In the middle of the last century, there were four taverns, three bakeries, two butchers, and a blacksmith in the Matte. In this unique district of the city of Bern, the residents of Matte lived their own lives: Matte was a village within the city - shaped by the Aare River, often battling poverty, yet a place with a strong sense of community. Old residents of Matte recall this time in short everyday stories, sharing memories of their first cigarettes, pranks with gunpowder, and dares involving the "Gröpple," the small fish from the Matte stream. Photos from that era and impressions from today illustrate these charming stories. They are entertaining, amusing, and will evoke memories of childhood for many readers.