Betty Sklow papers

Betty Sklow papers 

Betty Sklow papers 

folders oversize folder 7 1 

The Betty Sklow papers contain correspondence written by Betty Sklow and her daughters Charlotte Rosenthal and Helene Sklow. The letters contain detailed description of Betty Sklow’s experiences aboard the MS St. Louis in 1939, her disembarkation in the Netherlands, her experiences negotiating travel to the United States, and her journey to the United States aboard the SS Pennland in 1940. The papers also include photographs of Betty Sklow and her husband Hermann Sklow, as well as a printed cabin plan for the MS St. Louis, February 1939. Betty Sklow’s letters written aboard the MS St. Louis provide insight into the experiences of the immigrants on the ship and include observations about the other passengers, her battle with sea sickness, her feelings about the passage, deaths aboard the ship, and religious celebrations. Betty also records the reactions of passengers, their struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts upon learning that the ship would be denied entry to Cuba and the United States. While in Cuba, her letters record brief meetings with her daughter Helene. Betty’s letters also record her impressions of Miami, Florida, as well as the passengers’ participation in English and Spanish language classes to pass the time. The remaining letters reveal Betty’s experiences upon disembarkation in the Netherlands, the passengers’ quarantine upon arrival, and her efforts in negotiating passage to the United States, as well as her experiences aboard the SS Pennland in 1940. 

The Betty Sklow papers are arranged in three series: Series 1: Correspondence, 1939-1940 Series 2: Photographs, 1897-1949 Series 3: Printed materials, February 1940