At the Black Market

On the Black Market

Testimony of the Soviet forced labourer Raissa Stepiko, 1998

Sundays in the City

Forced labourers could move freely around Berlin – Poles and Soviets with more restrictions.

In Tietz Department Store

Now Kaufhof. Testimony of Kazimiera Kosonowska, 1998

Bread Was Handed Out

What Janina C. told her son about the end of the war in Berlin.

Alexanderplatz was a meeting point for forced labourers seeking to buy vital goods at the black market. Forced labourers were given a small wage, but no food stamps.

Many went for a walk on the Sundays they had off from work. Some had their photograph taken, dressing as well as possible beforehand, so they could perhaps send it to their parents to let them know they were still alive.

Address:

Alexanderplatz
10178 Berlin

Directions:

S/U Alexanderplatz

Sources:

“On the Black Market”: Testimony of Raissa Stepiko, 1997, and private photo, Collection of the Berliner Geschichtswerkstatt

“Sundays in the City”: Collection of the Berliner Geschichtswerkstatt (1-6)

“In Tietz Department Store”: Testimony of Kazimiera Kosonowska, 1997, and private photo, Collection of the Berliner Geschichtswerkstatt

“Bread Was Handed Out”: Testimony of Janina C.’s son, 2012, Private archive

Station