Charles Dickens recorded in his book, The Uncommercial Traveler, a journey he took. He arrived at the capital of the Canton of Vaud, Lausanne, having approached it from Strasbourg, which is on the French side of Switzerland. Dickens described similar climates, vistas and spectacles as our ancestor Jakob II Treuthardt would have encountered on his journey coming from the opposite direction.
"...[I] went up a thousand rugged ways, and looked down at a thousand woods of fir and pine..."
"[The mule] brought me safely, in his own wise way, among the passes of the Alps, and here I enjoyed a dozen climates a day, being now in the region of wind, now in the region of fire, now in the region of unmelting ice and snow. Here, I passed over trembling domes of ice, beneath which the cataract was roaring; and here was received under arches of icicles, of unspeakable beauty; and here the sweet air was so bracing and so light, that at halting-times I rolled in the snow when I saw my mule do it, thinking that he must know best. At this part of the journey we would come, at mid-day, into half an hour's thaw; when the rough mountain inn would be found on an island of deep mud in a sea of snow...
"I slept at religious houses, and bleak refuges of many kinds, on this journey, and by the stove at night heard stories of travelers who had perished within call, in wreaths and drifts of snow.
"Commend me to the beautiful waters among these mountains! Though I was not of their mind: they, being inveterately bent on getting down into the level country, and I ardently desiring to linger where I was. What desperate leaps they took, what dark abysses they plunged into, what rocks they wore away, what echoes they invoked! In one part where I went, they were pressed into the service carrying wood down, to be burnt next winter, as costly fuel, in Italy. But, their fierce savage nature was not to be easily constrained, and they fought with every limb of the wood; whirling it round and round, stripping its bark away, dashing it against pointed corners, driving it out of the course, and roaring and flying at the peasants who steered it back again from the bank with long stout poles.
"Alas, concurrent streams of time and water carried me down fast, and I came, on an exquisitely clear day, to the Lausanne shore of the Lake of Geneva, where I stood looking at the bright blue water, the flushed white mountains opposite, and the boats at my feet with their furled Mediterranean sails, showing like enormous magnifications of this goose-quill pen that is now in my hand."
--This excerpt is taken from Charles Dickens' The Uncommercial Traveler. Chapter VII, "Traveling Abroad." This collection of Dickens' stories was first published in 1875, after his death.
In America, this is copyright-free, as the copyright has expired. I copied this from the Kindle book.
Showing posts with label Vaud Canton Switzerland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vaud Canton Switzerland. Show all posts
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Sunday, June 2, 2013
59. Jakob II Treuthardt moves to the Canton of Vaud (1813-1820's??)
"Something" caused Jakob II to leave Thun and and move to Echandens in the Canton of Vaud. A couple of scenarios can be imagined. (This part is not certain.) Was it an opportunity for an apprenticeship at a younger age, say, about age 12 to 14 (years 1813 to 1815), when he went to live with (perhaps?) a relative or family friend in Vaud Canton? Or did he apprentice in Thun in the profession of his choice, and later move to Echandens when a job opportunity came available? [This is a subject to be researched by a future family historian.]
And speaking of routes, since we love the challenges of transportation so much, how did he get there?
In ca. 1813-1820 (whatever year Jakob II moved to Echandens) this was not merely a relatively easy 135-kilometer (83 miles) jaunt by car of 1 hour 23 minutes by today's directions (Google maps, Sunday, June 2, 2013). Echandens is virtually due west of Thun, but west from Thun, formidable mountains stand in the way. (That part is certain.)
Jakob II had two basic choices for his itinerary. If he truly wanted to take a direct short cut, and if he were undaunted by a convoluted path through the mountains, and/or if he were accompanied by a guide familiar with the route, he would have been capable of navigating the torturous mountainous route -- the one not recommended in any shape or form, on June 2, 2013 by Google maps. This was a hazardous journey by coach or cart or horse or mule, complete with poor paths, boulders and rockslides, stormy weather, raging rivers and toll booths. Is that not a precarious forecast? (This came from my imagining a raw mountain ride. I have personally seen an [Italian] raging toll collector.)
However, that journey taken halfway (or thereabouts) would have been advantageous in one way. If he did take that mountain route, halfway there he would have landed in Zweisimmen, his home village, happy surprise with rejoicing and welcomes at his arrival, a comfortable bed with blankets, rest and much food and supplies! I think he should have stayed awhile before his departure to the stranger land. The rest of the way riding out of the mountains would be harder. Once he arrived safely down to the Lake of Geneva, though, he would have made his way around the countryside and towns, a little more directly and with beautiful vistas of the lake, to remind him of Thun and make him homesick.
However, if he had headed north from Thun to Berne -- a relatively straight and level highway which today is the A6; from Berne he would have turned west and then south toward the Lake of Geneva, a longer but easier (and maybe more boring) journey on the A1.
I've made my choice. In my 20's and 30's I might have taken a slight chance on the short cut with dramatic mountain scenery, if I were accompanied by a reliable guide and if I did not have to ride an animal who put one leg or two out over the cliff. But now, in my 60's I would most definitely choose the longer and steadier ride with the less exciting views, by car. We will "see" the Lake of Geneva soon enough.
