Gyökerek • A Dráva Múzeum tanulmánykötete, 2004
Banicz László: Kisvárosi történet – Barcs 25 éve
Banicz László: Kisvárosi történet - Barcs 25 éve LÁSZLÓ BANICZ THE STORY OF A SMALL COUNTRY TOWN 25 YEARS FROM THE HISTORY OF BARCS SUMMARY There is an old, well-known proverb about our town: 'She started as Chicago but it became Bares. .. '. This sentence sheds light on the history of Bares aptly because the above mentioned proverb alludes to the unbelievable fast initial economic progress as well as the subsequent declining industry and commerce of the town. The alternating phases of prosperity and depression characterized the beginning of the 20 th century. Similar process can be observed during the second half of the century and in the last few years too. Noteworthy industrial investments, remarkable projects in infrastructure and considerable improvement of educational and health institutions were in progress till the change of regime set in. In the late 1980's, after the downfall of the construction and heavy industry of Bares the only lifeline was the shopping tourism for the town. Due to the tragic war between the ex-Yugoslavian countries immense crowds of customers came here from Croatia. Their appearance helped to ease the employment and economic problems of Bares but this situation has begun to change. The bustling commercial life has languished by now and the cruel rampage in our neighborhood frightened away the foreign industrial entrepreneurs from south Somogy county. As the political situation got back to normal in Croatia the shopping tourism diminished and even the state investments of the 'Széchenyi Plan' weren't able to settle the difficulties in Bares. In his first serious essay which can be proper bases for a town monograph the young historian tries to trace the interesting career of this small provincial town on the occasion of this year's high day since Bares celebrates the 25 th anniversary of the obtain of the town rank in this summer. With the help of researches in archives and interviewing experienced, old council members about bygone days the history of Bares revives on these sheets. 51
