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Block I, view of the great barn, today
Block I - the great barn (Photo: District Administration)

Block 1

The half-timbered building was erected in 1929. It served as a barn for the farming branch of the Oertel company. During camp time it was used as main accommodation for the prisoners. Up to 800 inmates were cooped-up in Block 1. The large barn was separated into different segments on two stories. The centre served as dining area, on both sides the unheated inmates quarters were located. On the ground floor the inmates slept in three storey bunk beds, on the first floor in two storeys. A washing room and a room for the hair cutter completed the furnishings.

On both gable ends and storeys lay rooms for the Kapos (prisoners that served as camp wardens). Compared to the other prisoners the Kapos lived under priviliged conditions (single beds, ovens, better clothing and provision).

The inmates of Block 1 were mostly assigned to the worst tasks in the subcamp. They worked in shifts in the tunnels (commando "Grube"), in the construction of a water pipe (commando "Dany") or in concrete work (commando "Wallbrecht"). In Winter 1943/44 the block was completely overcrowded. Most prisoners neither had their own bunk bed nor a sack of straw to sleep on. Theft, frays and mistreatment by the Kapos were daily routine.

After WWII the building was used as a barn once again. In 1979 the southern part was separated by a brick wall and housed a first exposition dedicated  to the subcamp Laura. After the District of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt acquired the property the brick wall was partly demolished and the exposition reviewed and expanded to the entire building. Due to the use for farming purposes as well as refurbishings the original construction during camp time had not been preserved. However, decorative paintings from this period survived and were revealed.