SCHUETZEN FEST (Long Rifle skeet and target Competition)
It was the beginning of summer 1941. I was fourteen years old. My aunt Frieda and uncle Christopher called to get permission for me to come during my summer vacation in the last two weeks of August. There will be a festivity called Schuetzen Fest, a competition of skeet and target shooting with the most beautiful custom-made long rifles and in the Calau area it is happening every four years. They thought I would surely enjoy it. All the participants, men with titles, are very proud of their rifles and very serious about this sport. Uncle Christopher was thinking that I would enjoy watching. It is a lot of fun.
My mama thought it over and considered that this war could last a long time and I would not be able to see my favorite aunt any longer, so she gave her permission, if she could be assured that Franz, their driver, would pick me up at the Calau train station. Of course he would, for the safety of Ilona, Franz would be right at the train. So, the date and time was set up. The month of August arrived and after the second week Ilona got ready for her long journey. I arrived at the Calau train station and as I got off the train, I saw Franz waiting by the entry of the station. After our greeting, a big hug, we got into the car and before we started out Franz had a big thermos with ice cold lemonade. We drank some and then started out into the beautiful forest and to the estate. The greeting was with big hugs and thanking me for making this long journey all by myself.
The Schuetzenfest (the rifle competition) will start this coming weekend and in the open meadow, not far from Uncle Christopher’s estate, they will have the targets, the stands for the shooters and the booths with fun entertainment and all the lights set up. When my aunt Frieda and I arrived on Saturday the festival was already in full swing. We joined uncle Christopher by his set-up for skeet shooting today and tomorrow the shooters will switch places and Uncle Christopher will be at a stand with his beautiful Schuetzen rifle for the target shooting competition.
During the lunchtime break food and drink were being delivered and all shooters could visit with their families. After, I was invited to try my skill in target shooting. I was scared and very nervous. These shooters are the elite of long rifle enthusiasts and I, only fourteen years old, have not had the practice in order to be “showing off” here. Other than when I would go with my father to his gun club, which was not often. I took three chances and did not hit the target. So, my dear uncle convinced me, I needed another chance, that the first three were practice runs. Number four! Bull’s eye! I received a big hug from my uncle and aunt, they were proud of me.
My uncle’s Schuetzen rifle was specifically made for him, and it was a beauty! It was not custom-made for me. It did not fit my underarm perfectly. The wood on this long rifle could hold its own to any special piece of fine furniture. The gun was in every way first rate, and so were the shooters.
A lovely summer vacation, not to forget, ever.
Fourteen Ilona with a gun, probably as tall as she was! And I can just see her stepping off the train after her solo trip. Perhaps a little shy, and confident! Cute. I remember dear Hal’s gun collection. He was so very proud of them, polishing them and handling them with great care. I particularly remember him showing us the checkering (is that the right term?) on the sides of the shoulder rest, and talking about it. I bet he learned a lot from Ilona on gun sports. What interesting and adventurous lives they lived. They made wonderful memories.
This sounds like an elegant competition, and it was so thoughtful of Ilona’s Aunt and Uncle to invite her. Time with out of town relatives during the war must have seemed very precious. Bravo, Ilona, for having the courage and taking the fourth shot! I wonder what the other shooters thought, since Ilona has always looked younger than her years?
What a special rifle–it looks so ornate–it is another side of Ilona and another surprise about one of her many talents! What a person…what a life. She is a role model for sure.
Marcie