Sophie Weiss Spiegel lived at Silbergasse 43 in the 19th district with her children during the entire duration of this story, After marrying, Paul moved in as well, Sophie, Rose, Paul, and young Doris remained in the 2nd floor apartment until they left Vienna in 1938.
In 2018, I visited Silbergasse 43 with my husband, my sister Jeanne, and her partner, Suzi. We were too shy to ring the bell and ask for entrance, but we weren’t shy about throwing some of Doris’s cremains through the gate and onto some bushes to bring her home.
From his birth in 1875 through 1892, when he left for his apprenticeship,, Sigmund lived with his parents in Tarnopol.
His first address registered in Vienna was Alserbachstrasse 2 in the 9th district. (July 7, 1899)
From August 8, 1899 through October 9, 1899, he lived at Wasnergasse 23 in the 2nd district.
The address list from M8 in Vienna indicates the address of Thurygasse 9 in the 9th district. The dates indicate a very short stay: Oct. 21 -Nov. 11, 1903
At the same time, the M8 listing states the address of Fechtergasse 19, apartment 27, in the 9th district from November 11, 1900 through November 11, 1912. I am insure why there is an overlap of addresses.
The family spent 13 years at Nordbergstrasse 6, apartment 11 in the 9th district. (November 5, 1912- December 29, 1925)
Sigmund purchased his cherished villa at Scheibengasse 11 in the 19th district, on December 29, 1925. It was the family residence through June 6,1934.
After renting out the Scheibengasse house, the family moved to Mariahilferstrasse 88a, apartment 7 in the 7th district. (June 19, 1934-August 26, 1938) Mariahilferstrasse is one Vienna;s busiest shopping streets. Retail establishments occupied the first floor and apartments were above.
After losing use of Mariahilferstrasse, Sigmund and Rosa moved to Operngasse 32. apartment 7 in the 4th district.
Sigmund and Rosa’s final residence in Vienna was Taubstummengasse 13, apartment 4 in the 4th district. It is likely this was one of the housing projects managed by the IKG for the few remaining Jewish residents.
From 1938 through her death in 1972, Rose Spiegel Lichtenthal lived at 30 Eastchester Road in New Rochelle, New York. Below is an image from 1939.
Following a string of short-term residences (including two years in Japan), in 1959. Doris moved to the home she occupied for the rest of her life—61 Goebel Road, in Hamden, Connecticut.
Following her passing in 2011, her granddaughter, Meghan purchased the home with her husband-to-be, Andy. Their first child, Paisley (who bears a remarkable resemblance to Doris in looks, and temperament!) was born there. Shortly after the birth of their son, Logan, they sold the home.
While 61 Goebel Road no longer is our family home, the memories form a legacy that will last for generations.
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