectural detail, analysing the style, criticising or praising the work, disapproving of the material -- all this with such thoroughness and such expert knowledge as though he were the builder and would have to pay for every shortcoming out of his own pocket.
Then he would get out his drawing pad and the pencil would fly over the paper. This way, and no other, was the manner of solving this problem, he would say. I had to compare his idea with the actual work, had to approve or disapprove, and all this with a passion as though both our lives depended on it.
But building meant much more to him. He gave his whole self to his imaginary building and was completely carried away by it. Once he had conceived an idea he was like one possessed. Nothing else existed for him -- he was oblivious to time, sleep and hunger. Although it was a strain for me to follow him, those moments remain unforgettable.
There he stood, with me, in front of the new Cathedral, this pallid, skinny youth, with the first dark brown showing on his upper lip, in his shabby pepper-and-salt suit, threadbare at the elbows and collar, with his eyes glued to some architectural detail, analysing the style, criticising or praising the work, disapproving of the material -- all this with such thoroughness and such expert knowledge as though he were the builder and would have to pay for every shortcoming out of his own pocket.
Here he could give full vent to his mania for changing everything, because a city always has good buildings and bad.
He could never walk through the streets without being provoked by what he saw.
Usually he carried around in his head half a dozen different building projects, and sometimes I could not help feeling that all the buildings of the town were lined up in his brain like a giant panorama. As soon as he had selected one detail, he concentrated on this with all his energy.
I remember one day when the old building of the bank for Upper Austria and Salzburg on the central square was demolished.
With feverish impatience he followed the rebuilding.
He was terribly worried lest the new building should not fit into its surroundings. When, in the middle of the rebuilding, he had to leave for Vienna be asked me to give him periodical reports on the progress of the work. In his letter of July 21, 1908, he wrote, "As soon as the Bank is completed, please send me a picture postcard."
As there was no picture postcard available, I got out of it by procuring a photograph of the new building and sending it to him. Incidentally, the building met with his approval.
He could never walk through the streets without being provoked by what he saw.
Usually he carried around in his head half a dozen different building projects, and sometimes I could not help feeling that all the buildings of the town were lined up in his brain like a giant panorama. As soon as he had selected one detail, he concentrated on this with all his energy.
I remember one day when the old building of the bank for Upper Austria and Salzburg on the central square was demolished.
With feverish impatience he followed the rebuilding.
He was terribly worried lest the new building should not fit into its surroundings. When, in the middle of the rebuilding, he had to leave for Vienna be asked me to give him periodical reports on the progress of the work. In his letter of July 21, 1908, he wrote, "As soon as the Bank is completed, please send me a picture postcard."
There were a lot of such houses in which he took a constant interest. He dragged me along wherever there was a building going up. He felt responsible for everything that was being built. But even more than with these concrete examples was he taken up with the vast schemes that he himself originated.
Here his mania for change knew no limit. At first I watched these goings-on with some misgiving and wondered why he so obstinately occupied himself with plans which, I thought, would never come to anything. The more remote the realisation of a project was, the more did he steep himself in it. To him these projects were in every detail as actual as though they were already executed and the whole town rebuilt according to his design. I often got confused and could not distinguish whether he was talking about a building that existed or one that was to be created. But to him it did not make any difference; the actual construction was a matter of only secondary importance.
Here his mania for change knew no limit. At first I watched these goings-on with some misgiving and wondered why he so obstinately occupied himself with plans which, I thought, would never come to anything. The more remote the realisation of a project was, the more did he steep himself in it. To him these projects were in every detail as actual as though they were already executed and the whole town rebuilt according to his design. I often got confused and could not distinguish whether he was talking about a building that existed or one that was to be created. But to him it did not make any difference; the actual construction was a matter of only secondary importance.
Nowhere is his unshakeable consistency more evident. What the fifteen-year-old planned, the fifty-year-old carried out, often, as for instance in the case of the new bridge over the Danube, as faithfully as though only a few weeks, instead of decades, lay between planning and execution. The plan existed; then came influence and power and the plan became reality. This happened with uncanny regularity, as though the fifteen-year-old had taken it for granted that one day he would possess the necessary power and means. This is just too much for me to take in. I cannot conceive that such a thing is possible. One is tempted to use the word "miracle," because there is no rational explanation for it.
On my eighteenth birthday, August 3, 1906, my friend presented me with a sketch of a villa. Similar to that planned for Stefanie, it was in his favourite Italian Renaissance style. By good luck, I have preserved the sketches. They show an imposing, palazzo-like building, whose frontage is broken up by a built-in tower. The ground plan reveals a well-thoughtout arrangement of rooms, which are pleasantly grouped around the music room. The spiral staircase, a delicate architectural problem, is shown in a separate drawing, and so is the entrance hall, with its heavy beamed ceiling. The entrance is outlined with a few brisk strokes in a separate sketch. Adolf and I also selected a fitting site for my birthday present; it was to stand on the Bauernberg. When, later, I met Hitler in Bayreuth, I took good care not to remind him of this imaginary house. He would have been capable of actually giving me a villa on the Bauernberg, which presumably would have been finer than the original idea, and very much in the taste of the epoch.
More impressive are two sketches still in my possession, samples of his numerous designs for a new concert hall in Linz. The old theatre was inadequate in every respect, and some art lovers in Linz had founded a society to promote the construction of a modern theatre. Adolf immediately joined this society and took part in a competition for ideas.. He worked for months on his plans and drafts and was seriously convinced that his suggestions would be accepted. His anger was beyond measure when the society smashed all his hopes by giving up the idea of a new building and, instead, had the old one renovated.
I refer to his biting remarks in the letters he sent me on August 17, 1908. "It seems they intend to patch up once more the old junk heap."
Full of fury, he said that what he would like to do best would be to wrap up his manual of architecture and send it off to the address of this "Theatre - Rebuilding - Society - Committee - for - the - Execution - of - the - Project - for - the - Rebuilding - of - the - Theatre." How well did this monster title express his rage!
My two sketches, on either side of one sheet, date from that period. The one side shows the auditorium. Columns break up the walls and the boxes are placed in between them. The balustrade is adorned by various statues. A mighty domed ceiling covers the hall. On the back of this bold project, Adolf explained to me the acoustic conditions of the intended building, in which I, as a musician, was particularly interested. It clearly shows how the sound waves, rising from the orchestra, are reflected from the ceiling in such a way as to be, so to speak, poured over the audience below. Adolf took a great interest in acoustic problems. I remember, for instance, his suggestion to remodel the Volksgarten Hall, whose bad acoustics always annoyed us, by structural alterations of the ceiling.
And now for the rebuilding of Linz! Here his ideas were legion, yet he did not change them indiscriminately, and indeed held fast to his decisions once they were taken. That is why I remember so much about it. Every time we passed one spot or another, all his plans were ready immediately.
The wonderfully compact main square was a constant delight to Adolf, and his only regret was that the two houses nearest to the Danube disturbed the free vista on to the river and the range of hills beyond. On his plans, the two houses were pushed apart sufficiently to allow a free view on to the new, widened bridge without, however, substantially altering the former aspect of the square, a solution which later he actually carried out. The Town hall, which stood on the square, he thought unworthy of a rising town like Linz. He visualised a new, stately town hall, to be built in a modern style, far removed from that neo-Gothic style which at that time was the vogue for town halls, in Vienna and Munich, for instance. In a different way, Hitler proceeded in the remodeling of the old Castle, an ugly, boxlike pile which overlooked the old city. He had discovered an old print by Merian depicting the castle as it was before the great fire. Its original appearance should be restored and the castle turned into a museum.
Another building which never failed to rouse his enthusiasm was the Museum, built in 1892. We often stood and looked at the marble frieze which was 110 metres long and reproduced scenes from the history of the country in relief. He never got tired of gazing at it. He extended the museum beyond the adjoining convent garden and enlarged the frieze to 220 metres to make it, as he asserted, the biggest relief frieze on the Continent. The new cathedral, then in course of construction, occupied him constantly. The Gothic revival was, in his opinion, a hopeless enterprise, and he was angry that the Linzers could not stand up to the Viennese. For the height of the Linz spire was limited to 134 metres out of respect for the 138-metre-high St. Stephen's spire in Vienna. Adolf was greatly pleased with the new Corporation of Masons which had been founded in connection with the building of the cathedral, as he hoped this would result in the training of a number of capable masons for the town. The railway station was too near the town, and with its network of tracks impeded the traffic as well as the town's development. Here, Adolf found an ingenious solution which was far ahead of his time. He removed the station out of the town into the open country and ran the tracks underground across the town. The space gained by the demolition of the old station was designated for an extension of the public park. Reading this, one must not forget that the time was 1907, and that it was an unknown youth of eighteen, without training or qualification, who propounded these projects which revolutionised town planning, and which proved how capable he was, even then, of brushing aside existing ideas.
In a similar way, Hitler also reconstructed the surroundings of Linz. An interesting idea dominated his plans for the rebuilding of Wildberg Castle. Its original state was to be restored and it was to be developed as a kind of open-air museum with a permanent population -- quite a new idea. Certain types of artisans and workmen were to be attracted to the place. Their trades had to be partly in the medieval tradition, but should also partly serve modern purposes, a tourist industry, for instance. These inhabitants of the Castle were to dress in ancient fashion. The traditions of the old guilds should rule, and a Master Singer School was to be established. This "Island where the centuries had stood still" (these were his very words) would become a place of pilgrimage for all those who wanted to study life as it was lived in a medieval stronghold. Improving upon Dinkelsbühl and Rothenburg, Wildberg would not only show architecture but real life. Visitors would have to pay a toll at the gates, and so contribute to the upkeep of the local inhabitants. Adolf gave much thought to the choice of suitable artisans and I remember that we discussed the subject at great length. After all, I was just about to take my Master's examination and was, therefore, entitled to have my say.
Quite a different project, of absolutely modern design, was the tower on the Lichtenberg. A mountain railway should run up to the peak, where a comfortable hotel would stand. The whole was dominated by a tower three hundred metres high, a steel construction which kept him very busy. The gilded eagle on the top of St. Stephen's in Vienna could be seen on clear days through a telescope from the highest platform of the tower. I think I remember seeing a sketch of this project.
The boldest project, however, which put all the others in the shade, was the building of a grandiose bridge which would span the Danube at a great height. For this purpose he planned the construction of a high-level road. This would start at the Gugl, then still an ugly sandpit, which could be filled in with the town's refuse and rubbish, and provide the space for a new park. From there, in a broad sweep, the new road would lead up to the Stadtwald. (Incidentally, the city engineers went thus far some time ago, without knowing Hitler's plans. The road which has meanwhile been built corresponds exactly to Hitler's projects.)
The Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Warte in the Jagermayerwald -- it is still standing -- was to be demolished and replaced by a proud monument. In a Hall of Fame there would be assembled the portrait busts of all the great men who had deserved well of the Province of Upper Austria; from the top of the hall one would have a magnificent view over a vast expanse of country; and the whole edifice was to be crowned by a statue of Siegfried, raising aloft his sword, Nothung. (The Hall of Liberation at Kehlheim and the Hermann Monument in the Teutoburger Wald were obvious models.) From this spot the bridge sweeps in one arch to the steep slope of the opposite bank. Adolf got his inspiration for this from the legend of a daring horseman who, pursued by his enemies, is said to have jumped from this point into the appalling depths below, to swim across the Danube and reach the other side. My imagination boggled at the dimensions of this bridge. The span of the arch was calculated to be more than 500 metres. The summit was 90 metres above the level of the river. I much regret that no sketches of this really unique project survive.. This bridge across the deep valley, my friend declared, would give Linz an edifice without rival in the whole world. When we stood on one bank of the river, or the other, Adolf would explain to me all the details of the scheme.
These bold, far-reaching plans made a strange impression on me, as I still clearly remember. Although I saw in the whole thing nothing but a figment of the imagination, I could, nevertheless, not resist its peculiar fascination. What exercised my friend's mind, and was hastily jotted down on scraps of paper, was more than nebulous fantasticism; these apparently absurd conceptions contained something compelling and convincing -- a sort of superior logic.
Each idea had its natural sequel in another, and the whole was a clear and rational chain of thought.
Purely romantic conceptions, such as the "Medieval Revival of Wildberg Castle," obviously betrayed Richard Wagner's paternity. They were linked to extremely modern technical devices, such as the replacement of level crossings by underground railway tracks. This was no unbridled wallowing in sheer fantasy, but a well-disciplined, almost systematic process.
This "Architecture set to Music" attracted me, perhaps, just because it seemed fully feasible -- although we two poor devils had no possibility of realising these plans. But this did not disturb my friend in the least. His belief, that one day he would carry out all his tremendous projects, was unshakable. Money was of no importance -- it was only a matter of time, of living long enough. This absolute faith was too much for my rational way of thinking.
What was our future? I might become, at best, a well-known conductor. And Adolf? A gifted painter or draughtsman, perhaps a famous architect. But how far distant were these professional goals from that standing and reputation, those riches and power necessary for the rebuilding of an entire city ! And who knows whether my friend, with his incredible flights of fancy and impulsive temperament, would stop at the rebuilding of Linz, for he was incapable of keeping his hands off anything within reach. Consequently I had grave doubts and occasionally I dared to remind him of the undeniable fact that all our worldly possessions put together did not amount to more than a few crowns -- hardly enough to buy drawing paper.
Usually Adolf brushed my objections impatiently aside, and I still remember his grim expression and his disdainful gesture on such occasions. He took it for granted that one day the plans would be executed with the greatest of exactitude, and prepared for this moment accordingly.
Even the most fantastic idea was thought out in the greatest detail. How was the material to be transported for the bridge across the Danube? Should it be stone or steel? How were the foundations for the end abutments to be laid? Would the rock stand the weight?
These questions were, in part, quite irrelevant for the expert, in part, however, very much to the point. Adolf lived so much in his vision of the future Linz that he adapted his day-to-day habits to it; for instance, we would visit the Hall of Fame, the Memorial Temple or our "Medieval Open-air Museum."
Each idea had its natural sequel in another, and the whole was a clear and rational chain of thought.
Purely romantic conceptions, such as the "Medieval Revival of Wildberg Castle," obviously betrayed Richard Wagner's paternity. They were linked to extremely modern technical devices, such as the replacement of level crossings by underground railway tracks. This was no unbridled wallowing in sheer fantasy, but a well-disciplined, almost systematic process.
This "Architecture set to Music" attracted me, perhaps, just because it seemed fully feasible -- although we two poor devils had no possibility of realising these plans. But this did not disturb my friend in the least. His belief, that one day he would carry out all his tremendous projects, was unshakable. Money was of no importance -- it was only a matter of time, of living long enough. This absolute faith was too much for my rational way of thinking.
What was our future? I might become, at best, a well-known conductor. And Adolf? A gifted painter or draughtsman, perhaps a famous architect. But how far distant were these professional goals from that standing and reputation, those riches and power necessary for the rebuilding of an entire city ! And who knows whether my friend, with his incredible flights of fancy and impulsive temperament, would stop at the rebuilding of Linz, for he was incapable of keeping his hands off anything within reach. Consequently I had grave doubts and occasionally I dared to remind him of the undeniable fact that all our worldly possessions put together did not amount to more than a few crowns -- hardly enough to buy drawing paper.
Usually Adolf brushed my objections impatiently aside, and I still remember his grim expression and his disdainful gesture on such occasions. He took it for granted that one day the plans would be executed with the greatest of exactitude, and prepared for this moment accordingly.
Even the most fantastic idea was thought out in the greatest detail. How was the material to be transported for the bridge across the Danube? Should it be stone or steel? How were the foundations for the end abutments to be laid? Would the rock stand the weight?
These questions were, in part, quite irrelevant for the expert, in part, however, very much to the point. Adolf lived so much in his vision of the future Linz that he adapted his day-to-day habits to it; for instance, we would visit the Hall of Fame, the Memorial Temple or our "Medieval Open-air Museum."
One day when I interrupted the bold flow of his ideas for the National Monument and asked him soberly how he proposed to finance this project, his first reply was a brusque, "Oh, to hell with money !" But apparently my query had disturbed him. And he did what other people do who want to get rich quickly -- he bought a lottery ticket. And yet there was a difference between the way Adolf bought a lottery ticket and the way other people did. For other people only hope, or rather, dream of getting the first prize, but Adolf was sure he had won from the moment of buying the ticket and had only forgotten to collect the money. His only possible worry was how to spend this not inconsiderable sum to the best advantage.
It was typical of him that he often mingled his most fantastic ideas with the coolest calculations, and the same thing happened with the purchase of the lottery ticket. While he was already, in his imagination, spending his winnings, he carefully studied the lottery conditions and worked out our chance with the greatest precision. Adolf invited me to go shares with him in this venture. He was quite systematic about it. The price of the ticket was ten crowns, of which I had to find five. He stipulated, however, that these five crowns should not be given to me by my parents, but I had to earn them myself. At that time I earned some pocket money and also got occasional tips from the customers.
Adolf insisted on knowing exactly where these five crowns came from, and when he was satisfied that my contribution was really my own, we went together to the office of the State Lottery to buy the ticket. It took him a long time to make up his mind, and I still don't know what considerations prompted his choice.
In the end he found his winner. "Here it is!" he said, and put the ticket carefully away in the little, black notebook in which he wrote his poems.
Adolf insisted on knowing exactly where these five crowns came from, and when he was satisfied that my contribution was really my own, we went together to the office of the State Lottery to buy the ticket. It took him a long time to make up his mind, and I still don't know what considerations prompted his choice.
In the end he found his winner. "Here it is!" he said, and put the ticket carefully away in the little, black notebook in which he wrote his poems.
The time that elapsed before the draw was for me the happiest period of our friendship. Love and enthusiasm, great thoughts, lofty ideas, all that we bad already. The only thing that was lacking was money. Now we had that, too. What more could we want?
Although the first prize represented a lot of money, my friend was by no means tempted to spend it thoughtlessly. On the contrary. He went about it in the most calculating and economical way. It would have been senseless to invest the whole sum in one of the projects, say the rebuilding of the museum, for this would only have been a small part within the framework of the great town-planning scheme. It was more reasonable to use the money for our own benefit, to help us to a standing in public life which would enable us to progress further towards our ultimate aims.
It would have been too expensive to build a villa for ourselves; it would have swallowed up so much of our fortune that we would have moved into this splendour quite penniless. Adolf suggested a compromise: we should rent a flat, he said, and adapt it to our purpose.
After long and careful examination of the various possibilities, we selected the second floor of No. 2 Kirchengasse in Urfahr; for this house was in a quite exceptional position.
Near the bank of the Danube, it had a view over the pleasant green fields which culminated in the Pöstlingberg. We crept into the house secretly, looked at the view from the staircase window, and Adolf made a sketch of the ground plan.
After long and careful examination of the various possibilities, we selected the second floor of No. 2 Kirchengasse in Urfahr; for this house was in a quite exceptional position.
Near the bank of the Danube, it had a view over the pleasant green fields which culminated in the Pöstlingberg. We crept into the house secretly, looked at the view from the staircase window, and Adolf made a sketch of the ground plan.
Then we moved in, so to speak. The larger wing of the flat should be for my friend, the smaller one was reserved for me.
Adolf arranged the rooms so that his study was as far removed as possible from mine, so that he, at his drawing board, would not be disturbed by my practising.
Adolf arranged the rooms so that his study was as far removed as possible from mine, so that he, at his drawing board, would not be disturbed by my practising.
My friend also saw to the furnishing of the rooms, drawing each single piece of furniture to scale on the ground plan. The furniture was of most beautiful and superior quality, made by the town's leading craftsmen, by no means cheap, mass-produced stuff. Even the decorations for the walls of each single room were designed by Adolf. I was only allowed to have a say about the curtains and draperies, and I had to show him how I. suggested dealing with the rooms he had given me. He was certainly pleased with the self-assured manner in which I co-operated with the arrangement of the flat.
We had no doubt that the first prize was ours. Adolf's own faith had bewitched me into believing as he did. I, too, expected to move into No. 2 Kirchengasse very soon.
We had no doubt that the first prize was ours. Adolf's own faith had bewitched me into believing as he did. I, too, expected to move into No. 2 Kirchengasse very soon.
Although simplicity was to be the keynote of our home, it was nevertheless imbued with a refined, personal taste. Adolf proposed to make our home the centre of a circle of art lovers. I would provide the musical entertainment. He would recite something, or read aloud, or expound his latest work. We would make regular trips to Vienna to attend lectures and concerts, and to go to the theatre. (I realised then that Vienna played an important part in my friend's world of ideas. Strange that he had opted for the Kirchengasse in Urfahr.)
Winning the first prize would not alter our mode of life. We would remain simple people, wearing clothes of good quality, but certainly not ostentatious. With regard to our dress, Adolf had a delicious idea which delighted me immeasurably. We should both dress in exactly the same way, he suggested, so that people would take us for brothers.
I believe that, for me, this idea alone made it worthwhile to win the Lottery. It shows how our mere theatre acquaintance had ripened into a deep, romantic friendship.
I believe that, for me, this idea alone made it worthwhile to win the Lottery. It shows how our mere theatre acquaintance had ripened into a deep, romantic friendship.
Of course I would have to leave my parents' home and give up my trade. My future musical studies would leave me no time for such things; for as our studies progressed, our understanding for artistic experiences increased and engrossed us completely.
Adolf thought of everything, even the running of the household, which was necessary as the day of the draw was approaching.
A refined lady should preside over our home and run it. It had to be an elderly lady, to rule out any expectations or intentions which might interfere with our artistic vocation. We also agreed on the staff that this big household would need. Thus, everything was prepared.
This image remained with me for a long time to come: an elderly lady, with greying hair, but incredibly distinguished, standing in the brilliantly lit hall, welcoming, on behalf of her two young, gifted gentlemen of seventeen and eighteen years, the guests who formed their circle of select, lofty-minded friends.
A refined lady should preside over our home and run it. It had to be an elderly lady, to rule out any expectations or intentions which might interfere with our artistic vocation. We also agreed on the staff that this big household would need. Thus, everything was prepared.
This image remained with me for a long time to come: an elderly lady, with greying hair, but incredibly distinguished, standing in the brilliantly lit hall, welcoming, on behalf of her two young, gifted gentlemen of seventeen and eighteen years, the guests who formed their circle of select, lofty-minded friends.
During the summer months we were to travel.
The first and foremost destination was Bayreuth (see left), where we were to enjoy the perfect performances of the great master's music dramas.
After Bayreuth, we were to visit famous cities, magnificent cathedrals, palaces and castles, but also industrial centres, shipyards and ports. "It shall be the whole of Germany," said Adolf. This was one of his favourite sayings.
After Bayreuth, we were to visit famous cities, magnificent cathedrals, palaces and castles, but also industrial centres, shipyards and ports. "It shall be the whole of Germany," said Adolf. This was one of his favourite sayings.
The day of the draw arrived.
Adolf came rushing wildly round to the workshop with the list of results. I have rarely heard him rage so madly as then.
First he fumed over the State Lottery, this officially organised exploitation of human credulity, this open fraud at the expense of docile citizens.
Then his fury turned against the state itself, this patchwork of ten or twelve, or God knows how many nations, this monster built up by Hapsburg marriages. Could one expect other than that two poor devils should be cheated out of their last few crowns?
First he fumed over the State Lottery, this officially organised exploitation of human credulity, this open fraud at the expense of docile citizens.
Then his fury turned against the state itself, this patchwork of ten or twelve, or God knows how many nations, this monster built up by Hapsburg marriages. Could one expect other than that two poor devils should be cheated out of their last few crowns?
Never did it occur to Adolf to reproach himself for having taken it for granted that the first prize belonged to him by right; and this in spite of the fact that he had brooded for hours over the conditions of the Lottery and calculated exactly how small our chances were in view of the number of tickets in existence and the number of prizes offered. I could find no explanation for this contradiction in his character. But there it was.
For the first time he had been deserted by his will power which always seemed to move matters that concerned him in the desired direction. This he could not bear, for it was worse than the loss of the money and having to give up the flat and the lady-housekeeper receiving our guests with distinguished nonchalance.
It seemed to Adolf more reasonable to rely on himself and build his own future, rather than trust government institutions like lotteries. This would spare him from such setbacks.
Thus, after a short period of utter depression, he returned to his earlier projects.
Thus, after a short period of utter depression, he returned to his earlier projects.
One of his favourite plans was the replacement of the bridge which linked Linz and Urfahr (see left).We used to cross this bridge daily, and Adolf was particularly fond of this walk. When the floods of May 1868 destroyed five supports of the old wooden bridge, it was decided to build an iron bridge, which was completed in 1872.
This rather ugly bridge was far too narrow for the traffic, although in those days there were not even any motorcars; and it was always overcrowded to a frightening degree.
Adolf liked to listen to the cursing drivers, who with wild oaths and much cracking of the whip, would try to make a way for themselves.
Although generally he showed little interest in the thing at hand and preferred to take the long view for his projects, he suggested here a provisional solution to remedy the existing state of affairs. Without altering the bridge itself, to either side should be added a footpath, two metres wide, which would carry the pedestrian traffic and thus relieve the roadway.
Although generally he showed little interest in the thing at hand and preferred to take the long view for his projects, he suggested here a provisional solution to remedy the existing state of affairs. Without altering the bridge itself, to either side should be added a footpath, two metres wide, which would carry the pedestrian traffic and thus relieve the roadway.
Naturally, nobody in Linz listened to the suggestions this young dreamer, who could not even produce decent school reports. All the more enthusiastically did Adolf now occupy himself with the complete rebuilding of the bridge.
The ugly iron structure must be demolished. The new bridge must be so proportioned as to give the visitor who approached the Danube from the main square the impression of seeing, not a bridge, but a broad, impressive street. Mighty statues would underline the artistic aspect of the whole.
It is greatly to be regretted that, so far as I know, none of the numerous sketches which Hitler then made for the new bridge has been preserved; for it would be very interesting to compare these sketches with the plans which, thirty years later, Adolf Hitler prepared for this bridge and ordered to be executed.
We owe it to his impatience to see the new Linz built that, in spite of the outbreak of war in 1939, that structure, being the central project of the Linz town planning, actually was completed.
We owe it to his impatience to see the new Linz built that, in spite of the outbreak of war in 1939, that structure, being the central project of the Linz town planning, actually was completed.
It was the most impressive hour I ever lived through with my friend.
So unforgettable is it, that even the most trivial things, the clothes Adolf wore that evening, the weather, are still present in my mind as though the experience were exempt from the passing of time.
So unforgettable is it, that even the most trivial things, the clothes Adolf wore that evening, the weather, are still present in my mind as though the experience were exempt from the passing of time.
Adolf stood outside my house in his black overcoat, his dark hat pulled down over his face.
It was a cold, unpleasant November evening.
He waved to me impatiently. I was just cleaning myself up from the workshop and getting ready to go to the theatre.
'Rienzi' was being given that night.
We had never seen this Wagner opera and looked forward to it with great excitement. In order to secure the pillars in the Promenade we had to be early.
Adolf whistled, to hurry me up.
Editor's Note :
Rienzi, der Letzte der Tribunen (WWV 49) (Rienzi, the Last of the Tribunes) is an early opera by Richard Wagner in five acts, with the librettowritten by the composer after Bulwer-Lytton's novel of the same name (1835).
The title is commonly shortened to Rienzi. Written between July 1838 and November 1840, it was first performed at the Hofoper, Dresden on October 20, 1842, and was the composer's first success.
The opera is set in Rome and is based on the life of Cola di Rienzi (1313–1354), a medieval Italian populist figure who succeeds in outwitting and then defeating the nobles and their followers and in raising the power of the people. Magnanimous at first, he is forced by events to crush the nobles' rebellion against the people's power, but popular opinion changes and even the Church, which had urged him to assert himself, turns against him.
In the end the populace burns the Capitol, in which Rienzi and a few adherents have made a last stand.
Now we were in the theatre, burning with enthusiasm, and living breathlessly through Rienzi's rise to be the Tribune of the people of Rome and his subsequent downfall.
When at last it was over, it was past midnight.
My friend, his hands thrust into his coat pockets, silent and withdrawn, strode through the streets and out of the city.
Usually, after an artistic experience that had moved him, he would start talking straight away, sharply criticizing the performance, but after Rienzi he remained quiet a long while. This surprised me, and I asked him what he thought of it. He threw me a strange, almost hostile glance. "Shut up !" he said brusquely.
When at last it was over, it was past midnight.My friend, his hands thrust into his coat pockets, silent and withdrawn, strode through the streets and out of the city.
Usually, after an artistic experience that had moved him, he would start talking straight away, sharply criticizing the performance, but after Rienzi he remained quiet a long while. This surprised me, and I asked him what he thought of it. He threw me a strange, almost hostile glance. "Shut up !" he said brusquely.
The cold, damp mist lay oppressively over the narrow streets.
Our solitary steps resounded on the pavement. Adolf took the road that led up to the Freinberg. Without speaking a word, he strode forward. He looked almost sinister, and paler than ever. His turned-up coat collar increased this impression.
Our solitary steps resounded on the pavement. Adolf took the road that led up to the Freinberg. Without speaking a word, he strode forward. He looked almost sinister, and paler than ever. His turned-up coat collar increased this impression.
I wanted to ask him, "Where are you going ?" But his pallid face looked so forbidding that I suppressed the question.
As if propelled by an invisible force, Adolf climbed up to the top of the Freinberg.
And only now did I realize that we were no longer in solitude and darkness, for the stars shone brilliantly above us.
And only now did I realize that we were no longer in solitude and darkness, for the stars shone brilliantly above us.
Adolf stood in front of me; and now he gripped both my hands and held them tight. He had never made such a gesture before. I felt from the grasp of his hands how deeply moved he was. His eyes were feverish with excitement.
The words did not come smoothly from his mouth as they usually did, but rather erupted, hoarse and raucous. From his voice I could tell even more how much this experience had shaken him.
The words did not come smoothly from his mouth as they usually did, but rather erupted, hoarse and raucous. From his voice I could tell even more how much this experience had shaken him.
Gradually his speech loosened, and the words flowed more freely. Never before and never again have I heard Adolf Hitler speak as he did in that hour, as we stood there alone under the stars, as though we were the only creatures in the world.
I cannot repeat every word that my friend uttered.
I was struck by something strange, which I had never noticed before, even when he had talked to me in moments of the greatest excitement.
It was as if another being spoke out of his body, and moved him as much as it did me.
It wasn't at all a case of a speaker being carried away by his own words. On the contrary; I rather felt as though he himself listened with astonishment and emotion to what burst forth from him with elementary force.
I will not attempt to interpret this phenomenon, but it was a state of complete ecstasy and rapture, in which he transferred the character of Rienzi, without even mentioning him as a model or example, with visionary power to the plane of his own ambitions.
But it was more than a cheap adaptation. Indeed, the impact of the opera was rather a sheer external impulse which compelled him to speak. Like flood waters breaking their dikes, his words burst forth from him. He conjured up in grandiose, inspiring pictures his own future and that of his people.
I was struck by something strange, which I had never noticed before, even when he had talked to me in moments of the greatest excitement.
It was as if another being spoke out of his body, and moved him as much as it did me.
It wasn't at all a case of a speaker being carried away by his own words. On the contrary; I rather felt as though he himself listened with astonishment and emotion to what burst forth from him with elementary force.
I will not attempt to interpret this phenomenon, but it was a state of complete ecstasy and rapture, in which he transferred the character of Rienzi, without even mentioning him as a model or example, with visionary power to the plane of his own ambitions.
But it was more than a cheap adaptation. Indeed, the impact of the opera was rather a sheer external impulse which compelled him to speak. Like flood waters breaking their dikes, his words burst forth from him. He conjured up in grandiose, inspiring pictures his own future and that of his people.
Hitherto I had been convinced that my friend wanted to become an artist, a painter, or perhaps an architect. Now this was no longer the case.
Now he aspired to something higher, which I could not yet fully grasp.
It rather surprised me, as I thought that the vocation of the artist was for him the highest, most desirable goal. But now he was talking of a mandate which, one day, he would receive from the people, to lead them out of servitude to the heights of freedom.
Now he aspired to something higher, which I could not yet fully grasp.
It rather surprised me, as I thought that the vocation of the artist was for him the highest, most desirable goal. But now he was talking of a mandate which, one day, he would receive from the people, to lead them out of servitude to the heights of freedom.
It was an unknown youth who spoke to me in that strange hour.
He spoke of a special mission which one day would be entrusted to him, and I, his only listener, could hardly understand what he meant.
Many years had to pass before I realized the significance of this enraptured hour for my friend.
He spoke of a special mission which one day would be entrusted to him, and I, his only listener, could hardly understand what he meant.
Many years had to pass before I realized the significance of this enraptured hour for my friend.
His words were followed by silence.
We descended into the town. The clock struck three. We parted in front of my house. Adolf shook hands with me, and I was astonished to see that he did not go in the direction of his home, but turned again towards the mountains.
"Where are you going now ?" I asked him, surprised. He replied briefly, "I want to be alone."
In the following weeks and months he never again mentioned this hour on the Freinberg.
At first it struck me as odd and I could find no explanation for his strange behavior, for I could not believe that he had forgotten it altogether. Indeed he never did forget it, as I discovered thirty-three years later. But he kept silent about it because he wanted to keep that hour entirely to himself. That I could understand, and I respected his silence. After all, it was his hour, not mine. I had played only the modest role of a sympathetic friend.
At first it struck me as odd and I could find no explanation for his strange behavior, for I could not believe that he had forgotten it altogether. Indeed he never did forget it, as I discovered thirty-three years later. But he kept silent about it because he wanted to keep that hour entirely to himself. That I could understand, and I respected his silence. After all, it was his hour, not mine. I had played only the modest role of a sympathetic friend.
In 1939, shortly before war broke out, when I, for the first time visited Bayreuth as the guest of the Reichs Chancellor, I thought I would please my host by reminding him of that nocturnal hour on the Freinberg, so I told Adolf Hitler what I remembered of it, assuming that the enormous multitude of impressions and events which had filled these past decades would have pushed into the background the experience of a seventeen year old youth.
But after a few words I sensed that he vividly recalled that hour and had retained all its details in his memory.
He was visibly pleased that my account confirmed his own recollections.
I was also present when Adolf Hitler retold this sequel to the performance of Rienzi in Linz to Frau Winifred Wagner (see right), at whose home we were both guests.
Thus my own memory was doubly confirmed.
The words with which Hitler concluded his story to Frau Wagner are also unforgettable for me.
He said solemnly, "In that hour it began."
Editor's Note
Winifred Wagner (23 June 1897 - 5 March 1980) was an English-born Welsh woman married to Siegfried Wagner, Richard Wagner's son
She was the effective head of the Wagner family from 1930 to 1945, and a close friend of German dictator Adolf Hitler.
Winifred Williams was born Winifred Marjorie Williams in Hastings, England, the daughter of John Williams, a writer, and his wife, the former Emily Florence Karop.
Winifred lost both her parents before the age of two and was initially raised in a series of homes. Eight years later she was adopted by a distant German relative of her mother, Henrietta Karop, and her husband Karl Klindworth, a musician and a friend of Richard Wagner.
The Bayreuth Festival was envisioned as a family business, with the leadership to be passed from Richard Wagner to his son Siegfried Wagner, but Siegfried, who was secretly homosexual, showed little interest in marriage.
It was arranged that Winifred Klindworth, as she was called at the time, aged 17, would meet Siegfried Wagner, aged 45, at the Bayreuth Festival in 1914.A year later they were married.
It was hoped that the marriage would end Siegfried's homosexual encounters and the associated costly scandals, and provide an heir to carry on the family business.
Following their marriage on 22 September 1915, they had four children in rapid succession:
Wieland (1917–1966), Friedelind (1918–1991), Wolfgang (1919–2010) and Verena (born 1920).
After the death of Siegfried Wagner in 1930, Winifred Wagner took over the Bayreuth Festival, running it until the end of World War II.
In 1923, Winifred met Adolf Hitler who, as we have seen earlier, greatly admired Wagner's music.
When Hitler was jailed for his part in the Munich Beer Hall Putsch, Winifred sent him food parcels and stationery on which Hitler's autobiography Mein Kampf may have been written.
In the late 1930s, she served as Hitler's personal translator during treaty negotiations with England.
Although Winifred remained personally faithful to Hitler, she denied that she had ever supported the Nazi party.
Her relationship with Hitler grew so close that by 1933 there were rumors of impending marriage.
'Haus Wahnfried', the Wagner home in Bayreuth, became Hitler's favorite retreat, and he had his own separate accommodation in the grounds of Wahnfried, known as the Führerbau.
Hitler gave the festival government assistance and tax exempt status, and treated Winifred's children, particularly Wieland and Wolfgang solicitously.
According to biographer Brigitte Hamann, Winifred Wagner was reported to be "disgusted" by Hitler's persecution of the Jews. In one notable incident, in the late 1930s, a letter from her to Hitler prevented Hedwig and Alfred Pringsheim (their daughter Katia was married to Thomas Mann) from being arrested by the Gestapo.
According to Gottfried Wagner, Winifred's grandson, she never admitted the error of her ways.
After the war, her posthumous devotion to the man she cryptically referred to as "USA" – for 'Unser Seliger Adolf' (our blessed Adolf) – remained undimmed.
She corresponded with Hitler for nearly two decades.
Scholars have not been allowed to see the letters which are kept locked away by one of Winifred's grandchildren, Amélie Lafferentz.
Chapter 11 - VIENNA
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
Vienna, still a resplendent Imperial city and the metropolis of a State of forty-five million people, promised him fulfillment of all his hopes for the future.
At the time of which I speak, the summer of 1907, Adolf knew Vienna (see right) from a visit he had paid it in the previous year.
This deceptive picture, largely produced by his artistic imagination, held a powerful attraction for him.
In his thoughts he was often no longer in Linz but already in Vienna, and his incredible capacity for ignoring the reality in f front of him, and for accepting as real what existed only in his imagination, now came here into full play.
I have to correct here a small error which Adolf Hitler made in Mein Kampf in regard to his first stay in Vienna.
He is wrong when he says that he was then not yet sixteen years old, for actually he had just had his seventeenth birthday. For the rest, his account of it corresponds entirely with my own.
He is wrong when he says that he was then not yet sixteen years old, for actually he had just had his seventeenth birthday. For the rest, his account of it corresponds entirely with my own.
I well remember the enthusiasm with which my friend spoke of his impressions of Vienna. Details of his account, however, escape my memory.
It is all the more fortunate that the postcards he wrote to me on this first visit are still preserved. There are, altogether, four postcards which, apart it from their biographical interest, are important graphological documents; for they are the earliest substantial examples of Adolf Hitler's handwriting still existing.
It is a strangely mature, rather flowing hand, which one would hardly connect with a youth of barely eighteen, while the incorrect spelling not only bears witness to patchy schooling, but also to a certain indifference in such matters. All the picture postcards he sent me were, significantly enough, of buildings. A different kind of young man of his age would certainly have chosen a different kind of picture postcard for his friend.
