Adolf Hitler: Leondinger Weekly Newspaper.
Presentation edition weekly newspaper given to Adolf Hitler from the municipality of Leonding of a printing template used in making the hand-written original copies of the Leonding weekly newspaper.
The cover features an image of the municipality of Leonding with humorous comments on the theme and direction of the magazine. Introduction page features a hand written dedication:
"The leader of the German people. Back in the days of our youth, the people will be led by what is written here in these pages; they will often laugh and stir the spirit of the past. The great leader dared to send this - with whom then shall it be in better hands? In high esteem and veneration, Karl Weislein, Linz, 5 July 1937."
The individual issues start with No. 1, Leonding 1 November 1899. In this issue, is mentioned twice, the father of the future leader and Reich Chancellor "Lord Oberamts - Officialen Hitler". On the horseshoe-shaped panel, the following were soon to take their place: Mr President Oberamts - The Official Herr Kirchmayer, Mr Zaunmüller, Mr Traunfellner, Mr Wimmer, Mr Obermayer, Mr Reisetbauer, Mr. Eckar, Mr Weislein and Mr Sixtl.
In terms of content, the weekly papers often deal with the local daily events in Leonding but also with political aspects in a humorous way. The first edition was confiscated and then appeared in a second edition. (However, the original copy given to Hitler also contains the confiscated parts).
The pages also contain numerous humorous drawings from the life of the municipality of Leonding as well as the" table society " of a circle headed by Adolf Hitler's father Alois as president.
Overall, the Adolf Hitler presented collection spans the period of 1 November 1899 (first issue) to 23 January 1901 (42nd issue), a total of 42 issues. Also included is detailed story entitled "To Venice" from the publisher Karl Weislein.
Issue number 3, dated 15 November 1899 features an anti-Semitic drawing of the Villa of the Jewish citizen Weislein and issue number 5, dated 6 December, 1899, mentions Alois Hitler in the context of the local "table society": ".....furthermore, two important changes were made during our last meeting, Mr. Senior Official - official Hitler was elected permanent president and Mr. Accesist Ecker was elected Vice president by the table society."
Issue No. 7, dated 20 December 1899, mentions Alois Hitler
Issue No 10, dated 24 January 1900, his father, Alois Hitler was mentioned.
In the editions 11-17, The Jerusalem pilgrimage of several Leonding citizens is reported in detail. Perhaps Adolf Hitler was perhaps interested as an eleven-year-old in the final disposition of Zionists living in Palestine. They may have had quite negative attitude given latent anti-Semitism which existed in Austria at the turn of the century. This exaggerated criticism of the society, may have had a repulsive effect on Hitler and have contributed to the development of a (never openly displayed) rejection of Catholicism.
Issue No 22, dated 1 August 1900 mentions Alois Hitler in connection with the table society along with issue 23, from 8 August, 1900.
Especially interesting is issue 32, dated 24 October 1900 with the slogan " salvation and victory" with a black and red trimmed message announcing the victory of the "German Volk" over "clericale" party in Leonding. The article ends with the words: "...and just as yesterday at the victory celebration, thunder proclaimed to all opponents the victory of our local community, so may in all German districts (Gaus) of our fatherland, the sound emanate from all mouths the cry of joy: "salvation and victory!"
Issue number 1, dated 7 November 1900 (2nd year) features an article in the context of the victory celebration of the German people's party: "...Mr Senior Official Hitler gave a speech which was well received by the audience with enthusiasm...".
Issue number 2, dated 14 November 1900 features an article about the meeting at the hotel Zacherl, entitled " Germanenkampf noder Bruderzwist im Hause Freiheit- (a funny sad game of mourning or a sad game of pleasure in 1 Act) : is overwritten.
Among the attendees, Alois Hitler, K. u. K. Oberamtsofficioal i. R.; Hitler closed the meeting on several occasions with the words,"We are offended! let's go!". After a passionate discussion, Hitler says:"comrades of conscience, Yes. ..! So why is it taking you so long? My Lord, you won't be able to make it through your heart to examine your own flesh - we're all men of a intelligence here. Not only will they not forgive themselves if they reconcile with their opponents, but they will establish an eternal monument in the hearts of their brothers."
It is noteworthy that the words "salvation" and "salvation to him" are very often used in the language of these articles of these weekly papers, a proof that these expressions belonged to the everyday use of the time and were thus ubiquitous for the young Hitler.
For example, in issues 20, dated 27 June 1900 in the connection with the upcoming elections of June 19, 1900: "...everyone has a free vote, as a free German man,...let's commit to calling men to vote. Let it ring from house to house! Salvation and victory!".
Issue number No 5, dated 19 December 1900: "... in a letter from Mr Senior Official Hitler, the debate led to no results"
Issue 7, dated 19 December, 1900. "...Mr. Chairman Senior Official Official Hitler beamed with pleasure, enveloped in a cloud of smoke, like a Saint surrounded by a cloud of heaven: "And further (pause): in the house of the senior official, Hitler was burglarized on the night of Sunday through Monday and an attempt was made to remove property".
This collection of Leonding weekly newspapers has significant importance for the study of the biography of Adolf Hitler because it shows a very vivid picture of the social environment in which the future leader and Chancellor of the Reich grew up. Many of the events and circumstances described could have had a certain influence on the development of his personality.
The documents show a vivid image of society and morality in the immediate vicinity of Adolf Hitler at the turn of the century.
Highly important document on the personality of Adolf Hitler.
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