Object numberM2012/035:028
DescriptionThis is a typed postcard to John from his mother Helena, dated 26 August 1939. His mother writes that her days are spent trying to figure out how to store the furniture and learning Hebrew. She is no longer allowed to frequent the pool but is still allowed to go to one outside of the city. She informs him that his sister writes about once a month and that his father still does not have a job. She asks him about the violin and says that when she visits the storage she plays the piano. A family friend was not allowed to take his violin to Oxford. She ends her message by saying the mood is awful.
There is a short handwritten message from his grandmother. She updates his about his cousin Bruno who still can’t leave and his mother who found job in Buenos Aires. Most is repeated from his mother’s message.
In face of imminent invasion of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 John (Hansi) at age of 14 left for England in February to be received by a distant cousin, the Meeks, in Manchester, whose address became available from another cousin in Poland. John's sister managed to leave for Palestine shortly after. His father Theodore, although on the "wanted" list by the Gestapo managed to escape to Palestine, with the help of Czech officials, after the invasion. His mother stayed to care for her sick mother. She did not survive the war.
The content of this correspondence is mainly a mother-to-son personal chitchat, here and there complemented by a note from John’s father Theodor and grandmother. However to the discerning eye it is also a historical reflection of the gradual tragic deterioration of Helena’s and friends’ fate under German occupation leading to the inevitable deportation.
There is a short handwritten message from his grandmother. She updates his about his cousin Bruno who still can’t leave and his mother who found job in Buenos Aires. Most is repeated from his mother’s message.
In face of imminent invasion of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 John (Hansi) at age of 14 left for England in February to be received by a distant cousin, the Meeks, in Manchester, whose address became available from another cousin in Poland. John's sister managed to leave for Palestine shortly after. His father Theodore, although on the "wanted" list by the Gestapo managed to escape to Palestine, with the help of Czech officials, after the invasion. His mother stayed to care for her sick mother. She did not survive the war.
The content of this correspondence is mainly a mother-to-son personal chitchat, here and there complemented by a note from John’s father Theodor and grandmother. However to the discerning eye it is also a historical reflection of the gradual tragic deterioration of Helena’s and friends’ fate under German occupation leading to the inevitable deportation.
Production placePrague, Czech Republic
Production date 1939-08-26
Subjectseparation, children, Nurenberg laws, swimming
Object namepostcards
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 146.00 mm
height: 107.00 mm
Language
- German Dear Hansi! 26/08/1939.
Yesterday your letter from St. Annes arrived and I am happy that you are having such a good time during your holiday. My time is spent figuring out how to store our furniture and I am learning Ivrith (Hebrew). Apart from the two blue tables I have put nothing away. The bathing installations are prohibited for us. On Sunday I was there on the steamer where the two of us were last year behind the flood-gates at Mechenice. It’s nice bathing pool with sun bathing facilities. We are permitted there as it is outside Prague. Ruth hasn’t written for a whole month. Father writes once a fortnight, he doesn’t appear to have a job. Do you ever think about your violin? When I am in the furniture warehouse I play the piano there, with masses of high quality instruments around. Edith is shortly going to England. How are you going with your dog? Richard drops in a lot. Ivrith (Hebrew) is difficult but very interesting, I enjoy the study. Franz Pick (family friend) is in Oxford but no permission to take the violin, Have you grown, we hope. When are Meeks coming back? We had a heat wave here. The mood is awful.
Many kisses Mutti (mother)
Dear Hansi,
When is school starting, are you going to a higher class? We are talking a lot with mother about O….? and are happy with your nice letters. Ruth is only rarely writing, Bruno (Helena’s nephew) is still here and can’t get away. Else (Bruno’s mother) has already got a job in Buenos Aires. You probably know perfect English now and Mother is learning Ivrith. Keep on being well. Many kisses grandmother.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mr John Gruschka