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Correspondence / Family documents, 1917-1939

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 2

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The collection is arranged in chronological order. It consists of letters, documents, photographs, and articles relating to Cecelia Krumrey Druhe and the orphan trains of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first three folders contain correspondence and documents relating to the Krumreys, including the agreement between Jacob and Katie and the New York Foundling Hospital. Most of the letters and telegrams dating from 1909 to 1911 are between Katie and Sister Teresa Vincent of the Foundling Hospital before Cecelia’s arrival in St. Louis. However, in November 1910, Sister Teresa wrote to tell the Krumreys of the mix up with Cecelia and another 2 year old girl named Emma. Apparently the jackets used to identify them were switched, however, the girls’ names were also in their shoes. There is also a note dated 17 May 1932, in which Cecelia states that her mother told her she was adopted. The earliest document in the collection is the certificate of origin (heimatschein) for Catherine’s family, the Blum family, of Wargolshausen, Germany, dated 1875. It lists her siblings and their birth dates. There are also receipts from Schrader Funeral Home for both Jacob’s and Katie’s funerals as well as Katie’s will. Other documents include: report cards, Cecelia and Edward’s marriage certificate, an earnest money receipt for the Krumrey property in Ballwin, and letters from Edwards’ life insurance provider in which they need proof that Cecelia Kimmick and Cecelia Krumrey are the same person. Cecelia’s daughter, Mary Ann, conducted genealogical and historical research about her mother. There are two letters concerning her search for her mother’s biological family in New York. In addition, there are two folders of newspaper, journal, and magazine articles about the orphan trains and newsletters from the Orphan Train Heritage Society of America. Please also see the Library for Cecelia’s first communion bible; the Photos and Prints Department for photographs and album; and Museum Collections for her shoes, numbered ribbon, and rosaries.

Dates

  • 1917-1939

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.12 Cubic Feet ( (7 folders; 1 oversize folder))

Language of Materials

English

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center Repository

Contact:
225 S. Skinker Blvd.
St. Louis MO 63105 United States
314-746-4510