Letter to Erwin Oreck from Helen and Ed Woeber at Arrowhead Lodge in reply to a letter inviting the Woeber's to luncheon on their first trip to Duluth. The Woeber's tell of the stay of Lee, Allen and their wives.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Theatrice "T" Williams (1934 - ) gives his personal background and reasons for arriving in Minneapolis in the 1960s as a social worker on the North Side. Williams describes his relationship with the Phyllis Wheatley Center (director from 1965 - 1972) within the context of the American civil rights movement. The race riots on Plymouth avenue and other issues are explored in the context of the Jewish community, local politics and community organizations or initiatives such as the Urban Coalition. The interview concludes with a reflection on the North Side of Minneapolis as it is today and the construction of I-94. This interview was conducted by Jeff Norman, oral historian from California. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of Saint Louis Park. The 35 oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within and beyond the Jewish community, tell the complex story of how, from 1945 to 1970, Saint Louis Park became a major center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Arthur Weisberg gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and legal practitioner. He recalls grew up on the North Side of Minneapolis and how his father was a dentist who ended up as an investor. Weisberg goes on to describe his time at North High, becoming a journalist in central Minnesota, working in the film industry in Minneapolis, and finally attending Minneapolis Law School (now William Mitchell) during the late 1940s. Weisberg tells about how he subsequently worked for Dorsey law firm and how he was active in community service. The two talk about notable people at virtually every stage of his life, with particular attention to Jewish culture in law and business in Minnesota. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest Jewish Judges and Lawyers History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Jerry Weinberg gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in 1921 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Weinberg explains that his father owned a hardware store on West 7th and an appliance store on Rice Street. He recalls his enlistment attempt during World War II with the army to be a teletype operator in the Philippines and later New Guinea. Weinberg discusses his memories here and tells his stories from a Jewish and Minnesotan perspective. He concludes the interview by talking about his post-war life in St. Paul working in the store on Rice Street, his family, and by showing Fay Kaye photographs and other wartime memorabilia. This interview was conducted by Fay Kaye as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to Erwin Oreck from Helen Woeber at Arrowhead Lodge in reply to a letter from October 4th. Arrowhead Lodge discribes how Oreck believes they discriminate based on religion, and how they do not, but simple do not want "riffraff."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to Erwin Oreck from Helen Woeber at Arrowhead Lodge in reply to Oreck's reply. Helen and Ed Woeber state they were as mistaken as Oreck was of them and will stop in for luncheon when they are in Duluth.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter written to Harry Goldie, principle developer of the Calhoun Beach Club building. Goldie was a Minnesota native and U of MN graduate. At the time this letter was written, Minneapolis was being referred to in the national press as the "Capitol of American Anti-Semitism." Jews in Minneapolis were denied membership in various associations, hospital admissions and were legally prohibited from purchasing homes in "covenanted" areas. Goldie's complex was eventually built, and Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale were among the guests at the club's opening.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to Rosemary Brown from Martha Urbon at Birchwood Resort on Lake Vermilion discribing what accomodations are available and notes "restricted clientele."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Ken Tilsen gives a brief account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and lawyer, touching also on Minnesota politics. He was born in Leipzig, North Dakota, to parents of eastern European heritage. An account is given as to why Jews immigrated to rural North Dakota. He gives family history and early memories of growing up in the predominately Jewish Selby-Dale neighborhood. The discussion turns to a variety of topics, including Ken's political activism in the 1960s before and after law school and his connections with a number of notable people and organizations. The interview amounts to a narrative about Minnesota's legal and political history during this time from his perspective and that of his associates. Further discussions involve HUAC, Jewish legal practice, and community activism. This interview was conducted by Helen Rubenstein as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest Jewish Judges and Lawyers History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Alex Tankenoff (1905 - ) grew up poor and Jewish in St. Paul, Minnesota, eventually owning a successful brewery and