Erika Rummel's Blog

 

 

Anatsui at the Broad
At the back of LACMA
Me "seeing" the solar eclipse in LA
                                                    Iconic me in front of iconic LACMA installation

 

AND ANOTHER KIND OF "QUILT" AT THE #BROAD:

 

Mainz, 28.3.39

My dear Gretel, thank you for yourkind thoughts on this day. Oh, if only I was already out [of this life?] – Ilong so much for it. But no one asks about [my wishes], one has to suffer tothe extreme end! You should know that, and [I am telling you now] only becauseI hope that it will not take much longer, or I would gladly have spared you forthe time being. I suffer all the time, and all your prophesies of [the growth]stopping or similar developments, for which I myself have long waited like forthe Messiah, are worth nothing. It would have been better if you had asked yourclever physicians about medications that might help against the pain which getsworse with every day. Mind you, there is hardly any medication that Ernst [Emma’sdoctor] hasn’t prescribed, who looks after me every week now. And sinceSaturday I also receive injections, which Sister Maria gives me …[illegible].They make me very tired without helping me much. Today I went on strike. Iwanted to write to you already in the morning while lying down, and after theinjections I doze for hours. But today I was too tired, and now after my teawhich always makes me feel a little better, I write to you immediately becauseI don’t know how I will feel over the next days and because I also must writeto Lilly [Emma’s daughter in Buenos Aires] these days. I am bound tothink a great deal about poor Julius [Gretel’s late husband], how muchhe had to suffer, how he lost weight and hardly had the will to eat anymore. Itoo am almost at that stage, for a long time now I have been terribly skinny,and most of the time I have to force myself to eat, but for certain reasons Iwant to hang on a little longer. But don’t come to me now – apart from the factthat you have no time, I no longer have a bed downstairs. The one upstairs inthe attic is wrecked, and I returned Mrs. Achenbach’s bed to her. Gustel [AugusteGutmann, married to Emma’s uncle] is living at Mimi’s [Emma’s sister]now, that poor thing is homeless since Saturday and still has no idea when shecan leave and where to go, presumably first to Manchester. It looks like it’snot going to work out in Latvia [where Milly had a textile factory].Milly stayed at first with Berthe [Bertha Goetz, related to Milly’s husband]in London, and I think, she is also now in Manchester – has she not talked withyou? I am sorry that Ernst’s [Gretel’s youngest son] hand is stilltaking a long time to heal, but I can’t understand it. Your physicians don’tseem to be very skilful. I am surprised that H. wants to build a new future sofar away, as she did quite well so far making progress. I am very sorry thatnow, that you have your furniture, you are not using it and are renting a flat– it’s not about the money that I have to pay (that will happen as soon as Dr.Kraus has permission), but that you have to pay 15 Pounds there now. SurelyWolfgang [Gretel’s oldest son] and Hans [Hans Juda, married to Gretel’sdaughter Elsbeth] and Elsbeth too can manage that, and you can repay themlater if they are in such need. There are many things in which I don’tunderstand you. For months you press me about your furniture and when you haveit, you make difficulties for yourself. Don’t forget about Liebensteins [Emmas’sneighbours], they would like to know more details about you, and you won’tbelieve, how uncomfortable I am with that. This week a certain Mrs Lautner [?]was here twice, who wanted to have your address. She referred to a certain Mrs.Altschueler from Kaiserslauten, I believe, whom Julius [Gretel’s latehusband] knew very well, and [talked] more such nonsense, and although Iwas in bed after the second injection, I asked her to come in, so I could [talkto her] myself. I said you are in the process of moving, I did not have anaddress for you, and why did she need it, etc. Of course it was about WoburnHouse [Jewish refuge centre aiding German and Austrian Jews to emigrate toBritain], so I quickly got rid of her. Tomorrow, after 5, I expect [a visit from] a gentleman from the localcourt for the purpose of a general power of attorney, valid also after my death.[It is] for my administrator, who will come along.  I already…

[The end of this letter ismissing. Emma Neuman committed suicide on 3 April, 1939].

For the originals see LBI Archives AR 7167/MF 720.Thetranslation is by Erika Rummel and Susi Lessing.

