Days of Hope and Sorrow

Copyright 2000 Hannie Wolf

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission of the author.

Hannie Wolf Albion, Nebraska

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

I didn't properly thank you for your letter of March 25, because I wanted to enclose a letter from Mrs. Wolf, so I am writing you today.

Next week I will be in Ulm again and will take care of everything I neglected.

I can tell you only good things from the three of us. (She was visiting Sigbert and Lisl Baer.) We are well and can get up every morning. For that I thank God.

As I previously wrote you, my cough disappeared from one day to the next. That helped me more than all the medicine.

With the weather I have less luck. It is still cold and wet. Sigbert has to stoke the furnace constantly. To have the whole house warm is really something.

At Steiners it is quite chilly, but my little room is warm and cozy. I don't have much coal left. When I come back I must get busy and order coal for next winter. I thought by the time I get back I wouldn't need to heat any more, but it doesn't look like it. You, dear Felix, provided so well for me. (He left funds for her before leaving for America.)

Saturday we went to the cemetery in Hohebach. From an associate of your late father I placed a small bouquet of flowers on the grave (of Lazarus Baer ).

Those at the cemetery rest in peace, far from all our deep sorrows.

Hannelore (a friend?) picked us up; very nice of her. Everyone inquires about you and sends regards for you. We wrote a card to dear Mother (Charlotte Baer in Philadelphia), and those who are still here wrote their greetings. It will take months for the card to get there. Last Sunday Julius Furchheimer and his mother said farewell. They are still in Stuttgart. They'll have lots of company. They have been there almost four weeks. Their ship left Lisbon on April 20, but not for South America, so they must wait for two spaces on another ship. (Records show that they sailed for North America on April 19, 1941.) How it will go with Fred I don't know. Those are unforeseen circumstances with which we have to reckon nowadays, as you, my dears, at the time had to wait eight more days in Berlin. We thought that was bad, but still better to wait in Stuttgart than in Lisbon, where you are a stranger and can't speak the language. For those reasons I would not care to travel now. There is still time with the sponsorship.

Sadly, I couldn't keep my promise to write you three times a week. There was so much that kept me from it, and I did not want to burden you with my sad thoughts. Personally, I am well, that I want to tell you, and one has to be satisfied.

This week we had a sad death in our building. Mr. Gerstle died suddenly at age 41. He did have stomach surgery in the spring but made an excellent recovery. Now he got a bad cough, and 2   the doctor prescribed Beatin (cough drug?) In the morning his wife came to me and asked how I take Beatin. In the afternoon I asked if he took it with hot coffee or tea, and in the evening he suddenly died. It touched me deeply. Also on the second floor a young man was suddenly taken. His death shocked everyone in the building also, but we must go on living and see to it that we stay healthy.

Meanwhile you, my dears, have moved and my thoughts are with you day and night. It was probably strange in the beginning to move from a large house to a small apartment, but I wish you happiness and contentment on living by yourselves. (We had shared a large house with two young men from India who were students at the Colorado School of Mines.) You, dear Felix, have not seen the new apartment yet, and I hope you like it. (he was working as a janitor at the National Jewish Hospital). My best wishes accompany you in your new home. May you, my dears, be happy and content and spend your days there in good health. Even in small rooms one can be happy and content. I always tell that to Lisl (who lived in a large house). What do they get out of their mansion? Nothing but work and troubles. Such a house with all the contents is fine when you have lots of help. Now Mrs. Ascher with Rolf and girls from Karlsruhe are visiting. Lisl busies herself with work and forgets herself, but in September the same song will start over.

Sigbert was home a lot lately. He was helping his mother-in-law (Mrs. Lindenberger) in the garden. It had to be. She isn't able to work so hard any more and complains about her feet. After all, she is 65 years old. I can tell on myself (Emmy was 63). At the moment I am quite well. I go bathing once a week, have a massage and stangerbad (steambath?) It replaces Wiesbaden (a German spa). Because of that I hope I will have a good winter.

Unfortunately, we didn't take any excursions like last year. In June it was too cool to sit outside. On July 5th Sigbert and Lisl came. Because of her illness I stayed home. On July 21st the two left, and on the 24th Gerda came with a serious illness and is still here, It was four weeks on Thursday. Now my only trips are on the streetcar to the hospital. For weeks already I wanted to visit Luise in Herrlingen, but I couldn't find time. She even remembered my birthday (July 31). I really wanted to invite her, but due to Gerda's illness I couldn't invite any of my local friends. This afternoon I will see her (Gerda) again. I haven't been there since Tuesday. Alma was here on Friday and said she (Gerda) was better. Hope it's true, and that she'll be able to travel soon. To be honest, I'll thank God when both of them are home safely. I can't help her (Gerda) any more here.

Now we sadly had to bid farewell to K. B. His departure came suddenly. Lately, except on Saturdays, I didn't get to visit him. Paulchen and Bily probably took his departure the hardest. We knew for a long time that it would happen, but when the day comes for a sudden departure, it hits everyone, especially friends who were together with him every day. Due to his departure, there have been many changes. We are still crushed. You, my dears, can feel with me. We have gone through so much pain together, and so it was today.

Paulchen has more people. Miss Einstein came to him. Mrs. H. came to her uncle Stern. Our building will be full.

We haven't done any sewing. Mrs. Hess is on a three week vacation. She wants to start a course again in September, but we don't know where it will be. She still has a room, but when it's dark in the winter, it's not pleasant to walk home. We will see 4   how it works out. Everyone is so helpful, because it has to be settled quickly. There is a lot of confusion in the building, as you can imagine. I am glad and happy with my little room. There is no space for another bed.

Mr. Levy is very ill. The man is so very thin. One of these days he will just slip away. They put beds in the large room and share the other room with Miss Stern, so that Mrs. Sophie Levy won't be alone with the very sick man. That was very thoughtful.

When order has been restored, we may have religious services in the house behind us, but it is not for certain. You, my dears, know the room. We are all still shook up, as I told you. The parting hit all of us very hard, but time will heal the pain.

I wrote to the dear ones. They, especially Sigbert, will feel sad not to have seen him once more. Inspite of that, I hope they will come in September. I will hear from them soon.

I don't know any other news to tell you, but it's enough for today, believe me!

From the Sonnenthals, Blochs, also Oettinger we haven't heard. As mother (Charlotte Baer) writes, Max wired that their visa (presumably for the U.S.) expired. I doubt whether they can still leave.

I want to answer a few of your questions today. I mailed your last letter of August 1 quickly to Kuenzelsau, and I already got it back. You, dear Felix, asked if I had seen Springer (my father's former chauffeur). I have not seen him or his wife. I understand he is here. Quite often I see Mrs. Springer's sister in her shop.

You wonder how come I don't go to the Besserer Street. Rosa has become so nasty. I don't think I need any more aggravations. So I changed. She is kind but not like she was. She never asks any more how you, my dears, are getting along. That proves it.

The Levys' sold their house already in December. The promise given to them was not kept. It was hard for him to say goodby, but they made a good trade. It's much more pleasant to live outside of town than in town.

Mrs. Schweizer is in the hospital again for observation. All the doctors are amazed how the woman keeps on living. Professor Friedrich is taking care of her.

Were you able to take the radio with you? Hopefully dear mother (Charlotte Baer) can send a few of her things now and then. Have you heard from Julius Loeb lately? He could spare a few things to send you in order to make your new home a bit more comfortable. I wonder all the time if you, dear Felix, have a couch? You won't be able to keep going forever after being on your feet all day. Sigbert thinks it is too much for you. Sigbert waited too long, but it's too late now to do anything. I haven't heard from Bodenschein. He takes his time. I could sure use my things in the fall.

Dear Hannie, I want to tell you about the children who came to Stuttgart. Beate likes it very well, on the other hand, Suse doesn't. Heinz is in Ludwigsburg, and Hans, together with four boys, is with two old ladies where he likes it quite well. Boby goes walking and doesn't work. She will have a hard time, but she seems to like taking long walks. I have seldom seen a girl her age change to her disadvantage. She barely says hello, not just to me but to others, as I wrote once, she is very stuck up.

Her father is in Emil's former business, and her mother works in the nursery. The other gentlemen work in Neu-Ulm, and Sepp is a slender young man. Now he has his immigration papers, but it is too late. The teacher obtained two sheets of paper. When he has time and feels up to it, he will write to you, my dears.

That's as far as I got. After I ate and took a nap I went to Soeflingen. You can really tell that Gerda is getting better. She is eating and knew me today. I hope the day will come soon when they (Gerda and Alma) can leave together, so I will have a little rest. Too much happened at the same time.

I also visited the family Rampf. They were tickled to see me and never tired asking questions about you, especially about you, dear Felix, (my father worked in their nursery before leaving for America.) Teo wasn't home. He has a bad cough and is taking Beatin. Meanwhile little Marianne arrived, a dear child. She (Mrs. Rampf) doesn't go to the market any more, but I should tell you, dear Felix, how badly she could use your help. This year we don't need to wash radishes and drive home with the car. You pick them off the field, dirt and all. I am to give you regards and wish you well. You could really tell how pleased they were.

I haven't seen Moni for weeks. She can't get any more from me, so there is no use to come. It's all right with me. Out of sight, out of mind. Mrs. Barth wrote a glowing letter about her birthday party. The first letter in four weeks. She seems to have a friend there, but marriage is out of the question. I think she is a frivolous person, but don't write about it to New York, there will just be more gossip.

Have you, my dears, heard any more from Edith? Did she send regards for you, dear Hilde? (Edith Muehlstein Cerf was my mother's best girlfriend. She lived in Luxemburg and immigrated to the United States. She took along some of our jewelry and sent it to us in Denver.)

This is my fourth sheet of paper. That means "Stop!" Again, my dears I wish you well with all my heart. God bless you in your new home and give you happiness. Stay well, my dears. Greetings and kisses from your faithful Mother, who is with you in thought.

Your dear letter of August 11 arrived just in time for me to mail my letter of the 24th to your new address. Now you are in your new home, and with all my heart I wish you the best in your new home. May the good Lord keep you, protect you and let you spend only happy, healthy days in your "single" home. You, dear Felix, will see less of your home, because you have long workdays. You, dear Hannie, can walk to school.

By the time the letter reaches you, my darling, you are back in school and the studies begin again. I hope the faculty in this school are kind and you can understand each other. The children in Stuttgart also have a lot to learn. They were really far behind, which makes itself known. Boby thinks she is very smart, but Mrs. Stoss says her English is anything but good. Even in German she makes lots of grammatical errors. But the parents are enamored of their daughter, and that is what counts.

Now you have left your old home. I hope Mr. M. paid you his debts. After all, you didn't keep boarders for the fun of it.

That I. is so moody makes it unpleasant for others. No doubt he will miss you. He seems to be especially fond of you and holds you in high esteem. I always thought he was so kind and good to you, because of you, dear Hilde. I never thought about Hannie. God willing, you will never have to accept his offer, but it is a kind gesture on his part.

I already asked in my last letter if you could take the radio to your new home. With so many tubes the music must have a beautiful sound.

Your last letter arrived very quickly, from August 11 to August 24. If mail were delivered twice on Sunday, I would have received it yesterday. And my letters go quicker. On the other hand, the ones from Philadelphia take longer. As Sigbert wrote, a letter from August 5 arrived on August 22.

You, dear Felix, have a good income, and in time will get more steady customers. Even here you knew how to build up a large clientele. (After leaving the National Jewish Hospital, my father became the proprietor of a downtown parking lot in Denver.)

I will send your letter to the dear ones. Lisl longs for them more than Sigbert. She gets little support from her brothers, so she clings to us. Even Fritz, that is, his wife (first wife who died at a young age), isn't nice to her. Lots of jealousy. They now have an apartment. The day before Lisl departed, she came here to say goodby to Sigbert. As a bride she spent weeks there, and now she hasn't said a word about inviting Lisl. Lisl cried her eyes out over the heartlessness of a brother, whom she adores. Her mother also is being influenced by her brothers and tells Lisl what to do, but she won't listen. (They wanted her to divorce her Jewish husband.)

I am sure she will stay with Sigbert. If she were in good health there wouldn't be a more capable person, but she is a bossy person. Sigbert gives in to her all the time. The doctor who examined her here said Addison's is a terrible disease. The adrenal glands don't function and poison the blood. Meanwhile they are here together. Time will tell what happens. In September they will hear more about the house. Hopefully it will work out for the best.

Our building is like a beehive, moving in and out. Saturday Hugo Stern moved to the room of Amalie, and today Schulmann moved to the room on the second floor where Sigbert always stayed. It isn't quite clear to me where Lisl and Sigbert will sleep when they come for the Jewish High Holy Days. Last year I slept four weeks on Mrs. Wolfs' davenport, but I can't do that again, because I can tell it doesn't suit Mrs. Wolf, and I can't do it any more either. It is too cold. The davenport sits directly under the window. A solution will be found. I would really feel bad if the two couldn't come. Inspite of it, Sigbert will find company, and we will find a way to get together.

With great interest I read your descriptions of your new home. I missed seeing something about a china cabinet or something like it. Don't they have those over there? (In America.) Do they store everything in the kitchen? (We lived in a sparsely furnished attic apartment and stored our meager belongings in trunks that we used as side tables.) Is your kitchen again small, and I hope not too hot? By now the hottest days are over. It wasn't so bad here. If the weather cooperates, I want to see Luise. She told me she wrote you. Because of that I won't enclose anything in this letter. They put a fourth bed in her room. All together 100 people are there. I don't have to tell you!

Today Alma went to the Fleischmanns in Augsburg. Martl so graciously invited her that she couldn't refuse. She will be back tonight. It is not an easy task for her to be alone with Gerda day and night. She doesn't say a word and refuses to eat. I will visit her this afternoon. The nurse says she can be left alone now for a few hours. Without a companion they would not have admitted her, and it would have been impossible to keep her here in the house. It was irresponsible of the doctor there to send a sick person to a private household. You can't really call my room a household. Indeed, her condition worsened here. Dr. Kandler, who is treating her, says she will get a lot better, but nobody knows for sure. In any case, one can't wait for it.

You, dear Hilde, ask about my teeth. I don't have the lower dentures yet. It takes unbelievably long until the jaw has hardened. I don't want to push it, because I want a good fit. I am apprehensive now, because they tell me that the lower dentures are more uncomfortable than the upper ones.

How is your foot doing, dear Hannie? (I sprained my ankle.) I hope you will soon be well so you can go for walks with your mother. Did I. take his car with him? I hope the day comes when you, my dears, can afford a car. Still, you managed without it for a long time. In any case, you, my dears, saw a lot of beauty that will forever be a memory for you.

Your friend, dear Hannie, already earns a lot of money. What is his profession? Is he not coming to spend his vacation with you? (referring to a young man I met on our trip to America.)

Here no one heard from Heyner either. He quickly forgot Ulm. (Heyner Lebrecht immigrated to Honduras where he died).

I am glad to hear that W. L. is getting better. I must write to him, but due to all the unpleasant happenings in my little place, I didn't get around to it. I barely have time to knit. Now I want to hurry up and write a few lines to the dear ones in Kuenzelsau and enclose your letter. Today we just have to warm up our food. It makes for a long forenoon. I will wait until tomorrow morning to go to the Post Office. Can you believe that?

