Charlotte "Lotta" Scheiberg
Born in Oberhausen, Germany in 1906, Scheiberg immigrated to America in 1935, a date she considers her “second birthday.” Her father was a GI in the German army, but was not on the front. She met her first husband while dressed as Mozart for a costume party; he passed away of a heart attack on August 15, 1945, the day the Japanese surrendered at the end of World War II. She remarried at the age of 47. This interview focuses on her experience as an immigrant, her career working in department stores, and her memories of family life. She also describes girls’ education, her family’s synagogue in Germany, and her feelings towards Germany after visiting in 1985.
Charlotte discusses growing up in Germany in the early 20th century, including her schooling and the synagogue she attended. Charlotte describes immigrating to the United States and living in New York during the Great Depression. She details her career working in department stores. In 1985, Charlotte returned to Germany for the first time since her immigration. She reflects on her life during World War II and having to escape her home in Germany. Charlotte shares acts of kindness that she and her mother performed, including caring for the sick. She recounts her husband dying at a young age, and her experience remarrying. Finally, Charlotte discusses the Fellowship of Jewish and Arab Youth, a nonprofit launched by her friend Francis Smith and her experiences as a volunteer there.
