Oral history interview with Gertrude Jackel Wetterhahn

Jäckel and Wetterhahn family papers

Document

The Jäckel and Wetterhahn family papers include biographical material, correspondence, education documents, writings, restitution material, and photographs relating to Gertrude Jäckel and Julius Wetterhahn’s families pre-war life in Germany, attempts to emigrate from Germany, and Gertrude and Julius’ post-war life in the United States. The collection includes a diary, kept by Ruth Jäckel from 1931-1984 during her time in Germany, London, and the United States as well as correspondence between Sigmund and Jettchen, Gertrud’s parents, and Gertrude and Julius before her parents were deported. Biographical material includes originals and copies of birth certificates for Julius, Matilda, and Ruth, a passport (Reisepass) and certificate of naturalization for Ruth and Gertrude, and an account book, marriage invitations, marriage certificate, and a driver’s license for Julius. Emigration and immigration material includes affidavits for Julius and Gertrude from Gertrude’s cousin, Bernard Gilmore, packing lists, and work documentation for Julius. This series also includes copies of the ship manifest for the SS Washington and the 1940 United States Census and declarations of intent and petitions of naturalization for Julius and Gertrude. Correspondence includes letters between Gerturde and Julius before they were married and from Gertrude and Julius to his parents shortly after they were married. The series also includes letters from Sigmund and Jettchen to Julius and Gretchen they immigrated to the United States until Sigmund and Jettchen were deported as well as correspondence relating to the death of Sigmund and Gertrude’s parents. Education material includes report cards and college booklets relating to Julius’ college education as well as his thesis Die Alizarinindustrie, ihre Entwicklung und Bedeutung für die deutsche Volkswirtschaft and the program and a photograph from his 65th graduation anniversary. Material for Gertrude includes certificates and booklets relating to her pre-war education in Germany. Writings include a diary in German and English kept by Ruth Jäckel from 1931-1984 during her time in Germany, England, and the United States. In her diary, Ruth writes about daily activities, family and friends, school, political uproars, not being allowed to go certain places, friends immigrating to America, Julius and Gertrude leaving Germany, issues with the Polish quota, sleeping in clothes to be ready for deportation, their synagogue being burned, life in England, and immigrating to the United States. The diary includes a newspaper clipping in the front cover and the series includes a translation of the German portions of the diary. The series also includes testimony provided by Julius and Ruth’s poems and recipe book. Restitution files include originals and copies of correspondence, applications, receipts, and notes relating to Gertrude and Julius’ attempt to receive restitution for their wartime suffering. Photographs include individual photographs and an album of the Jäckel and Wetterhahn families before and during the war in Germany. Images depict Julius and Gertrude with their families, including their parents and siblings.

Pin with monogram, wreath and swastika

Object