From East Prussian palaces to State Agricultural Farms. Post-war dwellingin rural Masuria and Warmia as refl ected in competition diaries

Abstract

The changes that the former East Prussia underwent in the aftermath of WW2 resulted ina great degree from the appearance of new hierarchies and neighbourhoods. In the rural landscapesof Masuria and Warmia, State Agricultural Farms played a signifi cant role, largely shaping thesurroundings. The State Farms, housed in existing manor houses and palaces, transformed theminto offi ces, staff residences, clubrooms, and preschools. On the basis of selected competitiondiaries, the article examines various narrative strategies and individual practices aimed at adaptingto the new economic and social reality in the post-war landscape, formerly defi ned by the manor.