Levy family aboard SS France en route to Europe
Creator(s)
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Carl H. Levy (Camera Operator)
- Diana Mara Henry
Biographical History
Carl Henry Levy was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 7, 1913 to a wealthy German Reform Jewish family. He attended a secular private college-preparatory school. During those years, he printed a magazine in his attic, was chief editor of his school newspaper, and was involved in a Jewish youth group. He was finishing undergraduate philosophy studies at Harvard just as Hitler rose to power in Germany. With his peers, he organized a demonstration against the rise of fascism and the arrival of German ships to the United States. He also led the North American Committee in Cincinnati to Aid Spanish Democracy during the years of the Spanish Civil War. He graduated from Harvard in 1934, Magna cum Laude. In 1941 he met and married Edith Entratter shortly before enlisting in the US Army. He served in Europe from July 1944 to September 1945, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Ohrdruf concentration camp. Carl used the office typewriter from his desk job as Warrant Officer to write to Edith every day. After his return, he founded Lucky Stride Shoes and retired in 1960. Carl Henry died in New York City on August 24, 2001.
Scope and Content
Levy family descends steps of the family home at 690 North Crescent in Cincinnati, Ohio. 01:00:34 Aboard "SS France" ship from May 21-28, 1927. The family spent seven days on the ship sailing from the New York harbor on May 21, 1927. Children walk toward and wave at the camera. CU, young Emilie Jane smiles for the camera. 01:01:20 Clara Levy rests in a chair on the shipdeck. More views of the shipdeck with passengers and the ocean. 01:02:15 Dora Hartman, Clara Levy, and Emilie Jane Levy descend stairs of monument and stand before a stone statue (unknown location).
Note(s)
Refer to files for a copy of the travel journal Carl Henry wrote as well as a DVD with the 1988 recording of Carl narrating his films of Europe.
Subjects
- CHILDREN (JEWISH)
- SHIPS
- FAMILIES
- JEWS
- JEWISH LIFE (PRE-WAR)
Places
- Cincinnati, OH, United States
- , Atlantic Ocean
- New York, NY, United States
Genre
- Film
- Amateur.