Charles Henry Gauss Family Papers

Hotel Nürnberger Hof
Berlin, 19 July, 1911.
Friedrich-Strasse 180

Dear Andrew -
We landed here Saturday, the 15^th, after a run of two-hours-and-a-half from Dresden, through a flat country, only tolerably well-cultivated. An appearance of thrift everywhere, and trains all on time. Driving about to several addresses, we found this a good location. Hotel built in the old Nuremberg style, with open court and outside frescos. Went to the Domkirche next morning betimes for services at ten; heard a finished sermon in the Lutheran style, with congregational singing. A large, find, circular audience room, with the Kaiser's loge in the gallery, opposite the minister. His majesty, however, was out of town. After service, we crossed over to the royal residence and went through the state apartments, large and splendid enough, with historic paintings and portraits on the walls, and smoo9th, polished floors. We had to slide around in huge, felt slippers, to avoid scratching them, and gathered what information we could from the German guide. After lunch, went to the Frederick Museum, recently finished (about six years ago) where there is a large collection of old pictures; some very interesting - Holbein's, Rembrandt's and Rubens'. Rooms of old Italian masters, that we will see again. Some fine tapestries, all well-hung and lighted. The Emperor's father, Frederick III, began the building that was finished later. Saw the modern gallery Monday morning, and took a ride into the country later, by a fine auto bus that runs out through the residence district. Yesterday we spent at Potsdam. Went first to the new palace, from the railway station at Wildpark, walking along a shady avenue; saw the palace and walked on through a beautiful park with large forest trees arranged with fine effect, to Sans Souci, where everything reminded you of the great Frederick, from Voltaire's room decorated with parrots and monkeys, to the room where he died, sitting in his chair, old, worn and dying. There was a strange sense of nearness to his singular personality. A visit to the Orangery of palace nearby, view from the high terrace, of park and garden with carefully arranged flower-beds, and walk down the flight of steps to a cab that appeared to be waiting for us, when tired. Then we drove back to Potsdam to the Mausoleum where are the white marble statues of emperor Frederick III and his English wife; both strikingly handsome and artistically executed - a solemn, stately resting-place. All walked around in silence with uncovered heads. Then we went to the church where Frederick the Great rests, in a metal casket under the altar. Battle flags hung around, with dates of their capture under them. Frederick the Great and his father were the only ones resting there. After that, a visit to the old place in Potsdam where they had all lived, and is still occupied sometimes by the present Kaiser. I should think such a number of places might prove bewildering but each has its own interesting features. There old Frederick William the III had lived, and against the wall stood the measure he used for his giant Life Guards, all over two meters tall. The palace is built around a square, open court, and has two hundred rooms. In front was the large open parade ground, where he watched his soldiers drill. The guide informed us that he was very "sparsam", which everybody knew. That ended our day, and back we came in half-an-hour by a fast train. This morning we took a 'bus and went straight to the Potsdamer Brücke, where is the fine, bronze statue of Gauss, seated, with his hand on his electrical instrument, apparently listening. The statue is larger than life-size, and we all thought the resemblance of Robert Gauss very striking; the only Gauss who does look like him. We all remarked it more than once. It seemed strange that this very morning Helen Jr. received a letter from Carl Gauss, a cousin in Hameln, saying the Tower in Göttingen will be dedicated on the 31^st day of July, when he hoped she would be present, and he had written to get her an invitation. We decided at once to be there, for it is about the time we expected to go anyway; possibly a few days later, but it was the first news we had of the date. Later, a gentleman they met at Pompeii gave us the same information - a Dr. Schneider, who lives here and is State Councillor or lawyer. He said he would see us soon, so I presume he will call. We visited the Reichstag this morning, a fine new building, and stopped for a moment at Dr. Schneider's office on our way back, so are glad to be so well-posted. Helen enjoys it all immensely. Are going out to Charlottenburg later this afternoon, and take a walk in the Thiergarten. I had Lucie and Mr. Dittmann to supper before leaving Dresden, and a nice sociable visit. She spoke of you several times and wanted me to be sure and send her love. She is very animated and interesting; plays well and sings, too. Virginia was busy with pupils in the evening, so could not come. It did me good to see Lucie and we parted with regret. Fortune seems to favor us in finding people and things we want to see, which I hope will continue. The weather is very cool, almost chilly, but everything is green and fresh, and city wonderfully clean. Streets paved with asphalt, and buses running everywhere, very cheap too. I will enclose some cards, I got in Dresden before leaving. Are all well and having a fine time. Regards to Robert Gauss and other friends. I hope Judge Campbell's attack was not serious. Get out of town, if it is too hot.

Affectionately,
Mary