Summary Information
Austrian Nationality Room Committee Collection
UA.40.21
University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Program. Austrian Nationality Room Committee.
1977-2002
3.5 linear feet (4 boxes)
Language: English
Abstract: The Austrian Room Committee began construction of the Baroque-style Austrian Classroom in the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh in 1987, completing it in 1995. The collection of the Austrian Room Committee contains correspondence, financial information, news clippings, architectural drawings, programs, and publications.
ULS Archives Service Center
University of Pittsburgh Library System
7500 Thomas Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA, 15260
412-648-3232
archives-ref@mail.pitt.edu
September 2012
Finding aid prepared by Chrystal Hanna and Jessica Phillips.
History
The first idea for an Austrian Classroom in the Cathedral of Learning came about in 1950 via Walter Sobotka who was a professor in the University’s Graduate School of Retailing. The idea never took hold for reasons unknown. It was not until the Austrian American Cultural Society, formed in 1978 by Dr. Ivo Fischer, accepted a formal invitation from the University of Pittsburgh’s Chancellor, Wesley Posvar, to build an Austrian classroom within the Cathedral of Learning. The Society formed an Austrian Room Committee, joined the Nationality Rooms Council in November of 1987 and began planning for the room. The Society and the Committee made large fundraising efforts to raise the necessary $250,000 required to build this baroque-style classroom, receiving donations from individuals and corporations both in the United States and in Austria. From its inception, the Austrian American Cultural Society dedicated itself to the celebration and dissemination of information about Austrian culture and history. The Society sponsored its first Austrian Ball in 1986 and it has become an annual tradition.
The Austrian Room Committee was formed to undertake the project of designing, funding, and building the Austrian Nationality Room. Through much effort, the Chair of the Austrian Room Committee, Joseph Pandl, and Co-Chairs, Dr. Joseph Novak and Dolores Stehr, worked to create networks among native Austrians, Austrian-Americans, Austrian businessmen and corporations, and local foundations. They succeeded in securing many grants and donations of both funds and materials. In addition, two architects, Franz Gerhard Schnögass of Vienna and Günther Kaier of Pittsburgh, donated their time and effort to design the room. Construction of the room was carried out by the firm John DeKlewa & Sons, Inc. Furnishings for the room were made and shipped from Austria.
Collection Scope and Content Notes
The records of the Austrian Room Committee contain documents relating to all aspects of the Austrian Nationality Room, from its design and inception to the fundraising required to finance the room to its dedication. There are also records relating to the Austrian-American Cultural Society: its formation, its cultural activities, and its involvement with the creation of the Austrian Nationality Room. These documents include personal and business correspondence, form letters, meeting minutes, programs, flyers, memorandums, newspaper clippings, photographs, architectural drawings, and small publications. The records of the Austrian Room Committee are arranged into nine series.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged into nine series:
Series I. Austrian-American Cultural Society Series II. Preliminary Research and Background Information
Series III. Austrian Classroom
Series IV. Austrian Room Design and Decoration
Series V. Publications
Series VI. Special Assistance
Series VII. University Involvement
Series VIII. Fundraising
Series IX. Other Activities of the Committee
Subject Terms
- Austrian Americans -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
- Classrooms -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
- Universities and colleges -- Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh
- Austrian American Cultural Society (Pittsburgh, Pa.).
- Austrian Classroom (Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, Pa.).
- Nationality Rooms (Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, Pa.).
- University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Program. Austrian Nationality Room Committee.
- University of Pittsburgh. Nationality Rooms Program.
- Fischer, Ivo Fruhjof
- Kaier, Günther
- Schnögass, Franz Gerhard
- Architectural drawings (Visual works)
- Correspondence
- Financial records
- Press releases
Access and Use
No restrictions.
Transferred to the University Archives by E. Maxine Bruhns in January 2006.
Austrian Nationality Room Committee Collection, 1977-2002, UA.40.21, University Archives, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
This collection was processed by Crystal Hanna and Jessica Phillips in March 2006 then revised and updated by Marianne Kasica in April of 2007.
The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.
The Austrian Classroom is one of 26 Nationality Rooms in the Cathedral of Learning. Records for some of the other nationality rooms are housed in the University Archives.
Oversized architectural drawings and other related drawings are being stored in a map drawer titled “University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning Nationality Rooms.” Folders 62 and 63 (Narration and Bid Manual) are missing.
Collection Inventory
Series I. Austrian-American Cultural Society
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Scope and Content Notes: These documents report the involvement the Austrian-American Cultural Society had in the creation of the Austrian Room as well as activities sponsored by the Society, such as the annual Austrian Ball, summer concerts, and Christmas parties. These folders contain correspondence, meeting minutes, membership directories, programs, and flyers in addition to information about some of the key people who proposed the creation of the Austrian Nationality Room.
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Box 1
| Folder |
1 |
General Information, 1987-1996
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| Folder |
2 |
Foundation, 1996
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| Folder |
3 |
Articles of Incorporation, October 27, 1986
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| Folder |
4 |
Invitations to construct Austrian Nationality Room, February 24, 1987
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| Folder |
5 |
Membership to Directors, 1988-1996
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| Folder |
6 |
Austrian Ball – Announcements, Invitations, Programs, 1988-2000
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| Folder |
7 |
Cultural Activities, 1983-1996
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| Folder |
8 |
Joseph Fischer, 1992-1995
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| Folder |
9 |
Hans Fleischner, 1987-1993
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| Folder |
10 |
Joseph Novak, 1988-2000
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| Folder |
11 |
Activities, 1997-1999
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Series II. Preliminary Research and Background Information
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Scope and Content Notes: Most of the materials in this series are documents about the research conducted on Austria before the creation of the room. The remaining folders contain materials on the planning, design, architects, and construction of the Austrian Nationality Room. Documents include correspondence, memoranda, newspaper clippings, photocopies of Austrian art and symbols, and plans for the room’s design and layout.
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| Folder |
12 |
Austrian Room Survey, 1986
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| Folder |
14 |
Government, Economics, Politics, Products and Tourism
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| Folder |
15 |
Austrian History
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| Folder |
16 |
Provinces – Shields
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| Folder |
17 |
Provinces – Burgenland, Karnten, Niederösterreich, Oberösterreich, Sclizburgh, Steiermark, Tyrol, Voranberg, Wien, 1991-1995
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| Folder |
18 |
Prominent Austrians, 1987-1992
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| Folder |
19-20 |
Publicity, 1985-1998
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| Folder |
21 |
Cost Estimates, 1989
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Architect, Search, 1991-1999 Franz Gerhard Schnögass, 1987-1995 Architect of Record, Gunther Kaier, 1977-1995 |
| Folder |
25 |
Austrian Room Design, Final
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| Folder |
26 |
University of Pittsburgh Facilites Management, 1983-1994
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| Folder |
27-28 |
Concept and Design, Proposal for CL 314 and for CL 326,
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| Folder |
29 |
Building Fund, 1988-1992
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| Folder |
30 |
Construction Meetings, 1993-1996
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Series III. Austrian Classroom
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Scope and Content Notes: This series contains correspondence and information provided by the Austrian Room Committee. It contains pictures of the nationality room prior to renovation as well as the finished product and information about decorations used during the Christmas season. The press releases and dedication materials are about the completion of the room and the grand opening of the room in 1996.
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| Folder |
31-36 |
Planning and implementation activities, 1978-1995
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These are files that document the progress of the room, arranged by year. It also includes a file on the original idea of an Austrian Classroom by Walter Sobotka in 1950-1952. |
Box 2
| Folder |
37 |
Dedication, 1996
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| Folder |
38-45 |
Activities of the Committee, 1996 - 2002
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| Folder |
47 |
General Correspondence, 1978-1997
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| Folder |
48 |
Press Releases, 1996
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| Folder |
49 |
Press Releases, 1996
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Series IV. Austrian Room Design and Decoration
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Scope and Content Notes: This series contains materials related to the planning and design of the Austrian Nationality Room as well as to the significance of various design choices.
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Box 2
| Folder |
50 |
Inspirations and Models, 1986-1955
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| Folder |
51 |
Eisenstadt, Esterhazy, Hofbang and Hoftaft, 1985-1995
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| Folder |
52 |
Compilation of Information on the Proposed Austrian Room prepared by Joseph E. Pandl
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| Folder |
53 |
Austrian Eagle, 1995-1996
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Search for an Artist and the Candidates, 1984-1996; Carpoforo Tencalla – Biography and Interpretation of Paintings, 1994 |
| Folder |
56 |
Composers’ Memorial, 1996
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| Folder |
57 |
Chandeliers, 1989-1996
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| Folder |
58 |
Furnishings (Friedrich Otto Schmidt), 1989-1996
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| Folder |
59-60 |
Kachelofen including Catalogues, 1986-1996
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| Folder |
64 |
Construction, John DeKlewa & Sons, Inc., 1995
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| Folder |
65 |
Construction drawings, fabric and correspondence with Maxine Bruhns
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| Folder |
66 |
Construction, 1992-1996
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| Map-case |
8-18, 8-20 |
Architectural Drawings
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Series V. Publications
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Scope and Content Notes: This series contains multiple serial publications, pamphlets, bulletins and a photocopied book entitled
Vienna.
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| Folder |
67 |
Vienna by Frederic V. Grunfeld, 1981
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Folder 68
| Folder |
68-69 |
Small publications,
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Maps, issues of
Wein und die Wiener 1947-1947; and others |
Box 3
| Folder |
70 |
Austrian Information, 1993-2002
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| Folder |
71 |
Austria Kultur, 1996-2001
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Series VI. Special Assistance
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Scope and Content Notes: These documents relate to aid given by high-ranking Austrians in support of creating the Austrian Nationality Room in the Cathedral of Learning.
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| File |
72 |
Austrian Trade Commission, 1990-1993
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| Folder |
73 |
Ambassador Thomas Klestil, 1987
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| Folder |
74 |
Ambassador Dr. Friedrich Hoess, 1987-1992
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| Folder |
75 |
Ambassador Dr. Helmut Türk, 1993-1995
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| Folder |
76 |
Consul General Walter Greinert, 1993-1997
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| Folder |
77 |
Consul General Walter Kaltheis, 1995-1996
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| File |
78 |
Cultural attaché Dr. Denise von Quistorp-Rejc, 1993
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Series VII. University Involvement
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Scope and Content Notes: This series documents the University of Pittsburgh’s hand in aiding the Austrian Room Committee in their development efforts.
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| Folder |
81 |
Catherine Brennan, 1993
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| Folder |
82 |
Heinz Chapel Choir, 1992
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| Folder |
83 |
Heinz Chapel Choir, 1992
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| Folder |
84 |
Bernard Koperek, 1990-1994
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| Folder |
85 |
Dr. Gerald J. Massey, 1990
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| Folder |
86 |
Nationality Rooms Council, 1989
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| Folder |
87 |
Dr. Dennison Rusinow, 1990-1991
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| Folder |
88 |
Dr. Peter Safar, 1988-1994
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Series VIII. Fundraising
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Scope and Content Notes: These documents contain information regarding the financial endeavors involved in the creation of the Austrian Nationality Room. Many of the documents are letters from Joseph E. Pandl requesting donations from corporations and individuals with Austrian connections as well as from Pittsburgh area businesses.
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| Folder |
89-90 |
Potential Donors, Sample Appeal letters.
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| Folder |
91-95 |
Fundraising, 1987-1993
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| Folder |
96 |
American Honda Foundation, 1985-1987
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| Folder |
97 |
Austrian-American Federation, 1991-1997
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| Folder |
98-99 |
Austrian Banks and Companies, 1991-1993
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| Folder |
100 |
Bayer – Mobay Foundation and Miles Foundation, 1988-1992
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| Folder |
101 |
Dr. and Mrs. Belcsak, 1994-1997
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| Folder |
102 |
Ebner Furnaces, Inc., 1990-1992
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| Folder |
103 |
Emco Maier Corporation, 1990-1992
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| Folder |
105 |
The Henry L. Hillman Foundation, 1989-1997
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| Folder |
106 |
The Hunt Foundation, 1987-1993
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| Folder |
107 |
Ilbau, Inc., 1984-1989
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| Folder |
108 |
The Laurel Foundation, 1989-1993
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| Folder |
109 |
The Laurel Foundation, 1989-1993
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| Folder |
110 |
May Department Stores Company Foundation, 1989
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| Folder |
111 |
The John K. McCune Charitable Foundation, 1991-1992
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| Folder |
112 |
Richard King Mellon Foundation, 1982-1997
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Box 4
| Folder |
113 |
Pittsburgh National Bank, 1987-1992
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| Folder |
114 |
Pittsburgh Opera Auxiliary, 1987
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| Folder |
115 |
Trombino Piano Gallerie, 1988-1992
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| Folder |
116 |
The UPS Foundation, 1989-1991
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| Folder |
117 |
Voest-Alpine Industries, Inc., 1990-1993
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| Folder |
118 |
Westinghouse, 1988-1990
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| Folder |
119 |
Wiener Frendenverkehrsverband, 1990
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| Folder |
120 |
Willie’s Ski Shop, 1990-1991
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| Folder |
121 |
Christopher’s Restaurant, 1992-1993
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| Folder |
122-123 |
Dr. Ivo Fischer, 1978-1999
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| File |
124 |
Individual Donations, 1991-1994
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| Folder |
125-127 |
Prominent Austrians,
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Arnold Schwarzenegger; Robert and Einzi Stolz, |
Series IX. Other Activities of the Committee
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Scope and Content Notes: These records contain some activities of the Austrian Room Committee after the opening of the room, including the scholarships to study in Austria as well as some correspondence files with German societies.
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Box 3
| Folder |
129-130 |
Scholarship committee
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| Folder |
131 |
Austrian American Counsel
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| Folder |
132 |
Weltbund der Oesterreichen in Ausland
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| Folder |
133 |
Alliance of German Societies in Pittsburgh
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| Folder |
134 |
Association of German Societies
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