Rudolf Berking returned to Samoa in October 1944 . |
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Fifteen months later , in a gesture typical of his generosity , Berking invited new acquaintance and solo parent Robert Dean Frisbie to leave temporary visitor accommodation in Apia and bring his four young children to stay for an extended period at the Berking plantation . Daughter Johnny Frisbie has left us with some memories of the family ’ s 65-year-old host : “ He was a large , redfaced man , who owned a big and beautiful ranch ... He fed us fried cow brains , bloody roast beef , and raw ground-beef sandwiches with thick slices of onions . And the raw food seemed necessary to feed his quick temper and fuel his great frame . He had the loudest voice I have ever heard ... and his face turned tomato red when he bellowed ... He and papa disagreed about almost everything , except the movies we saw on Saturday nights at the Tivoli Theatre . They both raved in admiration over Gung Ho and Goodbye , Mr Chips and both abhorred Westerns , which they nonetheless saw faithfully .” ( The Frisbies lived with the Berking family for 12 months ), |
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In addition to running his Letogo plantation , which serviced the local market , Mr Berking ran a butchery and ice-making operation at Matafele , in Apia . He married Helen Therese Bartley in 1951 . |
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Berking descendants from his two latter marriages are found in many countries , including Samoa , New Zealand and Australia . ( Rudolf is shown below in the early 1950s with sons Ronnie and Peter ). When he died in 1972 , Rudolf Berking was referred to by the “ Pacific Islands Monthly ” as a “ legendary figure in Samoan history .” |
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Riethmaier Family Collection , restored T . Brunt 2013 |
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Klaus Berking Collection |