Object numberM2016/039:005
DescriptionThis is an undated list titled ‘Questionnaire’, likely sent from Charlotte Ostertag to her fiancé in Turkey. On the left hand side is a handwritten list of house hold items including a toaster, an iron, a hairdryer, a desk lamp and two bed-side lamps, a vacuum cleaner, a preserving set, a heat pack, a camping bed, a thermos, doonas, and an ‘electric refrigerator’. The right hand side of the list is typed, and contains answers as to whether the sender should bring these things to wherever the original recipient was. It is difficult to tell who is the sender and recipient as both Charlotte ‘Lotte’ in the letters, and Max, her fiancé, are mentioned in the third person.
It is an interesting correspondence between two people who are separated over what is probably a significant distance, or in a circumstance that means a phone call is impossible. Although it is undated it is most likely dated pre-World War II when Charlotte Ostertag was preparing to migrate to live with her fiancé. The respondent, who has typed, mentions that they have lived in the ‘Orient’, and describes the seasonal weather and that there is no need of doonas. It is significant in its description of typical household items owned by middle class German Jews and what items would be important to ship to a distant location.
It is an interesting correspondence between two people who are separated over what is probably a significant distance, or in a circumstance that means a phone call is impossible. Although it is undated it is most likely dated pre-World War II when Charlotte Ostertag was preparing to migrate to live with her fiancé. The respondent, who has typed, mentions that they have lived in the ‘Orient’, and describes the seasonal weather and that there is no need of doonas. It is significant in its description of typical household items owned by middle class German Jews and what items would be important to ship to a distant location.
Subjectlists, possessions, loved ones' contact, family life
Object nameInventory
Dimensions
- height: 295.00 mm
width: 210.00 mm
Language
- German My Dowry
Silverware
Dinner set: coffee set, teacups, mocha cups
Glass ware, crystal
Linen:
Tablecloths and serviettes
Towels
Bed linen
Tea towels
2 woollen blankets, 2 doonas, 2 featherbeds with 4 pillows
Handcrafted items, cushions.
Please be so kind as to send me a list of your books so I do not bring you what you already have, or to put it simpler, write to me which ones are missing.
I have a copy of both lists here, so you do not need to return them to me.
Notes as well of course.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Annette Brett