Lang (Richard) interview

• Main Authors: Lang, Richard, 1906-1982, Droker, Howard
• Format: Audio
• Language: English
• Published: 1981
• Subjects: Jews > Washington (State) > Seattle > Interviews; Businessmen > Washington (State) > Seattle > Interviews; Art > Collectors and collectiong > Washington (State) > Seattle;Immigrants > Washington (State) > Seattle; Jewish families > Washington (State) > Seattle; German American families > Washington (State) > Seattle;Ex-Jews > Washington (State) > Seattle; Depression > 1929 > United States; Lang; Max; Julius C.; 1872-; Grace Elsinger; Koch; Samuel; 1874-1944; Wise; Jonah Bondi; 1881-1959; Eckstein; Nathan; 1873-1945; Shemanski; Alfred; 1874 or 1875-1966; Furth; Jacob; 1840-; National Grocery Company (Seattle; Wash.); Seattle Fur Exchange; Temple de Hirsch (Seattle; Schwabacher Bros. & Company ( Seattle; Cuckoo Club (Seattle; xyz; Yukon; Alaska
• Online Access: http://cdm16786.contentdm.oclc.org:80/cdm/ref/collection/ohc/id/544

Seattle, Washington, United States Lang relates the beginnings of the family business in Weaverville, California, begun in 1852 by his grandfather Max Lang, an immigrant from southwestern Germany. His father, Julius, came to Seattle during the Alaska-Yukon gold rush, settling permanently in 1902 as president of the National Grocery Company, a wholesale distribution firm serving Alaska and Washington State. Lang also describes his parents' activities, noting that since his mother was not raised as a Jew, her involvement in the community was primarily social. Lang also gives insights into the social life of German-Jewish families in Seattle. He discusses his own Jewish education and leadership at Temple de Hirsch, his friendship and differences with Rabbi Samuel Koch, and his friendship with Rabbi Jonah Wise. Lang very briefly mentions his resignation from Temple de Hirsch in 1944 and his break with the Jewish community. He talks about the decision to have his children baptized Episcopalian. Lang also outlines his business career and activities in art collecting. This accession is part of the Washington State Archives. To request a high resolution or uncompressed reproduction, or to obtain permission to use any portion of this item, contact the University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections. Email: [e-mail]. Please reference the Digital ID Number.