bavarikon4UDescription
The poet Emerenz Meier (1874-1928), born in the Lower Bavarian Forest, emigrated to America with her mother in 1906 because of the poor economic situation. The writer and open-minded forest dweller became a wage laborer who scrubbed "the floors of young, gum chewing women" and had to endure sexual discrimination in factories. During the First World War, Meier's criticism of America grew, but also of the political, economic and social conditions in Europe. She became a convinced communist and turned away from the church. In 1919, she resumed contact by letter with her Waldkirchen friend Auguste Unertl (1864-1941). In more than 50 letters and cards, Meier impressively described her political and mental state. In the years 1920-1923, she sent her a series of colored postcards, some in shorthand, from Chicago. One dated February 14 (postmark 22.2.) 1922 reads as follows: "Dear Gusti, after the money we sent for [the] poor was stolen, we will from now on no longer send money by [the] post, or in a letter. The next one will come through [the] bank. Write immediately when it arrives. Best regards, Emerenz. (10 dollars [for] you)."