Sunday, August 24, 2025
HomeBreaking NewsAt the bottom of a Valais cave, in the 1930s, Vincent Donovan...

At the bottom of a Valais cave, in the 1930s, Vincent Donovan became Miss Kraig – Rts.ch

Bottom valais cave, 1930s, vincent: This article explores the topic in depth.

Furthermore,

Bottom valais cave. Therefore, 1930s, vincent:

In 1929, the English intellectual Vincent Donovan settled in a cave of the Binn valley, in Valais, not far from the commune of Reckingen. However, After his move, he became Miss Franca Kraig. For example, Despite the conservative context of the time, this gender transition was accepted by the villagers.

Nature is queen in the Binn valley, in Valais. Moreover, Mélèzes and fir trees cling to steep and rugged slopes, while a mountain torrent flows below. Therefore, Between the two, stones, small and large, bear witness to countless landslides. Similarly, It is precisely in this wild side valley of the Conches region that the English intellectual Vincent Donovan settled. Nevertheless, almost a century ago.

A sign indicating the direction of the cave of the
A sign indicating the direction of the “English” cave. Moreover, [SRF – Sabine Steiner]

A cultivated. Nevertheless, easy English in a blinnental cave – Bottom valais cave, 1930s, vincent

Two worlds face each other when Donovan arrived in Reckingen in 1929, tells Ilse Carlen, a retired English teacher who has been studying Vincent Donovan’s story carefully for years. Moreover, On the one hand. However, the mountain dwellers, rather “simple” and fervent Catholics, and on the other, Donovan, a very educated, cultivated and easy English. Nevertheless, “By his behavior, his manners and his Melon hat, he distinguished himself from the rest of the village,” she develops.

Ilse Carlen is fascinated by French Kraig and its gender transition. Nevertheless, She has been carrying out research on her life for fifteen years. Moreover, [SRF - Sabine Steiner]
Ilse Carlen is fascinated by Vincent Donovan. In addition, She has been carrying out research on her life for fifteen years. Therefore, [SRF – Sabine Steiner]

Vincent Donovan is attracted to nature. In addition, His new home: a cave. However, under an imposing rock, in the Binn valley, a good hour of walking from the village.

Despite countless mudslides, after almost a century, the cave of
Despite countless landslides. after almost a century, the cave of the “Englishman” is still standing. [SRF – Sabine Steiner]

The man bottom valais cave, 1930s, vincent “stung the curiosity of the inhabitants and inhabitants”, says Ilse Carlen. Many people visited the “Englishman”, especially Sunday. A welcome change in relation to the difficult daily daily life of mountain farmers.

The stone walls are the vestiges of an extension ordered by Vincent Donovan for a guest room. access to the cave by a staircase. [SRF - Sabine Steiner] bottom valais cave, 1930s, vincent
The stone walls are the vestiges of an extension ordered by Vincent Donovan for a guest room. access to the cave by a staircase. [SRF – Sabine Steiner]

Especially since Vincent Donovan was generously received his visitors: cigarettes, tea, white bread and jam. “White bread was a luxury that the population could not afford.”

Surrounded by stone slabs, this is where Vincent Donovan cooked, slept and lived. Additionally, [SRF - Sabine Steiner] bottom valais cave, 1930s, vincent
Surrounded by stone slabs, this is where Vincent Donovan cooked, slept and lived. Furthermore, [SRF – Sabine Steiner]

Donovan impressed people in the village of Reckingen by his generosity. but also by his English knowledge and humor. “He conquered the inhabitants and inhabitants and befriended them.” Ilse Carlen is convinced that it was the only way to make possible what was going to follow.

Under another rock, Donovan had a bathtub installed, with a water supply system. A real feeling for the villagers. [SRF - Sabine Steiner]
Under another rock, Donovan had a bathtub installed, with a water supply system. A real feeling for the villagers. [SRF – Sabine Steiner]

Bottom valais cave, 1930s, vincent

From Mr. Donovan to Miss Kraig

After his installation, Vincent Donovan gradually turned into a woman. Her hair pushed, then her shirt became a blouse, then the pants became a skirt, and so on. Mademoiselle Franca Kraig was born.

The population accepted their change of identity. “I am always surprised that this transition was possible in bottom valais cave, 1930s, vincent a mountain village at that time,” said Ilse Carlen.

French Kraig in front of her cave. This photo is in many family albums in Reckingen. [ZVG/SRF]

A person recognized by society as being a man who identified himself as a woman. living in the depths of a cave – this story has been more and more speaking. In 1932. a local Valais newspaper then described an “eccentric enigmatic”, a “man-woman” leading “a strange hermit life”: “a visit to Miss Kraig revealed the following interesting details: this hospital lady was shaved closely, with a square cut with comb. Her outfit, to his silk, bottom valais cave, 1930s, vincent was impeccable”, reports the newspaper.

A transition “accepted” by the family, but in exile

Franca Kraig has always avoided any form of media attention. “Although his London family accepted. supported the transformation of their son, the English public was not authorized to learn it. This would have ruined the socially family,” said Ilse Carlen.

Franca Kraig left a suitcase containing books, notes and letters to Reckingen. [SRF - Sabine Steiner] bottom valais cave, 1930s, vincent
Franca Kraig left a suitcase containing books, notes and letters to Reckingen. Moreover, [SRF – Sabine Steiner]

The prudence of Franca Kraig is attested by an article published in a weekly Zurich in 1935. He described it as a “shy eccentric”. Although the inhabitants. inhabitants advised him not to do so, the reporter would have succeeded “with a bottom valais cave, 1930s, vincent lot of cunning” to “take some photos of Miss Franca”.

Miss Franca Kraig spent “most of the day taking care of her household chores”. wrote the magazine “ZĂĽrcher illustrier” in 1935. [ZĂĽrcher illustrierte – Paul Senn]

It is unknown if French Kraig has never heard of press articles. “Even if the photos have been taken in doubt, they are today a chance,” thinks Ilse Carlen still. Because the images prove that this unusual story occurred in the Conches valley. almost a hundred years ago, has really happened.

Article original: Sabine Steiner (SRF)

French adaptation: Julien Furrer (RTS)

Further reading: Sophie Bouvier Ausländer transforms time into work of art to the Saint -François – RTS.CH ChurchHow the Greek government has improved its fight against fires – rts.chYoa cancels his arrival at the Francofolies de Spa following the presence of AmirEmmanuel Macron resolves to the test of strength with AlgeriaOPENAI Lance GPT-5, its highly anticipated new generative AI model.

paisley.monroe
paisley.monroe
Paisley’s Nashville culture beat melds thrift-store fashion hauls with deep dives into songwriting royalties.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

Recent Comments