December 6, 1940: Sharing Information

Article about International Relations Committee 

in the Spectator (McPherson College Newspaper) by Opa

Transcription:

Henry Speaks for I.R.C.

By Thomas Doeppner

IRC Gives Tea

Today at 4 o'clock in the S.U.R., the International Relations Club will have its annual tea. Every member is invited to attend. The general discussion topic will be "A World Union." At four tables, presided by Dr. W. A. Naumann, Dr. O.A. Olson, Miss Margaret Heckethorn, and Prof. Maurice A. Hess, different aspects of this topic will be discussed.

The World At Large

If this column were to take a cue from current newspapers, it would be filled with glowing accounts of the victories of the mighty Greeks. Let it suffice to say that the modern Spartans and Athenians are surprising the whole world, even themselves. The duration of the conflict remains a matter of speculation.

More important to Americans this week is the recent statement by Avia Camacho, President-elect of Mexico, to the effect that the unity of the Americas is of supreme importance to him. The United States sent vice-president-elect Henry A. Wallace to add recognition to the ceremony. Wallace figuratively was rotten-egged by the opposing Mexican faction which added a note of discord to the unifying inaugural speech.

In conclusion we wish President Roosevelt a pleasant fishing trip in the vicinity of his newly acquired possessions in the Caribbean.

Magazine Articles of Interest

Tomlinson, H. M. "England Under Fire," Atlantic Monthly, 166:732, December, 1940.

Trueblood, D. E. "The Quaker...

**missing section**

Again, apologies for the missing sections. This article is a spunky one. I think Opa was trying to poke fun at Roosevelt but I don't know the history well enough to know for sure. I find it fascinating that the Mexican president talks about the unity of the Americas- I think now the United States of America is very myopic and considers themselves the only and important part of America. To think that there is a whole land mass attached to us that we largely ignore or denigrate, is odd at best.

I also was struck by the mention of the fighting Greeks and how our quick sweep of history tells us only the big details and major players, we don't hear about the little victories that pave the paths for the big ones. I know that's inevitable in a comprehensive history course, but it heightens my awareness that there is so much I don't know. 

The tea with focused discussion by professors and scholars sounds awesome. Again, I miss school. I'm a nerd.

I love the recommended article section- it's cut off, but it reminds me of the articles my dear friends share with me, some fun but many incredibly insightful and mind-opening. It encourages me that even though we might have an epidemic of false news, we still have the habit of sharing information. If we can sharpen our skills of discernment and work towards holding our information highways accountable, we at least have intact the desire to share information. That's a good start.

December 5, 1940: Terribly Clever Reason, Terribly Dumb Worrying

Letter from Ella to Opa

Translation:

Berlin, Charlottenburg, December 5, 1940

Droysenstrasse 14

My dear boy,

I am terribly sad and worried that I haven’t gotten any news from you. Since the letter from October 12 I haven’t heard any more from you. That’s two months ago now, and I would so like to know how you are feeling. I wish so much that you wouldn’t torment yourself with your feelings for Esther anymore. Hopefully you got my letter where I talked to you about that, as well as I can from here. I can’t come to you and hold your hand, and all my fervent wishes for your happiness have to take effect from afar. Have you tried something on the Panama thing? I also impatiently await an answer to that. The Stiers hope to be able to travel in a few weeks. I got news from Patty child; her husband wrote so sweetly too. It’s so remarkable to me, with him; I’ve never seen him, and yet he’s so dear to me, so trusted, as if I’d known him for years. I feel very certain that he belongs to us, that there are strong connections there, that go directly from each of us to the other. Now I long even more to be together with all of you.  

Today I have the afternoon free, since my students are on break, and so I’m sending my boy a quick greeting! Hunschen, I always say to myself with my terribly clever reason that things are going well for you, that you are writing, that the letters will come late; but then my terribly dumb worrying gets in the way: maybe he’s sick again; maybe he’s tormenting himself so much that he can’t write, and then I despair that I’m not with you, can’t help you, can’t hold you close. If only some news would come! A letter came a few weeks ago from Ellenruth, who was almost four weeks underway; but I’ve gone much longer without news from you.  

