The Early Years of Oswald Jacobi

Written through the eyes of the young Oswald, by Lore Confino

Oswald was born in Frankfurt on 17th September 1922, the son of Fritz and Else Jacobi née Ermann.  He was given the name Oswald Herbert and the Hebrew name ‘Jizchok ba Simche’ after his paternal grandfather.  Mama and Papa wanted two first names, in case Oswald preferred Herbert later in life and in case he wanted to leave Germany and live in an English-speaking country.

“He may have the wish to leave the country of his birth in which it
was so beautiful before the horrible war and so oppressive after the war was lost.”
(Parents’ diary)

Papa went to the register office to have all the particulars entered in the birth certificate.  He wore his new green suit which he had made on Mama’s insistence and which cost 25 thousand marks (during hyper-inflation) and would quickly double in price.

Oswald was born on a Sunday at about 5.15-5.30pm.  in the Vaterläudischeu Fraúenverein (?).  He weighed 7.1lb at birth.  “Mama thought I had a ‘Jacobi-“Köppchen’ and father declared that I was the spitting image in miniature of uncle Alfred” (father’s eldest brother).

“Although I had my eyes closed, I felt that Papa was very moved but could not yet show his fatherly feelings.  His first concern was for mother which I could understand because we were still strangers at our first meeting.  During the following days, however, I noticed how his fatherly feelings awakened and deepened when he saw me so defenceless at mother’s breast.  Father came to the clinic every morning and evening and arranged to be there, so that he could see me feeding.  These were for him the most precious fifteen minutes, no less so for mother, and last not least for myself.”

“Papa gave Mama beautiful roses and many flowers and plants arrived from friends, also telegrams.  Grandfather gave a 15 frcs. lottery ticket, uncle Nazi a Gold ducate (about 9s 4d), something very special during inflation when paper money had no value; a silver serviette ring was given; Uncle Alfred and Uncle Carl gave sums of paper money and Uncle Adolf (Elsaesser) from London sent a cheque for ’10 Mille Kens’ with which Papa bought me a bed.” (Diary)
The birth took place on the second day of Posh Hashana (?).  Mr. Bondi, who officiated, said this was a special mitzva.  All the relatives came for the occasion."

Oswald was taken home on 27.9.

“Father had to settle the bill at the hospital and if he hadn’t been so brave still from the war, he would have ‘lost his pants’ for shock.  But Father said it was more important that mother was well and I turned out to be a such a sweet ‘Bibichen’.”
(Diary)

The ambulance took Father, Mother, Oswald and Sister Barbara, who was going to look after Mother and Oswald, back to Morgenstrernstrasse 36.

“I must say I like it straight away on the Morgensternstr. 36.  The flat is not very big but charming, especially the sitting room with the beautiful library.  My little heart laughed in delight when I saw the long row of Fairy Tales which I shall be given to read in due course.  But to stay in the present, I must tell you that I was very pleased with my baby basket because it is so comfortable.  I can lie in it all snug, and on no account do I wish to go back to the clinic.  Mother is with me all the time and Father had to move out to the Klüberstrasse to make room for Sister Barbara.  But when he comes home for meals I am always very happy when he looks into my little basket and talks to me or looks at me lovingly.  He is surely a good father even though he gets cross at times.”
(Diary)

Mama was over anxious and kept Oswald’s room much too hot.  Papa told her off about it and she was greatly offended.

“I was happy when  Father gave Mama a few kisses and was again good and kind to her.  But he was right.”

Oswald had his first bath on 7th October and his first outing with Sister Barbara two days later.  He was dressed in a woollen jacket – a gift from Tante Lisa (Mother’s best friend) and a bonnet to shelter him from the cold October wind.  They went to the Rosegarten (rose garden) which was a lovely playground for kiddies.  On 11th October, Father had to go away on business:

“with tears in his eyes when he said goodbye to me.  How pleased I shall be when he comes back because he speaks to me lovingly and comforts me when I have one of my numerous aches.”

