Refugee tale from Provo family and a Czechoslovak youth
An American family from Provo Utah becomes involved with a Czech Slovak boy named Johann living in Bratisburg as tensions rise in early 1938. Gloria Simmons, 17, had long corresponded with European youths, sending letters Otto helped relay due to language barriers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Czechoslovakia
Alma Simmons
Simmons
Gloria
Marilyn
Junior
Alr. Simmons
Provo
Utah
Johann
Bratisburg
Gloria Simmons
Otto
Germany
Austria
Message from Johann to Gloria in a Quiet Farewell
A fragmentary note hints at a private exchange. The writer refers to Gloria as a recipient and uses the signoff Cheerio with Johann indicating a forthcoming change in communication.
Dear Gloria a wartime letter from Johann in Bratisburg 1938
A multi date missive from Johann in Bratisburg Czechoslovakia to Gloria in America describes schooling in Vienna and Budapest, family ties, love of music and Caesar the dog, plus fears as Nazi pressure grows. He contemplates a military draft and seeks affidavits to emigrate to the United States with help from Gloria’s family.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jol
Otto
Czechoslovakia
Ster
Bratisburg
Theal
Caesar
Andaesar
Austria
Hungary
O. K
Pest
Vienna
Budapest
Johann
Gloria
Johann Oved
Atlas
Utah
Utah Mountains
Johann P.S
Danube
America
Salzburg
Berlin
Australia
Johann P. S
Letters from Provo to Johann Reveal Refugee Aid Efforts
A 1939 sequence shows Almo Simmons in Provo Utah sending affidavits to Johann Berman, hoping to bring him to America. Simmons pursues Dr Eduard Benes for help after learning no American consulate exists in Bratisburg. Communications reveal fears for the boy and a family role in his asylum.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Simmons
Bratisburg
Provo
Utah
Prague
Czechoslovakia
Johann Berman
Bratsburg
Almo Simmons
Chicago
Eduard Benes
Mr. Simmons
Dr. Benes
Chicago Examiner
University
Windermere
Stevens Hotel
American Legion
Johann
Gloria
America
Junior
Dr. Benest
Windemere
Letters from the Simmons Family in Provo and Chicago
A set of personal letters dated 1938 1939 from Alma and gloria Simmons and their children in Provo Utah and Chicago to Mr Simmons in Chicago recount hopes about a refugee named Johann. The correspondence describes family dynamics concerns with language learning plans and plans to lure Johann to America amid Czech refugee efforts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chicago, Ill
Alma Simmons
Provo
Utah
Almo Simmons
Care Croyden
Chicago
Letters From Johann To Gloria Simmons 1939
The missive from Johann to Gloria Simmons dated 15 February 1939 describes joy at news from her father and hints at trouble in Czechoslovakia. He hopes to arrive at Prague and possibly go to America, mentions writing to Gloria’s father, and notes plans to contact him further.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gloria Simmons
Czechosloovakia
Prague
America
Johann
P. S
Also Mentioned on This Page
Cheerio
Czechoslova
Joan
Beto
Melita
Your Johann
Wats
United
States
Piers Nese
the Simmons
Mr. Simmons, Junior
Mrs. Simmons
Part
Latter Day Saints Church
Giardian
Busssessay
Ill
Darling
Croydon
Roosevelt
Army
Navy
Western Union
Europe
Alice
Son Junior
Daddy
Junior. P
Daugher
Arilyn
Love
Part Iil
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!