Call Number:

Ms. Codex 1758

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

2 volumes

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Norman Freed diaries, 1946-1947, Ms. Codex 1758, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1946-1947 (inclusive)

Creator:

Freed, Norman M.

Form:

Manuscripts, American -- 20th century, Diaries, and Codices (bound manuscripts)

Abstract:

Diaries kept by Norman M. Freed (1919-1994) of Brooklyn, New York. The two small volumes span the years from 1946 to 1947.

Born in Russia to Michael Freed (1897-) and Freida (Fannie) Makler. The Freed family emigrated to New York in 1923 and lived in Coney Island, Brooklyn where Michael Freed was a hairdresser and beautician. Norman Freed studied engineering at the City College of New York and New York University earning a degree in mechanical engineering in 1946. He acquired his professional engineer's license in 1947. Freed had a brother Samuel (1923-) and a sister Shirley (1929-), who the family called Sheila.

Two printed diary calendars from the years 1946 and 1947 with daily entries written by Norman Freed of Brooklyn, New York. The concise entries depict the day-to-day life of Freed, his family, and friends. Norman wrote of his job as a development engineer at Schirgun Corporation, a research laboratory and gun manufacturer. He worked specifically on designing and testing firearms and discusses gun mechanisms and proof shooting. He writes of the changing company and industry and trying to obtain government contracts after World War II. Freed discusses the unionization of the engineers at the company through FACET (Federation of Architects, Engineers, Chemists and Technicians) and issues with management. The company adopted a new name in 1947, the Industromatic Corporation of America, but by October 1947 the company closed and Freed, along with all other employees, was given one week's notice. In addition to his work he writes of his brother Sam and sister Sheila. Sheila was married to police officer Victor Fuchs on December 14, 1947. Freed writes of taking driving lessons and buying his first car, a Dodge Sedan. He also recorded his social life. He was a member of the Krivozer Society of Brooklyn and went to meetings and events. Freed noted movies he saw and provided his opinion of the films. He went to Museum of Modern Art and attended many dances. Freed often traveled to Brighton Beach and the Rockaways in the summers. One summer Freed wrote of his vacation in Moodus, Connecticut. He attended charitable events with friends and family and often mentions the Infantile Paralysis Group. Norman Freed, seldom mentions his emotional state or feeling of events in his life, but presents an account of his days. One leaf with notes in pencil is laid in volume one.