I think now I have answered all your questions, my dears, and have nothing else to tell you. On Thursday I will write again, my dears. Then I will have more to tell you.

I hope you, my dears, are nicely settled in your new home. The month is nearly gone and you, dear Felix, are happy with your earnings. And now, my dears, I wish the best for you. May God be with you. Stay well. Heartfelt greetings from your old, faithful Mother, who is with you in thought.

Today I will keep my promise to send my heartfelt greetings; although I have no news to tell you it's not always necessary to talk about something. You, my dears, probably feel the same way. We have enough with the old news. I hope you, my dears, are well and happy together. That is my greatest joy.

Unfortunately, Gerda is still here, but I hope she will leave tomorrow.

She is in bad shape. I don't think she'll get by without more treatments. To travel here was totally wrong. The doctor thought a change would help. Instead it got worse. She can't and isn't allowed to stay longer in the hospital. You probably know the reason why! At any rate, it's impossible to keep her here. Alma thought she could force it, but now she realizes it isn't possible. What a shame to spend so much money for the trip and the high cost of the hospital. She would have been better off to go to a small place on the Rhine, and I would have been spared all the aggravation. I won't bother to pay, since no one told me the truth of Gerda's condition. It may sound heartless when I say so, but I thank God when both are home safely. Alma too is overly nervous, and I don't want to suffer a nervous breakdown either, which wouldn't surprise me.

Here we are slowly getting settled. I always think of the sign at the Munich hospital, "Time divides, hastens and heals." So it is here. Hugo Stern has adjusted quite well in our building. He hasn't heard any more from his friend St. or he doesn't go there. If he had the money he might go there, but I think he and his sister are hard up, but he still likes his cigars.

Yesterday I visited Paul. Miss Einstein moved there also, and then on September 9 he has to take another family into his large office. A full house! He asked especially about you, my dears and wanted to know everything. I believe had he been given the opportunity, he would have followed you to Denver. One feels so sorry for him, since he is quite alone.

B., K., Hirschle and he play tarok every evening. Sometimes he gets company that stays overnight.

Since last week he hasn't stepped outside, the parting upset him so much.

Emmy returned from her vacation. The sister of Emmy Hirsch from Munich is deathly ill. It's doubtful she will get well. She has a kidney ailment.

I have regards for you, dear Hannie, from Ruth Wassermann. Last Sunday she was at the K. B. (Kultur Bund-culture club, which later on was disbanded) with Hans Loewenstein. She probably won't come back here.

I had in mind to go to Herrlingen, but the weather was bad, and I had to see the dentist a few times. Until the teeth fit, it's always a difficult thing. You, dear Felix, can be glad that you have your own teeth yet. God willing, you'll get relief from your rheumatism. It's probably quite cold in your parking lot in the winter.

I haven't heard from Kuenzelsau since last Friday. Lisl writes their company left on Monday, then she has to clean the house and has no time to write. Sigbert must have been very upset over the contents of my last letter. If I just knew where to house them. I'd feel really bad if they could not come here any more. Surely we'll find a way. Even Miss Model's friend, who came every fourteen days on weekends, doesn't know where to go. She feels so bad, especially since she is alone. The gentleman is a Mr. Strauss from the vicinity of Heilbronn. He is a disabled war veteran (World War I), similar to Mr. Weglein's. I wouldn't want her to go through what Mrs. Weglein has to go through, but I don't know if she will marry him. She hears quite often from her mother, she and her sister are very unhappy. Is Camilla still at her uncle Gustav's or is she already with her children?

As I wrote you, Alma was in Augsburg, she says both parents (the Fleischmanns) and Martl are looking poorly. The old man already is 75 years old. They already knew that Willy sells refrigerators. Martl has a few places where she works by the hour. She is learning to be a masseuse on the side. There is no chance of their leaving.

Hansl (canary) is molting,. He loses so many feathers and doesn't sing. He lives on spinach, salad,and sweets he doesn't want.

Now, my dear Hannie, your vacation is nearly over. School begins in earnest. Hope you, my darling, with help have learned algebra. Have your friends (Mr. I. and Mr. M.) visited you? The two gentlemen will miss your good food. You, my dears, no doubt are happy to be alone.

I hope Wilhelm has recovered. When I no longer will have to go to Soeflingen, the first thing I will do is write to him. (she may have referred to Wilhelm Lebrecht, formerly of Ulm.)

On September 3rd our course starts again, and next Tuesday, September 9 I'll start with the teacher. It doesn't do any good to stop, one forgets too easily.

And now, my dears, I will write again on Saturday. Until then, God willing, I wish you well. Stay together in good health. Heartiest greetings and kisses, your faithful Mother.

This morning I was so pleased with your letter of August 15. I thank you so much. I am so happy that mail arrives so quickly now. Not to short you, I wrote you on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. I'll address one letter to each of you.

With great pleasure I read of your contentment and good health. That is my entire joy. I get the most mail, that is, Mrs. Schulmann also. The children write their mother weekly. On the other hand, Lotte Barth, with luck, writes every four weeks. Lotte (am not sure to whom she is referring, maybe Lotte Jacoby) every three months. By and large, all parents hear promptly from their children. After all, that's our happiness and sunshine.

Since yesterday, thank God, I am alone again. I can't tell you how happy I am to have the burden lifted from me. I always feared Alma would collapse, and the burden would grow larger. The whole trip here and the five weeks' stay was the biggest mistake. All the money you, dear Felix, left for their support went down the drain and still it wasn't enough. I kept out of it and didn't offer any financial support. I can't afford it and don't want to do it. The trip to Mannheim and other expenditures cost enough money. It was enough for me. I regret it with all my soul. God knows if she'll (Gerda) ever get her mind back, but I can't help. Alma is a nervous wreck and talks truths and untruths. In other words, I am glad those difficult times are behind me.

Dear Felix, you think I might be in Wiesbaden. Unfortunately, as I wrote you already, that's not possible. To be honest, I long for a little relaxation. First it was the agitation with Lisl that happened in the same week. It's nearly two months. It takes its toll on the nerves and makes for a lot of work. Unfortunately, it won't be possible to go anywhere, so I hope that September will bring some nice days, so one can enjoy the fresh air. From the Mergenthalers I obtained a good address in the Allgaeu, but that doesn't work either, so I have to be content with staying home.

Three weeks from tomorrow, September 21, the first of the Jewish High Holy Days begins, and since no one knows how long the mail takes, I send you, my dears, my best wishes for the New Year today. While I always wish you the best, my dears, I wish you the best especially on those days from far away. May God take you under His wing and bring you the happiness that only a mother can wish for her children. Stay well and happy together, that is my most fervent wish. With all my heart I wish that God grant me the good fortune of seeing you again, my dears. You are everything in the world to me. I want to see you again, vigorous and healthy, and I want to stay well so that I can be of some help to you when I am with you.

I won't do much on the Holy Days. It's not certain if we have religious services. The room does not lend itself to it, and the stairs, you will remember, are dangeours to climb, especially in the evening. Just the same, I hope that Sigbert and Lisl will be with me for the Holy Days. I will sleep at Mrs. Wolf's on my davenport which is longer than hers. I feel so sorry that Sigbert and Lisl don't know where to go. Sigbert no longer wants to stay with teacher H. He is right. The two are so kind and attentive to me. Since we get so little fruit here, they sent me an express package with pears and apples. I was really pleased and will write and thank them today. Lisl can't do enough for me. Sigbert doesn't always know what she sends me. You know Sigbert! They also sent some Green Kern. We can get those here, but not as fresh. Next Saturday I will make the first Green Kern soup.

You, my dears, will also have a Holiday eve, that is, you, dear Felix, are gone from home all day. What a shame that Sigbert isn't with you. You can't keep going in the long run.

Dear Felix, now that you have fixed up your office, it will make a better impression. You are doing things just right.

This week I met Mr. Baumann from the warehouse. He is a friend of butcher Eckhardt. He inquired about you, dear Felix, and thought you were in Africa. He sends his best regards and wishes you well. He is very busy.

I see from your letter that you couldn't take the big radio with you. Did I. keep it for himself or didn't you want it? Just today Lisl wrote that you mentioned in your letter, dear Hilde, that you couldn't take the dishes that I. bought with you. That's more than cheap. It doesn't fit his good character, as I thought. But he is human, and with humans we suffer the biggest disappointments.

You, dear Hannie, wrote that you named your radio (we probably bought one), "Stumpelottchen," (a nickname my grandmother gave me.) You, my darling, will always be that. I am filled with such longing for you that I think my heart will break. I can barely take it. I am so homesick for you. You mean everything to me in the world. Because of your love my entire, lonely life was fulfilling, and now, that I am old, I am all alone in the world. You, my dears, are so very far away, and only God knows if I am destined to ever see you again. Often life is too harsh, and we break under the stress.

For the second time the Holy Days are approaching, but this year, you, my dears, are in your own home. That is fortunate. Dear Felix, you won't work on those days, or will you?

Tomorrow I will write to Pittsburgh. Willy changed jobs again. I think that dear mother worries about Ruth and the children. But she doesn't dare write. Only Ruth writes to the parents in Augsburg.

I haven't heard any more from teacher Berlinger. I wrote him that I would be happy to forward his letter to you. Bissinger hasn't written either. He has to work in a nursery.

Our course begins on September 3rd. I think we will alternate between the different apartments of the students. I will be able to tell you more later on. How the teacher will conduct his private lessons I don't know. I will tell you that also. I must admit I am looking forward to the lessons, because I thoroughly enjoy English, and the teacher says I am good with pronunciation and catch on quickly. When I am back in the apartment it will be easier. I won't have any distractions after all the unpleasant ongoings. During that time I couldn't remember a word.

Here in the building things are slowly getting settled. The busiest place in the house is the toilet. Mrs. Wolf, who was resting in the afternoon, counted 10 persons who visited it during that time. With great frequency!

Everyone is budding into the Pulgrams' affairs. I think it will end in a divorce. One has to wait and see.

All the men visit Paulchen, who is so pleased with every one of them. Emmy brews coffee, but not like once!

The weather must have been terrible, (where?) We read about such storms in the paper. Dear mother wrote that they sent me a birthday card, which I didn't receive. They must have sent it regular mail, which takes two months.

This time your letter was censored by the Portuguese and was stamped from Lisbon on September 24 and arrived here on the 29th. Very quickly.

From Kimmerle we have not heard any more. That's slovenly. His wife wanted to go and see Moni (our former maid), and asked me for her address. I didn't give it to her, because Moni already heard through Mrs. Bardenbach that her Lina left and that it is not a desirable position. She will get married as soon as the man is divorced. It won't happen as quickly as she thinks. She says when he gets his divorce, she will come and see me, but so far she hasn't come.

Miss Fenzel is still ill. Mrs. Steiner went to Ichenhausen yesterday to inquire about her. It is such a pity because of her talent.

I haven't seen anyone from the Kraft Street for some time. I have a feeling it's uncomfortable for them. It doesn't matter.

In my next letter Mrs. Wolf will add a few lines. Today I have filled four sheets of paper. Everyone is amazed where I get all the stuff from to write you such long letters, but I know that you want to share everything with me, my dears, and it makes things easier for me to bear. And now, my dears, again I wish you well for the New Year. God bless and protect you in all your doings. In thought and with my whole heart I am with you on those days. A thousand greetings and kisses from your dear Mother, who blesses you.

To day I think every day on you, my darling. The school has begun and my best wishes accompagny you of all the ways. The holydays are past and the ...(illegible).

From my last English letter (most of it was illegible), you will have noticed that I was rather despondent, and I beg your foregiveness for having sent it, but once I wrote it I couldn't bring myself to tear it up.

So much has happened lately that saps my strength and is hard on my nerves. Now I have calmed down a bit and tell myself that good health is the most important thing.

Saying goodby to K.B. and everything that went with it, and all that follows, was hard on me and all his friends.

With the approaching High Holy Days every human being feels the need, especially on such days, to pray to the Lord and ask His blessing on our loved ones far away. Unfortunately it won't be possible for me this year. The plan never materialized. Instead, I'll find a way within my own four walls, to pray to God and think of you, my dear threesome, with all my heart. Again my fondest wishes for the New Year. I hope my letters reach you by the Holy Days. Hopefully, you spent those days pleasantly, and you, dear Felix, will have enjoyed a few days of rest. It is good that you live so close to a House of Worship.

Unfortunately I haven't heard from you, my dears, this week, but Mrs. Wolf received a letter yesterday, dated, August 22nd, so I reckon I will get one from you shortly. That is my entire pleasure and the only ray of sunshine in my lonely life. But I don't want to complain; instead, I thank God daily that He guided you on the road, and I ask Him fervently to protect you along the road.

The day will come when I will see you, my dear threesome, once again in good health. That thought gives me something to cling to. My wish will be fulfilled. Sigbert has high hopes of leaving soon. One hears all the time of people who have the necessary documents to leave from Madrid.

Now the old Mr. Mayer passed away. The funeral is tomorrow. He was with his son in Esslingen and must have eaten something that upset his stomach. He came back, but of course, couldn't stay at home. They took him to the hospital where he died a few days later. He was just 80 years old, a high age but not a nice one. Everything will be vacant and Haemmerle and Kimmerle have room to expand.

Guess what? Maria is divorced from her second husband. She looks awful, is all alone now. Her siblings are busy with themselves. Helmut is away and is alone also.

I think I wrote you already that Mrs. Winter cleans and does laundry twice a week at the Weissenfeld's. I haven't seen her any more. Mrs. Helmut visited me. She comes quite often and always asks what she can do to help me. So very kind of her. She just had time to have coffee with me. Not once have I seen Mrs. Vogelsang. (Both women used to help us with the laundry and ironing.) I haven't seen Moni in a long time either. She thought the divorce came easier and already planned to get married in September. The woman now hired an attorney, because of that the proceedings drag on. She doesn't like her job. If it weren't for her getting married, she would have changed jobs long ago.

This afternoon I will go and see Luise. I haven't had time before, but I refuse to put it off any longer. It may be the last time. Unfortunately, Herrlingen is not in the city district.

I am so pleased that Edith sent you her greetings, dear Hilde. It's really bad that she is suffering from boils. It must be very painful and slow to heal. Does she hear 22   from her parents and Erich? Ernst Wolf is still in Bingen. He works a distance away and comes home in the evening. The child is alone all day. A sad life for such a young child. (Erich was the brother of Edith Muehlstein Cerf and immigrated to America. Ernst Wolf and daughter perished in the Holocaust.)

I have not heard any more from Cologne since I wrote you. I hope Gerda is recovering. The trip here, the hospital and all that went with it, has cost a lot of money, but I won't get involved. I can't and I won't. I will forward your greetings and best wishes to them. They haven't heard from Arthur. Through others I heard that they (Arthur and wife Elly) arrived safely in New York. A fine brother!

I will write to teacher Berlinger for the New Year. He wrote such a nice letter to me. Otherwise I don't have much to write.

I sent my good grey coat to Augsburg to have the tailor press and repair it. It came back yesterday and looks like new.

I am horrified that I. has something wrong with his nose, especially since you fear it might be cancerous. It's not contagious, but the thought is frightening. I wouldn't wish it for him. At first he was so decent to you, then he changed his tune. I never thought he would not give you the radio and the dishes.

I wrote you that Lisl went to see Bottenschein (or Bodenschein). Just think, he hasn't done a thing about the matter. That's really mean. Lisl wasn't bashful and told him off. Still, we don't want to be on the outs with him. Lisl will take care of everything for me in Stuttgart. I can't go there. (Jews were no longer allowed to travel outside their community.)

I hope to hear more from them within the next few days. Sigbert is really suffering under all that. It's understandable.

Last year on October 1 you had not yet arrived at your destination, but you observed the High Holy Days. This year, thank God, you are in your own modest quarters. For that I thank God. May He let you stay in your new home, and let me stay in my small room and my bed. I always fear that the illness that befell aunt Camilla will hit me also. How is she doing? No one mentions anything.

Are you fasting well, my dears, and cooking something good for the break the fast? (The Day of Atonement is a fast day). My prayers and my heart are with you during those High Holy Days.

Mrs. ? wanted to come and visit me during the week, but she has so little time. Her husband works in Offenhausen, and he likes it there. The two children are with him and ? is with the grandfather.

Every week I go to the Rampfs. They don't go to the market any more, so I go there. Then we are taken care of for the whole week. I didn't do any canning. I am not equipped for that any more. Through Lisl I sent what I had coming to Mrs. Lindenberger (sugar?). I may possibly get something from her. We did can beans. I got 10 pounds. We will be glad to have something in the house for the winter.

Rosa from the Besserer Street was sick also. She had angina and got fluid in her legs. I can't go there any more. It's all right with me, especially since she was so nasty.

Now I have to buckle down and learn English. On Wednesday the course is here, that is, in Mrs. Wolf's room, because in my small room I can't seat 8 people. I can seat 4 at the most. Now, dear Hannie, school has started again. You, dear Hilde, probably are alone all day.

Oh, how often, every day and every hour, my thoughts are with you! You are everything in the world to me. No matter how far the distance, I experience everything with you. Did Mr. M. pay you his debts?

Yesterday the large room at Paulchen's was rented. A huge table used to be there. I think it's a furniture storing place.

I am knitting a beautiful afghan for someone in the Schwilmengasse. The time will come when we tire of knitting. That's the way it was with me. The grey vest for you, my dear Hannie, is beautiful. God willing, the day will come when I see you, my darling, wearing it. You, dear Hilde, are next in line, because when I go and see somebody I can't take the afghan with me, then I will knit a light green pullover for you, which will be pretty and look good on you. The evenings are so long now that we go to bed quite early. Mrs. Wolf is so shaky. She can't work any more. She was a beautiful seamstress.

Dear Hannie, thanks again for the thoughtful poem and thank you, my dears, for all your good wishes. God bless you and bring you good tidings. Heartiest greetings and kisses, your ever-loving old Mother.

Mrs. Wolf sends regards and would enjoy an English letter from you, dear Hannie. Greetings from Mrs. Wolf, Steiners, P. in the Kraft Street, Paulchen and all who are still here. They ask about you and send regards. No one has forgotten you. Miss Model was very sick. She is getting better.

Today I will keep my promise and send you my heartiest greetings. Unfortunately, I haven't heard from you in nearly 14 days, my dears, and I hope all is well with you.

The mail often stays at the border, but I am not worried, because I know you wrote. I am in good health, and am happy if I can remain within my four walls. Then I won't complain.

Lisl came here and stayed overnight. She had to take care of a few things. After that she went to Stuttgart and complained at Bodenschein's, because we haven't heard from him. He denied everything, but Lisl wouldn't let up. I think he hasn't done a thing about the matter. Lisl came back on Sunday to find the correct dates and a list of the contents. I was able to explain it all to her, and Monday morning she went back to take the necessary steps. She returned to Kuenzelsau today. I hope to hear more from her in the near future.

A few things have changed here. We will not have religious services, but one can find God anywhere, even in a little room. I will be with you, my dears, in thought and prayer and ask God's blessing for your future. That shall be my prayer. The anniversary of the day I last saw you is nearly here. Only God knows if I am destined to see you again.

Hedwig Levinger wrote a long letter to Mrs. G., who lives with her sister. Hede's mother lives with ? She writes what a tall girl Dorothea is, nearly as tall as her father. She goes dancing already. I think it's a bit too early, since she is younger than you, dear Hannie. Or do you go dancing also, dear Hannie?

Now I have to study English in earnest. One feels the interval of four weeks. Bissinger comes very early, at 8:30 a.m. From here he goes to Memmingen. The course will alternate. This week it is at Paulchen's. Since Miss Einstein lives there, we are down to seven students. We have no more men. One died and Neuburger has to work.

Again I wish you well, my dears. I hope my letter reaches you on time. Stay well together. God bless you in all your doings.

Heartiest greetings and kisses. With love, your faithful Mother.

What a delight to receive your dear letter of August 24 on Friday, September 12. I don't know whom to thank first. Dear Hannie, I read your poem over and over until I couldn't read any more, the tears kept flowing. From deep within my heart I thank you, my beloved grandchild.

Today it's already a year since I offered you my hand and bid you farewell. Sometimes I can't comprehend it. Yet it is true. I bless the day, even with all the hurt that is inside of me. How many hardships have I endured this year, and what is waiting for me? Painful thoughts, especially on the anniversary of your departure, but I won't let them prevail. On the contrary, I will be content and thank the Lord that He took care of you during this first year, and that He let you find a new home in the beautiful, healthy city of Denver. Dear Felix, good luck in your venture, and that from month to month you will be satisfied with your income.

I already mailed your letter to Kuenzelsau since Sigbert and Lisl are longing for it. It's not certain whether the dear ones will be able to come here for the Holy Days.

You may remember that Mrs. Sanitaetsrat didn't have company from Munich either. So it goes with the dear ones. I'd really feel bad, especially on those days when it's doubly hard to be alone.

Sadly, we won't have religious services, but the dear Lord is everywhere, and I will find Him in my prayer in my little room. My prayer will be for you, my dears, and to thank Him and beg that He will further guard you and keep you in His care. May He give me the good fortune to see you again, my dears, in good health. For all your good wishes I thank you. God willing, some of them may come true, so that for us the sun will shine again.

Letters from a few people make the rounds. Mr. Metzger, (you, dear Felix will know who he is) received a telegram from his children, that he will soon be able to leave, but I know nothing further.

Lisl was here from one day to the next. She had a few things to take care of. Since she had to see the doctor in Stuttgart she stopped here. She looks good again and has come to terms with the matter. In September the matter will come up, but she was assured that they can stay there (in their home), that is the most important thing. She also tried to influence her mother, who is being riled up by her brothers, because she always took Sigbert's side. Lisl has now made up her mind to either immediately leave with her husband (for America) or follow him later. I think it will be easier now for her to leave her mother. She speaks of you with so much love and affection, I can't begin to tell you. She is so very kind and courteous to me also, actually more so than Sigbert.

It's questionable whether Bodenschein gets anything done and what will happen to my things (presumably he owned the company that stored my grandmother's belongings), Lisl tried every way possible, and I am waiting to hear from her.

Even Heilbronn is now in danger. I don't need to tell you how that will affect me. Although Lisl assured me, and Sigbert wrote a nice letter, that they will always be there for me, the thought to die alone is so horrible, that the news disturbed me terribly. I know that you, my dears, feel it with me, and I pray God that He will spare me from such a terrible fate.

Dear Felix, you provided so well for my old age, and if that were taken from me, I would be desperate. I will find out more on October 1st.

Lisl and Sigbert still plan to come here for the High Holy Days. I expect them on Friday, September 19th, a few days early, and they will stay with me over the Holy Days. We'll figure out a way where to sleep. We have had to learn so much and will find a solution. I am glad not to be alone during those days. Family is different from acquaintances, even if we get along well.

With all my own problems, I haven't inquired how you are doing. I hope the three of you are well and otherwise in good shape, especially in your business. You, dear Felix, have had your business for two months already. I pray God that you were satisfied with the outcome. You are right, as you say, to be your own boss.

This week a letter from Karl Moos arrived. He works as an errand boy in a factory and earns $1038. In the evening he comes home at 9 o'clock and then learns sewing on an electric machine. His wife, Grete, is beside herself and wrote a confusing letter to Mrs. Weglein. They have absolutely nothing, except what they carried in their hand luggage. Gabriele (their daughter) is in England and their son is in Palestine. The Joint Distribution Committee pays their rent. So tragic.

Gerda and Alma arrived safely at home. Alma wrote that things are better, and inspite of the disturbances, they are sleeping well. Since they are back in their old apartment, Gerda's mind and speech have improved. I don't believe it, yet I want to believe it. They didn't tell me the truth in the first place, otherwise neither Gerda or Alma would have come to Ulm. I did everything in memory of their mother, and I am not sorry, but I feel bad about all the money that others could have used. I am not about to pay all the bills.

Mr. Moos brought the enclosed letter for you, dear Hannie. Inspite of his 70 years, he still "loves" you deeply. His eyes glow when he speaks of you.

If the weather stays as nice, I must absolutely go to Herrlingen tomorrow. As far as Luise is concerned I have a guilty conscience, but something always came up to distract me. Every Friday after lunch I go to Frau Rampf in Soeflingen and buy our vegetables for the week, since she no longer goes to the market. They are all so attached to you, dear Felix, and send their greetings to the , three of you.

You, dear Hilde, don't need to shop so much any more. I am happy for you, my dears, that you are alone. Unfortunately you, dear Felix, can't enjoy it much. Now, my dears, I have to close, There is no more room. On Tuesday I will tell you about Bernd Levinger. Alice Gump received a long letter.

Again, all my love. I wish you everything good. God bless you and keep you in good health. Heartiest greetings, sincere love, your dear old Mother, who will be with you in thought on the Holy Days. Greetings from Mrs. Wolf, the Steiners and all old acquaintances. They all ask about you.

Today I send you, my dears, a short greeting to let you know that we are well. I already answered your dear letter of August 24 on Sunday and today I thank you again for your good wishes.

Your poem, dear Hannie, also touched aunt Lisl and uncle Sigbert deeply. They wrote that they read it at least ten times. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I expect both of them, but they don't want to stay here over the Holy Days. Lisl could stay, but she doesn’t want to leave Sigbert alone on the High Holy Days. I certainly can understand, but I am so sorry to be alone, especially on those days when one likes to be with their own family.

Sunday I was at Luise's. She was so pleased. I had left word through Mrs. Goldmann that in any event I would come, even if it rained. But the weather was nice, and Luise picked me up at the station.

Now the old Mrs. Hirsch, Hilde Moos's mother, died suddenly. The daughter of Mrs. Sanitaetsrat was in Herrlingen on Sunday 31   and visited Mrs. Hirsch. She complained of not feeling well. That night she fell out of bed. After she was put back into bed she died very peacefully. A wonderful death. The woman was 84 years old and, until the last day, was in good health, except that she was nearly deaf.

In Luise's room they added a fourth bed since Miss Buttenwieser moved in. Not a pleasant addition, but Luise is satisfied with everything. She is well liked everywhere.

Dear Felix, on Sunday your ears must have been ringing. The Mergenthalers were at Mr. Niess' in Leipheim for dinner, and the man asked about you and praised you, dear Felix. Mrs. Mergenthaler came in just to give you her regards.

For you, dear Hannie, I have regards from Edith Weil and Ruth Wassermann. Ilse Berlinger also has a cousin in Denver. She was going to give me her address but I didn't get it. I will send it in my next letter.

I don't have much news to tell you today. We are still shocked over the order of September 15 that forces us to wear the Star of David. We just can't believe it.

How do you enjoy your radio? Does it have a good sound? Do you also get the news? At this time a year ago you were still in Berlin. This year we are separated by thousands of miles, but my thoughts hurry to you, my dears.

With the High Holy Days near, we think that we just can't bear to be so alone in the world. By the time this letter reaches you, the Holy Days are nearly over. Dear Felix, you are probably glad to get a few days of well earned rest.

That's all for today, my dears. God bless you. Heartiest greetings and kisses, your faithful Mother. Mrs. Wolf and the Steiners send regards.

This evening the High Holy Days begin, and for the second time I am alone without you. With heavy hearts we look toward a grave year.

Sigbert and Lisl stopped by briefly last week for a day to wish me a good New Year. Deeply saddened, they left on Thursday in order to be home promptly in the evening. Sigbert is taking it very hard. Lisl can come and go to Stuttgart and also come here, but she always has to hurry, since she does not want to leave Sigbert alone for long, then she worries. I hope that they can come for the last Holy Days, if Sigbert makes up his mind to get permission. It's a disgrace to travel with that patch (Star of David) on the train, and I can't tell him what to do. Here we also refused to leave the house for the first eight days, because everyone will look at you and maybe make some nasty remarks. We don't want to have to put up with that. But I will wear it with pride and trust God that He will make the sun shine for me, and give me the happiness of seeing you, my dear threesome, in good health again, so I can spend my remaining years with you in peace and in good health. That will be my fervent daily prayer on this day and on others.

Unfortunately we have no religious services, but one finds the Lord even in a little room. Mr. Zodick recommended an ingenious prayer which was brought into every house. Here on the first floor, Franziska will have services in the evening, 33   and read the prayer. In every house someone will read it. No one is leaving, and everyone bravely bears his burden.

With all my heart and thoughts I am with you. The thought that you are well gives me the courage to carry on. The dear ones in Kuenzelsau are all alone in the big house, that's even worse.

In the afternoon of the first Holy Day we will be with the Steiners, Levys and Sepp Stern, and on the second Holy Day they will be with us, so the time will pass. At Paulchens many families will be together, as well as in the Ensinger Street. On October 1 everyone will say a prayer in his own room and ask God to help us further. That is all we can do, trust God and bear the burden.

From Lisl's mother I received beautiful fruit, and this morning in the house I baked prune and apple cakes.

With all my gloomy thoughts I nearly forgot to thank you for your dear letter of August 28, postmarked August 30. To receive your dear, happy letters is my entire pleasure and joy. I bless the day you arrived in your new home and daily ask. the Lord to keep you happy and make your new home a true home.

You were in error. Alma didn't paint the poem. Mrs. Rosenheimer painted it for the 70th birthday of Mrs. Wolf. Alma just copied it. I am not yet 70 years old. I have a few years to go.

I haven't heard from Cologne in 14 days. With luck, a letter will arrive tomorrow, though Alma wrote that Gerda is much better. But this week a Mr. Gaske, a brother of Mrs. Koerner from here, who wanted to visit his sister once more, brought greetings from his wife and told me they had visited Gerda a few days ago and said it is pitiful, and they wonder if Gerda will ever get well again. Mr. Gaske's second wife is a cousin 34   of mine, also a widow. The man is a 100% disabled war veteran. He lost his right arm. It's quite a decision to marry such a man. But the woman was all alone, had no children, and all her siblings live away or are dead. This way she is taken care of and has a very nice husband.

