WALTER & ELISABETH HIRT
FAMILY HERITAGE BOOK
Illustration from “The Happy Owls” by Celestino Piatti
WALTERS INTRO
From an early age Walter was curios and determined.
Before he was 10 years old he had experienced the WW2 and the subsequent evacuation back to Switzerland where he had to adapt to a a new culture and language. His earned the nickname of “Le Chouette” from his boyscout troop, The Owl, because of his focused manner and genuine enthusiasm.
His quest for adventure took him from Switzerland ,to England and in 1956 to South Africa, where he founded his own lithographic printing company, Hirt and Carter in 1964 .he was highly regarded as an innovative pioneer by his peers, his clients and the industry he served.
He developed The OWL logo which became his brand.
When he moved to the United states in 1983, he brought with him an entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to quality and service that to day constitute the guiding principles of Primary Color, the company he founded.
Walter relished the unique climate and geography of California and found it an ideal location to fuel his passion for gardening, photography and for exploring the hidden treasures of these surrounding deserts and mountains.
YEARS 1568-1933
HIRT FAMILY, ANCESTRY
FAMILY HIRT
“COAT of ARMS”
DESCRIPTION:
Old family from Aargau, first mentioned by Samuel HIRT, Deputy Mayor of Kirchleerau, 1568 - 1576. The coat of arms can be found in the State Archives in Aarau, as well as on the tiled stove in the Church of Kirchleerau, donated by a Mr.
FAMILY HIRT “COAT of ARMS” DESCRIPTION:
Old family from Aargau, first mentioned by Samuel HIRT, Deputy Mayor of Kirchleerau, 1568 - 1576.
The coat of arms can be found in the State Archives in Aarau, as well as on the tiled stove in the Church of Kirchleerau, donated by a Mr. HIRT in America, but this must be heraldically described as wrong, since the figure of Christ (the good shepherd) was chosen as the coat of arms. Tiled stove Coat of Arms: In red on a green background, a shepherd with staff and grazing sheep (Silver). On the helmet are cornucopias in alternating colors (red - silver). Helmet covers are red silver.
History and family lineage:
The coat of arms was confirmed and publicized by Emil Oskar HIRT - Schaffert, Director, of Kirchleerau, Canton of Aargau, born in Zurich, 22 September 1895, in Zollikon, Canton of Zurich.
His father Johann Friedrich HIRT, von Kirchleerau, born February 27, 1859, died January 7, 1918 (wife Anna Karolina Meier von Aussersihl).
His mother, Anna Elisabetha HIRT, from Kirchleerau.
Her father, Jakob HIRT, from and in Kirchleerau, born there on 11 March 1791, died on 3 March 1856 (1st wife Elisabetha née Morgerthaler von Atelwyl, 2nd wife Verena née Lehmann widowed Hunziker).
His father, Samuel HIRT, from and in Kirchleerau, born there on April 5, 1768, died there on June 8, 1814 (wife Katharina née Hunziker von Kirchleerau).
His father, Jakob HIRT, farmer, from and in Kirchleerau, born there May 16, 1729, died there on the 3rd fallow month 1808 (wife Mathilde née Thut von Oberentfelden).
His father, Ulrich HIRT, lieutenant, from and in Kirchleerau, born there on 22 Hornung 1682, died there on 1 March 1754 (wife Anna Katharina née von May, von Schlossrued).
His father, Kaspar Samuel HIRT, Ehegoumer, from and in Kirchleerau, born there the 9th winter month 1647, died there the 11th month of Christmas 1744.
His father, Kaspar HIRT von und in Kirchleerau, born January 6, 1602, died there on the 17th hay month 1649 (wife Ana Elisabetha Kost von Triengen).
His father, Jakob HIRT, from and in Kirchleerau, born in 1574, died on March 12, 1655.
CITIZENS OF AARGAU ON THE EXODUS FROM DESPAIR.
