Šančių praeities takais

Abstract

Based on personai and old countrymen recollections and reminiscences, the author presents an amateurish history of one of the Kaunas suburbs, Šančiai, from its rise and formation to about the middle of the 20th century, the time, when the author graduated from a secondary school. On the grounds of historical sources and old papers' digest the famous campaign of Napoleons army against Russiain 1812, forced crossing of the river Nemunas by the multithousand French troops, as well as the foundation of Kaunas fortress, the most modern Russian military installation of the time, are described. Its unsuccessful defence during the World War I is also briefly outlined. Resided in close vicinity to a large military camp the author recalls its existence, uniforms,, weaponry and enginery of the four different armies. The events of WorldWarII and severe post-war years were engraved in his memory. Many pages of the book are devoted to the description of the outstanding sportsmen, who came from this suburb, particularly, to the football club "Kovas", a favourite of the people during the interwar years. This club had been a titleholder of Lithuania several times in the past. Some chapters are devoted to a description of the tunnel, railway junction, bridges, churches, schools of the suburb and their history. The lives of the most famous men of distinction - historical personalities as well as art, culture, science, theatre, cinema people and service men are portrayed in a special section of the book. The author also describes the origin of his family and the ambience of his youth. The glossary containing over 1000 words and phraseological units of the peculiar local slang isprovided at the end of the book. The book is richly illustrated.