EP238 - Walls really can talk, shocking discoveries at our 15th century Château

[@RickFlood]

As a genealogist, I learned very early not to be afraid of history or try to rewrite, deny, or cover it up. Not even with an ancestor. Just because someone is misguided is no reason to erase them from history, better yet to leave testament to their humanity, albeit misguided. Having said that, I stand by your side with your decision.

[@KjerstiNagel]

Maybe they can hang a painting to hide it, instead of plastering over it...

[@lozinozz7567]

Also a genealogist, if we wipe out the things we don’t like, how do we learn for the future. Some history also needs to be taken in context of the time. Embrace, learn and move on.

[@susanduff-silsby2695]

@@KjerstiNagel I love this idea! Good call.

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@RickFlood thank you all, yes think we will probably just hang something over it, don't want to destroy history 👍

[@kimgaivin9208]

When you spotted the writing the other day I recognized it. We were stationed in Germany for 6 years. We lived in old German barracks and our son’s elementary school was an old German hospital during the war. Learning about our countries past is the only way to hopefully stop repeating the same mistakes in the future.

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@kimgaivin9208 thank you Kim, that's exactly right 🤗

[@PhilipNoble]

The trench art is a skateboard. Can see the holes for the "trucks" (wheel attachment.) looks like a 1980s design to me. Had many similar.

[@janeblandford852]

A very well put together video Rols and Suzie. The picture in my mind shows the evil of war and is haunting. Your chateau certainly has so much history associated with the SS and the war. It is history and one can't hide it or change it. You will have to make the decision to highlight it or cover it up for another to find. You have brought so much happiness and joy into the chateau and have certainly changed the atmosphere of this place with all you have done and how you live. Thank you and bless you!!

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@janeblandford852 thank you Jane, yes, it is our time here now, we will have to decide how to conceal this for future reference 🤗

[@peterwhite9261]

While it may be disturbing to see that they left their evil marks, remember that a lot of happy history lived there also. You both have brought so much love to the place that has lifted its spirit and made it a loving home. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@peterwhite9261 thank you Peter, it doesn't feel like there are any bad vibes here, feel like the place likes us being here and bringing it back to life 🤗

[@NatMCI]

It is a chilling discovery. A difficult decision to make. I agree one cannot change history, but keeping it evident will be a constant reminder of the evil. You are creating a loving home and want to preserve the history of good times. Good luck!!!! Fantastic video presentation. Love and hugs.

[@Snowy-f1t]

Very thought provoking. Very well presented

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@Snowy-f1t thank you ☺️

[@rmil4531]

Wow, you created a fabulous video today. Atmospheric and authentic to the subject. Well done.💕

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@rmil4531 thank you ☺️

[@quentinstacy35]

That Maniac art piece looks like half of a skateboard. The four bolt holes in the middle are where the trucks (wheels) bolt on.

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

Hi Quentin, thank you for watching. Looks like that is probably the case. When we first found it there was an electric box where the bolts are. It was broken up and had wires attached and looked like bakelite. When we picked it up they fell off. It was probably a later addition.

[@mmsmilenow]

I’d say add your own note to it and then preserve but hide it for someone else to discover it in the future. Also maybe create a plaque for your home to explain what you found and the story behind it so the history and the childhood stories won’t be lost. This is something you don’t want to see and be reminded of everyday but nonetheless it’s part of the history of your chateau. On a positive note you are making beautiful and precious new memories in it so crack on!

[@sonjasanderson3732]

Fabulous presentation, creative, thoughtful, and well reenacted. Loved it. Our history provides us with the best way forward, so hiding history may hide clues for that direction. You guys are well equipped to know best what to do. I applaud you for taking on this task to assist future generations. Merry Christmas from Arkansas in the USA. These are interesting times. God bless and keep you joyful. Sonja

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@sonjasanderson3732 thank you Sonja, a Merry Christmas to you too 🤗

[@shortsweettoo]

I agree with keeping these entries alive... to tell the historical truth. How do you do that? This is your home, so in the end... your decision completely without prejudice. But I would leave it out for all to see.... for those that do see it to ask questions.... and most of all.... Remember how easily this can happen, even in your own home.

