Guide to the Herbert and Gertrude Kaufman papers 1988.1122

Finding aid prepared by Judith Janec
Tauber Holocaust Library
JFCS Holocaust Center
2245 Post Street
San Francisco, CA, 94115
415-449-3717
tauberholocaustlibrary@jfcs.org


Title: Herbert and Gertrude Kaufman papers
Identifier/Call Number: 1988.1122
Contributing Institution: Tauber Holocaust Library
Language of Material: German
Container: Archives Box 4
Physical Description: 0.1 Linear feet comprising three folders of documents and artifacts
Date (bulk): Bulk, 1922-1947
Date (inclusive): 1922-1968
Abstract: The collection is comprised of identification and travel documents relating to the Kaufman family's experiences in Shanghai from 1941-1947, together with certificates, mostly employment related, from Germany during the period 1922-1940. The collection also includes two Nazi armbands.
Language of Materials note: Materials are in German, English, and Chinese.
Creator: Kaufmann family

Conditions Governing Use note

There are no restrictions to use for this collection.

Conditions Governing Access note

There are no restrictions to access for this collection. However, several documents are fragile and cannot be handled.

Biographical/Historical note

Herbert Kaufman was in Essen, Germany in 1904. He lived in Herne, where he worked for different businesses as a laborer and salesman. He fled to Shanghai, China in July 1940, and spent the war years there, where he worked as a fireman from 1941 to 1944. Mr. Kaufman worked for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee from 1944 to 1946 as a camp guard, and emigrated to the United States in June 1947. He was married to Gertrud Kaufmann. They and their two children were featured in an article in a local Oakland newspaper, which showed them eating their first Thanksgiving dinner, probably in the early 1950s.

Scope and Contents note

This collection documents the experiences of a Jewish German couple who fled Germany and spent the war years in Shanghai, China. The collection includes documents related to Herbert Kaufman's life in Germany before their emigration, including several letters of recommendation, as well as passport, work and other certificates. Documents from Shanghai include a resident certificate for Gertrud Kaufman; and travel permit, letters of recommendation for Herbert Kaufman and his affidavit in lieu of passport, allowing him to emigrate to the United States; and immunization records for Gertrude and Herbert Kaufman. The collection also includes two Nazi armbands.

Preferred Citation note

Herbert and Gertrude Kaufman papers - 1988.1122, Tauber Holocaust Library - JFCS Holocaust Center, San Francisco, California

Related Archival Materials note

See also Gertrude Kaufman oral history interview - OHP.9622.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Kaufmann family
Armbands -- Germany
Certificates -- Germany
Certificates -- Shanghai
Jewish families -- Germany
Jewish ghettos -- China -- Shanghai
Jewish refugees -- China -- Shanghai
Jews -- China -- Shanghai
Passports
Travel documents -- China -- Shanghai
United States -- Emigration and immigration
World War, 1939-1945 -- China -- Shanghai

 

German language documents, 1922-1940

Physical Description: 1.0 Folder(s)
 

Herbert Kaufman documents, 1938-1940

 

Arbeitsbuch 1938-1940

 

Reisepass (passport), 1940

 

Bescheinigung (certificate), 1940 March 31

 

Lohnsteuerkarte 1940,

 

Letters of recommendation, 1922-1940

 

Shanghai period documents, 1941-1947

Physical Description: 1.0 Folder(s)
 

Kitchen-Fund card, undated

 

Gertrude Kaufman resident certificate, undated

 

Letters of referral and confirmation of employment for Herbert Kaufman 1944-1947

 

Affidavit in lieu of passport for Herbert Kaufman 1947

 

Vaccination certificates for Herbert and Gertrud Kaufman 1947

 

Artifacts 1940s

Physical Description: 1.0 Folder(s)

General note

Artifacts comprise two Nazi armbands - on is a NSDAP (Nazi Party) armband; the second is a white armband printed with the Hoheitszeichen (national emblem-style eage and swastika).