brewery equipment company. In this interview, the discussion follows Tankenoff's life story, brewery business and involvement in the Bremer Foundation of St. Paul, Minnesota. This interview was conducted by Dr. Linda Mack Schloff, former director of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, in effort to document the stories of Jewish immigration to and community leaders in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Audio file of an interview with Sylvia Peilen conducted by Ann Greenberg. The interview includes: Peilen family history, including growing up on the East side and moving to the West side of St. Paul; Jewish-gentile relations; Sylvia Peilen's schooling and early employment history. Peilen also recalls her work with several different community service organizations, including Sholom Home, Youth Allyah, United Jewish Fund, the St Paul Jewish Community Center and Temple of Aaron.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Mark Swedlund (1950 - ) discusses his father's building company Ecklund and Swedlund, which constructed homes in the western suburbs of Minneapolis during the period of returning World War II G. I.'s and immigration of Jewish families from North Minneapolis. Development and building are discussed within this historical and geographical context. This interview was conducted by Jeff Norman, oral historian from California. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of Saint Louis Park. The 35 oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within and beyond the Jewish community, tell the complex story of how, from 1945 to 1970, Saint Louis Park became a major center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Debra Stone (1952 - ) begins by giving some family background as it relates to St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. In doing so, she tells briefly the story of her Communist father in Minnesota and the interesting circumstances which lead to both sides of her family settling in the Twin Cities area. As an African American, she talks of racial integration as it occurred on the North Side of Minneapolis where she grew up, Jewish life, school on the North Side, reasons for moving from the North Side to Saint Louis Park, school experience in Saint Louis Park, and class issues within Jewish society. This interview was conducted by Jeff Norman, oral historian from California. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of Saint Louis Park. The 35 oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within and beyond the Jewish community, tell the complex story of how, from 1945 to 1970, Saint Louis Park became a major center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Alan Stiegler gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan, World War II veteran and legal practitioner. He was born in 1925 and raised in Minneapolis. His family background in is Russia and he describes some of their stories that involve working in a sweatshop in St. Paul and homesteading in North Dakota. Stiegler describes how he was drafted at age 18 to fight in World War II, how he began specialized training but wound up in general infantry, having experienced some anti-Semitism. He describes how he fought through the Siegfired Line and the Battle of the Bulge, encountering new rocket propelled bombs developed by the Germans, and tells a story about how he was injured by a roadside bomb. In addition, he describes his life occupying Germany after the war and his subsequent career as a medical mal practice lawyer in great detail. He tells specific stories of anti-Semitism in Minnesota and North Dakota during his law career. He concludes with a description of his personal life after retirement and his family. This interview was conducted by Helen Rubenstein as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Samuel Stern (1952 - ) gives his personal background which included living in Highland Park, St. Paul, education at Carleton College, UCLA, and law school at Washington University in St. Louis. Stern's family settles in Saint Louis Park, and he discusses that community at length, including people, neighborhoods, synagogues and schools. Stern reflects on Hebrew School, Jewish Youth Organizations, Anti-Semitism, and socio-economic differences between neighborhoods. This interview was conducted by Jeff Norman, oral historian from California. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of Saint Louis Park. The 35 oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within and beyond the Jewish community, tell the complex story of how, from 1945 to 1970, Saint Louis Park became a major center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Irving Stern (1928 - ) gives his perspective as mayor of Saint Louis Park and Minnesota state senator on local politics, commercial and residential development, and Jewish issues during his years in public service. The beginning of the interview consists of Stern's journey to politics and family background, including historical information related to the Jewish community of Saint Louis Park. Particular topics discussed were the Planning Commission, campaigning, anti-Semitism and Minnesota state politics. The interview concludes with a discussion of the Jewish migration from the North Side to Saint Louis Park, local synagogues, Saint Louis Park schools and the Iron Range. This interview was conducted by Jeff Norman, oral historian from California. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of Saint Louis Park. The 35 oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within and beyond the Jewish community, tell the complex story of how, from 1945 to 1970, Saint Louis Park became a major center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Kokie Goldenberg standing at a podium and addressing attendants of a rally for the U. J. F. C.The United Jewish Fund and Council was founded in 1935 as the fundraising arm of the St. Paul Jewish community.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph of Julian Freeman standing behind a podium and giving a speech for United Jewish Appeal. The United Jewish Appeal was founded in 1934 to help provide financial and political relief to Jews in Europe. It unified fundraising efforts for European relief for an increasingly diverse American Jewish community. In 1947, U. J. A. shifted its focus from collecting funds for refugees to providing support for the proposed independent state of Israel.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Harold Specktor gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1923. Specktor explains that he joined in the Army as infantry and received training to be a combat engineer. He describes his training and subsequent combat along the Siegfried Line in Europe, giving specific information about combat and casualties in his unit, along with a description of his life during the occupation of Germany. Specktor concludes with a description of his post-war life in St. Paul as a carpenter building homes in the Highland Park area of St. Paul. This interview was conducted by Fay Kaye as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Audio file of an interview with Esther Sirott and Ethel Levy conducted by Steve Foldes and Shirley Milgren. Esther Sirott was born in Lithuania and settled with her father and brothers on lower West Side of St. Paul. Ethel Levy was born in Iowa and lived briefly on the West Side of St Paul before moving with her family to a dairy farm where her father hired out as a tenant farmer. In the interview, the women discuss life on the West Side of St Paul, including employment opportunities for Jews, Jewish Socialists, keeping kosher, Jewish neighborhoods and social strata and the meaning of Yiddishkite. The interview is part of the United Jewish Fund and Council Oral History Project, Phase 1. The location of the interview is unknown: the interviewers are Steve Foldes (SF) and Shirley Milgram (SM).A PDF version of the transcript available at http://reflections.mndigital.org/cdm4/pdf-assets/jhs-sirott-levy.pdf
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Jerry Sinykin recounts how he witnessed the liberation of a Nazi concentration camp (Dachau) as a Jewish Minnesotan member of the American infantry. He was born in St. Paul, 1925, and gives his family background and connection to Russia and North Dakota homesteading. Sinykin discusses how father was a manufacturer of cosmetics in St. Paul, and goes on to describe his Jewish childhood, answering questions about anti-Semitic hazing in junior high. He explains an attempt to enlist in the Navy Air Corps and that he was denied but was later drafted into the Army, receiving infantry and engineering training. Sinykin remembers how he crossed the Atlantic on a boat with Winston Churchill who addresses the men onboard. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and Siegfried Line in the rear supplying the front, and recalls many stories illustrating the anxiety of battle. Sinykin describes his participation in the liberation of Dachau and Mauthausen concentration camps, depicting the scene with several anecdotes, all the while affording special attention to his perspective as a Jew and a Minnesotan. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Rosalind Simon gives an account of her life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. Rosalind was born in Minneapolis and gives some details about her Jewish Minnesotan family. She explains that before World War II she was a social worker, and later married her husband that was a graduate of West Point. The married couple were stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii when it was bombed by the Japanese. Simon gives a detailed account of the bombing, including life before and after. She goes on to describe their later life and career in Minnesota, telling stories about her husband who eventually made the rank of colonel, how he headed a national program called Service Corps for Retired Executives, and worked for the Army Air Defense Command. Simon gives some details about these programs, Army administration, associated women's organizations and the lives of army wives. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Morris Sherman gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and legal practitioner. He was born in Minneapolis in 1935 to immigrant parents from Romania, about which he gives further detail. Sherman recalls being raised on the North Side of Minneapolis and discusses his family's haberdashery, giving some description of the North Side at the time along with an account of his Jewish childhood there. He recalls his admittance into Harvard College and the circumstances surrounding Jewish admittance and his subsequent admission into Harvard Law School. Sherman then goes on to discuss the difficulties some Jews experienced in finding work in the legal profession. While attending the London School of Economics on a fellowship, he was drafted into the Army Reserve and returned to Minneapolis. The interview is concluded with a discussion of Jewish firms, the Jewish legal community in Minnesota, Jewish values in legal practice, and community involvement. This interview was conducted by Helen Rubenstein as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest Jewish Judges and Lawyers History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Walter Schwarz gives an account of his life as a Jewish World War II veteran. He was born in Romania, 1921. Schwarz gives family background in Europe, explaining that his father had ties to Czechoslovakia in the textile industry. He describes his childhood in Europe and teenage years at high school in Czechoslovakia, where Nazi violence and intimidation found him after Germany invaded the country. Schwarz and his family ultimately leave to the United States through Italy destined for New York. Wishing to fight Germany, he attempts to enlist and is later drafted. Schwarz discusses his training in the United States, which involved learning how to interrogate prisoners. He discusses his activity overseas was mainly in France and Germany at the end of the War. Schwarz was able to visit relatives who survived Auschwitz, and concludes with explaining his post war life and connection to Minnesota. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Earl Schwartz (1953 - ) discusses his family background from Europe to settlement on Minneapolis's North Side and their practice of Judaism in the United States, with particular respect to his own experience. The interview transitions to a focus on his career as a Talmud Torah teacher and college professor. The conversation moves to black-Jewish relations on the North Side and class issues illustrated with many anecdotes, particularly with respect to Jewish businesses on Plymouth Avenue. Crime, urban renewal and civil rights are discussed at length against the background of and local events and personalities in the late 1960s. The interview concludes with a discussion of the porous relationship between the suburbs and the North Side, neighborhood covenants in Golden Valley, the building of I-94, and the North Side today. This interview was conducted by Jeff Norman, oral historian from California. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of Saint Louis Park. The 35 oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within and beyond the Jewish community, tell the complex story of how, from 1945 to 1970, Saint Louis Park became a major center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to Erwin Oreck from Barkley Schroeder at Duluth Chamber of Commerce stating that Gitchi Gumee Lodge folder will not contain "restricted clientele" after the current season.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Children are getting into costume and make-up in this publicity photo for the Stay at Home Camp Circus at the Saint Paul Jewish Education Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Cantor was a popular entertainer who traveled periodically during World War II to promote sales of U. S. War Bonds. He is shown here with the Lebedoff triplets; David, Jonathan and Judy. Arrangements for Cantor's visit were made by Minneapolis Hadassah.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The second page of a letter to Mildred A. Foster at Grand View Lodge from Samuel L. Scheiner which goes on to say that "refusal of service to persons of a certain religious faith so deinitely violates the American ideal." The book, To Hell with Hunting, by Ed Zern is mentioned.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to Shirtsleeves Club and Minnesota Jewish Council from Samuel L. Scheiner, Executive Director, about the response received from a letter sent to Grand View Lodge relating to how they discriminate against people of Jewish faith and what to do next about it.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to Sidney H. Sayles at the Milwaukee Jewsih Council from Samuel L. Scheiner at Minnesota Jewish Council informs that the King's Gateway Hotel needs attention.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to Minnesota Jewish Council executive director, Samuel L. Scheiner from Brownie Cote at Grand View Lodge explanning how they do not simply discriminate against those of Jewish faith, but how they selectively discriminate.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to Herman Roth at Jewish Federation and Community Council of Duluth from Sidney Sayles at the Milwaukee Jewish Council states what he will do about the matter of possible resort discrimination.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to Erwin Oreck from S. Valentine Saxby at Minnesota Arrowhead Association letting Erwin know that they have not had any mentioned folders on their rack for some time.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter from M.J. Ruttger at Ruttger's Pine Beach Lodge to Rosemary Brown states that they will able to accommodate Miss Brown the week prior to September 7th. They note their clientele is restricted.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Manual (Mandy) Ruder (1914 - ) gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan. Special attention is afforded to his family background, including information about his Romanian and Zionist parents farming in Palestine, their settlement in North Dakota, and eventually settling with his mother in Minneapolis after the tragic death of his father. The focus moves to Ruder's childhood in a Romanian Orthodox community near downtown Minneapolis, roughly during the period of 1910 - 1920, to his education at the University of Minnesota in the 1930s, Navy career, career in American National Bank, and copious family details. This interview was conducted by Dr. Linda Mack Schloff, former director of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, in effort to document the stories of Jewish immigration to and community leaders in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Ada Rubenstein (1917 - ) was born in St. Paul, Minnesota; became involved with Jewish organizations at an early age and later took on several leadership positions. In this interview, the women discuss Rubenstein's career in community service and the community's needs at the time, with detailed discussion about various organizations such as Hadassah, the Council of Jewish Women, Sholom Residence, and the United Jewish Fund. This interview was conducted by Dr. Linda Mack Schloff, former director of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, in effort to document the stories of Jewish immigration to and community leaders in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
This letter from Herman Roth at Jewish Federation and Community Council of Duluth discribes that it is likely no action will be taken reguarding the "Refusal of King's Gateway Hotel, Land O'Lakes, Wisc. To accept reservations from George Berstein."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to Mr. Sidney Sayles at Milwaukee Jewish Coincil from Herman Roth at Duluth Jewish Council writes an update about an incident and states that no legal action will be pursued.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Letter to George Bernstein from Herman Roth at Duluth Jewish Council states that Nat Polinsky was rejected a suite of rooms at King's Gateway Hotel in Land O'Lakes, Wisconsin because he was not a Gentile.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Harry Rosenthal (1897 - ), leader in the St. Paul, Minnesota Jewish community gives an account of his community involvement over a near sixty year period. Rosenthal recounts his early interest in Zionism and the beginnings of his involvement in Jewish communal affairs after World War I. He describes encounters with numerous internationally notable Zionists, pre -history of the United Jewish Fund, work with Hebrew schools, camps and numerous other Jewish organizations. The conversation moves to how Jewish traditions and values have changed over recent decades, transmission of values to younger generations, contemporary and historical Jewish life on a global scale, and the future of Judaism. This interview was conducted by Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest volunteer Morris Lapidos for the United Jewish Fund and Council Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
This interview investigates the life and activity of Harry Rosenthal (1897 - ), leader in the St. Paul, Minnesota Jewish community over a period of several decades. Rosenthal discusses his immigration story from Eastern Europe to New York City and then St. Paul, military activity in World War I, marriage to Rose Calmenson, his business and interest in Zionism. The focus of the interview moves to Young Judea and then the Jewish Education movement in the 1920s and 30s. Rosenthal discusses the establishment and improvement of Jewish schools in St. Paul along with some information about the history of other Jewish community establishments. He recounts his activity with the American Jewish Conference in New York City, the establishment of the state of Israel, and its impact upon the St. Paul Jewish Zionists. The interview concludes with Rosenthal describing the formation of the St. Paul Jewish Community Center and his second marriage. This interview was conducted by Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest volunteer Morris Lapidos for the United Jewish Fund and Council Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Paul Roitenberg (1931 - ) gives his personal and family background, including information about a family grocery business. He gives reasons for why he moved from the North Side, along with some of his family members. This interview was conducted by Jeff Norman, oral historian from California. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of Saint Louis Park. The 35 oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within and beyond the Jewish community, tell the complex story of how, from 1945 to 1970, Saint Louis Park became a major center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Ellen Roitenberg (1938 - ) discusses her Jewish family and their background on the North Side of Minneapolis. She discusses how difficult it was to get jobs, even as a trained professional, if you were Jewish. She talks of her father being a physician and the impact of the founding of Mount Sinai Hospital in Minneapolis. The discussion turns to Jewish life on the North Side and subsequent migration to Saint Louis Park, class distinctions among Jews on the North Side, housing covenants and class distinctions in Saint Louis Park. This interview was conducted by Jeff Norman, oral historian from California. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of Saint Louis Park. The 35 oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within and beyond the Jewish community, tell the complex story of how, from 1945 to 1970, Saint Louis Park became a major center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Sherman Richter gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in 1924 to an Orthodox Jewish family in North Minneapolis. Richter discussed leaving North High early to enlist in the Marine Corps, being somewhat aware of the Jewish situation in Europe in the early 1940s. He was trained in California to operate a machine gun at the age of nineteen and gives some account of the culture there in regards to Judaism. Richter describes fighting in the South Pacific on various Islands such as Majuro. After World War II he returned to the North Side and operated at a bakery which later became the Lincoln Deli. Richter gives a description of this time and place from the Jewish perspective. He was drafted as a Marine to Korea and left his family for fierce fighting, mentioning the "Nightmare Alley' and other encounters with North Koreans and Chinese. Having been injured, Richter received several medals and memorabilia. This interview was conducted by Brian M. Krasnow as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The first of a series of three letters concerning the denial of an insurance policy to a Jewish family in Perham, Minnesota. The letter was mailed to the insurance agent, who then submitted it to the Braufman family. (See local identifiers MHS-D-594 and MHS-D-595.)
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Bernard Raskas (1924 - 2010), who led Temple of Aaron synagogue of St. Paul, Minnesota for 37 years, here gives a detailed account of his life and times as one of the most prominent leaders of the Twin Cities Jewish community. Highlights include meeting his wife and attending the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City, the establishment of the new and prominent Temple of Aaron, his relations with other influential rabbis and the Minnesota DFL party, teaching religion at Macalester College in St. Paul, and how his vision of Judaism was enacted by programs and policies. This interview was conducted by Dr. Linda Mack Schloff, former director of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, in effort to document the stories of Jewish immigration to and community leaders in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Felix Phillips gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and legal practitioner. Felix was born in Minneapolis, and raised in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Giving a brief family history, he explains that his grandparents were from Poland and father was well established in New York City. He describes a bit of his Jewish childhood and raises the issue of anti-Semitism on the south side of Minneapolis where he attended Washburn High School. The conversation moves to his experience at the University of Minnesota School of Law, his experience there, and how he was influenced to pursue a career in law. Phillips recalls how he later joined Maslon law firm, and the two discuss the difficulties of being a Jewish lawyer, how Jewish lawyers were perceived, and draw a distinction between Jews in the Minneapolis Athletic Club versus the St. Paul Athletic Club. This interview was conducted by Helen Rubenstein as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest Judges and Lawyers Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Pearl Bankman Sakol (4th from top right) and her family gather around two tables for the Passover Seder. The view of the photograph is from slightly above.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
In this interview, Leonard Parker discusses in some detail how as an infantryman in World War II, he was among the few first Allied soldiers to arrive at the Dachau Concentration Camp in southern Germany. Parker gives an account of his life and relationship to Minnesota from a Jewish perspective. He was born in Poland, 1922 to Russian Orthodox, Zionist parents. Before this, Parker describes his early childhood memories as an Orthodox Jew in Milwaukee. He enlisted to serve in the military, and because of high casualties he was assigned to the Army in a specialized unit. Parker completed some training in civil engineering in Minnesota before departing for southern France, where he became a platoon leader, for eight months of combat at the end of the war. His platoon over time suffered greatly. Parker recalls life in foxholes, fighting along the Siegfried Line before liberating Dachau. After the war he returned to Minnesota to fulfill a promise to a fallen comrade and ended up staying to attend architecture school. Subsequently Parker did graduate work at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and designed buildings around the country and around the world. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives