People: Edna Eugenia Smith & Norbert Gabel, 1903-2000

Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains the diaries of Edna Eugenia Smith and the personal papers of Norbert Gabel.
Extent:
.5 linear feet
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of two sets of unrelated personal papers: the diaries of Edna Eugenia Smith, 1903-1912; and the personal papers and photographs of Norbert Gabel, 1920s-2000.

Biographical / historical:

Edna Eugenia Smith was born in Elmira, New York, in 1876 to James and Eliza Smith. Her mother was a professional dressmaker and Edna followed in her footsteps. She was unmarried and lived with her parents but had an active social life. Norbert Gabel (1910-December 13, 2001) was born in Vienna, Austria to Bernhard and Minna Gabel. He studied at the Vienna Conservatory of Music and had a promising career as a concert pianist prior to the German annexation of Austria in 1938. As a Jew, he suffered persecution at the hands of the Nazi regime and fled the country in the hopes that he would be able to get the rest of his family out. He came to the United States in December 1939 aboard the N.A.S.M. Volendam and soon settled in Elmira, New York. He served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific during in the World War II, but was unable to rescue his family, all but two of whom perished in the Holocaust. After the war, he worked for the M. Doyle Marks, selling sheet music and teaching piano. In 1970, he and his partners opened their own music store, Midtown Music Center. He was a founding member of the Bill Butler Theater Orchestra, which later changed its name to the Twin Tiers Community Orchestra.

Acquisition information:
Edna Eugenia Smith’s diaries were donated to the Booth Library by an unknown donor in 1998. The Norbert Gabel papers were donated to the Booth Library by Brian Ice in 2009.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The Chemung County Historical Society's research library and archives are open to the public from 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $5 fee for non-members.

Location of this collection:
415 E. Water Street
Elmira, NY 14901, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
(607) 734-4167
cchs@chemungvalleymuseum.org