Eels and Views
Magdalena Pasewicz-Rybacka
Every enthusiast of the Nadzałew Railway has surely seen this photo. It’s a railway station in Tolkmicko, photographed from the street side during the interwar period. Everything seems clear. But have you ever wondered what is written on the signboard in front of the station?
Upon closer inspection, it is possible to read the inscription. It turns out to be an advertising sign for the station’s restaurant.
Bahnhofswirtschaft
Bürgerliche Küche, gut gepflegte Getränke.
Schöne Aussicht aufs Haff!
Dort Tolk. Aal an der Karte.
The text can be roughly translated as:
Station Restaurant
Home-style cuisine, excellent beverages.
Beautiful view of the Lagoon!
Tolkmicko eel on the menu.
The restaurant was located in one of the station’s two largest rooms—most likely in the northeastern part of the building, which is visible in the foreground of the photo. Evidence for this includes an additional entrance from the street and the placement of the advertisement. On the other side of the building, there are also large windows, once guaranteeing the aforementioned beautiful view of the Lagoon. Today, the panorama is somewhat disturbed by the port infrastructure and a neighboring factory.
The Tolkmicko eel featured on the menu as a local specialty references a popular story from the early 20th century about a giant specimen that roamed the waters of the lagoon, troubling the town's residents. It was only after being intoxicated with local beer that the eel was captured and brought ashore. The enormous eel was then hung from chains on the ceiling of the station restaurant, where it could still be admired in the 1930s. It even appeared on postcards, including one showing a beautiful section of the interior with the so-called “hunting corner.” If the entire restaurant looked like that, it’s truly a pity that it hasn’t survived in its original form to this day.
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