Sunday evening I was, for the first time in a while, with the Quakers again. It was a good lecture on “The Tragic and the Christian.”  In the silence I felt like you were quite close by. Maybe you were also with the Quakers! I’m planning to go again on December 28; Douglas Steere from the USA is speaking on “Quakerdom: A Community of Life,” a topic that interests me greatly.  

Sunday I was expecting Anni and Gis, but it was all a misunderstanding; they didn’t show up. Now we have to see when it will work for them to come to me. I was really disappointed, as it got later and later and they didn’t come; I had been looking forward to being able to speak to them about my boy. Egan(?) was here, also Fräulein Hein; they both send their greetings. Have you written to Kurt? If not, do so already! If you don’t have his address, ask Ellenruth. Have you inquired about Willi Guttsmann? Write to me about it. What have you heard from Jürgen?  Tell him hello for me!

Have you thought about the fact that Aunt Berta has a birthday on December 12, Martha on January 14, and Lizzie on January 12?  Martha sends her greetings!

Write soon and a lot, my beloved little boy!  Kisses and hugs!

Yours,

Mama

Ella takes advantage of an open afternoon to write to her son. She hasn't heard from Opa in almost two months, and she uses this fabulous phrase that all parents can identify with: "terribly clever reason...terribly dumb worrying." She knows intellectually that Opa's letter are likely delayed in the mail or censor. But she worries that Opa is in a ditch with pneumonia. I cannot imagine have that much time to let your imagination worry before you hear of any news. She is desperate for something, anything, just to be sure he is alright. 

I love that Ella still has space amidst her worry to counsel Opa about girls- this time someone named Esther. I swear- Opa fell in love with every girl he met! I think the shock of going from an all-boys school to an American college was a little more than he expected in the girl department!

Ella asks Opa about the "Panama thing" which is another route from Europe into the United States (or really- just out of Germany). I actually had a friend post pictures online of her recent trip to Panama, and I realized that the United States had a military outpost at the Panama Canal. I need to do more research into how many refugees came through this way. After a short glance at the Holocaust Museum website, it appears that Panama was a place that accepted Jewish refugees during and after the war. For all Jews and other "unwanted" residents of Germany and the lands under Nazi control- there was a flurry of activity to get people out any way they could. Many of these escape routes were valid, some were fraudulent. Word of mouth, success stories, and refugee agencies were the only way to authenticate whether these avenues were worth whatever fee was nearly always required. There was no Snopes website to check. Honestly, I'm sure even without all the background checking, people were desperate enough to follow whatever path in hopes that they had found the unexpected loophole out. 

Ella's sister Martha and her husband Erich were expecting to travel soon on one of these escape routes (Shanghai I believe). However, Ella wasn't going with them.

I love how Ella talks about Patti's husband, Maurice. She loves him as her own, fully trusting Patti and clearly connecting to whatever he wrote in his letters. She said he "belongs to us." Beautiful language.

Ella spent some time with the Quakers, and "in the silence, you were close by." That silence connected her to Opa across the ocean, and she imagine he might have been with the Quakers at the same time. Ella is a deeply feeling person- who employs her entire body and soul into remembering and embracing her children who are so far away. 

Opa's good friends, Anni and Gis Halle, sisters from the Quaker youth group, missed their visit with Ella. I love that they plan visits with Ella. They are so good to her. You can tell that Ella surrounds herself with people to keep herself sane, and to feel connected to her children. Another thought that occurred to me is that she also might have done this as sort of a buffer against the Nazis. If she had non-Jews continually visiting and corresponding with her, then she was less isolated and perhaps a less easy target to ship out. It's good reasoning on her part if that crossed her mind.

Then Ella, after not hearing from Opa since October, gives him a laundry list of folks to look into or write- to include birthday wishes. Ha. I just love it. You can ignore your mother for a bit, but you really should write Aunt Martha a birthday card! She asks Opa to write Kurt, who is her little brother that is in Italy hiding from the Nazis.

This letter is a typical letter from Ella with girl advice, sadness and waiting to hear from her boy, and a soulful commitment to love her children in all the ways she can. I love Ella.

November 28, 1940: Wait, Work, and a Little Hope

Letter from Patti to Opa

Transcription:

(transcribing this was a beast- thanks to Jason for tackling it! I included the edits and my own because it's confusing without them. I'm not sure who did the editing- perhaps Patti herself or Opa?)