It is all the more fortunate that the postcards he wrote to me on this first visit are still preserved. There are, altogether, four postcards which, apart it from their biographical interest, are important graphological documents; for they are the earliest substantial examples of Adolf Hitler's handwriting still existing.
It is a strangely mature, rather flowing hand, which one would hardly connect with a youth of barely eighteen, while the incorrect spelling not only bears witness to patchy schooling, but also to a certain indifference in such matters. All the picture postcards he sent me were, significantly enough, of buildings. A different kind of young man of his age would certainly have chosen a different kind of picture postcard for his friend.
The text is: "In sending you this postcard I have to apologise for not having written sooner. Well, I have safely arrived and am going around everywhere. Tomorrow I am going to the Opera, 'Tristan,' and the day after, `The Flying Dutchman,' etc. Although I find everything very beautiful, I am longing for Linz. Tonight Stadt-Theatre. Greetings, your friend, Adolf Hitler."
On the lower margin of the picture, he adds: "Greetings to your esteemed parents."
I would like to mention that the words "Although I find everything very beautiful, I am longing for Linz" do not refer to Linz but to Stefanie, for whom his love was all the greater the farther from her he was.
It certainly satisfied his impetuous longing for her that he, a lonely stranger in this heartless metropolis, could write these words which only his friend who shared his secrets would understand.
It certainly satisfied his impetuous longing for her that he, a lonely stranger in this heartless metropolis, could write these words which only his friend who shared his secrets would understand.
Presumably this particularly successful photograph, which shows a part of the decor, had appealed to him.
On it he wrote: "The interior of the edifice is not very stirring. If the exterior is mighty majesty, which gives the building the seriousness of an artistic monument, the inside, though commanding admiration, does not impress one with its dignity. Only when the mighty sound waves flow through the hall and when the whispering of the wind gives way to the terrible roaring of the sound waves, then one feels the grandeur and forgets the gold and velvet with which the interior is overloaded. Adolf H."
On the front of the card there is again added: "Greetings to your esteemed parents."
Adolf is completely in his element here.
The friend is forgotten, even Stefanie is forgotten; no greeting, not even a hint, so overwhelmed is he by his recent experience.
His clumsy style clearly reveals that his power of expression is not sufficient to do justice to the depth of his feelings.
But even his poor style, which sounds like the ecstatic stammering of an enthusiast, reveals the magnitude of his experience. After all, it had been the greatest dream of our boyhood in Linz to see, someday, a perfect production at the Vienna Opera House instead of the performances in our provincial theatre, which left so much to be desired.
Certainly Adolf, with his glowing description, aimed at my own art-loving heart. For what could make Vienna more attractive to me than the enthusiastic echo of such artistic impressions?
The friend is forgotten, even Stefanie is forgotten; no greeting, not even a hint, so overwhelmed is he by his recent experience.
His clumsy style clearly reveals that his power of expression is not sufficient to do justice to the depth of his feelings.
But even his poor style, which sounds like the ecstatic stammering of an enthusiast, reveals the magnitude of his experience. After all, it had been the greatest dream of our boyhood in Linz to see, someday, a perfect production at the Vienna Opera House instead of the performances in our provincial theatre, which left so much to be desired.
Certainly Adolf, with his glowing description, aimed at my own art-loving heart. For what could make Vienna more attractive to me than the enthusiastic echo of such artistic impressions?
On the very next day, May 8, 1906, he wrote again; it is rather surprising that he wrote three times in the space of two days.
His motive becomes clear from the contents of the postcard, which shows the exterior of the Vienna Opera House.
His motive becomes clear from the contents of the postcard, which shows the exterior of the Vienna Opera House.
He wrote: "I am really longing for my dear Linz and Urfar. Want and must see Benkieser again. What might he be doing, so I am arriving on Thursday on the 3.55 in Linz. If you have time and permission, meet me. Greetings to your esteemed parents! Your friend, Adolf Hitler."
The word "Urfar," misspelt in the hurry, is underlined, although Adolf's mother was still living in Humboldtstrasse, and not in Urfahr.
Of course, that remark referred to Stefanie, ie, and so did the agreed code word, Benkieser. The phrase "Want and must see Benkieser" is typical of Adolf's style and character.
Also significant are the words, "If you have time and permission, meet me."
Although it was a matter of urgency for him, he respects my duty of obedience towards my parents, nor does he omit to greet them on this card.
Of course, that remark referred to Stefanie, ie, and so did the agreed code word, Benkieser. The phrase "Want and must see Benkieser" is typical of Adolf's style and character.
Also significant are the words, "If you have time and permission, meet me."
Although it was a matter of urgency for him, he respects my duty of obedience towards my parents, nor does he omit to greet them on this card.
Unfortunately, I cannot verify whether Adolf really returned to Linz on the following Thursday, or if this indication was only intended to satisfy his unappeasable longing for Stefanie.
His remark in Mein Kampf that his sojourn in Vienna lasted only a fortnight is incorrect.
Actually, he stayed there about four weeks, as is evidenced by the postcard of June 6, 1906. This card, which shows the Franzensring and House of Parliament (see left), is on conventional lines: "To you and to your esteemed parents, I send herewith best wishes for the holidays and kind regards. Respectfully, Adolf Hitler."
His remark in Mein Kampf that his sojourn in Vienna lasted only a fortnight is incorrect.
With this memory of his first stay in Vienna transfigured by his yearning for Stefanie, Adolf entered the critical summer of 1907.
What he suffered in those weeks was in many respects similar to the grave crisis of two years earlier. Then, after much heart-searching, he had finally settled his accounts with the school and made an end of it, however painful this might be for his mother.
A grave illness bad rendered the transition easier for him. But this transition led him only to the "hollowness of the life of leisure."
Without school, with no career in mind, he had spent two years living with his mother and not earning a penny.
These were by no means idle years.
Having had daily contact with Adolf, I can testify how intensely my friend, studied and worked in those days, but this private study, as well as his artistic activity, had no determined goal.
He felt himself that it couldn't continue. Something had to happen, a profound change would give a clear direction to his aimless, day-to-day mode of life.
What he suffered in those weeks was in many respects similar to the grave crisis of two years earlier. Then, after much heart-searching, he had finally settled his accounts with the school and made an end of it, however painful this might be for his mother.
A grave illness bad rendered the transition easier for him. But this transition led him only to the "hollowness of the life of leisure."
Without school, with no career in mind, he had spent two years living with his mother and not earning a penny.
These were by no means idle years.
Having had daily contact with Adolf, I can testify how intensely my friend, studied and worked in those days, but this private study, as well as his artistic activity, had no determined goal.
He felt himself that it couldn't continue. Something had to happen, a profound change would give a clear direction to his aimless, day-to-day mode of life.
Outwardly, this seeking for a new path showed itself in dangerous fits of depression. I knew only too well those moods of his, which were in sharp contrast to his ecstatic dedication and activity, and realised that I couldn't help hint.
At such times he was inaccessible, uncommunicative and distant.
It might happen that we didn't meet at all for a day or two.
If I tried to see him at home, his mother would receive me with great surprise. "Adolf has gone out," she would say, "he must be looking for you."
Actually, Adolf would wander around aimlessly and alone for days and nights in the fields and forests surrounding the town.
When I met him at last, he was obviously glad to have me with him. But when I asked him what was wrong, his only answer would be, "Leave me alone," or a brusque, "I don't know myself." And if I insisted, he would understand my sympathy, and then say in a milder tone, "Never mind, Gustl, but not even you can help me."
At such times he was inaccessible, uncommunicative and distant.
It might happen that we didn't meet at all for a day or two.
If I tried to see him at home, his mother would receive me with great surprise. "Adolf has gone out," she would say, "he must be looking for you."
Actually, Adolf would wander around aimlessly and alone for days and nights in the fields and forests surrounding the town.
When I met him at last, he was obviously glad to have me with him. But when I asked him what was wrong, his only answer would be, "Leave me alone," or a brusque, "I don't know myself." And if I insisted, he would understand my sympathy, and then say in a milder tone, "Never mind, Gustl, but not even you can help me."
This state lasted several weeks.
One fine summer evening, however, when we were strolling beside the Danube, the tension began to ease.
Adolf reverted to his old, familiar tone. I remember this moment exactly. As usual, we had been to see Stefanie pass by arm-in-arm with her mother. Adolf was still under her spell. Even though he saw her, at this time, almost every day, these meetings never became something commonplace for him.
While Stefanie had probably long since become bored by the silent, but strictly conventional adulation of the pale, thin youth, my friend lost himself increasingly in his wishful dreams the more he saw her. Yet he was past those romantic ideas of elopement or suicide.
He explained to me in eloquent words his state of mind: the vision of the beloved pursued him day and night; he was unable to work or even to think clearly; he feared he would go mad if this state of affairs went on much longer, though he saw no way of altering the situation, for which Stefanie was not to blame, either. "There is only one thing to be done," he cried. "I must go away -- far away from Stefanie."
One fine summer evening, however, when we were strolling beside the Danube, the tension began to ease.
Adolf reverted to his old, familiar tone. I remember this moment exactly. As usual, we had been to see Stefanie pass by arm-in-arm with her mother. Adolf was still under her spell. Even though he saw her, at this time, almost every day, these meetings never became something commonplace for him.
While Stefanie had probably long since become bored by the silent, but strictly conventional adulation of the pale, thin youth, my friend lost himself increasingly in his wishful dreams the more he saw her. Yet he was past those romantic ideas of elopement or suicide.
He explained to me in eloquent words his state of mind: the vision of the beloved pursued him day and night; he was unable to work or even to think clearly; he feared he would go mad if this state of affairs went on much longer, though he saw no way of altering the situation, for which Stefanie was not to blame, either. "There is only one thing to be done," he cried. "I must go away -- far away from Stefanie."
On our way home he explained his decision in greater detail.
His relationship with Stefanie would become more bearable for him once he was living at a distance and could not meet her every day. It did not occur to him that in this way he might lose Stefanie altogether -- so deeply convinced was he that he had won her forever.
The true situation was different.
Adolf perhaps already realised that if he wanted to win Stefanie, he would have to speak to her or take some such decisive step -- it is probable that even he began to find the exchange of glances on the Landstrasse a little childish.
Nevertheless, he felt instinctively that it would abruptly destroy his life's dream if he actually made Stefanie's acquaintance. Indeed, as he said to me: "If I introduce myself to Stefanie and her mother, I will have to tell her at once what I am, what I have and what I want. My statement would bring our relations abruptly to an end."
This awareness, and the simultaneous realisation that he had to put his relationship with Stefanie on a firm basis to avoid ridicule, were the horns of a dilemma for him, from which he saw only one way out -- flight.
He started at once to expound his plan to the last detail.
I received precise instructions what to tell Stefanie if she asked, full of astonishment, what had become of my friend. (She never did!)
Adolf himself realised that if he wanted to marry her, he would have to offer her a secure existence.
His relationship with Stefanie would become more bearable for him once he was living at a distance and could not meet her every day. It did not occur to him that in this way he might lose Stefanie altogether -- so deeply convinced was he that he had won her forever.
The true situation was different.
Adolf perhaps already realised that if he wanted to win Stefanie, he would have to speak to her or take some such decisive step -- it is probable that even he began to find the exchange of glances on the Landstrasse a little childish.
Nevertheless, he felt instinctively that it would abruptly destroy his life's dream if he actually made Stefanie's acquaintance. Indeed, as he said to me: "If I introduce myself to Stefanie and her mother, I will have to tell her at once what I am, what I have and what I want. My statement would bring our relations abruptly to an end."
This awareness, and the simultaneous realisation that he had to put his relationship with Stefanie on a firm basis to avoid ridicule, were the horns of a dilemma for him, from which he saw only one way out -- flight.
He started at once to expound his plan to the last detail.
I received precise instructions what to tell Stefanie if she asked, full of astonishment, what had become of my friend. (She never did!)
Adolf himself realised that if he wanted to marry her, he would have to offer her a secure existence.
But this unsolved and, for a person of my friend's nature, insoluble problem of his relationship with Stefanie was only one of the many reasons which prompted him to quit Linz, although the most personal and therefore decisive.
Another reason was that he was anxious to escape the atmosphere that prevailed at home.
The idea that he, a young man of eighteen, should continue to be kept by his mother had become unbearable to him.
It was a painful dilemma which, as I could see for myself, made him almost physically ill. On the one hand, he loved his mother above everything; she was the only person on earth to whom he felt really close, and she reciprocated his feeling to the same extent, although she was deeply disturbed by her son's unusual nature, however proud she was at times of him. "He is different from us," she used to say.
On the other hand, she felt it to be her duty to carry out the wishes of her late husband, and to prevail on Adolf to embark on a safe career.
But what was "safe," in view of the peculiar character of her son?
He had failed at school and had ignored all his mother's wishes and suggestions. A painter -- that's what he had said he wanted to become.
This could not seem very satisfactory to his mother, for, simple soul that she was, anything connected with art and artists appeared to her frivolous and insecure.
Adolf tried to change her mind by telling her of his intention to study at the Academy. That sounded better; after all, the Academy, of which Adolf spoke with increasing enthusiasm, was really a kind of school, where his mother thought he might make up for what he had missed in the Technical School.
When listening to these domestic discussions, I was always surprised by the sympathetic understanding and patience with which Adolf tried to convince his mother of his artistic vocation. Contrary to his habit, he never became cross or violent on these occasions.
Often Frau Klara would also unburden herself to me, for she saw in me, too, an artistically gifted young man with high aims.
Having a better understanding of musical matters than of her son's dabbling in drawing and painting, she frequently found my opinions more convincing than his, and Adolf was very grateful for my support. But in Frau Klara's eyes there was one important difference between Adolf and me: I had learnt an honest trade, finished my apprenticeship and passed my journeyman's examination. I would always have a safe haven to shelter in, whereas Adolf was just steering into the unknown.
This vision tormented his mother unceasingly. Nevertheless, he succeeded in convincing her that it was essential for him to go to the Academy and study painting.
I still remember distinctly how pleased he was over it. "Now mother will not raise any more objections," he told me one day. "I definitely go to Vienna at the beginning of September." Adolf had also settled with his mother the financial side of his plan.
His living expenses and the Academy fees were to be paid out of the small legacy left him by his father and now administered by his guardian.
Adolf hoped that, with great economy, he would be able to manage on this for a year. What would happen afterwards remained to be seen, he said. Perhaps he would earn something by the sale of some drawings and pictures.
Another reason was that he was anxious to escape the atmosphere that prevailed at home.
The idea that he, a young man of eighteen, should continue to be kept by his mother had become unbearable to him.
It was a painful dilemma which, as I could see for myself, made him almost physically ill. On the one hand, he loved his mother above everything; she was the only person on earth to whom he felt really close, and she reciprocated his feeling to the same extent, although she was deeply disturbed by her son's unusual nature, however proud she was at times of him. "He is different from us," she used to say.
On the other hand, she felt it to be her duty to carry out the wishes of her late husband, and to prevail on Adolf to embark on a safe career.
But what was "safe," in view of the peculiar character of her son?
He had failed at school and had ignored all his mother's wishes and suggestions. A painter -- that's what he had said he wanted to become.
This could not seem very satisfactory to his mother, for, simple soul that she was, anything connected with art and artists appeared to her frivolous and insecure.
Adolf tried to change her mind by telling her of his intention to study at the Academy. That sounded better; after all, the Academy, of which Adolf spoke with increasing enthusiasm, was really a kind of school, where his mother thought he might make up for what he had missed in the Technical School.
When listening to these domestic discussions, I was always surprised by the sympathetic understanding and patience with which Adolf tried to convince his mother of his artistic vocation. Contrary to his habit, he never became cross or violent on these occasions.
Often Frau Klara would also unburden herself to me, for she saw in me, too, an artistically gifted young man with high aims.
Having a better understanding of musical matters than of her son's dabbling in drawing and painting, she frequently found my opinions more convincing than his, and Adolf was very grateful for my support. But in Frau Klara's eyes there was one important difference between Adolf and me: I had learnt an honest trade, finished my apprenticeship and passed my journeyman's examination. I would always have a safe haven to shelter in, whereas Adolf was just steering into the unknown.
This vision tormented his mother unceasingly. Nevertheless, he succeeded in convincing her that it was essential for him to go to the Academy and study painting.
I still remember distinctly how pleased he was over it. "Now mother will not raise any more objections," he told me one day. "I definitely go to Vienna at the beginning of September." Adolf had also settled with his mother the financial side of his plan.
His living expenses and the Academy fees were to be paid out of the small legacy left him by his father and now administered by his guardian.
Adolf hoped that, with great economy, he would be able to manage on this for a year. What would happen afterwards remained to be seen, he said. Perhaps he would earn something by the sale of some drawings and pictures.
The main opponent of this plan was his brother-in-law, Raubal, who, with his limited revenue official's horizon, was incapable of understanding Adolf's thoughts.
That was rubbish, he said; it was high time that Adolf learned something respectable. Although Raubal, after some violent altercations with Adolf, in which he always came off worst, avoided any further argument with him, he tried all the harder to influence Frau Klara. Adolf found out most of this from "the kid," as he used to call his eleven-year-old sister.
When Paula told him that Raubal had been to see his mother, Adolf would fall into a rage. "This Pharisee is ruining my home for me," he once remarked to me furiously.
Apparently Raubal had also got in touch with Adolf's guardian, for one day the worthy peasant Mayrhofer, who would have liked best to make a baker out of Adolf and had already found an apprenticeship for him, came from Leonding to see Frau Klara.
Adolf was afraid that his guardian might induce her to hold back the legacy.
This would have put a stop to his moving to Vienna. But the plan did not get so far, though for some time the decision was very much in doubt.
By the end of this tough struggle, everybody was against Adolf -- even, as happens in tenement buildings, the other tenants.
Frau Klara listened to this more or less well-meant chatter and became completely confused by it all.
Often, when Adolf had his fits of depression and was wandering through the woods, I used to sit with her in her little kitchen, listening sympathetically to her laments, trying hard to comfort the wretched woman without being unfair to my friend, and at the same time helping him where I could.
I could easily put myself in Adolf's shoes. It would have been simple enough for him, with his great energy, just to pack up and go, if consideration for his mother had not prevented him. He had come to hate the Philistine world in which he had to live.
He could hardly bear to return to that narrow world after lonely hours spent in the open. He was always in a ferment of rage, hard and intractable. I had a lot to put up with in those weeks. But the secret of Stefanie, which we shared, bound us inseparably together.
The sweet magic which she, the unattainable, radiated calmed the stormy waves. So, as his mother was so easily influenced, the matter remained undecided, although Adolf had long since made up his mind.
That was rubbish, he said; it was high time that Adolf learned something respectable. Although Raubal, after some violent altercations with Adolf, in which he always came off worst, avoided any further argument with him, he tried all the harder to influence Frau Klara. Adolf found out most of this from "the kid," as he used to call his eleven-year-old sister.
When Paula told him that Raubal had been to see his mother, Adolf would fall into a rage. "This Pharisee is ruining my home for me," he once remarked to me furiously.
Apparently Raubal had also got in touch with Adolf's guardian, for one day the worthy peasant Mayrhofer, who would have liked best to make a baker out of Adolf and had already found an apprenticeship for him, came from Leonding to see Frau Klara.
Adolf was afraid that his guardian might induce her to hold back the legacy.
This would have put a stop to his moving to Vienna. But the plan did not get so far, though for some time the decision was very much in doubt.
By the end of this tough struggle, everybody was against Adolf -- even, as happens in tenement buildings, the other tenants.
Frau Klara listened to this more or less well-meant chatter and became completely confused by it all.
Often, when Adolf had his fits of depression and was wandering through the woods, I used to sit with her in her little kitchen, listening sympathetically to her laments, trying hard to comfort the wretched woman without being unfair to my friend, and at the same time helping him where I could.
I could easily put myself in Adolf's shoes. It would have been simple enough for him, with his great energy, just to pack up and go, if consideration for his mother had not prevented him. He had come to hate the Philistine world in which he had to live.
He could hardly bear to return to that narrow world after lonely hours spent in the open. He was always in a ferment of rage, hard and intractable. I had a lot to put up with in those weeks. But the secret of Stefanie, which we shared, bound us inseparably together.
The sweet magic which she, the unattainable, radiated calmed the stormy waves. So, as his mother was so easily influenced, the matter remained undecided, although Adolf had long since made up his mind.
On the other hand, Vienna was calling.
That city had a thousand possibilities for an eager young man like Adolf, opportunities which might lead to the most sublime heights or to the most sombre depths.
A city magnificent and at the same time cruel, promising everything and denying everything -- that was Vienna. She demanded the highest stake from everyone who pledged himself to her. And that is what Adolf wanted.
That city had a thousand possibilities for an eager young man like Adolf, opportunities which might lead to the most sublime heights or to the most sombre depths.
A city magnificent and at the same time cruel, promising everything and denying everything -- that was Vienna. She demanded the highest stake from everyone who pledged himself to her. And that is what Adolf wanted.
No doubt Adolf had his father's example before. him.
What would he have become if he hadn't gone to Vienna ?
A poor, haggard cobbler somewhere in the poverty-stricken Waldviertel. And see what Vienna made of this poor, orphaned cobbler's boy!
What would he have become if he hadn't gone to Vienna ?
A poor, haggard cobbler somewhere in the poverty-stricken Waldviertel. And see what Vienna made of this poor, orphaned cobbler's boy!
Ever since his first visit in the spring of 1906, these rather vague ideas had assumed concrete form in Adolf's mind.
He who had dedicated his life to art could develop his talents only in Vienna, for in that city were concentrated its most perfect achievements in every field.
During his first short stay there he had already been to the Hof Opera House and seen 'The Flying Dutchman', 'Tristan', and 'Lohengrin'.
By these standards, the performance in the Linz Theatre appeared provincial and inadequate.
In Vienna, the Burg Theatre, with its classic productions, awaited the young man.
There was also the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (see left) which, with justification, was then considered the best in the world.
Then the museums, with their immeasurable treasures, the picture galleries, the Hof Library (see right), provided unending possibilities for study and self-improvement.
He who had dedicated his life to art could develop his talents only in Vienna, for in that city were concentrated its most perfect achievements in every field.
During his first short stay there he had already been to the Hof Opera House and seen 'The Flying Dutchman', 'Tristan', and 'Lohengrin'.
By these standards, the performance in the Linz Theatre appeared provincial and inadequate.
In Vienna, the Burg Theatre, with its classic productions, awaited the young man.
There was also the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (see left) which, with justification, was then considered the best in the world.
Then the museums, with their immeasurable treasures, the picture galleries, the Hof Library (see right), provided unending possibilities for study and self-improvement.
Linz had little more to offer Adolf.
What rebuilding had to be done in this city he had already done, mentally, and no more large tempting problems were left for him to solve. And I was always there to report any further alterations to the town, such as the new building of the Bank of Upper Austria and Salzburg on the main square, or the projected new theatre.
But he wanted to look at grander things -- the magnificent buildings of the centre of Vienna, the vast, truly imperial layout of the Ringstrasse -- rather than the humble little Landstrasse in Linz. Moreover, his growing interest in politics found no outlet in conservative Linz, where political life ran in well-defined grooves.
Simply nothing happened that might have had any political interest for a young man; there was no tension, no conflict, no unrest. It was a great adventure to move from this absolute calm into the centre of the storm. All the energies of the Hapsburg State were concentrated in Vienna. Thirty nations struggled for their national existence and independence, and thus created an atmosphere like that of a volcano. How the young heart would rejoice at throwing itself unrestrainedly into this struggle!
What rebuilding had to be done in this city he had already done, mentally, and no more large tempting problems were left for him to solve. And I was always there to report any further alterations to the town, such as the new building of the Bank of Upper Austria and Salzburg on the main square, or the projected new theatre.
But he wanted to look at grander things -- the magnificent buildings of the centre of Vienna, the vast, truly imperial layout of the Ringstrasse -- rather than the humble little Landstrasse in Linz. Moreover, his growing interest in politics found no outlet in conservative Linz, where political life ran in well-defined grooves.
Simply nothing happened that might have had any political interest for a young man; there was no tension, no conflict, no unrest. It was a great adventure to move from this absolute calm into the centre of the storm. All the energies of the Hapsburg State were concentrated in Vienna. Thirty nations struggled for their national existence and independence, and thus created an atmosphere like that of a volcano. How the young heart would rejoice at throwing itself unrestrainedly into this struggle!
At long last the great moment arrived.
Adolf, beaming with delight, came to see me at the workshop, where we were very busy at that time. "I'm leaving tomorrow," he said briefly. He asked me to accompany him to the station, as he didn't want his mother to come. I knew how painful it would have been for Adolf to take leave of his mother in front of other people. He disliked nothing more than showing his feelings in public. I promised him to come and to help him with his luggage.
Adolf, beaming with delight, came to see me at the workshop, where we were very busy at that time. "I'm leaving tomorrow," he said briefly. He asked me to accompany him to the station, as he didn't want his mother to come. I knew how painful it would have been for Adolf to take leave of his mother in front of other people. He disliked nothing more than showing his feelings in public. I promised him to come and to help him with his luggage.
Next day I took time off and went to the Blütengasse to collect my friend.
Adolf had prepared everything. I took his suitcase, which was rather heavy with books he did not want to leave behind, and hurried away to avoid being present at the farewells. Yet I couldn't avoid them entirely.
His mother was crying and little Paula, whom Adolf never bothered with much, was sobbing heart-rendingly.
When Adolf caught up with me on the stairs and helped me with the suitcase, I saw that his eyes, too, were wet.
We took the tram to the railway station, chatting about trivialities, as often happens when one wants to hide one's feelings. It moved me deeply to say goodbye to Adolf, and I felt miserable going home alone. It was a good thing that there was so much work waiting for me at the workshop.
Adolf had prepared everything. I took his suitcase, which was rather heavy with books he did not want to leave behind, and hurried away to avoid being present at the farewells. Yet I couldn't avoid them entirely.
His mother was crying and little Paula, whom Adolf never bothered with much, was sobbing heart-rendingly.
When Adolf caught up with me on the stairs and helped me with the suitcase, I saw that his eyes, too, were wet.
We took the tram to the railway station, chatting about trivialities, as often happens when one wants to hide one's feelings. It moved me deeply to say goodbye to Adolf, and I felt miserable going home alone. It was a good thing that there was so much work waiting for me at the workshop.
Unfortunately, our correspondence of that period is lost.
I only remember that for several weeks I had no news at all from him. And it was during those days that I felt most deeply how much he meant to me.
Other young people of my age did not interest me, as I knew in advance that they would only turn out to be disappointing, with few interests other than their own shallow and superficial doings. Adolf was much more serious and mature than most people of his age.
His horizon was wide and his passionate interest in everything had carried me along with it.
Now I felt very lonely and miserable, and to find some comfort I went to the Blütengasse to see Frau Klara.
Talking to somebody so fond of Adolf would certainly make me feel better.
I only remember that for several weeks I had no news at all from him. And it was during those days that I felt most deeply how much he meant to me.
Other young people of my age did not interest me, as I knew in advance that they would only turn out to be disappointing, with few interests other than their own shallow and superficial doings. Adolf was much more serious and mature than most people of his age.
His horizon was wide and his passionate interest in everything had carried me along with it.
Now I felt very lonely and miserable, and to find some comfort I went to the Blütengasse to see Frau Klara.
Talking to somebody so fond of Adolf would certainly make me feel better.
I thought that Adolf would already have written to his mother, for after all, it was a fortnight since he had left; and I would get his address and write to him, according to instructions, of all that had happened meanwhile.
Actually, not much had happened, but for Adolf, every detail was important.
I had seen Stefanie at the Schmiedtoreck, and indeed, she was surprised when she saw me there alone, for that much she knew about us, that in this "affair" I played only a secondary role. The chief protagonist was missing.
That seemed strange to her. What could it mean ?
Though Adolf was only a silent admirer, he was more persistent and tenacious than all the others. She did not want to lose this faithful adorer. Her enquiring glance caught me so unexpectedly, that I was almost tempted to address her. But Stefanie was not alone, being, as usual, accompanied by her mother, and moreover my friend had given me strict instructions to wait until Stefanie, herself asked me.
Surely, as soon as she realised that he had gone for good, she would take the first opportunity of running over the bridge alone to entreat me impetuously to tell her what had become of my friend.
Perhaps he had had an accident, or he was ill again as he was that time two years ago, or perhaps even dead. Unthinkable ! Anyhow, though that conversation had not yet taken place, I had enough material to fill four pages of a letter. But what on earth had happened to Adolf?
Not a line from him.
Frau Klara opened the door to me and greeted me warmly, and I could see that she had been .longing for me to come.
"Have you heard from Adolf ?" she asked me, still at the door.
So he hadn't written to his mother either, and this made me feel anxious.
Something out of the ordinary must have happened.
Perhaps things hadn't gone according to plan in Vienna.
Actually, not much had happened, but for Adolf, every detail was important.
I had seen Stefanie at the Schmiedtoreck, and indeed, she was surprised when she saw me there alone, for that much she knew about us, that in this "affair" I played only a secondary role. The chief protagonist was missing.
That seemed strange to her. What could it mean ?
Though Adolf was only a silent admirer, he was more persistent and tenacious than all the others. She did not want to lose this faithful adorer. Her enquiring glance caught me so unexpectedly, that I was almost tempted to address her. But Stefanie was not alone, being, as usual, accompanied by her mother, and moreover my friend had given me strict instructions to wait until Stefanie, herself asked me.
Surely, as soon as she realised that he had gone for good, she would take the first opportunity of running over the bridge alone to entreat me impetuously to tell her what had become of my friend.
Perhaps he had had an accident, or he was ill again as he was that time two years ago, or perhaps even dead. Unthinkable ! Anyhow, though that conversation had not yet taken place, I had enough material to fill four pages of a letter. But what on earth had happened to Adolf?
Not a line from him.
Frau Klara opened the door to me and greeted me warmly, and I could see that she had been .longing for me to come.
"Have you heard from Adolf ?" she asked me, still at the door.
So he hadn't written to his mother either, and this made me feel anxious.
Something out of the ordinary must have happened.
Perhaps things hadn't gone according to plan in Vienna.
Frau Klara offered me a chair. I saw how much good it did her to be able to unburden herself. Ah, the old lament, which I had come to know by heart! But I listened patiently.
"If only he had studied properly at the technical school he would almost be ready to matriculate. But he won't listen to anybody." And she added, "He's as pigheaded as his father. Why this crazy journey to Vienna? Instead of holding on to his little legacy, it's just being frittered away. And after that? Nothing will come of his painting. And story-writing doesn't earn anything either. And I can't help him -- I've got the little one to look after. You know yourself what a sickly child she is, but just the same she must get some decent training. Adolf doesn't give it a thought, he goes his way, just as if he were alone in the world. I shall not live to see him making an independent position for himself. .."
"If only he had studied properly at the technical school he would almost be ready to matriculate. But he won't listen to anybody." And she added, "He's as pigheaded as his father. Why this crazy journey to Vienna? Instead of holding on to his little legacy, it's just being frittered away. And after that? Nothing will come of his painting. And story-writing doesn't earn anything either. And I can't help him -- I've got the little one to look after. You know yourself what a sickly child she is, but just the same she must get some decent training. Adolf doesn't give it a thought, he goes his way, just as if he were alone in the world. I shall not live to see him making an independent position for himself. .."
Frau Klara seemed more careworn than ever.
Her face was deeply lined. Her eyes were lifeless, her voice sounded tired and resigned.
I had the impression that, now that Adolf was no longer there, she had let herself go, and looked older and more ailing than ever.
She certainly had concealed her condition from her son to make the parting easier for him, - or perhaps it was Adolf's impulsive nature that had kept up her vitality.
Now, on her own, she seemed to me an old, sick woman.
Her face was deeply lined. Her eyes were lifeless, her voice sounded tired and resigned.
I had the impression that, now that Adolf was no longer there, she had let herself go, and looked older and more ailing than ever.
She certainly had concealed her condition from her son to make the parting easier for him, - or perhaps it was Adolf's impulsive nature that had kept up her vitality.
Now, on her own, she seemed to me an old, sick woman.
I forget, unfortunately, what happened during the course of the following weeks.
Adolf had briefly informed me of his address.
He was living in the 6th District, at No. 29 Stumpergasse (see right), Staircase II, second floor, door No. 17, in the flat of a woman with the curious name of Zakreys.
That was all he wrote. But I guessed that there was more behind this obstinate silence, for I knew that Adolf's silences usually meant that he was too proud to talk.
Adolf had briefly informed me of his address.
That was all he wrote. But I guessed that there was more behind this obstinate silence, for I knew that Adolf's silences usually meant that he was too proud to talk.
I quote, therefore, from his own description in Mein Kampf of his second sojourn in Vienna, which by general consent is entirely truthful:
So here I was for the second time in the beautiful city, waiting impatiently, but hopefully, for the result of the entrance examination. I was so sure of success that the news of my rejection hit me like a bolt from the blue. Yet, that was what happened. When I went to see the Rector and asked to know the reasons why I had not been admitted to the general painting school of the Academy, I was told by this gentleman that the drawings I had submitted showed clearly that I had no aptitude for painting, my ability seemed rather to lie in the field of architecture, and I should not go to the painting school, but rather to the school of architecture of the Academy. That I had never been to a school for building, nor received any training in architecture, seemed to him hard to believe.
Defeated, I left the monumental building on the Schiller Square, for the first time in my young life at variance with myself. For what I had been told about my ability seemed to me to disclose in a flash of lightning a discord from which I had long suffered without, hitherto, clearly realising the why and wherefore.
In a few days, I knew myself that I would become an architect. Yet this was an incredibly difficult path, for what I had missed, out of obstinacy, in the technical school, now took its bitter revenge. The attendance at the school of architecture of the Academy was dependent on the attendance at a technical school for building, and entrance to the latter required one to have passed the matriculation examination at a secondary school. I didn't fulfil any one of these conditions. As far as could be foreseen, therefore, the fulfilment of my dream to become an artist was impossible.
He had been refused by the Academy, he had failed even before he had got a footing in Vienna. Nothing more terrible could have happened to him.
But he was too proud to talk about it, and so he concealed from me what had happened.
He concealed it from his mother, too.
When later we met again, he had to some extent already lived down this hard verdict. He did not mention it at all.
I respected his silence and didn't ask him any questions, because I suspected that something had gone wrong with his plans.
Not until the next year, when we were living together in Vienna, did all these circumstances gradually become clear to me.
But he was too proud to talk about it, and so he concealed from me what had happened.
He concealed it from his mother, too.
When later we met again, he had to some extent already lived down this hard verdict. He did not mention it at all.
I respected his silence and didn't ask him any questions, because I suspected that something had gone wrong with his plans.
Not until the next year, when we were living together in Vienna, did all these circumstances gradually become clear to me.
Adolf's talent for architecture was so obvious that it would have justified an exception -- how many less talented students were to be found at the Academy!
This decision was therefore as biased and bureaucratic as it was unjust.
Yet Adolf's reaction to this humiliating treatment was typical.
He made no attempt to obtain exceptional treatment, or to humiliate himself in front of people who did not understand him. There were neither revolt nor rebellion; instead came a radical withdrawal into himself, an obstinate resolve to cope alone with adversity, an embittered "Now, more than ever !" which he flung at the gentlemen of the Schillerplatz, just as, two years earlier, he had settled his account with his school teachers.
Whatever disappointments life brought him, they were but a spur for him to brave all obstacles, and to continue on the path on which he had embarked.
This decision was therefore as biased and bureaucratic as it was unjust.
Yet Adolf's reaction to this humiliating treatment was typical.
He made no attempt to obtain exceptional treatment, or to humiliate himself in front of people who did not understand him. There were neither revolt nor rebellion; instead came a radical withdrawal into himself, an obstinate resolve to cope alone with adversity, an embittered "Now, more than ever !" which he flung at the gentlemen of the Schillerplatz, just as, two years earlier, he had settled his account with his school teachers.
Whatever disappointments life brought him, they were but a spur for him to brave all obstacles, and to continue on the path on which he had embarked.
In his book Mein Kampf he writes: "As the Goddess of Misery took me in her arms and so often threatened to break me, the Will to Resist grew, and in the end the Will triumphed."
She was then in the Hospital of the Sisters of Mercy in the Herrenstrasse, and he visited her there daily.
I forget what her illness was, but it was probably cancer of the breast. Although Frau Klara recovered sufficiently to run her household again, she remained very weak and ailing, and every now and then she had to take to her bed.
Yet, a few weeks after Adolf had left for Vienna, she seemed to be better, for I met her by chance on the Promenade, where at that time a street market used to be held, peasant women coming in from the country to sell eggs, butter and vegetables. "Adolf is right," she told me contentedly. "If only I knew what on earth he is studying ! Unfortunately, he does not mention that at all. However, I imagine that he is very busy."
That was good news, which pleased me, too, for Adolf had not written to me about his activities in Vienna.
Our correspondence was mainly concerned with "Benkieser" -- otherwise Stefanie.
But his mother, of course, must not be told of that.
I asked Frau Klara how she was.
Not at all well, she said; she had a lot of bad pain, and very often could not sleep at night. But she warned me not to write to Adolf about it, for perhaps she would soon be better. When we parted, she asked me to come to see her soon.
Our correspondence was mainly concerned with "Benkieser" -- otherwise Stefanie.
But his mother, of course, must not be told of that.
I asked Frau Klara how she was.
Not at all well, she said; she had a lot of bad pain, and very often could not sleep at night. But she warned me not to write to Adolf about it, for perhaps she would soon be better. When we parted, she asked me to come to see her soon.
We were then very busy in the workshop, indeed business had never before been as good as in that year, and orders came in regularly and often.
Yet, in spite of this heavy work, I devoted every moment of leisure to my musical training, I played the viola both in the Music Society and the great Symphony Orchestra.
So the weeks passed, and it was late in November when at last I found time to visit Frau Hitler.
I was shocked when I saw her.
How wilted and worn was her kind, gentle face !
She was lying in bed and stretched out her pale, thin hand to me.
Little Paula pushed a chair up beside her.
She started at once to talk about Adolf and was happy about the hopeful tone of his letters.
I asked her if she had informed him of her illness, and offered to do so for her in case writing was too great an effort. But she hastily refused. If her condition did not improve, she said, she would have to send for Adolf from Vienna.
She was sorry she had to tear him away from his hard work -- but what else could she do ?
The little one had to go to school every day, Angela had enough worries of her own (she was expecting a second baby) and on her son-in-law, Raubal, she could not rely at all.
Since she had taken Adolf's side and supported him in his decision to go to Vienna, Raubal had been angry with her and now never showed up; he had even prevented his wife from looking after her. So, she said, there was nothing left but to go to the hospital -- as the doctor had advised.
The Hitlers' family doctor was the very popular Dr. Bloch, known in the town as the "poor people's doctor," an excellent physician and a man of great kindness, who sacrificed himself for his patients.
Editor's Note:
Eduard Bloch was an assimilated Austrian-Jewish physician who first came into contact with the Hitler family in the town of Leonding on the outskirts of Linz when he treated Adolf’s father, Alois Hitler, shortly before his death in 1903.
According to Bloch, young Adolf was quiet, well mannered and neatly dressed.
He had patiently waited in the waiting room until it was his turn, then like every fourteen or fifteen year old boy, made a bow, and always thanked the doctor politely.
In 1907 Bloch diagnosed his mother Klara with breast cancer.
Adolf was devastated.
Bloch noted that the young man was utterly devoted to his mother, but not in any unwholesome way.
“He slept in the tiny bedroom adjoining that of his mother so that he could be summoned at any time during the night. During the day he hovered about the large bed in which she lay.”
Upon Klara’s death, Dr. Bloch asked for only a modest fee from the struggling family and refused to charge them for house calls and extra medications.
A few days after the funeral, Adolf and his sisters came to visit the doctor at his office in Linz.
Adolf wore a dark suit and a loosely knotted cravat.
Then, as now, a shock of hair tumbled over his forehead.
His eyes were on the floor while his sisters were talking.
Then came his turn. He stepped forward and took my hand. Looking into my eyes, he said: “I shall be grateful to you forever.” That was all.
Then he bowed. I wonder if today he recalls this scene. I am quite sure that he does, for in a sparing sense Adolf Hitler has kept to his promise of gratitude. Favors were. granted me which I feel sure were accorded no other Jew in all Germany or Austria.
Bloch stated that during Hitler’s Vienna days, when the frustrated artist was supposedly already a convinced anti-Semite, he mailed Bloch a postcard with the words: “From Vienna I send you my greetings. Yours, always faithfully, Adolf Hitler.”
Hitler also once sent New Year’s wishes on one of his own self-painted post cards and even presented the doctor with one of his paintings.
Many years later, Gestapo agents came to Bloch’s home and politely confiscated the two postcards. He had lost track of the painting long before.
Dr. Bloch recalls Hitler’s youth
Bloch tells us that the young Hitler enjoyed walks in the mountains, swimming in the Danube, free concerts, and attending Wagnerian opera at Linz’s local Schauspielhaus (theatre).
An avid reader, Hitler was “fascinated” with the stories about American Indians written by James Fenimore Cooper (see right) and German author Karl May (see left).
The Hitlers were poor and ate the same food as other families in their situation.
Meat was a twice-weekly affair, and most meals included potato or cabbage soup, bread, dumplings, and a pitcher of apple and pear cider.
The family wore clothing made of Loden, a rough woolen cloth.
Like the other boys in Linz, he had worn short lederhosen and a green woolen hat with a feather.
He had been tall and pale and looked older than he was.
His eyes which were inherited from his mother were large, melancholy and thoughtful.
To a very large extent, this boy lived within himself. What dreams he dreamed I do not know.
His love for his mother was intense.
Dr. Bloch had never seen a mother and son as close as Klara and her boy Adolf.
Frau Hitler encouraged her son’s desire to become an artist.
well-bred boy, after his visits to Dr. Bloch, he would bow and thank him respectfully.
If Dr. Bloch had advised Mrs. Hitler to go to the hospital, her condition must be grave.
I was wondering whether it was not, after all, my duty to inform Adolf.
Frau Klara said how awful it was for her that Adolf was so far away.
I never realised as clearly as on that visit how devoted she was to her son. She thought and planned for his welfare with all the strength that was left to her. In the end, she promised me that she would tell Adolf of her condition.
Yet, in spite of this heavy work, I devoted every moment of leisure to my musical training, I played the viola both in the Music Society and the great Symphony Orchestra.
So the weeks passed, and it was late in November when at last I found time to visit Frau Hitler.
I was shocked when I saw her.
How wilted and worn was her kind, gentle face !
She was lying in bed and stretched out her pale, thin hand to me.
Little Paula pushed a chair up beside her.
She started at once to talk about Adolf and was happy about the hopeful tone of his letters.
I asked her if she had informed him of her illness, and offered to do so for her in case writing was too great an effort. But she hastily refused. If her condition did not improve, she said, she would have to send for Adolf from Vienna.
She was sorry she had to tear him away from his hard work -- but what else could she do ?
The little one had to go to school every day, Angela had enough worries of her own (she was expecting a second baby) and on her son-in-law, Raubal, she could not rely at all.
Since she had taken Adolf's side and supported him in his decision to go to Vienna, Raubal had been angry with her and now never showed up; he had even prevented his wife from looking after her. So, she said, there was nothing left but to go to the hospital -- as the doctor had advised.
The Hitlers' family doctor was the very popular Dr. Bloch, known in the town as the "poor people's doctor," an excellent physician and a man of great kindness, who sacrificed himself for his patients.
Editor's Note:
According to Bloch, young Adolf was quiet, well mannered and neatly dressed.
He had patiently waited in the waiting room until it was his turn, then like every fourteen or fifteen year old boy, made a bow, and always thanked the doctor politely.
In 1907 Bloch diagnosed his mother Klara with breast cancer.
Adolf was devastated.
Bloch noted that the young man was utterly devoted to his mother, but not in any unwholesome way.
“He slept in the tiny bedroom adjoining that of his mother so that he could be summoned at any time during the night. During the day he hovered about the large bed in which she lay.”
Upon Klara’s death, Dr. Bloch asked for only a modest fee from the struggling family and refused to charge them for house calls and extra medications.
Adolf wore a dark suit and a loosely knotted cravat.
Then, as now, a shock of hair tumbled over his forehead.
His eyes were on the floor while his sisters were talking.
Then came his turn. He stepped forward and took my hand. Looking into my eyes, he said: “I shall be grateful to you forever.” That was all.
Then he bowed. I wonder if today he recalls this scene. I am quite sure that he does, for in a sparing sense Adolf Hitler has kept to his promise of gratitude. Favors were. granted me which I feel sure were accorded no other Jew in all Germany or Austria.
Bloch stated that during Hitler’s Vienna days, when the frustrated artist was supposedly already a convinced anti-Semite, he mailed Bloch a postcard with the words: “From Vienna I send you my greetings. Yours, always faithfully, Adolf Hitler.”
Hitler also once sent New Year’s wishes on one of his own self-painted post cards and even presented the doctor with one of his paintings.
Many years later, Gestapo agents came to Bloch’s home and politely confiscated the two postcards. He had lost track of the painting long before.
Dr. Bloch recalls Hitler’s youth
Bloch tells us that the young Hitler enjoyed walks in the mountains, swimming in the Danube, free concerts, and attending Wagnerian opera at Linz’s local Schauspielhaus (theatre).An avid reader, Hitler was “fascinated” with the stories about American Indians written by James Fenimore Cooper (see right) and German author Karl May (see left).
The Hitlers were poor and ate the same food as other families in their situation.
Meat was a twice-weekly affair, and most meals included potato or cabbage soup, bread, dumplings, and a pitcher of apple and pear cider.
The family wore clothing made of Loden, a rough woolen cloth.Like the other boys in Linz, he had worn short lederhosen and a green woolen hat with a feather.
He had been tall and pale and looked older than he was.
His eyes which were inherited from his mother were large, melancholy and thoughtful.
To a very large extent, this boy lived within himself. What dreams he dreamed I do not know.
His love for his mother was intense.
Dr. Bloch had never seen a mother and son as close as Klara and her boy Adolf.
Frau Hitler encouraged her son’s desire to become an artist.
well-bred boy, after his visits to Dr. Bloch, he would bow and thank him respectfully.
If Dr. Bloch had advised Mrs. Hitler to go to the hospital, her condition must be grave.
I was wondering whether it was not, after all, my duty to inform Adolf.
Frau Klara said how awful it was for her that Adolf was so far away.
I never realised as clearly as on that visit how devoted she was to her son. She thought and planned for his welfare with all the strength that was left to her. In the end, she promised me that she would tell Adolf of her condition.
When I took leave of her that evening, I was very dissatisfied with myself.
Was there no way of helping the poor woman?
I knew how devoted Adolf was to his mother; something had to be done.
If his mother really needed help, little Paula was too clumsy, too frightened to be of any use. When I got home, I talked to my mother. She offered at once to look after Frau Hitler, although she was a complete stranger. But this was vetoed by my father who, with his exaggerated ideas of correct behaviour, thought it was bad manners to offer one's help without being asked.
A few days later I went again to see Frau Klara.
I found her up, busy in the kitchen.
She felt somewhat better and she was already regretting that she had told Adolf about her illness.
I stayed with her a long time that evening; she was more talkative than usual and, quite contrary to her habit, she began to tell me about her life.
Some of it I understood, and a lot I guessed at, though much was left unsaid; nevertheless, the story of a life of suffering was disclosed to a young man then in the full hopes of his nineteen years.
Was there no way of helping the poor woman?
I knew how devoted Adolf was to his mother; something had to be done.
If his mother really needed help, little Paula was too clumsy, too frightened to be of any use. When I got home, I talked to my mother. She offered at once to look after Frau Hitler, although she was a complete stranger. But this was vetoed by my father who, with his exaggerated ideas of correct behaviour, thought it was bad manners to offer one's help without being asked.
A few days later I went again to see Frau Klara.
I found her up, busy in the kitchen.
She felt somewhat better and she was already regretting that she had told Adolf about her illness.
I stayed with her a long time that evening; she was more talkative than usual and, quite contrary to her habit, she began to tell me about her life.
Some of it I understood, and a lot I guessed at, though much was left unsaid; nevertheless, the story of a life of suffering was disclosed to a young man then in the full hopes of his nineteen years.
But in the workshop time was pressing, and my father was a strict boss.
Even concerning my artistic ambitions he used to say: Work first -- then music. And with a special performance coming on, there was one orchestral rehearsal after another.
Sometimes I literally didn't know how to cram in everything.
Then, one morning, as I was energetically filling a mattress, Adolf suddenly appeared in the room.
He looked terrible. His face was so pale as to be almost transparent, his eyes were dull and his voice hoarse. I felt that a storm of suffering must be hidden behind his icy demeanour. He gave me the impression that he was fighting for life against a hostile fate.
Even concerning my artistic ambitions he used to say: Work first -- then music. And with a special performance coming on, there was one orchestral rehearsal after another.
Sometimes I literally didn't know how to cram in everything.
Then, one morning, as I was energetically filling a mattress, Adolf suddenly appeared in the room.
He looked terrible. His face was so pale as to be almost transparent, his eyes were dull and his voice hoarse. I felt that a storm of suffering must be hidden behind his icy demeanour. He gave me the impression that he was fighting for life against a hostile fate.
There was hardly a greeting, no question about Stefanie, nothing about what he had been doing in Vienna.
"Incurable, the doctor says" -- this was all he could utter.
I was shocked by the unequivocal diagnosis.
Probably Dr. Bloch had told him of his mother's condition. Perhaps he had called in another doctor for consultation; and he couldn't reconcile himself to this cruel verdict.
I was shocked by the unequivocal diagnosis.
Probably Dr. Bloch had told him of his mother's condition. Perhaps he had called in another doctor for consultation; and he couldn't reconcile himself to this cruel verdict.
His eyes blazed, his temper flared up. "Incurable -- what do they mean by that ?" he screamed. "Not that the malady is incurable, but that the doctors aren't capable of curing it. My mother isn't even old. Forty-seven isn't an age where you give up hope. But as soon as the doctors can't do anything, they call it incurable."
I was familiar with my friend's habit of turning everything he came across into a problem. But never had he spoken with such bitterness, with such passion as now.
Suddenly it seemed to me as though Adolf, pale, excited, shaken to the core, stood there arguing and bargaining with Death, who remorselessly claimed his victim.
Suddenly it seemed to me as though Adolf, pale, excited, shaken to the core, stood there arguing and bargaining with Death, who remorselessly claimed his victim.
I asked Adolf if I could help him. He didn't hear me -- he was too busy with this settling of accounts.
Then he interrupted himself and declared in a sober, matter-of-fact voice: "I shall stay in Linz and keep house for my mother."
"Can you do that ?" I asked.
"One can do anything, when one has to." And he said no more.
Then he interrupted himself and declared in a sober, matter-of-fact voice: "I shall stay in Linz and keep house for my mother."
"Can you do that ?" I asked.
"One can do anything, when one has to." And he said no more.
I went with him as far as the street.
Now, I thought, he would certainly ask after Stefanie; perhaps he had not liked to mention her in the workshop.
I would have been glad if he had, because I had carried out my instructions faithfully and could tell him a good deal, even though the expected conversation had not taken place.
I also hoped that Adolf, in his deep spiritual affliction, would find comfort in the thought of Stefanie. And it certainly was so.
Stefanie meant more to him in those dark weeks than ever before. But he stifled any mention of her, so deeply engrossed was he in his preoccupation with his mother.
Now, I thought, he would certainly ask after Stefanie; perhaps he had not liked to mention her in the workshop.
I would have been glad if he had, because I had carried out my instructions faithfully and could tell him a good deal, even though the expected conversation had not taken place.
I also hoped that Adolf, in his deep spiritual affliction, would find comfort in the thought of Stefanie. And it certainly was so.
Stefanie meant more to him in those dark weeks than ever before. But he stifled any mention of her, so deeply engrossed was he in his preoccupation with his mother.
I cannot recollect exactly when Adolf returned from Vienna. It was perhaps late in November, but possibly even December.
But the weeks that follow remain indelibly in my memory; they were in a certain sense the most beautiful, the most intimate weeks of our friendship.
How deeply these days impressed me can be gathered from the mere fact that from no other period of our association do so many details stand out in my memory.
He was as though transformed.
So far I had been certain that I knew him thoroughly and in all his aspects. After all, we had lived together for more than three years in an exclusive friendship that did not permit of any secrets. Yet in those weeks it seemed to me that my friend had become a different person.
But the weeks that follow remain indelibly in my memory; they were in a certain sense the most beautiful, the most intimate weeks of our friendship.
How deeply these days impressed me can be gathered from the mere fact that from no other period of our association do so many details stand out in my memory.
He was as though transformed.
So far I had been certain that I knew him thoroughly and in all his aspects. After all, we had lived together for more than three years in an exclusive friendship that did not permit of any secrets. Yet in those weeks it seemed to me that my friend had become a different person.
Gone were the problems and ideas which used to agitate him so much, gone all thoughts of politics. Even his artistic interests were hardly noticeable. He was nothing but his mother's faithful and helpful son.
I had not taken Adolf very seriously when he said that he would now take over the household in the Blütengasse, for I knew Adolf's low opinion of such monotonous chores, necessary though they were. And so I was skeptical as to his good intentions and imagined that they would not exceed a few well-meant gestures.
But I was profoundly mistaken.
I did not understand that side of Adolf sufficiently, and had not realized that his unbounded love for his mother would enable him to carry out this unaccustomed domestic work so efficiently that she could not praise him enough for it.
Thus one day, on my arrival at the Blütengasse, I found Adolf kneeling on the floor.
He was wearing a blue apron and scrubbing out the kitchen, which bad not been cleaned for a long time.
I was really immensely surprised and I must have shown it, for Frau Klara smiled in spite of her pain and said to me: "There, you see, Adolf can do anything."
Then I noticed that Adolf had changed the furniture around.
His mother's bed now stood in the kitchen because that was heated during the day.
The kitchen cupboard had been moved into the living room, and in its place was the couch, on which Adolf slept, so that he could be near her during the night as well.
The little one slept in the living room.
I could not refrain from asking how he managed the cooking.
"As soon as I've finished the scrubbing, you can see for yourself," said Adolf.
But, before I did, Frau Klara told me that every morning she discussed the dinner with Adolf.
He always chose her favourite dishes, and prepared them so well that she herself couldn't have done better. She enjoyed her food immensely, she insisted, and she had never eaten with such good appetite as since Adolf came home,
I did not understand that side of Adolf sufficiently, and had not realized that his unbounded love for his mother would enable him to carry out this unaccustomed domestic work so efficiently that she could not praise him enough for it.
Thus one day, on my arrival at the Blütengasse, I found Adolf kneeling on the floor.
He was wearing a blue apron and scrubbing out the kitchen, which bad not been cleaned for a long time.
I was really immensely surprised and I must have shown it, for Frau Klara smiled in spite of her pain and said to me: "There, you see, Adolf can do anything."
Then I noticed that Adolf had changed the furniture around.
His mother's bed now stood in the kitchen because that was heated during the day.
The kitchen cupboard had been moved into the living room, and in its place was the couch, on which Adolf slept, so that he could be near her during the night as well.
The little one slept in the living room.
I could not refrain from asking how he managed the cooking.
"As soon as I've finished the scrubbing, you can see for yourself," said Adolf.
But, before I did, Frau Klara told me that every morning she discussed the dinner with Adolf.
He always chose her favourite dishes, and prepared them so well that she herself couldn't have done better. She enjoyed her food immensely, she insisted, and she had never eaten with such good appetite as since Adolf came home,
I looked at Frau Klara, who had sat up in bed.
The fervour of her words had coloured her usually pale cheeks.
The pleasure of having her son back and his devotion to her had transfigured the serious, worn face. But behind this mother's joy were the unmistakable signs of suffering. The deep lines, the drawn mouth and the sunken eyes showed how right the doctor had been.
The fervour of her words had coloured her usually pale cheeks.
The pleasure of having her son back and his devotion to her had transfigured the serious, worn face. But behind this mother's joy were the unmistakable signs of suffering. The deep lines, the drawn mouth and the sunken eyes showed how right the doctor had been.
To be sure, I should have known that my friend would net fail, even in this out-of-the-ordinary task, for whatever he did, he did thoroughly.
Seeing the seriousness with which he carried out the running of the household, I suppressed a chaffing remark, although Adolf, who was always so punctilious about his neat dress, certainly looked comical in his old clothes with the apron tied around him.
Nor did I utter a word of appreciation, so touched was I by his changed attitude, knowing how much self-restraint this work was costing him.
Seeing the seriousness with which he carried out the running of the household, I suppressed a chaffing remark, although Adolf, who was always so punctilious about his neat dress, certainly looked comical in his old clothes with the apron tied around him.
Nor did I utter a word of appreciation, so touched was I by his changed attitude, knowing how much self-restraint this work was costing him.
Frau Klara's condition was changeable.
Her son's presence improved her general state and cheered her up.
Sometimes she would even get up in the afternoon and sit in the arm. chair. Adolf anticipated her every wish and took the most tender care of her. I had never before seen in him such loving tenderness.
I didn't trust my own eyes and ears.
Not a cross word, not an impatient remark, no violent insistence on having his own way.
He forgot himself entirely in those weeks, and lived only for his mother. Although Adolf, according to Frau Klara, had inherited many of his father's traits, I realised then how much his nature resembled his mother's.
Certainly this was partly due to the fact that he had spent the last four years of his life alone with her. But, over and above that, there was a peculiar spiritual harmony between mother and son which I have never since come across.
All that separated them was pushed into the background. Adolf never mentioned the disappointment which he had suffered in Vienna. For the time being, cares for the future no longer seemed to exist. An atmosphere of relaxed, almost serene contentment surrounded the dying woman.
Her son's presence improved her general state and cheered her up.
Sometimes she would even get up in the afternoon and sit in the arm. chair. Adolf anticipated her every wish and took the most tender care of her. I had never before seen in him such loving tenderness.
I didn't trust my own eyes and ears.
Not a cross word, not an impatient remark, no violent insistence on having his own way.
He forgot himself entirely in those weeks, and lived only for his mother. Although Adolf, according to Frau Klara, had inherited many of his father's traits, I realised then how much his nature resembled his mother's.
Certainly this was partly due to the fact that he had spent the last four years of his life alone with her. But, over and above that, there was a peculiar spiritual harmony between mother and son which I have never since come across.
All that separated them was pushed into the background. Adolf never mentioned the disappointment which he had suffered in Vienna. For the time being, cares for the future no longer seemed to exist. An atmosphere of relaxed, almost serene contentment surrounded the dying woman.
Adolf, too, seemed to have forgotten everything that had preoccupied him.
Only once, after I had said goodbye to Frau Klara, did he come to the door with me and ask me if I had seen Stefanie.
But this question was now put in a different tone. It no longer expressed the impatience of the impetuous lover, but the secret anxiety of a young man who feared that fate would now deprive him of the last thing that made life worth living. I gathered from his hasty question how much this girl meant to him in those grave days, more perhaps than if she bad actually been as close to him as he would have wished. I reassured him; I often met Stefanie, with her mother, going over the bridge, and everything seemed unaltered.
Only once, after I had said goodbye to Frau Klara, did he come to the door with me and ask me if I had seen Stefanie.
But this question was now put in a different tone. It no longer expressed the impatience of the impetuous lover, but the secret anxiety of a young man who feared that fate would now deprive him of the last thing that made life worth living. I gathered from his hasty question how much this girl meant to him in those grave days, more perhaps than if she bad actually been as close to him as he would have wished. I reassured him; I often met Stefanie, with her mother, going over the bridge, and everything seemed unaltered.
December was cold and unfriendly.
For days on end, damp, heavy mist hung over the Danube; the sun shone rarely, and when it did, so feebly as to give no warmth at all.
His mother's condition deteriorated visibly and Adolf asked me to come. only every other day. As often as I entered the kitchen Frau Klara greeted me by lifting her hand a little and stretching it out towards me, and a faint smile would pass over her face, now distorted with pain.
I remember a small but significant incident.
Going through Paula's exercise books, Adolf had noticed that she was not getting on in school as well as her mother expected. Adolf took her by the hand and led her to their mother's bed and there made her swear always to be a diligent and well-behaved pupil.
Perhaps Adolf wanted to show his mother by this little scene that he had meanwhile realised his own faults.
If he had stayed on at the Technical School until matriculation, he would have avoided the disaster in Vienna. No doubt this decisive event which, as he said later, had for the first time put him at variance with himself was at the back of his mind during those terrible days and added to his depression.
For days on end, damp, heavy mist hung over the Danube; the sun shone rarely, and when it did, so feebly as to give no warmth at all.
His mother's condition deteriorated visibly and Adolf asked me to come. only every other day. As often as I entered the kitchen Frau Klara greeted me by lifting her hand a little and stretching it out towards me, and a faint smile would pass over her face, now distorted with pain.
I remember a small but significant incident.
Going through Paula's exercise books, Adolf had noticed that she was not getting on in school as well as her mother expected. Adolf took her by the hand and led her to their mother's bed and there made her swear always to be a diligent and well-behaved pupil.
Perhaps Adolf wanted to show his mother by this little scene that he had meanwhile realised his own faults.
If he had stayed on at the Technical School until matriculation, he would have avoided the disaster in Vienna. No doubt this decisive event which, as he said later, had for the first time put him at variance with himself was at the back of his mind during those terrible days and added to his depression.
When I returned to the Blütengasse two days later and knocked softly on the door, Adolf opened it immediately, came out into the corridor and closed the door behind him.
He told me that his mother was not at all well and was in terrible pain. Even more than his words, his emotion made me realise the seriousness of the situation. I thought it better to leave and Adolf agreed with me. We silently shook hands, and I departed.
He told me that his mother was not at all well and was in terrible pain. Even more than his words, his emotion made me realise the seriousness of the situation. I thought it better to leave and Adolf agreed with me. We silently shook hands, and I departed.
Christmas was approaching. Snow had fallen at last and the town had assumed a festive garb. But I didn't feel like Christmas.
I walked across the Danube bridge to Urfahr.
I learned from the people in the house that Frau Hitler had already received Extreme Unction.
I wanted to make my visit as short as possible.
I knocked, and Paula opened the door. I entered hesitantly. Frau Klara was sitting up in bed. Adolf had his arm around her shoulders to support her, as, while she was sitting up, the terrible pain was less severe.
I walked across the Danube bridge to Urfahr.
I learned from the people in the house that Frau Hitler had already received Extreme Unction.
I wanted to make my visit as short as possible.
I knocked, and Paula opened the door. I entered hesitantly. Frau Klara was sitting up in bed. Adolf had his arm around her shoulders to support her, as, while she was sitting up, the terrible pain was less severe.
I remained standing by the door. Adolf signed to me to go.
As I was opening the door, Frau Klara waved to me with her outstretched hand. I shall never forget the words which the dying woman then uttered in a whisper. "Gustl," she said -- usually she called me Mr. Kubizek, but in that hour she used the name by which Adolf always called me -- "go on being a good friend to my son when I'm no longer here. He has no one else."
As I was opening the door, Frau Klara waved to me with her outstretched hand. I shall never forget the words which the dying woman then uttered in a whisper. "Gustl," she said -- usually she called me Mr. Kubizek, but in that hour she used the name by which Adolf always called me -- "go on being a good friend to my son when I'm no longer here. He has no one else."
With tears in my eyes I promised, and then I went.
This was the evening of December 20.
This was the evening of December 20.
The next day Adolf came to see us at home.
He looked worn out and we could tell from his distraught face what had happened.
His mother had died in the early hours of the morning, he said. It was her last wish to be buried by the side of her husband in Leonding. Adolf could hardly speak, so deeply shaken was he by the loss of his mother.
He looked worn out and we could tell from his distraught face what had happened.
His mother had died in the early hours of the morning, he said. It was her last wish to be buried by the side of her husband in Leonding. Adolf could hardly speak, so deeply shaken was he by the loss of his mother.
My parents expressed their sympathy, but my mother realised that the best thing was to turn to practical matters straight away.
Arrangements had to be made for the funeral.
Adolf had already seen the undertakers and the funeral was fixed for December 23 at 9 A.M. But there was much else to be seen to.
The removal of the body to Leonding had to be arranged, the necessary documents procured and the funeral announcements printed.
All this helped Adolf to get over his emotional shock, and he calmly made the necessary preparations.
Arrangements had to be made for the funeral.
Adolf had already seen the undertakers and the funeral was fixed for December 23 at 9 A.M. But there was much else to be seen to.
The removal of the body to Leonding had to be arranged, the necessary documents procured and the funeral announcements printed.
All this helped Adolf to get over his emotional shock, and he calmly made the necessary preparations.
On December 23, 1907, I went with my mother to the house of mourning.
The weather had changed; it was thawing and the streets were covered in slush. The day was damp and misty, and one could hardly see the river.
We entered the apartment to take leave of the dead with flowers, as was customary.
Frau Klara was laid out on her bed. Her waxen face was transfigured. I felt that death had come to the dead woman as a relief from terrible pain.
Little Paula was sobbing, but Adolf restrained himself. Yet a glance at his face was sufficient to know how he had suffered in those hours. Not only had he now lost both his parents, but with his mother he had lost the only creature on earth on whom he had concentrated his love, and who had loved him in return.
The weather had changed; it was thawing and the streets were covered in slush. The day was damp and misty, and one could hardly see the river.
We entered the apartment to take leave of the dead with flowers, as was customary.
Frau Klara was laid out on her bed. Her waxen face was transfigured. I felt that death had come to the dead woman as a relief from terrible pain.
Little Paula was sobbing, but Adolf restrained himself. Yet a glance at his face was sufficient to know how he had suffered in those hours. Not only had he now lost both his parents, but with his mother he had lost the only creature on earth on whom he had concentrated his love, and who had loved him in return.
My mother and I went down into the street. The priest came.
The body had been laid in the coffin, which was brought down to the hall. The priest blessed the dead and then the small cortège moved off. Adolf followed the coffin.
He wore a long black overcoat, black gloves, and carried in his hand, as was customary, a black top hat.
The dark clothing made his white face seem even paler. He looked stern and composed.
On his left, also in black, was his brother-inlaw, Raubal, and between them the eleven-year-old Paula. Angela, who was well advanced in pregnancy, followed the mourners in a closed carriage.
The whole funeral made a wretched impression on me.
In addition to my mother and myself, there were only a few tenants of No. 9 Blütengasse, and a few neighbours and acquaintances from their former home in the Humboldtstrasse.
My mother, too, felt how miserable this cortege was, but in the kindness of her heart she immediately defended those who had stayed away. Tomorrow was Christmas, she said, and it was quite impossible for many women, with the best will in the world, to get away.
He wore a long black overcoat, black gloves, and carried in his hand, as was customary, a black top hat.
The dark clothing made his white face seem even paler. He looked stern and composed.
On his left, also in black, was his brother-inlaw, Raubal, and between them the eleven-year-old Paula. Angela, who was well advanced in pregnancy, followed the mourners in a closed carriage.
The whole funeral made a wretched impression on me.
In addition to my mother and myself, there were only a few tenants of No. 9 Blütengasse, and a few neighbours and acquaintances from their former home in the Humboldtstrasse.
My mother, too, felt how miserable this cortege was, but in the kindness of her heart she immediately defended those who had stayed away. Tomorrow was Christmas, she said, and it was quite impossible for many women, with the best will in the world, to get away.
At the church door the coffin was taken from the hearse and carried inside.
After the Mass, the second blessing took place.
As the body was to be taken to Leonding, the funeral cortege then went through the Urfahr Hauptstrasse. The church bells were ringing as it approached.
Instinctively, I raised my eyes to the windows of the house where Stefanie lived.
Perhaps my ardent wish that she should not desert my friend in this, his gravest hour had called her. I can still see how the window opened, a young girl appeared, and Stefanie looked down, interestedly, at the little procession that was passing beneath.
I glanced at Adolf; his face remained unchanged, but I did not doubt that he, too, had seen Stefanie.
He told me, later, that this was indeed so, and confessed bow much in that painful hour the sight of the beloved had comforted him.
Was it by intention or was it by chance that Stefanie came to the window at that moment? Perhaps it was just that she had heard the church bells and wondered why they were ringing so early in the morning.
Adolf, of course, was convinced that she wanted to show him her sympathy.
After the Mass, the second blessing took place.
As the body was to be taken to Leonding, the funeral cortege then went through the Urfahr Hauptstrasse. The church bells were ringing as it approached.
Instinctively, I raised my eyes to the windows of the house where Stefanie lived.
Perhaps my ardent wish that she should not desert my friend in this, his gravest hour had called her. I can still see how the window opened, a young girl appeared, and Stefanie looked down, interestedly, at the little procession that was passing beneath.
I glanced at Adolf; his face remained unchanged, but I did not doubt that he, too, had seen Stefanie.
He told me, later, that this was indeed so, and confessed bow much in that painful hour the sight of the beloved had comforted him.
Was it by intention or was it by chance that Stefanie came to the window at that moment? Perhaps it was just that she had heard the church bells and wondered why they were ringing so early in the morning.
Adolf, of course, was convinced that she wanted to show him her sympathy.
In the Hauptstrasse, a second closed carriage was waiting, which Adolf and Paula entered, while the procession broke up. Raubal joined his wife. Then the hearse and the two carriages started off to Leonding for the interment.
On the following morning, December 24, Adolf came to my house.
He looked worn out, as though any minute he might collapse.
He seemed to be desperate, quite empty, with no spark of life in him. As he felt how worried my mother was about him, he explained that he had not slept for days. My mother asked him where he was going to spend Christmas Eve. He said that the Raubals had invited him and his sister; Paula had already left, but he had not made up his mind yet whether he would go or not.
My mother exhorted him to help to make Christmas a peaceful occasion, now that all the members of the family had suffered the same loss, Adolf listened to her in silence. But when we were alone he said to me brusquely: "I shall not go to Raubal's."
He looked worn out, as though any minute he might collapse.
He seemed to be desperate, quite empty, with no spark of life in him. As he felt how worried my mother was about him, he explained that he had not slept for days. My mother asked him where he was going to spend Christmas Eve. He said that the Raubals had invited him and his sister; Paula had already left, but he had not made up his mind yet whether he would go or not.
My mother exhorted him to help to make Christmas a peaceful occasion, now that all the members of the family had suffered the same loss, Adolf listened to her in silence. But when we were alone he said to me brusquely: "I shall not go to Raubal's."
"Where else will you go ?" I asked him impatiently. "After all, it's Christmas Eve."
I wanted to ask him to join us. But he did not even let me finish, and shut me up quite energetically, in spite of his sorrow.
Suddenly he pulled himself together and his eyes became bright.
"Perhaps I shall go to Stefanie," he said.
This answer was doubly characteristic of my friend: first, because he was capable of forgetting completely in such moments that his relationship with Stefanie was nothing but wishful thinking, a beautiful illusion, and secondly, because even when he realised this he would, after sober reflection, prefer to stick to his wishful thinking rather than unbosom himself with real people.
Later he confessed to me that he had really been determined to go to Stefanie, although he knew very well that such a sudden visit, without a previous appointment, without even having been introduced to her, and moreover on Christmas Eve, was contrary to good manners and social convention and would probably have meant the end of his relationship with her.
But, he told me, on his way he had seen Richard, Stefanie's brother, who was spending his Christmas holiday in Linz.
This unexpected meeting had made him give up the idea, for it would have been painful for him if Richard, as was inevitable, had been present at the interview.
I did not ask any more questions; it really did not matter whether Adolf was deceiving himself with this pretext, or whether he only offered it to me as an excuse for his behaviour.
Certainly I, too, had seen Stefanie at the window, and the sympathy which showed on her face was undoubtedly genuine. However, I doubt very much if she recognised Adolf at all in his extraordinary attire and in these peculiar circumstances.
But of course I did not express this doubt to him, because I knew that it would only have robbed my friend of his last hope.
But, he told me, on his way he had seen Richard, Stefanie's brother, who was spending his Christmas holiday in Linz.
This unexpected meeting had made him give up the idea, for it would have been painful for him if Richard, as was inevitable, had been present at the interview.
I did not ask any more questions; it really did not matter whether Adolf was deceiving himself with this pretext, or whether he only offered it to me as an excuse for his behaviour.
Certainly I, too, had seen Stefanie at the window, and the sympathy which showed on her face was undoubtedly genuine. However, I doubt very much if she recognised Adolf at all in his extraordinary attire and in these peculiar circumstances.
But of course I did not express this doubt to him, because I knew that it would only have robbed my friend of his last hope.
I can well imagine what Adolf's Christmas Eve in the year 1907 was really like.
That he did not want to go to Raubal I could understand.
I could also understand that he did not want to disturb our quiet little family celebration, to which I had invited him.
The serene harmony of our home would have made him feel his loneliness even more. Compared with Adolf, I considered myself fortune's favourite, for I had everything that he had lost: a father who provided for me, a mother who loved me and a quiet home which welcomed me into its peace.
That he did not want to go to Raubal I could understand.
I could also understand that he did not want to disturb our quiet little family celebration, to which I had invited him.
The serene harmony of our home would have made him feel his loneliness even more. Compared with Adolf, I considered myself fortune's favourite, for I had everything that he had lost: a father who provided for me, a mother who loved me and a quiet home which welcomed me into its peace.
But he? Where should he have gone that Christmas Eve?
He had no acquaintances, no friends, nobody who would have received him with open arms. For him the world was hostile and empty.
He had no acquaintances, no friends, nobody who would have received him with open arms. For him the world was hostile and empty.
So he went -- to Stefanie. That is to say -- to his dream.
All he ever told me of that Christmas Eve was that he had wandered around for hours.
Only towards morning had he returned to his mother's home and gone to sleep.
What he thought, felt and suffered, I never knew.
Only towards morning had he returned to his mother's home and gone to sleep.
What he thought, felt and suffered, I never knew.
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
With his magnificent imagination he produced such a colourful picture of this life, so clear and so detailed, that I often did not know whether it was just wishful thinking or reality.
For me, such fantasies had a more practical aspect. To be sure, I had learned my trade well and satisfied my father as well as our customers by my efforts. But the hours in the dusty workship bad impaired my health, and our doctor, my secret ally, advised emphatically against my continuing to work as an upholsterer. This meant for me that I would try to make my beloved music my profession, a desire which assumed a more and more concrete shape, although the obstacles were many. I had learned all that there was to be learned in Linz.
My teachers, too, encouraged me in my decision to devote my life to music, but this meant my going to live in Vienna.
Thus the "Come with me, Gustl" which my friend had at first uttered so lightheartedly took on the character of a firm invitation and a definite goal.
Nevertheless, I feel that without Adolf's determined intervention, my unadventurous nature would not have allowed me to change my profession and go to live in Vienna.
Yet my friend certainly thought primarily of himself.
He had a horror of going alone, because this, his third journey to Vienna, was a quite different proposition from his earlier visits.
Then, he still had his mother, and though he was away, his home still existed. He was not then taking a step into the unknown, for the knowledge that his mother was waiting to welcome him with open arms at any time and in any circumstances gave a firm and reliable substance to his insecure life. His home was the quiet centre round which his stormy existence revolved.
Now he had lost it.
Going to Vienna would be the last and final decision from which there was no turning back-a jump into the dark.
During the months he had spent there last autumn, he had not succeeded in making any friends; perhaps he had no desire to do so.
Relatives of his mother were living there with whom he had formerly had some contact and, unless I am mistaken, he had even stayed with them during his first visit.
He never went to see them again and did not even mention them.
It was quite understandable that he should have avoided his relatives, because he was afraid that they might question him about his work and livelihood.
They would certainly have discovered then that the Academy had rejected him, and he would have suffered starvation and misery rather than have appeared to be in need of help.
Nothing, therefore, was more natural than that he should take me with him, as I was not only his friend, but also the only person with whom he shared the secret of his great love.
Since his mother's death, Adolf's "Come with me, Gustl" had begun to sound more like a friendly entreaty.
He had a horror of going alone, because this, his third journey to Vienna, was a quite different proposition from his earlier visits.
Then, he still had his mother, and though he was away, his home still existed. He was not then taking a step into the unknown, for the knowledge that his mother was waiting to welcome him with open arms at any time and in any circumstances gave a firm and reliable substance to his insecure life. His home was the quiet centre round which his stormy existence revolved.
Now he had lost it.
Going to Vienna would be the last and final decision from which there was no turning back-a jump into the dark.
During the months he had spent there last autumn, he had not succeeded in making any friends; perhaps he had no desire to do so.
Relatives of his mother were living there with whom he had formerly had some contact and, unless I am mistaken, he had even stayed with them during his first visit.
He never went to see them again and did not even mention them.
It was quite understandable that he should have avoided his relatives, because he was afraid that they might question him about his work and livelihood.
They would certainly have discovered then that the Academy had rejected him, and he would have suffered starvation and misery rather than have appeared to be in need of help.
Nothing, therefore, was more natural than that he should take me with him, as I was not only his friend, but also the only person with whom he shared the secret of his great love.
Since his mother's death, Adolf's "Come with me, Gustl" had begun to sound more like a friendly entreaty.
After New Year's Day, 1908, I went with Adolf to visit the grave of his parents.
It was a fine winter day, cold and clear, which has forever remained in my memory. Snow covered all the familiar landmarks. Adolf knew every inch of our route, as for years this had been his way to school.
It was a fine winter day, cold and clear, which has forever remained in my memory. Snow covered all the familiar landmarks. Adolf knew every inch of our route, as for years this had been his way to school.
He was very composed, a change that surprised me for I knew that his mother's death had shaken him deeply, and had even caused him physical suffering that had brought him near to collapse from exhaustion. My mother had invited him to share our meals during Christmas, in order that he might recover his strength and leave for a while the empty, cold house in which everything reminded him of his mother.