Though this entire post is imaginary, and only theory, I will let my Swiss guides tell me whether there is any ounce of truth to it. This much IS truth. Jakob II was born in Zweisimmen, spent part of his life in Thun, and then moved to Echandens. Even now, let's call this 1820, he is just a kid.
In the next posts I will introduce him and tell you more factual and imaginary things. If there are corrections to be made, I'll let you know later.
And speaking of routes, since we love the challenges of transportation so much, how did he get there?
In ca. 1813-1820 (whatever year Jakob II moved to Echandens) this was not merely a relatively easy 135-kilometer (83 miles) jaunt by car of 1 hour 23 minutes by today's directions (Google maps, Sunday, June 2, 2013). Echandens is virtually due west of Thun, but west from Thun, formidable mountains stand in the way. (That part is certain.)
Jakob II had two basic choices for his itinerary. If he truly wanted to take a direct short cut, and if he were undaunted by a convoluted path through the mountains, and/or if he were accompanied by a guide familiar with the route, he would have been capable of navigating the torturous mountainous route -- the one not recommended in any shape or form, on June 2, 2013 by Google maps. This was a hazardous journey by coach or cart or horse or mule, complete with poor paths, boulders and rockslides, stormy weather, raging rivers and toll booths. Is that not a precarious forecast? (This came from my imagining a raw mountain ride. I have personally seen an [Italian] raging toll collector.)
However, that journey taken halfway (or thereabouts) would have been advantageous in one way. If he did take that mountain route, halfway there he would have landed in Zweisimmen, his home village, happy surprise with rejoicing and welcomes at his arrival, a comfortable bed with blankets, rest and much food and supplies! I think he should have stayed awhile before his departure to the stranger land. The rest of the way riding out of the mountains would be harder. Once he arrived safely down to the Lake of Geneva, though, he would have made his way around the countryside and towns, a little more directly and with beautiful vistas of the lake, to remind him of Thun and make him homesick.
However, if he had headed north from Thun to Berne -- a relatively straight and level highway which today is the A6; from Berne he would have turned west and then south toward the Lake of Geneva, a longer but easier (and maybe more boring) journey on the A1.
I've made my choice. In my 20's and 30's I might have taken a slight chance on the short cut with dramatic mountain scenery, if I were accompanied by a reliable guide and if I did not have to ride an animal who put one leg or two out over the cliff. But now, in my 60's I would most definitely choose the longer and steadier ride with the less exciting views, by car. We will "see" the Lake of Geneva soon enough.
Though this entire post is imaginary, and only theory, I will let my Swiss guides tell me whether there is any ounce of truth to it. This much IS truth. Jakob II was born in Zweisimmen, spent part of his life in Thun, and then moved to Echandens. Even now, let's call this 1820, he is just a kid.
In the next posts I will introduce him and tell you more factual and imaginary things. If there are corrections to be made, I'll let you know later.
Friday, March 15, 2013
23. Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, circa 1814
The Treuthardt family lived in the Canton of Vaud. At the time of their immigration to the U.S., Friedrich's employment was near Aubonne. That Lausanne was mentioned in Anna's obituaries means we should pay attention and try to visualize it. Lausanne is "the principal place in the Canton of Vaud." Below is a brief description of Lausanne. The lake referred to herein is the Lake of Geneva.
These remarks are taken directly from a book, A tour through some parts of France, Switzerland, Savoy, Germany and Belgium, written by The Hon. Richard Boyle Bernard, M.P. in 1814, and printed in London: for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown. Pater Noster-Row; 1815.
[M.P. means "Member of Parliament."]
Between Vevay and Lausanne is the vineyard of Vaud, which bears a great reputation. We passed through the villages of Cully and Lutri, both situated on the lake, and after mounting a considerable hill arrived at Lausanne, which is the capital of the Canton of Vaud. It stands on three hills, and on the intervening valleys, which being very steep, render its situation more picturesque than convenient. It is situated about 400 feet above the level of the lake, from which it is distant about half a league; the village of Ouchy serves as its port, and carries on a good deal of trade. Lausanne contains several remains which prove its antiquity, and several Roman inscriptions are preserved in the townhouse, which is a handsome building.
Here are three churches, one on each of the hills. Of these the cathedral is well worthy of attention. It is said to have been founded by one of the ancient kings of Burgundy, and is certainly superior to any church I had hitherto seen in Switzerland. Its architecture exhibits various specimens of Gothic: there are many windows of painted glass in good preservation, and also several handsome monuments. The choir is handsome, and its pillars are of black marble. Its spire rises to a great height, and from the church-yard there is a fine prospect of the lake, and the surrounding country...
The population of Lausanne is computed at 8,000, and they are very industrious; there are manufactories of hats and cottons, and the printing business is carried on to a greater extent than in any other town in Switzerland. There are also several jewellers' shops and watchmakers' warehouses.
