February 7, 1941: What is a Good Neighbor?

Henry Speaks Article in The Spectator (McPherson College Paper) by Opa

Transcription:

Henry Speaks For I.R.C.

By Thomas Doeppner

Local News

Today at 4 o'clock, different members of the club will report on international events during the last week. After these reports, Edith Spangler, who is going to the International Relations Club conference in Missouri, will give a short talk on the topic  "The good neighbor policy, what does it mean." This is the topic she is going to discuss at the conference.

The World At Large

By Margaret Hamm

The House continues to debate on the bill to give aid to Britain. Historian Beard stated that the United States cannot, and should not attempt to settle the internal affairs of Europe. If the bill is passed, we will again be led into a world war on false pretenses. Others believe that the United States and Britain can never win a military victory over Germany but could in time win an economic victory. 

The British forces are battling the Italians in East Africa hoping to capture Massaua within the week.

In the East we find the Japanese tightening their grip on Indo-China. Japan has signed a six point pact with Indo-China granting the Japanese virtual economic, political and military control of the French possessions.

Magazine Articles of Interest

Possony, Stefan, "Can Britain Be Stormed?" Nation, 152:94, January 25, 1941

Editorial, "Is Lend-Lease a Step to War?" New Republic, 104: 103/ January 27, 1941.

Yutang, Lin, "China Speaks to America?"  ibid. p. 107

Harlings, Albert, 'Who Are the Appeasers?" ibid. p. 110.

Hanighen, F. C., "Transportation and Defense." Harpers, 1089-303. February, 1941.

This article reminded me, through the voice of the historian Beard, that Americans had in their very recent memory a massive world war that felt, at best, was entered with shaky facts. The Americans were hesitant to join another war because the last one had cost so much and with very little to show for it. 

I'm also reminded of how formidable Germany's army felt. Opa once told me that there were times when he really thought that Germany could win. He always would transition into how glad he was that they did not. But I wonder how he felt in the midst of that feeling the possibility that his country could remain in the choke-hold of Nazism for the long-haul. Certainly he would have known that meant all of his friends and family would be lost. How out of control and helpless he must have felt. 

The idea that kept America invested in the events in Europe was that it needed to be a "good neighbor" in order to live up to its influence in the world. The question that Americans were asking during this time (not much unlike the Pharisee who asked Jesus): "what is a good neighbor?"

February 6, 1941: I am Always Freezing

Letter from Ella to Opa

Transcription:

Bln. Charl. 4, 6.II.41 (Berlin Charlottenburg, Feb 6^th, 1941)

Droysenstrasse 14

My beloved boy,

Just now I came home earlier, and there I had the great joy to find a letter from you of December 22nd, and now I have even time to reply right away. I wonder if you have received my letters. Especially the one in which I wrote about you and Esther. It is so difficult for me to say anything from here, but I wish for you not to suffer like that.  Surely this experience will aide you in becoming more mature. My boy will do only the best. Surely you will always feel and act in an honorable way. And so it was necessary for you not to accept the position, although I cannot imagine what kind it was. I have real faith in you, that you will do the right thing in any situation, without consideration of other peoples' opinion and without considering material advantages.  

Shelly's replied very nicely to my letter, I am glad to know such splendid people are with you. I hope you will have nice days in Iowa.  How far all that is! I wish we would all be together again, have a real home! Then we will let many people be part of it, everybody always felt at home (comfortable) with us - and it has to be like that again! I was happy about the news of Werner.

On Saturday I will go to see Hilda and Aunt Julig to tell them about it. Aunt Julig now lives with very nice people, next door to Hilda. Naturally I will look in on her and help as much as is in my power. She knows now that Erna has the position at the sanatorium.  I assume you answered Werner right away. When you write again, which I think you will do right away, tell him hello from me. I would like to know if Mr. Ebstein has visited him already. Did he write to you? He is a very good friend of Erna, and he went to see her.  

Hunschen, I already wrote to you, that perhaps I have a chance to come to you, when I have an affidavit. Be in contact with everybody possible, most of all with Rose, who gave me her solid promise to obtain one, when the time is right. Now it is right, the right time! I will write to her myself immediately. Also to Ellen Ruth and Hanna, you should also write! Now it is very urgent!  Doesn't Papa have any connections over there? He should be able to do something for me. Though I am not in contact with him at all, sometimes I hear about him through Patty or Ann'chen. He has his job, his house, and longs for his children. Hunschen, naturally I got quite a fright to hear that your medical examination showed positive for tuberculosis. I beg of you to watch your health, protect yourself from colds, and not work too much.  If only I could be with you. Don't be satisfied with the X-ray results, try to find out the source of these positive results.