I assume the Blochs and Loewenthals have landed by now. With all their mishaps they still were lucky. From Oettinger also came a telegram that he landed safely.

Pertaining to my things in Stuttgart, Lisl discussed it with the officials and Bodenschein. I hope they will release everything. I just have borrowed items, since I am here for the first winter. I could really use my sleeping couch and my warm things. I will keep you informed about the outcome. The prayer books that you wanted so badly I don't have yet. When I get a few I will save them for you, also a Bible for you, dear Hannie.

This week the old Mr. Kuenkele was buried. He was 78 years old and quite spry. He died suddenly of a stroke.

And you, dear Hannie, have a boyfriend. Is he swell and does he dance? Or do you not dance yet? I am enclosing a letter, my darling, from Flora. She has lost a lot of weight, supposedly she is not well. The doctor says she is anemic and has to take liver pills. She was in the Antonienheim in Munich and had to go to her parents.

We haven't had English for four weeks. Bissinger has to work. If I want to take more lessons from him, I have to go to him in Neu-Ulm, but in the evening. If I can do it in the winter I don't know yet. The course starts again after the Holy Days. Until then I study by myself. I am enclosing the address 35   of Ilse Berlinger's relatives. She begged me to send it.

You write that I haven't mentioned Hansel for a while. He is still molting and is hungry the whole day. He doesn't like his food. He sits by me at the table, nibbles on bits of sweets but prefers salad. He doesn't sing yet, but I hope that soon he won't lose any more feathers.

Sigbert and Lisl came on Thursday already.

Now, my dear children I have to close. It's 5 o'clock and the Holy Day starts at 6 o'clock, but I can't mail the letter until Wednesday at 9 o'clock a.m., since during those days I won't go out. I wish you all the luck that only a mother can wish for you, my dears. Stay well together and fast well. Think a little bit of me, as I am with you in all my thoughts. Greetings and kisses. With true love, your Mother.

As a dear Saturday greeting, this morning I received your nice letter of September 5th and thank you so much for it.

My favorite pastime is to chat with you this Saturday afternoon, sadly, just by mail.

You saw from my letters of August and September that our nice gatherings for religious services have ended. Every Saturday morning one feels sad not to be able to attend services, but in my little room I pray to God and ask that He take care of you and keep you in good health. Instead of going out, I sit in my little room to tell you how I spent the days since last I wrote you.

As I told you already, I couldn't get together with the dear ones for the Holy Days. I really felt bad that they had to leave on Thursday in order to get home promptly at 9 p.m., since they stopped in Stuttgart. To go back on Friday would have been too late. I couldn't ask them to do that. It might have been unpleasant for Sigbert. Both write such sad letters. Of course Lisl can travel, but she doesn't want to leave Sigbert alone.

Now the first Holy Days are over. Sad thoughts come to mind over me and the others. On the first Holy Day we had silent devotions in the building with Hans Frank, as well as on the second day. Hirschle even blew the Shofar (ram's horn). He blew it very well. As an old saying goes, it is a good omen for the coming year. We want to believe it and not lose hope that the new year will bring us parents the good fortune to spend our remaining years in good health with our children.

When you look at the various congregants, all you see are old, grief- stricken faces, all occupied with the same thought, hoping for the good fortune of seeing their beloved children, far away, once more.

Now Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is approaching. We hope to spend the day in Mrs. Steiner's room and have silent devotions. Hirschle and Zodick are on the outs, and Zodick was completely left out. I think it's grossly unfair. Hirschle is a nasty man, although the family Zodick is to blame. After devotions this week someone told Hirschle that he is to blame, and when the two of them are on the outs, the entire congregation suffers, to which Hirschle replied, "The best can't live in peace if a mean neighbor disagrees." But who is the mean neighbor, we don't know.

You, dear Felix, did the right thing by not working on the three main Holy Days. One feels a need, especially on those days, to pray to the Lord. The last Holy Days are not quite so important. Maybe the dear ones can come here, but it's questionable.

A year ago, my dears, you left German soil to fly to Moscow, from there to begin your big, long journey. As heavy and hurt my heart feels, I thank God for bringing you to beautiful Denver to find a new home. The climate and the business situation are far better than in Philadelphia or New York. Everyone there complains about the bad climate. While your hearts may ache, and you miss not having any old acquaintances in Denver, reasoning must tell you that making a living is the most important thing.

I thank the Lord that you, dear Felix, are your own boss and built a business that is the envy of others. Sigbert now wants to leave at all costs. I sympathize with him, especially since he always must stay home.

He has strange ideas about life, especially about America. He thinks one has no expenses there and living is so cheap that ten Dollars go a long way. Lisl thinks otherwise. She saw America in a different light.

I can't begin to tell you how much Lisl has changed for the better. Since her three brothers and their wives are not on her side, she feels quite close to us that I am sure she will, if possible, go with Sigbert or follow him. Mr. Hofrat is a good influence on her. Since that time she is much nicer to Sigbert. She did not support him in the summer. I think now, when it comes to dealing with the household, she doesn't take it so tragically. She is so attentive to me, especially since she knows I have absolutely no prospects of coming to see you, my dears. She tries to ease my loneliness as best as she can.

She is so capable and knows how to do everything, whether it's coarse or fine work. Her mother is being influenced by her brothers. She is turning against her and often makes remarks. You know what I mean.

It was eight days Friday since I stepped out of the house. The wearing of the patch (Star of David) gives me such a complex that I couldn't bring myself to go outside and face the public. That is, to walk into the stores. But once it has to be. First I will go to the Post Office between 9 and 10 a.m. Miss Model mailed my last letters.

Bodenschein wrote to me. Lisl will soon get my things. I hope to get my sleeping couch. Lisl will go to Stuttgart for me since, unfortunately, I can't go. I must leave everything up to her.

Last Sunday I went to see Luise once more. The people there are sad that I can't come any more. It was a nice diversion for them, especially for the old Ulmers.

Now the mother of Helene Hirsch is very ill. She has an abscess on the anus and is in the hospital in Blaubeuren with a high fever. Mrs. Sanitaetsrat is the only cousin who is still here, and she can't visit her. We always have to be glad when all is well.

From Cologne I got a card only. They have no time for the whole year, but they realize now that it is not easy for Alma to take care of their household. It must really be that Gerda is better. She herself wrote greetings and congratulations for you and did it quite well. That's a good sign. They wrote they received a letter from Lotte, and Alma promised to tell me all about it, but only God knows when. For the time being they are still in their apartment, but that can change any day.

In Laupheim the order has taken effect also, and we want to thank God if all stays quiet here, and we can remain within our four walls. (One by one, the people were being transported to the death camps.)

Dear Hannie, I wish you the best for the new school year. I hope you will spend many happy days in the beautiful building. (East High School, Denver.) How much longer will you have to go to school? And how are all your various friends? Thank you for your nice English letter. At the moment I have a very guilty conscience when it comes to learning (English). Due to the recent events that have overwhelmed me, I can't remember a thing. I study for hours in my bed every morning, usually from 5 to 7 o'clock. When I get up, and one hears nothing but disturbing things, I forget it all. I hope when all the difficult times are over, everything will get better. The teacher doesn't want to go out either and wants that I come to him in the evenings, but I can't make up my mind yet. After the Holy Days the course will start again, we will trade off, the last one was at our place. Eventually we have to come to terms and go out among the people. Sigbert hasn't gone out either.

Thank you for the little photo. With a magnifying glass one sees the beautiful landscape, and I wish, as you dear Felix write, we could personally see it all, but that is in the distant future. I am so happy for you, my dears, that you are on your own now. I can feel with you, since I often went through the same things in the boarding house in Cologne. There you are never your own boss, and now you can cook and eat what you want and when you want it.

I would hate to think that "Hannilein" would go to such a country. We would never get over it. (My family feared I might marry one of our boarders from India who lived with us when we first moved to Denver.) The time will pass too quickly, as it did for me, dear Hilde. (My mother married quite young and moved away.) You, my beloved grandchild, have a long life ahead of you, and I hope, God willing, to come to your wedding!

Fashions must be different where you are. We don't see any long-waisted clothes here. I can't imagine they look nice with short skirts, or do they? How do you like the mink piece that L. brought with her? It's just a cravat and will look nice over a suit. Do young girls like you, dear Hannie, wear fur coats as overcoats or in other forms?

It doesn't bother me, rather it brings me pleasure, to write you, my dears, quite frequently, then it suffices to send an air mail letter every 14 days. I am so very thankful that you write me so often. It is the only joy in my lonely life.

And now I must close. This week I write an English letter. I wish you well, my dears. God bless you. Heartiest greetings and kisses, your faithful old Mother.

One can really believe in mental telepathy, when after our silent, sad worship services at our house in the Steiners' large room, where for the entire day my whole heart and thoughts were with you, my dears, I opened the mailbox and found your dear letter of September 13. Many thanks. The letter got here in 16 days, compared to the one of September 6 that took nearly three weeks.

With great pleasure I read of your well-being and your contentment, and when the Lord in Heaven hears my prayer for you, He will further take care of you, and in every aspect will bring you the happiness I want for you.

Now the Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) passed uneventfully. I hope you spent the day well and enjoyed a beautiful service. It was quite a sacrifice for Mrs. and Miss Steiner to get the room ready, even though everyone helped. Since it rained you can imagine the dirt, even though there were few people. Mr. Zodick and Mr. Frank took turns and Zodick gave a beautiful sermon. We didn't really believe he would come from so far away, and we were doubly grateful.

I am so sorry that Sigbert couldn't be here, because now he gets nothing out of life. It's especially difficult in such a small town. Of course now he is very sorry that he made no effort in the spring to wire Joe Baer. He would have paid his passage, like he would do today. To go via Cuba is a risky matter, but I believe Sigbert would be ready for it today. Lisl will be here the beginning of next week, then I will hear more.

The concern over their house is becoming acute, and the same song will start all over. She had made a nice recovery, but I fear that she will break down again. She wants to go to Schlamper (nickname for a lawyer in Dim), then to Karl in Karlsruhe, who is the guardian of Olly's children (widow of Otto Lindenberger), and maybe because of that he can help her, that is, if he decides to go with her in the interest of the children.

I am writing late at night, because early in the morning I want to mail the letter, as I have a need to visit with you, my dears, even if it is only by mail, unfortunately. I will answer in detail when I write you on Sunday.

We broke the fast with coffee and buttered bread. (Yom Kippur is a fast day.) Then I was so wide awake, it was nearly 8:30 before we could brew the coffee. How did you break the fast in Denver?

Extra thanks to you, dear Hannie, for your English letter. My compliments on your Spanish (which I studied in high school.). Due to all the Holy Days I have little time to write now, especially an "English" letter, which takes me several hours.

Dear Felix, I will first answer your questions regarding Hansi (the canary we left with her when we left Germany) He is well and slowly getting over the molt. He is starting to sing again. Thanks! to the food it took him longer this year to get over the molt. I would feel terribly sad if he died. After all, he is a living, especially dear remembrance of you, my dears. I take extra good care of him. You won't believe how well he knows me. When Mrs. Wolf approaches his cage to let him out, he sits on her hand. When he realizes it is a strange hand, he immediately comes to my hand. It is hard to believe such a small animal has so much instinct.

I am rather proud that you, dear Hilde, write that my penmanship has improved. That is not the case tonight. It's nearly 12 o'clock. In the true sense of the word, it was a long day, but I could not have gone to bed without writing a few short lines to you, my dears.

For today I have nothing more to tell you. What is of interest to you I will tell you on Sunday.

Hirschles and Zodick made peace tonight at the blowing of the Shofar. Mrs. Strassburger gets the credit. Everyone welcomed it, since they live next door to each other.

And now, my dears, good night and I wish you well. God grant His blessing for your happiness. May He hear my prayer and give me the pleasure of spending the next Yom Kippur with you, my dears, then I won't have to spend the evenings to write you.

Heartiest greetings and kisses from your Oma and old Mother, who is with you wholeheartedly, because you are still at religious services. It is now 6 p.m. where you are.

As promised, today I will answer your letter, my dears, of September 14, for which I thank you again.

This week I wrote you late at night. It was already 12 o'clock when I went to bed. At 1 o'clock I had to get up again and couldn't go back to sleep until 3 a.m. After a long day, a long night.

Mrs. Wolf and I get up every morning at 7 o'clock. Until now we were the first ones in the building, but Mr. Steiner gets up at 6:30 a.m. By the time we are finished with everything, having to do it all ourselves, the forenoon is over. Mrs. Wolf is barely able to do anything. She makes her bed and dusts her room which takes her all morning. Every week now we bake Berches (also called Cholla, a braided loaf) at home. It's too unpleasant to go to the baker (who used to bake it in his large oven.) This way we have something to eat with our coffee each morning, even if it dries out, we have to like it.

Mr. Steiner takes care of his own room. His sister already is 73 years old and can't do much any more. He is frightfully thin but is doing quite well.

Now the Yom Kippur is over. I hope you, my dears, spent the day well. Over there (America) do they eat the same things as we? I suppose everyone does as he pleases, and you will have kept to your old customs.

Tonight the last Holy Days begin. I must say it's too much of a good thing. I have had enough. Since we hardly ever leave the house, except to take care of what is necessary, the day gets endlessly long.

During the week we are always busy. For instance, I have lots of knitting and stitching to do, but I am glad for the diversion. Every morning I study English for about two hours, but I can't concentrate well, my mind drifts to other things. I am quite happy when our course starts again on Wednesday. Then I hope I can remember everything better.

I don't know how I will do the private lessons. The teacher goes to Memmingen twice a week, Saturday and Monday. Wednesday he goes to Ichenhausen. The other days he works with Sepp in the same nursery. I would have to go either between 6 and 7 or 7 to 8 in the evening. I don't want to take the streetcar, and to walk home at night when it's dark, I don't want to do either. Under no circumstances do I want to miss the lessons with him. I will have to see how it works out.

It is all so new yet (wearing of the Star of David), and everyone looks at you or makes nasty remarks. That inhibits me so that my heart beats clear up to my throat whenever I have to wear my coat. Even if we don't need much, we still have to buy the essentials.

Maybe I will go back to the Besserer Street where they know me. It is an unpleasant situation. I am doing some work for a lady in the Schwilmengasse, but I have plenty of time now.

Now the dye has been cast over our building. My ardent wish and daily prayer is that God will keep me from having to leave my little room for a still smaller one. There is time until August, which is a long way off, but it will pass quickly. I saw that with you, my dears. Sometimes I can't believe it is over a year that I parted with you, and so too the time will pass. With anxiety, I am thinking about that time down the road. With a belief in God I look toward the future. We found out about it accidentally on Wednesday. No one was supposed to know it, and you can imagine how that news shocked us all. I am not sure that everyone in the building knows it, because we haven't talked with anyone.

On October 2nd Mrs. Levy from the first floor celebrated her 70th birthday, and all the ladies from the whole building are invited for coffee this afternoon.

