Ferber, Kurt (fl 1932-1933): Correspondence and papers

Papers of Kurt Ferber, 1932-1949, comprise a set of correspondence between Kurt Ferber and a friend in Berlin, Olga Bruewitsch-Heuss; material relating to the Kampfbund für deutsche Kultur; miscellaneous contemporary newspapers and cuttings; and unidentified notes. The correspondence is of particular interest for it provides insight into the mentalities of two ordinary German citizens with special reference to their political and cultural interests. From the content it is clear that Olga Bruewitsch-Heuss is a fervent follower of the Nazis and a virulent anti-Semite.

Kurt Ferber was a resident of Berlin-Mariendorf; he is likely to have been employed by an iron manufacturing business, based in Berlin, although in what capacity it is not known. He refers to his many years service with the 'Spionagepolizei' (1252/1/8), it is not clear what that was, or when and where his service took place. He also refers to his time as a member of the border police in Silesia (1252/13). With regard to his family, the only information which emerges is that he had a cousin, who had been living in inner China for 10 years as a missionary (1252/1/11).

Olga Bruewitsch-Heuss, the other correspondent, was resident at the home of Major Runde, Berlin-Wilmersdorf Konstanzerstrasse 10 up until she moved to Bregenzerstrasse 15 flat 3 (1252/1/14, dated 22.10.1932) after a period of illness. The only information known about her family is that she had an uncle, General Giessler. Both correspondents were probably members of the Kampfbund für deutsche Kultur, since this organisation is referred to in the correspondence and there is further material relating to it in the collection.

Kampfbund für deutsche Kultur was founded by Alfred Rosenberg on 19 December 1928 in Munich. The purpose of the league was to promote the beliefs of Hitler on the nature of German culture and to combat Jewish influence in German cultural life. In May 1933 it was recognized as the official cultural organisation of the NSDAP.

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