And write to me about that right away. For that you must have the money.

  

It is hard to say anything about Ellen.  Surely she should have not married Hans, she knew exactly how she felt about him. Incidentally she is not divorced yet, and that is good, because I am afraid this other man will be bad luck for her. But everybody has to go through their own experiences. I felt sorry for Ellen, you know how fond I am of her. I want so much to help her, and I believe she feels very much alone, even with these two men. I wrote a long letter to her months ago, but have not received an answer yet. This week I had letter from Rose. I am surprised she does not write to you. I am glad you are in contact with Hanna. 

Yes, Hunschen it is cold here too, I am always freezing, but at least I do not catch a cold.

Write to me right away, how you are feeling, my beloved boy. And be careful! I kiss you very very much, my dear dear boy.

Your MAMA

(Note on top of the page:)

Hunschen, a few more questions regarding your school time-table. I miss special "field" classes. Mostly it is for history (general and shop), when will you be working in your specialty? Please give me detailed information about that!

It looks like Opa's letters are trickling in, with Ella receiving his December letter two months later in February. I wonder if some of his letters have been lost or confiscated, or if he really didn't write that much. How I wish we had an account of his voice in this time. His letters to Anni and Gisela have dropped off, whether that is because he stopped writing or they were unable to maintain the correspondence with all their traveling.

I have to remind myself that Opa is a full-time student, working to support himself, likely writing several folks (per Ella's request), not to mention his letters to the AFSC on behalf of his mother. Then I just remembered- he's also trying to figure out his own visa. Wasn't he in danger of being deported?? What happened? It's been silent. I guess no news is good news in this case. It seems odd. 

Apparently all of this has not stopped Opa from girl trouble. I don't know if Ella just needs closure because he hasn't mentioned her letter where she gives her advice, or if Opa is still carrying on about Esther. Either way, I think he's got a hard learning curve when it comes to dealing with the opposite sex and relationships. He didn't have as much opportunity in his all-boys school in Germany.

Ella seems to have confidence in Opa's doing the right thing- although she says it in the same way I might tell my children before they are guests in someone's home: "I know you will be well-behaved good children!"

Ok folks- it's time for some more family trees. All the names in this letter had my head spinning, so I had to check my data (we have all sorts of reference material beyond just the letters). So here it goes: Werner is Ella's cousin. Let me give you the line up: Ella's parents were Carl and Sara (both deceased in the 1920s). Carl's brother Albert married Rosa, and they had three children- who were Ella's first cousins. Those four children are: Werner, Hilda, and Emma. Yes- that Emma. August married Emma- Ella's cousin. Werner immigrated to Palestine (now Israel), which might be where they are hearing news from. Ella is going to visit Hilda and Aunt Julig to give the update on Werner. Julig is likely a nickname for Julie- and while we have mention of Julie in other places, we're not sure exactly who Julie is, but the fact that she's "aunt" means she's close to the family. Ella names a LOT of people in her letters- and we figure out about half of them. 

Again Ella emphasizes the GO on getting the affidavits for her. She is convinced she can get to the United States, though she gives little detail on the plan. She mentions all the usual suspects. Ella wonders if August has any connections, but you can tell she has very little hope in that as she hasn't heard a word from him. Of course I would imagine if August had connections, he himself would be attempting to leave Nazi controlled Holland. Emma was Jewish, so I imagine they also might be working the same circuits to try to get out. You can see here how flooded the gates really were. Even within this one family - all in different places- they all potentially want out. And all their connections are likely the same ones. If you lived in the United States and could only give a limited amount of affidavits- who do you choose? Opa's timely escape is looking increasingly lucky and miraculous.

Ella makes a segway into Opa's health, commenting on his positive test for tuberculosis. I am sort of shocked those weren't the first words out of her pen on the paper. She is obviously concerned and fearful that he is overworking himself. I never thought that to be a possibility, and thought she was overreacting in her other letters- but now I see that maybe there is some truth to it. Did Opa have to work himself to the bone to get everything accomplished? Surely he needed to keep his grades up to maintain his scholarship and stay in school. He needed to work a bit to feed and house himself as he had no financial support from his parents. Maybe he really was working too hard. If he shouldered any of the stress from his mother's letters and his fears for his family, I can see that this might have been a much more difficult time for him than I realized.

