Few German cities can look back on such a tumultuous recent history as Schwedt, which celebrated its 750th anniversary in 2015. After being more than three-quarters destroyed in World War II, the town on the Oder transformed from a tobacco-growing region to one of the most important industrial centers of the GDR in less than two decades. In front of the Centrum department store, there were often over 20 strollers, symbolizing the abundance of children in the city. The prospects of jobs at the Petrochemical Combine (PCK) and the paper mill, modern schools and daycare spots, special allocations of food and cars, and especially hot water from the wall attracted thousands to the border region with Poland. For others, the phrase "Off to Schwedt!" was the worst threat, as the National People's Army maintained a notorious military prison with a disciplinary unit there.