Heinz Schwarz photograph collection, approximately 1895-1969

Overview of the Collection

Photographer
Schwarz, Heinz, 1927-2005
Title
Heinz Schwarz photograph collection
Dates
approximately 1895-1969 (inclusive)
Quantity
236 photographic prints, 41 negatives (1 box) ; various sizes
Collection Number
PH1393
Summary
Family photographs in Germany, China and Seattle collected by German-Jewish immigrant Heinz Schwarz
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

Entire collection can be viewed on the Libraries' Digital Collections website. Permission of Visual Materials curator required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Additional Reference Guides

Languages
German, English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Heinz Martin Schwarz was born on May 11, 1927 in Berlin, Germany to Walter and Elspeth (Else) Schwarz. The family lived in Weimar, Germany before moving to Gryfino (Greifenhagen in German), a small town on the Oder River in northwest Poland, in 1930. Heinz was born on the cusp of the Nazi era. He was six years old when Adolf Hitler rose to power, and he was 12 at the time the Nazis launched their bid to establish the Third Reich by attacking Poland, precipitating World War II.

In 1939, the Schwarz family fled Nazi Germany for Shanghai, China. They left behind most of their possessions, as well as relatives, including Else's 75 year old mother, "all of whom eventually became victims of the Holocaust," Heinz later wrote in his mother's obituary. The family, along with 20,000 other German and Austrian Jews found a safe haven in Shanghai. Shanghai had previously been a haven for Jewish emigrants fleeing anti-Semitic pogroms in Europe between 1843 and 1937. In the late 1930s, when many other potential havens for Jewish refugees were closing their doors, Shanghai had no entry requirements. By the end of World War II, Shanghai was home to approximately 24,000 Jews. The combination of the founding of Israel in May 1948, and then the founding Communist China in 1949 led many Jews to emigrate to Israel, the United States, and other countries.

In 1948 when they immigrated to Seattle. The family lived at 918 30th Avenue in near Lake Washington. Heinz had experience working as a clerk in a British bank in Shanghai, and continued working with numbers in Seattle. He completed a Bachelor's degree by correspondence and passed a CPA exam. Heinz continued working as an accountant to support himself and his parents. His father died in 1953 and his mother died in 1984 at age 89. Heinz Schwarz died on January 24, 2005 at age 78. He had no living family members at the time of his death, and his estate was divided among several local Jewish community organizations including the Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Includes photographs of Walter Schwarz and his family in their hometown of Vierraden, Germany, soldiers and nurses in uniform during World War I, the Jewish community in Shanghai, as well as photographs of the Schwarz house, family and friends in Seattle.

Other Descriptive InformationReturn to Top

Forms part of the Washington State Jewish Archives.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Alternative Forms Available

View the digital version of the collection

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Custodial History

Heinz Schwarz died with no heirs. The collection was donated by Elizabeth Asher, his former attorney and fellow member of Temple Beth Am.

Acquisition Information

Donor: Elizabeth Asher, October 10, 2008.

Processing Note

Preliminary processing by Stefanie Ramsay, 2015; Elizabeth Russell, 2016; Sara Cordes, 2018.

Separated from Heinz Schwarz papers (Acc. 5728-001), 2012.

Separated Materials

Material Described Separately:

Heinz Schwarz Papers (Manuscript Collection 5728)

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

World War IReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Walter Schwarz
Box/Folder item
1/1 1 between 1914 and 1918?
1/1 2 between 1914 and 1918?
1/1 3 July 24, 1915
1/1 4
Walter Schwarz (left) at a stable with other three other soldiers and a horse
Partial translation: A memento from a relaxed [illeg.].
August 28, 1915
1/1 5 April 30, 1916
1/1 6
Walter Schwarz standing with other soldiers outside of a military hospital
Walter is the second from the left in the group standing on the front steps. There is an "x" pencilled next to him.
June 6, 1917
1/1 7 August 1, 1917
Soldiers
Identified
Box/Folder item
1/2 8 1914
1/2 9
Soldier "Ernst" in uniform standing outside a brick building in Berlin in winter
Partial translation: Berlin 1-18-15 Dedicated to my dear brother Walter as an unforgettable memento from his brother [illeg.].
January 18, 1915
1/2 10
Gustav Glaser and two other soldiers, all in uniform
Partial translation: As a remembrance from your cousin Gustav Glaser [illeg.], Soldier. Addressed to Walter [Heinz's father] Schwarz [Address illeg.] Pomerania.
February 8, 1915
1/2 11 1916
Unidentified
Box/Folder item
1/3 12 April 25, 1912?
1/3 13
Soldier in uniform standing with his hands behind his back
Partial translation: Memento from our enjoyable times [illeg.].
between 1914 and 1918?
1/3 14 between 1914 and 1918?
1/3 15 January 2, 1914
1/3 16 September 14, 1914?
1/3 17 March 1915
1/3 18
Men and women, some in uniform, on logs at shoreline
Partial translation: A remembrance of War year 1915 from your cousin Aska [illeg.].
May 22, 1915?
1/3 19 May 22, 1915
1/3 20-22
Photos taken at a social gathering
Partial translation "steamship transport society, star", "year of war" Three photos on one postcard; photo a/c: men and women on logs at shoreline, photo b: man and woman standing under sign and gate.
June 24, 1915
1/3 23 1915?
1/3 24 January 12, 1916
1/3 25
Two men sit in horse drawn carriage along dirt road
Partial translation: Best regards.
April 20, 1916
1/3 26
Soldier in uniform standing in the snow outside of a building
Written on verso: Pionier-Ers- Batl. Nr. 29, 3 Kompagnie
February 14, 1917
1/3 27
Soldiers in uniform standing on front steps of building
Partial translation: From France, memento of War year 1917.
September 4, 1917
1/3 28-29
Two men in front of stone building with scalloped windows
Partial translation: A memento from France.
September 8, 1917
1/3 30
Nurses? standing on front steps of building
Partial translation: A memento from the Field Hospital.
September 8, 1917
1/3 31 September 8, 1917?
1/3 32 September 8, 1917
1/3 33
Men and women standing outside a wooden building
Sent from Wernigerode, Germany. Translation: 10-24-17 Field mail to Reservist Schwarz. Dear Mr. Schwarz: My sincere thanks for your nice letter. I hope you found your dear mother in better health than you feared. We received 28 wounded in our (Nursing) Home yesterday. The picture was taken by one of our people. Thanks again for your kindness.
December 22, 1917
1/3 34 June 8, 1918
1/3 35
View of town square with soldiers sitting at picnic tables, possibly in Montcornet commune, France
Three cross marks are drawn on vehicles in the picture. Partial translation: Memento of these War years. Text also relates that author was spending most of his time at the Railroad Station.
between 1914 and 1918?

Germany, 1930 and earlierReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Schwarz Family
Box/Folder item
1/4 36 June 4, 1907
1/4 37 1908
1/4 38 1908?
1/4 39
Walter Schwarz sitting on ground in front of group of men and women
Partial translation: I am sending you this card from our beautiful [theater?] really good pictures. [illeg.].
January 16, 1910
1/4 40 1910
1/4 41 1912
1/4 42
Walter Schwarz leaning on a chair
Otto Thiel, Schwedt, Germany (Photographer)
1911
1/4 43
Walter Schwarz in a suit
Otto Thiel, Schwedt, Germany (Photographer)
1912?
1/4 44 July 2, 1912
1/4 45 August 10, 1913
1/4 46 1915
1/4 47
Walter Schwarz in German World War I army uniform
Rassmann, Schneidermüni (Photographer)
between 1915 and 1917?
1/4 48a-b September 12, 1920
1/4 49
Walter Schwarz (right) and Hugo Rosenfeld wearing hats and long coats with canes in Vierradan, Germany
Victor Schuppe, Schwedt, Germany
Written on verso: Zur erinnerung an srobe stunden in treuer freundschaft. Translation: the memory of [many?] hours in faithful friendship.
December 12, 1920
1/4 50 between 1925 and 1930?
1/4 51
Heinz Schwarz at 16 months old sitting on a sheepskin
A. Birkholz, Balingen, Germany (Photographer)
August 31, 1928
1/4 52 July 23, 1929
1/4 53
Three women, a young man, and Heinz Schwarz in front of an ivy-covered wall
Partial translation: 8-20-1929 Remembrance of illeg. Little Heinz at 2-1/2 years
August 20, 1929
Extended Family and Friends
Africa
Possibly friends or family from Germany on an extended trip to Deutsch-Ost-Afrika, which was a German colony in the African Great Lakes region from 1885 to 1919, including present-day Burundi, Rwanda, and the mainland part of Tanzania.
Box/Folder item
1/5 54a-b
Martha Wolfohn Geborna Schwarz? in a carriage pulled by two African men
Written on verso of b: Seattle (illeg.) April 2, 1951.
March 16, 1914
1/5 55 1913-1914?
1/5 56 April 6, 1913
1/5 57
Passenger Cargo Liner, R.P.D. Tabora, Deutsche Ost Afrika Linie (German East Africa Line)
Built in 1912, shelled and sunk in 1916 by Royal Navy at Dar-es-Salaam. Partial translation: Dear brother: I hope you got my card and saw from it that I am still ok. The picture is of the ship I am on. It is a wonderful trip. I did get seasick right away, but not bad. I went right to bed. Tomorrow we arrive in [illeg.].
December 13, 1913?
Box/Folder item
1/6 58 between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 59 between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 60 between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 61 1903
1/6 62 October 8, 1910
1/6 63
Women leaning out windows of a building with a sign reading "Hermann Schwarz"
Partial translation: Dear brother: I hope you got my card and saw from it that I am still ok. The picture is of the ship I am on. It is a wonderful trip. I did get seasick right away, but not bad. I went right to bed. Tomorrow we arrive in [illeg.].
between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 64
Young man holding book
Emil Kunert, Berlin, Germany (photographer)
between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 65 between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 66 between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 67
Woman and two children sitting in beach scene
Sent from Arendsee, Germany.
between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 68
Martha Schwarz? with lace collar and necklace
Richard Oye Jnh. Otto Thiel, Schwedt, Germany
between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 69 between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 70
Martha Schwarz? and young man next to fern
Richard Oye Jnh. Otto Thiel, Schwedt, Germany
between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 71
Young boy in front of wood lattice