Now that I am thinking about it, I'm sort of wondering if I was too aloof about Opa's emotional experience. I thought he was likely concerned and frustrated, but I never really thought about it taking any large toll on him, physically or emotionally. You have to understand that my experience of Opa was a very steady, even-keel man. The only time he was emotional was with anger at drivers and when the baked Alaska wasn't prepared for his 50th Anniversary dinner. Seriously. The entire Doeppner side of the family is anything but emotional. I never saw Opa cry, or Grandmother for that matter. My Dad might have had choked up tears once, and his brother- zero tears have I witnessed. These people did not inherit the gene nor the culture for emotional expression. So when I read about Opa and Ella, I almost always assign that same calm, stoic exterior to Opa. I didn't want to insert my more advanced emotional expression into their experience. I forget Opa was a young man without his family in a foreign country. Perhaps it did take a larger toll on him then I realized.

Ella goes on to comment about Ellenruth's marriage, which seems to be going poorly, especially if there is another man in the picture. I love Ella's gentleness with Ellenruth- she doesn't judge her, rather just wants what's best for her and what will bring her happiness. 

Then the ultimate Ella comment: "I'm always freezing, but I don't catch a cold." Oh Ella, how I love your way with guilt. It's sad though, I wonder if she has the ability to heat her space. She may not, and it gets very cold in the Berlin winters.

February 1, 1941: Germany's Race Problem

Paragraph in the Gospel Messenger (Church of the Brethren publication) 

about McPherson College and Opa

Transcription:

Ivester.- It was our privilege to have Pres. V.F. Schwalm and the men's quartet from McPherson College with us for our birthday Sunday, Oct. 27. Pre. Schwalm brought us two deeply thoughtful messages, and the quartet assisted at the regular services as well as the fellowship dinner. The offering lifted for the maintenance fund of the college amounted to $220 and there were also some  special gifts for the new dormitory. A blizzard hindered Paul Bowman, Jr., from meeting with us on Nov. 11. We had a largely attended worship service on Thanksgiving morning. On the evening of Nov. 30 Ivester was host to a gathering of alumni and friends of Mt. Morris and McPherson Colleges. President and Mrs. Schwalm and Professor and Mrs. Mohler were special guests. The intermediates and young people presented a fine Christmas program on the evening of Dec. 22, While Shepherds Watched, and The Christmas Carol. The state B.Y.P.D. cabinet met at Invester in a two-day session on Dec. 27, 28. The young people had their annual banquet on Dec. 27. Their theme, Peering Through the Clouds, was developed by Bro J. H. Mathis and Tom Doeppner of McPherson College. Our student ministers took part in the Sunday services on Dec. 29, Lyle Albright in the morning and Raymond Slifer in the evening. At a fellowship meeting on Dec. 31 Bro Earl Frantz gave a stirring report of the meeting of the Standing Committee at Chicago the previous week. Tom Doeppner spoke on some of the religious problems in Germany. -Mrs. O.R. Slider, Conrad, Iowa, Jan. 14.

I looked up Ivester Church of the Brethren and found that it is in a small town in Iowa, which explains why the woman writing this article lives just south of it in Iowa. It's almost a 7 hour drive by current standards, so unless the streets were about the same and the cars just as fast, I imagine it would have taken a little longer. This seems like a long haul for folks at McPherson to keep running back and forth! It must have been a special relationship between that church and the school. 

I love that Opa's contribution to the last mentioned meeting was a talk on "some of the religious problems in Germany." That's an understatement! Although I do think it is important (it has been for me) to re-frame anti-semitism as not being primarily a religious issue in Germany, but a race issue. I think this was a problem in American education, that they focused on the discrimination as being primarily a religious intolerance, when it was actually completely about genetics. 

Hitler instituted a new understanding of Jewish 'race' that made it possible that a Lutheran should find themselves in a concentration camp because they were genetically Jewish. It didn't matter if you told the guards you believed in Jesus or didn't believe anything at all- it was absolutely about race and genetics. This nuance is important. Because we have generally been able to develop a very real sense of sympathy for the plight of the Jews in the holocaust. If we understand that plight to be linked to racism and not just religion, it might help future generations be more mindful of injustices of racism rather than just injustices of religion.

