Rudolf Hess spent almost half of his life within the walls of Spandau prison, meaning lots of prison birthdays. Eugene Bird tells us in his book 'The Loneliest Man in the World' of Hess's 76th birthday, and I decided to share it with you all for Hess's 130th birthday!
“It was Rudolf Hess's 76th birthday. He had put on his corduroy suit and after a walk in the garden enjoyed a lunch of duckling, red cabbage, dessert and a birthday cake made for him in the prison kitchen.
As he took his afternoon walk in the sun a group of about ten people had gathered in front of the gates demanding his release. They leaned two bunches of flowers against the gate and shouted over a loud-hailer about humanity. One bore a placard 'WHERE IS JUSTICE?'
Hess, continuing his walk at the rear of the prison, told me: 'I heard a loudspeaker and somebody's voice screaming. What were they saying? Were they protesting against me' I told him they were wishing him a happy birthday. 'They know?' asked Hess. 'Did they remember that?'”
Hii I was wondering if there were any cute stories of Joseph with his kids?
There are quite a lot actually. Goebbels would occasionally organize treasure hunts for his children in the garden of the family's residence. These hunts would involve hidden clues and small prizes, providing moments of excitement and joy for the kids.
On weekends, Goebbels would often take his children on outings to parks or zoos, where they could explore nature and learn about different animals. These family excursions allowed Goebbels to temporarily escape the pressures of his political duties and bond with his children in a more relaxed environment.
In the evenings, Goebbels would sometimes playfully chase his children around their home, engaging in lighthearted games of tag or hide-and-seek (well, participating as much as he was able to, due to his clubfoot). These playful interactions provided opportunities for Goebbels to connect with his children on a personal level and create cherished memories amid the tumultuous backdrop of Nazi Germany.
During warmer months, Joseph Goebbels would often organize picnics for his children in the garden of their residence. They would spread out a blanket, enjoy homemade snacks, and spend quality time together amidst the flowers and greenery. These simple yet joyful gatherings allowed the family to appreciate the beauty of nature and each other's company.
Despite the challenges of wartime, Goebbels made efforts to celebrate holidays with his children. Whether it was decorating the Christmas tree, dyeing Easter eggs, or preparing special meals for birthdays, Goebbels sought to create memorable experiences for his children during festive occasions. These traditions helped foster a sense of warmth and normalcy within the family despite the tumultuous times they lived in.