Emigrant stories from a time when Kanton Aargau was not considered an immigration destination
On a spring day in 1854, ferrymen, fishermen, and rafters stood together in Stilli on the square in front of the “Bären.” A man approached them. He was distinguished but dressed somewhat oddly. His cheeks and chin were bearded, but his upper lip was shaved. Occasionally, Americans were depicted this way. To their surprise, the newcomer greeted them in pure Aargau dialect. Kaspar Hirt, the mill worker from humble circumstances who had emigrated to America six years earlier, was now recognized.
Kaspar Hirt’s return to Stilli in 1854 was significant because he was the first emigrant from the village to come back after moving to America. His return highlighted the connection between emigrants and their homeland, even after seeking a better future abroad. Hirt’s ability to greet locals in pure Aargau dialect despite living in America for six years demonstrated the enduring cultural ties to his roots. However, his return was not permanent, as he departed again later that year, leaving behind his youngest child and showing the challenges and sacrifices associated with emigration. His story exemplifies the struggles and aspirations of emigrants during that era. Additionally, the Sonderbund War of 1847 increased the burdens on communities and individuals. Between 1848 and 1855, 9,035 men, women, and children left Aargau—4.5 percent of the total population. The Grand Council recommended selected states to Aargau residents willing to emigrate. Fremont (Ohio)
Hirt Family 1854
The relatives of emmigation
Pioneer Kaspar Hirt at the funeral home in Kirchleerau
Aargau for Kaspars funeral
Kaspar Hirt’s return to Stilli in 1854 was significant because he was the first emigrant from the village to come back after moving to America. On a spring day in 1854, ferrymen, fishermen, and rafters stood together in Stilli on the square in front of the “Bären.” A man approached them. He was distinguished but dressed somewhat oddly. His cheeks and chin were bearded, but his upper lip was shaved. Occasionally, Americans were depicted this way. To their surprise, the newcomer greeted them in pure Aargau dialect. Kaspar Hirt, the mill worker from humble circumstances who had emigrated to America six years earlier, was now recognized.
Picture taken in 1912 approx. Father in Picture is Johann Friedrich HIRT born February 27, 1859, died January 7, 1918
Mother in Picture is Anna Karolina Meier von Aussersihl with 13 children.
History and family lineage:
The coat of arms was confirmed and publicized by Emil Oskar HIRT - Schaffert, Director, of Kirchleerau, Canton of Aargau, born in Zurich, 22 September 1895, in Zollikon, Canton of Zurich.
His father Johann Friedrich HIRT, von Kirchleerau, born February 27, 1859, died January 7, 1918 (wife Anna Karolina Meier von Aussersihl).
His mother, Anna Elisabetha HIRT, from Kirchleerau.
Her father, Jakob HIRT, from and in Kirchleerau, born there on 11 March 1791, died on 3 March 1856 (1st wife Elisabetha née Morgerthaler von Atelwyl, 2nd wife Verena née Lehmann widowed Hunziker).
His father, Samuel HIRT, from and in Kirchleerau, born there on April 5, 1768, died there on June 8, 1814 (wife Katharina née Hunziker von Kirchleerau).
His father, Jakob HIRT, farmer, from and in Kirchleerau, born thereMay 16, 1729, died there on the 3rd fallow month 1808 (wife Mathilde née Thut von Oberentfelden).
His father, Ulrich HIRT, lieutenant, from and in Kirchleerau, born there on 22 Hornung 1682, died there on 1 March 1754 (wife Anna Katharina née von May, von Schlossrued).
His father, Kaspar Samuel HIRT, Ehegoumer, from and in Kirchleerau, born there the 9th winter month 1647, died there the 11th month of Christmas 1744.
His father, Kaspar HIRT von und in Kirchleerau, born January 6, 1602, died there on the 17th hay month 1649 (wife Ana Elisabetha Kost von Triengen).
His father, Jakob HIRT, from and in Kirchleerau, born in 1574, died on March 12, 1655.
YEARS 1922-1943
MOVING TO NICE
Sometime , middle of the 20ties, he followed his brothers to Nice France with prospect of a better life. One brother was in lithography, the other was an accountant.
Sometime , middle of the 20ties, he followed his brothers to Nice France with prospect of a better life. One brother was in lithography, the other was an accountant.
