Greenhorn, a humorous, mildly derisive term, often was applied to Eastern European immigrants in the early 20th century. Joseph Werlin, American-born, well-mannered and university-educated, might not seem to fit the image. But, on this journey, he even referred to himself as a greenhorn, an innocent abroad. Joe initially meant his diary only for family interest when he sent handwritten pages to his fiancée -- an aspiring journalist -- in Texas. Later, he recognised wider appeal. He interviewed Muscovites for their responses to the new Red order and offered insights into the 1928 German elections, noting the weak showing of the famous (or infamous) Hitler. Related correspondence, documents and photos illuminate dimly-lit places and stirrings in 1928. He senses no gathering winds of war, but he reveals tensions in this precarious post-WWI period, which a decade later will erupt with unimagined calamity. Joella Werlin, his daughter, develops this story and reveals his life as it turned out.

Greenhorn, a humorous, mildly derisive term, often was applied to Eastern European immigrants in the early 20th century. Joseph Werlin, American-born, well-mannered and university-educated, might not seem to fit the image. But, on this journey, he even referred to himself as a greenhorn, an innocent abroad. Joe initially meant his diary only for family interest when he sent handwritten pages to his fiancée -- an aspiring journalist -- in Texas. Later, he recognised wider appeal. He interviewed Muscovites for their responses to the new Red order and offered insights into the 1928 German elections, noting the weak showing of the famous (or infamous) Hitler. Related correspondence, documents and photos illuminate dimly-lit places and stirrings in 1928. He senses no gathering winds of war, but he reveals tensions in this precarious post-WWI period, which a decade later will erupt with unimagined calamity. Joella Werlin, his daughter, develops this story and reveals his life as it turned out.