 

 22.3. 1939

My dear Gretel, I just settleddown to write to you, that is, stretched out on the chaise longue, as I alwaysdo in the morning -- earlier I had called Dr. Kr[aus], unfortunately to nopurpose because you always tell me half of everything or less than half -- whenMrs. Liebenstein [Emma’s neighbour] arrived for a lengthy visit. She toohad nothing pleasant to tell me. First about Dr. Kr[aus]: You tell me that yourfurniture is now at customs, for which I was very glad. As you write thateverything is working out once I pay, I waited until this morning for a callfrom Dr. K. telling me to send the money. Then I called him myself, so I couldwrite about it to you, and heard to my surprise that I need not look afteranything, that you knew everything from him, from Br. and Roth etc., also themain thing – that the 15 Pounds must be paid there in foreign currency, as forsending the money to the company one first needs permission from the foreigncurrency office. Dr. K. is of the opinion, which I second, that it cannot bevery difficult for you to have someone there pay the 80 Marks or lend them toyou. Is Wolfgang [Gretel’s oldest son] not able to do so, or Turk [?] orwhoever else there may be? And I cannot understand that you cannot findsufficient time for yourself, to rent a flat. After all that is also important,and mainly, let me advise you not to rent just a place for the summer now thatit will soon be warm weather, but rather to think of winter, so that you willhave a warm and comfortable place by then. You know how bad this winter was,and we had snow until yesterday and very cold temperatures. Mrs. Liebensteinwas very indignant – I promised to report it to you. She wrote to you twice infive months, always with return postage, and you remained mum (she said). Shehas a very rich brother in Lugano [?], who will give full guarantees for her,and they also want to go to England and would like to know how much money theyhave to deposit and for how many years. I promised to write that to you, andperhaps you could write to her directly at Kaiserstasse 41 or write to me, andshe will pick up the answer in eight days. It would be best if you told herabout the office where she needs to apply. If you could do so, I personallywould like it if you took care of her a little. She was not wrong to say: ifone lives 30 years in a house, well, etc. To get back to your office affairs,may I ask: What do you mean when you say “Tell Oppenh[eimer] and the otherrelatives that I have nothing at all to do with Wob[urn] House”? [WoburnHouse was the Jewish Refugee Centre helping German and Austrian Jews toemigrate to Britain.] I know that very well and haven’t been asked for youraddress or anything else in a long time. Who is Oppenheimer? As far as Iremember…Marianne [?] asked for your address. Are the Webers finally leavingyou in peace? I haven’t heard from them in a long time. Mar.’s principle is towrite to us only when she wants something, and Lilly v H [i.e. from Hanau?]didn’t even think of visiting me. Some time ago I wrote to you “I bet you tento one, that you won’t guess who visited me” – since it is a riddle, put a“Dr.” in front, and you’ll solve it. That Lilly has an acquaintance in Hanau,you know as well as I do, you silly girl! Did you not at the time take mysilverware along? [A decree of Feb 21 1939 required Jews to turn in gold,silver, and other valuables to the state without compensation.]  Otherwise, I don’t understand your doubts.Adele visited me yesterday morning and told me much that was of interest. Afteryears of hesitation on B’s part, she and B intend to visit your hospitableisland, but how long will it take [to realize that]? T. Georgi was here justnow for an hour in the morning and brought me a very kind letter from Irmgardand a piece of Prinzregenten cake from the birthday [celebration]. Lieschenarrived safely in C[anada] with her party of five. Now, after my tea, I amsitting once again at my desk, expecting Mimi [Wilhelmine Bing, Emma’ssister] shortly, perhaps also Guste [Auguste Gutmann, married to Emma'suncle] and am sending you, my dear child, 1000 heartfelt greetings andkisses for today. Your devoted mother.

FOR MORE LETTERS SEE MY NEXT BLOGPOST. For the originalssee LBI Archives AR 7167/MF 720.The translation is by Erika Rummeland Susi Lessing.