Sometime , middle of the 20ties, he followed his brothers to Nice France with prospect of a better life. One brother was in lithography, the other was an accountant.
In 1927 Pepe made a trip back to Zuerich to marry Martha and bring her to the promised land. She loved the French, loved her lifestyle and her petit LOULOU.
Walter (pepe) never received the credit he deserved. He was highly intelligent, interested in Astrology, knew all herbs for cures , sang im “Jodelchor” , loved life and drank too much. He died of cancer in 1974.
In 1924, French automotive production saw a significant rise, with around 602,338 vehicles in circulation. Major manufacturers like Citroën, Peugeot, and Renault dominated the market, with Citroën particularly prominent, accounting for 40% of French car production by 1925. The 1924 24 Hours of Le Mans race, a significant event in European automotive history,
Marta 1926 Work girls Bornhauser & Cie
Walter Gotfried Hirt: 1899 - 1974. He was born in Zuerich 119 years ago, one of 13 or 14 children. His father was a cabinet maker (Schreiner), needless to say that they were poor.
Walter Gotfried Hirt: 1899 - 1974. He was born in Zuerich 119 years ago, one of 13 or 14 children. His father was a cabinet maker (Schreiner), needless to say that they were poor.
YEARS 1933-1943
WALTER BORN
Sometime , middle of the 20ties, he followed his brothers to Nice France with prospect of a better life. One brother was in lithography, the other was an accountant.
WALTERS CHILDHOOD: Walters Christening in 1934 with the family gathered around the celebration table
YEARS 1943 EVACUATION BACK TO SWITZERLAND
In 1943, when world war II was raging in Europe, the RedCross sent one train to evacuate all the Swiss residing in Nice. They had to leave their business, money (banks were shut) overnight and start all over in Zuerich. Pepe was called to do military service, Meme found some job and Loulou had to lern German and go to school.
In 1925, the French automotive industry was characterized by innovation and a burgeoning interest in mass production. Key players included Peugeot, Renault, and Citroën, who were developing technologies and production methods that would shape the future of the industry. Renault, for example, introduced the Model 45, a large, four-passenger touring car known for its swiftness and ease of driving. Citroën, meanwhile, was a leader in innovation, with its C3 model contributing to the development of modern automobiles during the 1920s. Bugatti also played a significant role with its highly sought-after Grand Prix models, while companies like Delage and Hispano-Suiza were known for their luxurious and high-performance vehicles.
In 1943, when world war II was raging in Europe, the RedCross sent one train to evacuate all the Swiss residing in Nice. They had to leave their business, money (banks were shut) overnight and start all over in Zuerich. Pepe was called to do military service, Meme found some job and Loulou had to lern German and go to school
Zurich Hauptbahnhof in 1943:
The red cross train arrived in Zurich with the evacuees from Nice.
The Hirt family had to start their lives from scratch with nothing left after the Nazis took over and the attack by the allied troops in Nice.
Walter Pepe was drafted into the Military upon arrival, Meme had to find a job and a place to live. Walter who was 10 years old had to learn German and adapt to a new life in Switzerland.
Walter pepe resumed his career as a mechanic and opened up a garage to service wood powered vehicles which had become popular because of the lack of fuel during the war.
Specific historical weather records detailing snowfall in Zurich in 1944 are difficult to find in the provided snippets. However, information suggests that the winter of 1944 was harsh, with possible snowfall:
General Winter Conditions in Europe: The winter of 1944 was the coldest recorded in European history up to that time, with heavy snowfall and temperatures often below zero.
The Winter of 1944-1945: This period was particularly brutal in Yates County, New York, with early snow and a severe coal shortage.
Mistaken Bombing Incident: Zurich experienced a mistaken bombing by American aircraft on March 4, 1945. The pilots mistakenly identified Zurich as the German target of Pforzheim due to bad weather and radar equipment failure, indicating poor visibility possibly due to snow or fog.
In summary, while the exact amount of snowfall in Zurich in 1944 isn’t stated, the general information about the European winter and the bombing incident suggest that snowy conditions likely occurred in Zurich during this period.
