Selfhelp Home (Chicago, Ill.) papers, 1936-2008 (bulk 1968-1980s).

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Selfhelp Home (Chicago, Ill.) papers, 1936-2008 (bulk 1968-1980s).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/718738163

Annual reports, biographies, book reviews, correspondence, financial records, licenses, newsletters, and other materials related to the Selfhelp Home in Chicago, also known as the Self-Help Home, and the life of Dorothy Becker, its long-time advocate; as well as Ursula Levy's book about her: "The Spirit Builder : the life and times of Dorothy Becker, a breakthrough view of aging." Includes 20 sound recordings of interviews conducted by Ursula Levy with Dorothy Becker and Gerda Karfunkel to assist in writing Levy's book. The collection relates to the history of the Chicago organization, which began in 1938 when volunteers provided services for Jewish immigrants who had escaped Nazi Germany. It included a youth group and sponsored plays. In 1951 the first home operated by the organization opened at 4941 South Drexel Avenue in the Kenwood community of Chicago. It closed in the 1970s. In 1963, the organization established its home at 908 West Argyle Street and eventually included a nearby building at 930 West Argyle (1986). Gradually the organization became a residence for older people. Collection includes annual reports from Self-Help Homes in New York and in Newark, N.J.

19 sound recordings.

Chicago History Museum

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 8086516

Chicago History Museum

Related Entities

There are 8 Entities related to this resource.

908 West Argyle Street (Chicago, Ill.)

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6dv71zs (corporateBody)

Karfunkel, Gerda.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6mt1pw0 (person)

4941 South Drexel Boulevard (Chicago, Ill.)

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Selfhelp of Chicago

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Becker, William F., 1897?-1963.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w61g8hkt (person)

Becker, Dorothy, 1910-1999.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6v48r8p (person)

Levy, Ursula

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w68m5654 (person)

Selfhelp Home for the Aged

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The Selfhelp organizations were established first in New York City to provide orientation and Americanization services and financial assistance to immigrants escaping Nazi Germany. Later homes were established in Chicago and in Newark, N.J. Dr. William Becker and his wife Dorothy were recent immigrants in 1938 who devoted many years to the Chicago organization. Dr. Becker served as president from 1947 until his death in 1963, and then Dorothy Becker became president. She was well-known for her e...