First blockade winter 1941–1942 was the most difficult and tragic in the history of the city on the Neva. But even in these harsh conditions, newspapers continued to be published in Leningrad, new kindergartens were opened, scientific institutions, libraries, and theaters operated. We have prepared a selection of articles from Leningradskaya Pravda for January 1942 about the everyday life of the besieged city.
“Our Vacations”
“…Yesterday at ten in the morning the doors of the Pushkin Theater hospitably opened, and the first guests – schoolchildren – entered the foyer to the cheerful sounds of a march. They were warmly greeted by the artists of the Musical Comedy Theater and the organizers of the New Year tree. Decorated and elegant, it stands proudly in the middle of the vast hall. A waltz struck, and everything around began to seethe, boil, and spin. The sonorous youthful laughter at times drowned out the sounds of the violins. Then the performance began. The Musical Comedy Theater showed its latest work – the operetta “The Three Musketeers”. The performance is over, but a lot of entertainment awaits guests… Lovers of ingenious puzzles gather in the entertaining science room. The readers settled in another room. They compete in loud, expressive recitation of poetry… All participants in the celebration received a three-course lunch. Our children are used to having fun celebrating the New Year every year. But this tree from the harsh war year of 1942 will be remembered for a lifetime.”
(“Leningradskaya Pravda”“, January 6, 1942).
“Speculators Convicted”
“The Leningrad military prosecutor’s office brought a number of speculators to justice. V.N. Uttu bought various goods for resale. During a search, 134 kilograms of food, 25 bars of soap, and 50 packs of shag were found on him. M. Fadyaeva speculated in scarce goods. In her apartment, 19 liters of kerosene, a lot of chocolate, cereals, butter and more textiles were found. The military tribunal sentenced V. Utta to 10 years and M. Fadyaeva to 7 years in prison. The goods and money found on them were confiscated.”
(“Leningradskaya Pravda”“, January 4, 1942)
“In a few lines”
“The defense of… will take place at the Leningrad Conservatory in early February. O. Professor M.S. Druskin’s dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Art History “Klavier (harpsichord) creativity and performance in Europe of the 16th-18th centuries.” Official opponents – professors: B.V. Asafiev, Honored Artist A.V. Ossovsky and R.I. Gruber.
The Library of the USSR Academy of Sciences organized transfers for hospitals. Two thousand books have been allocated. 12 qualified employees have been sent to service the hospitals.”
(“Leningradskaya Pravda”“, January 29, 1942)
“New children’s institutions”
“Two new kindergartens have recently opened in the Smolninsky district, which are attended by 130 children. The equipment for orphanages for 120 and 60 people is being completed. A large canteen began operating, serving over a thousand preschoolers every day. New kindergartens, houses and canteens will open in January in other areas of the city.”
(“Leningradskaya Pravda”“, January 21, 1942)
“At the military tribunal”
“In recent days, there have been cases of attacks on grocery stores in the city with the aim of robbing them. The instigators and participants in these crimes were arrested and brought to justice. The Military Tribunal of the Leningrad Front sentenced to death for banditry, expressed in incitement and participation in the robbery of grocery stores No. 955 and 337, P.I. Bogdanov, M.I. Napoleonov, G.V. Vasiliev, A.V. Kruzhkov. and Ivanova O.F. The sentence was carried out”
(“Leningradskaya Pravda”“, January 13, 1942)
“ВЧК ОГПУ”