He had come, but had sat silent and serious at our table. It was not yet time to talk to him of future plans.
He had come, but had sat silent and serious at our table. It was not yet time to talk to him of future plans.
Now, as he walked solemnly by my side, looking much older than I, much more mature and manly, he was still deeply immersed in his own affairs.
Yet I was surprised how clearly and detachedly he spoke of them, almost as if it were of someone else's business.
Angela had let him know that Paula could now live with them. Her husband had agreed to that, but had refused to receive Adolf into his family as he, Adolf, had behaved disrespectfully to him. Thus, he was relieved of his greatest worry, for the child at least had a secure home.
He himself had never intended to seek asylum with the Raubals.
He had expressed his gratitude to Angela and had informed her that all his parents' furniture would go to Paula.
The funeral expenses were paid out of his mother's estate.
Incidentally, Angela had had a baby girl the day before, who was also to be christened Angela, and his guardian, he added, the Mayor of Leonding, had promised to settle the affairs connected with the inheritance and also to help him to apply for an orphan's pension.
Yet I was surprised how clearly and detachedly he spoke of them, almost as if it were of someone else's business.
Angela had let him know that Paula could now live with them. Her husband had agreed to that, but had refused to receive Adolf into his family as he, Adolf, had behaved disrespectfully to him. Thus, he was relieved of his greatest worry, for the child at least had a secure home.
He himself had never intended to seek asylum with the Raubals.
He had expressed his gratitude to Angela and had informed her that all his parents' furniture would go to Paula.
The funeral expenses were paid out of his mother's estate.
Incidentally, Angela had had a baby girl the day before, who was also to be christened Angela, and his guardian, he added, the Mayor of Leonding, had promised to settle the affairs connected with the inheritance and also to help him to apply for an orphan's pension.
All this sounded very sober and sensible.
Afterwards, he began to talk of Stefanie.
He was determined, he said, to bring the present state of affairs to an end. At the next opportunity, he would introduce himself to Stefanie and her mother, as this had not been possible during the Christmas holidays. It was high time, he said, to bring matters to a bead.
Afterwards, he began to talk of Stefanie.
He was determined, he said, to bring the present state of affairs to an end. At the next opportunity, he would introduce himself to Stefanie and her mother, as this had not been possible during the Christmas holidays. It was high time, he said, to bring matters to a bead.
We were walking through the snow-covered village.
There was a small one-storied house, No. 61, which had once belonged to Adolf's father; the big beehive, of which his father had been so proud, was still there, but now it was owned by strangers. Next to it was the cemetery.
His father's grave (see right), in which his mother had now been buried, was near the eastern wall, and the fresh little mound was covered with snow. Adolf stood in front of it with a stern, set face; he looked hard and severe, and there were no tears in his eyes. His thoughts were with his beloved mother. I stood by his side and prayed.
There was a small one-storied house, No. 61, which had once belonged to Adolf's father; the big beehive, of which his father had been so proud, was still there, but now it was owned by strangers. Next to it was the cemetery.
His father's grave (see right), in which his mother had now been buried, was near the eastern wall, and the fresh little mound was covered with snow. Adolf stood in front of it with a stern, set face; he looked hard and severe, and there were no tears in his eyes. His thoughts were with his beloved mother. I stood by his side and prayed.
On our way back, Adolf said that he would probably stay in Linz throughout the month of January until the home was finally disposed of and the estate settled. He foresaw, he said, some heated arguments with his guardian. Certainly his guardian wanted to do his best for Adolf, but what use was this to him if the "best" was nothing more than an apprenticeship to a master baker in Leonding?
Old Josef Mayrhofer, Hitler's guardian, now well advanced in years, still lives in Leonding. Naturally, he has often been asked about his experiences with the young Hitler, and his impressions of him. In his simple, disinterested manner, he has replied to all questioners -- first the enemies, then the friends, and then again the enemies of his ward -- and his replies have always been the same, irrespective of the questioner's opinions.
One day in January, 1908, he would say, the Hitler-Adi, grown tall, with dark down on his upper lip and a deep voice, almost a grown man, came to see him to discuss the question of his inheritance. But his first sentence was: "I am going to Vienna again." All attempts to dissuade him failed -- a stubborn fellow, like his father, the old Hitler.
Josef Mayrhofer still has in his possession the documents relating to these discussions. The application for an orphan's pension for himself and his sister which Adolf made at his guardian's request, reads as follows:
To the Respected Imperial and Royal Finance Administration.
The respectfully undersigned herewith request the kind allocation of the Orphans' Pension due to them. Both of these applicants, after the death of their mother, widow of an Imperial and Royal Customs Official, on December 21, 1907, are now without either of their parents, are minors, and are incapable of earning their own living. The guardian of both applicants -- Adolf Hitler, born on the 20th April, 1889, in Braunau-on-Inn, and Paula Hitler, born on the 21st January, 1898, in Fischlham, near Lambach, Upper Austria -- is Mr. Joseph Mayrhofer, of Leonding, near Linz. Both applicants are domiciled in Linz.
ADOLF HITLER - PAULA HITLER
Incidentally, Adolf obviously signed the application for his sister Paula, for the name "Hitler" in both signatures shows the same downward-sloping tendency which was so characteristic of his signature in later years. Besides, he made a mistake in the date of birth of his sister; Paula was not born in 1898, but in 1896.
According to the legislation then in force regarding state officials, orphans of under twenty-four years of age, with no means of their own, were entitled to claim an orphan's pension amounting to one half of the widow's pension which their mother had been receiving.
Frau Hitler had received a pension of 100 crowns a month since her husband's death; therefore, Adolf and Paula were entitled to a total of 50 crowns a month, and Adolf's share was thus 25 crowns a month. This, of course, was not enough for him to live on: for example, he had to pay 10 crowns a month for his room at Mrs. Zakreys'.
Frau Hitler had received a pension of 100 crowns a month since her husband's death; therefore, Adolf and Paula were entitled to a total of 50 crowns a month, and Adolf's share was thus 25 crowns a month. This, of course, was not enough for him to live on: for example, he had to pay 10 crowns a month for his room at Mrs. Zakreys'.
The application was granted, and the first payment was made on February 12, 1908, when Adolf was already in Vienna.
Incidentally, three years later he renounced his share in favour of his sister Paula, although he could have continued to claim it until he reached the age of twenty-four, i.e., in April, 1913.
The document of renunciation, dated May 4th, 1911, is still in the possession of his guardian, Joseph Mayrhofer.
Incidentally, three years later he renounced his share in favour of his sister Paula, although he could have continued to claim it until he reached the age of twenty-four, i.e., in April, 1913.
The document of renunciation, dated May 4th, 1911, is still in the possession of his guardian, Joseph Mayrhofer.
The document concerning the inheritance, which Adolf signed in the presence of his guardian before he left for Vienna, also mentioned his share in his father's estate, amounting to about seven hundred crowns.
It is possible that he had already spent part of this money during his previous stay in Vienna, but in view of his very economical way of life -- the only large item in his budget was books -- he was left with enough to tide him over at least the beginning of his new sojourn there.
As regards our future together, Adolf was more fortunate than I, not only because he had some capital and a fixed monthly income, however small -- a matter which I had still to arrange with my parents -- but also because, having prevailed over his guardian, he was free to make his own decisions, whereas my decisions were subject to my parents' confirmation.
For me, moreover, moving to Vienna meant giving up the trade I had learned, whereas Adolf could continue to lead there more or less his previous life.
All these circumstances made it increasingly difficult for me to come to a decision; Adolf could not understand this for some time, although from the beginning he had taken the lead in this whole difficult affair.
As far back as the beginning of our friendship, when I could still only visualise my future in the dusty, upholsterer's workshop, Adolf, though nearly a year younger than I, had made it abundantly clear to me that I ought to become a musician.
Having put this idea into my head, he never gave up his efforts to persuade me.
He comforted me when I despaired, he bolstered up my self-confidence when I was in danger of losing it, he praised, he criticised, he was occasionally rude and violent and railed at me furiously, but he never lost sight of the goal which he had set for me; and if sometimes we had such furious rows that I believed it was the end of everything, we would enthusiastically renew our friendship after a concert performance in which I had taken part.
It is possible that he had already spent part of this money during his previous stay in Vienna, but in view of his very economical way of life -- the only large item in his budget was books -- he was left with enough to tide him over at least the beginning of his new sojourn there.
As regards our future together, Adolf was more fortunate than I, not only because he had some capital and a fixed monthly income, however small -- a matter which I had still to arrange with my parents -- but also because, having prevailed over his guardian, he was free to make his own decisions, whereas my decisions were subject to my parents' confirmation.
For me, moreover, moving to Vienna meant giving up the trade I had learned, whereas Adolf could continue to lead there more or less his previous life.
All these circumstances made it increasingly difficult for me to come to a decision; Adolf could not understand this for some time, although from the beginning he had taken the lead in this whole difficult affair.
As far back as the beginning of our friendship, when I could still only visualise my future in the dusty, upholsterer's workshop, Adolf, though nearly a year younger than I, had made it abundantly clear to me that I ought to become a musician.
Having put this idea into my head, he never gave up his efforts to persuade me.
He comforted me when I despaired, he bolstered up my self-confidence when I was in danger of losing it, he praised, he criticised, he was occasionally rude and violent and railed at me furiously, but he never lost sight of the goal which he had set for me; and if sometimes we had such furious rows that I believed it was the end of everything, we would enthusiastically renew our friendship after a concert performance in which I had taken part.
By God, nobody on earth, not even my mother who loved me so much and knew me so well, was as capable of bringing my secret desires into the open and making them come true as my friend, although he had never had any systematic musical training.
In the winter of 1907, when work in our business was slackening and I had more time to myself, I took lessons in harmonics from the conductor of the Linz Theatre.
My studies were as thorough as they were successful, and filled me with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, there was no scope in Linz for studying the other special subjects of musical theory, such as counterpoint, orchestration and the history of music.
Nor was there a seminary for training in conducting and composition, much less any stimulus for free composition. This sort of training was only available at the Vienna Conservatory; besides, there I would have the opportunity of hearing firstclass performances of operas and concerts. Though I had made up my mind to go to Vienna, unlike my friend I lacked the necessary determination to carry out my decision against all odds.
But Adolf had already prepared the ground.
Without my knowledge, he bad succeeded in convincing my mother of my musical vocation; for what mother does not like to hear a brilliant career prophesied for her son as a conductor, especially when she herself is so devoted to music? Thus, she soon became our ally.
And there was also her justifiable anxiety about my health, as my lungs could no longer stand the perpetual dust in the workshop.
So my mother, who had grown fond of Adolf just as Frau Klara had become fond of me, was won over, and everything now depended on my father's consent.
Not that he openly opposed my wish. My father was in every respect the opposite of Adolf's father, as he had been described to me by my friend.
He was always quiet, and apparently took no interest in what was going on around him.
All his thoughts were devoted to the business which he had created out of nothing, had successfully steered through grave crises, and had now built up into a reputable, prosperous enterprise. He regarded my musical tastes as idle dilettantism, as he could not believe that it was possible to build a secure existence on more or less useless fiddling and strumming. To the last, he could not understand that I, knowing poverty and distress, was willing to renounce security in favour of a vague future. How often did I hear him say "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," or bitterly, "What was the use of all my drudgery ?"
My studies were as thorough as they were successful, and filled me with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, there was no scope in Linz for studying the other special subjects of musical theory, such as counterpoint, orchestration and the history of music.
Nor was there a seminary for training in conducting and composition, much less any stimulus for free composition. This sort of training was only available at the Vienna Conservatory; besides, there I would have the opportunity of hearing firstclass performances of operas and concerts. Though I had made up my mind to go to Vienna, unlike my friend I lacked the necessary determination to carry out my decision against all odds.
But Adolf had already prepared the ground.
Without my knowledge, he bad succeeded in convincing my mother of my musical vocation; for what mother does not like to hear a brilliant career prophesied for her son as a conductor, especially when she herself is so devoted to music? Thus, she soon became our ally.
And there was also her justifiable anxiety about my health, as my lungs could no longer stand the perpetual dust in the workshop.
So my mother, who had grown fond of Adolf just as Frau Klara had become fond of me, was won over, and everything now depended on my father's consent.
Not that he openly opposed my wish. My father was in every respect the opposite of Adolf's father, as he had been described to me by my friend.
He was always quiet, and apparently took no interest in what was going on around him.
All his thoughts were devoted to the business which he had created out of nothing, had successfully steered through grave crises, and had now built up into a reputable, prosperous enterprise. He regarded my musical tastes as idle dilettantism, as he could not believe that it was possible to build a secure existence on more or less useless fiddling and strumming. To the last, he could not understand that I, knowing poverty and distress, was willing to renounce security in favour of a vague future. How often did I hear him say "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," or bitterly, "What was the use of all my drudgery ?"
I was working harder than ever in the workshop, as I did not want it said that I was neglecting my trade for the sake of my musical studies.
My father saw in my industry a sign that I wanted to remain in the trade and take over his business someday. My mother knew how devoted my father was to his work, and so kept silent in order not to upset him. So at the time when my musical future depended absolutely on my attending the Vienna Conservatory, things seemed to have reached a deadlock within our domestic circle: I worked feverishly in the workshop, and said nothing. My mother also said nothing, and my father, thinking that I had finally abandoned the plan, did the same.
My father saw in my industry a sign that I wanted to remain in the trade and take over his business someday. My mother knew how devoted my father was to his work, and so kept silent in order not to upset him. So at the time when my musical future depended absolutely on my attending the Vienna Conservatory, things seemed to have reached a deadlock within our domestic circle: I worked feverishly in the workshop, and said nothing. My mother also said nothing, and my father, thinking that I had finally abandoned the plan, did the same.
At this juncture, Adolf came to see us.
At one glance he realised what the situation was, and intervened immediately.
To begin with, he brought me back into "form."
During his stay in Vienna, he had made detailed enquiries about the study of music and now he gave me exact information on the subject, telling me, in his tempting way, how much he had enjoyed attending operas and concerts.
My mother's imagination was also fired by these vivid descriptions, and so a decision became more and more imperative. It was, however, essential that Adolf himself should convince my father.
At one glance he realised what the situation was, and intervened immediately.
To begin with, he brought me back into "form."
During his stay in Vienna, he had made detailed enquiries about the study of music and now he gave me exact information on the subject, telling me, in his tempting way, how much he had enjoyed attending operas and concerts.
My mother's imagination was also fired by these vivid descriptions, and so a decision became more and more imperative. It was, however, essential that Adolf himself should convince my father.
A difficult enterprise! What use was the most brilliant eloquence if the old master upholsterer had no regard for any thing connected with art? He was quite fond of Adolf but, after all, he only saw in him a young man who had failed at school and thought too highly of himself to learn a trade.
My father had tolerated our friendship, but actually would have preferred a more sound companion for me.
Adolf was, therefore, in a decidedly unfavorable position, and it is astonishing that he nevertheless managed to win over my father to our plan in so comparatively short a time.
I would have understood it if there had been a violent clash of opinions; in that case, Adolf would have been in his element and able to play all the trump cards which he held.
But that was not the case.
I cannot recollect that any argument in the usual sense took place at all.
Adolf treated the whole matter as of no great importance and, in particular, implied that the decision rested with my father alone.
He accepted the fact that my father only half gave his consent, suggesting a temporary solution: as the current scholastic year at the Conservatory had already started in the previous autumn, I should go to Vienna for a trial period only to look around for a while. If the facilities for training came up to my expectations, I could then make a final decision, but failing this, I could return home and enter my father's business.
Adolf, who hated compromise and with whom it was usually all or nothing, was, surprisingly enough, agreeable to this course. I was blissfully happy as never before in my life, for now I had achieved my purpose without upsetting my father, and my mother shared my joy.
Adolf was, therefore, in a decidedly unfavorable position, and it is astonishing that he nevertheless managed to win over my father to our plan in so comparatively short a time.
I would have understood it if there had been a violent clash of opinions; in that case, Adolf would have been in his element and able to play all the trump cards which he held.
But that was not the case.
I cannot recollect that any argument in the usual sense took place at all.
Adolf treated the whole matter as of no great importance and, in particular, implied that the decision rested with my father alone.
He accepted the fact that my father only half gave his consent, suggesting a temporary solution: as the current scholastic year at the Conservatory had already started in the previous autumn, I should go to Vienna for a trial period only to look around for a while. If the facilities for training came up to my expectations, I could then make a final decision, but failing this, I could return home and enter my father's business.
Adolf, who hated compromise and with whom it was usually all or nothing, was, surprisingly enough, agreeable to this course. I was blissfully happy as never before in my life, for now I had achieved my purpose without upsetting my father, and my mother shared my joy.
At the beginning of February, Adolf returned to Vienna.
His address remained the same, he told me when he left, as he had continued to pay his rent to Mrs. Zakreys, and I should write to him in good time announcing my arrival.
I helped him carry his luggage to the station (see right), four cases altogether unless I am mistaken, every one of them very heavy.
I asked him what they contained, and he answered "All my belongings." They were almost entirely books.
His address remained the same, he told me when he left, as he had continued to pay his rent to Mrs. Zakreys, and I should write to him in good time announcing my arrival.
I asked him what they contained, and he answered "All my belongings." They were almost entirely books.
At the station Adolf once again spoke of Stefanie.
Unfortunately, he had had no opportunity to talk to her, he said, for he had never met her unaccompanied.
What he had to tell Stefanie was for her ears only.
"Perhaps I shall write to her," he added in conclusion.
But I thought that this idea, expressed by Adolf for the first time, was merely a sign of embarrassment, or at the most, a cheap consolation.
My friend entered the train and, standing at the window, shook me by the hand.
As the train moved off, "Follow me soon, Gustl," he called out to me.
Unfortunately, he had had no opportunity to talk to her, he said, for he had never met her unaccompanied.
What he had to tell Stefanie was for her ears only.
"Perhaps I shall write to her," he added in conclusion.
My friend entered the train and, standing at the window, shook me by the hand.
As the train moved off, "Follow me soon, Gustl," he called out to me.
My good mother had already started preparing my clothes and linen for my journey to great, unknown Vienna. In the end, even my father wanted to contribute something; he made me a big wooden box which was reinforced with strong iron bands. I put into it my music, and my mother filled the remaining space with clothes and shoes.
"Dear Friend, am anxiously expecting news of your arrival. Write soon so that I can prepare everything for your festive welcome. The whole of Vienna is awaiting you, therefore come soon. I will, of course, come and meet you."
On the back of the postcard he wrote: "Now the weather here is improving. I hope you will have better weather too. Well, as I said before, at first you will stay with me. Later we shall see. One can get a piano here in the so-called 'Dorotheum' for as little as 50/60 Fls. Well, many regards to you and your esteemed parents, from your friend, Adolf Hitler."
Then a postscript. "Beg you again, come soon."
Adolf had addressed the card as usual to "Gustav" Kubizek.
He spelt Gustav sometimes with a "v" and sometimes with a "ph."
He heartily disliked my first name, August, and always called me "Gustl," which was more like Gustav than August.
He would probably have preferred it had I formally changed my first name.
He even addressed me as Gustav when he wrote to me on my Saint's day, the feast of Saint Augustine, August 28.
Under my name there is the abbreviation "Stud.", and I remember that he liked to refer to me as "Stud. Mus."
He spelt Gustav sometimes with a "v" and sometimes with a "ph."
He heartily disliked my first name, August, and always called me "Gustl," which was more like Gustav than August.
He would probably have preferred it had I formally changed my first name.
He even addressed me as Gustav when he wrote to me on my Saint's day, the feast of Saint Augustine, August 28.
Under my name there is the abbreviation "Stud.", and I remember that he liked to refer to me as "Stud. Mus."
This postcard, unlike the previous ones, is much more cheerful.
Typical of Adolf's mood is his humour, which permeates it. "The whole of Vienna is awaiting you," he says, and he intends to prepare a "festive welcome."
All this indicates that, after the dark and depressing days which he had spent in Linz following his mother's death, he was feeling relaxed and free in Vienna, however uncertain the future might be.
Nevertheless, he must have been very lonely. The "anxiously" in the first sentence of his card was no doubt meant seriously, and the fact that he repeats the "come soon," even in the form "beg you again to come soon," proves how much he was looking forward to my arrival.
Even the information as to the cheap piano was intended to encourage me to come without delay. He may have feared secretly that my vacillating father would change his mind at the last moment.
Typical of Adolf's mood is his humour, which permeates it. "The whole of Vienna is awaiting you," he says, and he intends to prepare a "festive welcome."
All this indicates that, after the dark and depressing days which he had spent in Linz following his mother's death, he was feeling relaxed and free in Vienna, however uncertain the future might be.
Nevertheless, he must have been very lonely. The "anxiously" in the first sentence of his card was no doubt meant seriously, and the fact that he repeats the "come soon," even in the form "beg you again to come soon," proves how much he was looking forward to my arrival.
Even the information as to the cheap piano was intended to encourage me to come without delay. He may have feared secretly that my vacillating father would change his mind at the last moment.
The day of my departure arrived. In the morning I went to church with my mother; I felt how painful my departure was for her, although she stuck tenaciously to her resolve.
Yet I also remember a typical remark which my father made when he saw my mother weeping. "I can't understand why you are so depressed, Mother," he said. "We haven't asked Gustl to leave his home; he wanted to himself."
My mother, in her grief at our parting, concentrated on my creature comforts, giving me a nice piece of roast pork; and the dripping, which was to be spread on my bread, was put into a special container. She baked some buns for me, gave me a large piece of cheese, a jar of jam and a bottle of coffee. My brown canvas bag was full to overflowing with food.
Yet I also remember a typical remark which my father made when he saw my mother weeping. "I can't understand why you are so depressed, Mother," he said. "We haven't asked Gustl to leave his home; he wanted to himself."
My mother, in her grief at our parting, concentrated on my creature comforts, giving me a nice piece of roast pork; and the dripping, which was to be spread on my bread, was put into a special container. She baked some buns for me, gave me a large piece of cheese, a jar of jam and a bottle of coffee. My brown canvas bag was full to overflowing with food.
So off I went to the station after my last dinner at home, well provided for in every respect. My parents saw me off; my father shook my hand and said "Always remain honest."
But my mother, with tears in her eyes, kissed me and, as the train started, made the sign of the Cross on my forehead.
For a long time I felt her tender fingers there as they traced the Cross.
But my mother, with tears in her eyes, kissed me and, as the train started, made the sign of the Cross on my forehead.
For a long time I felt her tender fingers there as they traced the Cross.
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
My first impression on arriving in Vienna was one of noisy and excited confusion.I stood there, holding my heavy case, so bewildered that I did not know which way to turn. All these people ! And this noise and tumult! This was terrible.
I was almost inclined to turn tail and go straight home again.
I shall always remember this first welcome in Vienna.
While I stood there, still overwhelmed by all the shouting and hustling, recognisable from a mile away as a country bumpkin, Adolf behaved as a perfectly acclimatised city dweller. In his dark, good-quality overcoat, dark hat and the walking stick with the ivory handle, he appeared almost elegant.
He was obviously delighted to see me and greeted me warmly and, as was then the custom, kissed me lightly on the cheek.
The first problem was the transport of my bag for, thanks to my mother's presents, this weighed very heavily.
As I was looking around for a porter, Adolf grabbed one of the handles and I took the other.
We crossed the Mariahilferstrasse (see right) -- with people everywhere, coming and going about their affairs, and such a terrible noise that one could not hear oneself speak; but how thrilling were the electric arc-lights that made the station yard as bright as day.
We crossed the Mariahilferstrasse (see right) -- with people everywhere, coming and going about their affairs, and such a terrible noise that one could not hear oneself speak; but how thrilling were the electric arc-lights that made the station yard as bright as day.
I still remember how glad I was when Adolf soon turned into a side street, the Stumpergasse.
Here it was quiet and dark. Adolf stopped in front of a fairly new-looking house on the right side, No. 29. As far as I could see, it was a very fine house, most imposing and distinguished looking, perhaps too distinguished for such youngsters as we were, I thought. But Adolf went straight through the entrance and crossed a small courtyard.
The house on the far side of this courtyard was much humbler. We went up a dark staircase to the second floor. There were several doors opening on this floor -- ours was No. 17.
Here it was quiet and dark. Adolf stopped in front of a fairly new-looking house on the right side, No. 29. As far as I could see, it was a very fine house, most imposing and distinguished looking, perhaps too distinguished for such youngsters as we were, I thought. But Adolf went straight through the entrance and crossed a small courtyard.
The house on the far side of this courtyard was much humbler. We went up a dark staircase to the second floor. There were several doors opening on this floor -- ours was No. 17.
Adolf unlocked the door.
An unpleasant smell of kerosene greeted me, and ever since, this smell has been connected, for me, with the memory of that apartment. We seemed to be in a kitchen, but the landlady was not about. Adolf opened a second door. In the small room that he occupied, a miserable kerosene !amp was burning. I looked around me.
An unpleasant smell of kerosene greeted me, and ever since, this smell has been connected, for me, with the memory of that apartment. We seemed to be in a kitchen, but the landlady was not about. Adolf opened a second door. In the small room that he occupied, a miserable kerosene !amp was burning. I looked around me.
The first thing that struck me were the sketches that lay around on the table, on the bed, everywhere.
Adolf cleared the table, spread a piece of newspaper on it and fetched a bottle of milk from the window. Then he brought sausage and bread.
But I can still see his white, earnest face as I pushed all these things aside and opened the bag. Cold roast pork, stuffed buns, and other lovely things to eat.
All he said was, "Yes, that's what it is to have a mother!" We ate like kings. Everything tasted of "home."
Adolf cleared the table, spread a piece of newspaper on it and fetched a bottle of milk from the window. Then he brought sausage and bread.
But I can still see his white, earnest face as I pushed all these things aside and opened the bag. Cold roast pork, stuffed buns, and other lovely things to eat.
All he said was, "Yes, that's what it is to have a mother!" We ate like kings. Everything tasted of "home."
After all the commotion, I began to collect myself.
Then came the inevitable question about Stefanie.
When I had to confess that I had not been for the evening stroll on the Landstrasse for some considerable time, Adolf told me that I ought to have gone for his sake. Before I could reply there was a knock on the door. A little old woman, withered, and altogether of a rather comic appearance slipped inside.
Then came the inevitable question about Stefanie.
When I had to confess that I had not been for the evening stroll on the Landstrasse for some considerable time, Adolf told me that I ought to have gone for his sake. Before I could reply there was a knock on the door. A little old woman, withered, and altogether of a rather comic appearance slipped inside.
Adolf rose and introduced me in his most formal manner: "My friend, Gustav Kubizek, of Linz, a music student." "Pleased to meet you, pleased to meet you," the old woman repeated several times, and announced her own name: Maria Zakreys.
From the singsong tone and the peculiar accent, I realised that Frau Zakreys was not a real Viennese. Or rather, she was a Viennese, perhaps even a typical one, but she had not first seen the light of day in Hernals or Lerchenfeld but rather in Stanislau or Neutitschein.
I never asked and never found out, and after all, it made no difference. In any case, Frau Zakreys was the only person in this city of millions with whom Adolf and I ever had any dealings,
From the singsong tone and the peculiar accent, I realised that Frau Zakreys was not a real Viennese. Or rather, she was a Viennese, perhaps even a typical one, but she had not first seen the light of day in Hernals or Lerchenfeld but rather in Stanislau or Neutitschein.
I never asked and never found out, and after all, it made no difference. In any case, Frau Zakreys was the only person in this city of millions with whom Adolf and I ever had any dealings,
How could a person who had just come to Vienna go to bed without having seen the Opera House ? (see left)
So I was dragged to the Opera House.
The performmace was not yet over.
I admired the entrance hall, the magnificent staircase, the marble balustrade, the deep, soft carpets and the gilded decorations on the ceiling.
Once away from the humble abode in the Stumpergasse, I felt as though I had been transported to another planet, so overwhelming was the impression.
We turned into the Kärntnerstrasse. But the evening mist was so thick that the spire was lost to view. I could just see the heavy, dark mass of the nave stretching up into the grey monotony of the mist, almost unearthly, as though not built by human hands.
In order to show me something else special, Adolf took me to the Maria am Gestade Church (see left), which, compared with the overpowering bulk of St. Stephen's, seemed to me like a delicate Gothic chapel.
When we got home we each had to pay the grumpy concierge whom we had awakened a Sperrsechserl (a penny for unlocking) for opening the big door of the house.
Mrs. Zakreys had made me up a primitive bed on the floor of Adolf's room.
Although midnight was long past, Adolf still kept talking excitedly. But I stopped listening -- it was just too much for me.
The moving farewell from my home, my mother's sad face, the journey, the arrival, the noise, the clamour, the Vienna of the Stumpergasse, the Vienna of the Opera House -- worn out, I fell asleep.
Mrs. Zakreys had made me up a primitive bed on the floor of Adolf's room.
Although midnight was long past, Adolf still kept talking excitedly. But I stopped listening -- it was just too much for me.
The moving farewell from my home, my mother's sad face, the journey, the arrival, the noise, the clamour, the Vienna of the Stumpergasse, the Vienna of the Opera House -- worn out, I fell asleep.
Of course, I could not stay at Frau Zakreys'.
Anyhow, it was impossible to put a grand piano in the little room. So the next morning, when Adolf finally got up, we set out to look for a room.
As I wanted to stay as near as possible to my friend, we wandered at first along the nearby streets.
Once more I saw this alluring city, Vienna, from the "other side."
Gloomy courtyards, narrow, ill-lit tenements and stairs, ever more and more stairs.
Adolf paid Frau Zakreys ten crowns, and that was what I reckoned to pay. But the rooms we were shown at that price were mostly so small and wretched that it would have been impossible to get a grand piano into them, and when we did find a room that would have been big enough, the landlady would not hear of having a lodger who played the piano.
Anyhow, it was impossible to put a grand piano in the little room. So the next morning, when Adolf finally got up, we set out to look for a room.
As I wanted to stay as near as possible to my friend, we wandered at first along the nearby streets.
Once more I saw this alluring city, Vienna, from the "other side."
Gloomy courtyards, narrow, ill-lit tenements and stairs, ever more and more stairs.
Adolf paid Frau Zakreys ten crowns, and that was what I reckoned to pay. But the rooms we were shown at that price were mostly so small and wretched that it would have been impossible to get a grand piano into them, and when we did find a room that would have been big enough, the landlady would not hear of having a lodger who played the piano.
I was very depressed and low-spirited and full of home sickness.
What kind of big city was this Vienna ?
Full of indifferent, unsympathetic people -- it must be awful to live here.
I walked, despairing and miserable, with Adolf along the Zollergasse.
Once more we saw a notice "Room to Let."
We rang the bell and the door was opened by a neatly dressed maid, who showed us into an elegantly furnished room containing magnificent twin beds. "Madame is coming immediately," said the maid, curtsied, and vanished.
We both knew at once that it was too stylish for us. Then "Madame" appeared in the doorway, very much a lady, not so young, but very elegant.
What kind of big city was this Vienna ?
Full of indifferent, unsympathetic people -- it must be awful to live here.
I walked, despairing and miserable, with Adolf along the Zollergasse.
Once more we saw a notice "Room to Let."
We rang the bell and the door was opened by a neatly dressed maid, who showed us into an elegantly furnished room containing magnificent twin beds. "Madame is coming immediately," said the maid, curtsied, and vanished.
We both knew at once that it was too stylish for us. Then "Madame" appeared in the doorway, very much a lady, not so young, but very elegant.
She wore a silk dressing gown and slippers trimmed with fur.
She greeted us smilingly, inspected Adolf, then me, and asked us to sit down.
My friend asked which room was to let. "This one," she answered, and pointed to the two beds. Adolf shook his head and said curtly, "Then one of the beds will have to come out, because my friend must have room for a piano."
The lady was obviously disappointed that it was I and not Adolf who wanted a room, and asked whether Adolf already had a room. When he answered in the affirmative, she suggested that I, together with the piano I needed, should move into his room and he should take this one.
While she was animatedly suggesting this to Adolf, through a sudden movement the belt which kept the dressing gown together came undone. "Oh, excuse me, gentlemen," the lady exclaimed, and immediately fastened the dressing gown together again. But that second had sufficed to show us that under her silk covering she wore nothing but a brief pair of panties.
She greeted us smilingly, inspected Adolf, then me, and asked us to sit down.
My friend asked which room was to let. "This one," she answered, and pointed to the two beds. Adolf shook his head and said curtly, "Then one of the beds will have to come out, because my friend must have room for a piano."
The lady was obviously disappointed that it was I and not Adolf who wanted a room, and asked whether Adolf already had a room. When he answered in the affirmative, she suggested that I, together with the piano I needed, should move into his room and he should take this one.
While she was animatedly suggesting this to Adolf, through a sudden movement the belt which kept the dressing gown together came undone. "Oh, excuse me, gentlemen," the lady exclaimed, and immediately fastened the dressing gown together again. But that second had sufficed to show us that under her silk covering she wore nothing but a brief pair of panties.
Adolf turned as red as a peony, gripped my arm, and said, "Come, Gustl."
I do not remember how we got out of the house. All I remember is Adolf furiously exclaiming as we got into the street again, "What a Mrs. Potiphar." Apparently, such experiences, too, were part of Vienna.
Adolf must have realised how hard it was for me to find my way around in this bewildering city, and on our way home he suggested that we should take a room together. He would speak to Frau Zakreys; perhaps she would fix up something in her own house.
In the end he succeeded in persuading Frau Zakreys to move into his little room and let us take over the somewhat bigger room that she occupied.
We agreed on a rent of twenty crowns a month. She had nothing against my playing the piano, so this was an excellent solution for me.
We agreed on a rent of twenty crowns a month. She had nothing against my playing the piano, so this was an excellent solution for me.
I produced my references from the Linz Music School and was immediately examined.
First came an oral examination, then I had to sing something at sight, and finally, a test in harmony.
All went well, and I was asked to go to the Administration Office, Director Kaiser -- and for me he was really the Emperor-congratulated me, and told me about the curriculum.
He advised me to register as an extramural student at the University and to attend lectures in the history of music. Then he introduced me to the conductor, Gustav Gutheil, with whom I should study, among other things, the practical side of conducting. In addition to this, I was accepted as viola player in the Conservatory's orchestra.
All this was quite straightforward and soon, in spite of the initial bewilderment, I felt on firm ground. As so often happened in my life, I found help and consolation in music; even more, it now became my whole life. I had finally escaped from the dusty upholsterer's workshop and could devote myself entirely to my art.
In the nearby Liniengasse I discovered a piano store, called Feigl. I inspected the instruments for hire; of course, they were not particularly good ones, but I did finally find a grand piano that was fairly good and I hired it for ten crowns a month.
When Adolf came home in the evening -- I did not yet know how he spent his days -- he was astonished to see the grand piano. For that comparatively small room an upright model would have been more suitable. But how was I to become a conductor without a grand piano! Admittedly, it was not as easy as I had thought.
When Adolf came home in the evening -- I did not yet know how he spent his days -- he was astonished to see the grand piano. For that comparatively small room an upright model would have been more suitable. But how was I to become a conductor without a grand piano! Admittedly, it was not as easy as I had thought.
Adolf immediately took a hand to try out the best place to put it. He agreed that to get enough light, the piano had to stand near the window.
After much experiment, the contents of the room-two beds, a night chest, a wardrobe, a washstand, a table and two chairs, were distributed to the best advantage. In spite of this, the instrument took up the whole space of the right-hand window. The table was pushed into the other window enclosure. The space between the beds and the piano, as well as that between the beds and the table, was hardly more than one foot wide. And for Adolf, room to stride up and down was every bit as important as playing the piano was for me. At once he tried it out. From the door to the curve of the piano -- three steps! That was enough, because three steps one way, and three steps the other made six, even though Adolf in his continual pacing up and down had to turn so often that it became almost a case of moving around his own axis.
After much experiment, the contents of the room-two beds, a night chest, a wardrobe, a washstand, a table and two chairs, were distributed to the best advantage. In spite of this, the instrument took up the whole space of the right-hand window. The table was pushed into the other window enclosure. The space between the beds and the piano, as well as that between the beds and the table, was hardly more than one foot wide. And for Adolf, room to stride up and down was every bit as important as playing the piano was for me. At once he tried it out. From the door to the curve of the piano -- three steps! That was enough, because three steps one way, and three steps the other made six, even though Adolf in his continual pacing up and down had to turn so often that it became almost a case of moving around his own axis.
The bare, sooty rear side of the house in front was all we could see from our room. Only if you stood very close to the free window, and looked sharply upwards, would you see a narrow slice of the firmament, but even this modest bit of sky was generally hidden by smoke, dust or fog. On exceptionally lucky days the sun would shine through. To be sure it shone hardly at all on our house, much less in our room. But on the rear of the house in front streaks of sunshine were to be seen for a couple of hours, and this had to compensate us for the sun that we so sorely missed.
I told Adolf that I had got through the entrance examination at the Conservatory quite well and was glad that I was now firmly settled down to my studies. Adolf remarked baldly, "I had no idea I had such a clever friend."
This did not sound very flattering, but I was used to such remarks from him.
Apparently he was at a very critical period, was very irritable, and shut me up brusquely when I began to talk about my studies.
He finally reconciled himself to the piano. He could practise a bit too, he remarked. I said I was willing to teach him -- but here again I had put my foot into it. Ill-temperedly he snarled at me: "You can keep your scales and such rubbish. I'll get on by myself." Then he calmed down again and said, in a propitiating tone, "Why should I become a musician, Gustl? After all, I have you !"
This did not sound very flattering, but I was used to such remarks from him.
Apparently he was at a very critical period, was very irritable, and shut me up brusquely when I began to talk about my studies.
He finally reconciled himself to the piano. He could practise a bit too, he remarked. I said I was willing to teach him -- but here again I had put my foot into it. Ill-temperedly he snarled at me: "You can keep your scales and such rubbish. I'll get on by myself." Then he calmed down again and said, in a propitiating tone, "Why should I become a musician, Gustl? After all, I have you !"
Our circumstances were modest in the extreme. I certainly could not do much with the monthly allowance my father made me.
Regularly at the beginning of each month, Adolf received a certain sum from his guardian. I do not know how much this was, perhaps only the twenty-five crowns orphan's pension, of which he had immediately to pay out ten to Frau Zakreys; perhaps it was more, if his guardian was paying out of capital in installments whatever his parents may have left. Perhaps relatives helped to support him, for instance, the humpbacked Aunt Johanna; but I do not know. I only know that even then Adolf often went hungry, although he would not admit this to me.
Regularly at the beginning of each month, Adolf received a certain sum from his guardian. I do not know how much this was, perhaps only the twenty-five crowns orphan's pension, of which he had immediately to pay out ten to Frau Zakreys; perhaps it was more, if his guardian was paying out of capital in installments whatever his parents may have left. Perhaps relatives helped to support him, for instance, the humpbacked Aunt Johanna; but I do not know. I only know that even then Adolf often went hungry, although he would not admit this to me.
