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Martha Rose Moser - Immigrant Stories

Rose Moser, born Martha Roswitha Russler in Auerbach, Germany in 1944, was the daughter of a German soldier who never returned from the war. She spent her childhood growing up behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany, but in 1960 she escaped with her mother, step-father and siblings across the border between East and West Berlin. In 1963 she married Donald Moser, an American soldier, and in 1965 the couple came to the United States, settling in St. Louis. She became a U.S. citizen in September, 1970, and later moved to Springfield, Illinois.

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Feature Excerpt

Life In East Germany

Abstract

Interview Session (Audio)


Photos

Caption
This is a photo of picturesque Auerbach, Germany, Rose’s birthplace, as it appeared in the 1950s. It has changed little over the years. When Germany was divided after World War II, the city became part of Communist East Germany.

Where:
Auerbach, Germany

When:
1950's

Ownership:
Narrator’ photo

Caption
Rose has her photo taken with some of the gifts she received when entering school, circa 1951. Receiving gifts when young children started school was a tradition where Rose grew up in East Germany.

Where:
Auerbach, Germany

When:
circa 1951

Ownership:
Narrators photo

Caption
This is Rose’s 2nd grade class picture while she attended school in Auerbach, East Germany in September, 1952. Rose is in the middle row, 3rd from the left.

Where:
Auerbach, East Germany

When:
September, 1952

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Rose was confirmed in October, 1959. Rose and her family were members of St. Johannis (St. John’s) Church in the East German city of Werben/Elbe.

Where:
Werben/Elbe, East Germany

When:
October, 1959

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Donald L. Moser and Rose married on December 27, 1963, while he was stationed in West Germany. They moved to the United States in 1965, settling in St. Louis.

Where:
West Germany

When:
December 27, 1963

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
This is a copy of Rose’s U.S. Certificate of Naturalization, dated September 4, 1970. She and her husband Donald lived in St. Louis at the time.

Where:
St. Louis

When:
September 4, 1970

Ownership:
Narrator’ photo

Caption
Rose graduated from Sangamon State University, Springfield, Illinois on May 17, 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts Management Degree.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
May 17, 1986

Ownership:
Narrator’ photo

Caption
A picture of Rose and her family in 2002, taken at her home in Springfield. Rose in standing in the back, center of the picture.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
2002

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo



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