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Bianca Gerstmann Schoen Collection

 Collection
Identifier: AR 25059

Scope and Content Note

The bulk of the Bianca Gerstmann Schoen Collection (circa 1900-1950s) consists of photographs. Also included are scrapbooks, correspondence, emigration documents, report cards, healthcare documentation, baggage lists and company stationery from Gerstmann and Co. in Vienna, all ranging from circa 1900 to the 1950s.

Correspondence includes three letters from Bianca’s close friend Mizzi Stoessler describing immigrant life in America, including notes about housing and living costs in New York City. The Stoessler correspondence also details attempts to help family friends in Europe to obtain visas to America in 1939 and 1940. Photographs are mostly unidentified, but include photographs of Bianca Schoen’s time in Vienna, Kuala Lumpur, and California, circa 1920s-1950s.

Dates

  • 1912-1958
  • Majority of material found within 1920s-1950s

Creator

Language of Materials

The collection is in German and English.

Access Restrictions

Open to researchers.

Access Information

Collection is digitized. Follow the links in the Container List to access the digitized materials.

Use Restrictions

There may be some restrictions on the use of the collection. For more information, contact: Leo Baeck Institute, Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011 email: lbaeck@lbi.cjh.org

Biographical Note<extptr actuate="onload" altrender="Portrait of Bianca Gerstmann in front of a car in Kuala Lumpur" href="http://digital.cjh.org/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=1657215" show="embed" title="Portrait of Bianca Gerstmann in front of a car in Kuala Lumpur (1898-1987)"/>

Bianca Schoen (née Loewi) was born December 28, 1898 in Vienna. She worked as a seamstress and married Felix Gerstmann, and took his name. In 1940, she lived in Kuala Lumpur and was married to Ernst Schoen, changing her name to Bianca Schoen accordingly. In 1941, the Schoens immigrated to the United States via San Fransisco. Felix Gerstmann perished in 1942 in Auschwitz. Bianca Schoen died in February 1987 in San Diego, California.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Abstract

The Bianca Gerstmann Schoen Collection documents the life and emigration of seamstress and housewife Bianca Schoen. Documents consist chiefly of photographs; also included are scrapbooks, correspondence, and emigration documents.

Arrangement

This collection has one series. Records are arranged topically.

Separated Material

Some photographs have been removed to the Photograph Collection.

Title
Guide to the Papers of Bianca Gerstmann Schoen (1898-1987) 1912-1958 AR 25059
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Joshua Shelly
Date
©2013
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is in English.
Edition statement
This version was derived from BiancaGerstmannSchoen.xml

Revision Statements

  • August 2015:: dao links added by Emily Andresini.

Repository Details

Part of the Leo Baeck Institute Repository

Contact:
15 West 16th Street
New York NY 10011 United States