YEARS 1944-1952 GROWING
UP IN ZURICH
In 1943, when world war II was raging in Europe, the RedCross sent one train to evacuate all the Swiss residing in Nice. They had to leave their business, money (banks were shut) overnight and start all over in Zuerich. Pepe was called to do military service, Meme found some job and Loulou had to lern German and go to school.
Marta Wylemann
Zurich 4
Zypressenstrasse 80
Dear Marta,
Today we forcibly marched to Pfäffikon, where the majors were to be held. My brother in Lucerne sent me a cake yesterday.
Greetings
Yes, wood-powered cars were utilized in Switzerland during 1944. This was a direct result of fuel rationing during World War II, which severely limited access to gasoline and other traditional fossil fuels. Here’s a summary of wood-powered vehicles in Switzerland during that period:
Necessity due to rationing: Switzerland, like many other European nations, resorted to wood gasification as an alternative fuel source for vehicles during the war due to shortages of fossil fuels.
Significant numbers: By 1942, there were almost 8,000 wood gas vehicles in Switzerland, demonstrating the extent of their use. This number reflects the widespread adoption of this technology as a practical solution to wartime fuel constraints.
Wide range of vehicles: It wasn’t just cars. Trucks, buses, tractors, motorcycles, ships, and trains were also equipped with wood gasification units.
Infrastructure for refueling: A network of refueling stations was established where drivers could obtain firewood to power their vehicle
In Switzerland Walter joined the Boy Scouts 1946 He was given the Nickname of “ LA CHEVETTE “ The Owl. He took well to his name and used the symbol as an inspiration to the logo he developed for his business
HINTERRUGG
CHÄSERRUGG SCHIBESTOLL ZUESTOLL BRISI
HOW WALTER AND ELISABETH MET.
New Year’s eve 1952, high in the Mountains above the Walensee, in a Chalet owned by SKI-RI- WIPKINGEN,
a young woman, Elisabeth, also known as Elsbeth or Lisi or Mopi, who had just celebrated her 19th birthday after Xmas and a young man, Walter, also known as Loulou, who would be 20 years old in April met when one member brought along a friend from school.
They arrived late, Walter stood tall, looked almost out of place in his white jersey, but they quickly found a spot near where I and Lisbeth were sitting. The party was in full swing with dancing and drinking. As Ihad injured my knee over the Xmas holiday, no dancing for me but Walter and Iwatched the full moon come over the Churfirsten Range and celebrate the New Year, in this fashion.
My being able to call each mountain by name, made a big, permanent impression on Walter.
YEARS 1933
ELISABETH KLEINPETER IS BORN
In 1943, when world war II was raging in Europe, the RedCross sent one train to evacuate all the Swiss residing in Nice. They had to leave their business, money (banks were shut) overnight and start all over in Zuerich. Pepe was called to do military service, Meme found some job and Loulou had to lern German and go to school.
ELISABETH KLEINPETER
BORN DEC29 1933
YEARS 1933
ELISABETH KLEINPETER IS BORN
In 1943, when world war II was raging in Europe, the RedCross sent one train to evacuate all the Swiss residing in Nice. They had to leave their business, money (banks were shut) overnight and start all over in Zuerich. Pepe was called to do military service, Meme found some job and Loulou had to lern German and go to school.
YEARS 1950-1952
WALTER AND ELISABETH
START DATING
WALTER WAS INTERESTING AND ALWAYS HAD IDEAS, DREAMS AND A PLAN.
ELISABETH SAW THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES.
WALTER MARRIED ELISABETH BECAUSE HE WAS CONVINCED SHE WOULD BE A GREAT RESOURCE AND COMPLIMENT TO HIM.
HE ALWAYS SAID: FOUR EYES AND FOUR EARS ARE BETTER THAN TWO
1953 Walter became interested in photography and he bought a camera
YEARS 1950-1952
WALTER AND ELISABETH
START DATING
WALTER WAS INTERESTING AND ALWAYS HAD IDEAS, DREAMS AND A PLAN.