That's as far as I got when I had a visit from Miss Fenzel. Through Mrs. Weissenfeld we heard that she does sewing again. She previously sewed for some of us, who believed that maybe she forgot us. But she was sick again and not allowed to sew. She went to the doctor here and spent nine weeks in the hospital, but she looks quite well now. She can't sit for a long time because of abdominal problems. It's a pity because she is so knowledgeable. She will probably work as a domestic. If given the opportunity, she would immediately come to you. I don't know if she only says that, or is so attached to you, because she says she often has a longing for you. Those were wonderful times.

Tuesday I am expecting Lisl. She is picking up Mrs. Rosenthal from the sanitarium. She does it as a favor to her husband. She stays only a day or two, because she does not want to leave Sigbert alone too long. That's understandable. The dear ones supply me so well with fruit. I am so grateful to them. Of course I pay them, but I am still very pleased. Friday I put up prunes. It's so simple and requires little sugar. Dear Hilde, you probably couldn't eat them, because surely you'd get the hives. I still have marmelade from you, my dears, which will last me through the winter. My daily prayer is that I can eat it all in "calmness and good health" in my little room.

The last Holy Days it will be a year since aunt Camilla took sick, and unfortunately isn't able yet to go to her children. That is the greatest sorrow, especially this time of year, that troubles me and the others deeply. (Fear of being deported.)

This week I packed all of your letters, beginning with the first day of your departure, in a little box to keep them as a dear, lasting memory of you, who are everything in the world to me. How many tears were shed over the reading of your dear letters, and still I bless the day and thank the Almighty that everything went well. I really feel sorry for I., since he is a good man. He was kind and noble to you. What happened was destined.

You, dear Felix, have achieved something that is the envy of many here and overseas. Dear Felix, you earned it all and I can't thank you enough for taking such good care of me so that I can live free of worries, because many people, besides the pressing sorrows that we have, have financial worries, and that hurts. It's not easy to live on welfare, and from deep within my soul I thank you, dear Felix and Hilde, every day.

Yesterday I received a long letter from Alma. Gerda wrote on the letter quite rationally and sends her heartiest greetings to you.

Now they had a letter from Arthur as well as one from Lotte. Walter was very sick again He had angina and a paralysis again. Hannie isn't married yet. Her fiance is in Berlin but has lived in Buenos Aires five years. When he finds a permanent job they want to get married. Since his parents live in Berlin, he would like to get married there. Arthur and Elly are in Los Angeles and work as domestics, she as a cook and he in the house. They earn quite a bit but have to work very hard and are dead tired by evening.

From Oettinger we got the first letter from Chicago. They were well received by the director and the family as well. On request from their sponsor, the commissioner picked them up at the ship. I am happy for Oettinger, because he is a really kind man.

From Luise I had a letter this week. She described the entire menu for the Holy Days. I promised on my last visit to send her a cake, but she prohibited me from doing so, but for Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of the Torah) I'll send her something anyway. By then she can use it, especially for the afternoons.

You, dear Hannie, have to learn a lot, but the main thing is that you like school so well. Are you among the "prettiest girls?" I think so, and am more than proud of my grown-up granddaughter. I carry your dear English poem with me all the time. Mrs. Stoss will be pleased with your dear English letters This week, for sure, I will write an English letter and tell you all the news that is of interest to you.

I feel so sorry for Edith. Do they (her family) want to stay in New York? It's unfortunate that everything gets held up there. But now not many people will arrive. Did the Loewenthals' and Blochs' arrive? Now I must close so the letter won't weigh too much. On Tuesday my second letter will follow for this week. I will send your letter, my dears, to Kuenzelsau, then Lisl will bring it back with her. It's too bad that the letters from Kuenzelsau get to you so late, but Sigbert writes to dear mother in Philadelphia first. From Ruth and Willy came a letter for the Holy Days, but only Fred wrote, and there was nothing from Edith.

Mrs. Wolf is coming in all dressed up. I too have to get ready for the big party. And now, my dears, I wish you the best, stay well together. Dear Felix, I wish you much success. Heartiest greetings and kisses, with true love, your faithful Mother.

To day I will beginn to write an English letter to you and I will tell you about the holidays here. (Jewish High Holy Days). In the morning new year I have invited Miss Model. She is now all alone in Germany. Her mother and sister are with aunt Camilla. We have a very fine supper an we spoke all the time about you, my dears. After supper the people of the first flat have been invited by Mr. & Mrs. Steiner. Mr. St. hat read a beautiful prayer for all the members our family; then the first holiday in the afternoon we have divine for to thank God for all kindness in the past year. Then the second day wie have been together with the old ladys in the room of Mrs. Wolf because my room is too small for so many people. My thoughts and my heart have been only with you, my darling, and you, my dear children, and my best wishes accompanies (?) of always?

On the Yom Kippur we had divine service in the room by Mr. Zodick and Mr. Frank have prayed the whole day and Mr. Hirsch had blowed Shofar. These days have been very solemn. For me was the day very agreeable, because we did not leave the house. It was a rainy day. I hope that these days also with you passed very good and you, my dears there, have spend agreeable the days. Today become the last holiday. We did not have divine service. I am sorry, but the fate ist stranger as we.

No i will tell you the news of Ulm. The children from Stuttgart have holidays till fifteen October. Heinz Koerner will move to Stuttgart, but the other children likes the school very much and they learn right smart. Today I have met Heidi with her mother. She is a beautiful child. Ingrid is going to school now. News to Ulm ist grown a little...

I must begin to learn English diligent, nonetheless I have little hope do come to you, my dears. This morning I receive visit of aunt Lisl, but she visit one two days, because she will not rest alone with Uncle Sigbert in the large home. We are sorry, that he cannot rest here and have holidays and say the prayers.

Mrs. Wolf is very sad, because her daughter not write... I thank you, my dear hearty, that you write so often. That is my only fortune..in my lonely age. How do your friend to Los Angeles? (How are your friends in Los Angeles?) Does he write often and you him? How much miles is it to drive with the train there to Denver? Tomorrow beginning the first hours in the English news? And I am glad to hear the English language. It make me much pleasure. Mrs. Ury will correct my letters, and I hope that I have make a little mistakes.

Tomorrow I will write al letter in german, that is for me easier. Hansl is singing the whole day, he is always hungry. The food is not good, he eat much salad, but he is healthy.

And now, my darling, rest healthy and good luck in the new school. And now, my dears, many regards an kisses of my .... apart for you, my darling. Your old... grandmother. (Emmy's English letters are unedited.)

This forenoon Lisl left again. She was here only two days. She came quite late on Tuesday evening, intending to leave for home on Thursday already, because she did not want to leave Sigbert alone for so long. Then Sigbert wrote she had to get a few things for him, so she stayed until this morning, stopped in Stuttgart and will get to Kuenzelsau at 9 o'clock.

Sigbert is desperate to be in the house all alone. He can't bring himself to go out among people, wearing the decoration (Star of David), and goes out only if it is absolutely necessary. The first days I too had such qualms that I thought I would get a heart attack on the street, but now the novelty has worn off. Some look at you with pity, others with mocking eyes, but today I am over it and wear everything with dignity. I hope Sigbert will arrive at that standpoint in order to stay healthy in body and soul.

This afternoon I received with heartiest thanks and great pleasure your very dear letters of September 19 and 21. Many thanks. That is my great joy that you, my dears, write so often and in detail.

Mrs. Schulmann receives letters from her children nearly every week also, about the same time I get letters. On the other hand, with luck, Mrs. Wolf receives a letter every four or five weeks, and then it is written so superficially that I feel quite sorry for the poor woman. She has absolutely no hope, nor the desire to go to her daughter, but we don't know what fate has in store for us. We are all in God's Hand. He will help us. With these comforting words I consoled myself, and with silent devotions, I ended my prayers on the High Holy Days.

On Wednesday the contract was signed here in the building. A difficult step, but the circumstances are more powerful than we. We were assured that for 10 months things will remain as they are, but they will pass. It seems like a long time when you look ahead, but it too will pass.

When I think how quickly the year of our separation passed, I sometimes think it was only yesterday that the train pulled out of the station that took you, my dears, so very far away, and still I bless the day, because by now you have survived the most difficult obstacles and you, dear Felix, in a comparatively short time, have built up a business that is the envy of many here and abroad.

With great pleasure I read of your success. That's a feat that would open Sigbert's eyes. I wish you, dear Felix, with all my heart further good luck, and that from month to month you will be more satisfied. It is a long day and many hours for you. Sometimes when I look at the clock in Ulm, I think you are still on your feet, but I know that you, dear Felix, are happy to do it all for your family, and that is my entire pleasure.

Today is the anniversary of dear father's death. (Eugen Frankfurter died of pneumonia at age 35 in 1912.) It is already 29 years since I have gone through life alone, but I was reimbursed for all the hardships, because you, my beloved child, have such a good husband and a darling child. That is my happiness also.

When I read your letters telling of your contentment and happiness, I thank the Almighty from the bottom of my heart that He let me experience this, and I hope to God, that He will grant me the good fortune of seeing you again in good health in this world, especially to keep me well, so I won't ever be a burden to you and, hopefully, be of some help to you.

I was surprised that Claire sent me regards. Sepp always brings greetings from his aunt. I never had much to do with the woman. Shortly before she left I invited her to the cafe, but she didn't accept, supposedly a nephew was coming by. Whether it's true or not I don't know. Then I asked her to take along some bath salts for you and Hannie. They cost only 90 Pfennig, but I don't know if she took them with her or gave them to you, dear Hilde. She said a brief goodby to everyone in the building. I think I wrote it to you already. She hasn't dropped a note to Mrs. St. This woman is different from most normal people. You know her.

That's as far as I got last night when visitors from the Kraft Street stopped by and brought me greetings from the Black Forest, that really pleased me. He vacationed alone since his wife, because of the four children, could not go.

This week brought me unending sorrow. At first I didn't want to write you about it, my dears, but then my heart felt so heavy, I had to tell you.

From the Merchants Bank Sigbert received a letter, stating that only 200 Mark are left in the account, the remainder being frozen by the Revenue Office. I went there immediately, but until today I haven't heard anything definite. I first went to see a Mr. N. and then Mr. B. The latter said, "But one can't let the woman sit here with the money." I was told to come back on Wednesday. Then the matter will be cleared up one way or another. Sigbert says that can't be possible and can't believe the Revenue Office waited so long.

Lisl happened to be here and calmed me down. You can imagine how frightened I was. Dear Felix, I took your advice as well and saved, but this would be a horrible blow. As soon as I get an answer I will give you the result. As I said, I didn't want to tell you at first, but it's probably better that you, dear Felix, are informed, in case I need to know more. Unfortunately, the bank statements for the year 1940 ended up in a box, but the bank will have the records. I beg you, my dears, not to worry about it. I still have enough to live on and, hopefully, the matter will come to a satisfactory conclusion. I wish it were Wednesday already, so I wouldn't have to worry about it so long.

By the time you get this letter, no doubt a telegram from Sigbert will have arrived. If he has 1600 Mark at his disposal, Dr. Stoss promised to find the quickest way for him to emigrate. C. now works together with Mrs. Pik, whom you also know. Since cousin Joe guaranteed 1000 Mark, he won't be so paltry and give the remainder of the money so Sigbert can leave. With that understanding, Lisl went home to urge Sigbert to take the necessary steps. It will be better for everyone.

Whether Sigbert decides to send the telegram I don't know, but I would think so.

Several people from Hohebach received a telegram telling them to get ready. Their ship sails from Bilbao on November 8. They got their passports and will leave home sometime next week.

Sigbert envies anybody who leaves, but he was so shortsighted and wanted to pick his time. Now that he knows that you, dear Felix, will look after him in hopes that you can help him once you get there, he regrets it deeply, but it is too late now and nothing can be changed.

I am glad you think I have made progress in my English. Thanks! to all the happenings in August and September one has no desire to learn more, but I see now it doesn't pay to worry. What comes will come!

The teacher has no more time to see me. Wednesdays and Mondays he goes to Memmingen. Tuesdays and Saturdays he has to work. Fridays he is in Ichenhausen. He wants me to come to his place in the evening, but I can't do that. I can't and won't take the streetcar, and I can't possibly walk when it is dark in the evening. Who pays me if I fall and break a bone?

Now I take an hour's lesson Friday afternoon at Mrs. Stoss' conversation and grammar. She says proportionally I am way ahead of the others in the course, because I studied with the teacher all summer, but she has to go with the majority. Mr. S., (long) Fritz and Hirsch also took extra lessons from her. She now speaks more the American English.

Being with others we interact more than with Bissinger. She doesn't take it quite so seriously.

My paper says "stop!" I will write you more this week. And now, my dears, hope with me that all will go well on Wednesday.

I wish you well. God be with you and keep you healthy. Heartiest greetings and kisses, your faithful Mother.

I already acknowledged your letter of September 21, but today I am especially with you in thought, my dears, because it is a year today that you sailed from Korea for your new home. (We took a ferry from Korea to Japan and from there sailed for America.) Especially now there are daily reminders of your leaving. Sometimes I can hardly believe it is over a year that I saw you, my dears, for the last time. On the other hand it seems like an eternity.

By the time you receive this letter Sigbert will have known for some time if the 1600 Mark was paid. I am quite certain that they got the money together, and so for him the day will soon arrive when he has to bid farewell. His heart is heavy when he thinks of being separated from Lisl, After all, 17 years is a long time to live together. It will be hard on Lisl, because her brothers have no feelings left for their sister. Even her mother isn't like she was. She tells me often of her woes, but no one can help her.

Now the last Holy Days passed uneventfully, though we didn't take much notice. When there are no religious services, you can't believe it is a Holy Day, except for taking it easy. You, dear Felix, probably didn't pay much attention either, since you probably were working, and you, my dear Hannie, no doubt had school.

Today the children here said goodby. The school starts on October 16, and they won't be back until Christmas. They don't know yet in which house they will stay, since everything has changed in Stuttgart. Today C. is here, which is very convenient, because we dont't have to leave. It is a long way to the Bezentor, and no one wants to drive (take the streetcar). The weather isn't very nice now for walking.

Mr. Bissinger came to see me yesterday to ask what I had decided. I told him when it gets dark so early it's impossible for me to go there in the evening, especially since I can't drive there (go by streetcar.) Paulchen is taking lessons from him now, so on Thursday afternoon he first goes to Paul and then comes to me. That suits me very well, because conversation is learned better from him, but grammar, which everyone needs, is better taken from Mrs. Stoss. I really have to study hard now, because I still have hope that for me the day will come when I can come to you, my dears. Then I won't feel quite so helpless.

I went to the Revenue office again this morning but didn't get a final answer. I have to come back on Friday. Sigbert wrote that no matter how it comes out, he will always be there for me, and I shouldn't worry. I will tell you the result as soon as I find out.

Guess what? From the Kraft Street I heard that Moni left her job and is staying home. She probably was embarrassed to come and see me because she was quite nasty lately and believed she had made a good trade. Whether she will actually get married, no one in the Kraft Street knows.

The new air mail stationery is a bit heavier. I can't quite use two sheets, otherwise it weighs too much. Once a week I use the real thin paper, then I can use four sheets. That's why I have to close now and put off everything else until Sunday. Today I felt a need to send you, my dears, from far away, my heartiest greetings. Now, my dears, loving greetings and kisses, always, your faithful Mother, whose spirit blesses you.

Today I won't have to answer a dear letter from you, but I hope that in the next few days I will receive good news from you. Most of all I hope that you, my dears, are well and happy. Hopefully you received mail from me and the dear ones in Philadelphia. Apparently the mail takes somewhat longer now, because here in the building the people have not received mail for four weeks, with the exception that the last letter from you, my dears, postmarked September 21 arrived here on October 11.

Two cables were sent through the mediators here. One went to Ben, the other one to an attorney in Havana, who will get in touch with Ben. When the money situation is settled, 58   the matter will proceed quickly under any circumstances. Mrs. Baeck from Stuttgart leaves the end of this month. Also the Cohns from Hohebach will board a ship on November 8 in a Spanish harbor. When it comes right down to it, Sigbert is taking it very hard, and I must say I feel very sorry for him. When the day arrives that he has to leave, Lisl will remain behind in a terrible state of mind. I can't even go to see her once, but I hope that maybe I can go to Stuttgart and bring Lisl home with me, so she will forget herself.

You probably already heard that the wife of the carpenter Franz (Lisl's aunt) died quite suddenly from a stomach operation. She was operated on Monday, and everything went well. On Thursday her condition worsened and Friday morning she died. Lisl was still in Stuttgart to pick up Mrs. Rosenthal. She went back on Saturday and returned to Stuttgart on Sunday. Late Tuesday evening she came here, completely exhausted. But the next day she was well enough to go shopping. The woman is made of steel and iron and always bounces back. On Friday she returned to Stuttgart and went home on Saturday. She went to Dr. Moos (an attorney) here and got the matter started, after which two cables were sent.

Her brother, Karl and wife, came to the funeral. She was terribly upset over their behavior. It's hard to believe that a brother can treat his sister in such a manner. He didn't even send his regards to her husband.

Through an aunt of Boly I learned that Gerda and Alma probably will have to go on a long trip, exactly opposite from where they were now. Do you remember the Choses? (They were deported to Poland and were killed.)

From the two (Gerda and Alma Schloss) I have not heard anything definite. I will go to the Ensinger Street to find out more, although they have not heard anything positive either. (Hugo Mann, Rosa Mann, Julius Salomon lived at Ensinger Street 3, also attorney Ernst Moos had three office rooms there.) Such news really shakes me up. There are fears that I will get the same disease that befell aunt Camilla, although it may take somewhat longer, but the danger is there for me. I can't begin to tell you, my dear children, in what state of mind I came home, and how these sorrowful thoughts prey on me. I pondered all day whether I should tell you about my misfortune, but when the catastrophe happens, I will no longer be able to write to you. Today I have calmed down a bit, because we are all in God's Hand. He will stand by me and the others. Lately I have been sleeping very poorly. Sometimes I am up three to four hours, and that is the reason for my sickness.

Gerda had recovered quite well, but how she can stand the long trip is another thing. Alma isn't so strong either, and often broke down also.

Enclosed is a letter from the teacher. He came back alone and realized that he can't ask me to come there in the evening.

Paulchen has begun to learn Spanish. He has four lessons a week. He has to learn a lot, but he has plenty of time. In the afternoon they play at his house from two to five. Bily is free Wednesday afternoons, then they start already at 1 o'clock and finish at 7 o'clock. (I assume they played cards.) The teacher is very slim. He was not used to the physical labor, but he says he is enjoying it.

Today I don't have much news to tell you. We don't go out much. After we are finished with the little bit of shopping, we hurry home, because we don't want to be seen.

Mrs. Sanitaetsrat (Mrs. Noerdlinger) has her 74th birthday. Both, Mrs. Wolf and I are invited. The woman is in excellent shape, and they (she and her daughter, Mrs. Strassburger) like it at Paulchens. Since they have to do all their own housework, they are glad to be out of their large apartment. They empathize with me and the others and hope the Almighty will save us from such a harsh fate.

Telling you all about myself, I didn't even ask how you, dear Felix, are doing in your business. I hope that you did well in September and were happy with the result, and with all my heart I wish you much success in your undertaking.

Exactly during those days last year you were on the ocean, and I feared for your dear lives all day, especially at night my thoughts were with you, my beloved threesome. May God protect you during the second year in a strange land and guide you on your way.

This week I went to the Revenue Office three times, but doubt whether I accomplished anything. Now they are corresponding with Sigbert, since he can't come here.

And how are you doing in school, my dear Hannie? How are all your various friends? See, your old nosy Oma (grandma) wants to know everything! Oh, I want to pound on the walls and find the possibility to see you, my everything in the world, once more, but that possibility becomes ever more distant.

Hansi is singing so beautifully again. The molt took longer this time. He likes his food again. How is your (canary)? The females don't sing. They are too easy going.

I haven't asked about you, my dearest Hilde. I rejoice with you that you found there (in America) such a nice friend. My dear child, you find sympathy everywhere. They tell me that here so often, and thereupon I am very proud. And now, my dears, I hope the Almighty will let me stay healthy in my little room, that is your wish also. So, my dears stay well. God bless you. With my arms around you I fervently kiss you, your dear old Mother.

Unfortunately I don't have to answer a letter from you today, but I am still sending you my greetings. I hope you, my dear three, are alright and healthy together. Everything is fine with me also. I am well and everything is the way it was. One is satisfied when we can get up every day and spend the days in a warm room. The forenoon passes quickly, and in the afternoon we two (Mrs. Wolf and Emmy) sit together. Our daily topic is about you, who are so very far removed from us. For almost five weeks Mrs. Wolf has had no news from Dora. When she does hear from her it is once a week also. I did the laundry this morning. Now the sun shines so bright that everything dries fast.

From the dears I had a letter. Sigbert is working feverishly so everything will get done as quickly as possible.

With the Cohns from Hohebach everything was completed in five weeks. They must leave this week and sail from Bilbao on November 8. Sigbert figures it will go as quickly for him also.

In a way it is better if everything goes quickly. With you, my dears, things went so fast, that sometimes I can't comprehend that you are gone such a long time.

This week Mrs. Baeck from Stuttgart leaves. She was here on Sunday to say goodby to Mrs. Stoss. None of us here has a chance (to leave), but we must remain calm and see to it that we stay well. A healthy person can take much, but a sick one just collapses.

I now have my third set of teeth. I am very well satisfied and have no problem with them. I can chew anything and am really glad I had all of my teeth pulled. For a while it wasn't pleasant. (part of the letter is missing.)

I ask God to take further care of us. I would have been pleased had Sigbert been here to shake a hand or two in a gesture of farewell. Whether Sepp is among them I don't know.(Being transported.)

Miss Model will get married shortly. The man is a badly disabled war veteran, like Weglein. He volunteered as an 18 year old and now is 44. She was just 30. It is quite a decision to marry the man, but since she is all alone, and he has no one, it's the best solution for both of them. Whatever happens, a burden is easier to bear for two than for one. He is from Offenhausen. Dear Felix, maybe you know him.

With great pleasure I read that you, dear Felix, have built up a good business within a relatively short time. Probably none of your acquaintances have been able to provide such a nice life for their families. For that I thank you, dear Felix, with all my heart.

No matter what fate has in store for me, the thought that you, my dear three, are well taken care of, shall be my salvation. I trust the Almighty. He will stand by me also.

Sister Sofie came yesterday to inquire if I am still in my small room. It was very kind of her. Also Mrs. (Gruenwied) sends heartiest greetings. There are still some kind people. That shall console me.

That you, dear Hannie, are making such good progress in school reminds me of your dear mother's school days. I always received good reports about her behavior and diligence. That is probably the greatest joy parents can have with their children during that time.

Stay well, my darling, and have some good times to compensate for everything that happened.

My heart is breaking that I have to spend the beautiful years here and can view them only from a long distance, but even for that I thank the Almighty.

Your letter for Flora I forwarded today. No doubt she will be pleased. I gave the news to Edith already.

Now I have to close. I will write together with Lisl tomorrow, just for appearances. We will send the letter to Sigbert today.

Now, my dear three, I hope to give you further good news about me. May God guard me also.

Thousand hearty greetings and kisses, your sad, faithful Mother.

With great pleasure and heartiest thanks this morning I received your dear letters of September 28 and October 6 at the same time. The latter came rather quickly, whereas the other one took nearly a month. A long and uneasy time. What all can happen during that time. Most of all I am happy to hear of your well-being, also to read that you are satisfied with your business. I can't tell you, my dears, in a few meager words, how glad I am to receive such good reports, from which so much love and care pours out. That is my entire happiness and hope at this time. Can you imagine, my dears, that in the same mail I received, from an illegible address, a card telling me that Gerda and Alma, at an unknown time, traveled not to where aunt Camilla is, but in a completely opposite direction. Do you remember the Choses'? (all were transported to death camps.) Both are fairly well and, through me, send you heartiest greetings. We talked about it for a long time, but when it becomes a reality, the thought is just horrible. By coincidence, Dr. Moos (attorney) was here in the building, and I showed him the card. He assured me with the firm promise that such a sickness will not befall me, but one can't gaze into the future. I was terribly upset this morning, but maybe the two (Gerda and Alma) got the better of the lot. The future will tell. My dears, please don't get too upset. If anything should happen to me, I hope to find the opportunity to let you know.

Within the next few days I will go to the Kraft Street. Heidi has asked me for some time to give her your new address. In any case, I will see her so she can send my greetings to you.

Sigbert is waiting for the telegrams. I am convinced that Ben and Joe will send the necessary funds. He has definitely made up his mind that, at all costs, he wants to make the trip. It is too bad he didn't immediately get things going by sending wires. It took quite a bit of doing, but surely Joe, who is sponsoring him, will help him now. Lisl already is miserable, but that can't be helped. The time of separation will pass. It is as you, dear Hilde, write, "everything passes, the good and the bad times, except the latter are harder to bear."

Dear Hilde, did you not receive a brooch from aunt Rosl? Did you like it? Or are you too young for such things? Do they wear things like that over there? (in America.)

Here nothing has changed. One is glad when there is no news.

There is quite a fracas going on here. Since Franziska no longer is at the (K.B.) she does her own cooking. Then Mrs. Steiner asked that she help with the cleaning of the kitchen, the hall and the toilet. She then went to a lawyer to ask about her rights. She didn't think she had to do all that, but the decision went against her, and this week we had a "hearing" in the building. You should have heard it. It was laughable. She now has to do the cleaning every four weeks, like the rest of us. She got her feelings hurt. Isn't it ridiculous that in such difficult times she would behave in such a way?

We have some strange tenants. Hugo Stern's sister has to work in the cold every few weeks. Then she screams and cries so that the whole building comes running. Paulchen knew about it and was against taking such tenants. Mrs. Wolf and I will stay here. We have nothing to do with it. That's the main thing.

Mrs. Wolf has aged terribly. Sometimes she can't put one foot in front of the other. The woman can't take any more harassment. This week, after four weeks, she had a letter from Dora. She worries about her mother but has no prospects of bringing her mother (to America?) Where would she get all that money? Mrs. Wolf is glad that Dora finally wrote, but I don't think she writes her mother how hard she has to work. She never wrote how much she earns. That weighs heavily on the woman. She has mentioned it so often to her.

I can't thank you enough, my dears, that I regularly receive mail from you. You waste a lot of time on me. It is my entire happiness and my daily prayer that I will still keep on getting it.

I told you that Arthur now wrote to his sisters. It took long enough, but he can't help them either. Hannie isn't married yet. Her fiance is in Berlin where his old parents are. I don't think she is getting such a bargain. Lotte has to help with the work. Because of Walter's illness she had to stay home. I don't think Julius earns much. They have been gone nearly six years but can't do anything for Gerda and Alma. Their trip was paid by the Aid Society, but that is no more, and they have to see what develops there, as she sometimes writes, (conditions in Argentina.)

Unfortunately my apprehension in regard to the bank came true, but don't trouble yourselves over it. Sigbert will help me. (The government froze the bank assets of all the Jews. Unknown to the people living in "Jew" houses, their fate was sealed and plans were ready for their deportation.)

Had we known that, we would not have given anything to Augsburg (the Fleischmanns) or to Cologne (Gerda and Alma Schloss), but that can't be changed. Sigbert will tell you, dear Felix, everything, since I don't know how much Sigbert sent to Augsburg, but again, my dears, don't worry about me. Lisl wrote me so nice, that as long as she has a penny, I will have it also. God won't abandon me. I have calmed down quite a bit, because reason tells me that only a healthy person, with strong nerves, will survive all the hardships that await us.

I study English every day. That diverts me. Then I am knitting a pale green pullover for you, my dearest Hilde. You remember the pattern from way back. I am also doing embroidery, because you can't always do the same thing. Personally, the teacher isn't very likable, but he teaches conversation, which is the main thing. Now I am reading with him the book "Everyday Conversation." It's very practical and fun to read. I have to make between 60 and 70 sentences for him.

Today I didn't really answer your dear letters in detail, but already I am on page four. Early tomorrow morning I will send them to Kuenzelsau, because the dear ones are longing for them, especially Sigbert, who can't wait for reports on your business. All three of us are happy to share in your progress from month to month. Yes, it's true. I share everything with you, my dear three. I paint a picture and never dreamed like now. I see all three of you, standing before me. When I wake up, sadly, it is only a dream.

You, my dears, are so very far away, yet so close to my heart. On Sunday I will write you again and enclose the composition for you, my dearest Hannie. Heartiest thanks for your English letter.

And now, my dears, the best for you. God guard you and me also, that I may remain healthy in my little room. Heartfelt greetings and kisses, your faithful Mutti.

I already sent your last two letters to Kuenzelsau yesterday, but I still have them in my head so I can answer a few things. Mostly I want to tell you that I am well in my tiny warm room, and for that I thank the Almighty every morning and every night. With sadness I think of Gerda and Alma, how the poor, sick person stood it all. Also Alma, who too has suffered nervous breakdowns frequently. One doesn't want to think about it.

Today Sigbert wrote quite disappointed that he has not had an answer to the telegram sent ten days ago. Mother wrote that he must have a Spanish visa before the documents are sent to Washington. That just isn't possible. You get the Spanish visa only after one has a visa for overseas, which has been issued there (in America.) With the Kahns everything was taken care of within four weeks. They leave on Monday and will board the ship in Bilbao on November 8. And Mrs. Baeck, a relative of the Friedmanns, leaves this week, since Walter and his sister from Switzerland helped. From here none has had the opportunity to leave. The relatives are all folks who recently immigrated, and one can't ask such sacrifices of them. We have to keep steady nerves to bear everything.

It's not just a single incident. Mrs. Stoss has not heard for some time from Mariele (Bergmann?). They always inquire about their foundation, but her sister can't give her an answer, since she herself knows nothing positive and doesn't know where it is.

Mother wrote us about Marianne (Bloch). It is very painful for Else (her mother), but I think it must be as mother (Charlotte Baer) writes, she joined another religion, and they convinced her to forget everything. Only parents know such grief, since both of them adored their child. She is 18 years old. When you were engaged, we visited Else in the hospital when Marianne was born. See, I have a good memory.

How is your new Hansi (canary) doing? Mine sings again the whole day, but until today he is not as tame as he was with you, dear Felix. He leaves the cage and takes food from the hand, still he is very shy. I hope I can feed him myself for a long time.

This morning Mrs. Wolf got a letter from her daughter, Dora. She is doing well.

My dearest Hannie, on Tuesday I will write an English letter and add the composition Mrs. Stoss corrected. You write English very well. That is not my judgment. I am so very pleased that you enjoy your school so much and also have other pleasures. You are compensated for the turbulent times.

I have not heard any more from Bottenschein. Unfortunately, I can't go to Stuttgart, but Lisl takes care of all that is important, and hopefully will get more done than I. She writes such warm letters and tells me not to worry. As long as she has a penny, I have one also.

Fritz and Charlotte (1st wife) aren't quite so nice to her any more. The woman is envious. Fritz doesn't earn a lot. They now have an apartment, and she has to do all the work herself, which doesn't suit the lady. Karl could pay him some interest, but he adds on all kinds of stipulations. Fritz has character and refuses it. He is quite henpecked!

Mrs. (Sengel) had a letter from Hermine. She is fine and looks after an old man. Hede's mother lives with the young folks. Mrs. Strassburger heard from Beppos Hellmuth. He is well and everything is quiet and peaceful. For the birthday a letter came right on time from the Dannhausers’, their great-grandchild is a big girl already. Have you not heard from Irma again? (cousin from Israel.)

With all my heart I am happy for you that Martin thought of you. (Martin Schulherr from Pittsburgh sponsored us. Thanks to him we were able to come to America. He was a cousin of Felix Baer.) I wrote that to Sigbert again. The pen is mightier than he. Aunt Carrie (Felix Baer's aunt from Lafayette, Indiana) also thought of mother. That really pleased me. Now my space again says "stop!", to be continued on Tuesday.

After all, I want to tell you, my dears, everything, because I know you want to experience and feel everything with me.

And now, my dears, stay well. God protect you. Loving, heartiest greetings and kisses, your dear old Mother.

To day I will write the English letter, with all the news of Ulm. The greatest new I will tall you first. Ruth Wasserman and Hans 71   Loewenstein have marriage next week to Munich in the house of his parents. You, my darling, will be astonished about this news, I also! They stay together then marriad-couple to Herrlingen an hope to emigrate soon.

I am glad of you to hear, that you have many pleasure with your boy-friend, is he going also to high-school? I am sending you my composition, ist it very simple and you do laugh about your grandmother. I am beginning: Mrs. Stoss has given to mi the instruction to make a composition. I will write about the fall. Wie live in thise season now ist beginning the great die in the natur, we are sorrowful about. The leafs of the trees to begin to get all differenz colours. The bushs bekomes .... But the fall in the best painter. The flowers show the most beautiful colours, they will say to people we will leave-take from you. The fall has also many good qualities. It longs all the fruits for the winter. For instant it brings potatous, vegetables and many good fruits: Apples, pears, plums, grapes and many other sorts. We are going with a top heard in the winter, and all our thoughts are with our dears in fare distant. Now I will say with the words of my granddaughter: "Fall in the time to say farwell, Spring in the time to see again."

Now, I will you my darling, tall the newes of Ulm. Boby ar taking lessons by Mrs. Stoss. In all lessons, I believe she is stupid an very lazy. She don't aske now for you, she is too lazy to write a letter. Here mother is very diligent, she avanced in the garden of her husband, he works in the manufaktory of Emil. He merits hundredfifty monthly and he has a hard work. The teacher must work in the gardening with Sepp together, he works for nothing.

Paulchen has sends Emmy to me, he wishes to see me morrow. I don't know because. I will write the next time. Mrs. Stoss has...the English...she have arrived a telegram of here relation of from Aricona. She is hoping to make the great passage soon. I am pity when she to leave us. The next will be to make the passage uncle Sigbert, aunt Lisl are very pity about, she ist than all alone. I hope, she and myself mak the great... together, and wie hope that it is soon. I have written the letter all alone, even may many mistakes. Ich must leave many things particular... that is very difficult for me. And no, I write my letter in Germain, that is for me easier. You, my darling, many, many kisses, your old grandmother.

My dearest Three,

That was some work. It took me two hours. But we have no course, so I took that time to send you, my dears, a greeting.

Sigbert waits daily for a telegram to get things going quickly for his emigration. Lisl already is crying her eyes out. I don't dare think about the parting. Especially on those days, when things weigh so heavily on us, my thoughts are especially with you, my dear three. A year ago today you disembarked in Seattle. How many difficulties are behind us. I thank God daily that he took you, my dears, under His wing during that long, dangerous trip. He will also guard you further and bring me the luck to see you again in good health. That shall give me the strength to carry on. I really don't know anything else today.

Mrs. Weglein spoke in our sewing room quite frankly of a divorce. That's no secret. I haven't heard a thing from Gerda and Alma. That may take weeks.

And now, my dears, the afternoon is gone. In all my thoughts I was with you, my dears. I bless you from the far distance and remain with many loving greetings and kisses, your faithful old Mother.

Unfortunately, today I can't answer a letter, since I have not received any mail from you since October 22nd, but I am not alarmed, knowing that you, my dear three, are well taken care of, but I worry whether you regularly receive news from me. From the dear ones I haven't heard this week either. Usually I get mail from them on Saturday morning. This week they had company from the lady Lisl picked up at the sanitarium a few weeks ago. I heard she recovered quite well, and her husband will be happy not to be alone any more. Although she lost 35 pounds, she feels well. At least her nerves didn't suffer, which is admirable after such a strong treatment.

Sigbert and Lisl are happy when they have some company. To always be alone in such a big house is really no pleasure. Nevertheless, I find after Lisl was so ill this summer, her marriage has grown stronger. I think Mr. Hofrat...was a good influence on Lisl. Sometimes their opinions differ greatly. He mother also isn't as nice to me as she was. I congratulated her on her birthday, but she did not thank me. Don't mention it, because Lisl feels very badly and spoke to me about it. Fritz and his wife aren't so nice to her either. At times people often change their minds!

Unfortunately our English lessons will come to an end. Mrs. Stoss received a telegram that the entire amount for her immigration to Cuba is available, and she should get ready quickly for her departure. She now has her hands full and no mind for teaching. It is a pity, because we really learned something from her. Together with Bissinger, we made some progress, but of course that is no reason for the woman to stay here. We can understand.

Sigbert is longing for telegraphic news from Philadelphia. Though, if I figure correctly, it could not be here yet. The directives from Havana will have to be awaited, because he probably doesn't know where to send the money. The gentlemen there won't be in such a hurry. Sigbert fears that again they were ill advised, just as it was with you at the time, they lacked experience in such matters.

Barths received a wire yesterday that plans are being readied for their immigration to Cuba. The family Cohn from Hohebach left last Monday. Mrs. Barth leaves Monday. From here no one has any possibilities. With the others I must wait what time and fate will bring us. Of course I don't know that today, but lately there was nothing good to report.

Yesterday Miss Steiner was in Herrlingen as a welfare worker to inquire about the old people. I took the opportunity to send a cake with her for Luise. Of course she scolded me but was very pleased. Miss Steiner says they could use some assistance, because for some time they haven't had any afternoon coffees.

How is everything with you, my dears? A year ago I received a telegram telling me that you arrived safely. Already a long and difficult year.

My daily prayer is that God may let me stay in my tiny room until, hopefully, I too will have the good fortune to come to you, my dear three. Dearest Hannie, I gladly would grant your wish to send you a warm skirt, if only the word "if" did not exist. Maybe aunt Lisl can play the good fairy. I will speak to her when she comes again. It is possible that, before emigrating, Sigbert can justify coming here for 10 days. If it is not too cold, I can sleep on Mrs. Wolfs' davenport. Unfortunately, there is no other solution. Fritz is very passive toward his sister. After all, he does have an apartment.

Tuesday I am invited for coffee at Paulchens'. What do you say to that? He probably is lonesome. Hopefully, there will be more people, but I don't know. Wednesday. Saturday and Sunday they play (cards) there. On the other days he learns Spanish. As he says, it is difficult to learn.

Today I have very little to write you. I hope within the week I will have more things that interest you, my dears. How nice it would be if we could talk with each other, but that will remain a wish only.

And now, my dear, good children, I wish you good things. God be with you, also with me and bless us. I hope I will soon get good news from you, that is my entire pleasure. I wish you well. Many hearty greetings and kisses from your faithful Oma, always your dear Mother.

I don't really know how to thank you, my dear three, for all your loving letters that are my entire happiness during this sorrowful time.

On November 3rd I received your dear letter of October 13, just as I returned from the Post Office at 9 o'clock. I immediately mailed it to Kuenzelsau, because the dear ones wait, with great longing, for your dear letters, especially Sigbert, whose thoughts are with your business, dear Felix. Your income increased. I am so happy about it. He (Sigbert) can't wait for the time to come when he can help you. Daily I thank God that He led you down this road. With a very heavy heart I saw you, my dear three, leave the train station for your long, arduous journey. I worried every hour and thank the Almighty that He spared you all the hardships.

This week several telegrams were received that the necessary funds are available. I already wrote you about Hedwig Stoss. Jenny Hilb also was offered 1500 Mark, and Kurt, of course is desperate. He doesn't want to be left alone. He wired his brother and asked him to gather the necessary money. Sepp also got a telegram from Walter, that the immigration to Cuba is in progress. Barths got the same notice.

Sigbert is longing for an answer, which should arrive any day. In Philadelphia they aren't up to date. But by the time you receive this letter, hopefully everything will be settled. Joe gladly will give Sigbert the amount, and because of that, he has the best chance to leave. Of course, he was never in a hurry, which is understandable, but sadly he missed making connections. Now there are more and more difficulties. I must say I wouldn't have the courage to take such a big trip. Who knows how long one has to stay in Cuba?

So, my dears, I will get dressed and go to Paulchen for coffee. I don't know who all are coming or if I am the only one. I will tell you tonight.

When I came home the nicest surprise was your letter, my dears, of October 20. Hearty thanks for it! I look at it and read of your good fortune and satisfaction. I am well also and am doing everything to stay that way.

I spend some cozy hours at Paulchen. We had excellent coffee and applecake which Emmy baked herself. He is so lonesome, even if there is a houseful of people. Of course he always has company in the evening, when the men get together. Wednesday Bily goes there to play tarok, then he takes Spanish four times and studies diligently. In Montevideo they speak Spanish. Of course he would like to go to Denver, but he missed the connections. He inquired so about you. I showed him your photos from there (Denver). He was deeply moved as he remembered the times of the past. A few days ago it was the anniversary of his wife's death, of whom he speaks so lovingly.

Now, first of all, I compliment you, my dearest Hannie, on receiving such excellent grades. Heartiest thanks for your dear English letter. I appreciate it doubly that, inspite of all your work, you take the time (to write). I was also thinking of you, my darling. I finished the three beautiful knitted garments, a grey vest, a green pullover and a copper colored one. Now, dear Hilde, you are next. I hope to have the good fortune of seeing you, my dears, in them (the garments). I am glad to be busy. How many good wishes are knitted inside. With my heart and my thoughts I am with you, my dearest three. Will I ever have the good fortune of seeing you, my dears, once again?

From Gerda and Alma I haven't heard any more. How will the poor dear stand such hardships? She wrote me a few lines for the New Year, but I am always thinking of the two, how they stood the trip, and where they are staying.

Whether Arthur or Lotte can help them is doubtful. I pray mornings and evenings that I will be spared. (deportation).

Last week a letter came from the dear ones in Philadelphia. Dear mother wasn't able to write yet. The 70th birthday is quite an occasion. I certainly believe she enjoyed your poem, dear Hannie. The poem you wrote for me is in my prayer book. I read it over and over. Uncle Sigbert copied it for himself.

We have religious services again in the Schuhhaus Street, but I am afraid of the stairs. How quickly one falls and breaks a bone. I find the Almighty at home in my little room and pray for you, my dearest, who are far away, and ask the Almighty to bless you.

We have not heard anything from Bottenschein. It's a mess and one can't do a thing about it. Surely they will release the prayer books. Then I will send the one for you, my dearest Hilde, also the one for you, dearest Hannie, via the quickest route. I really need my things very badly. Sometime next week Lisl will go to Stuttgart and also come here. Then I will find out more. I am certain that Sigbert will come here to see about his emigration. Then I think they will come together. Lisl can't rest when Sigbert is alone in the house. He never steps outside. One can get very depressed then. Tomorrow or Saturday I hope to get a letter from him that will tell me if I have to see Moos in regard to Sigbert. Then I will sleep on Mrs. Wolfs' davenport and give the two my bed.

Now Mrs. Helene Hirsch died. She didn't have it so nice in her new home. Was only 54 years old, a hard blow for her husband. The daughter-in-law must have been very kind to her. The woman really deserved a few happy years with her loved ones, but we are powerless against fate.

Her poor mother now already lost four grown children. She lives in a sanitarium in Switzerland.

From Moni I haven't heard in months. I think I already wrote you that she left her job, but I don't know if she will get married. Mrs. Heinrich also has not been here for weeks. From Unterelchingen she seldom comes to town.

Dear Felix, you ask how Mergenthaler came to talk about you. Several families got together to reminisce about the past and exchange old memories, when Niess spoke about a good friend. It so happened that the Mergenthalers knew all of you and inquired about you. The world is so large and yet so small.

Dear Felix, Sigbert informed you about everything in Heilbronn. He wrote it to me. Unfortunately, it is so, as I had feared. But Sigbert and Lisl calmed me down. I should not worry. They will look after me like you did, my dears. Everything will turn out alright. God will stand by me. I can't tell you how kind and courteous Lisl is toward me and Mrs. Wolf. She has no one either. The wife of Fritz is so jealous of Lisl. Fritz does not earn a great deal, and she no longer gets an allowance from her mother.

Miss Model stops frequently in the evenings. She stays for coffee that we make often. She still goes with Mr. Strauss, who is a severely disabled war veteran like Mr. Weglein. He is 44 years old, in good circumstances, but it is quite a decision to marry a man with such a prothesis. She is all alone. All of her siblings and mother are away. But she sees how bad the situation is with Weglein that she fears it will be that way for her.

I learned tonight that Dr. Hecht also received a telegram from his son saying that application was made for a visa for Cuba. If everything works out for the people, who received telegrams during the last days, everyone will be gone pretty soon. One must wait and see what happens.

From Luise I had a letter also. She was very pleased with the cake. Yesterday was a Golden Wedding in Herrlingen. Mr. and Mrs. M. He is 75 and she is 71. Both are still very spry. On the 6th is the wedding of Ruth Wassermann in Munich, she is 18 and he is 30 years old.

Dear Hannie, I probably have to write to Edith Weil, since she does not come to Ulm. She would be very pleased.

