The large bombing raid on March 5, 1945, destroyed large parts of Chemnitz, and many people died. Nevertheless, after the rubble was cleared, life went on. Children received "Fünferbrötchen" at school, and in the summer, they went to the Zeisigwald swimming pool or the Bernsdorfer pool. It was still allowed to row a boat across the castle pond, and family outings took them to Augustusburg and the Sternmühle. Young people attended the Köhler dance school and the legendary Dirndl ball. Numerous cinemas, such as the Luxor Filmpalast in the city center, offered diverse entertainment. Everyone was curious about the big, wide world, even if it remained within narrow confines.