Addis Gutmann papers, 1897-1966

Simon David Addis Gutmann was born was born January 6, 1901 in Victoria B.C. to Adelaide Rosetta and Mortiz Gutmann. Addis Gutmann attended the Moran School, the University of Washington and the Army Industrial College. He married Estelle Schlesinger from Denver, Colorado on June 15, 1927. His father Mortiz was a fur dealer with the Hudson Bay Fur Company. Around 1923 Addis Gutmann became a manager for the fur company and would eventually become Vice President in 1930 working alongside his father the president of the company. In 1932 Addis became president of the Hudson Bay fur company later known as the Alaska Fur Company. He would go on to become the Vice President and President of the Alaska Fur Company until 1950 and the president of the Alaska Jewelry Company from 1951 to 1959.

Gutmann was a second lieutenant in the Officer’s reserve Corps in 1925 and became a Major in 1928. Among other activities he was a consultant for the Armed Service on winter clothing and equipment. Addis Gutmann was called from the reserves on January 4, 1941 to serve in the Chief Oversees Supply Division in the Asiatic-Pacific and in Europe. In 1945 Addis Gutmann assisted in providing food supplies to Jewish refugees with the goal of transporting 800 Jews to a French port to board a ship bound for Palestine. He was discharged February 21, 1946 awarded with a bronze star medal and the rank of Colonel.

After the war Gutmann returned to the fur business and managed the Alaska Fur Company. He became a part of the National Jewish Welfare Board and attended meetings in regards to Veterans Administration hospital volunteer expansion. In 1951 he traveled to Washington D.C. to serve as a consultant to the military on winter clothing. He was president of numerous organizations including the National Sojourners, the Jewish Community Center, Retired Officers Association and was installed as the comander of the American Legion Seattle Post 1 in 1953. Gutmann became the president of the Franklin Savings and Loan Association, that opened September 22, 1960 at Broadway and East Pine Street, Seattle and was on the legislative committee of the United States Savings and Loan League. He was chairman of the King County Cancer Crusade April, 1968 and was elected the County Cancer Society's president the next year. He died October 30, 1971.