My dear little Hunschenboy,

About a week ago I received your letter of last July controlled by the Germans. I think that is the reason that it took so long to reach me. I was much pleased with it, in spite of the old news. But since I got this letter, I have an even stronger impression that you worked too much during the holidays, that you overtaxed your strength (is it English?). And you dear little brother offered to send me your money! I was so much touched by it and I thank you very, very heartily for your care. I would never accept this money you earned by such hard work, even if I were short of money. But I am not at all. In the beginning I wrote you that papa could help me no longer and that I don't have the right to work here, and indeed, that idea troubled me very much at that moment. But I am sorry I've told you so, since it made you such worry. I hope it is not because of me that you worked so much beyond your strength. I couldn’t bear it, tell me the truth, my dear boy! You need not be concerned about me at all. We lack nothing. My parents-in-law take care of both of us so kindly, and Maurice has his scholarship, a monthly sum of about 700 francs, not very much, not even enough for one person, but his parents are helping us, they are able to do it for the moment. Of course, I am not very satisfied with this solution of the financial question, I would prefer to earn some money myself, but it is not possible for the moment, unless I do work such as a charwoman or the like, and that Maurice would never permit nor would his parents. I hope I’ll be able to give some lessons. Till now I could not look for it, for there were so many other things to look for: our money (?) and finally I got the measles. I have recovered from it but I still cannot go outside. It was not very hard but for some awful days, and Maurice cared so well for me, attended me in such a perfect and loving manner that I recovered very quickly. I don’t know where the devil I got this illness. I am not a child, am I?

I hope you got my last letter about 3 or 4 weeks ago, with many prints, and I hope you were pleased with it. I told you that we were living together with Emma who has her lodging in the schoolhouse where she works. Her husband who was a war prisoner of the Germans came back 3 weeks ago, to our great surprise. He has been reformed because of an illness of the stomach and therefore he was freed so we were living together all 4 of us! Only I am not allowed to live in the schoolhouse, the mayor refused authorization because of my nationality, so we hired a little room in the neighbourhood to sleep in. We live 3 km from the town, but since we have bicycles, the distance doesn’t matter. I told you that I picked up my English (which does not prevent me from making many mistakes) and enrolled at the University for 2 exams in June, philologie and Etudes practiques. I intend to continue studying Russian for myself, to give some lessons, and to do some work in our household (we have ?? town, but not supper). I shall have plenty of work. But up to now I have done very little of this program. I could never do your work, I would be fired after a fourth of it, I suppose.

I got another letter from Putschi from Switzerland. I am always so awfully glad when I hear from her. She doesn’t write anything new to me, always the same life of waiting, work and sorrow and maybe a little hope. Do you have any new information as to her travel? I asked you once whether her liking would be assured over there. She would never allow herself to be dependent of Stiers and I can understand that very well. It seems that Erich has already annoyed many people at the Droysenstr. He is an impossible man. 

I am astonished to hear that Ellen takes so much care of Putschi, that she tries to help her. Why did you never tell me? You always wrote in a puzzled way about her, as if you didn’t know her address, as if she never wrote you etc. What is the matter? She never wrote me since she left G (Germany). and as I told you so, you answered me it was the same with you. Do you correspond with her since you know she did something for Putschi? Does she know I am married? Write me her address, please, if she does not take the attitude I supposed. I never got any news from Lillie neither from Hanna since I wrote them. Did you hear from them? 

Yesterday I got a letter from Mr. Vos of Switzerland. Do you know him from your being in Amsterdam? Is he American or Dutch? Do you like him? I don’t know him at all and remember only the name from Papa’s telling me. He wrote me a kind letter telling me he got one from Papa who begs him to send him a letter from me as he didn’t get any for a long time. However, I wrote him some weeks ago and my friend in Switzerland surely forwarded the letter. It reached him perhaps after he wrote. I even sent him prints in that letter. Papa writes that they are quite well except for the financial side of the question. And Putschi wrote me that he intended to join you. I wonder whether he will be able to do so. I answered today and wrote also many things about you. 