[@archiviste600]

Il n'y a rien de "choquant" mais simplement extraordinaire, stupéfiante, inattendue ...

[@pattimeredith9621]

Well done presenting a very sensitive topic.

[@shelbycooper7504]

You told your discovery in an excellent way Rols ❤❤

[@marilynwade9448]

Very thought provoking story. I don't know what you should do. It's all history we should never forget

[@lauralazar659]

Those beams holding up your roof are so beautiful: a work of art!

[@normamurray4450]

Wow, some deep history there, but know that you two are bringing a lot of happiness to your lovely Chateau for us all to see. If the walls could talk. Thank you Rols and Suzie for sharing this with us. Wow!

[@danb3993]

The trench art looks more like part of a skateboard to me.

[@ericalbany]

and drawn in marker. It might relate to the 1930's cult film MANIAC which is concerned with an insane doctor.

[@MarieChristine-w2b]

Yes I agree

[@oceangaler]

If my stomach sank when I saw that I can't imagine how you two feel. The previous tenants of the chateau plastered over it which I think is best. Should future owners uncover it, they will learn the history as you did.

[@cherylmessaros2552]

Well done and presented.

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@cherylmessaros2552 thank you Cheryl ☺️

[@lindabaker2905]

Oh my what decisions you must make, what a disturbing discovery and an important one. Be well our dear friends as you wrestle with this.

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@lindabaker2905 thank you Linda, it's very chilling and we have to decide what to do, don't want it on display!

[@Bilbomacful]

What a fascinating episode! Well done. Very thought provoking.

[@christianbaastrup2939]

Lol! That is half a skateboard! NOT trench art! 😂 you can see the marks from the truck that was mounted to it 😅sorry, to burst your bubble 😊

[@christianbaastrup2939]

Here is a picture of the skateboard ;)

[@sandrahallam2431]

the manic board is part of an early skateboard maniac mania branding from the 80s i believe

[@jonimarchese7655]

Hi Suzie and Rols, with the writing, because it's in your bedroom, maybe frame it, and paint around it when you paint the wall, and then put a piece of furniture on front to cover it, or a painting, this way you can preserve it, and still have your beautiful bedroom. the attic one you can just leave it, unless in time you choose to renovate up there, but for now that can wait. It is obvious that the German's settled in your beautiful Chateau for a time, but you have rid it of their stench, and are making a beautiful, loving home. Of course, I agree in the end it is your choice, I wonder what way you will go. Love from N.Y.

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

Thank you Joni, we will probably cover it without damaging it, then if in the future someone wishes to uncover it they will have the option ❤️

[@cindyconlisk1062]

Wow, what a discovery. Very interesting and scary!! Very nice presentation.

[@Mime_Mama]

I agree with your comment on history. Good or bad it's history and we can only learn and move forward. It's so neat finding all this and knowing more of the history of the Citadelle.

[@lisakilmer2667]

Marvelous video. Excellently done.

[@amayastrata4629]

I wouldn’t want it on my wall. It’s bad enough that nazism seems to be on the rise again, and frankly, I would not ever seek to preserve such as this to promote, in those deranged people’s minds, the Nazi mindset and movement. At the most I would take a photograph and stick it in a book for the chateau’s history. Likewise with the door. However, you are right. It is your home and your choice. You have to live with whatever the outcome is.

[@forkliftofzen5318]

Where is it rising other than in the minds of the delusional?

[@carolesmith6620]

Very interesting but also very chilling it's your choice your home take care and see you both next time 💕🌼🤗

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@carolesmith6620 thank you Carole, yes it is isn't it, don't want it on display, but don't want to destroy history, need to think of a solution here! 🤔

[@dianayavetz6286]

Having probably the largest and nicest home in the village I think it would naturally have been chosen as a place to stay for the SS. Thank you for showing us the evidence you’ve found over the years and in a very thoughtful way.

