Arnstein, Flora J.

Flora Jacobi Arnstein was a poet, author and teacher. Along with Helen Salz, she founded San Francisco's Presidio Hill School and wrote several books. The daughter of Edith Brandenstein and Jacob Jacobi, she married Lawrence Arnstein, known as "Mr. Public Health"; b. 1885; d. 1990.

From the description of Flora J. Arnstein papers, 1884-1974. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 74985188

Flora Jacobi was born on August 10, 1885, in San Francisco. She married Lawrence Arnstein in 1910, and was a co-founder of the Presidio Open Air School (now Presidio Hill) with her sister-in-law Helen Salz in 1917. She began writing poetry at the age of 40, and incorporated it into her teaching. Two of her notable pupils were Pierre Salinger and Arthur Hoppe. In addition to publishing poems in various periodicals and as collections, she wrote several articles and a book on the benefits of teaching poetry to children.

From the description of Flora J. Arnstein papers, 1897-1990 (bulk 1926-1985). (University of California, Berkeley). WorldCat record id: 608826809

Biographical Information

Flora Jacobi was born on August 10, 1885, in San Francisco. She married Lawrence Arnstein in 1910, and was a co-founder of the Presidio Open Air School (now Presidio Hill) with her sister-in-law Helen Salz in 1917. She began writing poetry at the age of 40, and incorporated it into her teaching. Two of her notable pupils were Pierre Salinger and Arthur Hoppe. In addition to publishing poems in various periodicals and as collections, she wrote several articles and a book on the benefits of teaching poety to children.

On the occasion of her 100th birthday, Arnstein was interviewed for Berkeley's Regional Oral History Office. This transcript provides a much fuller biography. Arnstein continued to write and publish until her death in February 1990.

From the guide to the Flora J. Arnstein papers., 1897-1990, undated, bulk 1926-1985, (The Bancroft Library)

Poet Flora J. Arnstein was born August 10, 1885. She was educated at the University of California and also at the San Francisco State College. She taught poetry, music, and dancing at the elementary-school level for nearly 18 years. Her book Adventure Into Poetry was published in 1951 by Stanford University Press. Poetry in the Elementary Classroom appeared in 1962.

Flora Arnstein's poetry has appeared in the New York Times, London Mercury, Poetry (Chicago), Antioch Review, Accent, Prairie Schooner, and Poetry World .

From the guide to the Flora J. Arnstein Papers, 1930-1964, (Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries)