Norman C. Wolff, Jr. Oral History

Interviewee

Norman C. Wolff Jr.

Interviewer

Paul G. Anderson, PhD

Files

Summary

Norman C. Wolff was interviewed by Paul G. Anderson on September 26, 2006 for approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes. Wolff discusses his grandfather's, Max A. Goldstein, work and the history and development of the Central Institute for the Deaf, including notable faculty and staff.

Scope and Content

Wolff shares his remembrances of his grandparents, Leonore and Max A. Goldstein. He discusses his grandfather's career, including the founding of the Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) and the scientific journal the Laryngoscope, as well as Max A. Goldstein's travel and study in Europe. He discusses Max's interest in collecting rare books, art, and Native American relics. Wolff provides details about the campus of CID and the history of its buildings and development. He also discusses CID faculty and staff members such as Helen S. Lane, Julia M. Connery, Mildred A. McGinnis, Rafael Lorente de No, S. Richard Silverman, Hallowell Davis, and Jean Moog. Wolff also relates some of his memories of growing up in St. Louis in the 1930s and vacationing with his family in Frankfort, Michigan.

Biographical Information: Interviewee

Norman C. ("Tom") Wolff, Jr. (1925-2009) was the grandson of the founder of the Central Institute for the Deaf (CID), Max A. Goldstein. Wolff served on the CID Board of Directors from 1971 until his death.

Biographical Information: Interviewer

Paul G. Anderson, PhD served as an archivist at the Washington University School of Medicine library from 1982-2008. He earned a PhD (American History) from Wayne State University in 1977.

Interview Date

2006-10-26

Collection Identifier

OH114

Length

Approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes.

Restrictions

Users wishing to publish (in whole, or in part) content taken from the audio or transcript of this oral history interview must request, sign, and return a Statement of Use form to the Becker Archives. For detailed information regarding publication and use of this oral history, contact the Becker Archives (arb@wusm.wustl.edu).

Recommended Citation

Norman C. Wolff, Jr. Oral History, OH114, Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives, Washington University in St. Louis.

Notes

Robin Feder, Executive Director of the Central Institute for the Deaf, participates briefly in the interview.

Disclaimer

The Becker Archives provides access to this oral history interview as a record of the past. This interview reflects the attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs of the interview participants, which may reflect outdated, biased, and offensive views and opinions. The Becker Archives does not endorse the views expressed in this interview, which may contain materials offensive to some users.