The internment camp in Büren an der Aare has found its place in historical accounts, but the struggles and joys, the everyday life of the people in this small Bernese town during that difficult time are less known or even completely overlooked. This book helps to fill that gap, largely drawing from the author's treasure trove of memories. As the child of a father who held numerous positions in the community for decades and knew how to contribute in various ways to the local society, the author gained insights into many aspects of small-town life as a teenager. This life was heavily influenced by the internment camp, where Poles, Russians, Jews, and Italians were housed. Interned individuals also came and went in the Stotzer family home. Unemployment, rationing, wartime economy, and fear of war, daily life under martial law, the local population's support for the internees, as well as entertainment, cunning, and a diverse club life have all found their place in the author's memory. Excerpts from conversations with local witnesses enrich the small-town panorama, along with a variety of documents and photographs. The attentive observer of contemporary events provides a multifaceted insight into the town by the Aare during World War II through his - often surprising - personal accounts and stories.