What did Adolf have for an ordinary day's meals? A bottle of milk, a loaf of bread, some butter. For lunch he often bought a piece of poppyseed cake or nutcake to add to it. That is what he made do with.
Every fortnight my mother sent a food parcel, and then we feasted. But in money matters Adolf was very precise. I never knew how much, or rather, how little, money he had. Doubtless he was secretly ashamed of it. Occasionally, anger got the better of him and he would shout with fury, "Isn't this a dog's life ?" Nevertheless, he was happy and contented when we could go once more to the opera, or listen to a concert, or read an interesting book.
Every fortnight my mother sent a food parcel, and then we feasted. But in money matters Adolf was very precise. I never knew how much, or rather, how little, money he had. Doubtless he was secretly ashamed of it. Occasionally, anger got the better of him and he would shout with fury, "Isn't this a dog's life ?" Nevertheless, he was happy and contented when we could go once more to the opera, or listen to a concert, or read an interesting book.
For a long time I could not find out where he ate his lunch. Any enquiries about it he would crossly dismiss -- these were not subjects one discussed. As I had some spare time in the afternoon, sometimes I used to come home directly after lunch; but I never found Adolf at home. Perhaps he was sitting in the Soup Kitchen in the Liniengasse where I sometimes had my midday meal. No, he was not there, I went to the "Auge Gottes." Neither was he there.
When I asked him in the evening why he never came to the Soup Kitchen, he made a long speech about the contemptible institution of these soup kitchens which only symbolise the segregation of the social classes.
When I asked him in the evening why he never came to the Soup Kitchen, he made a long speech about the contemptible institution of these soup kitchens which only symbolise the segregation of the social classes.
As an extramural student of the university I was permitted to eat in the canteen -- it was still the old canteen, for the new one erected by the German Schools Society did not then exist -- and I could also procure cheap meal tickets for Adolf, and finally he consented to come with me. I knew how much he liked sweets, so, as well as the main dish, I got some cakes,
I thought he would enjoy this because you could see from his face how hungry he was, but as he sulkily gulped it down, he venomously hissed at me, "I don't understand how you can enjoy anything among such people !"
Of course, there used to gather in the canteen students from all the nations of the realm, together with several Jewish students. That was reason enough to stop him going there. But, to tell the truth, in spite of all his determination, he let hunger get the better of him. He squeezed himself in next to me in the canteen, turned his back on the rest and greedily wolfed down his favourite nutcake. Many a time, in my political indifference, was I secretly amused to see him swinging between anti-Semitism and his passion for nutcake.
Of course, there used to gather in the canteen students from all the nations of the realm, together with several Jewish students. That was reason enough to stop him going there. But, to tell the truth, in spite of all his determination, he let hunger get the better of him. He squeezed himself in next to me in the canteen, turned his back on the rest and greedily wolfed down his favourite nutcake. Many a time, in my political indifference, was I secretly amused to see him swinging between anti-Semitism and his passion for nutcake.
For days on end he could live on milk and bread and butter only. I certainly was not spoilt, but this was beyond me.
We did not make any acquaintances. Adolf would never have permitted me time for anybody but himself.
More than ever did he regard our friendship as one that excluded any other relationship. Once, as a result of pure chance, he treated me to a very explicit reproof in this respect.
More than ever did he regard our friendship as one that excluded any other relationship. Once, as a result of pure chance, he treated me to a very explicit reproof in this respect.
Harmony was my hobbyhorse; in Linz, too, I had shone at it, and here I got on swimmingly.
One day Professor Boschetti called me to the office and asked me whether I would like to do some coaching in the subject. Then he introduced me to my future pupils. The two daughters of a brewer in Kolomea, the daughter of a landowner in Radautz, and also the daughter of a businessman in Spalato.
One day Professor Boschetti called me to the office and asked me whether I would like to do some coaching in the subject. Then he introduced me to my future pupils. The two daughters of a brewer in Kolomea, the daughter of a landowner in Radautz, and also the daughter of a businessman in Spalato.
I was most depressed by the startling differences between the good-class boardinghouse in which these young ladies lived and our wretched hole that always stank of kerosene.
Usually, at the end of the lesson, I partook of a tea so substantial that it served me for supper as well. When there was added to the group the daughter of a cloth manufacturer from Jägerndorf in Silesia and the daughter of a magistrate in Agram, my half-dozen pupils together represented every corner of the widespread Hapsburg Empire.
Usually, at the end of the lesson, I partook of a tea so substantial that it served me for supper as well. When there was added to the group the daughter of a cloth manufacturer from Jägerndorf in Silesia and the daughter of a magistrate in Agram, my half-dozen pupils together represented every corner of the widespread Hapsburg Empire.
And then the unexpected happened. One of them, the girl from Silesia, found she could not get on with a piece of written homework, and came round to me in the Stumpergasse to ask for my help.
Our good old landlady raised her eyebrows when she saw the pretty young girl. But that was all right; I was indeed only concerned with the musical example which she had not understood, and I explained it to her.
As she copied it down quickly, Adolf came in.
I introduced him to my pupil, "My friend from Linz, Adolf Hitler."
Adolf said nothing. But hardly had the girl got outside when he went for me wildly -- for since his unfortunate experience with Stefanie he was a woman hater.
Was our room, already spoilt by that monster, that grand piano, to become the rendezvous for this crew of musical women, he asked me furiously?
Our good old landlady raised her eyebrows when she saw the pretty young girl. But that was all right; I was indeed only concerned with the musical example which she had not understood, and I explained it to her.
As she copied it down quickly, Adolf came in.
I introduced him to my pupil, "My friend from Linz, Adolf Hitler."
Adolf said nothing. But hardly had the girl got outside when he went for me wildly -- for since his unfortunate experience with Stefanie he was a woman hater.
Was our room, already spoilt by that monster, that grand piano, to become the rendezvous for this crew of musical women, he asked me furiously?
I had a job to convince him that the poor girl was not suffering from the pangs of love, but from examination-pains.
The result was a detailed speech about the senselessness of women studying. Like blows the words fell upon me, as though I were the cloth manufacturer or the brewer who had sent his daughter to the Conservatory.
Adolf got himself more and more involved in a general criticism of social conditions.
I cowered silently on the piano stool while he, enraged, strode the three steps along and the three steps back and hurled his indignation in the bitterest terms, first against the door, and then against the piano.
The result was a detailed speech about the senselessness of women studying. Like blows the words fell upon me, as though I were the cloth manufacturer or the brewer who had sent his daughter to the Conservatory.
Adolf got himself more and more involved in a general criticism of social conditions.
I cowered silently on the piano stool while he, enraged, strode the three steps along and the three steps back and hurled his indignation in the bitterest terms, first against the door, and then against the piano.
Altogether, in these early days in Vienna, I had the impression that Adolf had become unbalanced.
He would fly into a temper at the slightest thing.
There were days when nothing I could do seemed right to him, and he made our life together very hard to bear.
But I had known Adolf now for over three years.
I had gone through terrible days with him after the wreck of his scholastic career, and also after his mother's death. I did not know to what this present mood of deep depression was due, but I thought that sooner or later it would improve.
He would fly into a temper at the slightest thing.
There were days when nothing I could do seemed right to him, and he made our life together very hard to bear.
But I had known Adolf now for over three years.
I had gone through terrible days with him after the wreck of his scholastic career, and also after his mother's death. I did not know to what this present mood of deep depression was due, but I thought that sooner or later it would improve.
He was at odds with the world.
Wherever he looked, he saw injustice, hate and enmity.
Nothing was free from his criticism; nothing found favour in his eyes.
Only music was able to cheer him up a little, as, for instance, when we went on Sundays to the performances of sacred music in the Burgkapelle (see right).
Here, one could hear at no expense soloists from the Vienna Opera House and the Vienna Boys' Choir.
Adolf was particularly fond of this famous Boys' Choir, and he told me again and again how grateful be was for that early musical training he had received at Lambach.
But in other ways, to remember, just at that time, his carefree childhood was particularly painful to him.
Wherever he looked, he saw injustice, hate and enmity.
Nothing was free from his criticism; nothing found favour in his eyes.
Here, one could hear at no expense soloists from the Vienna Opera House and the Vienna Boys' Choir.
Adolf was particularly fond of this famous Boys' Choir, and he told me again and again how grateful be was for that early musical training he had received at Lambach.
But in other ways, to remember, just at that time, his carefree childhood was particularly painful to him.
All this time he was ceaselessly busy.
I had no idea what a student at the Academy of Arts was supposed to do.
In any case, the subjects must have been exceedingly varied; one day he would be sitting for hours over books, then again he would sit writing till the small hours, or another day would see the piano, the table, his bed and mine, and even the floor, completely covered with designs.
He would stand, staring tensely down at his work, move stealthily on tiptoe among the drawings, improve something here, correct something there, muttering to himself all the time and underlining his rapid words with violent gestures.
Woe betide me if I disturbed him on these occasions. I had great respect for this difficult and detailed work, and said I liked what I saw of it.
I had no idea what a student at the Academy of Arts was supposed to do.
In any case, the subjects must have been exceedingly varied; one day he would be sitting for hours over books, then again he would sit writing till the small hours, or another day would see the piano, the table, his bed and mine, and even the floor, completely covered with designs.
He would stand, staring tensely down at his work, move stealthily on tiptoe among the drawings, improve something here, correct something there, muttering to himself all the time and underlining his rapid words with violent gestures.
Woe betide me if I disturbed him on these occasions. I had great respect for this difficult and detailed work, and said I liked what I saw of it.
When, getting impatient, I would open the piano, he would shuffle the sheets quickly together, put them in a cupboard, grab up a hook and make off to Schönbrunn.
He had found a quiet bench there among the lawns and trees, where no one ever disturbed him. Whatever progress he made with his studies in the open air was accomplished on this seat. I, too, was fond of this quiet spot, where one could forget one lived in a metropolis. Often in later years I visited this lonely bench.
He had found a quiet bench there among the lawns and trees, where no one ever disturbed him. Whatever progress he made with his studies in the open air was accomplished on this seat. I, too, was fond of this quiet spot, where one could forget one lived in a metropolis. Often in later years I visited this lonely bench.
It would seem that a student in architecture could spend much more time in the open air and work more independently than could a Conservatory student.
On one occasion, when he had once more written till all hours of the night -- the ugly little smoky kerosene lamp had nearly burnt out and I was still awake -- I asked him bluntly what was going to be the end of all this work.
Instead of answering, he handed me a couple of hastily scribbled sheets. Astounded, I read: "Holy Mountain in the background, before it the mighty sacrificial block surrounded by huge oaks; two powerful warriors hold the black bull, which is to be sacrificed, firmly by the horns, and press the beast's mighty head against the hollow in the sacrificial block. Behind them, erect in light-coloured robes, stands the priest. He holds the sword with which he will slaughter the bull. All around, solemn, bearded men, leaning on their shields, their lances ready, are watching the ceremony intently."
On one occasion, when he had once more written till all hours of the night -- the ugly little smoky kerosene lamp had nearly burnt out and I was still awake -- I asked him bluntly what was going to be the end of all this work.
Instead of answering, he handed me a couple of hastily scribbled sheets. Astounded, I read: "Holy Mountain in the background, before it the mighty sacrificial block surrounded by huge oaks; two powerful warriors hold the black bull, which is to be sacrificed, firmly by the horns, and press the beast's mighty head against the hollow in the sacrificial block. Behind them, erect in light-coloured robes, stands the priest. He holds the sword with which he will slaughter the bull. All around, solemn, bearded men, leaning on their shields, their lances ready, are watching the ceremony intently."
I could not see any connection between this extraordinary description and the study of architecture, so I asked what it was supposed to be.
"A play," replied Adolf.
Then, in stirring words, he described the action to me.
Unfortunately, I have long since forgotten it. I only remember that it was set in the Bavarian mountains at the time of the bringing of Christianity to those parts.
The men who lived on the mountain did not want to accept the new faith. On the contrary! They had bound themselves by oath to kill the Christian missionaries. On this was based the conflict of the drama.
Unfortunately, I have long since forgotten it. I only remember that it was set in the Bavarian mountains at the time of the bringing of Christianity to those parts.
The men who lived on the mountain did not want to accept the new faith. On the contrary! They had bound themselves by oath to kill the Christian missionaries. On this was based the conflict of the drama.
I would have liked to have asked Adolf whether his studies in the Academy left him so much free time that he could write dramas, too, but I knew how sensitive he was about everything appertaining to his chosen profession.
I could appreciate his attitude, because certainly he had struggled hard enough to get his chance to study. I suppose that is what made him so touchy in this respect. But, nevertheless, there seemed to me something not quite right about it all.
I could appreciate his attitude, because certainly he had struggled hard enough to get his chance to study. I suppose that is what made him so touchy in this respect. But, nevertheless, there seemed to me something not quite right about it all.
His mood worried me more and more as the days went by. I had never known him torment himself in this way before.
On the contrary! In my opinion, he possessed rather too much than too little self-confidence. But now things seemed to have changed round. He wallowed deeper and deeper in self-criticism. Yet it only needed the slightest touch -- as when one flicks on the electric light and everything becomes brilliantly clear -- for his self-accusation to become an accusation against the times, against the whole world; choking with his catalogue of hates, he would pour his fury over everything, against mankind in general who did not understand him, who did not appreciate him and by whom he was persecuted. I see him before me, striding up and down the small space in boundless anger, shaken to his very depths.
I sat at the piano with my fingers motionless on the keyboard and listened to him, upset by his hymn of hate, and yet worried about him, for his ranting at the bare walls was heard only by me, and perhaps by Frau Zakreys working in the kitchen, who would be worrying about whether the crazed young man would be able to produce his next month's rent.
But those at whom these burning words were directed, they did not hear him at all. So of what use was all the great display?
On the contrary! In my opinion, he possessed rather too much than too little self-confidence. But now things seemed to have changed round. He wallowed deeper and deeper in self-criticism. Yet it only needed the slightest touch -- as when one flicks on the electric light and everything becomes brilliantly clear -- for his self-accusation to become an accusation against the times, against the whole world; choking with his catalogue of hates, he would pour his fury over everything, against mankind in general who did not understand him, who did not appreciate him and by whom he was persecuted. I see him before me, striding up and down the small space in boundless anger, shaken to his very depths.
I sat at the piano with my fingers motionless on the keyboard and listened to him, upset by his hymn of hate, and yet worried about him, for his ranting at the bare walls was heard only by me, and perhaps by Frau Zakreys working in the kitchen, who would be worrying about whether the crazed young man would be able to produce his next month's rent.
But those at whom these burning words were directed, they did not hear him at all. So of what use was all the great display?
Suddenly, however, in the middle of this hate-ridden harangue where he challenged a whole epoch, one sentence revealed to me how deep was the abyss on whose edge he was tottering.
"I shall give up Stefanie."
These were the most terrible words he could utter, for Stefanie was the only creature on God's earth whom he excepted from this infamous humanity -- a being who, made radiant by his glowing love, gave his tormented existence sense and purpose.
His father dead, his mother dead, his only sister still a child, what was there left to him ?
He had no family, no home; only his love, only Stefanie in the midst of all his sufferings and catastrophes had remained steadfastly by his side -- admittedly only in his imagination.
Until now this imagination had been strong enough to be a help to him. But in the spiritual convulsion through which he was now passing, apparently even this obstinately held conviction had broken down.
These were the most terrible words he could utter, for Stefanie was the only creature on God's earth whom he excepted from this infamous humanity -- a being who, made radiant by his glowing love, gave his tormented existence sense and purpose.
His father dead, his mother dead, his only sister still a child, what was there left to him ?
He had no family, no home; only his love, only Stefanie in the midst of all his sufferings and catastrophes had remained steadfastly by his side -- admittedly only in his imagination.
Until now this imagination had been strong enough to be a help to him. But in the spiritual convulsion through which he was now passing, apparently even this obstinately held conviction had broken down.
"I thought you were going to write to her ?" I interposed, meaning to help him by this suggestion.
He brushed my remark away with an impatient gesture (it was only forty years later that I learned that he really had written to her then), and then came words that I had never before heard him utter:
"It's mad to wait for her. Certainly Mama has already picked out the man for Stefanie to marry. Love? They won't worry about that. A good match, that's all that matters. And I'm a poor match, at least in the eyes of Mama."
Then came a furious reckoning with the "Mama," with everybody who belonged to these fine circles who, through cleverly arranged marriages among themselves, continue to enjoy their unmerited social privileges.
I gave up the attempt to practise the piano, and went to bed, while Adolf became absorbed in his books.
I still remember how shocked I was then. If Adolf could no longer cling to the thought of Stefanie, whatever would become of him?
I still remember how shocked I was then. If Adolf could no longer cling to the thought of Stefanie, whatever would become of him?
My feelings were divided: on the one hand, I was glad that he was finally released from this hopeless love for Stefanie, and on the other hand, I knew that Stefanie was his only ideal, the only thing that kept him going and gave his life an aim.
The next day, for a trifling reason, there was a bitter row between us.
I had to practise, Adolf wanted to read. As it was raining he could not go off to Schönbrunn.
I had to practise, Adolf wanted to read. As it was raining he could not go off to Schönbrunn.
"This eternal strumming," he shouted at me, "One's never safe from it."
"It's quite simple," I answered, and getting up took my timetable out of my music case, and with a drawing pin fixed it on the cupboard door. Now he could see exactly when I was out, when not, and just when my hours for practising were. "And now hang your timetable under it," I added. Timetable! He didn't need any such thing. He kept his timetable in his head. That was good enough for him and it had to be good enough for me.
I shrugged my shoulders doubtfully. His work was anything but systematic. He worked practically only at night; in the morning he slept.
I had quickly settled into the life of the Conservatory, and my teachers were satisfied with my work -- more than satisfied, as was shown by their offering me the extra coaching. Naturally, I was proud of it, and certainly a bit conceited.
Music is perhaps the one art where a lack of formal education does not seem to matter so much. So, pleased with myself, and contented, I set off happily every morning for the Conservatory. But just this sureness of purpose, this certainty of success, awoke in Adolf the most bitter comparisons, although he never mentioned it.
Music is perhaps the one art where a lack of formal education does not seem to matter so much. So, pleased with myself, and contented, I set off happily every morning for the Conservatory. But just this sureness of purpose, this certainty of success, awoke in Adolf the most bitter comparisons, although he never mentioned it.
So now, the sight of the timetable stuck on the wall, which must have seemed to him like an officially accredited guarantee for my future, brought about an explosion.
"This Academy," he screamed, "a lot of old-fashioned fossilized civil servants, bureaucrats, devoid of understanding, stupid lumps of officials. The whole Academy ought to be blown up !" His face was livid, the mouth quite small, the lips almost white. But the eyes glittered. There was something sinister about them. As if all the hate of which he was capable lay in those glowing eyes!
I was just going to point out that those men of the Academy on whom he so lightly passed judgment in his measureless hatred were, after all, his teachers and professors, from whom he could certainly learn something. But he forestalled me.
"They rejected me, they threw me out, they turned me down."
I was shocked. So that was it. Adolf did not go to the Academy at all.
Now I understood a good deal that had puzzled me about him.
Now I understood a good deal that had puzzled me about him.
I felt his hard luck deeply, and asked him whether he had told his mother that the Academy had not accepted him.
"What are you thinking of ?" he replied. "How could I burden my dying mother with this worry ?"
I could not help but agree.
For a while we were both silent.
Perhaps Adolf was thinking of his mother.
Then I tried to give the conversation a practical turn.
Perhaps Adolf was thinking of his mother.
Then I tried to give the conversation a practical turn.
"And what now ?" I asked him.
"What now, what now," he repeated irritably. "Are you starting too -- what now ?"
He must have asked himself this question a hundred times and more, because he had certainly not discussed it with anyone else.
"What now ?" he mocked my anxious inquiry again, and instead of answering, sat himself down at the table and surrounded himself with his books. "What now ?"
Then he adjusted the lamp, took up one of the books, opened it and began to read.
I made to take the timetable down from the cupboard door.
He raised his head, saw it and said calmly, "Never mind."
He raised his head, saw it and said calmly, "Never mind."
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
We often saw the old Emperor when he rode in his carriage from Schönbrunn through the Mariahilferstrasse to the Hofburg.On such occasions Adolf did not make much ado about it, neither did he refer to it later, for he was not interested in the Emperor as a person but only in the State which be represented, the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
All my recollections of life in Vienna are sharpened by contrasts, and are thus more clearly etched in my memory. Indeed, in the course of the turbulent year 1908, there took place two political events which agitated the people.
On the one hand, there was the Emperor's Diamond Jubilee.
On the other, there was the annexation of Bosnia, decreed in connection with the Jubilee, a matter which caused heated arguments among the citizens.
This extension of the external power of the country only revealed its weakness within, and soon all the signs were of war. In fact, the events which took place in 1914 might easily have happened then, six years earlier.
It was no mere coincidence that the 1914/18 war actually had its origins in Sarajevo.
On the other, there was the annexation of Bosnia, decreed in connection with the Jubilee, a matter which caused heated arguments among the citizens.
This extension of the external power of the country only revealed its weakness within, and soon all the signs were of war. In fact, the events which took place in 1914 might easily have happened then, six years earlier.
The people of Vienna, among whom we two unknown youngsters were living, were at that time torn between loyalty to the old Emperor and anxiety about the threatening war.
Everywhere we noticed a deep chasm between the social classes.
There was the vast mass of the lower classes who often had not enough to eat and merely existed in miserable dwellings without light or sun. In view of our standards of living, we unhesitatingly included ourselves in this category.
It was not necessary for us to go out to study the mass misery of the city -- it was brought into our own home. Our own damp and crumbling walls, bug-infested furniture and the unpleasant odour of kerosene were typical of the surroundings in which hundreds of thousands of people in this city lived.
When we went with empty stomachs into the centre of the city, we saw the splendid mansions of the nobility with garishly attired servants in front, and the sumptuous hotels in which Vienna's rich society -- the old nobility, the captains of industry, landowners and magnates -- held their lavish parties; poverty, need, hunger on the one side, and reckless enjoyment of life, sensuality and prodigal luxury on the other.
There was the vast mass of the lower classes who often had not enough to eat and merely existed in miserable dwellings without light or sun. In view of our standards of living, we unhesitatingly included ourselves in this category.
It was not necessary for us to go out to study the mass misery of the city -- it was brought into our own home. Our own damp and crumbling walls, bug-infested furniture and the unpleasant odour of kerosene were typical of the surroundings in which hundreds of thousands of people in this city lived.
When we went with empty stomachs into the centre of the city, we saw the splendid mansions of the nobility with garishly attired servants in front, and the sumptuous hotels in which Vienna's rich society -- the old nobility, the captains of industry, landowners and magnates -- held their lavish parties; poverty, need, hunger on the one side, and reckless enjoyment of life, sensuality and prodigal luxury on the other.
I was too homesick to draw any political inferences from these contrasts. But Adolf, homeless, rejected by the Academy, without any chance of changing his miserable position, developed during this period an ever growing sense of rebellion.
The obvious social injustice which caused him almost physical suffering also roused in him a demoniacal hatred of that unearned wealth, presumptuous and arrogant, which we saw around us.
Only by violently protesting against this state of affairs was he able to bear his own "dog's life." To be sure, it was largely his own fault that he was in this position; but this he would never admit. Even more than from hunger, he suffered from the lack of cleanliness, as he was almost pathologically sensitive about anything concerning the body.
At all costs, he would keep his linen and clothing clean.
No one, meeting this carefully dressed young man in the street, would have thought that he went hungry every day, and lived in a hopelessly bug-infested back room in the Sixth District.
It was more the lack of cleanliness in the surroundings in which he was forced to live than the lack of food which provoked his inner protests against the prevailing social conditions.
The old Imperial City, with its atmosphere of false glamour and spurious romance and its now evident inner decay, was the ground on which his social and political opinions grew.
All that he later became was born of this dying Imperial Vienna.
Although he wrote later, "The name of this city of lotus eaters represents for me five years of misery and distress," this statement shows only the negative side of his experience in Vienna. The positive side was that his constant revolt against the existing social order produced his political philosophy to which little was added in later years.
The obvious social injustice which caused him almost physical suffering also roused in him a demoniacal hatred of that unearned wealth, presumptuous and arrogant, which we saw around us.
Only by violently protesting against this state of affairs was he able to bear his own "dog's life." To be sure, it was largely his own fault that he was in this position; but this he would never admit. Even more than from hunger, he suffered from the lack of cleanliness, as he was almost pathologically sensitive about anything concerning the body.
At all costs, he would keep his linen and clothing clean.
No one, meeting this carefully dressed young man in the street, would have thought that he went hungry every day, and lived in a hopelessly bug-infested back room in the Sixth District.
It was more the lack of cleanliness in the surroundings in which he was forced to live than the lack of food which provoked his inner protests against the prevailing social conditions.
The old Imperial City, with its atmosphere of false glamour and spurious romance and its now evident inner decay, was the ground on which his social and political opinions grew.
All that he later became was born of this dying Imperial Vienna.
Although he wrote later, "The name of this city of lotus eaters represents for me five years of misery and distress," this statement shows only the negative side of his experience in Vienna. The positive side was that his constant revolt against the existing social order produced his political philosophy to which little was added in later years.
In spite of his sympathetic interest in the poverty of the masses, he never sought direct contact with the inhabitants of the Imperial City.
He profoundly disliked the typical Viennese.
To begin with, he could not stand their soft, though melodious accent, and he even preferred the clumsy German spoken by Frau Zakreys.
Above all, he hated the subservience and dumb indifference of the Viennese, their eternal muddling through, their reckless improvidence.
His own character was just the opposite.
As far as I can remember, Adolf was always very reserved, simply because he disliked any physical contact with people; but within him everything was in a ferment and urged him on to radical and total solutions.
How sarcastic he was about the Viennese partiality to wine, and how he despised them for it! Only once did we go to the Prater pleasure gardens, and this only out of curiosity.
He could not understand why people wasted their precious time with such nonsense. When he heard people laughing uproariously at some sideshow, he would shake his head, full of indignation at so much stupidity, and ask me angrily if I could understand it.
In his opinion, they must have been laughing at themselves, which he could well understand. In addition, he was disgusted at the medley of Viennese, Czechs, Magyars, Slovaks, Rumanians, Croats, Italians and God knows what else which surged through the Prater 9 (see right). To him, the Prater was nothing but a Viennese Babel. There was here a strange contradiction which always struck me: all his thoughts and ambitions were directed towards the problem of how to help the masses, the simple, decent, but underprivileged people, with whom he identified himself -- they were ever-present in his thoughts.
But in actual fact he always avoided any contact with people. The motley crowd in the Prater was physically repugnant to him; however much he felt for the little man, he always kept him at the greatest possible distance.
On the other hand, the arrogance of the ruling classes was equally alien to him, and he understood even less the apathy and resignation which in those years was gaining a hold on the leading intellectuals.=
He profoundly disliked the typical Viennese.
To begin with, he could not stand their soft, though melodious accent, and he even preferred the clumsy German spoken by Frau Zakreys.
Above all, he hated the subservience and dumb indifference of the Viennese, their eternal muddling through, their reckless improvidence.
His own character was just the opposite.
As far as I can remember, Adolf was always very reserved, simply because he disliked any physical contact with people; but within him everything was in a ferment and urged him on to radical and total solutions.
How sarcastic he was about the Viennese partiality to wine, and how he despised them for it! Only once did we go to the Prater pleasure gardens, and this only out of curiosity.
He could not understand why people wasted their precious time with such nonsense. When he heard people laughing uproariously at some sideshow, he would shake his head, full of indignation at so much stupidity, and ask me angrily if I could understand it.
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| © Copyright Peter Crawford 2012 |
On the other hand, the arrogance of the ruling classes was equally alien to him, and he understood even less the apathy and resignation which in those years was gaining a hold on the leading intellectuals.=
The knowledge that the end of the Hapsburg State was inevitable had bred, especially among the traditional upholders of the Monarchy, a kind of fatalism which accepted whatever might befall, with the typically Viennese "there's nothing one can do about it."
This bittersweet tone of resignation prevailed also among Vienna's poets; for instance, (Rilke see left), Hofmannstahl (see right), Wildgans -- names which never reached us, not because we had no appreciation of the words of a poet, but because the mood which prompted the work of those poets was foreign to us; we had come from the country and were nearer to nature than were the townsfolk.
In addition, we were of a different generation from those weary and resigned people.
While the hopeless social conditions in their apparent inevitability produced in the older generation nothing but apathy and complete indifference, they forced the younger generation into racial criticism and violent opposition.
And Adolf, too, felt the urgent need to criticise and counterattack.
He did not know what resignation meant.
He who resigned, he thought, lost his right to live.
But he dissociated himself from his contemporaries, who were at that time very arrogant and turbulent, and went his own way, refusing to join any of the then existing political parties. Although he always felt a sense of responsibility for everything that happened he was always a lonely and solitary man, determined to rely upon himself only, and to reach his goal.
This bittersweet tone of resignation prevailed also among Vienna's poets; for instance, (Rilke see left), Hofmannstahl (see right), Wildgans -- names which never reached us, not because we had no appreciation of the words of a poet, but because the mood which prompted the work of those poets was foreign to us; we had come from the country and were nearer to nature than were the townsfolk.In addition, we were of a different generation from those weary and resigned people.
While the hopeless social conditions in their apparent inevitability produced in the older generation nothing but apathy and complete indifference, they forced the younger generation into racial criticism and violent opposition.
And Adolf, too, felt the urgent need to criticise and counterattack.
He did not know what resignation meant.
He who resigned, he thought, lost his right to live.
But he dissociated himself from his contemporaries, who were at that time very arrogant and turbulent, and went his own way, refusing to join any of the then existing political parties. Although he always felt a sense of responsibility for everything that happened he was always a lonely and solitary man, determined to rely upon himself only, and to reach his goal.
One other thing should be mentioned -- Adolf's visit to the typical working-class district of Meidling.
Although he never told me exactly why he went there, I knew that he wanted to study personally the housing and living conditions of the workers' families.
He was not interested in any individual; he only wanted to know the ways of the class as a whole. He, therefore, made no acquaintances in Meidling, his aim being to study a cross section of the community quite impersonally.
Although he never told me exactly why he went there, I knew that he wanted to study personally the housing and living conditions of the workers' families.
He was not interested in any individual; he only wanted to know the ways of the class as a whole. He, therefore, made no acquaintances in Meidling, his aim being to study a cross section of the community quite impersonally.
However much he avoided close contact with people, he had nevertheless grown fond of Vienna as a city; he could have lived quite happily without the people, but never without the city.
Small wonder, then, that the few people whom he came later to know in Vienna thought of him as a lone wolf and an eccentric, and regarded as pretence or arrogance his refined speech, his distinguished manners and his elegant bearing, which belied his obvious poverty. In fact, the young Hitler made no friends in Vienna.
Small wonder, then, that the few people whom he came later to know in Vienna thought of him as a lone wolf and an eccentric, and regarded as pretence or arrogance his refined speech, his distinguished manners and his elegant bearing, which belied his obvious poverty. In fact, the young Hitler made no friends in Vienna.
All the more enthusiastic was he about what people had built in Vienna.
Think only of the Ringstrasse ! (see left)
When he saw it for the first time, with its fabulous buildings, it seemed to him the realisation of his boldest artistic dreams, and it took him a long time to digest this overwhelming impression. Only gradually did he find his way about this magnificent exhibition of modern architecture. I often had to accompany him on his strolls along the Ring.
Then he would describe to me at some length this or that building, pointing out certain details, or he would explain to me its origins.
He would literally spend hours in front of it, forgetting not only the time but all that went on around him. I could not understand the reason for these long drawn out and complicated inspections; after all, he had seen everything before, and already knew more about it than most of the inhabitants of the city.
When I occasionally became impatient, he shouted at me rudely, asking whether I was his real friend or not; if I was, I should share his interests. Then he continued with his dissertation.
At home he would draw for me ground plans and sectional plans, or enlarge upon some interesting detail.
He borrowed books on the origin of various buildings, the Hof Opera (see right), the House of Parliament (see left), the Burg Theatre, the Karlskirche, the Hof Museums, the Town Hall; he brought home more and more books, among them a general handbook of architecture. He showed me the various architectural styles, and particularly pointed out to me that some of the details on the buildings of the Ringstrasse demonstrated the excellent workmanship of local craftsmen.
When he saw it for the first time, with its fabulous buildings, it seemed to him the realisation of his boldest artistic dreams, and it took him a long time to digest this overwhelming impression. Only gradually did he find his way about this magnificent exhibition of modern architecture. I often had to accompany him on his strolls along the Ring.
Then he would describe to me at some length this or that building, pointing out certain details, or he would explain to me its origins.
He would literally spend hours in front of it, forgetting not only the time but all that went on around him. I could not understand the reason for these long drawn out and complicated inspections; after all, he had seen everything before, and already knew more about it than most of the inhabitants of the city.
When I occasionally became impatient, he shouted at me rudely, asking whether I was his real friend or not; if I was, I should share his interests. Then he continued with his dissertation.
At home he would draw for me ground plans and sectional plans, or enlarge upon some interesting detail.He borrowed books on the origin of various buildings, the Hof Opera (see right), the House of Parliament (see left), the Burg Theatre, the Karlskirche, the Hof Museums, the Town Hall; he brought home more and more books, among them a general handbook of architecture. He showed me the various architectural styles, and particularly pointed out to me that some of the details on the buildings of the Ringstrasse demonstrated the excellent workmanship of local craftsmen.
When he wished to study a certain building, the external appearance alone did not satisfy him. I was always astonished how well informed he was about side doors, staircases, and even back doors and little-known means of access.
He approached a building from all sides; he hated nothing more than splendid and ostentatious facades intended to conceal some fault in the layout.
Beautiful facades were always suspect.
Plaster, he thought, was an inferior material that no architect should use.
He was never deceived, and often was able to show me that some construction which aimed at mere visual effect was just bluff.
Thus, the Ringstrasse became for him an object by which he could measure his architectural knowledge and demonstrate his opinions.
He approached a building from all sides; he hated nothing more than splendid and ostentatious facades intended to conceal some fault in the layout.
Beautiful facades were always suspect.
Plaster, he thought, was an inferior material that no architect should use.
He was never deceived, and often was able to show me that some construction which aimed at mere visual effect was just bluff.
Thus, the Ringstrasse became for him an object by which he could measure his architectural knowledge and demonstrate his opinions.
I thought these observations were the idle play of an overheated imagination, but nevertheless I always had to take part in such experiments.
We sometimes went there during an interval at the Hof Opera in order to admire in the darkness the fantastically illuminated fountains. That was a spectacle after our own hearts. Incessantly the foaming water rose, coloured red, yellow and blue in turn by the various spotlights. Colour and movement combined to produce an incredible abundance of light effects, casting an unreal and unearthy spell over the whole square.
To be sure, Adolf, influenced by the Ringstrasse architecture, was also interested in great projects during his time in Vienna: concert halls, theatres, museums, palaces. exhibitions. But gradually his style of planning changed.
In the first place, these monumental buildings were in a certain sense so perfect that even he, with his unbridled will to build, could find no room for change or improvement. Linz had been quite different in this respect.
With the exception of the massive pile of the old Castle (see left), he had been completely dissatisfied with every building he had seen in Linz.
Small wonder, therefore, that he planned a new and more dignified successor to the old town hall of Linz which was rather narrow and, squeezed in among the houses of the main square, was not very imposing; and that in the end, during our strolls through the town, he rebuilt the whole city.
Vienna was different, not only because it was difficult for him to conceive as a unit the enormous dimensions of the city, but also because with growing political understanding, he became increasingly aware of the necessity for healthy and suitable housing for the masses of the population.
In Linz it had never been a matter of great concern to him how these people, who would be affected by his great building projects, would react to them.
In Vienna, however, he began to build for people. What he explained to me in long, nocturnal discussions, what he drew and planned, was no longer, as it had been in Linz, building for building's sake, but conscientious planning which took into account the needs and requirements of the occupiers.
In Linz, it was still purely architectural building; in Vienna, social building; that is how one could describe his progress. This was also due to the merely external factor that Adolf had been fairly comfortable in Linz, especially in the pleasant apartment in Urfahr.
Now, in contrast, in the gloomy sunless back room of the Stumpergasse in Vienna, he felt every morning when he awoke, looking at the bare walls and depressing view, that building was not, as he had thought hitherto, mostly a matter of show and prestige, but rather a problem of public health, of how to remove the masses from their miserable hovels.
In the first place, these monumental buildings were in a certain sense so perfect that even he, with his unbridled will to build, could find no room for change or improvement. Linz had been quite different in this respect.
Small wonder, therefore, that he planned a new and more dignified successor to the old town hall of Linz which was rather narrow and, squeezed in among the houses of the main square, was not very imposing; and that in the end, during our strolls through the town, he rebuilt the whole city.
Vienna was different, not only because it was difficult for him to conceive as a unit the enormous dimensions of the city, but also because with growing political understanding, he became increasingly aware of the necessity for healthy and suitable housing for the masses of the population.
In Linz it had never been a matter of great concern to him how these people, who would be affected by his great building projects, would react to them.
In Vienna, however, he began to build for people. What he explained to me in long, nocturnal discussions, what he drew and planned, was no longer, as it had been in Linz, building for building's sake, but conscientious planning which took into account the needs and requirements of the occupiers.
In Linz, it was still purely architectural building; in Vienna, social building; that is how one could describe his progress. This was also due to the merely external factor that Adolf had been fairly comfortable in Linz, especially in the pleasant apartment in Urfahr.
Now, in contrast, in the gloomy sunless back room of the Stumpergasse in Vienna, he felt every morning when he awoke, looking at the bare walls and depressing view, that building was not, as he had thought hitherto, mostly a matter of show and prestige, but rather a problem of public health, of how to remove the masses from their miserable hovels.
Adolf had told me that during the past winter when he was still alone in Vienna, he had often been to warmed public rooms in order to save fuel, of which his inadequate stove consumed large quantities without giving much heat.
There, one could sit in a warmed room without payment, and there were plenty of newspapers available. I suppose that Adolf, in his conversations with the people who frequented these places, gained his first depressing insight into the scandalous housing conditions of the metropolis.
There, one could sit in a warmed room without payment, and there were plenty of newspapers available. I suppose that Adolf, in his conversations with the people who frequented these places, gained his first depressing insight into the scandalous housing conditions of the metropolis.
In our hunt for lodgings which, so to speak, heralded my entry into Vienna, I had had a foretaste of the misery, distress and filth that awaited us.
Through dark, foul-smelling backyards, up and down stairs, through sordid and filthy hallways, past doors behind which adults and children huddled together in a small sunless room, the human beings as decayed and miserable as their surroundings -- this impression has remained unforgettably with me, just as the reverse side of the medal, that in the one house which might have come up to our sanitary and aesthetic standards, we met that acme of viciousness which, in the person of the seductive "Mrs. Potiphar," seemed to us more repulsive than the wretchedness of the poor people.
