Jonas, Hans - 1995 - Tape 1, Side 1

Description

[T1S1] Respondent describes family background in Vienna; father Herman photographer. Respondent mentions his daughters. Respondent elaborates on father's career in Vienna, named "Purveyor to Emperor Franz Joseph," meaning photographer for royal family. Respondent talks about father's photographic education; apprenticed in Hazelwood after WWI; moved back to Vienna in 1924. Respondent reminisces about childhood. Respondent describes in detail life under Hitler, Kristallnacht, father's imprisonment, release from Dachau, encounter with SS officer, move to Pittsburgh from Austria. Respondent recalls why family traveled first class from Austria. Respondent details family's beginnings in America. Respondent describes father's photographic career; mentions father and partner bought studio with loan from Hebrew Free Loan Association.