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@dianayavetz6286 thank you Diana 🤗

[@susansouthern6704]

I don't think I would display or destroy these bits of history..a quandary of how to address them

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@susansouthern6704 yes, thank you Susan, certainly don't want to display it, nor destroy the history, will have to come up with a plan of action 🤔

[@valvance2058]

wonder who was there in the 16th century? good video, tho chilling. we enjoy history, fascinating.

[@hilliebruinsma8420]

Very interesting to see and thanks for sharing

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@hilliebruinsma8420 thank you ☺️

[@lynneh9744]

Maybe give it to a local museum, along with the starting crack handle and photos of the writings you uncovered?

[@daisylovelock9553]

This is a sensible idea. Lest we forget.

[@juliawoodhead4879]

Fascinating vlog, thought provoking, hard subject, good and evil in one place superbly explained leaving anguish in modern decisions. Rather you than me. Thank you for the quality of the vlog.

[@TinaCarstens-r7p]

Very interesting video. I like the way you present the art. You can’t erase the past and history. I stand by your side whatever decision you make. Just a thought, maybe you can cover it up with a nice painting. Take care Suzie and Rols and stay save and warm.

[@kokoerper]

Grim realities lead to weighty decisions. Well presented.

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@kokoerper thank you ☺️

[@mustangjock1373]

What a sad time for your lovely home. You are going to make the right decision about what to do with the motto. Now for happier times in the new year.

[@nicolethijs5428]

That shield has a disturbing factor! I would not want that in my house. Document it and bring it to the local town hall to see if they can do someting with it in their history department. Then I would paper that wall and paint over it . Then it can always be retrieved.

[@smpoir3114]

What a discovery. You might not be allowed to paint over it. It could be declared part of the Patrimoine of the area. ???

[@louiseemerson331]

That is amazing! It’s a good thing you didn’t sandblast because you may have eradicated that writing!

[@yvettesilver2522]

Nicely done.

[@christinecox8073]

Very interesting thanks for sharing ❤

[@annettesharrock1236]

There is good in bad on the writing on the wall do you save it to remind people of the horrendous things that went on in the war ,,or do you cover it up so people can forget ,, mmh a hard one that ,Good luck on what you decide Ros and Suzie❤

[@Lea-bw9wj]

What ever you choose to do make sure you take lots of photo's to document your finds for future generations. Also many a local history group might be interested in seeing the writing since there is a chance you might cover it up and this will be their only chance. Also if you do cover it see if you can do it in a way that protects the writing

[@mocarra100]

Oh man you're leaving us hanging lol

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

Ha ha, always leave them wanting more 😂😂

[@tonyharpur8383]

Very thought provoking discovery! Indeed the entire chateau, not just the walls, talks!

[@amandagrigg871]

Think you should preserve it for future generations

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@amandagrigg871 yes, agreed, but don't want to display it, will have to find a solution to hide it again without destroying it for future history 🤔

[@barblallier9413]

I think i would cover with with a tapestry,,,but i dont envy you the decision. What a good video today, very poignant ❤😮

[@katherineleavitt7275]

I would not hang the picture up but would put it in a box and store it away in the attic for future generations to find or maybe your town has a museum or a library who display this sort of item, I personally would not hang on the wall. Best wishes, Kathy USA 🇺🇸

[@catherinefoster2517]

I would hide it behind a big piece of furniture out of sight out of mind

[@laurensouthgate2458]

Very well presented ,its dark but should be shared as you said thats how we learn from history.

[@vickiellibby7051]

The military collectors out there would love to buy it. My husband is a military collector and said so.

[@ivnosliwb]

The piece of wood with the artwork is a skateboard not a piece of war history. The paint on the door is interesting and I would like to learn more about this myself. Does your military historian friend have advice for where one can look for more information or examples from the war? I have a similar paint mark on our door (green not red) and wondered if it’s from the war as well. Many thanks. 👍

[@sanco511]

Very interesting… thank you for sharing. History is not always kind.. but it is history to hopefully learn from. We are struggling with what is happening now in America.