 

Thursday, 16.3. 1939

My dear Gretel, for once your dearletter arrived a day late, instead I received a letter from Dr. K[raus] onTuesday answering my letter of 19.2. It is a good thing that February is over,those people were very stressed with filing taxes, etc. – that’s also how hejustifies his late reply. As he wrote that you are informed about everythingand that he has sent you a number of copies, I won’t deal further with thecontents of his letter to me. Yesterday I gave it to Dietz, so that he candiscuss most of the content with him and can then report back about it to me.One matter, about which I immediately contacted the company Zo [?] by phone, ashis report that you had received the clearance document for your furniture, andhe asked me whether I wanted or was in a position to pay for it. I explained tohim that the money was available to him any time (of course he will have tonegotiate with the currency exchange office first) and must immediately informme when he has any information, also from the company Br. and R. because he stillhas to inquire how much has to be paid. He mentioned ca. 250 Marks – I hope itisn’t much more. I can see, however, that you yourself have contributed to thedelay of the matter. First you tormented me for weeks about paying the moneyfor the furniture, for which I had no opportunity however (it is amazing howignorant you are over there about the circumstances and regulations here), andnow you have allowed 2 weeks to pass without informing me what I ought to do. Iwould of course have instructed Dr. K[raus] to have your furniture released, inwhich case you might perhaps have had them by 1. April, and for which you areso eager. That appears to be very questionable to me now, although Dr. Kr[aus]is of the opinion that the company can send the furniture as soon as they havethe money. For your sake I hope that’s the case. I am glad that you were ableto spend a nice evening with F and also that you are now going out more often.The monotonous life you led combined with the heavy load of work does not suityou, and I can also tell from your letters that you are in a better state [ofmind] now and not as harassed and upset as you were at first, even though thereare quite a few things that seem to depress you now. But that will also beresolved. Ernst St. [Emma’s doctor] was here just now. He looks in on menow every week and regularly prescribes painkillers for me, first Enkodal,today also Optalidon, but unfortunately they no longer help, and I have tosuffer the pain and grit my teeth. It is one advantage that the nights arebetter than the days, and I am able to sleep for a few hours, with sufficientmedication, that is. You wanted a report about my condition and you mustn’thave any illusions, just as I no longer have any. Even the nice comforting thoughtof spring no longer works for me, unless a miracle happened and the growth ofthe tumour stopped, and I still have a little hope of that coming about.Nevertheless, don’t worry about me, my dear child, you know that I won’treadily throw in the towel and am not easily overcome. The most important thingfor me is that you are happy and content, and this is the greatest consolationto me. You know, I overestimated your intelligence! That’s the consequence,that you silly child don’t occupy yourself crossword puzzles and other riddlesand did not quite understand the clever riddle I posed you. By the way, letterwas once again opened by the customs office “to check on currency exchange”.Have my letters been opened as well? I should have written “Rosenecke” [?]instead of “Hanau” – perhaps you would have understood the riddle a little betterthen, or perhaps “Tiloit” [?] or something similar. But you did know that L hadfriends in H[anau]? Well then!! I hope you had good news from Ernst [Margarete’sson], and his finger will soon be healed. Will he get his old job back?  You won’t have such an urgent need for the oldfine handkerchiefs, as you write, and you will perhaps soon haven anopportunity to pick them up yourself. One can’t entrust that to another person,or don’t you know that either? In any case they are not that valuable, theywon’t make anyone rich. Why would I worry about Kahn [?]? I told you that thisbusiness is all the same to me, I don’t even think about such things. Instead,I have a lot of things to do with my administrator and put in order before 1.4.[the date on which an instalment of the wealth tax was due, according to theordinance of 21 November 1938], we must wait for the decision about thetaxes, and other such things. Gustl’s [Auguste, cousin of Emma’s father] affairsare one step further, the day before yesterday their furniture was finallytaken away in a small container [?], for which they had to pay a year [inadvance] so that it can remain in the duty-free harbour – for first they haveto obtain the immigration permit, and during all those preparations thingsoften change completely on account of new regulations, which appear overnight.

            Ihave to end for today and remain with 1000 kind greetings and kisses,

Your devoted old Mother

 

FOR MORE LETTERS SEE MY NEXT BLOGPOST. For the originalssee LBI Archives AR 7167/MF 720.The translation is by Erika Rummeland Susi Lessing.