I didn’t get any letter but the old one from you for a very long time. Do write me, my little Hunschen. I always long for your letter as I can’t see you. I hope you are well and you enjoy your work. Is your visa matter settled now? Tell me much about you.

Many kisses of your loving sister

Patti

(French note from Maurice)

At top upside down:

Your last letter was from July 29th, The one before, that is the real last one from September 29th. 

This letter is confusing. Let me run by a synopsis: Patti is pleased that Opa wrote, she's upset that he worked so hard to make money and is afraid that he did it for her. Patti confirmed that she is safe and does not want for anything, however she gives that comforting information with a host of caveats that makes you realize how tentative her financial situation is: she is not allowed to work (except now perhaps she can give lessons/tutor), her husband gets a scholarship stipend that barely covers one person, and her in-laws are filling in the rest while they can. She is reassuring Opa that she is OK- but I'm not convinced. Then she tells Opa about her little bout with the Measles, which sounds awful. She treats it like a nuisance to be brushed off, but she is still unable to go outside- that's pretty intense. Then she talks about her friend whose husband returned from a prison because he was ill. I thought this was some weird code, but Patti's daughter Helene told me that the friend is named Emma (not to be confused with August's wife), but everyone called her Mickey. Emma and Patti were best friends. When Patti and Emma were first friends, Emma's husband was a French jew who went off to war but then was discharged due to a mental illness he developed while at war (perhaps what we call PTSD). He and Emma divorced. Patti mentions that she and Maurice are living with them and then she says that no- they are living in a rented room because of her German nationality. Helene told me this happened because the mayor found out Patti's nationality, so they were forced to move. Patti talks about picking up her English and taking classes. Helene tells me these are advanced level english course, including English Literature. Patti talks about learning Russian, which Ella also studied for her work at the Russian embassy. Helene said that Patti had many Russian friends and became fluent in Russian. I remember reading in Opa's autobiography that Patti even hoped to emigrate to Russia in the beginning of the war. She ended up in France instead. Patti talks about not Maurice not wanting her to be a charwoman- which is like a housekeeper or a maid. Apparently that was not a kosher thing to be doing. 

Patti starts talking about Putschi (Ella) and says she got a letter through her friend in Switzerland. I love the way she describes Ella's letters: waiting, work, sorrow, and maybe a little hope. She asks Opa about her "travel" and if she would be liked "over there"- my guess is she's asking if Opa's gotten any further in the work to get his mother to the United States. Then we learn about how much everyone seemed to like Erich (Ella's brother-in-law, Opa and Patti's uncle)- not a whole lot. I wonder why he was so difficult to be around?

Patti got word from August through another friend in Switzerland, and he sent his good tidings. Everything was fine with August except the financial side of things. That was one way that Hitler did seem to attack his enemies, whoever they were- by ostracizing them financially. Helene remembers hearing that August was paid fairly well, so I wonder when the financial burden began. We know that conditions in Holland worsen as the war goes on. Apparently August still has dreams of traveling to the United States. I wonder if he is working some of his newspaper friend channels. 

As always, Patti asks for more letters. She and her mother are alike in that request. 

This letter is a jumble of information, questions, and frail reassurances. It's got to be exhausting to keep writing back and forth to your family the paragraph equivalents of "Still Alive." Especially when there is nothing anyone can really do about anything. Waiting, working, hoping.

I think back to my first year of marriage when I had moved to a new city, a new job, and my husband and I were managing the normal adjustments of adult married life. It was challenging... then I read here of Patti rooming with her friend and ex-POW, being evicted because of her nationality, not having the ability to work and depending on her in-laws for financial survival, and then the measles. I wonder what their evening conversations were like. Did they drink coffee in the morning and have even a few minutes without worry? The adrenaline of the wartime allowed them to continue in the state of waiting, working, and hoping.

November 27, 1940: Opa in Transition

Letter from Elizabeth Walton to McPherson College President V.F. Schwalm

Transcription:

November 27, 1940.

President V.F. Schwalm

McPherson College,

McPherson, Kansas.

