Flora J. Arnstein papers., 1897-1990,, undated,, bulk bulk 1926-1985

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Summary

Creators:
Arnstein, Flora J.
Abstract:
The Flora J. Arnstein Papers document the career of a San Franciscan alternative educator and writer.
Extent:
Number of containers: 4 cartons, 1 box, 1 filebox, 6 oversize volumes Linear feet: 7.5
Language:
Collection materials are in English

Background

Scope and content:

The Flora J. Arnstein Papers contain many of her writings, some teaching materials and other personal items. Her correspondence, much of which is in Series 1, is not extensive but does represent important relationships during her life, including her parents. There are also six oversize scrapbooks that document the different parts of Arnstein's life.

Biographical / historical:

Flora Jacobi was born on August 10, 1885, in San Francisco. She married Lawrence Arnstein in 1910, and was a co-founder of the Presidio Open Air School (now Presidio Hill) with her sister-in-law Helen Salz in 1917. She began writing poetry at the age of 40, and incorporated it into her teaching. Two of her notable pupils were Pierre Salinger and Arthur Hoppe. In addition to publishing poems in various periodicals and as collections, she wrote several articles and a book on the benefits of teaching poety to children.

On the occasion of her 100th birthday, Arnstein was interviewed for Berkeley's Regional Oral History Office. This transcript provides a much fuller biography. Arnstein continued to write and publish until her death in February 1990.

Acquisition information:
The Flora J. Arnstein Papers were given to The Bancroft Library by Edith Jenkins on June 12, 1990.
Physical location:
Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library
Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
Contact:
510-642-6481
bancref-library@berkeley.edu
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