Sema Calvo papers, 1920-1987

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Calvo, Sema
Title
Sema Calvo papers
Dates
1920-1987 (inclusive)
Quantity
2 sound cassettes and 2 transcripts
Collection Number
1938
Summary
Tape recorded interview of a Sephardic Jew who was one of the first of two Sephardic Jews in Seattle
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Consult the access restrictions information for each of the accessions listed below.

Languages
English, Ladino

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Calvo was born in Marmara, Turkey, in 1909. She emigrated to the United States at age 12 to join her father, Jacob Policar, one of the first of two Sephardic Jews in Seattle. She married Marco Calvo at age 17 and had four Children: Pearl, Irving, Jack and Esther. She was an early member of Ahavath Ahim Congregation and, after the merger, in the Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation where she served as its Ladies Auxiliary President. She died March 31, 2000 at the age of 90.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Consult the scope and content information for each of the accessions listed below.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Consult the restrictions governing reproduction and use for each of the accessions listed below.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Organized into 3 accessions.

  • Accession No. 1938-001, Sema Calvo oral history interview, 1972
  • Accession No. 1938-002, Sema Calvo interview papers, 1920-1986
  • Accession No. 1938-003, Sema Calvo tape recording, 1987

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

Accession No. 1938-001: Sema Calvo oral history interview, 1972Return to Top

1 sound cassette (ca. 55 min.); transcript

Scope and Content: Tape recorded interview conducted by Karyl Winn and Jeanette Schrieber, 25 May 1972; transcript.

Calvo describes the simple but difficult life she remembers in Marmara and contrasts it with her family's early life in Seattle. She recalls the development of Congregation Ahavath Ahim and her work in the women's auxiliary, which later merged with that of Sephardic Bikur Holim.

Digital Content/Other Formats: Listen to the audio recording and view the transcript of this interview on the Libraries Digital Collections site.

Restrictions on Access: The interview and transcript have been digitized and can be accessed on the Libraries Digital Collections website. The original analog tape cannot be played due to preservation concerns.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries. May be used for research, instruction, publications, and similar educational purposes.

Acquisition Info: Donated by Sema Calvo, 5/25/1972.

Description
Sema Calvo oral history interview

Accession No. 1938-002: Sema Calvo interview papers, 1920-1986Return to Top

Transcript: 2 pages

Scope and Content: Transcript of interview conducted by Meta Buttnick on 17 Mar 1986; emigration and naturalization papers, snapshots; 1920, 1943.

Calvo relates how her father brought his family from Marmara in Turkey to establish a home here.

Digital Content/Other Formats: View the transcript of this interview on the Libraries Digital Collections site.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Donated by Sema Calvo, 3/1/1986.

Description
Sema Calvo interview papers

Accession No. 1938-003: Sema Calvo tape recording, 1987Return to Top

1 sound cassette; translation: 1 page

Scope and Content: Tape recording of Ladino songs sung at the mikvah by Sephardic women celebrating a forthcoming marriage, 1987. The ceremony has changed now and these songs are no longer sung. See the translation for additional background material. This tape was recorded by a group of friends in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Mark and Sema Calvo.

Restrictions on Access: Open to all users.

Restrictions on Use: Creator's literary rights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Acquisition Info: Donated by Sema Calvo, 2/1/1990.

Description
Sema Calvo tape recording

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)
  • Sephardim--Music
  • Sephardim--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Sephardim--Washington (State)--Seattle--Interviews
  • Songs, Ladino

Personal Names

  • Calvo, Sema--Archives

Corporate Names

  • Jewish Archives (University of Washington)
  • Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation (Seattle, Wash.)

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Adatto, Fannie (creator)
    • Altabet, Rachel, 1906-1997 (creator)
    • Azose, Jack (creator)
    • Azose, Leo (creator)
    • Azose, Liza (creator)
    • Benezra, Sehula (creator)
    Corporate Names
    • Washington State Jewish Archives (University of Washington)