Richard Oye, Schwedt, Germany
between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 72 between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 73
Man blowing a shofar surrounded by Star of Davids and Hebrew lettering saying Happy New Year
Hebrew translation: And blew a great shofar into our freedom. All rights reserved to "Pelephone". Front: For a good year.
between 1895 and 1910?
1/6 74 between 1895 and 1910?
1/7 75 1911
1/7 76 1911
1/7 77
Four men and a woman sitting with a traveling trunk
Partial translation: Berlin 1/12/12 Your cousin.
1912
1/7 78 July 13, 1912
1/7 79
Young man wearing a coat and tie standing next to chair
Partial translation: 7-14-1912 Picture taken by [illeg.] My trip to [illeg.], came to nothing. Greetings from your cousin.
July 14, 1912
1/7 80
Young man wearing a hat and holding a cane and glove
Written on front: [illeg.] Zachan 13. Zachan was a town in Germany, and after WWII, became Sucha'n, Poland.
1913
1/7 81
Woman in a white dress standing in front of a couch and painting
Partial translation: My dear ones: Yesterday we had our first fund raiser. You will recognize – then follow many names of people that can be seen on the front.
September 8, 1913
1/7 82-83
Men and women in costume standing between brick buildings
Partial translation: Dear brother: I am sending you my best regards from our wonderful costume ball. The sun did interfere with the picture taking. It's another event you cannot share with us, hopefully you can come to mother's birthday.
1913-1914?
1/7 84
Men and women in costume standing on a stage in Vierraden, Germany
Otto Thiel, Schwedt, Germany
Written on front: [illeg.] Vierraden 1914. Partial translation: 2-26-16 Thank you very much for your card. I am sending you a small memento, although not very good. Best regards from your girl friend. Till soon.
March 16, 1914
1/7 85
Young man standing with hands on back of chair
Otto Thiel, Schwedt, Germany
1915
1/7 86
Woman wearing a hat and fur coat standing with dog in front of couch and painting
Partial translation: My dear friends in War and Peacetime: In remembrance of many beautiful hours spent together during 1918/19/20 in Neustrelitz. New Years 1920.
February 26, 1916
1/7 87
Man wearing tie and suit jacket
Otto Thiel, Schwedt, Germany (Photographer)
November 13, 1917
1/7 88 between 1911 and 1919?
1/7 89 between 1911 and 1919?
1/7 90
A man, woman, and two children stand in front of a store front with sign "Theodor Gornickel"
Signs flanking the door read: Kathreiners Malzkaffee, Kaffee Zusatz, Kaffee Ersatz. (advertisement for coffee substitute made out of malted barley).
between 1911 and 1919?
1/7 91 1918-1920?
1/8 92
Two young men standing arm-in-arm, wearing suits and hats holding canes
Partial translation: 6-10-1920 Vierreden, your brother. Went to medical examination. Now enrolled in Infantry (Romber?).
June 10, 1920
1/8 93
Two women sitting on couch reading in Berlin, Germany
Partial translation: 8-14-1920 Congratulations and best regards from those on the front cover.
August 14, 1920
1/8 94
Men holding drinks behind a banner
Written on front: W.S.O. Stiftungsfest 1925. Translation: Founder's Day Celebration.
1925
1/8 95
Young man in Berlin, Germany
Letters B.St. stamped through photo.
1928
1/8 96 May 18, 1928
1/8 97
Man sitting on grassy knoll
Partial translation: Photographed on the 1. day of Pentacost, your loyal friend Hans.
May 27, 1928
1/8 98 June 22, 1928
1/8 99 September 14, 1928
1/8 100
Young men stand in front of large billboard sign
Sign reads: Orekstein & Koppel, Lokomotivbau Stellwerks-u.Signalbau. Translation: Locomotive construction, steel works, and signal construction. Partial translation: 10-28-29 Memento from your friend Guenter.
October 28, 1929
1/8 101 1929
1/8 102 1929?
1/8 103 December 1, 1929?

