ARCHIVES NOW REPOSITORY FOR JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF

MICHIGAN COLLECTION

The Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives is proud to announce that it is now the custodial repository for the Archives of the Jewish War Veterans of Michigan. Prior to this, the Federation Archives had assembled some JWV materials in preparation for the 1999 installation of permanent tribute to the War Veterans at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield. The Franklin Archives and the Federation Archives will maintain a cooperative working arrangement in this regard. However, the bulk of the JWV’s records are now housed in the Archives at Temple Beth El. The Franklin Archives is collecting, organizing, and preserving the organizational records of the JWV and its Ladies Auxiliary. The Archives of the Jewish War Veterans of Michigan will also contain records that document not only the organization’s ongoing support of their comrades-in-arms, but also activities such as the awarding of non-denominational scholarships to high school seniors who are or were related to service personnel.

On Sunday, June 22, archivist Jan Durecki addressed the members of the JWV at their annual meeting and announced the formal organization of the archives. During her remarks, she encouraged individual members to preserve their experiences in the Armed Forces by donating their memorabilia to the newly-formed archive. Their reminiscences will chronicle the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women of the Detroit-area Jewish community to the United States’ military. The Franklin Archives is also seeking service-related photographs, letters, diaries, and the personal reminiscences of the JWV’s individual members. All members of the armed forces, both past and present, are encouraged to join with the Franklin Archives in saving for posterity this important aspect of local Jewish history.

Among the many great aspects of being the Temple’s archivist is the periodic opportunity to escort visitors around the synagogue and discuss the beauty of its architecture. During one such occasion in late July, a couple vacationing from the Netherlands stopped and asked for a tour of the Temple. We discussed Minoru Yamasaki’s vision for Beth El, and as we stepped into the sanctuary, they were in awe of its beauty. After a few moments, the gentleman turned to me and asked, “Do you believe in heaven?” I responded “yes” and then asked if he also believed in heaven. Looking slowly around the sanctuary, he answered “Yes, I do and I think I see it.” His response illustrates that it is important to periodically take a “fresh look” at our surroundings and appreciate the beauty we often take for granted.
On behalf of the Friends of the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives and the Archives’ Committee, I would like to thank Ellen Jacobowitz for once again underwriting the subscription for Ancestry.com. Membership in the Friends of the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives entitles you to unlimited use of the Ancestry database from the Archives’ computers. With more than eight million visitors a month, Ancestry.com allows its users to search genealogical, census, military, immigration and many other historic records. A Friends’ member is also entitled to free admittance to any Archives’ sponsored event. Membership levels begin at $36. Fill out a membership form and join today!
Donations

Ruth Adler Schnee, has donated materials assembled in the 1980s during the design process for the chapel in the Jewish Home for the Aged in Detroit. The collection consists primarily of correspondence from Ruth and her husband Edward to artisans whose designs were under consideration for inclusion in the chapel. The materials also include artists’ sketches, slides, and photographs of their works, and Judaic design catalogues. The Ruth Adler Schnee Collection has been catalogued with accession number 2008.016.
Crystal Fragments, a recent publication by Betsy Ramsay, that recounts Leo Woldbott’s life before and after Hitler’s rise to power, was donated by Peggy Frank and has been added to the Leo Woldbott Collection (2001.08).

Research inquiries

In July, I provided Matthew Nolting with scanned images of his g.g.g.grandfather, Bernard Prell’s, obituary and death certificate. His response follows: “How amazing to open the article scan!!! When I saw a photo, it felt like a bolt of electricity went through my back and arms. I was just not expecting to also see a photo of an ancestor who lived over 100 years ago. Thank you for sending those scans.”

The Jewish War Veterans of
Michigan’s Archives
Research inquiries

In July, I spoke with a woman who was seeking information concerning a playground in Detroit that had been named for World War II soldier, Moritz Lifsitz. She is part of a group raising funds for its refurbishment and had called the Archives hoping I could tell her why the playground had been dedicated in Lifsitz’s name. I could not answer her question, but because we are now the custodian of the Jewish War Veterans of Michigan’s Archives, I was able to locate his place and date of birth, branch of service, place and date of death and a photograph. I also suggested she visit the Archives and review our post-war copies of the Jewish News to see if there was coverage of the playground dedication. She was thrilled with the information which should assist her group in its restoration efforts.
Donations

Lillian Bernstein, donated a cap worn during her tenure as President of the Jewish War Veterans of Michigan’s Ladies Auxiliary from 1952 to 1953; a 1953 program for the JWV’s Tenth Annual Military Ball; a program from the JWV’s 29th annual Military Ball (1965), and miscellaneous JWV ephemera.
Louis Kingston, has placed into the JWV’s Archives a copy of his service-related memoirs “A Walk in the Hot Sun”, a veterans’ newsletter the “33rd Infantry Division,” and a print out of the “New Guinea: U.S. Army Campaigns of World War II.” He also allowed me to scan an album of photographs he took during his service in New Guinea and the Philippines.
Albert Zack has donated a transcript of his oral history interview with the Library of Congress’ Veterans’ History Project. He also included a photograph of himself as a bombardier flight officer on a B-24 aircraft.
If you are a veteran, or the family member or friend of a veteran, you can help the Jewish War Veterans of Michigan’s Archives grow by donating photographs, memoirs, letters, diaries, or other memorabilia related to your military service. Those items will be preserved under the management of the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives. For further information, please call 248-851-1100 ext. 3137.

JEWISH HISTORY DETECTIVE LECTURE SERIES

On September 9 at 7:00 pm, the first installment of this year’s Jewish History Detective Lecture Series will take place. This event is being co-sponsored by the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan. The topic will be “World War II and the Soldiers from Central High School”. The presentation will focus upon the men who attended Detroit’s Central High School and were killed during World War II. Archivist Jan Durecki will focus on the “lives behind the names” of these lost heroes. A list of the casualties from Central High School has been compiled from the Jewish War Veterans’ Golden Book. This memorial volume was compiled by the parents of those who lost a loved one during military service. A link to the names can be found on the main page of Temple Beth El’s website. Please review the list and contact the archives to share your memories of the “Soldiers from Central High School.”

Jan Durecki, Archivist
franklinarchives@tbeonline.org
Hours Through August: Monday through Thursday: 10:00 - 6:00 pm, by appointment - Closed on Friday
Contact Information: 248-851-1100, ext. 3137 franklinarchives@tbeonline.org

Temple Beth El is home to one of the most comprehensive congregational archives in the nation and the largest such collection in Michigan. The archives is named in memory of Dr. Leo M. Franklin, Temple Beth El's beloved rabbi from 1899-1941 and one of the leading voices of the Reform Movement nationwide. The Archives was founded in 1981 using materials collected by Leo M. Franklin and Irving Katz, noted Jewish Historian and Temple Executive Secretary from 1939 until his death in 1979. It was maintained by congregants Miriam and Aid Kushner until 1997 when the first full-time professional Archivist was hired. The Archives continues to be strengthened by donations of materials and monetary contributions from individuals and foundations.

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE

ARCHIVES’ COLLECTIONS

Noted pianist and instructor, Betty Kowalsky Stasson, donated a book of Louis Lewandowski’s compositions titled Todah V’simrah”. Ms. Stasson also gave the Archives a brief biography and newspaper clippings that chronicle her musical career. Those materials can be found in the Stasson Family File, 2008.015.

The Friends of the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives is a group of committed contributors and supporters dedicated to maintaining and preserving the rich, historic collections of manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual materials, architectural drawings and rare books found within the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives.

As a Friend of the Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives, your contribution will help promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the Archives, support its operation and growth and increase access to the Archives through unique and interesting programming.

Membership Levels:
  $36    Friend
  $72    Family
  $150  Corporation/Foundation
  $250  Future Generation
  $___  Other

Please make checks payable to and mail to: 
The Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives
7400 Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
 

I am interested in highlighting the everyday experiences that individually, and in their totality, contributed to the Allies’ victory. Were you a young wife and mother during the war? If so, how did your family deal with rationing? Did you belong to a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop during the war years? Did you and your fellow scouts visit VA hospitals or correspond with GIs? Were you a Civil Defense warden or a Rosie the Riveter defense worker? Did you frequent the USO or other recreation centers that catered to visiting service personnel? These are but a few examples of the many efforts that drew the Jewish community together during the War and merit sharing with the TBE community.

The Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives is committed to collecting Jewish Detroit’s social history. Your personal stories of war-related activities will further our collective knowledge of the Jewish patriotism and solidarity with the War effort. Contact Archivist Jan Durecki at 248-851-1100, ext. 3137.