Re: Thomas Doeppner

Dear President Schwalm:

We regret that your letter of October 29, 1940, addressed to John Rich in regard to the immigration technicalities of Thomas Doeppner, has not been answered before this. It was turned over to this office which, in the meantime, had been in direct communication with Thomas Doeppner and Mr. E.E. Salisbury of the Immigration and Naturalization Service in Washington, D.C. It was found that there have been two files on Thomas Doeppner in the Washington office and that the confusion arose from this fact. Mrs. Schauffler of this office talked directly with Mr. Salisbury on November 1, 1940, at which time he stated he would take care of the situation and advised that Thomas Doeppner take no action until a decision is reached in Washington. This message has already been forwarded to Thomas Doeppner. We have had no further word from Mr. Salisbury, but when we hear from him we shall of course, be glad to notify Thomas Doeppner and get in touch with you if any action seems indicated.

We are also interested to secure advice as to further work for Thomas. He has written to us that he has taken all the courses in science and engineering given at McPherson College and we have advised him to discuss his future plans with the dean. We have not corresponded with the dean as all our communications have been directly with you. But perhaps you would rather have us write to him to learn of Thomas' present academic standing and what suggestions he may have for his future professional training. In his letters to us Thomas has frequently expressed his appreciation of the interest shown him at McPherson College and his gratitude for this opportunity to study and be a part of your student body. He has known all along that the curriculum at McPherson does not offer a wide selection of courses in his professional interest. That is the reason for his wishing further vocational advice at this time.

Very sincerely yours,

Elizabeth Walton.

So Opa had two files. I can't believe how long it took for them to figure it out and what a roller coaster he had to be on while everyone else was getting their act together. But at least for now he gets to stay in the US- not so much by permission but by omission as they need to consolidate his cases and make a new decision based on all the information. 

In the meantime - Elizabeth Walton- a new name from the American Friends Service Committee- has been in touch with McPherson College President V.F. Schwalm. In this letter she caught him up on what's happening, but I'm sure he already knew. She also let him know that Opa was starting to explore his educational options that allowed for more advanced engineering and technical training. I love how she emphasizes how grateful Opa has been to McPherson. It's almost like she's trying to soften the blow that he needs something that McPherson can't offer. But Opa has always been forthright about his educational goals, and I think Schwalm has always known Opa would need to move on at some point. 

This is why Schwalm and McPherson are so special... they welcomed and supported Opa even when they knew he might not finish out his school career there. They knew that they might just be a way-station for this boy. This is true hospitality. I think about some of the organizations that I have been a part of and how they have been less willing to help people who are not members or who won't be around long enough to give back. McPherson helped Opa with no promises of a return and I bet that Schwalm will do whatever he can to keep helping him in this time of transition.

November 20, 1940: Small Joys

Letter from Ella to Opa

Translation:

Berlin, Charlottenburg, Nov. 20^th 1940

Droysenstrasse 14

My beloved boy, By now I have been without news from you for over 4 weeks, and I worry.

This time one year ago, you were ill, hopefully you are not ill again. I tell myself of course, that the mail does not come regularly, and that my boy writes to me every week, the letters do not arrive, and you know mamas are always worried about their children. Through a friend of Pattilein, I heard that she is well, and also received a few darling pictures of her and her husband. I do believe she is doing well. Did you receive my letter in which I replied to you letter in details about your feelings for Esther? It was the last one I received, I think every day about how it looks inside of you (your inner most feelings). Every day I wait for mail so longingly.  

Hunschen, there is a possibility (chance) to go to the “small Antilles" islands if somebody will guarantee to cover my living expenses. Might that be possibly for me? Do you know somebody who would do that? From here I cannot do anything, would not know who to turn to. Do you think the “Friends” could do something? Or perhaps Hanna’s brother? Hanna sent me a rather cool birthday letter, and did not respond to the matter of an affidavit at all.

Also Rose states only vaguely the she would handle things, when the time comes. Hunschen, please get in contact with Rose, without that affidavit nothing can be done from here. Once on the small Antilles, one can wait there until the number comes up. How great that would be. Sometimes it is hard not to lose courage, but we have to be brave. And every day also brings small joys. Anni and Gis were going to visit me today. Sadly I had to cancel, because I have no time this week, we rescheduled for Sunday after next. The Saturday before I will go to a lecture at the “Friends”, I have not been there for a long, long time, and I am looking forward to it very much. Yesterday I was at Ann’chen’s for dinner. She says to tell you hello, and will write a Christmas letter to you within the next days. I wish for you a happy Thanksgiving day my boy. Maybe there will be a letter today, when I get home. I am writing this on the road, first at the H-V (must be the school) where I was transferred to, and now, since I ran out of ink, at the post office. 