Poland, 1930-1939Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Schwarz Family
Box/Folder item
1/9 104-105 between 1930 and 1935?
1/9 106 between 1934 and 1940?
1/9 107
Walter Schwarz (back left) with other men and women swimming
Partial translation: Berlin 6-8-30 Life at the beach. Happy hours.
August 6, 1930
1/9 108 1933
1/9 109 May 24, 1934
1/9 110
Walter, Elspeth and Heinz Schwarz (left) at a party
Partial translation: Christmas 1934 Little Heinz 8 yrs.old.
1934
1/9 111 between 1936 and 1939?
1/9 112
Heinz Schwarz at age 11
Partial translation: January 1st, 1939 Dedicated to my dear parents from their 11 year old son Heinz.
January 1, 1939
Extended Family and Friends
Box/Folder item
1/10 113-114 January 26, 1930
1/10 115-116 December 31, 1930
1/10 117-118
Two young men sitting in grassy ditch
Partial translation: Memento from Guenter.
June 28, 1930
1/10 119
Two men wearing suits and ties
Victor Schuppe, Schwedt, Germany
Written on verso: Arthur (?) Gunter.
August 4, 1932
1/10 120 April 10, 1934
1/10 121 June 4, 1935
1/10 122 June 4, 1935
1/10 123-124
Woman standing in forest, portrait of Martha Schwarz wearing floral dress
Partial translation a: 8-27-36 Remembering the good life. Partial translation b: 8-4-39 Here I am looking dreadful, but you will recognize me. Best regards, greeting and kisses, Aunt Marta.
August 27, 1936
1/10 125 August 8, 1939
1/10 126
Woman standing with dog below front steps of a house
Partial translation: For my beloved son.
between 1930 and 1939?
1/10 127
Men and women in swim wear and towels on a beach
A woman named Elon is designated on the front of the photo.
between 1930 and 1939?
1/10 128 between 1930 and 1939?
1/10 129 between 1930 and 1939?
1/10 130 between 1930 and 1939?
1/10 131 between 1930 and 1939?
1/10 132 between 1930 and 1939?
1/10 133 between 1930 and 1939?
1/10 134 between 1930 and 1939?
1/10 135
Two women wearing winter clothes on a sled in front of a winter studio backdrop
Written on front: Herzliche grüße zum neuen jahre. Translation: Happy New Year.
between 1930 and 1939?

Shanghai, 1939-1948Return to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Schwarz Family
Box/Folder item
1/11 136-137 between 1940 and 1945?
1/11 138 between 1944 and 1947?
1/11 139 between 1940 and 1945?
1/11 140 between 1940 and 1945?
1/11 141
School picture of Heinz Schwarz's class
Friedrich Goldsch Mied, Shanghai (Photographer)
Written on verso: Shanghai, Hongkew. S.F. 1/A School (Kinchow Rd.) Form III Lower. Heinz Schwarz is in the second row from the bottom on the far left.
May 27, 1940
1/11 142a-b
Walter Schwarz standing with other men and women in front of a building
Walter Schwarz is wearing shorts. Written on verso: Herr Kromer.
July 20, 1941
Extended Family and Friends
Box/Folder item
1/11 143
Profile view of a man's head
Written on verso: Shanghai.
August 12, 1946
1/11 144
Broadway Mansions Hotel and boats on the water
Broadway Mansions Hotel is located near the confluence of Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River in the North Bund area of the Hongkou District.
between 1942 and 1948?
1/11 145 March 3, 1948
1/11 146 between 1939 and 1945?
1/11 147 between 1939 and 1945?
Container(s) Description Dates
Schwarz Family
Box/Folder item
1/12 148-150 between 1950 and 1953?
1/12 151 between 1965 and 1970?
1/12 152 between 1948 and 1951?
1/12 153 between 1948 and 1951?
1/12 154 1949
1/12 155
Walter Schwarz standing in the backyard
Written on verso: N. 918 30 Ave EA 2846.
August 25, 1950
1/12 156
Walter Schwarz sitting on a bench in the yard
Written on verso: N. 918 30 Ave. EA 2846.
September 12, 1950
1/12 157
Walter Schwarz standing and smiling in the yard
Written on verso: 918 30 Ave.
May 20, 1951
1/12 158 between 1950 and 1953?
1/12 159 between 1950 and 1953?
1/12 160a-b October 8, 1949
1/12 161 between 1954 and 1958?
1/12 162 between 1954 and 1958?
1/13 163 between 1949 and 1950?
1/13 164-165 between 1950 and 1953?
1/13 166 between 1950 and 1955?
1/13 167 between 1950 and 1953?
1/13 168 between 1950 and 1953?
1/13 169 between 1950 and 1953?
Walter and Else Schwarz's Silver Wedding Anniversary
Box/Folder item
1/13 170 August 12, 1949
1/13 171 August 12, 1949
1/13 172 August 12, 1949
1/13 173a-b August 12, 1949
Box/Folder item
1/13 174 between 1949 and 1951?
1/13 175 March 12, 1949
1/13 176 1950?
1/13 177-178 between 1950 and 1953?
1/13 179-180 between 1950 and 1953?
1/14 181 between 1949 and 1953?
1/14 182
Else and Heinz Schwarz sitting on driftwood in front of a brick building possibly at Golden Gardens
Partial translation: Seattle 7-15-1951 Life on the beach Else Heinz.
July 15, 1951
1/14 183 July 15, 1951
1/14 184 between 1949 and 1953?
1/14 185 between 1949 and 1953?
1/14 186 between 1955 and 1960?
1/14 187 between 1960 and 1965?
1/14 188 between 1963 and 1965?
1/14 189 between 1965 and 1970?
1/14 190 between 1970 and 1975?
1/14 191 August 20, 1949
1/14 192 August 20, 1949
1/14 193
Walter and Else Schwarz at a party with friends
Written on verso: Familie Hermann, Familie Schwarz, Frau Galbinger.
December 18, 1950
Extended Family and Friends
Box/Folder item
1/15 194 December 12, 1948
1/15 195 March 22, 1949
1/15 196 March 22, 1949
1/15 197 December 12, 1950
1/15 198 May 11, 1950
1/15 199
A group sitting on a beach in swim wear
Partial translation: Seattle 7-27-1950 o'clock Remembrance of family Preiss. Left today, Thursday afternoon at 5.
August 1950
1/15 200
Two men and two women sitting on a bench in a park
Partial translation on verso: A memento from one of our hikes near [illeg.]
between 1950 and 1960?
1/15 201
Men and women around a table in front of a Christmas tree
Partial translation on verso: Remembrance of Christmas 1952 [illeg.].
1952
1/16 202 between 1940 and 1945?
1/16 203
Felip Hirshfeldt
Written on verso: Berlin im 12.2.49.
February 12, 1949
1/16 204
Margot Hirshfeldt with a flower in her hair
Written on verso: Berlin im 12.2.49.
February 12, 1949
1/16 205 March 12, 1950
1/16 206 April 10, 1950
1/16 207 May 11, 1951
1/16 208 May 1952
Seattle area
Volunteer Park
Box/Folder item
1/17 209
Seattle Asian Art Museum
This building housed the Seattle Art Museum at the time this photo was taken.
between 1949 and 1951?
1/17 210 between 1949 and 1951?
1/17 211 between 1949 and 1951?
Box/Folder item
1/17 212 between 1949 and 1951?
1/17 213 between 1949 and 1951?
1/17 214 between 1949 and 1951?
1/17 215 between 1949 and 1951?
1/17 216 between 1949 and 1951?
1/17 217 between 1949 and 1951?
1/17 218 between 1948 and 1952?
1/17 219 between 1948 and 1952?
1/17 220 August 20, 1951
1/17 221 August 20, 1951
1/17 222 August 20, 1951
1/17 223 between 1962 and 1965?
1/17 224-226
Floral and cultural display with pagoda and mannequin
Could be a part of the World's fair or a garden show, possibly in the Armory Building. Sign above display reads: "Hub of Tokyo adorned with spring foliage".
between 1962 and 1965?
Veterans Meeting and War Bond Drive
Box/Folder item
1/18 227-229
Truck decorated with Liberty Bell replica and American flag
Writing on truck reads: Save for Your Independence. Ford Liberty Bell Fleet. Buy U.S. savings bonds.
between 1950 and 1953?
1/18 230 between 1950 and 1953?
1/18 231
Men in military uniform carrying flags and banners from the stage
One banner reads: Fortson Thygesen Auxiliary, United Spanish War Veterans. Another flag reads: Seattle Auxiliary.
between 1950 and 1953?
1/18 232 between 1950 and 1953?
Trip to Mount Rainier National Park in 1956
Box/Folder item
1/19 233 August 1956
1/19 234 August 1956
1/19 235 August 1956
1/19 236 August 1956
Ballet at Seward Park 1956
Box/Folder item
1/19 237-240 August 1956
1/19 241-242 August 1956
Century 21 Fair
Box/Folder item
1/20 243 1962
1/20 244 1962
1/20 245 1962
1/20 246 1962
1/20 247 1962
1/20 248 1962

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Nurses--Germany--Photographs
  • Sailors--Germany--Photographs
  • Soldiers--Germany--Photographs
  • Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)
  • World War, 1914-1918--Photographs

Personal Names

  • Schwarz, Elizabeth--Photographs
  • Schwarz, Heinz, 1927-2005--Archives
  • Schwarz, Heinz, 1927-2005--Photographs
  • Schwarz, Walter--Photographs

Geographical Names

  • Germany--Emigration and immigration
  • Germany--Photographs
  • Mount Rainier National Park (Wash.)--Photographs
  • Seattle (Wash.)--Photographs
  • Shanghai (China)--Photographs
  • Tanzania--Photographs

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names
    • Washington State Jewish Archives (University of Washington) (host institution)