ELISABETH SAW THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES.
WALTER MARRIED ELISABETH BECAUSE HE WAS CONVINCED SHE WOULD BE A GREAT RESOURCE AND COMPLIMENT TO HIM.
HE ALWAYS SAID: FOUR EYES AND FOUR EARS ARE BETTER THAN TWO
HOW WALTER AND ELISABETH MET.
New Year’s eve 1952, high in the Mountains above the Walensee, in a Chalet owned by SKI-RI- WIPKINGEN,
a young woman, Elisabeth, also known as Elsbeth or Lisi or Mopi, who had just celebrated her 19th birthday after Xmas and a young man, Walter, also known as Loulou, who would be 20 years old in April met when one member brought along a friend from school.
They arrived late, Walter stood tall, looked almost out of place in his white jersey, but they quickly found a spot near where I and Lisbeth were sitting. The party was in full swing with dancing and drinking. As Ihad injured my knee over the Xmas holiday, no dancing for me but Walter and Iwatched the full moon come over the Churfirsten Range and celebrate the New Year, in this fashion.
My being able to call each mountain by name, made a big, permanent impression on Walter.
YEARS
1952 WALTER AND ELISABETH WEDDING
YEARS
1952
WALTER AND ELISABETH BOARD THE TRAIN TO OUTHHAMPTON
TO SET SAIL ON THE SHIP BOUND FOR CAPE TOWN SOUTHHAMPTON TO BOARD THE SHIP BOUND FOR CAPE TOWNSOUTHHAMPTON TO CATC
SOUTHHAMPTON TO SET SAIL ON THE SHIP BOUND FOR CAPE TOWN
YEARS
1954
WALTER AND ELISABETH MOVE TO CAPE TOWN AND START TO ESTABLISH A CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AND JOBS
YEARS 1959
RON IS BORN
YEARS 1961
WALTER AND ELISABETH
MOVE TO CAPE TOWN AND START TO ESTABLISH A CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AND JOBS
YEARS
1962
FAMILY VISITS FROM SWITZERLAND TO SOUTH SFRICA
YEARS 1969
WALTER AND ELISABETH
MOVE TO CAPE TOWN AND START TO ESTABLISH A CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AND JOBS
Primary Color
HIRT and Carter
WSL
History of Hirt & Carter.
In the year 1964, Walter hurt, in conjunction with a William Carter, started a business known as Hirt & Carter PY limited. We operated from small premises at Buitensingle St. Cape Town. The first equipment acquired was a clinched camera, which enabled us to do high quality color separations, and after two years 15 people were in our employ. By February, 1966, our turnover was 125,000 Rand the the pre tax profit 18,000 rent. In 1967 we moved to 19 Bree St. into much larger premises to be able to expand our business to several reproduction cameras and two proof presses, employing the staff of 75. In 1968 we opened a branch in Johannesburg. By this time, Hirt & Carter was well established and known throughout South Africa for their excellence in their profession. Our quality work in the field of color separation 1 Hirt & Carter the South African first prize and the entry was submitted to the print 1968 world competition in Chicago, USA and was awarded second prize amongst the entries from 42 countries. By the year 1975 our turnover had risen to 615,000 Rand and the pretax profit to 186,000 Rand and we decided to buy the first electronic color separation machine in South Africa. At the same time, we moved into modern premises on the foreshore where we have been operating for the last three years, acquiring 4 proof presses, 4 electronic color separation machines, opening an art studio, opening a color laboratory and opening a photo studio and in all, employing close to 200 people in Cape Town out of which 40% are highly qualified journeymen from Germany Switzerland England France etcetera.
HIRT and Carter
Primary Color
HIRT and Carter
Primary Color
APARTMENTS and HOUSES Through THE YEARS
APARTMENTS and HOUSES Through THE YEARS
APARTMENTS and HOUSES Through THE
YEARS
PETS Through THE YEARS
GRANDCHIL-
DREN Through THE YEARS
GRANDCHIL-
DREN Through THE YEARS
FAMILY TRIPS
Through THE YEARS
