David Blumenfeld papers

Collection

Identifier: umja0179

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of typewritten manuscripts, typed and handwritten longform poetry, and handwritten diaries; dated materials date from 1930 to 1956, but the typewritten stories all remain undated. Most of these publications, despite being submitted for publication, were not published during Blumenfeld's lifetime.

Dates

1930-1956

Creator

Blumenfeld, David, 1863-1956 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Open for use in the Elmer L. Andersen Library reading room.

Copyright

This collection may be protected by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). It is the user's responsibility to verify copyright ownership and to obtain all necessary permissions prior to the reproduction, publication, or other use of any portion of these materials. Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law.

Biographical / Historical

David Blumenfeld was born in 1863 in Latvia. In 1884 he and his family immigrated to Michigan and eventually made his way to Minnesota where, in 1901, he opened a men's clothing store in South St. Paul. David was active in the community -- during World War I he was the director of the local Red Cross in South St. Paul (his son, Albert, was lieutenant). He had four children -- Albert, Mosher, Mrs. A.M. Calmenson, and Mrs. Arthur G. Singer. The lightly veiled autobiographical stories in this collection, some of which were published, illustrate what life was like as a Jew in St. Paul. Blumenfeld passed away in 1956 and is buried at the Temple of Aaron Cemetery in Roseville, Minnesota.

Extent

1.15 Cubic Feet (1 paige box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of the published and unpublished manuscripts and diaries of David Blumenfeld of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Sean Bentley in May 2022.

Related Materials

A published book of David Blumenfeld's, titled "A Continent of Glory: The Diary of a 19th Century Jewish Immigrant" can be found in our book collection.

Subjects

Authors, American -- 20th century Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Diaries Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Jewish authors -- 20th century Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Jews -- Minnesota Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Jews, Latvian Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Latvian American authors. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Latvian Americans -- Minnesota Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Refugees -- Latvia. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings