Title:

David Shirpser papers, 1957-1961

Creator/Contributor:

Shirpser, David, creator, creator.

Creator/Contributor:

Western Jewish History Center, 257.

Creator/Contributor:

Judah L. Magnes Museum, 1973.010.

Creator/Contributor:

Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life

The collections consists primarily of a photocopy of a handwritten manuscript, titled Oakland Dec. 5th, 1931, written by Solomon Shirpser, which recounts memories and experiences of his step-father, David Shirpser; David's decision to go to Alaska and his adventures there; and the effect of his voyage on the family (page 9 is missing from the manuscript). The collection also contains five letters written by researchers to members of the Shirpser family seeking additional inforamtion about their family history. It also has a reprint of Harold F. Taggart's article, "Sealing on St. George Island, 1868," which appeared in the November 1959 issue of the Pacific Historical Review, and an autographed copy of Golda S. Kaugman's article, "Alaska: The Jewish Communities," which appeared in the September 1961 issue of Jewish Frontier. Both provide information about the history of members of the Jewish community who worked in the Alaskan fur trade.

Date:

1957 (issued)

Subject:

Shirpser, David -- Archives

Jews -- Alaska -- Sitka

Fur traders -- Alaska

Formerly: Western Jewish History Center Collection Number 257

Formerly: Judah L. Magnes Museum Collection Number 1973.010

David Shirpser, BANC MSS 2010/806, The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.

Born in Prussia, David Shirpser was an early Alaskan fur trader. After opening a clothing store in Placerville, California, he became involved in the fur trade in Victoria, British Columbia. he left Victoria for Sitka, Alaska, in 1867, the year the United States purchased the Alaskan territory from Russia.

print

1

English

Origin:

California