 

 

Wednesday 8.3. 1939

My dear Gretel, yesterday Ireceived your dear letter of Sunday, as I do every Tuesday, and took greatpleasure in it because the contents did not affect my mood as negatively as theydo most of the time. It is good that you have a little more time for yourselfnow, at least you can spend Monday and Saturday afternoons as you please,although you still have to deal with too much correspondence. Forgive myscribbling, I am trying for once to write to you while I lying down, because inthe afternoon that is better for my leg. And to lie down and do nothing isterrible for me and only fatigues me. Yesterday I looked through the oldaccount books while lying down, and through he housekeeping book of my deargrandmother, all of which is to be pulped, together with the contents ofanother bookcase, as well as Der Morgen [a German-Jewish literarymagazine founded by Julius Goldstein, Emma’s son-in-law, published between 1925and 1938] – or should I not do that? But what will happen with it infuture? In the afternoon I am more hands-on (although I’m talking about myleg!) and at that time I also have A[delheid]’s [Emma’s maid] help.First the laundry was put away, then the (finally cleaned) bookcase was set up– earlier on, there was still broken glass in it from 10. 11. [a referenceto Pogromnacht, when Nazis rampaged and destroyed Jewish property]—but withalmost no books, and why bother? Last week I gave away a huge number, includingseveral novels, to Babettchen, to whom Mrs. Schweizer, her sister, has set agood example. In other respects, too, she is a woman who does an infiniteamount of good and constantly cares for the poor. This time your letter wasopened by the foreign exchange office, and some time ago the same happened withone of Lilly’s [emma’s oldest daughter]. But they miscalculated. Theycould see only what good and loving daughters I have, so ha-ha! And you writethat you are now in possession of the clearance certificate for the furniture –so what’s next? Who notified you of this? I wish you’d write in a little moredetail about these things, also if anyone else apart from me reported to youabout the tax ruling of 800 Marks, and why suddenly such a large sum. Yourfriend Kahn [?] threated through his advisor to force an auction. The letterwas addressed to my administrator, with a copy to me. I am waiting what thefuture will bring. I just want to know who will take care of your furniture –since I will shell out the money for it. I don’t want you to be under any illusionthat you will have the furniture by 1.4., as much as I would wish it for yoursake. Aunt Pauline, who emigrated in May, has only now come into possession ofhers. It is true, however, that there were constantly new difficulties and newregulations. On Saturday afternoon I had pleasant visitors, and in addition Iinvited Mimi [Emma’s sister, Wilhelmine Bing]– indeed, I can’t seat morethan 4 persons at the table in the living room. I bet you 10 to 1 that youwon’t guess who my visitors were, but not to make the test too hard on yourcuriosity, I will tell you that they are Lilly’s friends from Hanau. I even letthem take along the fine little handkerchief which you left behind in thesummer – it would be regrettable if it got into the wrong hands. Well then,they are approximately 2 hours [away], you will find the address in the list ofnames in the green address book. Besides, Mimi knows about it, and I am sureyou will have an opportunity at some time, when it’s worth your while, to fetchthe handkerchief or have it brought to you. That answers your question of lastmonth.

            Thismorning I received a list of silver items one may keep or must surrender. Iwanted to tell you in case you don’t know about that, and I am glad I no longerhave much silver, yet sorry for every single piece that I must surrender. Lastweek I forgot to write to you about a letter from Rose which came to my addressbut was meant for you and asks for your address. She writes from Villars [skiingarea in Switzerland] (the highest and most beautiful place in all of“Bexen” [Bex, town at the foot of Villars]), where she accepted aposition for a few months. – Now that I have gotten up, I see that the letteris for me after all. She just wants to know whether you are still en France[in France], etc. and where, and she complains bitterly that she haslost a great deal on account of her husband’s brother, that she couldn’t paythe interest (ses intérêts),that’s why she took this job. Yet she kindly invites me, if necessary, tocome to her, saying that she had always room for me. She wants your address –should I give it to her? I am sure she will not ask you or me for anything. Ifyou do not write to her, I will, she is there only until 20.3.

            Afew days ago someone from the Staedtische Sparkasse [municipal bank] calledconcerning your taxes. I referred the gentleman to Dr. Kraus [Emma’s legalcounsel, former mayor of Mainz]. [I said that Kraus] took over thosematters because I am too old and sick, and he ought to call him. Have you heardanything about that? K[raus] no longer tells me anything, I assume that hecorresponds with you directly and that you know more than I. Perhaps thismatter is connected with your furniture – I don’t know a thing about it. WhenMilly [Amalie Schwarz, emma’s sister, who later left for Riga and GreatBritain] is there, I assume you will talk to her, then she can report toyou about Leo herself. That idiot has only now, that is, a short while ago,applied for an extension to his resident permit.  I am glad that family M will come to youshortly, but it is tragic that the poor man has to go on suffering so much,just like poor L in L – which again shows the duplicate nature of the cases.Here the weather has also turned warmer, and I frequently air out the apartmentand sometimes also go out on the balcony – but that’s not possible todaybecause of the stormy weather.

