The Filson Historical Society Digital Projects

Browse Items (383 total)

  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/mssbj_n277a_f008_001a.pdf

    National Council of Jewish Women, Louisville Section, Board meeting minutes for November 13, 1933. The minutes note that "A great deal of discussion was given the question of the German Boycott," referring to a call to boycott German-made goods. The minutes report on the views of Rabbis Rauch, Gittleman, and Bazell on a boycott. The Board formally endorsed the National Board's official boycott on all German made goods and recommended "II. that they examine carefully all labels on goods and refuse to buy articles made in any of the German states. III. that they be urged to refrain from purchasing articles in stores that continue to buy from German merchants."
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbd_j59_f0538_009.pdf

    Brochure for the Jewish Community Center of Louisville's 1968 summer camps: Camp Ben F. Washer, Camp Ricarree, and Junior Camp.
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbd_j59_f0538_002.pdf

    4-page brochure for Camp Riccaree in Louisville and Camp Tall Trees in Meade County, Kentucky. The brochure describes the dates, staffing, locations, food, fees, and activities for the Jewish summer camps.
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbd_j59_f0538_001.pdf

    2-page brochure for the June-July 1945 season of Camp Riccaree day camp operated by the Young Men's Hebrew Association in Louisville, Kentucky. The center fold notes "Camp Riccaree operates from the Y.M.H.A. building where are located cabins, craft shops, council ring, and the dining room. The camp is operated during the day with activities and programs similar to a boarding camp. Parks, swimming pools, and other public and private facilities are used as occasions warrant." The brochure details the fees, season and daily schedules, and staff.
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssa_w194b_f245_jewisharmy.pdf

    Letter from the Committee for a Jewish Army of Stateless and Palestinian Jews to Louisville Times Editor Tom Wallace. The letter is signed by S. Merlin, Director of Information. Following the Louisville Times's recent signing of "the Proclamation on the Moral Rights of the Stateless and Palestinian Jews," Merlin responds with a discussion of what the Committee believes must be done to support and save Jews in Europe. He outlines three essential actions: "The creation of a United Nations agency" dedicated to planning how to save "millions of Hebrew people in Europe"
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssa_w194b_f272_zionistorg.pdf

    The first page of this document is a letter dated May 4, 1945, from Col. Morris J. Mendelsohn to Louisville Times editor Tom Wallace. Mendelsohn expresses his support for "a Jewish Palestine" "as the only common-sense answer to the unequalled tragedy of the Jewish people." He describes the American government and civilian support for a Jewish Palestine and asks Wallace to read and sign the Declaration he enclosed with the letter. The following three pages are a copy of the Declaration, which is directed to the United States government and calls for Palestine to "be proclaimed as a Jewish State." Throughout, the Declaration connects an end to antisemitism with a rise in "lasting peace" across the globe. It also points out that Jewish delegations have been absent from United Nations conferences and seeks greater Jewish inclusion in international affairs. The signature line is blank. The last page of this document is a letter dated May 8, 1945, from Tom Wallace's secretary to Mendelsohn indicating that his letter has been received and will be given to Wallace when he returns to the office.
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssa_w194b_f272_hebrew.pdf

    Letter from the Hebrew Committee of National Liberation to Louisville Times Editor Tom Wallace. The letter is signed by Secretary General S. Merlin. Merlin explains that he is responding to the paper's recent solicitation of opinions of "how to bring about a solution of the Jewish problem." He notes the "complexities of this age-old problem" and expresses "deep regret" over the resulting implications from opinions in the newspaper that there is "a world Jewish community with national and political characteristics." He further claims that the concept of "the universal Jewish nation, or Jewish people" is "detrimental to the very interests of our people." Six clarifying points follow in which Merlin discusses the differences he sees between nationality, "religious affiliation," and political terms. One major theme is that there "is a decisive distinction between the terms 'Hebrew' and 'Jew.'" Merlin explains that the Hebrew Committee of National Liberation seeks to "convince the United Nations that they must assume the responsibility of repatriating all the Hebrews from Europe who desire to . . . return to their national territory--Palestine." He concludes the letter by noting that this is "an international question" and that answering it is a "moral responsibility."
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbj_n277a_f006_004.pdf

    The November 1941, vol. 19, no. 19 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky. The issue opens with an address from local president Esther J. Handmaker (addressed in the officers list as Mrs. Herman Handmaker). She calls for council members to "give our time an energies . . . generously" in support of "volunteer training and service for the success of the National Defense Program depends upon the strength of that volunteer effort." She situates the efforts as a present-day "emergency need" and "firm foundations" for the future. Next, the issue provides a detailed list of "chairmen" and "leaders in every important activity." Local updates follow, including an announcement for an upcoming book talk with Willie Snow Ethridge, an advertisement for "a Singing Message" program, and projects by the Social Welfare Committee in partnership with the Children's Convalescent Home. The issue requests donations for the National Service to foreign Born and advertises ongoing refugee support in the fields of education, household supplies, and entertainment. The issue then turns to updates and announcements regarding Red Cross membership, study groups, Council Workshop, new members, Memorial fund, membership dues, the Night Group, and the upcoming November conference meeting. The final page is an acrostic poem using the words "Victory for Council" to highlight some of the Council's values and efforts.
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbj_n277a_f006_003.pdf

    The February 1942, vol. 20, no. 20 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky, with the address of Lillie Grauman written on the cover. The issue opens with an address from national Council President Mrs. Maurice L. Goldman regarding what members should do to support "the Victory Program." Local President Esther J. Handmaker (addressed in the minutes as Mrs. Herman Handmaker) asks readers to "heed her sound advice remembering that doing our every day tasks is part of defense." It is followed by a copy of the letter the Council sent to President Roosevelt "placing the resources of the National Council of Jewish Women at the disposal of the United States Government." A copy of a letter of appreciation from Secretary to the President Stephen Early follows. The issue then shifts to specific local news and events, including a legislation education class, free lending library, noncitizen registration assistance, refugee education programs, the Nursery School, Council Workshop, Memorial fund, Red Cross donations, Service fund, and Defense Program. Strong, consistent community support of these organizations and fundraising efforts is a common theme. A summary of how the Council Dues support "civilian defense," "national unity," "civilian morale," and "an expanding democracy follows." The issue calls on readers to not be a "hoarder" or to engage in "profiteering" on shortages, instead asking them to focus on "conserving" food and resources. The last two columns acknowledge community members for specific achievements and call for continued charitable support. The issue ends with a poem advertising a Council luncheon at the Brown Hotel.
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbj_n277a_f006_002.pdf

    The April 1941, vol. 18, no. 18 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky. The issue opens with an address from local Council President Esther J. Handmaker
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbj_n277a_f006_001.pdf

    The January 1941, vol. 17, no. 17 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky. The issue opens with a New Year's address form the National President Mrs. Maurice L. Goldman that encourages readers to "recognize the coming of the new year as an opportunity and challenge to a free people living in a free country, to keep that country free and, if possible, to assist in emancipating the people of all the world who now live under the yoke of the Dictator." The issue then offers a preview of the Book Review Teas luncheon and reminds members that dues for 1941 must be paid. The "Have You Heard?" column advertises local events, causes, and achievements and is followed by an open enrollment call for the Nursery School. The issue ends with a poem advertising a Council event at the Brown Hotel on February 17th.
  • https://filsonhistoricalomekaimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/mssbj_n277a_f005_006.pdf

    The April 1940, vol. 15, no. 15 issue of The Bulletin, a World War II era newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women in Kentucky. The issue opens with an overview of National Council news and member updates. Most of the issue discusses local news. One major point is "the problem of refugee relief" and how the Council and community members can support refugees with everyday goods, childcare, English language education, and more. It also acknowledges community support for children's birthday celebrations, the Penny Lunch fund for school children, the Memorial fund, and the Student Loan fund. Additional contributions to these funds and volunteers for the Red Cross are requested. The issue ends with a list of notable Council accomplishments.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mssbj_n277a_f105_005.pdf

    October 1938 newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The newsletter is in the wake of rising German militarism and violence against Jews in Europe. Topics include fundraising for refugee German and Austrian Jewish children, and welcoming and supporting immigrants.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mssbj_n277a_f105_004.pdf

    The November/December 1937 issue of the newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The issue includes news on the use of Haavermarks as a medium of financial exchange to assist Jews in leaving Germany and local work in the naturalization and support of immigrants in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mssbj_n277a_f105_003.pdf

    October 1937 issue of the newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The issue includes descriptions of refugee and Americanization work with Jewish immigrants in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssbj_n277a_f105_002.pdf

    September 1934 issue of the newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. The President's Report includes references to German emergency relief, boycott of German goods and stores that buy from German merchants, immigrant aid, and citizenship programs.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssbj_n277a_f105_001.pdf

    The November 1933 newsletter of the Louisville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. Portions of the newsletter reflect concerns for Jews following Adolph Hitler's rise to power and the increase of antisemitism in Germany. The bulletin announces that the organization donated $300 from the emergency fund "for the relief of German Jews." It informs that the National Board of Directors approved an official boycott of German goods and that the Louisville, Kentucky, section will formally consider the boycott at the next board meeting. The newsletter notes that "In the Interim, the Advisory Committee of the Council urges you and your friends to refrain from purchasing goods made in Germany and from stores who continue to buy in Germany." The bulletin also encourages Jews "to obtain their citizenship papers" and details the requirements.
  • https://filsonhistoricalimages.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mssa_l668_f05_010.pdf

    Declaration of change of residence for Eugénie Baer Hirsch, a French Jewish woman. She was married to Jacques Hirsch and the mother of Denise Hirsch Wolff (1909-2000). She immigrated to the United States and moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where her daughter had moved during World War II.
  • MssBJ_C112_F1473.pdf

    Transcript of an oral history interview with Roosevelt Chin (1933-2007) conducted by interviewer Sloane Graff in the spring of 2002. Chin discusses his parents's immigration to the United States and their lives as Chinese restaurant owners in Louisville, Kentucky. He recounts his childhood association with Cabbage Patch Settlement House and his later paid work there, beginning in 1953.
  • CabbagePatch_Chin_Male.jpg

    A pennant from Male High School, a public school in Louisville, Kentucky. This pennant was owned by Roosevelt Chin, a Chinese American from Louisville, Kentucky who worked with the Cabbage Patch Settlement House for over fifty years. The pennant is made of felt. It is purple with gold lettering and a gold strip across the leftmost side. Roosevelt Chin graduated from Male High School in 1951. Chin would later say that while he attended art school in New York, he would always return home for the annual Male-Manual rivalry football game.
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