January 26, 1941: Cried for Joy

Letter from Ella to Opa

Translation:

Berlin-Char.4

January 26th, 1941

Droysenstr.14

My boy, my very beloved Little One,

Just now your letter of October 29th finally arrived. I cried for joy to finally hear from you after almost 4 months. I had been terribly worried. And such good news! I am very happy for my boy. Hopefully you will get the job you are looking forward to, or perhaps you have it already. The picture is splendid. Such a sweet (dear) face, but a bit too serious. You show a noticeable resemblance with Walter in the picture, especially the expression. 

Hunschenboy, it is great that you have such wonderful results. I am so happy about that. Hopefully you do not work too much! But you know yourself how to handle your life. You have to stay healthy and you have to accomplish much. It hurts me that you went through a difficult (troubled) time with Esther, but that can only make you stronger. Continue to have a good relationship, perhaps later on a real friendship develops. Both of you are valuable people and should not lose contact. It is a good sign Hunschenboy, that you always like nice girls and don't get involved in ugly love affairs. And I know that you will always be like that. Yes, my boy, you have changed in the picture, you are a grown boy, not the child anymore sitting on my lap. But still you are my little Hunschenboy, and always will be! I read your letter to Annchen right away over the telephone, even took the picture along, until I realized that I could not show it to her that way. She was very happy about it and I will send her the picture since I don't know when I will be able to go to her.  

In the meantime, I went to a lecture about Emil Fuchs, really great. I met Halles there, they said to tell you hello. Naturally I had to report about your letter, and they liked the picture a lot. Mrs. H. had me show it to her again later on. Annie received an invitation from the American Quakers to study at a university in Indiana, by Richmond, for one year. She really does not want to do that, I think. I have not been able to talk to her in detail about it, Saturday after next she will come to see me, so then I will urge her to do it. Surely it would be good for her.

Hunschen, one more thing: try to get an affidavit right away, there seems to be a chance that I can come immediately. Please get into contact with Ellenruth. Maybe you wrote to the wrong address, otherwise I don't understand that she has not replied to such an important request. She is very interested and helps where ever she can. You can also contact Hanna and Rose, maybe the Friends also can help.

I am glad that Shelleys were happy about my letter. I wish I could prove my gratefulness much more. I wondered where you were for the Christmas holidays. What splendid (marvelous) people around you to just invite you like that. I envy all of them, who can be with you. Perhaps someday I can meet them. I will write to Jurgen, I like him a lot.

If possible send a few more pictures, everybody wants to have one. You have not been forgotten, you still belong with us. And your MAMA misses you just about everywhere.

Be happy, my boy! I kiss you much.

                                                       Your MAMA

Ella finally hears from her hunschenboy! She cried for joy. I love that she grabbed the letter and the picture when she went to the phone to call Annchen and read her the letter. Little did she know that two generations later, you can show a picture over the phone. The picture of Opa reminded Ella of her brother Walter, who died in the first Great War. That seems appropriate, as Opa's middle name was Walter. I wonder if that comforted Ella to see the resemblance.

Annchen is Opa's aunt (his father's sister), and I'm a little confused about where she lives. She's in Berlin, but it seems that it is not easy for Ella to get to her, as she calls and mails the picture instead of visiting. I don't know if Ella hesitated to go into non-jewish areas of the city, and that's why she didn't go to Annchen's? She seems to be able to move freely otherwise, and makes it to the Quaker Meeting House.

Ella said she went to the Quakers and heard a lecture about Emil Fuchs, and when I googled it to see if there was a famous one, this is what I got:

See results about

Emil Fuchs (Author)

Born: August 9, 1866, Vienna, Austria

Died: 1929, New York

Emil Fuchs (Baseball)

Born: April 17, 1878

Died: 1961

Emil Fuchs (Political leader)

Born: May 13, 1874, Beerfelden, Germany

Died: February 13, 1971, East Berlin

As you can see there are a handful of Emil Fuchs in Germany in the early 1900s. I had to figure out which one was most likely. The author (actually an artist) was a possibility, but he spent most of his time in the United States and England, so I wasn't sure. The baseball guy was born in Berlin but grew up in New York, so I eliminated him. Then I looked up the Political leader, who was a theologian involved in politics. He fit the bill, he joined the Quakers as a pacifist and wrote books on the relationship between communism and Christianity. His personal life had some tragedies in it, with two suicides (his wife in 1931 and daughter in 1939) and a son who was convicted of spying, giving atomic research secrets to the USSR. I wonder if he was giving the lecture or if the lecture was about him. Either way, he certainly is fascinating.

Ella does seem to be interested in the lecture, but I think she had the most fun showing the Halles' Opa's letter and picture. Ella found out Anni had an opportunity to study in the United States, and made plans to encourage her to do it. 

Then Ella mentions an opportunity for her to get to the United States right away, and asks Opa to get in touch with Ellenruth about an affidavit. I'm pretty sure this was the original plan, for Ellenruth and her husband to provide a financial affidavit for Ella (**I learned from Ellenruth's daughter that Ellenruth's husband was a Russian emigre and that finances were difficult). I don't know if Opa didn't write to Ellenruth about it (he's seemed hesitant about her) or if Ellenruth hasn't gotten back to him. An affidavit is a big ordeal, so there's a chance her husband wasn't so keen on the idea, or that they were able to provide it. In addition, Ellenruth's parents (Martha and Erich) might need their support if their other travel plans don't work. I'm not sure how many affidavits one family is allowed to provide. Hanna and Rose are other distant relatives that live in America that are likely on the list of potential affidavits. More than one person could provide affidavits for refugees, sort of like a community of people who would ensure the refugee wasn't a financial burden on the US. The fact that Ella is no longer shy about asking any of these folks to provide an affidavit is telling of how scared she is and how urgently she feels she needs to leave Germany.

It makes me sad, because we know from this end of the lens that a quick and easy route to America is very suspicious and likely not possible. Ella asks if maybe the Quakers can help- I thought she was talking about the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) who helped get Opa across. Instead, I think she might mean a Quaker group that could raise funds for her. The rest of the paragraph is in the context of affidavits, so this makes most sense. And I think Ella realizes that Opa is in touch with the AFSC about all the possible refugee routes. The AFSC didn't help financially, but rather connected refugees to the financial help and helped them navigate the ridiculous immigration system.

Opa must have spent Christmas with the Shelley's, who is a family in Kansas that allowed him to live (I think temporarily) with them, and work for them on their farm. He has grown connected to this family, because already in October they've invited him to stay for Christmas. Ella is so grateful. She is also jealous of the time they get to spend with her son. 

I realized something just now. Ella is an empty-nester. It has been nearly two years since she has seen her son, which is of course unusual (as are the circumstances surrounding that long absence). But ultimately she would be without her children at this age either way. I wonder if the extreme loneliness and longing for her children comes from a foreboding sense that she may never see them again. It's one thing to say goodbye to your child with the knowledge that they will return home for the holidays or that she might be able to visit. But to say goodbye with no reunion plans, no date to look forward to, and the possibility that it will never come... that's frightening. I think she thinks about that.

**I updated this blog to correct the identity of Ellenruth's first husband, who was not an American as I said- but Russian.

January 17, 1941: Henry Must Speak

Article in the Spectator by Opa for the International Relations Club

Transcription:

Henry Speaks for I.R.C.

By Thomas Doeppner

Panel Discussion Today 

The International Relations Club is giving a panel discussion on the topic "Should the United States give aid to Britain?" today at four o'clock in the S.U.R. Able members of the club will take part in the discussion, which will later be opened to a general discussion. Everybody, whether IRC member or not, is invited to this program.

The World At Large

While Europe and Asia are entangled in fighting for their very lives, a battle rages here in America. President Roosevelt, supported by a host of followers, pushes on our program to aid Great Britain to the utmost. Committees organized to promote national defense by adding Great Britain join in the spree and furnish many slogans to raise money and good will.

Opposition to such programs of aid has largely been overshadowed by the sweeping programs of congressional legislation proposed and debated for the benefit of our democracy. But the greatest opposition to such programs finds its voice only in the senate chamber. Probably the voice of Henry is not heard with all the shouting.

"Where's Henry?" ought to be the slogan, much more appropriate than "Where's Elmer?" ever was. Does Henry want Hitler to win? Does Henry want to be a "selectee"? Does Henry like Winston Churchill? Does Henry think America has gone too far towards war? Does Henry think the United States has aided Great Britain as much as it should? Does Henry still hold hopes for Isolation? America should know. Henry should make himself heard, and America should listen.