            Iwant to conclude because Mimi will soon arrive, perhaps also Georgi [perhapsGeorgine Eller, Emma’s sister], and then I won’t be able to continuewriting, or rather to send off the letter, because Adelheid has beenparticipating in air raid safety exercises for more than 8 days, and I want herto take the letter along around 7.30. Prior to that of course she will lookafter my dinner, and everything is prepared for that.

            Stayhealthy, my child, and be especially careful in this March weather. By the way,did you solve my riddle? I don’t think it was hard.

All my love andheartfelt greetings and kisses from your loving mother.

 

FOR MORE LETTERS SEE MY NEXT BLOGPOST. For the originalssee LBI Archives AR 7167/MF 720.The translation is by Erika Rummeland Susi Lessing.

 

 

Wednesday 1.3. 39

My dear Gretel, although I amrather tired after a bad night, I did finally get up for an hour before themeal at noon, after I had dozed on the chaise longue all morning – if only towork up a little appetite for the meal, to have a little conversation with you,and to answer your dear letter of Sunday. In the meantime, I was glad to have apostcard from Lieschen and find out that she spent an evening with you, and Iwas happy that you make exceptions [to your routine] and do occasionally spendan evening with others. It is not good at all to be always on your own.Lieselein wrote to Mimi [perhaps Wilhelmine Bing, Emma’s sister] thatyou plan to become independent soon. I suppose that refers only to yourintention to rent a small apartment for yourself. Or do you have any otherplans? I was glad that you spent an afternoon with Wolfgang [Gretel’s oldestson] and his family once again and I send my heartfelt thanks to him forhis kind lines and for the prospect of hearing more of him soon. Yesterday,toward evening, I had a really pleasant surprise: Willichen [?][presumablyWilly, Emma’s nephew] came here with his mother [Jenny Saarbach, Emma’ssister]. He arrived yesterday morning, just for the day, and left againyesterday evening, because he will show up on your side within the next few days– finally! It took especially long in his case. Mimi also came right away, andhe gave her an apparently good tip for Leo, which goes via Berthe, to whomM[imi?] wanted to write yesterday already on Willy’s instruction.

This morning Idid not get around to continue writing because first my tenant, or rather thetenant of Mrs. A [?] came downstairs and brought me a wonderful bouquet oflilacs, then came my administrator with whom I always need to discuss all sortsof things, and as is the case most of the time, it was 2 o’clock until Ifinally ate. In future I will have even more business with him, and you will aswell, because we learned yesterday that from 1 April on the lawyers andtrustees are no longer permitted to work for us, so that Dr. K[raus] [formermayor of Mainz, handling Emma’s affairs] will also be history by then. Itwould be disastrous if this happens before your tax affairs are in order, butDirector Dietz believes that you will probably hand over the matter to him. Thetwo gentlemen are well acquainted and on friendly terms with each other, andMr. D[ietz] is also informed about all these matters through me and throughK[raus] – have you heard anything yet about this? I am sorry to hear thatHannah [Gretel’s daughter] is in such pain, I hope she will soon be wellagain. I am glad that your lecture was a success – a ringing [a pun? TheGerman “ringend” can also mean “clinking”, i.e. monetary] success, yes? Asfor your readiness to help me, my dear child, I am very grateful for your offerand that you and Lilly [Emma’s daughter, living in Buenos Aires] arewilling to look after me here. I would be sorry, however, if that becamenecessary. So far I still manage quite well, and what is much more important, Ithink I will be able to pay the two payments [taxes on assets, to be paid in4 instalments] in May and August without further help. There is a chancethat I will be able to pay on 1 April the tax … by 1 February of this year, Iwill be paid a sum exactly equivalent to this instalment, and the secondinstalment in August is also taken care of, because I will still be paid 500Marks out of Lilly’s locked account. In February the Department of Finance inFrankfurt paid the sum directly to the local Department of Finance, but in caseI am no longer in a position to do the transaction, it would be a great comfortto know that that money will not be used for other purposes. Now, lets’ hopethat I am still around to see 1 April, or the money is lost to us. If I tellyou that I do not want to live much longer, you mustn’t hold it against me, mydear Gretel (but keep this confidential), as I have to suffer a great deal ofpain, and this will hardly improve, because miracles no longer happen! So far Istill have enough courage and the will to go through with it. Nights areusually better than days, they are only occasionally bad, like last night.Ernst [her doctor], who happened to be here yesterday, gives memedications to ease the pain, and I just took a new medication with my tea alittle while ago – I hope it works better than the last one. As long as youstay healthy and don’t work so hard, my dear! Indulge yourself occasionally,which you can do with the money you meant for me.

