| Description |
5.5 linear feet (11 boxes). |
|
In five series: I. Correspondence, 1896-1944, n.d.; II. Family documents, 1866-1952, n.d.; III. Bertalan Kohlbach professional materials, 1872-1943, n.d.; IV. Printed matter, 1891-1940; V. Photographs and artwork, ca. 1860-ca. 1940, n.d. |
| Summary |
The collection consists of correspondence, professional materials, family documents, photographs, artwork and printed materials reflecting the activities of three generations of the Kohlbach and Bickel families, especially the period from the 1880s through World War II. Correspondence to Bertalan and Helen Kohlbach from their children document Emil's military service during World War I, the Bickels' life in Germany during the 1920s, and the Bickels' subsequent emigration to Switzerland. Bertalan Kohlbach's life as a rabbi in Temesvar, Hungary (now Timisoara, Romania) and his later career as an academic professor and writer are documented in correspondence, professional writings and notes. Family documents include educational certificates, identification papers, schoolwork, financial records, and an account of Helen Kohlbach's escape from Hungary to Switzerland in 1943. Printed matter includes pamphlets and newspaper clippings associated with Bertalan Kohlbach and Leopold Katscher. The collection includes photographs of members of the Kohlbach, Bickel, Katscher, Oblath and Schwimmer families; souvenir picture books and photographs of European cities and sights; and photographs taken by Emil Kohlbach of troops and trenches at the front during World War I. Also present is a small amount of original drawings by Ella Kohlbach Bickel, László Kácser, and others. |
| Restricted Access |
Restricted access; Manuscripts and Archives Division; Permit must be requested at the division indicated. |
| Note |
Forms part of the Schwimmer-Lloyd Collection. |
| Biography |
The Kohlbach and Bickel families represented in this collection originate with the marriage of Bertalan Kohlbach (b. 1866) and Helen Katscher of Hungary, continuing into the second and third generations through their son Emil Kohlbach (b. 1902); their daughter Ella (b. 1906), who married Erich Bickel of Switzerland and Germany; and the Bickel children. The Kohlbach-Bickels resided mainly in Hungary and Switzerland, with later branches moving to Germany, Romania, Norway and Israel. Family members included a rabbi and professor, the first female Hungarian architect, and engineers. |
| Language |
Materials in German, Hungarian, and Hebrew; some printed matter in French. |
| Finding Aids |
Collection guide available in repository and on internet. |
| Location of Other Archival Materials |
Additional materials on the Schwimmer and Katscher families are found in the Schwimmer-Lloyd Collection and the Leopold Katscher Papers; Manuscripts and Archives Division, New York Public Library. |
| Subject |
Kohlbach, Bertalan, 1866-
|
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Bickel family.
|
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Katscher family.
|
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Kohlbach family.
|
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Germany -- History -- 1918-1933.
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Jews -- Social life and customs.
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Rabbis -- Hungary.
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World War, 1914-1918 -- Personal narratives, Hungarian.
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World War, 1939-1945 -- Refugees.
|
| Genre/Form |
Drawings.
|
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Photographs.
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Postcards.
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Viewbooks.
|
| Occupation |
Architects. |
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Teachers. |
| Added Author |
Kohlbach, Helen.
|
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Meir, Jacob, 1856-1939.
|
| Call No. |
MssCol 6305
|
| Research Call Number |
MssCol 6305
|
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