The cemetery in Stari Log (Altlag) near Kočevje is one of the best preserved Gottscheer cemeteries. It is not only the eternal resting place of the inhabitants of Stari Log, at the same time it bears witness to the events that shaped Stari Log and its surroundings, as well as the wider Kočevska region. As a witness to the past and a meeting place bringing together different remembrances, the cemetery…
Heritage History
Kočevje Coal Mine: Turbulent mining history of Kočevje
Kočevska region is known for its natural resources, especially its vast, intact forests. In the (not so) distant past, the area was rich in another natural resource that had a significant impact on the lives of the inhabitants – lignite. Kočevje is one of the Slovenian towns that can boast a rich mining tradition. Although the Kočevje Coal Mine closed its doors in 1978, the memory of mining history has…
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Heritage History
Franc Volf, a miner from Kočevje: memories of a miner’s life in Kočevje
Unfortunately, there are less and less former miners from Kočevje still alive today. One of the few retired mine workers who still remembers his mining years with great joy and pride is Franc Volf from Šalka vas. He came to work at the Kočevje Mine directly after completing his compulsory military service in 1968. He also worked as a mine rescue worker at the coal mine, where he remained until…
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Heritage History
130 years of the Kočevje railway
Inaugaration of the Kočevje railway »Hey, how it crackled yesterday in Lower Carniola (Dolenjska), down towards Kočevska land! And rightly so. For such a national holiday promoting economic progress will not be celebrated soon by the local generation there, present or future, as yesterday was the day when the Iron Road was solemnly inaugurated /…/ It was a joyful day for the whole land of Carniola, but it was especially…
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Gottscheer Communities History
Where do Gottscheers Live around the World? – Part I: Gottscheers in Cleveland
Especially in the summer months, increasing number of cars with foreign registration plates can be seen driving on Kočevska roads, sometimes even some buses. In addition to visitors attracted to Kočevska by its unspoilt nature, there are also those who are looking for their roots in Kočevska. Gottscheers and descendants of Gottscheers visit the villages where their parents or grandparents lived. They also visit archives to find information about their…
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History Sport
Soccer in Kočevska Region from the Beginnings to the World War II
Soccer is by far the most popular and widespread sport worldwide. In fact, one might even say it is the only sport that is played professionally or on amateur level on a massive scale on every continent on our planet. There is practically no city that does not have at least one soccer club, and Kočevje is of course no exception. The history and tradition of playing soccer in Kočevska…
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History
A childhood stolen: memories of the (post)war period in the Dragarska valley (Suchenertal) and the surrounding villages
On the way to Dragarska valley (Suchenertal) As I follow the road south of the Hrib – Loški Potok settlement, surrounded by peaceful green surroundings, enlivened in this autumn season by hues of red, warm brown and orange. I have left the hustle and bustle of the city far behind me, and now I am heading for places that are unfortunately scarcely populated. The path leads me through forests, and…
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History
Planina (Stockendorf)
Postcard of Planina (Stockendorf), sent on 4 March 1918 from Planina to Vinica. Archive of Dr. Božidar Flajšman. Kočevski b(r)log / Gottscheerblog …
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Culture History
Furniture in the Kočevska region in 19th and 20th century.
My observations from the field In 1985, I moved to Kočevje and almost immediately began my research and restoration work in the area. To date, I have visited and explored several hundred Gottscheer homes and buildings that have been preserved to this day. Since 1988, I have been actively involved as a restoration specialist, consultant, lecturer, a person setting up exhibitions, and as somebody who has managed to acquire numerous…
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Art Culture History
The Assumption of Mary Parish Church in Stara Cerkev
The Assumption of Mary Parish Church in Stara Cerkev by Kočevje. Photo: Anja Moric.…
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Cuisine History
Christmas tradition in Kočevska region
The winter holiday season is already in full swing. Throughout cities, a myriad festive lights have been lit, and we are busy wrapping gifts for our loved ones and baking sweet treats to make the most of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The manner in which we celebrate today is in many ways different from the celebration typical of Kočevska region (and elsewhere in Slovenia) before the World War…
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History
Gottscheer traditional attire
Traditional attire in the Kočevska region from the 17th century The first description of Gottscheers’ clothing practices can be found in Valvasor’s “The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola” from 1689. Women wore a full-length dress shirt that reached to the ankles and a long sleeveless vest. Men wore shirts, linen pants, a jacket and black wide-brimmed hats. The garments were made from locally produced materials, particularly canvas, wool and leather.…
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Environment History
Georg Jurij Jonke – the Gottscheer beekeeper
“The authority on beekeeping in the Carniola region in the 19th century”, “the author of one of the fundamental works on Slovenian beekeeping”, “teacher of beekeeping”, “preserver and benefactor”, “one of the most learned Gottscheers of his time” etc. These are just a few epithets that describe Georg Jurij Jonke – a Gottscheer who could, because of his achievements, be set up alongside the giants of Slovenian beekeeping, such as…
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History
World War I memorials in the Kočevska (Gottschee) region
The World War I, or the so-called Great War, is known as one of the greatest tragedies in human history. It has not befallen only countries or areas where the battles were taking place, but also the hinterland. This also includes the Kočevska region. When mobilisation was ordered on 26 July 1914, the Gottscheers like other inhabitants of the Austro-Hungarian Empire also were not conscious of the gravity of the…
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crafts History
The autumn come and all men vanished – the peddler’s trade in Kočevska (Gottschee) region
“The Gottscheers were peddling folks. The autumn come and all men vanished. They ventured forth to various cities – all the way to Berlin. Many of them earned well and I must admit that at that time in the Kočevska region – particularly in the city of Kočevje itself – prosperity bloomed. In taverns, you could treat yourself to the best snacks that you would not find even in Ljubljana,” wrote…
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