Radio Programs of Interest 

Next Sunday at 1:30 p. m., the University of Chicago will give a round table discussion over all NBC stations. Next Monday at 10:30 a. m. both the NBC and the CBS will broadcast the presidential Inauguration from Washington. Wednesday at 9:15 p. m., CBS will broadcast an address by the chairman of the committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies.

Magazine Articles of Interest

Schuman Dennis, and Lerner, "Who Owns the Future?" Nation, 152:36. January 11, 1941.

Stone, I. F., "Munichman from Montana". ibid. page 35.

Miller, C.R. "Radio and Propaganda," Annals. 213:69. January, 194.

Graves, H.N."European Radio and the War." ibid. page 75.

Chamberlin, W. H., "Hitler's Alternatives," Atlantic Monthly, 167:4. January, 1941.

It is eerie to read real time debates about whether or not America will enter World War 2. I don't know what would have happened if they didn't, or if they waited longer or started earlier. These are honestly worthless questions. If you start the what-if game, you have to be willing to ask that of every variable on back through till the beginning of time. That's impossible and impractical for us. So I watch the history unfold inevitably, and it reminds me that our decisions have impact. We may not know exactly what that impact might be, or how it will trickle down the years, but our decisions are powerful. 

Opa reminds his readers that they are every man or woman- and the name Henry he uses to represent them. What does Henry think about all of this discussion in DC? Henry needs to speak and speak clearly. Opa does not tell his readers what to think and say, but merely to speak. Opa remembers finagling the radios so that he and his sister could listen to "illegal" outside programs that would tell them something other than propaganda. He remembers when Hitler claimed ultimate power, that the schools shut down for three months and reopened with brand new curriculum and textbooks, whitewashed and infused with blind patriotism, racism, and hate. 

Opa remembers. So he tells his readers: speak.

January 10, 1941: Bardia and Isolationists

Article in the Spectator by Opa (and his friend Hubert Shelley)

for the International Relations Club

Transcription:

Henry Speaks For I.R.C.

By Thomas Doeppner

To Have Important Meeting

There will be an important business meeting of the International Relations Club today at four o'clock in the S.U.R. Among other things, a study routine for the next semester will be given and some study topics will be suggested. Every member of the club is requested to come.

The World at Large

By Hubert Shelley.

Letting our thoughts roam among the nations of the warring world, our attention is first caught by Rome. Italy, as a war partner of Germany, is likely to prove too costly. Some authorities have gone so far as to suggest that Germany should take over the government of Italy in order to make the Rome-Berlin axis function efficiently. The new slogan of the Greeks has now become "On to Rome," but nevertheless, the struggle in Albania is nothing less than decided. Speaking of the fall of Bardia is indeed something for the bards to rave about. 

Berlin's other accomplice, Japan, is not having outstanding success in her war with China. Recent rumors have it that Japan is seeking peace with China at most reasonable terms. However, this peace would in all likelihood be merely a truce, enabling Japan to grab the Dutch East Indies and to help Germany in return for what appears an extremely doubtful prize.

President Roosevelt gave to Congress what the British term the most outstanding address of his career, calling upon Johnny Q. Public to sacrifice to give "all out" aid to Britain. The Isolationists claim that the President will lead American into war "within a year." However, they claimed the same thing a year ago. Time will tell whether they are right this time.

Magazine Articles of Interest

1. Corey, Lewis, "The Choice for the Americas", Nation, 152:8, January 4, 1941.

2. Lochard, Metz T. P. "Negroes and Defense," ibid,. pg 14.

3. Bromley, D. D., "They're in the Army Now," New Republic, 194:13, January 6, 1941.

4. Jackh, Ernest, "Inside an Historic Triangle," Survey Graphic, 30:34, January 1941.

5. Wilson, Charles Morrow, "Buy Hemisphere Products!" Harper's 1088:147, January 1941.

6. Brenner, Anita, "The Mexican Renaissance," ibid. p. 173.

Radio Programs of Interest

"How can we strengthen democracy through education?" will be the subject of "America's Town Meeting of the Air," NBC, Thursday, 8:30 p.m.

I tell you what, I bet everyone was learning their geography left and right in America trying to keep up with the news! I know I had never heard of Bardia before this. Bardia is a mediterranean seaport that has seen a lot of action. It's a good spot to have control over considering it's right there on the coast of present-day Libya, almost to the border of Egypt. Anyone wanting to sail the waters under Europe and restock supplies at port would be happy to have Bardia. So there ya go, the Allies had it (for a bit, before they lost it and then got it back again). 

