A life through a household inventory.

All Holocaust stories are sad, even the stories of survival have elements of sadness in them. Because the survivors will have suffered physical and mental pain, and also coping with the loss of family and friends.

I came across a list of household inventory of goods that had belonged to Sara Dewijgaert-Blits. Sara was born on November 8,1868 in Amsterdam, and murdered on September 10 in Auschwitz, she was aged 73. The inventory list reflected her years alive, What makes it so sad is that all items are so recognizable, many we still use today. It is a life through the scope of a household inventory.

Bed/sitting room
small table with cloth
tea table with tea set
flower table (2)
sideboard
bookcase
cupboard
chair (2)
easy chair (3)
stool
standing table lamp (2)
fold-out bed with casing and curtains
bedding
cushion (4)
small table lamp (2)
electric hanging lamp
wall plate (8)
wall mirror (2)
wall hanging
mantelpiece runner
trinkets (on the mantelpiece)
lace curtain (4)
drape (4)
floorcloth
carpet
mat (2)
wall clock
curtain (3)

Living room
table with cloth
chair (2)
easy chair with cushions
coal-fired cooker with plate
bedside table
divan with bedding and blanket
small serving tray
waste-paper basket
linen cupboard
wall cupboard
treadle sewing machine (“Phoenix”)
medicine cupboard
small oil painting (4)
wall tapestry
mantelpiece carpet
table lamp
lace curtain (3)
drape (2)
curtain (2)
floor covering
hanging lamp

Kitchen
table with cloth
chair
chest of drawers
meat safe
hay chest
gas ring
coal (13)
coal (sack) (2)
carpet sweeper
wall cupboard
lace curtain (2)
drape
kitchen scales
wall hanging
paraffin lamp
wall plate (2)
kitchenware and house ware
floorcloth
small carpet
carpet
waste-paper basket

Corridor
runner
mat (2)
wall carpet (2)
coat hooks (2)
umbrella stand

Staircase
carpet

Attic
sideboard
chair
small round table
sideboard
suitcase
travelling case (2)
box (2)
travel baskets (2)
unknown
electric heater
coal (sack) (6)

SOURCE

https://www.joodsmonument.nl/nl/page/477738/inventory-of-sara-dewijgaert-blits-and-her-family