There followed those nocturnal hours in which Adolf, striding up and down between door and piano, explained to me in powerful words the causes of these squalid housing conditions.
Through dark, foul-smelling backyards, up and down stairs, through sordid and filthy hallways, past doors behind which adults and children huddled together in a small sunless room, the human beings as decayed and miserable as their surroundings -- this impression has remained unforgettably with me, just as the reverse side of the medal, that in the one house which might have come up to our sanitary and aesthetic standards, we met that acme of viciousness which, in the person of the seductive "Mrs. Potiphar," seemed to us more repulsive than the wretchedness of the poor people.
There followed those nocturnal hours in which Adolf, striding up and down between door and piano, explained to me in powerful words the causes of these squalid housing conditions.
He started with the house in which we ourselves were living. On an area which was hardly large enough for an ordinary garden, there were tightly packed three buildings, each in the others' way and robbing each other of light, air and elbow room.
And why? Because the man who bought the ground wanted to make as large a profit as possible. He therefore had to build as compactly as possible and as high as possible, because the more of these boxlike compartments he could pile one on top of the other, the more income he received. The tenant, in his turn, has to get from his apartment as much value as he can, and therefore sublets some of the rooms, usually the best ones; take, for instance, our good Frau Zakreys. And the subtenants crowd together in order to have room available for a lodger. So each one wants to make a profit out of the other, and the result is that all except the landlord have not enough living space.
The basement flats are also a scandal, getting no light, sun or air. If this is unbearable for grownups, for children it is deadly.
Adolf's lecture ended in a furious attack on the real estate speculators and the exploiting landlords.
One word which I heard for the first time on that occasion still rings in my ears: These "professional landlords" who make a living from the awful housing condition of the masses. The poor tenant usually never meets his landlord, as the latter does not live in these tenements he owns -- God forbids -- but somewhere in the suburbs, in Hietzing or Grinzing, in luxurious villas where they enjoy in abundance that of which they deprive others.
The basement flats are also a scandal, getting no light, sun or air. If this is unbearable for grownups, for children it is deadly.
Adolf's lecture ended in a furious attack on the real estate speculators and the exploiting landlords.
One word which I heard for the first time on that occasion still rings in my ears: These "professional landlords" who make a living from the awful housing condition of the masses. The poor tenant usually never meets his landlord, as the latter does not live in these tenements he owns -- God forbids -- but somewhere in the suburbs, in Hietzing or Grinzing, in luxurious villas where they enjoy in abundance that of which they deprive others.
Another day Adolf made his observations from the tenant's angle.
What were such a poor devil's minimum needs for a decent home? Light-the houses must be detached. There must be gardens, playgrounds for the children -- air -- the sky must be visible; something green, a modest piece of nature. But look at our back building, he said. The sun shines only on the roof. The air -- of that we would rather not speak. The water -- there is one single tap outside on the landing, to which eight families have to come with their pails and jugs. The whole floor has one highly unsanitary lavatory in common, and it is almost necessary to take one's turn in a queue. And on top of all that, the bugs!
What were such a poor devil's minimum needs for a decent home? Light-the houses must be detached. There must be gardens, playgrounds for the children -- air -- the sky must be visible; something green, a modest piece of nature. But look at our back building, he said. The sun shines only on the roof. The air -- of that we would rather not speak. The water -- there is one single tap outside on the landing, to which eight families have to come with their pails and jugs. The whole floor has one highly unsanitary lavatory in common, and it is almost necessary to take one's turn in a queue. And on top of all that, the bugs!
When, during the weeks that followed -- I had learned in the meantime that he had been rejected by the Academy -- I asked Adolf occasionally where he was during the day, he answered: "I am working on the solution of the housing problem in Vienna, and I am doing certain research for this purpose; I therefore have to go around a lot."
During that period he would often pore over his plans and drawings throughout the night, but he never spoke about it, nor did I ask him any more questions. But suddenly, I think it was towards the end of March, he said: "I shall be away for three days."
He returned on the fourth day, dead tired.
Goodness knows where he had been, where he had slept and how hungry he had been! From his scanty reports I gathered that he had approached Vienna from some outlying point, perhaps from Stockerau or from the Marchfeld, to gain an idea of the land available for the purpose of relieving the city's congestion.
He worked all night again, and then, at long last, he showed me the project.
In the first place, some simple ground plans, workers' flats with the minimum requirements: kitchen, living room, separate bedrooms for parents and children, water laid on in the kitchen, lavatory and, at that time an unheard-of innovation, a bath.
Then Adolf showed me his plans for various types of houses, neatly sketched in India ink.
I remember them so clearly because for weeks these sketches were hanging on our walls, and Adolf returned repeatedly to the subject.
In our airless and sunless subtenants' existence, I realised more sharply the contrast between our own surroundings and Adolf's attractive light and airy houses. For, as my glance wandered away from these pretty sketches, it fell on the crumbling, badly distempered wall which still showed traces of our nightly bug hunt. This vivid contrast has indelibly printed on my memory the vast and grandiose plans of my friend.
Goodness knows where he had been, where he had slept and how hungry he had been! From his scanty reports I gathered that he had approached Vienna from some outlying point, perhaps from Stockerau or from the Marchfeld, to gain an idea of the land available for the purpose of relieving the city's congestion.
He worked all night again, and then, at long last, he showed me the project.
In the first place, some simple ground plans, workers' flats with the minimum requirements: kitchen, living room, separate bedrooms for parents and children, water laid on in the kitchen, lavatory and, at that time an unheard-of innovation, a bath.
Then Adolf showed me his plans for various types of houses, neatly sketched in India ink.
I remember them so clearly because for weeks these sketches were hanging on our walls, and Adolf returned repeatedly to the subject.
In our airless and sunless subtenants' existence, I realised more sharply the contrast between our own surroundings and Adolf's attractive light and airy houses. For, as my glance wandered away from these pretty sketches, it fell on the crumbling, badly distempered wall which still showed traces of our nightly bug hunt. This vivid contrast has indelibly printed on my memory the vast and grandiose plans of my friend.
"The tenements will be demolished."
With this pithy pronouncement Adolf began his work.
I should have been surprised had it been otherwise, as in everything he planned, he went all out and detested half measures and compromise -- life itself would bring these. But his task was to solve the problem radically -- that is to say, from the roots.
Private speculation in land would be forbidden. Areas along both banks of the Danube would be added to the open spaces resulting from the demolition of the working-class districts, and wide roads would be laid across the whole.
The vast building area would be provided with a network of railway lines. Instead of big railway stations, there would be suitably scattered over the whole territory, and connected with the town centre, a series of small local stations which would cater for specified districts and offer favourable speedy communication between home and place of work.
The motorcar at that time had not been envisaged as an important means of transport. The streets of Vienna were still dominated by the horsedrawn fiacre. The bicycle was only slowly becoming a cheap and practical means of travel. Only the railways were, is those days, able to provide transport for the masses.
With this pithy pronouncement Adolf began his work.
I should have been surprised had it been otherwise, as in everything he planned, he went all out and detested half measures and compromise -- life itself would bring these. But his task was to solve the problem radically -- that is to say, from the roots.
Private speculation in land would be forbidden. Areas along both banks of the Danube would be added to the open spaces resulting from the demolition of the working-class districts, and wide roads would be laid across the whole.
The vast building area would be provided with a network of railway lines. Instead of big railway stations, there would be suitably scattered over the whole territory, and connected with the town centre, a series of small local stations which would cater for specified districts and offer favourable speedy communication between home and place of work.
The motorcar at that time had not been envisaged as an important means of transport. The streets of Vienna were still dominated by the horsedrawn fiacre. The bicycle was only slowly becoming a cheap and practical means of travel. Only the railways were, is those days, able to provide transport for the masses.
Adolf's design was by no means concerned with the one family or owner-occupier type of house, as is being built today, nor was he interested in "settlement."
His idea was still based on the old type of tenement house, carved up into fractions.
Thus came into being as his smallest unit the fourfamily house, a one-storied, well-proportioned structure, containing two flats on the ground floor and two on the first floor.
This basic unit was the prevailing type. Where conditions required, from four to eight of these units were to be combined to form housing blocks for eight or sixteen families, but these blocks, too, remained "near the ground," that is to say, they still consisted of one story only, and were surrounded by gardens, playing grounds and groups of trees. The sixteen-family house was the limit.
His idea was still based on the old type of tenement house, carved up into fractions.
Thus came into being as his smallest unit the fourfamily house, a one-storied, well-proportioned structure, containing two flats on the ground floor and two on the first floor.
This basic unit was the prevailing type. Where conditions required, from four to eight of these units were to be combined to form housing blocks for eight or sixteen families, but these blocks, too, remained "near the ground," that is to say, they still consisted of one story only, and were surrounded by gardens, playing grounds and groups of trees. The sixteen-family house was the limit.
Having designed the types of house necessary to relieve the congestion in the town, my friend could now turn his attention to the problem itself.
On a big map of the town, which was too large for the table and had to be spread out on the piano, Adolf laid out the network of railways and roads. Industrial centres were marked, residential districts suitably located. I was always in his way when he was engaged on this vast planning job.
There was, indeed, not a square foot of space in the room that was not utilised for this task. If Adolf had not pursued his course with such grim determination, I would have regarded the whole thing as an interesting but idle pastime.
Actually, I was so depressed by our own bad housing that I became almost as fanatical as my friend, and that is no doubt the reason why so many details have remained in my memory.
On a big map of the town, which was too large for the table and had to be spread out on the piano, Adolf laid out the network of railways and roads. Industrial centres were marked, residential districts suitably located. I was always in his way when he was engaged on this vast planning job.
There was, indeed, not a square foot of space in the room that was not utilised for this task. If Adolf had not pursued his course with such grim determination, I would have regarded the whole thing as an interesting but idle pastime.
Actually, I was so depressed by our own bad housing that I became almost as fanatical as my friend, and that is no doubt the reason why so many details have remained in my memory.
In his way, Adolf thought of everything. I still remember that he was preoccupied with the problem of whether inns would be necessary or not in this new Vienna. Adolf was as radically opposed to alcohol as he was to nicotine. If one neither smoked nor drank, why should one go to an inn? In any case, he found for this new Vienna a solution which was as radical as it was bold: a new popular drink !
On one occasion in Linz I had to redecorate some rooms in the office building of the firm of Franck, who manufactured a coffee substitute.
Adolf came to see me there.
The firm provided the workers with an excellent iced beverage which cost only one heller a glass. Adolf liked this drink so much that he mentioned it again and again.
If one could provide every household, he said, with this cheap and wholesome beverage, or with similar nonalcoholic drinks, one could do without the inns.
When I remonstrated that the Viennese, from my knowledge of them, would be most unlikely to give up their wine, he replied brusquely, "You won't be asked !" as much as to say in other words "Nor will the Viennese either."
On one occasion in Linz I had to redecorate some rooms in the office building of the firm of Franck, who manufactured a coffee substitute.
Adolf came to see me there.
The firm provided the workers with an excellent iced beverage which cost only one heller a glass. Adolf liked this drink so much that he mentioned it again and again.
If one could provide every household, he said, with this cheap and wholesome beverage, or with similar nonalcoholic drinks, one could do without the inns.
When I remonstrated that the Viennese, from my knowledge of them, would be most unlikely to give up their wine, he replied brusquely, "You won't be asked !" as much as to say in other words "Nor will the Viennese either."
Adolf was particularly critical of those countries, and Austria was one of them, which had established a tobacco monopoly.
In this way, he argued, the State ruined the health of its own subjects; therefore all tobacco factories must be closed and the import of tobacco, cigars and cigarettes forbidden. But he did not find a substitute for tobacco as a companion to his "People's Drink."
In this way, he argued, the State ruined the health of its own subjects; therefore all tobacco factories must be closed and the import of tobacco, cigars and cigarettes forbidden. But he did not find a substitute for tobacco as a companion to his "People's Drink."
Altogether, the nearer Adolf came in his imagination to the realisation of his projects, the more utopian did the whole business become.
As long as it was only a matter of the basic principles of his planning, everything was quite reasonable; but when he thought out the details of its execution, Adolf juggled with ideas which seemed to me completely nebulous.
Having to pay ten of my father's hardearned crowns for a half share in a bug-ridden room, I had the fullest sympathy with the idea that in his new Vienna there should be no landlords and tenants.
The ground was to be owned by the state, and the houses were to be not private property but administered by a sort of housing cooperative.
One would pay no rent but instead a contribution to the building costs or the house, or a kind of housing tax. So far I could follow him.
But when I timidly asked him, "Yes, but in this way you cannot finance such an expensive building project. Who is going to pay for it ?" I provoked his most violent opposition.
Furiously, Adolf flung replies at me, of which I understood but little. Besides, I can hardly remember details of these explanations, which consisted almost entirely of abstract conceptions. But what remains in my memory were certain regularly recurring expressions which, the less they actually meant, the more they impressed me.
As long as it was only a matter of the basic principles of his planning, everything was quite reasonable; but when he thought out the details of its execution, Adolf juggled with ideas which seemed to me completely nebulous.
Having to pay ten of my father's hardearned crowns for a half share in a bug-ridden room, I had the fullest sympathy with the idea that in his new Vienna there should be no landlords and tenants.
The ground was to be owned by the state, and the houses were to be not private property but administered by a sort of housing cooperative.
One would pay no rent but instead a contribution to the building costs or the house, or a kind of housing tax. So far I could follow him.
But when I timidly asked him, "Yes, but in this way you cannot finance such an expensive building project. Who is going to pay for it ?" I provoked his most violent opposition.
Furiously, Adolf flung replies at me, of which I understood but little. Besides, I can hardly remember details of these explanations, which consisted almost entirely of abstract conceptions. But what remains in my memory were certain regularly recurring expressions which, the less they actually meant, the more they impressed me.
The principal problems of the whole project were to be solved, as Adolf put it, "in the Storm of the Revolution."
It was the first time that in our wretched dwelling this ponderous word was uttered.
I do not know if Adolf picked it up from his copious reading. At any rate, at the moment when his flight of ideas would come to a standstill, regularly the bold words "Storm of the Revolution" would crop up and give a new fillip to his thoughts, though he never paused to explain the phrase. It could mean, I found out, either nothing or everything.
For Adolf it was "everything," but for me "nothing," until he, with his hypnotic eloquence, had convinced me, too, that it only needed a tremendous revolutionary storm to break over the tired old earth to bring about all that which had long since been ready in his thoughts and plans, just as a mild rain in late summer brings the mushrooms springing up everywhere.
It was the first time that in our wretched dwelling this ponderous word was uttered.
I do not know if Adolf picked it up from his copious reading. At any rate, at the moment when his flight of ideas would come to a standstill, regularly the bold words "Storm of the Revolution" would crop up and give a new fillip to his thoughts, though he never paused to explain the phrase. It could mean, I found out, either nothing or everything.
For Adolf it was "everything," but for me "nothing," until he, with his hypnotic eloquence, had convinced me, too, that it only needed a tremendous revolutionary storm to break over the tired old earth to bring about all that which had long since been ready in his thoughts and plans, just as a mild rain in late summer brings the mushrooms springing up everywhere.
Another ever recurring expression was the "German Ideal State," which, together with the conception of the "Reich," was the dominating factor in his thinking.
This "Ideal State" was in its basic principles, both national and social, social above all in respect of the poverty of the masses of the working class.
More and more thoroughly, Adolf worked on the idea of a state which would give its due to the social requirements of our times.
But the idea remained vague and was largely determined by his reading.
Thus he chose the term, "Ideal State" -- most likely he had read it in one of his many books -- and left it to the future to develop the details of this ideal state, for the time being only sketched in general outline, but, of course, with the "Reich" as its final aim.
This "Ideal State" was in its basic principles, both national and social, social above all in respect of the poverty of the masses of the working class.
More and more thoroughly, Adolf worked on the idea of a state which would give its due to the social requirements of our times.
But the idea remained vague and was largely determined by his reading.
Thus he chose the term, "Ideal State" -- most likely he had read it in one of his many books -- and left it to the future to develop the details of this ideal state, for the time being only sketched in general outline, but, of course, with the "Reich" as its final aim.
This expression, too, embraced much that was still swirling around in his brain in a very unformed state.
But the eager study of political literature and visits to the House of Parliament (see left), to which he dragged me, too, gradually lent the expression "Social Reform" a concrete meaning.
One day, when the Storm of the Revolution broke and the Ideal State was born, the long overdue Social Reform would become reality.
This would be the moment to tear down the tenements of the "professional landlords," and to begin with the building of his model houses in the beautiful meadows behind Nussdorf.
This would be the moment to tear down the tenements of the "professional landlords," and to begin with the building of his model houses in the beautiful meadows behind Nussdorf.
I have dwelt so long on these plans of my friend's because I regard them as typical of the development of his character and his ideas during his sojourn in Vienna.
To be sure, I realised from the beginning that my friend would not remain indifferent to the misery of the masses of the metropolis, for I knew that he did not close his eyes to anything and that it was quite contrary to his nature to ignore any important phenomenon.
Yet I would never have believed that these experiences in the suburbs of Vienna would have stirred up his whole personality so enormously. For I had always thought of my friend as, basically, an artist, and would have understood if he had grown indignant in the face of the masses, who appeared to be hopelessly perishing in their misery, yet remained aloof from all this, so as not to be dragged down into the abyss by the city's inexorable fate.
I reckoned with his susceptibility, his aestheticism, his constant fear of physical contact with strangers -- he shook hands rarely and then only with a few people -- and I thought this would be sufficient to keep him at a distance from the masses.
This was only true of personal contacts. But with his whole, overflowing heart, he stood then in the ranks of the underprivileged.
It was not sympathy, in the ordinary sense, he felt for the disinherited.
That would not have been sufficient. He not only suffered with them, he lived for them and devoted all his thoughts to the salvation of these people from distress and poverty. No doubt this ardent desire for a total reorganisation of life was his personal response to his own fate, which had led him, step by step into misery. Only by his noble and grandiose work, which was intended "for everybody" and appealed to "all," did he find again his inner equilibrium.
he weeks of dark visions and grave depressions were past; he was again full of hope and courage.
To be sure, I realised from the beginning that my friend would not remain indifferent to the misery of the masses of the metropolis, for I knew that he did not close his eyes to anything and that it was quite contrary to his nature to ignore any important phenomenon.
Yet I would never have believed that these experiences in the suburbs of Vienna would have stirred up his whole personality so enormously. For I had always thought of my friend as, basically, an artist, and would have understood if he had grown indignant in the face of the masses, who appeared to be hopelessly perishing in their misery, yet remained aloof from all this, so as not to be dragged down into the abyss by the city's inexorable fate.
I reckoned with his susceptibility, his aestheticism, his constant fear of physical contact with strangers -- he shook hands rarely and then only with a few people -- and I thought this would be sufficient to keep him at a distance from the masses.
This was only true of personal contacts. But with his whole, overflowing heart, he stood then in the ranks of the underprivileged.
It was not sympathy, in the ordinary sense, he felt for the disinherited.
That would not have been sufficient. He not only suffered with them, he lived for them and devoted all his thoughts to the salvation of these people from distress and poverty. No doubt this ardent desire for a total reorganisation of life was his personal response to his own fate, which had led him, step by step into misery. Only by his noble and grandiose work, which was intended "for everybody" and appealed to "all," did he find again his inner equilibrium.
he weeks of dark visions and grave depressions were past; he was again full of hope and courage.
But for the time being, good old Maria Zakreys was the only person who occupied herself with these plans.
To be exact, she did not really occupy herself with them, for she had given it up as a bad job to try to bring order into this mess of plans, drawings and sketches. She was satisfied as long as the two students from Linz paid their rent punctually.
To be exact, she did not really occupy herself with them, for she had given it up as a bad job to try to bring order into this mess of plans, drawings and sketches. She was satisfied as long as the two students from Linz paid their rent punctually.
As far as Linz was concerned, Adolf had not contemplated more than to transform it into a fine, attractive town whose distinguished buildings should raise it from its low, provincial standing. But Vienna he wanted to transform into a modem residential town in which distinction and prestige did not matter -- this he left to the Imperial Vienna: what mattered was that the uprooted masses, who had become estranged from their own soil and their own people, should again settle down on firm ground.
The old Imperial City changed, on the drawing board of a nineteen-year-old youth who lived in a dark back room of the Mariahilf suburb, into a spacious, sunlit and exuberant city, which consisted of four- eight- and sixteen-family houses.
There can be no doubt that Adolf was, at that time, convinced that he was destined to become an architect.
How he would ever find his way into practice, even with this thorough private study, unable as he was to produce any testimonials and diplomas - this never caused him any worry. We hardly ever spoke about it, for my friend was absolutely sure that by the time he had concluded his studies, circumstances would have changed (either peacefully or with violence, as a consequence of his Storm of the Revolution) to such an extent that formal qualifications would no longer matter, but only actual ability.
How he would ever find his way into practice, even with this thorough private study, unable as he was to produce any testimonials and diplomas - this never caused him any worry. We hardly ever spoke about it, for my friend was absolutely sure that by the time he had concluded his studies, circumstances would have changed (either peacefully or with violence, as a consequence of his Storm of the Revolution) to such an extent that formal qualifications would no longer matter, but only actual ability.
Thus, Adolf saw his future clearly before him.
Back in Linz he had already defeated what he called his school's biased, unjust and idiotic treatment of him, by throwing himself heart and soul into the study of a subject of his own choosing, so he had no difficulty in doing the same here in Vienna, where a similar situation confronted him. He cursed the old-fashioned, fossilized bureaucracy of the Academy where there was no understanding for true artistry. He spoke of the trip-wires which had been cunningly laid -- I remember his very words! -- for the sole purpose of ruining his career. But he would show these incompetent, senile fools that he could go ahead without them! From his salvoes of abuse of the Academy, I gained the impression that these teachers, by rejecting the young man, had involuntarily engendered in him more eagerness and energy than their teaching would ever have done.
Back in Linz he had already defeated what he called his school's biased, unjust and idiotic treatment of him, by throwing himself heart and soul into the study of a subject of his own choosing, so he had no difficulty in doing the same here in Vienna, where a similar situation confronted him. He cursed the old-fashioned, fossilized bureaucracy of the Academy where there was no understanding for true artistry. He spoke of the trip-wires which had been cunningly laid -- I remember his very words! -- for the sole purpose of ruining his career. But he would show these incompetent, senile fools that he could go ahead without them! From his salvoes of abuse of the Academy, I gained the impression that these teachers, by rejecting the young man, had involuntarily engendered in him more eagerness and energy than their teaching would ever have done.
But my friend had to face another problem: What was he to live on during his years of study? Many years would pass before he could make himself a position as an architect. Personally, I doubted if, indeed, anything would ever come of my friend's private studies. Admittedly he studied with incredible industry and a determination which one would have thought beyond the strength of his undernourished and weakened body. But his pursuits were not directed towards any practical goal. On the contrary, every now and again he got lost in vast plans and speculations. Drawing a comparison with my musical studies, which were progressing absolutely according to plan, I could only conclude that Adolf was casting his nets far too wide and dragging in anything that had even the remotest connection with architecture; and he did it, moreover, with the greatest thoroughness and precision. How could all that ever lead to any conclusion -- not to mention the fact that more and more new ideas assailed him and distracted him from his professional training.
The contrast between his boundless, unsystematic labours and my precisely regulated studies at the Conservatory did nothing to help our friendship, if only because our respective work at home necessarily led to friction. When, on top of this, Professor Boschetti sent me some private pupils, our disagreements became sharper. Now one could see, he said, that bad luck was pursuing him; there was a great conspiracy against him-he had no possibility of earning any money.
One evening -- I suppose it was after a pupil of mine had been in for a lesson-I seized the opportunity to try to persuade him to look around for some remunerative work. Of course, if one is lucky, one can give lessons to young ladies, he began. I told him that without my taking the initiative, Professor Boschetti had sent me these pupils -- it was a pity that they had to be taught harmonics rather than architectture. Incidentally, I went on more firmly, if I were as gifted as he was, I would have long since looked around for some part-time job.
He listened with interest, almost as though the whole thing did not refer to him at all, and then I let him have it: drawing, for instance, that was something he really could do, as even his teachers had admitted. What about looking for a job with a newspaper or in a publishing firm? Perhaps he could illustrate books, or do sketches for newspapers. He answered evasively that he was glad I credited him with such skill, but anyhow this kind of newspaper illustration was best left to the photographers, for not even the best artist could be as quick as a photographer.
Then what about a job as a dramatic critic, I continued?
This was a job which he was actually doing, because after every visit to the theatre he came home to me with a very severe and radical, yet interesting and comprehensive review.
Why should I remain the only inhabitant of Vienna ever to hear his opinions? He should try to get in touch with an influential paper. But he would have to take care not to show too much bias. What did I mean by that, he wanted to know?
The Italian, Russian and French operas, too, had their right to exist, I replied.
One had to accept foreign composers as well, for art has no national frontiers.
We started a heated argument, as whenever music was the topic under discussion I stood my ground; for I did not speak for myself alone, but felt that I was the representative of the Institute whose pupil I was.
Although I fully shared Adolf's enthusiasm for Richard Wagner (see left), I could nevertheless not bring myself to reject all the rest. But he stuck uncompromisingly to his point.
I still remember well that in my excitement I flung at Adolf the words from the final Chorus of Beethoven's (see right) Ninth Symphony, "Seid umschlungen Millionen, diesen Kuss der ganzen Welt." (Oh you millions I embrace you - this kiss I give to the world !)
The work of the artist must belong to the whole world.
So there was trouble even before he took the job of an opera critic, remarked Adolf.
And so this plan, too, was buried.
Why should I remain the only inhabitant of Vienna ever to hear his opinions? He should try to get in touch with an influential paper. But he would have to take care not to show too much bias. What did I mean by that, he wanted to know?
The Italian, Russian and French operas, too, had their right to exist, I replied.
One had to accept foreign composers as well, for art has no national frontiers.
We started a heated argument, as whenever music was the topic under discussion I stood my ground; for I did not speak for myself alone, but felt that I was the representative of the Institute whose pupil I was.
Although I fully shared Adolf's enthusiasm for Richard Wagner (see left), I could nevertheless not bring myself to reject all the rest. But he stuck uncompromisingly to his point.I still remember well that in my excitement I flung at Adolf the words from the final Chorus of Beethoven's (see right) Ninth Symphony, "Seid umschlungen Millionen, diesen Kuss der ganzen Welt." (Oh you millions I embrace you - this kiss I give to the world !)
The work of the artist must belong to the whole world.
So there was trouble even before he took the job of an opera critic, remarked Adolf.
And so this plan, too, was buried.
Adolf wrote a great deal during this period.
I had discovered that it was mainly plays, dramas actually.
He took the plots from the Germanic Mythology (see right) or German history (see right).
But hardly any of these plays were really finished. Nevertheless, it might have been possible to make some money out of them.
Adolf showed me some of his drafts, and I was struck by the fact that he attributed much importance to magnificent staging.
Except for the drama about the coming of Christianity, I cannot remember any one of these plays, but only that they all required an enormous production.
Wagner (see left) had accustomed us to the idea of pretentious productions, but Adolph's ideas dwarfed anything devised by the Master.
I knew a thing or two about operatic production and was not slow to utter my doubts.
With his settings ranging through Heaven and Hell, I explained to him, no producer would accept any one of his plays.
He should be much more modest in all that concerned his scenery. Altogether it would be best for him not to write operas at all, but rather simple plays, comedies perhaps, which were popular with the public. The most profitable thing would be to write some unpretentious comedy. Unpretentious? This was all that was needed to make him furious. So this attempt, too, ended in failure.
I had discovered that it was mainly plays, dramas actually.He took the plots from the Germanic Mythology (see right) or German history (see right).
But hardly any of these plays were really finished. Nevertheless, it might have been possible to make some money out of them.Adolf showed me some of his drafts, and I was struck by the fact that he attributed much importance to magnificent staging.
Except for the drama about the coming of Christianity, I cannot remember any one of these plays, but only that they all required an enormous production.
I knew a thing or two about operatic production and was not slow to utter my doubts.
With his settings ranging through Heaven and Hell, I explained to him, no producer would accept any one of his plays.
He should be much more modest in all that concerned his scenery. Altogether it would be best for him not to write operas at all, but rather simple plays, comedies perhaps, which were popular with the public. The most profitable thing would be to write some unpretentious comedy. Unpretentious? This was all that was needed to make him furious. So this attempt, too, ended in failure.
Gradually I came to realise all my efforts were wasted.
Even if I had managed to persuade Adolf to submit his drawings or his literary work to a newspaper editor or a publisher, he would soon have quarreled with his employer, for he could never tolerate any interference with his work, and it would presumably make no difference that he was getting paid for it.
He simply could not bear taking orders from people, for he received enough orders from himself.
Even if I had managed to persuade Adolf to submit his drawings or his literary work to a newspaper editor or a publisher, he would soon have quarreled with his employer, for he could never tolerate any interference with his work, and it would presumably make no difference that he was getting paid for it.
He simply could not bear taking orders from people, for he received enough orders from himself.
So I chose another way.
Through the generosity of my parents and through the private lessons I gave, I was financially better off than he was, and therefore I helped him wherever I could, preferably without his realising it at all, for he was very touchy and sensitive in these matters.
Only on our walks and excursions did he consent to be my guest.
Through the generosity of my parents and through the private lessons I gave, I was financially better off than he was, and therefore I helped him wherever I could, preferably without his realising it at all, for he was very touchy and sensitive in these matters.
Only on our walks and excursions did he consent to be my guest.
Later, when we had already parted, Adolf found, in Vienna, a very characteristic solution for this problem, which enabled him to make a modest living and still remain his own master.
As his talent was best suited to drawing works of architecture rather than the human figure, he made most accurate and neat sketches of famous Vienna buildings (see left), such as the Karlskirche, the House of Parliament and similar subjects, coloured them and sold them whenever he could.
Having no expert knowledge, I cannot give any opinion on the special studies Adolf was then pursuing.
Moreover, I was too busy myself to get any real idea of his work. What I noticed, however, was that he surrounded himself increasingly with technical books.
I recall especially a big history of architecture because he loved to choose one of its pictures at random, cover the caption, and tell me what it was, Chartres Cathedral, for instance, or the Palazzo Pitti in Florence.
His memory was prodigious; it never failed him and was, of course, a great advantage in his work.
Moreover, I was too busy myself to get any real idea of his work. What I noticed, however, was that he surrounded himself increasingly with technical books.
I recall especially a big history of architecture because he loved to choose one of its pictures at random, cover the caption, and tell me what it was, Chartres Cathedral, for instance, or the Palazzo Pitti in Florence.
His memory was prodigious; it never failed him and was, of course, a great advantage in his work.
He worked tirelessly on his drawings. I had the impression that he had already learnt, in Linz, the basic principles of draughtsmanship, though only from books. I do not remember Adolf ever having tried to apply in practice what he had learnt, or ever attending classes in architectural drawing
He never showed any desire to mix with people who shared his own professional interests, or to discuss with them common problems.
Rather than meet people of specialised knowledge, he would sit alone on his bench in the Schönbrunn Park (see right), holding imaginary conversations with himself about the subject matter of his books.
This extraordinary habit of studying a certain subject and penetrating deeply into its very essence, while anxiously avoiding any contact with its practical application, this peculiar self-sufficiency, reminded me of Adolf's relationship with Stefanie.
His boundless love of architecture, his passionate interest in building remained fundamentally a mere intellectual pastime. Just as he used to rush to the Landstrasse to see Stefanie when he needed some tangible confirmation of his feelings, so he would escape from the overpowering effects of his theoretical studies into the Ringstrasse, and recover his inner equilibrium among its splendours.
This extraordinary habit of studying a certain subject and penetrating deeply into its very essence, while anxiously avoiding any contact with its practical application, this peculiar self-sufficiency, reminded me of Adolf's relationship with Stefanie.
His boundless love of architecture, his passionate interest in building remained fundamentally a mere intellectual pastime. Just as he used to rush to the Landstrasse to see Stefanie when he needed some tangible confirmation of his feelings, so he would escape from the overpowering effects of his theoretical studies into the Ringstrasse, and recover his inner equilibrium among its splendours.
But Adolf altogether disliked Baroque, as it was too ornate for his taste.
The Ringstrasse buildings had been constructed after the demolition of the city's fortifications; that is to say, in the second half of the past century, and were anything but uniform in style.
On the contrary ! Almost every style was represented.
The House of Parliament was in the Classic, or rather pseudo-Hellenic style, the Town Hall neo-Gothic, and the Burg Theatre, an object of Adolf's special admiration, late Renaissance. Yet they had one thing in common which was especially attractive for my friend-their ostentation.
I discovered with apprehension that new ideas, experiences and projects disorganised my friend's professional studies.
As long as these new interests had some connection with architecture, they became just part of his general education, but there was much that was diametrically opposed to his professional plans, and, moreover, politics gained an increasingly firm hold on him.
I asked Adolf, occasionally, what connection there was between the remote problems which we encountered during our visits to Parliament and his professional preparation.
He would answer, "You can build only when you have first created the political conditions for it." Sometimes his answers were rather rude.
Thus I remember him once answering my question as to how he proposed to solve a certain problem, "Even if I had found the solution to this problem, I wouldn't tell it to you because you wouldn't understand it."
But although he was often brusque, moody, unreliable and far from conciliatory, I could never be angry with him because these unpleasant sides of his character were overshadowed by the pure fire of an exalted soul.
As long as these new interests had some connection with architecture, they became just part of his general education, but there was much that was diametrically opposed to his professional plans, and, moreover, politics gained an increasingly firm hold on him.
I asked Adolf, occasionally, what connection there was between the remote problems which we encountered during our visits to Parliament and his professional preparation.
He would answer, "You can build only when you have first created the political conditions for it." Sometimes his answers were rather rude.
Thus I remember him once answering my question as to how he proposed to solve a certain problem, "Even if I had found the solution to this problem, I wouldn't tell it to you because you wouldn't understand it."
But although he was often brusque, moody, unreliable and far from conciliatory, I could never be angry with him because these unpleasant sides of his character were overshadowed by the pure fire of an exalted soul.
I stopped asking him questions about his profession. It was much better for me to go quietly my own way and show him my own ideas of how to reach one's goal. After all, I had not even reached the lower classes of the technical school and had only been to a council school, but just the same, I was now a student at the Conservatory, as good as any boy who had matriculated. But my friend's studies took just the opposite course to mine.
While normally, training for a profession grows more and more specialised in the course of time, Adolf's studies became more general, more diffuse, more abstract and remote from anything practical.
The more tenaciously he repeated his own slogan, "I want to become an architect," the more nebulous did this goal become in reality.
It was the typical attitude of a young man who would actually be hindered by a profession in reaching what he feels is his true vocation. That was always the case with my friend.
While normally, training for a profession grows more and more specialised in the course of time, Adolf's studies became more general, more diffuse, more abstract and remote from anything practical.
The more tenaciously he repeated his own slogan, "I want to become an architect," the more nebulous did this goal become in reality.
It was the typical attitude of a young man who would actually be hindered by a profession in reaching what he feels is his true vocation. That was always the case with my friend.
Books were his whole world. In Linz, in order to procure the books he wanted, he had subscribed to three libraries. In Vienna he used the Hof Library so industriously that I asked him once, in all seriousness, whether he intended to read the whole library through, which of course earned me some rude remarks. One day he took me to the library and showed me the big reading room. I was almost overwhelmed by these enormous masses of books, and I asked him how he managed to get what he wanted. He began to explain to me the use of the catalogue, which confused me even more.
Hardly anything would disturb him when he was reading. But sometimes be disturbed himself, for as soon as he opened a book he started talking about it, and I had to listen patiently whether I was interested in the subject or not.
Every now and then, in Linz even more frequently than in Vienna, he would thrust a book into my hands and demand that I, as his friend, should read it. It did not matter so much to him that I should widen my own horizon as that he should have somebody with whom he could discuss the book, even though that somebody was only a listener.
Every now and then, in Linz even more frequently than in Vienna, he would thrust a book into my hands and demand that I, as his friend, should read it. It did not matter so much to him that I should widen my own horizon as that he should have somebody with whom he could discuss the book, even though that somebody was only a listener.
As I have mentioned before, outstanding among his books were the German heroic legends. Whatever his mood or external circumstances, he always came back to them and read them again, although he already knew them all by heart.
The volume which he had in Vienna was, I believe, entitled 'Legends of Gods and Heroes: the Treasures of Germanic Mythology'.
The volume which he had in Vienna was, I believe, entitled 'Legends of Gods and Heroes: the Treasures of Germanic Mythology'.
Already in Linz, Adolf had started to read the classics.Of Goethe's (see left) Faust he once remarked that it contained more than 'the human mind could grasp.
Once he saw, at the Burg Theatre, the rarely performed second part, with Joseph Kainz (see right) in the title role.
Adolf was very moved and spoke of it for a long time.
It is natural that, of Schiller's (see left below) works, Wilhelm Tell affected him most deeply.
I know that be was interested in Herder, and we saw together Lessing's Minna von Barnhelm. He liked Stifter, partly perhaps because he encountered in his writings the familiar picture of his native landscape, while Rosegger struck him, as he once put it, as too "popular."
Every now and then he would choose books which were then in vogue, but in order to form a judgment of those who read them rather than of the books themselves.
Ganghofer meant nothing to him, while he greatly praised Otto Ernst, with whose works he was familiar.
Of modem plays we saw Frank Wedekind's 'Frühlingserwachen', and 'Der Meister von Palmyra' by Wilbrandt.
Adolf read Ibsen's plays in Vienna without being very much impressed by them.
Ganghofer meant nothing to him, while he greatly praised Otto Ernst, with whose works he was familiar.
Of modem plays we saw Frank Wedekind's 'Frühlingserwachen', and 'Der Meister von Palmyra' by Wilbrandt.
Adolf read Ibsen's plays in Vienna without being very much impressed by them.
As for philosophical works, he always had his Schopenhauer (see right) by him, later Nietzsche (see left), too.Yet I knew little about these, for he regarded these philosophers as, so to speak, his own personal affair -- private property which he would not share with anybody.
This reticence was possibly also due to the fact that we shared a love of music and this provided us with common ground more rewarding than that of philosophy, which for me was rather a remote subject.
In conclusion I should like to stress the same point with regard to my friend's reading that I have mentioned before, in describing his professional studies: he read prodigiously and, with the help of his extraordinary memory, stored up an amount of knowledge which was far above the normal standard of a twenty-year-old-but he avoided any factual discussion about it.
When he urged me to read a certain book he knew in advance that I would never be his equal in any argument, and it is even possible that he selected the books which he recommended me to read with this thought in mind.
He was not interested in "another opinion," nor in any discussion of the book.
He was not interested in "another opinion," nor in any discussion of the book.
His attitude to books was the same as his attitude to the world in general. He absorbed with fervour everything he could lay his hands on, but he took great care to keep at a safe distance from anything that might put him to the test.
He was a seeker, certainly, but even in his books he found only what suited him.
One day when I asked him if he really intended to complete his studies by the aid of books alone, he looked at me, surprised, and barked: "Of course, you need teachers, I can see that. But for me they are superfluous."
In the further course of this conversation he called me an "intellectual scrounger" and a "parasite at other people's tables."
I never felt, and particularly not in those days when we were living together in Vienna, that he was seeking anything concrete in his piles of books, such as principles and ideas for his own conduct; on the contrary, he was looking only for confirmation of those principles and ideas he already had.
For this reason his reading, except perhaps the German Mythology, was not a matter of edification, but a sort of check-up on himself.
One day when I asked him if he really intended to complete his studies by the aid of books alone, he looked at me, surprised, and barked: "Of course, you need teachers, I can see that. But for me they are superfluous."
In the further course of this conversation he called me an "intellectual scrounger" and a "parasite at other people's tables."
I never felt, and particularly not in those days when we were living together in Vienna, that he was seeking anything concrete in his piles of books, such as principles and ideas for his own conduct; on the contrary, he was looking only for confirmation of those principles and ideas he already had.
For this reason his reading, except perhaps the German Mythology, was not a matter of edification, but a sort of check-up on himself.
I remember him in Vienna expounding his many problems and usually winding up with a reference to some book, "You see, the man who wrote this is of exactly the same opinion."
The high spots of our friendship were our visits together to the Hof Opera (see left), and memories of my friend are inseparably connected with these wonderful experiences.
The theatre in Linz (see right) saw the beginning of our youthful friendship, and this was reaffirmed whenever we visited the foremost Opera House in Europe.
As we grew older, the contrasts between us made themselves increasingly noticeable and the difference in our family backgrounds, our professional aspirations and our attitude to public and political life separated us more and more.
Yet our fervent enthusiasm for everything that was beautiful and noble, which found its highest artistic expression in the performances of the Vienna Opera, linked us ever more closely.
In Linz our relationship had been smooth and harmonious. But in Vienna the conflicts and tensions grew, largely owing to our living together in a single room.
It was fortunate that at the same time the influence of our common artistic experience fortified our friendship.
Yet our fervent enthusiasm for everything that was beautiful and noble, which found its highest artistic expression in the performances of the Vienna Opera, linked us ever more closely.
In Linz our relationship had been smooth and harmonious. But in Vienna the conflicts and tensions grew, largely owing to our living together in a single room.
It was fortunate that at the same time the influence of our common artistic experience fortified our friendship.
True to tradition, we humble poverty-stricken students had to fight hard for the chance of seeing those performances. It is true that in theory there existed cheap tickets for the Promenade which, in Vienna, as in Linz, used to be our aim; but we never got one, not even through the Conservatory. So we had to pay the full price -- two crowns -- a lot of money, when one thinks that Adolf, after having paid his rent, was left with fifteen crowns for the whole month. And although we paid full price, we had to fight hard to get these tickets, the sale of which started only one hour before the performance began.
Having finally secured the ticket, there started a rush towards the Promenade, which fortunately was not far from the box office.
It was below the Imperial box and one could hear excellently.
Women were not admitted to the Promenade, which pleased Adolf hugely, but on the other hand it had the disadvantage of being split up into two halves by a bronze railing, one for civilians, one for the military.
These young lieutenants who, according to my friend, came to the Opera less for the sake of the music than for social reasons, paid only ten hellers for their tickets, while we poor students were fleeced twenty times that amount.
This always made Adolf very wild.
Looking at these elegant lieutenants who, ceaselessly yawning, could hardly wait for the interval to display themselves in the foyer as though they had just come out of their box, he said that among the visitors to the Promenade, artistic understanding varied in inverse proportion to the price of the tickets. Moreover the military half of the Promenade was never full, while in the civilian half students, young employees and artisans trod on each others' toes.
It was below the Imperial box and one could hear excellently.
Women were not admitted to the Promenade, which pleased Adolf hugely, but on the other hand it had the disadvantage of being split up into two halves by a bronze railing, one for civilians, one for the military.
These young lieutenants who, according to my friend, came to the Opera less for the sake of the music than for social reasons, paid only ten hellers for their tickets, while we poor students were fleeced twenty times that amount.
This always made Adolf very wild.
Looking at these elegant lieutenants who, ceaselessly yawning, could hardly wait for the interval to display themselves in the foyer as though they had just come out of their box, he said that among the visitors to the Promenade, artistic understanding varied in inverse proportion to the price of the tickets. Moreover the military half of the Promenade was never full, while in the civilian half students, young employees and artisans trod on each others' toes.
One disadvantage was that the Promenade was usually the haunt of the claque, and this often spoilt our pleasure.
The usual procedure was very simple: a singer who wanted to be applauded at a certain point would hire a claque for the evening.
Its leader would buy their tickets for his men and, in addition, pay them a sum of money. There existed professional claqueurs who "worked" at a fixed rate. So it would often happen that, at a most unsuitable moment, roars of applause would break out around us. This made us boil with indignation.
The usual procedure was very simple: a singer who wanted to be applauded at a certain point would hire a claque for the evening.
Its leader would buy their tickets for his men and, in addition, pay them a sum of money. There existed professional claqueurs who "worked" at a fixed rate. So it would often happen that, at a most unsuitable moment, roars of applause would break out around us. This made us boil with indignation.
One of them, who continued to shout "Bravo" although the orchestra was still playing, was punched in the side by Adolf.
On leaving the theatre, we found the leader of the claque waiting for us with a policeman.
Adolf was interrogated on the spot and defended himself so brilliantly that the policeman let him go, but he was in time to catch up with the claqueur in question in the street and give him a sound box on the ears.
Adolf was interrogated on the spot and defended himself so brilliantly that the policeman let him go, but he was in time to catch up with the claqueur in question in the street and give him a sound box on the ears.
As nobody was admitted to the Promenade in hat and coat, we left them behind when we went to the Opera, to save the cloakroom fee.
To be sure, it was often bitterly cold, coming out of the overheated theatre into the night. But what did that matter after 'Lohengrin' or 'Tristan' ?
What was most annoying for us was that we had to be home by ten o'clock at the latest if we wanted to save the Sperrsechserl (the tip for the concierge). It took us, according to Adolf's precise calculations, at least fifteen minutes to walk home from the Opera, and so we had to leave there at a quarter to ten. The consequence was, that Adolf never succeeded in hearing the end of those operas which finished later and I had to play for him on the piano what he had missed.
Richard Wagner's music dreams were still the object of our undivided love and enthusiasm.
For Adolf, nothing could compete with the great mystical world that the Master conjured up for us.
Thus, for instance, when I wanted to see some magnificent Verdi (see right) production in the Hof Opera, he would bully me until I gave up my Verdi and went with him to the People's Opera in Währing, where they were doing Wagner.
He preferred a mediocre Wagner performance a hundred times to a first-class Verdi.
He preferred a mediocre Wagner performance a hundred times to a first-class Verdi.
I thought differently, but what was the use? I had to yield, as usual, for when it was a question of a Wagner performance, Adolf would tolerate no opposition. No doubt he had heard a much better performance of he work in question-I do not remember whether it was 'Lohengrin' or 'Tristan' -- at the Hof Opera. But this was not the point at issue.
Listening to Wagner meant to him, not a simple visit to the theatre, but the opportunity of being transported into that extraordinary state which Wagner's music produced in him, that trance, that escape into a mystical dream world which he needed in order to endure the tensions of his turbulent nature.
Another advantage was that one could get a cheap seat there without having to line up at the box office.
What displeased us was the cold, modernistic style of the building, and the dull, unimaginative inside of the theatre, which was matched by the lack of glamour in its productions.
Adolf used to call this theatre the Soup Kitchen.
What displeased us was the cold, modernistic style of the building, and the dull, unimaginative inside of the theatre, which was matched by the lack of glamour in its productions.
Adolf used to call this theatre the Soup Kitchen.
Our theatregoing in Linz had given us the grounding for the full enjoyment in Vienna of the immortal Master's work.
We were thoroughly familiar with his operas, without having been spoilt, and consequently the Hof Opera and even the more modest theatre in Währing seemed to create anew for us Richard Wagner's world.
We were thoroughly familiar with his operas, without having been spoilt, and consequently the Hof Opera and even the more modest theatre in Währing seemed to create anew for us Richard Wagner's world.
Of course, we knew by heart 'Lohengrin' (see right), Adolf's favourite opera - I believe he saw it ten times during our time together in Vienna-and the same is true of the 'Meistersinger' (see left). Just as other people quote their Goethe or Schiller, we would quote Wagner, preferably the Meistersinger. We know, of course, that Wagner intended to immortalise his friend Franz Liszt in the figure of Hans Sachs, and to attack his bitter enemy Hanslick, in the person of Beckmesser.
Adolf often quoted from the third scene of the second act.
"And still I don't succeed.
I feel it and yet I cannot understand it.
I can't retain it, nor forget it,
And if I grasp it, I cannot measure it."
In this, my friend saw the unique, eternal formula with which Richard Wagner castigated the want of comprehension of his contemporaries and which, so to speak, applied to his own fate; for his father, his family, his teachers, although they certainly had "felt" that there was something outstanding about him, for the love of God could not understand it.
And when people had, at long last, grasped what he wanted, they still remained incapable of "measuring" the extent of his will.
These lines were for him a daily exhortation, a never failing comfort which helped him in his dark hours.
We studied, with libretto and score, those works of Wagner that we had not seen in Linz.
So Wagnerian Vienna found us well prepared and, naturally enough, we entered at once the ranks of his worshipers, and wherever we could we acclaimed the work of the Master of Bayreuth with fervent enthusiasm.
So Wagnerian Vienna found us well prepared and, naturally enough, we entered at once the ranks of his worshipers, and wherever we could we acclaimed the work of the Master of Bayreuth with fervent enthusiasm.
What had been for us the height of artistic experience in Linz was reduced to the level of poor, well-intentioned provincial performances after we had seen the perfect Wagner interpretations by Gustav Mahler at the Vienna Hof Opera. But Adolf would not have been Adolf if he had contented himself with regretful memories.
He loved Linz, which he always thought of as his home town, although both his parents were dead and there was only one human being left there to whom he was passionately devoted, Stefanie, who still did not know what she meant to the pale youth who had stood and waited for her day after day at the Schmiedtoreck.
The cultural life of Linz had to be brought to a level commensurate with that of Vienna: with savage determination Adolf set to work.
On leaving Linz, he had put great hopes in the Theatre Building Society, of which he had become an enthusiastic member. But these worthies who had got together to give Linz a new, dignified theatre apparently were making no headway. Nothing was ever heard of it and Adolf's impatience grew. So he started working on his own.
He took pleasure in applying to his own home town that style of monumental architecture that he had become familiar with in Imperial Vienna.
He took pleasure in applying to his own home town that style of monumental architecture that he had become familiar with in Imperial Vienna.
He had already removed from the central area of the town the railway station with its ugly workshops, smoke-stained sheds and cumbersome railway tracks and transferred it to the outskirts. This enabled him to enlarge the Park and add a Zoo, a Palm House and, of course, an illuminated fountain. It was in the centre of this well-tended park that the new Linz Opera House should be erected, smaller in size than the Vienna Hof Opera, but its equal in technical equipment. The old theatre was to become a Playhouse and was to be put under the same direction as the Opera.
In this way my friend got over the deplorable conditions of his home town and all the greater was the enjoyment that he derived from Vienna's artistic attractions.
We saw almost all Richard Wagner's works.
'The Flying Dutchman' (see left), 'Lohengrin', 'Tannhäuser', 'Tristan and Isolde' (see right), 'Die Meistersinger' have remained unforgettable to me, as has 'The Ring', and even 'Parsifal'.
Occasionally, of course, Adolf saw other operas as well, but they never meant as much to him as Wagner's.
In Linz we had already seen a surprisingly good 'Figaro', which had filled Adolf with delight. I still remember him saying, on our way home, that the Linz theatre should in future concentrate on operas which, like Figaro, were within their scope.
But in Vienna, of course, every thing was different.
We saw perfect performances, not only of the Mozart operas, but also of Beethoven's Fidelio. Italian opera never attracted Adolf, although Italian composers like Donizetti, Rossini, Bellini and especially Verdi, as well as Puccini, who was then still very modern, were highly appreciated in Vienna and played to full houses.
The Verdi operas we saw together were 'The Masked Ball', 'Il Trovatore', 'Rigoletto' and 'La Traviata', but 'Aïda' was the only one which he liked at all.
For him, the plots of Italian operas laid too much emphasis upon theatrical effect. He objected to trickery, knavery and deception as the basic elements of a dramatic situation.
For him, the plots of Italian operas laid too much emphasis upon theatrical effect. He objected to trickery, knavery and deception as the basic elements of a dramatic situation.
He said to me once, "What would these Italians do if they had no daggers ?".
He found Verdi's music too unpretentious, relying too much on melody.
How rich and varied by comparison was Wagner's range! One day when we heard an organ grinder playing 'La donna e mobile', Adolf said, "There's your Verdi !"
When I replied that no composer was safe from such profanation of his works, he barked at me furiously, "Can you imagine Lohengrin's narration on a barrel organ ?"
Neither Gounod (see right), whose Faust he regarded as vulgar, nor Tchaikovsky (see left), nor Smetana met with his approval.No doubt he was handicapped here by his obsession with German mythology.
He rejected my contention that music should appeal to all races and nations.
For him nothing counted but German ways, German feeling and German thought.
He accepted none but the German masters. How often did he tell me that he was proud to belong to a people who had produced such masters.
When he listened to Wagner's music he was a changed man; his violence left him, he became quiet, yielding and tractable.
His gaze lost its restlessness; his own destiny, however heavily it may have weighed upon him, became unimportant. He no longer felt lonely and outlawed, and misjudged by society. He was intoxicated and bewitched.
Willingly he let himself be carried away into that mystical universe which was more real to him than the actual workaday world. From the stale, musty prison of his back room, he was transported into the blissful regions of Germanic antiquity, that ideal world which was the lofty goal for all his endeavours.
Thirty years later, when he met me again in Linz, his friend whom he had last seen as a student of the Vienna Conservatory, he was convinced that I had become an important conductor; but when I appeared before him as a humble municipal employee, Hitler, then Reichs Chancellor, said to me, "So you have become a pen-pusher ? But you are an artist. We'll talk about it." With these words, he was probably alluding to the possibility of my assuming the direction of an orchestra.
I declined, gratefully. I no longer felt up to the task.
When he realised that he could not help his friend with this generous offer, he recalled our common experiences in the Linz Theatre and in the Vienna Hof Opera, which had elevated our friendship from the commonplace to the sacred sphere of his own world, and invited me to come to Bayreuth.
I should never have thought that those outstanding artistic experiences of my Vienna student days could still be surpassed. And yet this was the case.
For what I experienced in Bayreuth (see stadtwappen left) as the guest of the friend of my youth was the culmination of everything that Richard Wagner had ever meant in my life.
Chapter 17 - ORCHESTRAL MUSIC
My friend's interest in music was gratifyingly broadened in Vienna.
Having previously been interested in opera only, he now turned increasingly to concerts.
To be sure, even in Linz he had frequented the symphony concerts organised by the Music Society, and must have heard in those years altogether, say, six or seven concerts. But he came less for the sake of the music than for my sake, as I was playing in the orchestra, a fact that was important to him. With my quiet, compliant nature he did not think me capable of playing in public, and each time he was eager to see the result. At any rate, I remember that after the performances, be used to speak much more about me than about the concert.
Vienna changed all this, helped by the fact that at the Conservatory I was given two or sometimes three concert tickets every week. Adolf always got one of these, sometimes even two or all three, when I was prevented from going by my evening practice. As these free tickets were usually for good seats, this was not such a strain as going to the Hof Opera.
In discussing these concerts with him, I noticed to my surprise that Adolf was developing a taste for symphonic music. This pleased me because it created for us a new common interest.
The head of the Conductors' School of the Conservatory, Gustav Gutheil, was also the conductor of the Vienna Concert Society. But our special favourite was Ferdinand Loewe, the director of the Conservatory, who occasionally conducted the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra; he was a great admirer of Bruckner. The musical life of Vienna at that time was still dominated by the Brahms-Bruckner controversy, although both masters had been dead for over ten years. Eduard Hanslick, the formidable music critic, whom we always called "Beckmesser," was also dead, but his pernicious influence was still noticeable. Hanslick who was our declared enemy, if only because he had attacked Richard Wagner violently and not always fairly, had firmly supported Brahms and fought furiously against Anton Bruckner. In Ferdinand Loewe, on the other hand, Bruckner had an inspired partisan; and also Franz Schalk, later director of the Vienna Opera, was a Bruckner supporter.
For our part, we had no difficulty in making up our minds in this controversy. I loved Bruckner and Adolf, too, was thrilled and moved by his symphonies. Besides, Bruckner came from our part of the country, and in exalting his work, we were exalting our homeland. Yet this was no reason for us to reject Brahms. In this dispute, we regarded ourselves as representatives of the younger generation, paid our tribute to both masters and smiled at the zeal of the older people, which seemed to us utterly superfluous. As for Adolf, he went even further. Just as Bayreuth had become the centre of Richard Wagner's most impressive work, he said, so Linz should become the shrine of Anton Bruckner's works. The Linz Concert Hall, plans for which he had just finished, should be consecrated to Bruckner's memory.
Apart from the great symphonies by the classical masters, Adolf liked especially the music of the Romanticists, Carl Maria von Weber, Franz Schubert, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy and Robert Schumann. He was sorry that Richard Wagner had written only for the stage and not for the concert hall, so that usually only the overtures or some of his operas were performed.
I must not forget Edward Grieg, of whom Adolf was particularly fond and whose Piano Concerto in A Minor always delighted him.
In general Adolf was not very partial to virtuoso performances by soloists.
But certain concertos he never missed, such as Mozart and Beethoven's piano and violin concertos, Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor and, above all, Schumann's Piano Concerto in A Minor.
© Copyright Peter Crawford 2012
EPILOGUE
"I believe that it was the will of God to send a boy from here into the Reich, to make him great, to raise him up to be the Führer of the nation."
"I believe that it was the will of God to send a boy from here into the Reich, to make him great, to raise him up to be the Führer of the nation."
Adolf Hitler
Later contact with Hitler
In 1938, Kubizek was hired by the Nazi party to write two short propaganda booklets called Reminiscences about his youth with Hitler. In one episode Kubizek said Hitler had a great love for a girl named "Stefanie" and wrote her many love poems but never sent them. Hitler biographer John Toland noted that when Stefanie learned she had been an early object of Hitler's affection, she was stunned.
Kubizek saw Hitler for the last time on 23 July 1940, although as late as 1944 Hitler sent Kubizek's mother a food basket for her 80th birthday. His friend told him: "This war will set us back many years in our building programme. It is a tragedy. I did not become Chancellor of the Greater German Reich to fight wars." The Führer was speaking after the successful campaigns in Poland and France.
When the tide began to turn against Hitler's favour, Kubizek, who had avoided politics all his life, became a member of the NSDAP in 1942 as a gesture of loyalty to his friend.
After a course of four years intensive study at the Vienna Conservatory, I was engaged as assistant conductor by the Municipal Theatre in Marburg on the Drau and opened my career there with Lortzing's Der Waffenschmied.
I was very happy about this first, independent job. Although the town was smaller than Linz, it was very interested in art. I produced several good light operas, of which, in particular, Flotow's Martha had a great success.
At the end of the season I moved, with my orchestra, to Bad Pystian to conduct the music there for the summer season.
My engagement in Marburg continued for the following season and I was already completely at home in that bright little town.
The support which I encountered on all sides increased my youthful self-assurance and spurred on my enthusiasm.
One night, after a first performance of Eva, the director called me to his box and introduced me to the Head of the Klagenfurt Municipal Theatre, who was looking for an opera conductor. He was, apparently, so impressed by my performance that he engaged me on the spot for the next season.
So in the early summer of 1914, at the close of the season in Marburg, on my way home to Linz I broke my journey in Klagenfurt and made some enquiries about my future sphere of activities.
A good orchestra, forty strong, a nice house, a modern stage, and all this in the capital city of Carinthia, renowned for its love of music.
Here I could give Lohengrin, perhaps even the Meistersinger.
What more could I ask? Truly the heavenly violins were, almost literally, already playing for me.
Then, so near to their fulfillment, my youthful dreams disappeared in the fire of the Russian batteries when, a few months later, as a reservist of the Austro-Hungarian Infantry Regiment No. 2, I experienced my baptism of fire on the Galician front.
This was not the music I had dreamed of. Although I was so unsuited to soldiering, I tried, like all my comrades, to do my duty.
This endeavour brought me, after the frightful winter of 1915 in the Carpathians, to the wretched field hospital of Eperjes in Hungary.
The sick and severely wounded were taken to Budapest, a terrible journey of seven days; at all the larger stations the dead were unloaded.
I had given up hope and had already calculated at which station they would dump me.
By a miracle I survived all the horrors and miseries of this journey -- but my strength was gone forever.
When, after months of sickness, I was so much improved as to be able to visit my parents again, there too I found everything changed.
My father, worn out by work and betrayed in his fond hope of handing over to his only son the firm he had so painstakingly built up had given up the business in 1916 and had bought a small farm at Fraham, near Eferding.
There he sought to regain his health, but in vain, and, while I was at the front for a second time in September 1918, he died in all the misery and despair that filled those days.
How I wish I could have made his old age happier !
The end of the war came while I was with a transport formation in Vienna and here, on November 8, 1918, I was demobilised. What should I do now ?
All the provincial theatres were closed, so I travelled to Vienna to look for some kind of job.
To be sure, both the state theatres were still open, but it was hopeless to try to get a position in one.
The orchestra in which for many years, while studying, I had earned my keep as a cellist had been disbanded. Nothing remained but a few dance bands in the big cafes.
No, that was no good for me. For some while I conducted a six-piece band in one of the new cinemas, a band that was supposed to "provide the musical illustration" for the silent films, but I got no satisfaction out of this. I tried to get a job as a cellist or at least to get some occasional engagements of this kind, but with no success. Nor was there any demand for private lessons.
I was at the end of my tether when a letter came from my mother.
She wrote me that in the town of Eferding they were advertising for a Secretary to the Council.
With all her mother's guile she knew how to make this far from attractive job seem more palatable to me.
She had told the Mayor of my musical ability and added that, in addition, they would like the future Council Secretary to reorganise the Music Society that had broken up during the war and to undertake its direction.
I went home and looked into the proposition; the salary was small and the artistic possibilities seemed very limited. But meanwhile I had given up hope of becoming a professional conductor and, mainly to please my mother, I sent in my application. Then I returned to Vienna still hoping to get into an orchestra.
There, in January 1920, I received a notification from the Mayor advising me that the job of Secretary to the Council had been awarded to me out of a list of thirty-eight applicants.
Thus I became a civil servant.
Gradually I became familiar with the work and some years later I passed the Upper Austrian State examination for municipal employees.
It was a humble job but it left me free to give myself up to my music. I built up a respectable orchestra and soon the musical life of the little town began to develop very well indeed.
What with the quiet chamber music of a string quartet, the open-air performances of the brass band and the gala performances of the choral society there was much satisfying and successful work for me.
Throughout all this period I never succeeded in getting any news of the friend of my earlier years who had deserted me in such a strange fashion and I had finally given up trying. Besides, I had no idea how to try to find out about him.
His brother-in-law Raubal was long since dead.
Angela, his sister, was no longer living in Linz. Anything might have happened to my friend.
That he was a better soldier than I had been, I was convinced; perhaps he, like so many of our generation, had been killed.
Now and again I would hear talk of a German politician who was called Adolf Hitler. But I thought it must refer to some other man who happened to have the same name.
After all, the name of Hitler was not so uncommon. I imagined that if ever again I heard of my erstwhile friend it would be to learn that he had become an important architect, or at least an artist, not just some insignificant politician, least of all in Munich.
Then one evening, as I was crossing our quiet market square, for no particular reason I stopped to look into the bookshop.
There in the show window lay the Münchner Illustrierte.
On the front page was the picture of a man in about the middle thirties with small, pale features -- I recognised him the very first moment.
That was Adolf; he had hardly changed at all.
I reckoned how long it was since the days when we had lived together in the Stumpergasse -- fifteen years !
The face seemed to have become sterner, more mature, more manly, but hardly any older.
The caption read, "The well-known National Socialist orator, Adolf Hitler."
So my friend was in fact one and the same as that politician of whom there was so much talk. I was very sorry that he, like myself, had not been able to achieve an artistic career. I knew only too well what it meant to bury all one's hopes and dreams.
And now he had to earn his living by making speeches at meetings.
A hard job, although he was indeed a good and convincing speaker -- I had had proof of that often enough.
I could also understand his interest in politics, but politics was a thankless task as well as being dangerous. I was glad that, if only through my professional position, I was obliged to hold myself aloof from political events as, now being Town Clerk, I had to work in the interests of all the townsfolk alike, without any distinction.
But my friend went full steam ahead into politics and I was not at all surprised that his stormy activities of which I read in the papers landed him in jail at Landsberg.
But he turned up again and the press gave him more space than ever. His political ideas, which gradually found supporters in Austria too, did not surprise me in the least because, fundamentally, they were the same as those he used to expound to me, admittedly still confused and exaggerated, in Vienna.
When I read his speeches I could actually see him in front of me, striding up and down in the gloomy back room in the Stumpergasse between the door and the piano, holding forth unceasingly.
In those days I was his only listener; now his audience was counted in thousands.
One heard his name everywhere and soon they were asking, "Where does he come from, this Hitler ?"
Well, I was certainly in a better position than many others to tell them.
Did I not still have letters and drawings of his ?
I had forgotten all about them, but now I climbed up to the loft and there it still stood, the old wooden chest that had remained in my parents' house at Fraham until the time my mother sold the little farm and moved in with me, bringing It with her.
I found the key and unlocked the chest. And, in fact, there lay a large blue envelope bearing the name "Adolf Hitler," written in my hand.
I could not recollect this envelope. In the frightful happenings of the war and the misery that followed I had completely forgotten about it, just as my friend, too, would have faded slowly from my mind if he had not appeared again as a politician.
I opened the envelope; there were my friend's postcards, letters and drawings, though certainly only a part of those I had received from him. But nevertheless, some well worthy of interest; I reread his cards and letters.
What should I do with them?
Should I send him back the whole correspondence. But why? He had other things to do now than to warm up old boyhood memories.
Perhaps he had long since forgotten the lanky, music-mad carpenter's apprentice whom he had met in the Linz Theatre.
Should I write to him?
That, too, seemed to me pointless, as even in those days he had scorned me for my feeble interest in politics and now he would be more than ever disappointed in me.
So I contented myself with reading what the newspapers said about him.
His supporters could now be counted by the million.
Without stepping onto Austrian soil he managed, with his radical conceptions and ideas, to bring excitement and unrest to our shrunken little Austria, and this was even more reason for me to keep quiet.
It might seem incomprehensible that, after Adolf had made himself a name as a politician, I did not immediately try to get in touch with him.
But yet, looking back, I must say this: our boyhood friendship had sprung from our common interest in art; politics had no attraction for me and so I no longer felt drawn towards Adolf who, in turn, could not be expected to have any interest in me.
Then on January 30, 1933, I heard the news that Adolf Hitler had become Reichs Chancellor. Immediately I thought back to that night on the Freinberg when Adolf had described to me how he, like Rienzi, would rise to be the Tribune of the people.
What the sixteen-year-old had seen then in a visionary's trance had really come to pass.
So I sat down and wrote a few lines to "The Reichs Chancellor Adolf Hitler in Berlin."
I didn't expect any reply.
A chancellor had more important things to do than to answer the letter of one August Kubizek from Eferding with whom he had been friendly a quarter of a century earlier.
But it seemed to me, politics apart, the right thing to do as a former friend to congratulate him on the position he had reached.
But one day to my great astonishment I received the following letter:
To the Town Clerk Mr. AUGUST KUBIZEK Eferding, Upper Austria
ADOLF HITLER
Munich, August 4, 1933 The Brown House
My dear Kubizek,
I have only just been shown your letter of February 2.
In view of the hundreds of thousands of letters I have received since January this is not to be wondered at.
So much the greater was my pleasure to receive news of you after so many years and to have your address.
I should be very glad -- once the period of my hardest struggles is past -- to revive once more with you those memories of the best years of my life.
Perhaps you could come to visit me. With all good wishes to you and your mother, I remain, in memory of our old friendship.
Yours, ADOLF HITLER
So he had not forgotten me.
That in spite of all the strain of his work he remembered me made me very happy. He called the years we had spent together the "best years" of his life.
So he had already forgotten the misery that went with them and only the exuberance of his youth remained a fond memory. But the end of the letter caused me some embarrassment. "Perhaps you could come to visit me," he wrote.
That was easier said than done. I couldn't just simply go up to his house on the Obersalzberg and say "Here I am."
Besides, this reunion would only have been a nuisance to him.
What could I have told him ?
My own life, compared with his, was unimportant and uninteresting; to tell him about Eferding would only bore him.
And for the rest I had nothing to relate.
So I let the matter rest and persuaded myself that this friendly invitation was just a formal courtesy, like the stereotyped greetings at the end of his letters; twenty-five years ago to my parents, now only for my mother.
That in spite of all the strain of his work he remembered me made me very happy. He called the years we had spent together the "best years" of his life.
So he had already forgotten the misery that went with them and only the exuberance of his youth remained a fond memory. But the end of the letter caused me some embarrassment. "Perhaps you could come to visit me," he wrote.
That was easier said than done. I couldn't just simply go up to his house on the Obersalzberg and say "Here I am."
Besides, this reunion would only have been a nuisance to him.
What could I have told him ?
My own life, compared with his, was unimportant and uninteresting; to tell him about Eferding would only bore him.
And for the rest I had nothing to relate.
So I let the matter rest and persuaded myself that this friendly invitation was just a formal courtesy, like the stereotyped greetings at the end of his letters; twenty-five years ago to my parents, now only for my mother.
Of course it is very nice when a friend is so consistent in his behaviour, but I thought it was nonsense to be equally consistent in the continuance of our friendship, as fate had only too obviously cast us into paths so widely divergent.
On March 12, 1938, however, on the very spot where his father had once served as a customs official, Adolf Hitler crossed the frontier.
The German Army marched into Austria. On the evening of March 12 Adolf Hitler addressed the assembled populace from the balcony of the Linz Town Hall, which was still as modest and as shabby as it had been in our youth.
I should have liked to have gone to hear him speak, but I was so busy with the billeting of the German troops that I could not leave Eferding.
But when Hitler came again to Linz, on April 8, and stayed at the Hotel Weinzinger after a political demonstration at the Kraus locomotive works, I did make an attempt to see him.
The German Army marched into Austria. On the evening of March 12 Adolf Hitler addressed the assembled populace from the balcony of the Linz Town Hall, which was still as modest and as shabby as it had been in our youth.
I should have liked to have gone to hear him speak, but I was so busy with the billeting of the German troops that I could not leave Eferding.
But when Hitler came again to Linz, on April 8, and stayed at the Hotel Weinzinger after a political demonstration at the Kraus locomotive works, I did make an attempt to see him.
The Square in front of the hotel was crammed with people, but I made my way through to the cordon of S.A. men and told them that I would like to speak to the Chancellor.
At first they gave me a queer look, probably thinking I was mad.
Only after I had shown them one of Hitler's letters did they prick up their ears.
They called over an officer and when he too had seen the letter he let me through immediately and conducted me to the entrance hall of the hotel, but in there it was like a beehive; generals were standing around in groups waiting and discussing events.
Ministers of State whom I recognised from the illustrated papers, high-up Party leaders and other uniformed personalities came and went. A.D.C.s, recognisable by their gleaming shoulder tabs, strode busily about.
And all this exciting activity centred around the man to whom I, too, wished to speak. I became quite giddy and realised that it had been foolish of me to come.
I had to accept the fact that my erstwhile friend had become Reichs Chancellor and this highest position in the State had created between us an unbridgeable gulf.
The years when I had been the only one to whom he gave his friendship and when he had confided to me the most intimate affairs of his heart, were definitely over.
At first they gave me a queer look, probably thinking I was mad.
Only after I had shown them one of Hitler's letters did they prick up their ears.
They called over an officer and when he too had seen the letter he let me through immediately and conducted me to the entrance hall of the hotel, but in there it was like a beehive; generals were standing around in groups waiting and discussing events.
Ministers of State whom I recognised from the illustrated papers, high-up Party leaders and other uniformed personalities came and went. A.D.C.s, recognisable by their gleaming shoulder tabs, strode busily about.
And all this exciting activity centred around the man to whom I, too, wished to speak. I became quite giddy and realised that it had been foolish of me to come.
I had to accept the fact that my erstwhile friend had become Reichs Chancellor and this highest position in the State had created between us an unbridgeable gulf.
The years when I had been the only one to whom he gave his friendship and when he had confided to me the most intimate affairs of his heart, were definitely over.
Therefore the best thing I could do was to disappear quietly and not be a nuisance to these high-ranking gentlemen who undoubtedly were there on most important missions.
One of the senior A.D.C.s, Albert Bormann to whom I had confided my request, soon approached me and told me that the Reichs Chancellor was not very well and would not be receiving anybody else that day; would I come again tomorrow at lunchtime. Bormann then invited me to sit down for a moment as there were things he wished to ask me. Had the Chancellor in his youth always gone to bed so late? he inquired plaintively; he never went to bed before midnight and slept far into the morning, whereas his entourage who were obliged to stay up late with him in the evening had to be up and about early the next day.
Bormann went on to complain about Hitler's outbursts of temper which nobody could cope with and about his queer diet, which consisted of meatless dishes, puddings and fruit juices.
Had the Chancellor always eaten thus?
Bormann went on to complain about Hitler's outbursts of temper which nobody could cope with and about his queer diet, which consisted of meatless dishes, puddings and fruit juices.
Had the Chancellor always eaten thus?
I said yes, only adding that in his youth he had still been fond of meat.
With this I took my leave. This Albert Bormann was a brother of the well-known Martin Bormann.
With this I took my leave. This Albert Bormann was a brother of the well-known Martin Bormann.
The next day again I went to Linz.
Everybody was out in the streets, which were packed with people, and the closer I got to the Hotel Weinzinger the thicker became the throng.
Finally I managed to fight my way through to the hotel and once more took up my obscure position in the foyer.
The excitement and agitation was even greater than the previous day.
For this was the eve of the plebiscite in Austria.
Everybody was out in the streets, which were packed with people, and the closer I got to the Hotel Weinzinger the thicker became the throng.
Finally I managed to fight my way through to the hotel and once more took up my obscure position in the foyer.
The excitement and agitation was even greater than the previous day.
For this was the eve of the plebiscite in Austria.
It can be imagined that all big decisions had to be taken by Hitler himself.
At any rate I could not have chosen a more unfortunate moment for our reunion than this.
I recalled that at the beginning of July, 1908, we had said goodbye in the hall of the Westbahnhof; today was April 9, 1938. So almost exactly thirty years had passed between our abrupt separation and today's meeting -- always supposing this did take place. Thirty years -- a whole lifetime! And what world-shaking events these thirty years had brought.
At any rate I could not have chosen a more unfortunate moment for our reunion than this.
I recalled that at the beginning of July, 1908, we had said goodbye in the hall of the Westbahnhof; today was April 9, 1938. So almost exactly thirty years had passed between our abrupt separation and today's meeting -- always supposing this did take place. Thirty years -- a whole lifetime! And what world-shaking events these thirty years had brought.
I had no illusions about what would happen if Hitler did see me.
A brief handshake, perhaps a familiar clap on the shoulder, a few friendly, hasty words in passing -- I would have to be satisfied with this modest portion.
For my part, I had prepared a few suitable words but I was somewhat worried about the form of address.
I couldn't possibly call the Reichs Chancellor "Adolf." I knew what a stickler for form he was. It would be best to keep to the formal mode of address.
But then, I didn't even know if I would get as far as making the little speech.
A brief handshake, perhaps a familiar clap on the shoulder, a few friendly, hasty words in passing -- I would have to be satisfied with this modest portion.
For my part, I had prepared a few suitable words but I was somewhat worried about the form of address.
I couldn't possibly call the Reichs Chancellor "Adolf." I knew what a stickler for form he was. It would be best to keep to the formal mode of address.
But then, I didn't even know if I would get as far as making the little speech.
The memory of what really did happen is naturally influenced by my deep emotional feelings at the time.
As Hitler suddenly came out of one of the hotel rooms, he recognised me immediately and with the joyful cry, "Gustl !" he left his entourage standing there and came and took me by the arm. I still remember how he took my outstretched right hand in both of his and held it firmly and how his eyes, which were still as bright and as piercing as ever, gazed into mine.
He was obviously moved, just as I was. I could hear it in his voice.
He was obviously moved, just as I was. I could hear it in his voice.
The worthy gentlemen in the hall looked at each other.
Nobody knew this curious civilian whom the Führer and Chancellor greeted with such warmth.
Nobody knew this curious civilian whom the Führer and Chancellor greeted with such warmth.
Then I pulled myself together and delivered myself of the speech I had prepared. He listened attentively, smiling slightly.
When I had finished he nodded at me, as if to say, You've learnt it well, Gustl, or perhaps even, And now my boyhood friend talks to me just like all the others.
But to me, any familiarity on my part seemed out of place.
When I had finished he nodded at me, as if to say, You've learnt it well, Gustl, or perhaps even, And now my boyhood friend talks to me just like all the others.
But to me, any familiarity on my part seemed out of place.
After a little pause he said, "Come with me," using the formal mode of address "Sie." Perhaps through my prepared speech I had forfeited that familiar "Du" which he had used in his letter of 1933.
But, to tell the truth, I was relieved to hear him use "Sie."
But, to tell the truth, I was relieved to hear him use "Sie."
The Chancellor preceded me to the lift.
We went up to the second floor where he had his rooms; the A.D.C. opened the door.
We entered; the A.D.C. left. We were alone.
Once more Hitler took my hand, gazed at me for a long time and said, "You are just the same as you always were, Kubizek. I should have recognised you immediately anywhere. You have not changed at all, just got older."
We went up to the second floor where he had his rooms; the A.D.C. opened the door.
We entered; the A.D.C. left. We were alone.
Once more Hitler took my hand, gazed at me for a long time and said, "You are just the same as you always were, Kubizek. I should have recognised you immediately anywhere. You have not changed at all, just got older."
Then he led me to the table and invited me to take a seat. He assured me how glad he was to see me once again after so long.
He had been particularly pleased with my congratulations, as nobody knew better than I what a hard fight he had had.
The present moment was not suitable for a heart-to-heart talk, but he hoped to have an opportunity for it in the future.
He would let me know; it was not advisable to write to him direct as such letters often never even reached him, and all had to be carefully gone through to save his time.
He had been particularly pleased with my congratulations, as nobody knew better than I what a hard fight he had had.
The present moment was not suitable for a heart-to-heart talk, but he hoped to have an opportunity for it in the future.
He would let me know; it was not advisable to write to him direct as such letters often never even reached him, and all had to be carefully gone through to save his time.
"I no longer have a private life as in those days, and can't do just what I want like other people."
With these words he rose and went over to the window which looked out onto the Danube. The old iron bridge which, even in his boyhood, used to annoy him still stood there. As was to be expected, he started immediately:
"That ugly thing," he exclaimed, "still there! But not for much longer, you can be sure of that, Kubizek."
And then he turned to me again and smiled. "Just the same I'd like to stroll across the old bridge with you once again. But that's no longer possible. Wherever I go I'm surrounded. But believe me, Kubizek, I've got a lot of plans for Linz."
Nobody knew that better than I.
As I expected, he propounded once again all the plans which had occupied him in his youth as though not thirty years, but at the most three years had passed since then.
As I expected, he propounded once again all the plans which had occupied him in his youth as though not thirty years, but at the most three years had passed since then.
Shortly before he received me, he had driven through the streets of the town to find out what alterations there had been. Now he went through each single plan.
The new Danube bridge, which was to be called the Nibelungs Bridge, was to be a masterpiece. He described to me in detail the shape of the two bridgeheads.
Then he went on to talk --I knew in advance in which order he would discuss things -- of the theatre which, above everything, was going to be equipped with a modern stage.
When the new Opera House, to be built on the site of the ugly station, was ready, that theatre would only be used for plays and operettas.
In addition to this Linz needed a modern concert hall if it were to be worthy to be known as the "City of Bruckner." "I want Linz to have a leading place in culture and I will see that everything is done to this end."
The new Danube bridge, which was to be called the Nibelungs Bridge, was to be a masterpiece. He described to me in detail the shape of the two bridgeheads.
Then he went on to talk --I knew in advance in which order he would discuss things -- of the theatre which, above everything, was going to be equipped with a modern stage.
When the new Opera House, to be built on the site of the ugly station, was ready, that theatre would only be used for plays and operettas.
In addition to this Linz needed a modern concert hall if it were to be worthy to be known as the "City of Bruckner." "I want Linz to have a leading place in culture and I will see that everything is done to this end."
I thought that now the interview was finished.
But then Hitler began to speak of setting up a grand symphony orchestra in Linz and, with this, the conversation suddenly took a more personal turn.
But then Hitler began to speak of setting up a grand symphony orchestra in Linz and, with this, the conversation suddenly took a more personal turn.
"Now tell me, Kubizek, what have you become ?"
I told him that since 1920 I had been a municipal employee and at that moment had the job of Town Clerk.
"Town Clerk," he asked, "what's that ?"
I was a bit embarrassed.
How could I describe to him briefly what this job really involved?
While I was still searching for suitable words he broke in. "So you've become a civil servant, a pen-pusher! That's not the right thing for you. What has happened to your music ?"
How could I describe to him briefly what this job really involved?
While I was still searching for suitable words he broke in. "So you've become a civil servant, a pen-pusher! That's not the right thing for you. What has happened to your music ?"
I answered truthfully that the war we had lost had completely ruined my career. I had to get a different job, or starve.
He nodded grimly and said, "Yes, the war we lost." Then, looking at me he said, "You won't end your days as a pen-pusher, Kubizek." Moreover, he would like once to have a look at this Eferding place I had mentioned.
I asked him if he really meant it.
"Of course I will come to see you, Kubizek," he remarked, "but my visit will be for you alone. Then we will go strolling along the Danube.I can't manage it here -- they don't leave me alone."
He wanted to know if I was still so keen on music.
And now I was off on my hobby-horse and I told him at length of the musical activities in our little town. Considering the weighty and world-shaking problems that he had to deal with, I was afraid that my recital would bore him; but I was mistaken. If, to save time, I mentioned something only cursorily, he interrupted me immediately.
"What, Kubizek, you even give symphonies in this little Eferding! But that's marvellous. Which symphonies have you played ?"
I recounted, Schubert's Unfinished, Beethoven's Third, Mozart's Jupiter Symphony, Beethoven's Fifth.
He wanted to know how many strong my orchestra was and how it was composed, was amazed at the details I gave him and congratulated me on my success.
"This is where I must help you, Kubizek," he exclaimed. "Make me out a report and tell me what you need. And how are you getting on, personally; you are not hard up ?"
I replied that while my job brought in only a modest income it was enough for my needs and consequently I had no personal requests.
Astonished, he glanced up; it was obviously new to him that one should have no personal wishes.
"Have you any children, Kubizek ?"
"Yes, three sons."
"Three sons," he shouted, impressed. He repeated it several times with a most earnest expression. "So you've got three sons, Kubizek. I have no family. I am alone. But I should like to look after your sons."
I had to tell him all about my boys -- he wanted to know every detail. He was pleased that they were all three musically gifted and that two of them were also clever draughtsmen.
"I shall make myself responsible for the training of your three sons, Kubizek," he said to me. "I don't want gifted young people to have such a hard time of it as we had. You know best what we had to go through in Vienna. But the worst time came for me later on, after we bad parted. Young talent must no longer be allowed to perish through sheer poverty. Wherever I can help personally, I do, and all the more when it's a question of your children, Kubizek !"
I hasten to add here that the Chancellor did indeed arrange for the musical studies of my three sons at the Bruckner Conservatory in Linz to be paid through his office, and on his orders the drawings of my son Rudolf were examined by a Professor of the Academy in Munich.
I had reckoned on a hasty handshake, and here we were sitting together for a good hour.
The Chancellor rose. I thought the interview was now at an end and I rose too.
But he only called in his A.D.C. and gave him instructions concerning my sons; the A.D.C. took the opportunity of reminding him of his youthful letters which were still in my possession.
But he only called in his A.D.C. and gave him instructions concerning my sons; the A.D.C. took the opportunity of reminding him of his youthful letters which were still in my possession.
And now I had to spread the letters, postcards and drawings out on the table. He was greatly surprised to see the number of mementoes I had and asked how these papers had come to be preserved.
I told him of the black-painted trunk in the attic with the pocket in the lid and the envelope bearing the words, "Adolf Hitler."
I told him of the black-painted trunk in the attic with the pocket in the lid and the envelope bearing the words, "Adolf Hitler."
He paid particular attention to the water colour of the Pöstlingberg.
He explained to me that there were certain clever painters who could copy his water colours so exactly that they couldn't be distinguished from the original.
These people carried on a flourishing business and could always find fools ready to be taken in; the safest thing was never to let the original out of my hands.
He explained to me that there were certain clever painters who could copy his water colours so exactly that they couldn't be distinguished from the original.
These people carried on a flourishing business and could always find fools ready to be taken in; the safest thing was never to let the original out of my hands.
As there had already been attempts to get this material from me, I asked the Chancellor his opinion. "These documents are your own personal property, Kubizek," he answered, "No one can claim them."
This led him to speak of Rabitsch's book. Rabitsch had attended the Linz Technical School a couple of years after Hitler and, certainly with the best of intentions, had written a book about Hitler's school years.
But Hitler was very angry about it because Rabitsch had never known him personally. "You see, Kubizek, from the very beginning I was not in favour of this book being written; only those who really know me should write about me. If anybody is indicated for it, it is you, Kubizek," and turning to his A.D.C. he added, "Make a note of that immediately."
But Hitler was very angry about it because Rabitsch had never known him personally. "You see, Kubizek, from the very beginning I was not in favour of this book being written; only those who really know me should write about me. If anybody is indicated for it, it is you, Kubizek," and turning to his A.D.C. he added, "Make a note of that immediately."
Then he once more gripped my hand, "See, Kubizek, it's really necessary that we should meet more often. As soon as it's possible I will send for you."
The meeting was over; in a state of numbness I left the hotel.
Unrest entered into my quiet, retired life during the following days and I was to discover that it was not all honey to have been the boyhood friend of such a famous man.
Although I had told hardly anybody about it and was determined to be even more discreet in the future, I was soon to experience the drawbacks of having been a friend of Hitler's.
Already in the previous March I had had a taste of what was in store for me.
Hardly had Austria become part of the German Reich, than one day a motorcar drew up at my house in Eferding.
The three men in uniform who got out of it had come direct from Berlin.
They had instructions from the Führer to collect from me all the documents relative to his youth and to take them to the Chancellery so that they could be kept in safety.
Luckily I did not allow myself to be taken in.
As was now clear to me Hitler, at the time that attempt at confiscation had been made, had no idea that I was in possession of these papers.
It was the independent move of some Party Office which had learned of my existence. In any case I refused to hand over the papers to the three S.S. men, which seemed to them hardly believable. Evidently they had expected to find the people in Austria more pliable than I was.
Their brusque manner did not make the desired impression -- and to make matters worse this obstinate civilian wasn't even a member of the Party !
Extraordinary what queer fish the Führer had chosen for friends in his youth, they must have thought, as they went off with empty hands.
Unrest entered into my quiet, retired life during the following days and I was to discover that it was not all honey to have been the boyhood friend of such a famous man.
Although I had told hardly anybody about it and was determined to be even more discreet in the future, I was soon to experience the drawbacks of having been a friend of Hitler's.
Already in the previous March I had had a taste of what was in store for me.
Hardly had Austria become part of the German Reich, than one day a motorcar drew up at my house in Eferding.
The three men in uniform who got out of it had come direct from Berlin.
They had instructions from the Führer to collect from me all the documents relative to his youth and to take them to the Chancellery so that they could be kept in safety.
Luckily I did not allow myself to be taken in.
As was now clear to me Hitler, at the time that attempt at confiscation had been made, had no idea that I was in possession of these papers.
It was the independent move of some Party Office which had learned of my existence. In any case I refused to hand over the papers to the three S.S. men, which seemed to them hardly believable. Evidently they had expected to find the people in Austria more pliable than I was.
Their brusque manner did not make the desired impression -- and to make matters worse this obstinate civilian wasn't even a member of the Party !
Extraordinary what queer fish the Führer had chosen for friends in his youth, they must have thought, as they went off with empty hands.
It was lucky that I had stood firm against this first attack.
Those that followed were easier to parry as I could quote Hitler's own words, that these documents were my own personal property.
Those that followed were easier to parry as I could quote Hitler's own words, that these documents were my own personal property.
In the following months the various Party Offices tried to outdo each other.
As I now learned, often, when among his intimates the conversation turned on his youth, Hitler would refer them to me. "Ask Gustl" was the stereotyped reply they would get for anything that concerned his youthful experiences.
But now this "Gustl," who had previously been more or less out of reach, had with the Anschluss suddenly become a German citizen and well within the grasp of all the political departments.
As I now learned, often, when among his intimates the conversation turned on his youth, Hitler would refer them to me. "Ask Gustl" was the stereotyped reply they would get for anything that concerned his youthful experiences.
But now this "Gustl," who had previously been more or less out of reach, had with the Anschluss suddenly become a German citizen and well within the grasp of all the political departments.
Reichs Minister Goebbels sent a very likable young man to me.
His name was Karl Cerff, but his rank and position I have forgotten. Cerff explained to me that they were preparing the publication of a great biography of the Führer, of which I was to be in charge of the period 1904-1908.
At the appropriate time I would be called to Berlin so that I could carry out this work with the help of acknowledged specialists., meanwhile they would like me to make a start with detailed notes of my memoirs.
I explained to the young man that I could not possibly find the time then as, since the Anschluss, we municipal employees were overwhelmed with work. He realised that I didn't wish to bind myself and was very, amused at my way of putting it.
But he exhorted me not to underrate my "unique responsibility to History," as he expressed it. If I so wished, he could easily get me leave of absence.
This I refused definitely.
So he departed, promising to come at a "better moment." But as the future only brought "worse moments," I never saw Karl Cerff again. In any case, he had tried to carry out his ticklish job with tact and charm.
I explained to the young man that I could not possibly find the time then as, since the Anschluss, we municipal employees were overwhelmed with work. He realised that I didn't wish to bind myself and was very, amused at my way of putting it.
But he exhorted me not to underrate my "unique responsibility to History," as he expressed it. If I so wished, he could easily get me leave of absence.
This I refused definitely.
So he departed, promising to come at a "better moment." But as the future only brought "worse moments," I never saw Karl Cerff again. In any case, he had tried to carry out his ticklish job with tact and charm.
Much more insistent and unpleasant were the instructions that reached me from Martin Bormann, who seemed to feel himself solely responsible for me and my affairs and kept an anxious watch that no one else should come in contact with me.
His letters and orders read as though he had taken a lease on the life of Adolf Hitler and nobody must say or write one word about it without its being examined and agreed on by him.
When he failed in his attempts to get these documents from me to deposit them with the Party Central Office "where they belonged," as he wrote, he sent me strict orders that these papers should never be given up without his permission and that no outsider should be permitted a glimpse of them. For this I certainly didn't need Martin Bormann's admonition -- this had always been my intention.
But when he instructed me to write out immediately the memoirs of my youthful friendship with Adolf Hitler and submit the draft to him, then I replied that I should have first to talk this over with Hitler himself. This method was a decided success.
In future when I was being pressed by any of these bullying gentlemen, I had only to say, "Excuse me, but I must first discuss your suggestions with the Chancellor personally ... what was the name again ?" This changed their attitude completely and I was then handled with the utmost delicacy and care.
His letters and orders read as though he had taken a lease on the life of Adolf Hitler and nobody must say or write one word about it without its being examined and agreed on by him.
When he failed in his attempts to get these documents from me to deposit them with the Party Central Office "where they belonged," as he wrote, he sent me strict orders that these papers should never be given up without his permission and that no outsider should be permitted a glimpse of them. For this I certainly didn't need Martin Bormann's admonition -- this had always been my intention.
But when he instructed me to write out immediately the memoirs of my youthful friendship with Adolf Hitler and submit the draft to him, then I replied that I should have first to talk this over with Hitler himself. This method was a decided success.
In future when I was being pressed by any of these bullying gentlemen, I had only to say, "Excuse me, but I must first discuss your suggestions with the Chancellor personally ... what was the name again ?" This changed their attitude completely and I was then handled with the utmost delicacy and care.
In contrast to this, I recollect my meeting with Rudolf Hess with pleasure. He had come to Linz and invited me to call on him; he sent a car for me which took me to the Bergbahn Hotel on the Pöstlingberg.
Reichs Minister Hess greeted me warmly. "So this is Kubizek!" he exclaimed, beaming. "The Führer has told me so much about you."
I sensed immediately that this friendliness was really genuine and heartfelt.
Reichs Minister Hess greeted me warmly. "So this is Kubizek!" he exclaimed, beaming. "The Führer has told me so much about you."
I sensed immediately that this friendliness was really genuine and heartfelt.
Also, through this visit I was able to confirm an impression I had that the closer to the Chancellor a person stood, the more he had been told about me
.
Rudolf Hess (right) and Frau Winifred Wagner (left) were the most fully informed about Hitler's youth and, consequently, about me.
The Minister invited me to lunch which was served on the beautiful terrace of the hotel.
After the meal I had to recount to him all my memories in great detail. He frequently commented and again and again asked me questions.
After the meal I had to recount to him all my memories in great detail. He frequently commented and again and again asked me questions.
I had the feeling that, in a real, human way, Rudolf Hess was much closer to Hitler than many others and I was glad about this. The other gentlemen, too, who were at the table joined in and we had an animated and unrestrained conversation, markedly different from those dealings with the officials of the Party Central Office.
I was particularly glad that from this wonderful spot high above the city I could point out to the Minister the position of all the places of which we spoke as they lay before us.
I was particularly glad that from this wonderful spot high above the city I could point out to the Minister the position of all the places of which we spoke as they lay before us.
Rudolf Hess made a good impression on me with his simple, straightforward manner which differed so much from the behaviour of other, far less important political personalities.
I was only sorry that he appeared so ill.
Meanwhile, in my own country, too, they seemed to have become aware of me.
To be sure I was still not a Party member, which seemed strange to many, as in their opinion .the boyhood friend of Hitler's should actually have been Party member No. 2.
But even in those days, politically I had always been a dubious supporter of my friend, not exactly because I actively disagreed with his politics, but politics did not interest me; or rather, I did not understand them.
To be sure I was still not a Party member, which seemed strange to many, as in their opinion .the boyhood friend of Hitler's should actually have been Party member No. 2.
But even in those days, politically I had always been a dubious supporter of my friend, not exactly because I actively disagreed with his politics, but politics did not interest me; or rather, I did not understand them.
Naturally, too, I was soon flooded with requests for help and support from people who, for one reason or another, were in trouble and wanted me to intercede for them.
I was willing to help, although I had no illusion about my actual influence over political decisions and it was soon made clear to me that being "a boyhood friend of Adolf Hitler's" was not sufficient title to warrant an active interference in these affairs.
It was pointed out to me, politely but firmly, that this or that particular matter was quite outside my sphere.
I was willing to help, although I had no illusion about my actual influence over political decisions and it was soon made clear to me that being "a boyhood friend of Adolf Hitler's" was not sufficient title to warrant an active interference in these affairs.
It was pointed out to me, politely but firmly, that this or that particular matter was quite outside my sphere.
As I expected, the visit to Eferding that Hitler had planned did not take place.
Then, suddenly, my state of resignation, induced more by common sense than by sentiment, was broken into by the unexpected arrival of a registered letter from the Reichs Chancellery. My heart was thudding as I opened the envelope.
There in its full glory, printed on the finest handmade paper stood what was to become the greatest joy of my whole life.
Then, suddenly, my state of resignation, induced more by common sense than by sentiment, was broken into by the unexpected arrival of a registered letter from the Reichs Chancellery. My heart was thudding as I opened the envelope.
There in its full glory, printed on the finest handmade paper stood what was to become the greatest joy of my whole life.
By the command of the Reichs Chancellor I was invited to be present at this year's Richard Wagner Festival in Bayreuth.
I was to report to Herr Kannenberg in Haus Wahnfried (see left)on July 25, 1939.
It had always been my greatest desire to make the pilgrimage to Bayreuth to experience a performance of the great Master there.
But I was not well off and with my humble position could never even contemplate such a journey.
And now suddenly I was going!
And now suddenly I was going!
I arrived in good time for the performance; the Festival in 1939 opened with the Flying Dutchman. An orchestra 132 strong -- I was bewitched.
The next day they gave 'Tristan and Isolde', an unforgettable performance.
Thursday, July 27, Parsifal (see right) was presented. I had already prepared myself for this at home, had studied the piano score and read all the relative literature.
The soft strains of the Abendmahl motif were heard, the world around me changed and I lived through the most happy hours of my earthly existence.
With Götterdämmerung on Wednesday, August 2, my stay in Bayreuth came to an end. I prepared for my journey home and went once more to Herr Kannenberg to thank him for his care of me. "Must you really leave ?" he asked me with a meaning smile. "It would be a good idea if you could stay another day." I understood his hint immediately and stayed in Bayreuth till August 3rd.
At two o'clock in the afternoon an S.S. officer came to fetch me; it was not far to Haus Wahnfried.
In the hall Obergruppenführer Julius Schaub (see left) was waiting for me and he led me to a large salon where many people, whom I recognised from the former Linz visit or from the illustrated papers, were present.
There stood Frau Winifred Wagner in lively conversation with Reichs Minister Hess.
There stood Frau Winifred Wagner in lively conversation with Reichs Minister Hess.
Obergruppenführer Brückner was chatting with Herr von Neurath (see right) and several generals.
Indeed there was a preponderance of military personalities present and it struck me that the general situation was very strained, in particular with regard to Poland, and there was even talk of a resort to arms.
I felt very out of place in this tense atmosphere and the same sinking feeling, like stagefright, that I had experienced in the Hotel Weinzinger in Linz came back to me. Probably the Reichs Chancellor wanted to exchange a few friendly words with me before he went back to the capital.
With my heart beating wildly I prepared a few words of thanks. On the far side of the hall were large double folding doors.
I felt very out of place in this tense atmosphere and the same sinking feeling, like stagefright, that I had experienced in the Hotel Weinzinger in Linz came back to me. Probably the Reichs Chancellor wanted to exchange a few friendly words with me before he went back to the capital.
With my heart beating wildly I prepared a few words of thanks. On the far side of the hall were large double folding doors.
Suddenly the A.D.C. standing by these doors signals to Obergruppenführer Schaub, whereupon he leads me forward.
The A.D.C. opens both doors and steps aside. Obergruppenführer Schaub steps in with me and announces, "Mein Führer, here is Herr Kubizek." Saying which, he steps back and closes the doors behind him.
I am alone with the Reichs Chancellor.
The A.D.C. opens both doors and steps aside. Obergruppenführer Schaub steps in with me and announces, "Mein Führer, here is Herr Kubizek." Saying which, he steps back and closes the doors behind him.
I am alone with the Reichs Chancellor.
His bright eyes shine with the pleasure of seeing me again and be comes towards me with a beaming face.
Nothing in his behaviour betrays the immense responsibility which rests on his shoulders; he seems to me just like any ordinary visitor to the Festival.
He, too, shares that happy atmosphere which pervades Bayreuth.
Nothing in his behaviour betrays the immense responsibility which rests on his shoulders; he seems to me just like any ordinary visitor to the Festival.
He, too, shares that happy atmosphere which pervades Bayreuth.
Now he takes my right hand in both of his and wishes me welcome.
This heartfelt greeting on this holy spot moves me so much that I can hardly speak.
This heartfelt greeting on this holy spot moves me so much that I can hardly speak.
My expressions of gratitude must have sounded very awkward and I was much relieved when his friendly "Well, let's sit down" released me from my confusion.
I had to tell him all about my journey to Bayreuth, my visits to the various places associated with Wagner and, of course in the greatest detail, what I thought of the Festival performances.
In doing this I recovered my self-control and now we were talking in just the same way as we had done in our youth about all that enchanted us.
In doing this I recovered my self-control and now we were talking in just the same way as we had done in our youth about all that enchanted us.
And this brought him round to the Wagner performances we had seen in Linz and Vienna and he exposed to me his plan to make the work of Richard Wagner available to the greatest possible number of the German people.
Ah, how well I knew these plans from long ago! In his talks of nearly thirty-five years ago their fundamentals were already determined. But now it was no longer mere fantasy.
Six thousand people, he told me, who had previously never been able to afford it were this year, as a result of excellent organisation, among the guests at the Bayreuth Festival. I replied that I myself was among the number. He laughed and said-I remember his words exactly -- "Now I have you as my witness in Bayreuth, Kubizek, for you were the only one present when as a poor, unknown person I first gave utterance to these ideas. In those days you used to ask me how these plans could be realised. And now you can see what has come of it." He went on to describe to me all that had been done up till then and what was still going to be done for Bayreuth, almost as though he had to render account to me.
Ah, how well I knew these plans from long ago! In his talks of nearly thirty-five years ago their fundamentals were already determined. But now it was no longer mere fantasy.
Six thousand people, he told me, who had previously never been able to afford it were this year, as a result of excellent organisation, among the guests at the Bayreuth Festival. I replied that I myself was among the number. He laughed and said-I remember his words exactly -- "Now I have you as my witness in Bayreuth, Kubizek, for you were the only one present when as a poor, unknown person I first gave utterance to these ideas. In those days you used to ask me how these plans could be realised. And now you can see what has come of it." He went on to describe to me all that had been done up till then and what was still going to be done for Bayreuth, almost as though he had to render account to me.
But now I had a very concrete problem. In my pocket was a large bundle of postcards, bearing his picture.
In Eferding and Linz there were a great number of worthy people whom I could make happy with a photograph with Hitler's autograph.
For some time I hesitated to bring out the cards as my desire seemed then very commonplace.
On the other hand Hitler was just sitting there at his desk; if I missed this opportunity, perhaps I should never get such a one again. I thought of the people at home and plucked up courage.
In Eferding and Linz there were a great number of worthy people whom I could make happy with a photograph with Hitler's autograph.
For some time I hesitated to bring out the cards as my desire seemed then very commonplace.
On the other hand Hitler was just sitting there at his desk; if I missed this opportunity, perhaps I should never get such a one again. I thought of the people at home and plucked up courage.
He took the cards and, as he looked for his glasses, I handed him my fountain pen. Then he signed and I helped him by drying the signatures with the blotting pad.
In the middle of signing the cards he looked up, and seeing me standing by with the uplifted blotter, said smi!ingly, "One can see that you're a pen-pusher, Kubizek. But I just don't understand how you can stick to that job. In your place I'd have cut loose long ago. And, incidentally, why didn't you come and see me much earlier ?"
In the middle of signing the cards he looked up, and seeing me standing by with the uplifted blotter, said smi!ingly, "One can see that you're a pen-pusher, Kubizek. But I just don't understand how you can stick to that job. In your place I'd have cut loose long ago. And, incidentally, why didn't you come and see me much earlier ?"
I was very embarrassed and searched for a suitable excuse. "Seeing that you wrote me on the fourth of August, 1933, that you would like to revive our common memories but only when the period of sternest struggle was over," I said, "I wanted to wait until then. Besides, until 1938, as an Austrian subject I would have needed a passport to come to Germany. And I certainly should not have got that if I had revealed the true purpose of my visit."
He laughed heartily and answered, "Yes, politically you were always a child." I too laughed now because I had expected him to use a different word.
The "fool" of the Stumpergasse had meanwhile become a "child."
Then the Reichs Chancellor packed the cards together and got up.
I thanked him and put them carefully in my coat pocket. Now, I thought, the interview was at an end. Then he said solemnly, "Come !"
I thanked him and put them carefully in my coat pocket. Now, I thought, the interview was at an end. Then he said solemnly, "Come !"
He opened the french windows and preceded me into the garden down the stone steps. Well-tended paths brought us to a high, wrought-iron gate. He opened it.
There were flowers and shrubs in full bloom, and the mighty trees, forming a roof above us, threw the place into semi-darkness.
A few more paces and we stood in front of Richard Wagner's tomb (see left).
A few more paces and we stood in front of Richard Wagner's tomb (see left).
Hitler took my hand and I could feel how moved he was.
It was quite still; nothing disturbed the solemn peace.
Hitler broke the silence, "I am happy that we have met once more on this spot which always was the most venerable place for us both."
I pondered on the inscrutable ways of destiny.
Whoever had known us both in those days in Vienna must have been certain that my future was, to all intents and purposes, predictable.
After finishing at the Conservatory I would start my career as an opera conductor, a career to which my early successes pointed.
It must have seemed equally certain that Adolf, with his purposeless studies and his disdain for all professional training, would turn out a failure.
Now fate had given its verdict.
After finishing at the Conservatory I would start my career as an opera conductor, a career to which my early successes pointed.
It must have seemed equally certain that Adolf, with his purposeless studies and his disdain for all professional training, would turn out a failure.
Now fate had given its verdict.
Here at Richard Wagner's tomb stood, hand in hand, the two poor unknown students from the dark back room of the Stumpergasse.
And what were they now? The "dead cert" was a little insignificant clerk in a small Austrian town who also dabbled in music, and the other whose future had been so much in doubt had risen to be the Chancellor of the Reich.
And what were they now? The "dead cert" was a little insignificant clerk in a small Austrian town who also dabbled in music, and the other whose future had been so much in doubt had risen to be the Chancellor of the Reich.
And what did the future have in store for us?
Only one thing could be safely predicted: while the one would remain in his obscurity, whatever might happen the other would go down in history.
Only one thing could be safely predicted: while the one would remain in his obscurity, whatever might happen the other would go down in history.
Afterwards the Reichs Chancellor showed me round Haus Wahnfried.
Wieland Wagner (see left), Frau Winifred's son and the Master's grandson, was waiting for us at the garden entrance.
He unlocked the various rooms for us and the Chancellor showed me all the relics.
We started our tour with the old building, whose rooms were already familiar to me from pictures.
He unlocked the various rooms for us and the Chancellor showed me all the relics.
We started our tour with the old building, whose rooms were already familiar to me from pictures.
In the music room there was the grand piano at which the Master had worked; it was left open, a gesture which moved me deeply. I saw also the magnificent library.
Then Wieland left us and the Chancellor introduced me to Frau Wagner, who was obviously pleased to meet me. When our conversation turned on the youthful enthusiasm with which we had dedicated ourselves to the works of the Master, I recalled again that memorable Rienzi performance in Linz. And now Hitler evoked for Frau Wagner the unique experience of that night, concluding with the words that have remained engraved in my memory, "In that hour it began."
Before we parted, Hitler gave me a few more words of advice.
On my way home, he said, I should stop in Munich and hear the Reichs Symphony Orchestra, which had been so much on our minds when we were young, and I should also visit the great German Art Exhibition.
On my way home, he said, I should stop in Munich and hear the Reichs Symphony Orchestra, which had been so much on our minds when we were young, and I should also visit the great German Art Exhibition.
He thought it would not be a good thing for us to meet in his home on the Obersalzberg, so he had given orders that I should always be able to come to Bayreuth when he was there. "I should like you to be always here with me," he said, and shook me by the hand.
He stood at the garden gate and waved to me as I went.
Soon I heard the cheers of the crowds greeting him in the RichardWagner-Strasse -- the Chancellor was leaving Bayreuth to fly to Berlin.
When, on July 8, 1940, I received the tickets for the first cycle of the Richard Wagner Festival which the Chancellor's office had sent me, I was faced with a dilemma.
War had brought changes to our service and duties at home, too; would it not be irresponsible of me to leave my urgent tasks to go to Bayreuth ?
True the Chancellor had expressed the desire to have me there with him.
But there was a war on, and nobody was more occupied with it than Hitler himself. Would he even be able to come?
True the Chancellor had expressed the desire to have me there with him.
But there was a war on, and nobody was more occupied with it than Hitler himself. Would he even be able to come?
Unlike the previous year, apart from the Flying Dutchman, only 'The Ring' was performed.
Frau Wagner informed me that she had spoken to the Führer on the telephone and confirmed that he would be flying straight from his Headquarters to the performance of Götterdämmerung but had to return immediately afterwards. "He asked me whether you were here, Herr Kubizek," she added. "He wants to talk to you during the interval."
Frau Wagner informed me that she had spoken to the Führer on the telephone and confirmed that he would be flying straight from his Headquarters to the performance of Götterdämmerung but had to return immediately afterwards. "He asked me whether you were here, Herr Kubizek," she added. "He wants to talk to you during the interval."
On Tuesday, July 23, at three o'clock in the afternoon, the trumpets -- provided for the occasion by the Wehrmacht -- sounded the Siegfried motif, announcing the beginning of the opera. I took my seat and shortly after, Hitler entered his box.
The Awakening Motif, the solemn, fateful tones swelled out. I forgot my surroundings and gave myself up to the magic of the wonderful work.
The Awakening Motif, the solemn, fateful tones swelled out. I forgot my surroundings and gave myself up to the magic of the wonderful work.
During the first interval Wolfgang Wagner came hurriedly to tell me that the Führer wanted to see me.
We went to the drawing room where there were about twenty people standing around in groups engaged in lively conversation.
I could not spot Hitler immediately as he was no longer in civilian clothes but in uniform.
But his personal A.D.C. had already told him of my presence and he came towards me with both hands outstretched.
He wore a simple grey-green tunic and his face was fresh and sunburnt.
His delight at seeing me seemed to be even deeper, more heartfelt. Perhaps the war had made him even more serious.
And I represented for him one who had known his youth, a friend who had been at his side during one period of his life.
We went to the drawing room where there were about twenty people standing around in groups engaged in lively conversation.
I could not spot Hitler immediately as he was no longer in civilian clothes but in uniform.
But his personal A.D.C. had already told him of my presence and he came towards me with both hands outstretched.
He wore a simple grey-green tunic and his face was fresh and sunburnt.
His delight at seeing me seemed to be even deeper, more heartfelt. Perhaps the war had made him even more serious.
And I represented for him one who had known his youth, a friend who had been at his side during one period of his life.
Hitler took me aside and we stood alone while the other guests continued their conversations at a distance.
"This year this is the only performance which I can see," he said. "But it can't be helped, there's a war on."
And then with an undertone of anger in his voice: "This war is holding up our work of reconstruction for many years. It is a shame. After all I have not become the Chancellor of the Greater German Reich to make war."
And then with an undertone of anger in his voice: "This war is holding up our work of reconstruction for many years. It is a shame. After all I have not become the Chancellor of the Greater German Reich to make war."
I was astonished to hear the Chancellor speak in this way after the great military victories in Poland and France. Perhaps he was influenced by the fact that my presence reminded him of his age; for we had been young together, and as he noticed in me the unmistakable signs of the advancing years, he must have realised that the years must also have left their mark on him, although in all the time of our acquaintance I had never seen him looking so strong and healthy.
"This war is robbing me of my best years.
You know my plans, Kubizek, you know how much I still want to build.
That's what I want to see in my lifetime, you understand?
You know best how many projects I have made ever since I was young. And only a few of them have I been able to realise so far. I still have so infinitely much to do.
Who else is there to do it?
And here I have to stand by and watch the war robbing me of my best years.
It is a shame. Time doesn't stand still. We are growing older, Kubizek. Not many more years -- and it will be too late to do what remains to be done."
You know my plans, Kubizek, you know how much I still want to build.
That's what I want to see in my lifetime, you understand?
You know best how many projects I have made ever since I was young. And only a few of them have I been able to realise so far. I still have so infinitely much to do.
Who else is there to do it?
And here I have to stand by and watch the war robbing me of my best years.
It is a shame. Time doesn't stand still. We are growing older, Kubizek. Not many more years -- and it will be too late to do what remains to be done."
And with that strangely excited voice so familiar to me from our early years, vibrating with impatience, he began to detail for me his great plans for the future, the development of the Autobahnen, of canals, the modernisation of the railways and much else. I was hardly able to follow.
But once again, as in the previous year, I felt that he wanted to justify himself before me, the witness of his youthful ideas.
But once again, as in the previous year, I felt that he wanted to justify himself before me, the witness of his youthful ideas.
I tried to turn the conversation to the experiences we had shared in our youth.
He immediately picked up a remark of mine and said, "Poor students, that's what we were.
And, Heaven knows, we starved.
Off we used to go with only a crust of bread in our pocket.
But all this has changed now. It was only last year that young people went to Madeira in our ships."
He immediately picked up a remark of mine and said, "Poor students, that's what we were.
And, Heaven knows, we starved.
Off we used to go with only a crust of bread in our pocket.
But all this has changed now. It was only last year that young people went to Madeira in our ships."
And so Hitler came to speak of his cultural plans.
The crowds in front of the Festival Theatre were wanting to see him.
But he had worked himself up to such a state that it was not possible to interrupt him, perhaps because he felt, just as in our conversations in the gloomy room of Frau Zakreys, that I followed him with full enthusiasm whenever he spoke of art and its problems.
The crowds in front of the Festival Theatre were wanting to see him.
But he had worked himself up to such a state that it was not possible to interrupt him, perhaps because he felt, just as in our conversations in the gloomy room of Frau Zakreys, that I followed him with full enthusiasm whenever he spoke of art and its problems.
"I am still tied up by the war. But, I hope it won't last much longer and then I'll be able to build again and to carry out what remains to be done. When that moment comes I shall call you, Kubizek, and then you must stay with me always," he concluded.
Outside the trumpets sounded to remind us that the performance was about to continue. I thanked the Chancellor for this demonstration of his friendship and wished him luck and success for the future.
'Götterdämmerung' came to an end; it was a performance that moved me to the core.
'Götterdämmerung' came to an end; it was a performance that moved me to the core.
I walked slowly down the drive leading from the theater and noticed that the street was roped off.
I stopped at the comer of Adolf-Hitler-Strasse to see the Chancellor once more.
A few minutes later a motor column approached along the street. Hitler stood erect in his car; on either side, close to the ropes, moved the cars of his entourage.
I stopped at the comer of Adolf-Hitler-Strasse to see the Chancellor once more.
A few minutes later a motor column approached along the street. Hitler stood erect in his car; on either side, close to the ropes, moved the cars of his entourage.
I shall never forget what happened during the next few moments. General Music Director Elmendorf with Frau Lange and Sister Susi, and an old lady, a painter, whose name I don't remember -- she was living in the Haus Wahnfried -- stood with me and congratulated me. I didn't really know why. But now the motor column had reached us and was passing at a slow pace.
I was standing near the cordon and I saluted.
At this moment the Chancellor recognised me and made a sign to the driver.
The column halted and his car approached me.
Hitler smiled at me, leaned out of his car and, taking my hand, shook it heartily, saying, "Auf Wiedersehen." And as the car moved off, Hitler turned round and waved farewell.
Then the column proceeded to the airfield.
I was standing near the cordon and I saluted.
At this moment the Chancellor recognised me and made a sign to the driver.
The column halted and his car approached me.
Hitler smiled at me, leaned out of his car and, taking my hand, shook it heartily, saying, "Auf Wiedersehen." And as the car moved off, Hitler turned round and waved farewell.
Then the column proceeded to the airfield.
Pandemonium broke out around me.
The bystanders wanted to know who that strange civilian was to whom Hitler had paid so much attention in public. I myself was hardly able to utter a word.
The shouting and pushing grew frightening. Up to this moment my meetings with the Chancellor had always been in private or, at the most, in the presence of a limited number of people, which had preserved the personal and intimate character of our friendship.
But now it had become, so to speak, a matter of public interest, and only now did I fully understand how much this friendship of my youth really meant.
Everybody wanted to shake hands with me.
My friends tried to give some explanations to the crowd-in vain! they were unable to make themselves heard.
I was being pushed and knocked about-everybody wanted to see me. Heaven knows what the people thought I was.
Perhaps a foreign diplomat who had come to offer peace - this at least would have made the pushing worth while.
At long last I could breathe more freely. "Ladies and gentlemen," I shouted, "let me go -- I'm only a boyhood friend of his!"
The shouting and pushing grew frightening. Up to this moment my meetings with the Chancellor had always been in private or, at the most, in the presence of a limited number of people, which had preserved the personal and intimate character of our friendship.
But now it had become, so to speak, a matter of public interest, and only now did I fully understand how much this friendship of my youth really meant.
Everybody wanted to shake hands with me.
My friends tried to give some explanations to the crowd-in vain! they were unable to make themselves heard.
I was being pushed and knocked about-everybody wanted to see me. Heaven knows what the people thought I was.
Perhaps a foreign diplomat who had come to offer peace - this at least would have made the pushing worth while.
At long last I could breathe more freely. "Ladies and gentlemen," I shouted, "let me go -- I'm only a boyhood friend of his!"
On that twenty-third of July, 1940, I saw Hitler for the last time.
August Kubizek
August Kubizek - Grab
(3 August 1888, Linz – 23 October 1956)
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© Copyright Peter Crawford 2012
click below for a fascinating insight into the occult source of Hitler's power
HITLER AND THE TRUE WILL
__________________________________
click below for a fascinating insight into the occult source of Hitler's power
HITLER AND THE TRUE WILL
© Copyright Peter Crawford 2012
Symbols and Emblems created with Adobe Photoshop and Serif Photo Plus
