OCLWHi3553 Guide to the Cornelia Schnurmann Foundation Records Finding aid prepared by Jeffrey Zuckerman Western Reserve Historical Society
10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
2020 Finding aid encoded by Sean Martin using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2019 Finding aid written in English Overview of the Collection Western Reserve Historical Society Gift of Cornelia Schnurmann Foundation, 2005; Paul Mazoh, 2007 Cornelia Schnurmann Foundation Records 5.2 linear feet (6 boxes including one oversize container) Cornelia Schnurmann was born in Karlsruhe, Germany in 1901, the daughter of a wealthy, well known philanthropic Jewish family. Little is known about her early life. In 1940, Schnurmann faced deportation to a Nazi concentration camp. A Catholic friend assisted her escape to Luxembourg where she found refuge in a convent and was given shelter by the Catholic Nuns. She came to America on August 20, 1941, and her journey was self-sponsored. Schnurmann, age 40 and unmarried, was the sole surviving member of her family. Whether her family died in the Holocaust or whether they were deceased at the time she left Germany remains unknown. In Cleveland, Ohio, she joined friends Dr. Julius and Helen Weil, respectively the director of Montefiore Home for the Aged, and head of its social services department. At Montefiore, Cornelia worked with the Weils in developing an occupational therapy department, a sheltered workshop, as well as therapeutic and innovative programs for the aging population. She died in an automobile accident in July, 1960. At her request, Dr. Weil served as executor and administrator of her estate, and, per her request, used a portion of the estate to create Schnurmann House, a multi-building complex dedicated to housing for the elderly, social activities, and social services. The Cornelia Schnurmann Foundation Records collection consists of an address book, agendas, agreements, applications, appraisals, articles of incorporation, artwork, background information, a binder, blueprints, a booklet, certificates, codes of regulation, a constitution, a contract, corporate papers, correspondence, court records, deeds, donation slips, easements, eulogies, financial ledgers and statements, floor plans, a folder from Heritage Gardens, government records, invitations, a last will/testament, letters, lists, loans, maps, medical records, meeting minutes, a menu, newsletters, newspaper articles and clippings, notes, pamphlets, a passport copy, pension plans, photographs, plot plans, policy statements, population surveys, programs, proposals, requests for funds, reports, resolutions, resumes, schedules, sentimental items, social security cards, speech texts, thank you notes, time cards, a timeline, and waivers of lien. MS 5463 The records are in English and German 1895-2005 Biography of Cornelia Schnurmann

Cornelia Schnurmann was born in Karlsruhe, Germany in 1901, the daughter of a wealthy, well known philanthropic Jewish family. Little is known about her early life. For years Schnurmann had dedicated her life to the aid of the needy in her hometown, Karlsruhe. In 1940, Schnurmann faced deportation to a Nazi concentration camp. A Catholic friend assisted her escape to Luxembourg where she found refuge from Nazi Germany in a convent and was given shelter by the Catholic Nuns. While many of her possessions were confiscated in Germany, some items remained in her care. In Luxembourg she worked at menial tasks until her immigration to the United States could be arranged. She arrived in the U.S. on August 20, 1941. Schnurmann, age 40 and unmarried, was the sole surviving member of her family. Whether her family died in the Holocaust or whether they were deceased at the time she left Germany remains unknown. As the website for Schnurmann House states, "she aspired to a mission of helpfulness in the United States, her land of refuge." In America, she worked as a cook for a New England family, then as a housekeeper in a small children's institution, until she joined German friends in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Julius Weil, the director of Montefiore Home for the Aged, and his wife Helen, who headed Montefiore's social services department. At Montefiore, Cornelia worked with the Weils in developing an occupational therapy department and a sheltered workshop as well as developing innovative therapeutic programs for the aging population. She died in an automobile accident in July, 1960. At her request, Dr. Weil served as executor and administrator of her estate, and, per her request, used a portion of the estate to create Schnurmann House, a multi-building complex dedicated to housing for the elderly, social activities, and social services.