Mrs. Stoss is in Stuttgart for a few days. She will be happy with your dear English letter and the nice design. Now it's already 11 p.m. I want to mail the letter tomorrow morning and then send your dear letter to Kuenzelsau. Everyone is peacefully asleep. Where you are, my dears, it is afternoon. You, dear Felix, are at work, and you, my dears, are at home. How easily my thoughts are with you.

Mrs. Wolf is very shaky. Her niece is away most of the time. The woman has aged so much. God knows if she will ever see her daughter again. Sterns are the same. They are really kind.

Now, my dears, sleep well and stay healthy. My prayer accompanies you on all your undertakings. May the dear Lord take care of you. Again, many sincere thanks. Heartiest greeting, my dears. I hold you in my arms and kiss you. Your dear, old faithful Mother, who thinks of you always.

This week I was going to write a short letter, but it turned out to be a long one. So today I really don't have much to tell you.

I already answered your letter of October 20 and acknowledged it with thanks. I mailed the one with the little heart, dear Hannie, to the dear ones. They will bring it back when Lisl comes here on Wednesday. I am not sure whether Sigbert comes or if he decides to get his identity card. He does not go anywhere any more. Miss Model wrote that he has not stepped outside for 23 days. Even the sanest person can go crazy. Until today he never answered the telegram that was sent from Philadelphia on October 24/25. I really feel sorry for him and for Lisl. Sigbert let everything drag on for so long that now, when he wants to leave at any cost, it is too late.

A lot of telegrams came last week, but all are in vain. Mrs. Stoss is working feverishly on her things, but it does no good either, since she is not yet 60 years old. It is sad that our lessons were halted. Maybe she will start them again. Today we must live for today.

There is talk that maybe Miss Neuburger will take over the classes. I don't know how well she speaks (English). Most of the people no longer care, but I have a different point of view. Studying diverts me, then I forget all my sorrows for a time. I have made good progress with the teacher. As a person he is as disagreeable as ever, but I don't have much to do with him otherwise. Now I am reading with him the book, "Every Day a Conversation." I don't know if you also had it. He is enamored with you, my dear three. That's the only subject where he shows any emotion.

I hope, my dears, that you are well and happy together. I also hope that my letters don't take too long, although Mother wrote on October 15 that a letter from Sigbert took four weeks. She never mentioned my birthday letter. I hope it got there.

Mother wrote that we read your poem, dear Hannie, before she read it. That's an error. My darling, maybe you will give us the pleasure and mail it for us to read. My entire happiness is to receive your dear, nice letters.

Yesterday I received a box of canned fruit. I sent my canning sugar to Mrs. L. She and Lisl went to a lot of trouble. I was moved to tears. My only wish is that the good Lord will let me eat the fruit in my small, warm room. That is my prayer in the evening and in the morning.

Yesterday was Ruth Wassermann's wedding. It was in Munich with his parents, but today they returned to Herrlingen. He works now in Weissenstein. Dear Felix, you know where that is. Everything is being readied there for the people from Stuttgart. Here they talk about Dellmensingen. That is where Fisher lived. As I remember, isn't there an old castle?

From Gerda and Alma I have heard nothing. That may take weeks.

Rosemarie received your card, dear Hannie. I saw Mrs. Weiher on the street. Within the next few days I will bring her an air mail sheet. She was so pleased with your card. I will enclose the letter, dear Hannie, probably in my next letter, which I will address to you.

When Lisl gets to Stuttgart this week she will forcefully talk with Bottenschein. Such carelessness is an insult. It hurts my heart to think of all my things, which I lovingly saved for many years. We don't want to think about it.

Lately I am sleeping very poorly. Last night I didn't fall asleep until 4 o'clock. The next day I am exhausted. Mrs. Wolf also does not feel so well. Her shaking gets worse all the time. She can barely do anything in the house any more. It would be an unpleasant burden if she had a fall, but I don't believe it will come to that.

By the way, did you get Emma's things from Portland? As I remember, mother had a beige vest that was too light for her. Didn't you, dear Hilde, want it as a gift? Mother (Charlotte Baer) had a very nice 70th birthday. She was honored from all sides.

But now, my dears, I have to close. I will continue on Tuesday. I want to tell you everything, because I know what bothers me, bothers you also, and you feel with me. And now, my dears, may God be with you.....

The following is a letter from my girlfriend, Rosemarie Lang (Buehrle), written on November 11, 1941. She is my oldest friend. We met when I was 5 and she was 6 years old. We lived in the same apartment house. She lived on the top floor with her grandparents and her widowed mother. While I was shunned by most of my Christian friends, she never wavered in her loyalty toward me. We have remained close friends until today.

I heartily thank you for your nice card. You just can't imagine how happy I was to hear from you again, dear Spazi. I want you to know how often I think of you. I miss you very much and the good times we had together. That was really wonderful.

Until now I have not found anyone with whom I get along so well as I got along with you. Do you still remember how we played with all the brochures in Lotte's yard? Or how we two rode our tricycles? Oh, they are such beautiful memories that I will never forget!

Now, dear Spazie, I wish you everything good for your birthday and lots of luck for the future. May things always go well for you. I think the wishes will get there on time, but the letter takes a long time.

Dear Spazie, how are you and your dear parents? Hopefully, very well. Here everyone is well and happy.

Don't be angry if I write the letter on my typewriter. I thought it might be easier to read.

Fanny Ulrich (now Fanny Kaechler, a dear friend today as well) sends many regards.

If you ever find time again, think of me and drop me a few lines. I would be so happy.

Regards also from my mother and my grandparents. Stay well and 1000 kisses,

I must write on this sheet, because I can't use a fresh one. All in all, everything is as it was. I am in good health, and for that I am thankful. If it only lasts during winter, in the spring my cough isn't so bad. You, dear Felix, are on your feet so many hours. That is not good for your rheumatism.

Mr. Levy here in the building, is very sick again. We always believe that he isn't going to make it, but he always gets well. Mr. Stern doesn't hear any more from his friend, who also was very ill, the man is a beer salesman and a victim of his profession.

Paulchen is in bad shape also, his being alone adds to it. Have little to tell you. Stay well, my children and hope with me that I stay well also. There is nothing else to be answered. I will see what Lisl gets accomplished at Bottenscheins. I have no warm things in case of an emergency. My heart bleeds when I think of everything.

May the Almighty take care of you, my loved ones. Many loving regards and kisses; always in my heart, your Mother.

On Sunday evening I took Rosi the sheet of paper and the envelope and that evening she brought it back to me, so my first priority today is to send you, my darling, the enclosed letter and mail them both. She thought it would even take longer to get there, but to congratulate you on your birthday is too early. I really don't know what is better, should aunt Camilla's illness befall me, in the end it would not be possible for me to write any more. But I will pray to the Almighty and ask that He spare me. Unfortunately, in Stuttgart there have been many similar cases, but I hope that, because of my age, I will be spared.

Thursday or Friday Lisl is coming by herself. Sigbert can't bring himself to go on a trip. He has not left the house for four weeks. My heart aches for him. I tried everything to get him to come here. I got a letter yesterday where he wrote that he was coming, and then a nice card that said he just couldn't bring himself to travel. Because of that, Lisl will stay here only briefly, since she can't relax knowing he is alone. He no longer goes to his mother-in-law for dinner but cooks for himself at home.

It is hard for me to understand that until today he has not received an answer to the telegram he sent to Philadelphia. Although by now it is all outdated. You have no idea how many telegrams arrived, everything is of no use. Mrs. Stoss also achieved nothing. She no longer teaches and works diligently toward the day when she can leave. If I were Sigbert I would do likewise, because surely Joe will send the necessary funds.

Unfortunately, I have received nothing this week from you, my dear three. I pray each morning and night that God will see to it that I always hear from you. That shall be my salvation among all my sorrows. My thoughts and all my senses are with you and daily I thank the Heavens that led you on this road. The dear ones in Kuenzelsau write the same. From Gerda and Alma I have heard nothing. I wonder how the poor sick person and Alma, who has had trouble with her nerves, are faring? I don't know anything else. I will write together with Lisl on Friday. She went to Stuttgart in regard to Bottenschein. (the conclusion of the letter is missing.)

This is the third "American" letter that I saved for the last. First I wrote to Philadelphia, then I answered Lotte and Julius' letter, and everything dear I saved for you, my dears. Sadly, I have been without news from you for nearly two weeks. The last letter took 12 days and I was joyful, thinking it would always be so, but my wish was not fulfilled. I hope all is well with you, my dears, but I worry so that you worry about me, and I don't know whether you receive mail from me. I am well and hope to God it will stay so, but whether this wish and the silent prayer are heard is questionable. No one can answer what fate decrees.

Tomorrow I expect Lisl. Since last Monday she is in Stuttgart and went through so much at the dentist. She was operated on the jaw three times. Everything was infected. Lisl would be better off to have her teeth pulled and get good false teeth. I am so glad I decided to have all my teeth pulled. My dentures are very nice and fit very well. I can eat anything with them. It took a few unpleasant months, but they passed like all the difficult times in life.

Until now Sigbert hasn't received an answer to his two cables sent to Cuba. It puzzles me. Both were sent, because this week, through Mrs. Pik, whom you also know, came the bill. Everything is useless now. It's a waste for every dollar spent. Hedwig Stoss worked feverishly to get everything ready, but she also was a mile late. On the other hand, Mrs. Bach from Stuttgart, for whom Walter Friedmann took care of everything, is also here yet, and shares her lot with many compatriots. I think the Cohns from Hohebach are still in Berlin. Whether they will come back I don't know. I would have liked to have Sigbert here to get him over the loneliness, but he does not want to ask for an identity card. He has not left the house for four weeks. One can go crazy. Now he has been alone for eight days in the large house. No doubt Mrs. L. will look after him. Lisl will stay here for the whole week, and stay briefly in Stuttgart. Sigbert wrote she should go to Augsburg, who knows if we will ever see each other again? For Sigbert it is not possible to go, so Lisl should go for us. Everything is so hopeless, and the mind must tell us to stay well and not lose our nerves.

From Gerda and Alma I still have not heard. How do you like the letter from Lotte? They never asked where you are and how you are. I answered them accordingly. Also regarding a sponsor in Texas I gave them the necessary answer. They are relatives of my late father.

I heard once that Julius found the address. A while back I also searched for the address but was not successful.

It is not true that Gerda and Alma have a sponsor. I am glad you did not write to them. (Lotte and Julius.) They don't have much use for their relatives. They have suffered a lot with their son. Julius has not earned much in six years, and Lotte has to work.

I am so thankful to the Almighty, from deep within my heart, that He took you under His wing, my dears, and saw to it that you, dear Felix, have built up a business within nine months that enables you, dear Hilde and dear Hannie, to live a carefree life. I can't thank you enough, dear Felix, that my only child is in such good hands. Should I have the good fortune to see you again in good health, I would be so happy, but if I must close my eyes forever, I will do so with the thought that you, my dears are taken care of in this world, and that the Almighty will protect you.

Tuesday I will write together with Lisl. Maybe we will get good news from you soon.

And now, my dears, may God be with you. I wish you everything good. Many hearty regards and kisses, always your dear Mother, who blesses you in love.

With great pleasure just now I received your dear letter of October 27th. Many thanks for it. I thank God when I receive good, and quite regularly, news from you, my dears, and pray daily that the Almighty will grant me this fortune during these difficult times.

Lisl did not come until Sunday afternoon. We waited for her since Thursday. She couldn't come any earlier. The dentist would not allow her to travel. She arrived here with a badly swollen face. They had to cut into her jaw three times to get rid of the pus. She swallowed so much poison, her blood is totally poisoned. It might be best to have her teeth pulled. Whether it would help no one knows.

Sigbert is alone in the big house. A few acquaintances stop by to visit him. In the evening he quickly goes to his mother-in-law to pick up the food for the next day. Such a life is not worth living.

I expect Lisl back this afternoon. She had in mind to come back from Stuttgart yesterday. She will stay with me for a few days. After having gone through so much, she looks pitiful. We always see how important our health is. Especially in a strange country (America?), because such operations are very expensive.

With deep sadness two people will leave us this week. I can't begin to tell you in a few meager words how I feel. My good fortune is that 60 is the age limit. It is possible they will meet their old friends there, the Frenkels, for instance. Unfortunately, Miss Steiner is one of them. In the building here alone, nine people have to part from us. Suse Barth, her parents, all the Zodicks. Paulchen was 60 years old on December 30. How much longer you can write to my address I don't know. I hope I can keep you up to date on everything. The good Lord will stand beside me and all friends and help us overcome the difficult times. (Parts of this letter are illegible.)

Until now I have heard nothing from the Revenue Office. They will deal with Sigbert. I am terribly worried, but Sigbert says he will get some money for me from his account. I can't change things, no matter how much I grieve.

The stationery must be getting heavier. I can't use two sheets any more, otherwise the letter is overweight.

Today, my dears, I have no news to tell you. As I wrote already, we see no one and go to no one. Since last Saturday we again have religious services in the Schuhhausgasse, But I fear the steep, poor steps. An accident happens so quickly, and you can break a leg or an arm. So Mrs. Wolf and I pray together, and ask the Almighty to keep you, who mean everything in the world to us, in His care. (the following part does not match the contents of this letter.)

...The English course should be there, but we proposed to have it either in my living room or at Mrs. Wolfs' where there is enough space. Then it is convenient for us in the winter when it gets dark so early. It would be a protection for both of us, because it is far away, (presumably where the lessons were to take place.) Now I really have to study hard. Someone had to write a composition for tomorrow. They asked for volunteers. Since no one raised his hand, I did it. If I didn't make too many mistakes, I will send it to you, my dearest Hannie.

Now, my dear children, I hope to God that I stay well. Everything good for you, my dears; God protect you. Heartiest greetings and kisses from your dear Mother, whose spirit blesses you, and prays daily to the Almighty, that He may bring me the good fortune of seeing you again.

On November 1,1940, Emmy Frankfurter was forced to move to one of the "Jew houses" on Neutor Street 15 in Ulm, Germany.

She shared her small quarters with Mrs. Rosa Wolff from Neu-Ulm.

On September 9, 1941, Mrs. Wolff added a brief note to one of Emmy's letters. This is what she wrote,

"Dear Baers,

With this note you will hear from me again. I want to send you most ardent wishes for the New Year (Rosh Hashana) and hope you will be pleased.

May good fortune look favorably upon you and see to it that we will soon meet again.

From Dora (her daughter) I received a small photo and good reports this week.

I hope this finds you well. Spend those days pleasantly.

Best regards to all of you.

Yours, Rosa Wolff.

As of October 1, 1941, Jews no longer were allowed to emigrate.

With the exception of a few, the people mentioned in the letters were deported and murdered in the Nazi death camps.

My grandmother lived with the premonition that she too would "contract the disease."

Her fears became reality when, on April 26, 1942, along with 278 Jews, 14 from Ulm, she was transported to Izbica, Poland, and taken to Belzec, where, presumably, she died in the gas chamber. The date of her death is unknown.

My uncle, Sigbert Baer and his wife, Lisl, survived. He never made it to America. Instead, he was forced to work in a saw mill during World War II. His wife remained at his side during those turbulent years.

Camilla Neumann also survived.