Under this title a new book by S.N. Sogrin was published. Sergey Nikolaevich brought together in this book the histories of all the Alin families: the Bolshie (Large), the Malye (Small) and the “Pushnye.”
The book is very interesting, engaging, and richly illustrated. The narrative immerses the reader in the ancient history of the region, which is important for understanding the entire content of the publication. After all, the author tells not only the history of his own kin. In his book family events are intertwined with the historical events of Russia that affected the lives of all members of the Alin families — the Bolshie, the Malye and the “Pushnye.” And he does not write only about them. He reveals the history of the country from a different side through the tragic fates of his relatives and close ones. In this book Sergey Nikolaevich presents new information about the Malye Alins, which somehow miraculously began to open up to him. Descendants of the Malye Alins, previously unknown, made contact with the author. Thus, the chronicle of the merchant clan of the Malye Alins received a continuation, which the reader will also learn about.
The book is intended for those who care about the past and future of their family line; it teaches an attitude of respect for the memory of ancestors. After all, every person leaves their mark not only on the history of their family but also on the place where they were born, and, more broadly, on their great country.
The Alins were not only engaged in trade. They were active in charity and public activities, served as trustees of educational institutions and children's shelters, and supported the Cherdyn county hospital. They invested substantial funds in public improvements.
They were enlightened people who took an interest in history and science, and in the cultures of the peoples living on the territory of Russia. They had an extensive library in which, besides fiction, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and historical essays occupied a worthy place. There were also books and magazines for children.
The Alins were also collectors. Vasily Nikolaevich Alin — the most prominent representative of this dynasty of the Bolshie Alins — assembled a unique collection of items that had enormous historical and cultural value and were of public interest. When the Museum of the Society of Lovers of History, Archaeology and Ethnography was established in Cherdyn in 1899, V.N. Alin donated more than 40 valuable items from his collection. The last owner of the collection was Nikolai Petrovich Alin — V.N. Alin’s nephew. Nikolai Petrovich’s wife, Anfiya Danilovna, showed great interest in collecting and intended to open a private museum. V.N. Alin and N.P. Alin were members of the scientific Society of Lovers of History, Archaeology and Ethnography. They stood at the origins of the museum’s creation and the formation of its collections.
The author built his narrative in chronological order. The historical tale concludes with an epilogue about the author’s own biography and his pursuits, which is very important. This life story is closely connected with the Soviet era of our country and with emigration as well. After all, S.N. Sogrin’s family returned from emigration in 1947, and their life in the Soviet Union was not easy. We know the specifics of life during the “construction of developed socialism” from the press in general terms. Sergey Nikolaevich showed how the system of relations between the citizens of the USSR, including the union republics, and the Center was built. It so happened in his life that he created and headed a rescue service in the Tajik SSR. Through his own example he revealed a particular side of Soviet life. The reader will be interested to learn this story of our country as well.
Undoubtedly, the book will find its readers! And not only among the residents of the town of Cherdyn.