I am always, always with you and Patti, and also with Aust, and I am thinking very much of all other loved ones. My boy, I kiss you dearly.

Your Mama

Did Shelley’s receive my letter?

Ella is looking for any way out, ANY WAY. I want to remind my readers that the Wansee Conference (you know- the one where they come up with the "Final Solution" for Jews?)- it hasn't even happened yet. Right now the Nazis are just be supreme jerks and also highly encouraging all Jews to leave the country, while also taking away all of their rights and means of financial independence. Things are bad, but Ella knows that now is the time to get out- and I think she sees the writing on the wall- that things probably won't get better for a while. She is daring to be hopeful. This practical, humble, pragmatic woman is considering moving to the small Antilles on the sponsorship of a family member or Quakers. For Ella, that is a huge swallow of pride and a giant leap into the unknown. That's how bad it is. And they haven't started shipping people out yet.

Ella hasn't gotten news from many people lately, it seems the mail ebbs and flows. She knows that, but it doesn't help her anxiety and worry. She can't stop being a mother- she still worries about Patti's happiness and safety. She still worries about Opa's colds. She still wonders if he is heartbroken. She still hopes Patti's marriage is happy. All her worries, concerns, and wishes- they don't disappear when her own anxieties overwhelm her. In fact, Ella focuses in on her children so that her love and concern for them will hide and push away her worries for herself. 

Ella stays busy, working however she can. She's been so busy she hasn't been able to stay as connected with the Quakers- and had to cancel a visit with Gis and Anni (I'm so glad they are visiting her!)- but she is making time to go to the lectures that the Quakers held for folks like her. It gives her an opportunity to connect with other folks, to get spiritual/intellectual inspiration, and to not feel isolated for an evening.

Ella continues to hold on to hope, and to her love for her children. That connective thread to her family is stretched so far across the world- America, France, Amsterdam. It's a challenge to hold them all - but she does it for hope. She holds on to the small joys that make her journey bearable.

November 4, 5, 1940: Don't Relax

Telegram from Opa to Marjorie Schauffler

Transcription:

Mrs. Marjorie Schauffler, American Friends Service Committee
 20 South 12 St Phila=

Received letter from Uhl today dated October 31, repeating order to leave. Does your telegram supersede this order. Should I remain here? Please wire advice=
Thomas Doeppner.
Uhl 31.

Letter from Opa to Byron Uhl of INS

Transcription:

Thomas Doeppner  McPherson, November 5, 1940.

McPherson College

McPherson, Kansas

Mr. Byron Uhl

District Director

New York District    ((99503/254))

Dear Sir,

I have your letter of October 31 advising me to leave the United States by November 5. I have also received a telegram from Mrs. Marjorie Schauffler of the American Friends Service Committee of Philadelphia saying that Mr. Salisbury of the State Department in Washington is attempting to arrange for a student visa for me. She also indicated that she had been in touch with your office, apparently after the date of your letter, and that you had agreed to take no action pending the outcome of Mr. Salisbury's effort. I am assuming that this is correct, unless I hear differently from your office.

Yours very truly,

Thomas Doeppner.

Telegram from Marjorie Schauffler of AFSC to Byron Uhl at INS

Transcription:

Byron H. Uhl          (November 5, 1940)

District Director

New York District

U.S. Department of Justice

Regarding Thomas Doeppner McPherson Kansas E.E. Salisbury is handling his case and has instructed him through our office to await Washington decision STOP Salisbury discovered two Washington files on case and one contains request from Doeppner dated July 21 requesting change of status to student visa STOP We have advised Doeppner remain McPherson until instructions received from Salisbury STOP If you advise otherwise please wire us collect

Marjorie  Page Schauffler

American Friends Service Committee

Telegram from Marjorie Schauffler to Opa

Transcription:

Thomas Doeppner          (Noveber 5, 1940)

McPherson College

McPherson, Kansas.