Scope and Content

The Cornelia Schnurmann Foundation Records collection consists of an address book, agendas, agreements, applications, appraisals, articles of incorporation, artwork, background information, a binder, blueprints, a booklet, certificates, codes of regulation, a constitution, a contract, corporate papers, correspondence, court records, deeds, donation slips, easements, eulogies, financial ledgers and statements, floor plans, a folder from Heritage Gardens, government records, invitations, a last will/testament, letters, lists, loans, maps, medical records, meeting minutes, a menu, newsletters, newspaper articles and clippings, notes, pamphlets, a passport copy, pension plans, photographs, plot plans, policy statements, population surveys, programs, proposals, requests for funds, reports, resolutions, resumes, schedules, sentimental items, social security cards, speech texts, thank you notes, time cards, a timeline, and waivers of lien.

Those interested in Jewish philanthropy in Cleveland will find this collection to be of value. In addition, researchers wanting to learn more about the origins of Montefiore and the Weils will find this collection to be of interest. This collection is also invaluable for those interested in aging and programs for senior citizens.

Statement of Arrangement

The Cornelia Schnurmann Foundation Records is arranged in four series: Series I: Schnurmann Foundation is arranged alphabetically by subject. Series II: Schnurmann House is arranged alphabetically by subject. Series III: Schnurmann Estate is arranged alphabetically by subject. Series IV: Schnurmann Personal Papers is arranged alphabetically by subject, then alphabetically by document type.

Related Material

The researcher should also consult MS 4499 Julius and Helen K. Weil Papers and MS 4735 Julius and Helen K. Weil Papers, Series II.

Processing Information

Processed by Norm Singer and Jeffrey Zuckerman

Restrictions on Access

None

Restrictions on Use

None

Preferred Citation

[Container ___, Folder ___ ] MS 5463 Cornelia Schnurmann Foundation Records, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, Ohio

Acquisition Information

Gift of Cornelia Schnurmann Foundation, 2005. Gift of Paul Mazoh, 2007.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects:Life care communities -- Ohio -- ClevelandEndowments -- Ohio -- ClevelandJews -- Ohio -- ClevelandJewish aged -- Institutional care -- Ohio -- ClevelandPersons:Schnurmann, CorneliaWeil, Julius, 1902-1989Organizations/Corporations:Cornelia Schnurmann FoundationDetailed Description of The Collection