            Mimi[Emma’s sister Wilhelmine Bing] is due to come soon and probably alsoGeorgi [probably Georgine Eller, another sister of Emma’s]. She is morefrequently with me than before because she has fewer distractions than earlier– neither theatre, nor concerts, nor anything else. You could feel sorry forher and even Gustel [Auguste Gutmann, Ferdinand Gutmann’s wife]commiserates with her. And now goodbye for today, my dear. A[delheid] [Emma’smaid] should take the letter along with her afterwards. Warm greetings andkisses,

Your devoted mother

[on top of first page:] Warmgreetings to the children.

 

FOR MORE LETTERS SEE MY NEXT BLOGPOST. For the originalssee LBI Archives AR 7167/MF 720.The translation is by Erika Rummeland Susi Lessing.

16.2. 39

My dear Gretel, now that I have gotten the airmail letter for Lilly’sbirthday ready for the mail, it’s your turn, my dear, and first let me confirmreceipt of your dear lines of Sunday. But, please, have your secretaries put anew colour ribbon into your typewriter, I have to pour over [your letter] withmy weak eyes until I can decipher everything. I am glad that Ernst [Gretel’syoungest son] is doing relatively well. Who knows what attending atechnical school for a while will be good for (even if it’s [not good] for yourwallet)? Maybe that will advance [his career] and may be closer to his owninclinations.  Chi lo sa? [Who knows?]– I too am always busy and have paperwork and I do a lot myself that wouldreally be Dr. Kr[aus]’ [former mayor of Mainz, managing some of Emma’saffairs] business, for example the tax on assets yesterday [A decreeissued in the spring of 1938 forced Jews to declare assets over 5,000 Marks andpay 20% taxes on them in 4 instalments]. I had all sorts of correspondencewith the Mitteld[eutsche] Kreditbank in Frankfurt with respect to the blockedaccount of Lilly [Emma’s oldest daughter, now living in Buenos Aires],which is now a great blessing for me. I didn’t want to delay the matter, whichwould have happened with Dr. K. because these people have a crazy workload,especially this month, and so I managed the obtain confirmation from the bankin Frankfurt almost 8 days ago that they have sent my instalment to theDepartment of Finance. And I am all the more pleased because Dr. Kr[aus] chargedme 25 Marks for his work on the first instalment, and this time I saved thatamount. In addition I have a lot of preliminary work to do with the taxdeclaration and am now waiting for Dir[ector] Dietz, who was unfortunately sickat the end of last month. But he promised me this morning on the phone that hewould come tomorrow morning because I had received from the district court a letterconcerning the instalments, which must be answered. And so almost every daybrings something new, and most of the time nothing useful. In the afternoon Ialmost always have visitors, such as an improvised tea with Mrs. Drexelius, whosucceeded Miss Stockmann on the 4th [floor], and in addition Bab. andH.D. [?]. then also Georgi and Mimi [Emma’s sister Wilhelmine Bing], andwith those two I played Rommé, as usual, until about 7.30. It is touchinghow Bab. and her husband are looking after me, [bringing me] things that can’tbe obtained easily here or can’t be obtained at all, and [their care] makes mevery glad. Do send greetings to B. occasionally [in your letter], she has ofcourse asked me to greet you many times, and she often pours her heart out tome because she and her husband are forced to stay with relatives until they getlucky and can go to their children, first to Fritz in Lfr [?] And then to Anny,who lives near Rolf. This afternoon I expect Paul M[eyer] [a relative, GustelGutmann’s brother]  because I have aletter for him from Lilly [Emma’s oldest daughter], which she sent to myaddress because she does not know his new address and thinks Gustel has alreadydeparted, but Gustel has still problems with the clearance connected with thehouse, the mortgage, and similar matters [Gustel eventually fled to Riga,where she was murdered]. C’est toujours la même chose [It’s always the same thing].Lieschen’s family (6 persons) intend to sail to Canada on the 24thof this month. An old friend of the late Mr. R. has made it possible for themall to come. I hope Karl will soon find suitable work; he is intelligent afterall, and the boys (the oldest is 18 years old) can also do something. Lieschenthinks only of her obligation to watch out and take care of them all, and sheis very courageous, considering the continual pain in her feet. Anna G. [Gustel’sdaughter[ who visited me the day before yesterday, has a chance to go toWarrington near Manchester as a nurse – they are short of nurses in England,they say. And now don’t be alarmed: Heddel [Emma’s niece, daughter of AugustSaarbach and Johanna Gutmann] has given up her job because (she says) shecannot tolerate the sea climate, but also (as Anna said) because she had such aterribly small room in which one couldn’t see anything without light, evenduring the day. And now she has accepted a job with a lady who lives alone withher 18-year-old son. She is half an hour from London, so one fine day she islikely to appear at your place, although she does not have your address fromme. But I bet she’ll find it out! Aenny [?], who has been for some months inSwitzerland – in Ascona, and lately in Locarno – is not permitted to stay any longer.She too wants to go to England, probably with the help of Heddel, and (don’t laugh!)she wants to take a position as maid. You will laugh even harder when you hearthat Aenny [?] (according to a report from Willy [Emma’s nephew, son ofJenny Saarbach] to his mother) earned some 70 Marks/month with shortstories and the like, which allowed her to do quite well there.

Yesterday evening Lotte arrived withJuliane. They had several wardrobes and cabinets full of stuff at Lisbeth’s,which they wanted to pick up. Before she starts on her position as maid overthere [in England], she will probably marry her friend, who is however a lawyerand is not likely to have many [job] opportunities. On Sunday morning I had avisit from Mrs. Wolf of Oberstein, who had already once asked her daughter inD. to convey greetings to me from…[name omitted], and I was very glad of hervisit. She told me all sorts of interesting things. She had talked to you formerly,only on the telephone. I was in the middle of writing this morning, when myadministrator came and stayed some two hours, as usual. First we dealt with thebusiness of the savings account, about which I had just written a letter, andthen with the tax declaration [of assets over 5000 Marks] – Mr. D[ietz]thought that could be done in a quarter hour. Hah! That declaration is socomplicated this year, that no one can quite understand it and even he had toperuse each point [?] a long time. So now I have a lot of writing to do againbefore he comes back the day after tomorrow with the tax forms, which heunfortunately did not have with him. And tomorrow Adelheid [Emma’s maid] hasto fetch a copy of the tax form from elsewhere, so I can copy itout, since he himself gives me only notes – I have to write everything myself.Today I will…[end of sentence missing]

Greetings to all

FOR MORE LETTERS SEE MY NEXT BLOGPOST. For the originalssee LBI Archives AR 7167/MF 720.The translation is by Erika Rummeland Susi Lessing.

 

