The 154th house
Uncle Pista’s collection in Szögliget
MúzeumCafé 6.
There is a house in the village of Szögliget. More precisely, there are several houses but this one is István Duber’s own folk museum, which makes him think he is rich, though his monthly pension is barely 400 euros. Duber was born here 71 years ago. The building was the 154th house in the village in the second half of the 19th century, its walls radiate history – not only that of Szögliget and Uncle Pista, but also half of Hungary. The house is neat. I have seen nicer old houses, last time in the Káli Basin, but I have never been to a more beautiful and woeful folk museum. It is old, built in 1859 and the bed still stands where the present owner was born. Yet, Uncle Pista does not maintain and improve it for the future, but for his father. “If now, on 8 August he returned after 66 years he would find everything as he left it.” His voice falters. István Duber Sr. died aged 26 at the battle of the Don. Uncle Pista shows the book which records the victims’ names, time and cause of death. If requested in advance, Uncle Pista will open his folk museum and give a guided tour.