Archives West Finding Aid

Tape-recorded interview covering 1902-1980 and conducted by Dr. Eric Offenbacher. Accession also includes a program.

The interview begins with Mr. Selig's birth and early years in Germany. It describes in great detail all the difficulties he encountered in obtaining an exit visa for himself, his wife and two children. He also describes their problems in traveling from Germany to the United States and their stops along the way. They were supposed to go to San Francisco but the boat landed in Vancouver, B.C. and while traveling through Seattle they "jumped" boat and stayed here because they liked the city and the surroundings. Mr. Selig's business activities, retail and wholesale linens, are discussed in detail. He had no club affiliations other than the synagogue membership at Bikur Cholim Congregation. He is a member of the Seattle Art Museum. His interest in art and how he started his now famous collection of paintings, etchings, engravings and silver is discussed in the interview in great detail. He donated paintings to the State Capitol Museum, the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Public Library on 3rd Avenue, and a large mural to the Seattle Center Playhouse. Contents of some of the treasurers of his silver and procelain collection are discussed in the interview, especially items of Jewish interest.