7.2. 1939

My dear Gretel, because I want to enclose a few lines todear Ernst [Gretel’s youngest son], whose letter I greatly enjoyed, I rightaway answer your letter of Sunday which arrived today. I’m just glad that theproblem with his finger isn’t that bad, as you describe it, and that he hasalready returned to his work on Thursday. So, he told me a fib? I hope not. Iam sorry that you have a sore throat once again and in addition a problem withyour stupid knees, and I hope that this will soon improve and you will be wellagain all round. I suppose that this has to do with your stupid climate, whereneuralgic and rheumatic pain is common, I am sure, but let me tell you of acheap remedy which is just as effective as Gelonida neuralgica, which Ernst [herdoctor] wanted to give me last week, but I told him it was too expensive.Then he immediately said I could just as well use Contraneural. (Why do localphysicians always prescribe the most expensive medication first?) Some time agoI took the first medication on his advice, and it was of no use at all, whereaslast week I took Contraneural for two days and felt its good effect andactually am still feeling less pain, at least not as intensive pain. Yet thismedication is only 1.05 Marks for 20 tablets – so try it out! How much work youhave made for yourself with your invitation and cooking! But if it gives youjoy, you were right to do it. I myself would certainly have indulged in adifferent kind of entertainment! Were [your guests] acquaintances of old?Little Nicole appears to be a true wunderkind – I have never heard of a childof 4 and half years getting her second set of teeth – that was quite a rattlingof teeth, wasn’t it? I was also glad that you finally had time again to be withWolfgang [Gretel’s oldest son]; it is really too bad that you and thepeople closest to you see so little of each other – so near and yet so far! Atnoon yesterday I had to write a long letter to my administrator Dietz aboutthat stupid business of [obtaining] a mortgage. Unfortunately he has been sickfor a week. … had a business consultant from Baden-Baden write a rather urgentletter to me, which I received on Sunday and immediately sent on to Dietz, whoin turn phoned me twice about it yesterday. This matter will be decided incourt, and for this purpose I need to supply all sorts of information, which myadministrator will use. It is a very stupid affair. And you always write insuch a daft manner about money matters, for example today: “So they have totake out a mortgage, if there is no cash” – “if” can only mean “because” or doyou suppose that I am keeping money in an old stocking? I really don’t understandyour ideas about this whole matter. I assume, if one has to take out amortgage, a forced auction cannot be far behind, because where am I to get the moneyto pay for the interest? Even if you think I “mustn’t worry about it”, it’s noteasy for me to cope because I face these questions and negotiations too oftenand too much. On the other hand, I don’t want to take them too seriously andoften tell myself: there are things that are much worse. – Yesterday morning I keptworking long past the midday meal: I covered my warm woollen [house]shoes,which are a little worn, with old black Atlas [a silk fabric], and loand behold, the result was excellent. In former times I often embroidered slippers,so that I still remembered the pattern very well. I just had to make a paperpattern first. “So it’s bound to come again!” [lyrics?] – [by] Ivanzelona[?]? Otherwise nothing much has happened to me. On Sunday Lenny shared my middaymeal, and Mimi [Emma’s sister Wilhelmine Bing] joined us as well. Shebrought [woollen] hats from Lisbeth. Later Georgi also joined us, because wewanted to talk to Jenny about her birthday presents. Her birthday is onSaturday, the 12th of this month. She will be 76 years old, andperhaps you can send her a postcard, if possible. – Strange: I called Dr. Kraussome two hours ago and asked his office to return my tax assessment concerningthe second instalment of the capital levy, and just now I get a letter from Dr.K[raus] with the tax assessment enclosed, and a bill from him for 83.50 Marks,of which 25 Marks are for his consultation and work on Jewish asset release,etc., including 8.50 for tax on documents for Mrs. Margarete G[oldstein]. Inaddition he writes the following: “Retroactively, and to keep things orderly, Iconfirm [receipt of] 36.30 Marks for income tax and notary fees for Mrs.Goldstein. In the meantime I had to pay another 8.50 Marks tax on documents fortransferring the power of attorney and so I must ask you to send me this amounttogether with the amount of the invoice.” Furthermore he writes: “UnfortunatelyI can make no headway in the matter of your daughter. On 16 January 1939 Iwrote once again in detail to the Department of Finance and repeatedly asked tobe informed in what form the Jewish tax on assets must be secured throughlanded property. So far I have received no answer whatsoever and will follow upagain today. Mr. Singer and your daughter are informed about my efforts.”  The letter, by the way, is dated 3.2. It wasprobably in the hands of other people – one can see that the envelope has beenopened, and the letter arrived finally today, apparently coming from the postoffice to me. It was addressed to Kőnigstrasse72 instead of 27. I will see that Dr. K[raus] is paid today.

Now we’ll eat the midday meal – we’ll have potato soup…[illegible]there was rice…[illegible] there were crepes with apple compote,although that’s not certain, I didn’t follow up and ask if A. brought applesalong. My dining room is now quite nicely furnished as “waiting room.” All mylove and all the best, my dear child, and a 1000 kisses from your mother.

Heartfelt greetings to W’s and Judas [Gretel’s daughterwas married to Hans Juda].

FOR MORE LETTERS SEE MY NEXT BLOGPOST. For the originalssee LBI Archives AR 7167/MF 720.The translation is by Erika Rummeland Susi Lessing.