[@lorassorkin]

Thank you for the sensitivity in presenting these finds. My initial reaction is of disgust, and wanting these things removed. On second thought, the further removed we are from the horrors of that war, the less our children are taught. I'm a conflicted Jewish archaeologist who does not envy you your decision.

[@lisac1110]

Just wish people would learn ftom the past i am german born in 1953 and reslly did see a a lot of the fallout guess it is wishfull thinking all the best lots of hugs all the best 😊❤😊❤😊

[@marilynwade9448]

The walls are looking great ❤❤❤❤

[@shelbycooper7504]

Sending love from Canada ❤❤

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@shelbycooper7504 thank you Shelby 🤗

[@misamsung6191]

Addressing the issue of writing on the wall can be approached methodically. Step 1: If it appeals to you, retain it. If not, proceed to step 2. Step 2: Determine if there is a legal obligation to preserve it. If not, document it for posterity, then remove it. If there is a legal obligation, conceal it behind a substantial piece of furniture or a false wall. I understand that you are dealing with a very nasty piece of history and it can bring up a range of emotions. However I feel the best approach is to look at the issue methodically and dispassionately. Whatever you choose make sure it is the right choice for YOU and not others.

[@gloriasmestad3803]

For the purposes of history and posterity, documentation and preservation is vital. I seem to recall you had mentioned the names and information on the door some time back, stating that maybe you would preserve that info behind plexiglass/perspex. Maybe contact the local historical association or the closest WW ll museum or even the mayor’s office to see if they have opinions or suggestions. Definitely collect all the recollections from community members that you can and save the artifacts. The trench art is vivid. Seems to equate war and life itself as a big game of chance and luck, brutality and insanity. The jagged letters forming the word maniac and the hatred-filled face seem to almost jump out at the onlooker. It might fall within the category of Expressionism, which is interesting as that movement in art was labeled degenerate by Hitler (entartete, if my memory serves). This art piece, with the starter and a photograph of the ladder (on the wall at a similar angle as the two ladders depicted) could form the centerpiece of a very moving museum exhibit. Maybe consult a preservationist about revealing more of the phrase on the wall to the right of the fireplace, and see if they can do any depth studies to determine if there is another phrase on the wall to the left of the fireplace. Very well presented vlog-difficult but important to share. Thank you both.

[@audreywhitehouse3668]

Fascinated 😮

[@subocajw]

Erasing or destroying history won’t change what happened and there’s no use in denying history, it’s part of the building. On the other hand I personally would have no desire to display it. I would record it for future generations and look for a way to preserve it under new layers of paint/render. That would give next generations a choice, since we’re only passersby, when it comes to historic buildings….

[@nelleg152]

Loved the video ❤

[@andreasgeiger5256]

❤❤❤VON GANZEM❤❤❤HERZEN DANKE❤❤❤

[@teresahucal836]

If you have a Holocaust museum in your area, maybe you could try contacting them to see what they might suggest.

[@sallymoffit3751]

Bless you

[@papagaaiable]

If you're catholic you could ask the local priest to come and burn some incense to chase away the evil spirits of the past.Or you do it by yourself. Make some photos of that slogan on the wall and inform your local museum about all the traces in your house. And then paper or paint it over or hang a beautiful painting over it. Time moves on, now it is your home and you are doing such a wonderful job to turn it into something beautiful and positive. Good luck!

[@muriellemelet4974]

effectivement, notre pays a été régulièrement occupé, d'ailleurs, aujourd'hui encore ...........

[@jeanneselix7372]

I'd take pictures to preserve what you found and where, and then I'd cover over the wall and put the other items away with the story you have told us for future people to find. But keep it to display, no, not me, the horrors that they did to others is too horrible to put on display as if it's a good thing or worth remembering daily.

[@franj.1461]

I'm not Jewish but I have very close ties to some. There is no way I would have anything written by the SS on my bedroom wall. I get the whole preserving history thing but I would never give it the honor of being on my wall. But I'm not sleeping there so you have to do what you think is right for you. A very thought provoking video.

