Primary Resources Archive

Jacob Schutthelm Resources
Documents in this section offer a glimpse into the life of an immigrant during war time. Jacob Schutthelm, a German immigrant who came to the United States around 1909 and settled in Holyoke, MA, was considered an "enemy alien" during World War II and found his movements within the country severely restricted. Indeed, Jacob was required to file for travel licenses during the war.

These documents also demonstrate the war rationing on the home front in order to ensure that the military was properly equipped. While rationing can be a hardship for families, most people did it willingly in order to support the war effort.

Jacob Schutthelm Alien Registration Regulations [PDF]
Jacob Schutthelm WWII Enemy Alien Form [PDF]
Jacob Schutthelm WWII Enemy Alien Form part 2 [PDF]
During World War II, German immigrants were deemed "enemy aliens," and their movements within the United States were severely restricted. These "enemy aliens" were required to file for travel licenses. Indeed, in 1942, Jacob Schutthelm had to get approval from the United States government before he could leave Holyoke to visit an ill family member on the other side of Massachusetts.

Jacob Schutthelm WWII Ration Book [PDF]
Jacob Schutthelm Ration Stamps [PDF]
During World War II many items were rationed so that the United States could properly equip its military. These ration stamps and ration book belonged to Jacob Schutthelm and indicates that between January and August 1945, his household was given a standard ration of fifty gallons of fuel oil.

Jacob Schutthelm Declaration to Become a Naturalized Citizen Certificate [PDF]
In 1909, shortly after he immigrated to the United States from Germany, Jacob Schutthelm declared his intention to become a US citizen. It appears that Schutthelm chose not to go through with the full naturalization process, however, and his declaration expired after seven years.

 

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