The Isolationists- that term I do remember from history lessons, and even in politics growing up. I was taught that these folks were happy to stay out of any conflict outside our borders. Americans have the lucky chance of two oceans bordering two sides of our nation, a large and natural buffer between us and Europe and Asia. These isolationists did not favor Roosevelt's plea to invest fully in aiding Great Britain in the war, as they predicted that where the money went, the soldiers would soon follow. They were right about that. This article was written in January 1941 and by the end of the year the United States was at war. It was likely longer than even the Isolationists expected the US to wait to enter.

I love the magazine article of interest section. I wonder where they gathered those resources? Who recommended them? I love that social media allows me to seek out resources and information that is outside of my current experiences and expertise. 

So today I encourage you to ask your friends who don't look or think exactly like you- to recommend a book or article that they found compelling. You may be surprised what you learn. That last radio show sounds interesting- "how to strengthen democracy with education"... I'm working to make sure my sons are learning from school and home what real democracy looks like.

January 6, 1941: Let's Be Honest

Letter from Ella to Opa

Translation:

Bln. Charl. 4, 6.I.41

Droysenstr. 14.

My beloved boy,

Also in this new year, I am without news from you, from Patti! I wonder how you are! I am so terribly restless (nervous, worried).  Have you received my letters? I would love to know, if you have found your peace again, how you live and how you work. Also would love another picture of my boy! New Year’s day I spent at home, I wanted to be alone, to be able to think of both of you, and write to both of you. But Miss Kuehne came by, talked about her love problems, and needed comfort. I did not want to send her away, so I did not get to write to you. She is a strange human being, still believes herself to be irresistible, even after many bitter disappointments. Also Lydia came by, after a long, long time. She is very attached, very interested in both of you. Did I write to you that Saune published an incredibly bad book, a novel? I sent it to Patti, hopefully she received it. Too bad, that Saune does not have enough self criticism to throw it into the wastepaper basket.

Yesterday Tillie was here for the whole day. She now comes to Berlin for a few days sometimes, but does not stay with me, because I don't have the space. Stiers and Lotte Wittkowsky are still with me. Stiers are very optimistic, but for months now, they are to leave in 4 weeks or less, but I believe it will take a while longer. As usual, being with Tillie was very nice and heartfelt. She stays in close contact with the Quakers. We discussed many religious questions. Tillie's  thinking is much more positive than mine. Ann'chen I see very seldom, but we speak of you two a lot, and our longings. She wrote to you for Christmas.

She also had news from Papa. I don't hear from him. I do believe, that you are writing to me regularly, even if the letters do not arrive. If only you are well. Did you contact Herting?

I kiss my beloved Hunschenboy

Your Mama

Parts of this letter made me laugh out loud! Ella must have made a New Year's resolution to be honest - or at least not to hold back. She wanted to be alone on New Years, as she often does on holidays without her children. Instead, a friend came by with a sad love story and needed comfort. This phrase is about as Berliner as you can get: "She is a strange human being, still believes herself to be irresistible, even after many bitter disappointments." Hahahaha!!

Ella wasn't done there, then she talks about Saune's horrible book that deserved to be in the wastebasket. She sent it to Patti though... Here's the part where I start to wonder. Ella's personality did not lend herself to saying unkind things about other people, in fact she chastises Opa when he talks ill of other people in his letters. She might have been feeling feisty this day, or perhaps there is some code in here that she is trying to get past the censors. I'll never know- but either way- Ella is funny. By the way- I want to remind you to look on all of Ella's letters for those censor numbers. It's just odd, so subtle but sinister. Some of the numbers seem to have a signature by it- almost like a quality control measure.

I don't know who Tillie is, but she sounds like a close friend or family member. She sounds like a ray of sunshine for Ella. The Stiers are still hanging around (Ella's sister and her husband) waiting for their escape route to open up. I am not sure why they had to leave their home, perhaps they couldn't afford it? 

Annchen (August's sister) had news of August but Ella didn't share it. That seems odd. Unless it was understood that it meant he remained status quo. I think Ella is hurt that August does not seem to care for her or worry about her at all.

Ella seems less anxious this letter, maybe she got a lift from Tillie's visit. I hope so.