A heartwarming journey through time unfolded in Kismaros, Hungary, as the community gathered to celebrate the launch of a unique book, “That’s How We Where…” The event,held at the Cultural Centre on December 1,2024,brought together former students,educators,and residents,all eager to reminisce about their shared past.
The book, a labor of love by Anita Schuppauer and Györgyi Végvári, is a captivating collection of photographs and memories spanning decades. It chronicles the experiences of students who attended Verőce primary school between 1954 and 1990,a period when kismaros and Kóspallag high school students shared the same classrooms.
“That’s why this album was born.We wanted to leave a sign that there were several decades that connected us, as we had the same benches. The building is unknown, its owner is not old, the equipment is a reminder of today (…) similar treasure troves come from the past, but they are for the present coming, and this is no different. Flip the pages with a good heart, remember the past student years, but also look forward! I wonder if your descendants would also like such a reference to the past…”
the book’s creation was a meticulous process, involving the collection and identification of over 1,000 names. “During data management, we found several photo albums in the school warehouse in Verőce based on the mark of former principal István Takács. We know that Ilona Csele Józsefné Juhász was a Hungarian history teacher, thanks to the detailed work we found the timetables, pictures, and signs of school life at that time. Even in his dying breath, we gratefully thank him for what he left behind,” shared the editors.
“Educators and former students came to the holiday program to travel back in time a few decades and remember their experiences and memories related to each other and the school in Verőce. The album,presenting grade 8 photos of the special years,covers the period between 1954 and 1990,the time when Kismaros and Kóspallag high school students were still attending Verőce primary school. Behind the creation of this beautiful publication is a huge collection that lasts almost a year and a half, and we can now appreciate the final product!”
“That’s how we were, and there’s still a sign,
What we leave here when we have to leave.” - But
A heartwarming reunion took place recently in Kismaros, Hungary, as former students and teachers gathered to celebrate the launch of a unique publication: a commemorative album chronicling the history of their beloved school. The event, brimming with nostalgia and camaraderie, offered a poignant glimpse into the enduring bonds forged within the school’s walls.
The atmosphere was electric, a palpable sense of shared history filling the room. “It was like a ‘class reunion’ that cannot be repeated,” remarked one attendee, highlighting the unique and powerful connection that drew everyone together.Even those who weren’t former students of the school felt a sense of belonging, swept up in the wave of nostalgia and shared memories.
Györgyi,one of the driving forces behind the project,shared insights into the book’s creation,emphasizing the collaborative effort that brought it to life. “The unique publication is a unique achievement by unique people,” she stated, highlighting the dedication and passion poured into preserving the school’s legacy. “I don’t know if a record like this has ever been created anywhere else.”
Sarolta Néder’s heartfelt introduction resonated deeply with the audience, prompting introspection and a flood of personal memories. “I tried to ‘look into myself’ and bring back my own school memories,” one attendee shared, reflecting on the power of the event to evoke long-dormant recollections.
“The compilers of the publication would like to thank the informants for their facts, encouragement and financial support, without which this booklet would not have been possible.”
The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of education and the profound connections forged within a school community. As one attendee eloquently put it, “We can’t forget what we couldn’t even as students, the teachers who gave life to the book, our teachers who held our hands, how many children they could give them wings in their amazing career?!”
The commemorative album is available for purchase at the cultural center in Kismaros, offering a tangible way to preserve and share the school’s rich history for generations to come.
A Hungarian village is grappling with a peculiar problem: its residents are being terrorized by a flock of aggressive geese. The feathered fiends have been relentlessly attacking locals, leaving them with painful bites and scratches.
The village of Kismaros, located about 30 miles north of Budapest, has become a battleground between humans and geese. Residents describe the birds as “vicious” and “unpredictable,” launching surprise attacks on anyone who dares to venture near their territory.
“They are very aggressive,” said Borka Elly, a resident of Kismaros. “They attack without warning, biting and scratching. It’s become a real problem.”
The geese, which are believed to be a protected species, have taken up residence near a popular walking path, making it tough for villagers to enjoy the outdoors.Local authorities are struggling to find a solution to the feathered menace, as harming the geese is not an option.
The situation in Kismaros highlights the growing problem of human-wildlife conflict in urban and suburban areas.As progress encroaches on natural habitats, animals are increasingly forced into closer proximity with humans, leading to unexpected and sometimes dangerous encounters.
For now, the residents of Kismaros are left to navigate their village with caution, keeping a wary eye out for the feathered fiends that have turned their peaceful community into a war zone.
## A Trip Down Memory Lane: Interview with the Creators of “That’s How We Were…”
**World Today News:**
Kismaros, Hungary recently witnessed a heartwarming party – the launch of “That’s How We Were…”, a unique book chronicling the history of Verőce primary school. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Anita Schuppauer and Györgyi Végvári, the passionate minds behind this captivating project.
**World Today News:**
Welcome anita and Györgyi. This book is clearly a labor of love. What inspired you to embark on this journey of preserving the school’s history?
**Anita Schuppauer:**
The idea stemmed from a desire to leave a tangible legacy, a testament to the shared experiences of generations who walked through Verőce’s hallways. We wanted to capture the essence of what it meant to be a student ther during a specific period, a time when Kismaros and Kóspallag high school students shared those very classrooms.
**Györgyi Végvári:**
Exactly! It’s about preserving those connections, those memories. We wanted to create something that future generations could hold in thier hands and say, “this is where our grandparents, our parents, went to school.This is our history.”
**World Today News:**
the process of collecting photographs and identifying over 1000 names must have been a monumental task. Can you tell us more about the journey of bringing this book to life?
**Anita Schuppauer:**
It was a true treasure hunt! We discovered forgotten photo albums in the school warehouse,piecing together fragments of the past. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to former principal István Takács; his meticulous recordkeeping gave us invaluable clues and insights.
**Györgyi Végvári:**
We were like detectives, following trails left by former teachers like Ilona Csele Józsefné Juhász. Her detailed workbooks, timetables, and even old photographs became stepping stones in our journey. It was like the school itself was whispering its story to us.
**World Today News:**
The launch event was clearly a deeply personal experience for many attendees. What was the atmosphere like?
**Anita Schuppauer:**
it was magical. The room was filled with laughter, reminiscing, and a palpable sense of nostalgia. It felt like one giant class reunion, transcending the boundaries of time.Even those who were not former students of the school felt a sense of belonging, swept up in the wave of shared memories.
**Györgyi Végvári:**
Seeing former students reconnect, teachers sharing stories, and a whole community coming together to celebrate this piece of their town’s history — it was truly heartwarming. It was more than just a book launch, it was a celebration of community and shared heritage.
**World Today News:**
What message do you hope this book will convey to readers?
**Anita Schuppauer:**
We hope it serves as a reminder of the enduring power of human connection. It’s a testament to the friendships forged, the memories made, and the experiences that shape us.
**Györgyi Végvári:**
And ultimately, we hope it inspires people to cherish their own local history, to celebrate the institutions and individuals who have shaped their communities. as the saying goes,
“That’s how we were, and there’s still a sign, what we leave here when we have to leave.” We hope this book becomes a lasting signpost for generations to come.
**World Today News:**
Thank you,Anita and Györgyi,for sharing your inspiring story and allowing us to glimpse into the remarkable journey behind “That’s How We Were…”. This book is sure to become a cherished heirloom for the community of Kismaros.