Series I: Schnurmann Foundation1945-2005 and undated11Advertising1993-200512Assistance to the needy (before building of Schnurmann House), correspondence1965-196613Auto Insurance for 1958 Mercedes Benz1958-196014Beth El, speech text197415Board Meetings, agendas, correspondence, minutes1970-197216Board Meetings, agendas, correspondence, minutes1973-197717Board Meetings, agendas, correspondence, minutes1978-198118Board Meetings, agendas, correspondence, minutes1982-198519Board Meetings, agendas, correspondence, minutes1989-1990110Board Meetings, agendas, correspondence, minutes1991, 1996-1998111Board Members and individual issues, correspondence, newspaper clippings1991-2004112Board of Trustees, changes and issues, correspondence, lists, newspaper articles1968-1990113Board of Trustees, general, correspondence and lists1968-1996114Board of Trustees, meeting minutes1992-1995115Boutique at Montefiore, correspondence, financial statements, speech texts1974-1990116Boutique at Montefiore, correspondence, expense reports, notes1991-1994117Case Western Reserve University, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, correspondence, newsletter, proposals1970-1975, 1989, 1994118Cleveland Jewish News, articles and letters1972, 1989, 1991, 1993 and undated119Contributions, correspondence, donation slips, lists1971-1995 and undated120Contributions, financial ledger2001-2002121Copeland Oaks, correspondence and newspaper article1972 and undated122Finances, correspondence1995-2005 and undated123Finances, financial planner, Zilber & Associates, correspondence and financial statements1995-1999124Grants funded, correspondence, reports1990-1994125Grants funded, correspondence, thank you notes1995-1999126Grants funded, correspondence, lists, thank you notes2000127Grants received, Kulas Foundation, correspondence1974128Grant requests, Gerontology Program, John Carroll University, correspondence and pamphlets1991-1994129Grant requests, information, correspondence, folder from Heritage Gardens, lists, meeting minutes, proposals, reports1989-1999130History, general, correspondence with Julius and Helen Weil1968-1971131History, general, correspondence with Julius and Helen Weil1972-1973132History, "A History of a Future: Julius and Helen Weil and the Cornelia Schnurmann Foundation," pamphletJune, 2000133Instant Money Program with Mt. Sinai Medical Center, correspondence and financial statements199221International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, background information, lists, membership renewal forms1994-1998 and undated22Legal, articles of incorporation, code of regulations, corporate papers1964-200423Leo Baeck Institute, dissolving of Cleveland chapter and dates of deportation to Auschwitz, correspondence1971-197624Memorial Services for Cornelia Schnurmann and Julius Weil, correspondence, eulogies, programs1988-199225Payroll, correspondence, statements of earnings and deductions, time cards1987-199126Project, housing for the elderly, Willowick, Ohio, proposal197727Property, 12913-12955 Larchmere Boulevard, agreement197828Property, 2 lots, Munson Township1972-197429Property, purchase of SL 29 Rock Court, Cleveland Heights, agreements and correspondence1965-1972 and undated210Property, purchase and sale of Shaker Estates West, agreements and correspondence1973, 1993211Property, searches for location1965-1998212Retreat Day, correspondenceApril, 2003213Schwartz, Fred, Secretary of Schnurmann Foundation, correspondence1989-1993214Senior citizens, newspaper articles and population surveys1976-1993 and undated215Senior Citizens Home, Herzliya, Israel, correspondence1965-1995216Shaker Estates West and Village Management, correspondence1981-1991217Shaker Estates West and Village Management, correspondence and financial statementsJanuary, 1992 through June, 1992218Shaker Estates West and Village Management, correspondence and financial statementsJuly, 1992 through December, 1992219Shaker Estates West and Village Management, correspondence and financial statementsJanuary, 1993 through August, 1993220Shaker Town Center, correspondence, photographs, reports1989-1992221Shore, Herbert, correspondence1966-1988222State of Ohio, resolutions to sell and endorse securities1991-1999223Trust, correspondence, financial statements, timeline1962-1972 and undated224United Help, Inc., correspondence1945-1971225Volunteer Recognition Program, correspondence1989-1993226Weil, Julius, condolence letters on the passing of Dr. Julius WeilApril 9, 1989227Weil, Julius, correspondence1966-1991228Weil, Julius, memorial fund donations to Schnurmann Foundation, financial ledgerundated229Weil, Julius, Weil papers donated to Western Reserve Historical SocietyundatedSeries II: Schnurmann House1960-2004 and undated230Beauty Parlor, contract1977-1983231Board Meetings, agendas, correspondence, minutes1964-1969232Board Meetings, agendas, correspondence, minutes1986-1988233Board Meetings, agendas, correspondence, minutes1989-1992234Board Meetings, agendas, correspondence, minutes2001-2003235Board of Trustees, binder, agendas, correspondence, lists, meeting minutes, reports (original material moved to container 5)1970-1977236Board of Trustees, correspondence1963237Board of Trustees, correspondence, financial statements, lists1990, 2000-2002238Board of Trustees, Luther House, listMay, 1986239Campus News, newsletters1986-199331Change