Herman Heyman Family Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 005

Abstract

The Herman Heyman Family Papers are arranged alphabetically by subject and chronologically within each folder. The collection consists primarily of correspondence, the majority of which are letters between Josephine and Herman Heyman. In the letters Herman and Josephine not only discuss their relationship, but issues of the day which concerned them. Both correspondents were exceptionally prolific and the letters will be of special interest to the social historian interested in the lifestyle of the German Jewish community during the 1920s and 1930s. The researcher should also take note of the diaries kept by Josephine Joel Heyman, 1914-1917, 1924, which also provide a clear picture of German Jewish community life in Atlanta in the early years of the 20th century. Herman Heyman (1898-1968) was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Arthur and Minna Simon Heyman. He served in World War I and became a prominent attorney in Atlanta. In 1924, he married Josephine Joel, the daughter of Benjamin Franklin Joel and Ellen Menko Joel. The collection consists primarily of correspondence, the majority of which are letters between Josephine and Herman Heyman.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1886 - 1983

Language of Materials

English

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

Herman Heyman (1898-1968) was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Arthur and Minna Simon Heyman. Graduating from Tech High School at the end of his junior year, Herman Heyman later distinguished himself by being awarded Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Georgia. After serving as a second lieutenant in the First World War, Herman entered the Law School at Columbia University, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in June 1921. Upon graduation, he opened his own practice, eventually joining the firm of his father, who was also a prominent Atlanta attorney. In 1924, Herman Heyman married Josephine Joel, the daughter of Benjamin Franklin Joel and Ellen Menko Joel. Josephine Joel was one of the most eligible young women in the Atlanta German Jewish community and was ardently pursued by many suitors. Herself a graduate of Smith College, she would later distinguish herself by her volunteer efforts on behalf of the National Council of Jewish Women and the Atlanta Jewish Federation. She also served as President of the League of Women Voter's DeKalb County Branch and the United Nations Association. After the death of Herman Heyman in 1968, Josephine Heyman continued to serve both the Jewish and general communities of Atlanta.