Silesian Provincial Gazettes

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Title of the Silesian Provincial Gazette

" Schlesische Provinzialblätter " is the name of a monthly journal published in the years 1785–1849 by Karl Konrad Streit (1751–1826) and (until 1812) Friedrich A. Zimmermann (1745–1815) in Breslau ( Lower Silesia ) initially by Verlag Gottlieb Leo , later the publisher (1785-1791) Wilhelm Gottlieb Korn published was. Today the editions of this journal serve as an important genealogical source .

History of origin

At a social meeting in Breslau at the beginning of 1784, it was agreed that the two officials of the War and Domain Chamber in Breslau, Streit and Zimmermann , should begin the publication. The first announcement of the “ new journal ” appeared in the same year, but it was not until January 31, 1785 that the first blue ribbon was issued.

The last volume of the "Schlesische Provinzialblätter" with the number 130 was published in December 1849. It was not until 1862 that Theodor Oelsner published continuations under the name " Schlesische Provinzialblätter - New Series " and until 1875 under other names.

Circulation, distribution and readers

The provincial papers appeared monthly with about 100 pages. In each case 6 booklets were combined in one volume; 2 volumes were published per year. This journal was an important periodical for its time , which contributed significantly to the establishment and maintenance of the Silesian identity . With a circulation of 2,100 copies (1840), it was one of the highest-circulation magazines in Germany and the most important news magazine in Silesia.

In 1826 the Provincial Papers had correspondents in 63 towns in Silesia. They were volunteers whose main occupation was pastors , cantors , booksellers or civil servants . Depending on the personal commitment or even the existence of such an employee, the news density was of course based on this and about this region or town.

The “Silesian Provincial Papers” were to a certain extent required reading for the Silesian educated middle class and nobility . Its readers included officials from administration and church, church employees such as cantors or pastors, officers , landowners and tenants, doctors , pharmacists and merchants .

content

" The provincial papers want 1. All advances that culture, industry, morality and enlightenment are making in this province, for awakening, including regression, insofar as prudence allows it, to report shyness. They spread over religion and education, over literature , Police, trade, manufactories, arts, economics, natural history, justice, pharmacy, etc. ... In accordance with the purpose of the monthly, however, essays are particularly desired that address the needs of Silesia, its level of culture, morality, and enlightenment , take constant consideration of their prejudices etc. or lead to closer knowledge of this country through as detailed as possible descriptions of good local institutions, faulty facilities, customs etc. "(Source: Schlesische Provinzialblätter, Volume 1, 1785)

The editors' fundamental interest was therefore to publish all the interesting news from and for Silesia and "to make the Silesians more familiar with their own fatherland." From 1793 onwards, the provincial papers were expanded to include an appendix of private and business advertisements and a " Literary Chronicle of Silesia " added.

Current meaning

The numerous family advertisements contained, as well as the appendix to the provincial gazettes, are still of particular importance for genealogists today , as they not only record news about birth, marriage and death, but also the obituaries and résumés of the deceased.

literature

  • Michael Rüdiger Gerber: Die Schlesischen Provinzialblätter 1785-1849 , Jan Thorbecke Verlag, Sigmaringen 1995, ISBN 3-7995-6145-5 .
  • Georg Selke: The share of the "Schlesische Provinzialblätter" in the Silesian literature , in: "Breslauer contributions to literary history", Breslau 1911. - New edition: Verlag H. Krumbhaar, Liegnitz 1922.
  • Uwe Kambach: The marriages in the Silesian Provincial Papers. A register for the years 1785-1849 , Verlag Degener & Co, Neustadt (Aisch) 1994, ISBN 3-7686-2064-6 .

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