Autobiography by Denise Wolff, circa 1960s-1990s

Autobiography written in English by Denise Wolff (1909-2000), a Jewish French American that immigrated to the United States during World War II. She describes her youth in France, hardship during German occupation during World War II, and immigration to the United States via Spain and Portugal, and activities she took part in at the Temple in Louisville, Kentucky.

Mss. A L668, Folder 8, Levy-Wolff Family Papers, The Filson Historical Society, Louisville, Kentucky

Mss. A L668 Folder 08 Item 03

I was born 9/13/1909 in Haganau, France (Alsace), which is located at the eastern border with Germany - This little corner of France has through centuries changed hands from French to German & vice-versa. After WWI, I got French citizenship back as did my parents & grandparents, as we had been for generations residents of Alsace - my father was a merchant and I lived a sheltered life - our little town offered cultural programs, classical music, plays, opera, and our schools gave us a solid background When I married in 1930 we lived in Paris & has our own business - things went smoothy until the mid 30's when animus voices Where heard from Germany. Our 2nd son (Hubert) was born in Aug 1938 in Strasbourg - when at the age of 3 weeks we had to leave because Hitler invaded a part of Austria - British Prime Minister Chamberlain yet appeared and Hitler went at his comquering ways - one year later after the invasion of Poland were refugees aagin, this time to a place south of Paris - We had French soldiers quatered in our loft and waited... in May 1940 when the German tanks envaded Belgium, Holland, & France we saw the "famous four" whose Northern Parts came by in horse drawn wagons ect. until we ourselves fled to central & southern France. Food was scarce & conditions tough - until in May 1941 we were able to leave; the country was already closed, the northern part in the hands of the nazis & we were lucky to be able to leave by Spain & Portugal - In Louisville we were met by relatives & started life anew - speaking the language was a great help but still it was not easy - very torn away from family & friends & them not being able to communicate with them for 3 1/2 years - As the news reached us in 1945 - 46 in spite of hardship we endured we felt very fortunate So many family members & friends, young and old had disappeared in the gas chambers of Auschwitz, some killed by firing squads on just wild Nazis in the streets (Lolottes husband). So after the war I used my ability of speaking 3 languages & started helping former D.P.'s to get reestablished here - taking them to job interviews, doctors, etc. and acting as interpreter - Also helped new French war brides get over berieveness by organizing get togethers - This organization is still growing strong - I feel as I grow older, as long as I am able & want to be helpful to others & there are numerous ways - chauffeuring elderly, talking to to _______. Acitivities at the temple, volunteering in general give me my greatest satisfactions - I like to be with people, people of different ages, people who do things, make things happen Senior citizen groups are very important to me. They help to put "Life to our years, not just years to our lives" We also try to look forward - reminiscing is pleasant sometimes but planning for the future keeps your mind active, but the most important thing to do for Sr. citizens is live today.