13 October
Oma Ermann’s birthday.  She lived too far for Oswald to be taken to her.  Cousin Helmut (?) would be there and Oma would have a delicious birthday cake.  The day being beautifully sunny and warm, Oswald was taken on the veranda on the third floor where both he and Oma Jacobi – sent to watch over him, fell soundly asleep.  Oma did not hear the banging on the door and the ringing of the bell, and gave everyone such a shock until she woke up and opened the door so that Oswald could be taken downstairs to Mama for his feed.

Father came back happy and successful from his business trip and did not find Oswald’s room far too hot!! Though it was baking.

Papa had his birthday on 18th October and Mother gave him a surprise present – a set of beautiful books which she had put aside for him.  She told Father she had so much wanted to give these books to him but they were too expensive and she had to give up the idea.  Father had other beautiful presents, too, and everyone was happy.


30 November
Sister Barbara had to leave.  Mama was very sad and looked anxiously at Oswald.

“I think Mummy is frightened of me”

But Father was glad she had gone because she had made lots of dirty marks on the wall in the dining room which angered him.

“I must admit I was a bit frightened how Mama & Anna would cope with me but I must admit everything went without a hitch and I am glad they are so nice to me and pay me court much more than Sister Barbara.”

Mother was terribly anxious with Oswald.  If he coughed or dirtied his nappies more than usual, she called the doctor.  It was never less than an hour’s consultation to find out there was absolutely nothing wrong with him and that he was the most beautiful baby in the world.  Papa pointed out that this praise did not come cheap but Mother looked daggers at him.

“Today Mama had a real shock because auntie Doctor sent her bill.  It proved yet again that Father was right.  Hopefully, this has cured Mama of her Angst for good and she will spend the money on a nice toy for me rather than let Auntie Doctor rake it in.”

5th December
Mother found pleasant company and went daily for walks with Oswald.  She no longer had enough milk and Oswald was started on buttermilk.

“Today Oma left.  I was really sorry because she was so attentive.  The least sound from me and she came running.  And if I yelled, she rocked me, secretly of course, because Mama did not allow it.”


25th December
Mama and Papa celebrated Christmas Eve.  They gave each other presents – more books which arrived daily.  It became a problem where to put them.

“Apart from useful presents, Mama and Papa gave me a picture book.  Uncle Nazi sent a lovely bowl for my baby food.  Auntie Saúr gave me great pleasure with a toy arrrival and Anna had visiting cards printed for me with my name Oswald Jacobi.”


1st January 1923
The old year has come to an end.  Mama & Papa went to a cabaret on New Year’s Eve and left Oswald in Anna’s care.  At midnight, there was a mighty din outside and Oswald was frightened but soon settled down to sweet dreams.


13th May
Mama went to Hamburg ten days ago for much needed rest and relaxation.

“Papa is very good to me and when I wake up during the night, he lifts me out of my wonderful new bed and rocks me to sleep.  Early morning, he warms my milk and changes my nappy and Anna, too, looks after me really well and cooks lovely food; but I shall be very happy when Mummy is back home.”

28 May
Papa made a sudden decision to spend Whitsun with Mama in Hamburg.  His train was due to leave at 8.47 and at 8.10 he was still standing by Oswald’s bed singing his favourite song “Alle Vögel sind schon da.” Anna heaved a sigh of relief when he finally left the house.  Oma Ermann came frequently to keep an eye on things and Anna coped well.

5 July
Anna, the most important member of the family, has taken a fortnight’s leave.  Mama, Papa and Oswald transferred themselves to the Klüberstrasse.  It was nice and cool there in the summer.  Also:

“There was a special attraction for me: the beautiful balcony.  I am taken outside in my pram and can enjoy looking at the lush green leaves and listening to bird song.”

14 July
The stay in the Klüberstrasse until the end of July was pleasant.  Oma and Opa went away for a few days and Anna returned from holiday.  During this time Oswald surprised everyone by sitting up and on the way home to the Morgensternstrassse he saw trams, cars, horses, cyclists and hundreds of people who seemed in a great hurry; also, at a distance, the river Main.

Papa said to Mama, “home is home” and they were happy to be back.

During the summer the Stadtwald, the woods nearby, were a great attraction for outings and Oswald was often taken there.  Father took good care of him.

“I love my Papa and I can only say again and again that noone understands me as well as he.  Perhaps he spoils me a little bit but Mama is quite strict to keep a balance.”