Of all the Swiss towns this is considered as the most remarkable for the adoption of French fashions, and there is much more dissipation here than at Geneva, as it is the constant residence of many wealthy families; but, with few exceptions, the houses are neither large nor well built. Near the church is shewn the residence of Gibbon, the historian, and his library is now the property of a gentleman of this town, who purchased it in England.
Lausanne was formerly subject to its bishops, who were princes of the German Empire. A council was held here in 1448, when Pope Felix V., to restore peace to the Romish church, and extinguish the schisms to which it was then a prey, resigned the tiara and retired to the Abbey of Ripaille, in Savoy, a second time. This prince is distinguished by some of the historians of his century by the title of the Solomon of the age... His restless disposition having induced him to seek the papal dignity, he, soon after obtaining it, became a second time a recluse... This remarkable character died in 1451, age 69, at Geneva; he was buried with a Bible under his head...
The reformation was established in the Pays de Vaud, in 1536 after a public controversy had been held between the Protestant and Romish ecclesiastics. The environs of Lausanne present as cheerful and animated a sight as is to be seen in any part of Switzerland, and the view from the public walk, in particular, is enlivened by the bays and promontories, which diversify the sides of the lake.
From Annamarie the following Note:
Since this is a Kindle book, no page numbers are available. The above remarks come from Chapter IX.
In his preface in 1815, The Hon. Richard Bernard did not recommend his pages "to the perusal of the critical reader; as in fact, they contain merely the hasty observations suggested by the scenes he visited in the course of his Tour, together with a few occasional remarks, which he thought might be acceptable to the generality of readers; since notwithstanding the late increase of travellers, the numbers are still very great, who, being prevented by business, or deterred by the inconveniences of travelling, from visiting the Continent, might be disposed to pardon some inaccuracies, should they meet with a small portion either of amusement of information."
These remarks are taken directly from a book, A tour through some parts of France, Switzerland, Savoy, Germany and Belgium, written by The Hon. Richard Boyle Bernard, M.P. in 1814, and printed in London: for Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown. Pater Noster-Row; 1815.
[M.P. means "Member of Parliament."]
Between Vevay and Lausanne is the vineyard of Vaud, which bears a great reputation. We passed through the villages of Cully and Lutri, both situated on the lake, and after mounting a considerable hill arrived at Lausanne, which is the capital of the Canton of Vaud. It stands on three hills, and on the intervening valleys, which being very steep, render its situation more picturesque than convenient. It is situated about 400 feet above the level of the lake, from which it is distant about half a league; the village of Ouchy serves as its port, and carries on a good deal of trade. Lausanne contains several remains which prove its antiquity, and several Roman inscriptions are preserved in the townhouse, which is a handsome building.
Here are three churches, one on each of the hills. Of these the cathedral is well worthy of attention. It is said to have been founded by one of the ancient kings of Burgundy, and is certainly superior to any church I had hitherto seen in Switzerland. Its architecture exhibits various specimens of Gothic: there are many windows of painted glass in good preservation, and also several handsome monuments. The choir is handsome, and its pillars are of black marble. Its spire rises to a great height, and from the church-yard there is a fine prospect of the lake, and the surrounding country...
The population of Lausanne is computed at 8,000, and they are very industrious; there are manufactories of hats and cottons, and the printing business is carried on to a greater extent than in any other town in Switzerland. There are also several jewellers' shops and watchmakers' warehouses.
Of all the Swiss towns this is considered as the most remarkable for the adoption of French fashions, and there is much more dissipation here than at Geneva, as it is the constant residence of many wealthy families; but, with few exceptions, the houses are neither large nor well built. Near the church is shewn the residence of Gibbon, the historian, and his library is now the property of a gentleman of this town, who purchased it in England.
Lausanne was formerly subject to its bishops, who were princes of the German Empire. A council was held here in 1448, when Pope Felix V., to restore peace to the Romish church, and extinguish the schisms to which it was then a prey, resigned the tiara and retired to the Abbey of Ripaille, in Savoy, a second time. This prince is distinguished by some of the historians of his century by the title of the Solomon of the age... His restless disposition having induced him to seek the papal dignity, he, soon after obtaining it, became a second time a recluse... This remarkable character died in 1451, age 69, at Geneva; he was buried with a Bible under his head...
The reformation was established in the Pays de Vaud, in 1536 after a public controversy had been held between the Protestant and Romish ecclesiastics. The environs of Lausanne present as cheerful and animated a sight as is to be seen in any part of Switzerland, and the view from the public walk, in particular, is enlivened by the bays and promontories, which diversify the sides of the lake.
From Annamarie the following Note:
Since this is a Kindle book, no page numbers are available. The above remarks come from Chapter IX.
In his preface in 1815, The Hon. Richard Bernard did not recommend his pages "to the perusal of the critical reader; as in fact, they contain merely the hasty observations suggested by the scenes he visited in the course of his Tour, together with a few occasional remarks, which he thought might be acceptable to the generality of readers; since notwithstanding the late increase of travellers, the numbers are still very great, who, being prevented by business, or deterred by the inconveniences of travelling, from visiting the Continent, might be disposed to pardon some inaccuracies, should they meet with a small portion either of amusement of information."
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