Evelyn Krenek Fergle recalls...John presented a very informative as well as entertaining talk on the castle system that was in effect from the Middle Ages through the early 1800's in the Czech lands. He explained how the Hrad was the main castle, located on the highest piece of land; the Zamek was the subcastle, and the Tvrze was the small fortifed village, which served as an outpost for the area.
The Cadastrals were tax maps of the administrative districts that recorded the taxes for the county or kraj. The royal taxpayer kept track of all the people on these maps. These maps were kept usually in the castles, or Zameks. These administrative district records are most helpful for genealogical research.
John was kept busy even into the social hour answering questions.
Since he ran out of his business cards, due to the great demand,
he can be reached by writing to him at 2039 Irwin Place, Madison, Wisconsin 53713.
Please enclose a SASE.