Wolf-Dieter Volkmann Bad Tennstedt . Street party

In August 1989 the photographer was convalescing in the spa at Bad Tennstedt, to the north of Erfurt in the Thuringian valleys. In spite of the efforts of the staff at the clinic, the shortages in the GDR health system meant that a convalescent stay at that time was not comparable to those of the present. The accommodation at the clinic was limited as a consequence. As a result, private quarters were rented in the town. The photographer lodged at a private address in the Herrengasse, together with four other patients. A friendly relationship existed with the family of the house. This extended from invitations to the birthday party of the landlord to attendance at a street party in the Herrengasse. The picture was taken during the street party. An astonishing aspect in view of today’s social norms was the similarity of the inhabitants of the street as far as age and social status was concerned. All participated in preparing “their street” for the festivities, as well as in the activities for the children. The solidarity between the residents was tangible. And it went without saying that the temporary residents of the street (patients from the clinic) were also invited to the party. Thank you, Bad Tennstedt.