of street name from Drury Court to Weil Park Drive, correspondence1975, 1993-199432Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority, correspondence and housing report1970-197133Eastgate Village, agreements and correspondence1966-1969 and undated34Episcopal Diocese (Lutheran Home), agreements and correspondence1967-1986 and undated35Executive Director Search, correspondence, newspaper clippings, resumes198636History, pamphletundated37Housing and Urban Development, budget, correspondence and financial statements1986-199238Housing and Urban Development, correspondence1967-198039Housing and Urban Development, government records (original material moved to container 5)1968-1969, 1973310Housing and Urban Development, report1989311Inspections, correspondence1968312Insurance, correspondence and memorandum of insurance1968-1969313Lawsuit, defective construction by Eastgate Village Construction, correspondence, court records1974314Legal, articles of incorporation, code of regulations, corporate papers1968315Loan for Schnurmann House, agreements, correspondence, lists, minutes1968-1969 and undated316Luther House (building for housing, sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Cleveland), agreements, constitution, correspondence, deed, easements1963-1988317Luther Service Center (community center for social activities and social services, owned by Schnurmann House), contract with Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, financial data1998318Luther Service Center, financial data1969-1991319Luther Service Center, financial data1996320Luther Service Center, financial data1997321Luther Service Center, financial journals1986-1988, 1995-1996322Luther Service Center, financial statementsJanuary, 1989 through April, 1989323Mailman, Marion, correspondence1987-1995324Property, correspondence1960-1970325Property, correspondence1971-1993326Property, correspondence1989-2004327Property, easements1966-1970328Property, financial statementsJune, 1971 through June, 1986329Property, financial statements2000-2001330Property, management agreements (original material moved to container 5)1968-1982331Property, market value appraisal1968332Property, plot plans1968 and undated333Property, requests for funds1995334Property, title guaranty1968335Property, Waiver of Lien for buildings on SOM Center Road1968336Scotti, Rocco, choral director, employee records1987-1994337Senior Citizens Housing Program, application information, instructions, pamphlet1982 and undated338Surveyors, correspondence, descriptions of parcel1968-1969339Tenant Admission, application, committee presentations, policy statements1968-1991340Weil, Julius, speeches to tenants of Schnurmann HouseSeptember, 1968 July, 1969Series III: Schnurmann Estate1953-2004 and undated41Accident Restitution, correspondence and newspaper clippings1960-196142Appraising, correspondence and floor plan1960 and undated43Architecture, Weils of Bainbridge, financial statements, floor plans, meeting minutes2000-2001 and undated44Chesterland Property, sale of property, agreements, certificates, maps, statements1955, 196145Death of Cornelia Schnurmann, autopsy report, correspondence, court records, funeral arrangements1960-196146German Consulate, correspondence and speech text1960-198947Jewish Community Federation, pension plan1953-196748Jewish Community Federation, pension plan1968-198149Montefiore, Bialosky & Partners Architects, architectural qualifications booklet (original material moved to container 5)July 12, 1996410Montefiore, correspondence1995-2003 and undated411Montefiore, dedication, programNovember, 1991412Montefiore, design of housing, correspondence, floor plans, meeting minutes, proposals, schedules1996-2002 and undated413Montefiore, Lyndhurst housing, agreements, meeting minutes, newspaper articles, proposals1997-1998414Montefiore, Strategic Planning Retreat, outline, plans, PowerPoint slides, statements2004415Montefiore, Supportive Housing, correspondence, financial statements, proposals1996-2001 and undated416Property, correspondence and court records1960-1962417Property, financial records1957-1960 and undated418Real Estate Distribution, 12330-332 Tuscora Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, correspondence and statement1957-1960419Schnurmann, Cornelia, real estate, correspondence1955-1960 and undated420Schnurmann, Cornelia, Trust and Last Will/Testament1957-1961421The Weils of Bainbridge, blueprints (original material moved to oversize container 1)undated422The Weils of Bainbridge, correspondence, general1995-2002 and undated423The Weils of Bainbridge, groundbreaking, correspondence, invitations, photographs, speech textAugust 8, 2000Series IV: Schnurmann Personal Papers1895-1960 and undated424Schnurmann, Cornelia, biography, correspondence, eulogiesJuly, 1960425Schnurmann, Cornelia, correspondence (in German)1936-1949426Schnurmann, Cornelia, correspondence (in German)1955-1957427Schnurmann, Cornelia, correspondence1951-1960428Schnurmann, Cornelia, loans made1947-1953429Schnurmann, Cornelia, medical records1949-1955430Schnurmann, Cornelia, requests for funds (in German)1939-1960431Schnurmann, Cornelia, sentimental items, address book, artwork, certificates, copy of passport, correspondence, letters, menu, social security cards (original material moved to container 5)1895-1959 and undated