Have wired Uhl that Salisbury is handling matter and has instructed you through us to await his decision without further action STOP Suggest you remain McPherson until Salisbury advises otherwise 

Marjorie Page Schauffler

Letter from Marjorie Schauffler to E.E. Salisbury of INS

Transcription:

November 5, 1940.

Mr. E.E. Salisbury:

We have just received the following telegram from Mr. Doeppner:

"Received letter from Uhl today dated October 31, repeating order to leave. Does your telegram supersede this order. Should I remain here? Please wire advice."

and in reply and in accordance with the telephone conversation I had with you on November 1, in which you advised that Mr. Doeppner take no action until he or we had heard from you, I have sent the following telegrams to him and to District Director Uhl:

"Have wired Uhl that Salisbury is handling matter and has instructed you through us to await his decision without further action STOP Suggest you remain McPherson until Salisbury advises otherwise"

"Regarding Thomas Doeppner McPherson Kansas E.E. Salisbury is handling his case and has instructed him through our office to await Washington decision STOP Salisbury discovered two Washington files on case and one contains request from Doeppner dated July 21 requesting change of status to student visa STOP We have advised Doeppner remain McPherson until instructions received from Salisbury STOP If you advise otherwise please wire us collect"

We are sending you this letter for your record.

Very sincerely,

(Mrs.) Marjorie Page Schauffler

This whole exchange is a perfect example of what it means to be a refugee: your life is completely and totally in the hands of arbitrary decisions. One minute Opa can be consoled that all is well and he can relax, someone is taking care of things. The next minute he gets notice that he really needs to leave the country, despite the fact that he had been told that that person would not ask him to do that again. For Opa, his refugee status has meant that he must always be alert, always on task, never relaxing into the comfort of his home. At any moment, someone may have the authority to demand he leave. At any moment his freedom might be taken on the condition of a missed deadline, a missed communication, an arbitrary decision. I think Opa had sort of settled in and was feeling comfortable, but this letter exchange reminds him he has let his guard down and comfortable is a luxury he has not earned yet.

To be a refugee means that you have no idea where home is. It means that someone else gets to decide- always. This would throw me into a perpetual state of anxiety, high-alert, poised to move. A refugee must be in a position like a kitten that prepares its body to pounce, ready to go where it needs to go for safety- when at any moment, someone can grab you by the scruff of your neck and put you where ever they want you- rendering you paralyzed until you've been placed. Being a refugee means having little to no control over your life. These letters remind Opa that he is not a visitor, he is a refugee- and he cannot relax.

November 2, 1940: Oh Yeah, School

Original Letter from Kathleen Hanstein of AFSC to Opa

Transcription:

Mr. Thomas Doeppner

McPherson College

McPherson, Kansas

Dear Mr Doeppner:

I want to acknowledge your letter in regard to your plans for next year although I have not yet had the chance to look into the possibility at the college you mentioned and shall, therefore, have to write you in greater detail later on I think that it would be wise for you to discuss the whole situation with the dean at McPherson, or with your faculty advisor and the on the basis of their advice to see what the scholarship possibilities might be in any of the colleges in that vicinity which have satisfactory engineering courses. We shall, at the same time, be keeping you in mind for a possible scholarship elsewhere as we do sometimes have scholarships available in colleges with engineering courses and we can, of course, understand that your final years of college work you should be in a college giving the type of professional training that you wish to secure.

Sincerely yours,

Kathleen Hanstein

Associate Counsellor

P.S. I had dictated this letter before your letter arrived describing your visa difficulties. I turned your letter over to Mrs. Schauffer and trust you have heard from her by this time.

K.H.H.

I'm impressed that in the midst of figuring out the whole visa fiasco - Opa has the ability to make plans for furthering his college career. I have this weird image of Opa on a train- slowly making its way to the destination, but flocks of birds are dive-bombing the windows, cows are standing in the tracks, other trains are going in front, people are debating whether to continue to allow the train to go forward- and in all this Opa squints to the future- noticing that he'd like to make sure that if he gets there- it has an engineering degree to offer.

For Opa the education is more than just a vehicle to get to the United States- it is a vehicle to stay there, to get a job there, and to hopefully maybe bring his mother there on his own hard-earned dime. That destination is a strategic choice and he has to keep his eye on it.