KRASNA LIPA: (Schoenlind in German) The Jewish village no longer exists. The village was in W Bohemia, district of Sokolov, 18km ENE of Cheb, and SE of Kostelni Briza. Records of Jewish settlement exist from the 16th century with existence of the Jewish community documented from first half of 18th century. The Jewish community disbanded in late 19th century. Remains of Jewish quarter were flooded by a dammed brook after 1962. The cemetery is on a slope overlooking the dam. Founded at unknown date, the cemetery's oldest legible gravestone dates from 1784 with burials probably until the late 19th century. Source: Old Bohemian & Moravian Jewish Cemeteries. [1999]
UPDATE: Rob Lederer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. visited the cemetery and may have more information. [April 2008]
There are 5 places in the Czech Republic named 'Krásná Lípa'O. Thi ones is in N Bohemia, 50°54' N, 14°31' E, 25 miles WNW of Liberec (Reichenberg), 35 miles ESE of Dresden, near the Germany border. Alternate names: Krásná Lípa [Cz], Schönlinde [Ger], Schönlind [February 2009]
Decin district. ca. 3,500 inhabitants. In 1361, a settlement was recorded on the Tollenstein (Tolstejn). Later, about 30 families from Upper Franconia (Germany) to colonize the place. In 1654 the community had 36 farm houses and 60 craftsman houses, mainly linen weavers. John Barnes, an English expert on textile industry, was hired in 1731 to found a spinning manufactory in the town. Economic development was further stimulated by the construction of the railway in 1869 and on 5 January 1870 Krasna Lipa became an incorporated town. In 1910 the town reached its highest population, 6930 inhabitants. Along with other parts of the former Austrian Empire, Schönlinde became part of Czechoslovakia in 1919, now called Krásná Lípa.The Expulsion of Germans after World War II in 1945-1946 reduced the population to half and more than 300 deserted houses were demolished. One of the Germans that had to leave the Sudetenland was Gerhard Mitter, then age 10, who would become a race driver for Porsche. [February 2009]