[@ValerieAshen]

YOU ARE BOTH VERY GOOD PEOPLE, THE SALT OF THE EARTH, MAY YOUR GOD BE WITH YOU FOR EVER. THANK YOU, WE MUST FORGIVE AS THE LORD SHOWED US ON HIS CROSS BEFORE HE TOO DIED. THANK YOU. 8:08

[@daviddjerassi]

The total futility of that war millions of young people killed the cream of many countries i would investigate the names and not hide them thank you for this video.

[@StefanPlettke]

i was to fast, My honor is loyalty, Looks like a german soldier wrote this.

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Take photos and cover them over. I don't know if you are keeping an account of your venture, but that could be included and maybe a bit of history.

[@esthervonepp8908]

Oh my...how disturbing and what a huge undertaking to decide what should be done...I would photograph and write down everything and then remove it from my home...I dont think leaving those written memories etc can be peacefful to anyone. It gives me goosebumps[not pleasant ones] and I dont live there...please dont leave them but that is your decision of course..

[@margiemistretta8885]

There would be no doubt what I'd do

[@jmhofert]

Very theatric. Well done.

[@sandracole2578]

How creepy that they painted maniac across the picture.

[@juliaforsyth8332]

I don't think they would be writing in English though? Postwar?

[@charmees6637]

I guess it’s your call on that one after all it’s your home and to me a home is a sanctuary, a loving, peaceful space to enjoy and that on the wall is not happy. I wouldn’t like to see those evil peoples names on my wall everyday.

[@that_guy_again5212]

You need a very good metal detector to see what history could be buried in your yard.

[@marycaths]

Absolutely chilling Hope you don’t display it. Cover it as previous owners did Great vlog very well presented ❤❤

[@franckschuman8931]

lolllllllllll c est un morceau de planche de skate board et le dessin un groupe de musique metal lolllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

@@franckschuman8931 lol, yes we know. We had a laugh with it in a later episode

[@daynight4902]

best

[@helenhelps9619]

🏰🏰

[@Etherealscent]

I think it’s worth remembering that not all SS were evil and barbaric, many were caught up in the mania of that time. There were terrible atrocities that happened in France with the SS but there also accounts of some SS helping Jews to escape and it’s worth remembering that ordinary German soldiers had no choice, they were conscripted. The most vile were those in concentration camps but I suspect there aren’t any of those near you. Please don’t think I’m a fan of the SS but have always been interested in WW2 history and have read a great deal about it. What you have there is just the continuation of that buildings history, many other things over the centuries have occurred there but you just don’t know about it. Personally I wouldn’t destroy it as it’s a part of the fabric of the building now whether you like it or not. I would hang a beautiful painting in front of it and enjoy living in a beautiful home . I suspect there are many buildings in France and elsewhere in Europe with a very similar recent history.

[@kathibrooks1401]

It is history. Unfortunately not a good one. I felt horror. I just dont think i would want it on display in a room where you will sleep. All that being said. We must never ever forget the past.

[@davidmacey5422]

Wonder if it is this Gunther Herrmann of the SS?? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BCnther_Herrmann_(SS_commander)

[@StefanPlettke]

German: Ehre die ...., honer the blablabla, can not read the rest. Greeting.

[@maryannspicher]

Perhaps a caricature of Dr. Mengele?

[@leej9897]

Preserve as much as you can whatever you find. However distastefull it's all part of the history of the Chateau. Did the occupants of the Chateau survive the French Revolution? Not all SS soldiers or units were scum.

[@zzausel]

Wenn du ein deutsches Schloss zu deinem eigenen gemacht hast, warum eignest du dir die Sprache nicht an? Das würde die Verständigung erleichtern.

[@chateaucitadelleducavalier]

Es ist kein deutsches Schloss, es ist ein französisches Schloss

[@zzausel]

@@chateaucitadelleducavalier Oops! Sorry!

[@klimaszewiczregis1544]

Ahahahahahahah ! Bande de clowns !