Cast iron dutch oven pot and lid from cafe used as rendezvous point by French resistance
Extent and Medium
a: Height: 4.750 inches (12.065 cm) | Width: 12.750 inches (32.385 cm)
b: Height: 2.370 inches (6.02 cm) | Width: 10.120 inches (25.705 cm)
Archival History
The dutch oven was acquired by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2005.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection
Scope and Content
Dutch oven and lid from cafe-coiffeur (cafe-hairdressing salon) of Mere Beylier in the village of Chateau-Cherviz, in the Limosin region of France. The cafe was near two orphanages operated by the Oeuvre de Secours aux Enfants [OSE: Children’s Aid Society], Chateaus Chabannes and Montintin. Both homes sheltered Jewish children and other young refugees from deportations during the German occupation of France. The cafe, which was the town gathering place, also served as a resource center and temporary refuge for Jews and others who opposed the German occupation and the pro-German Vichy government. In this village of 3,000 people, over 1,000 Jews were provided assistance and temporary refuge.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
a. Black, circular, cast iron pot with a slightly flared rim and 2 c-shaped handles on each side. There is an incised line below the outside rim. The bottom is elevated by a ring base. b. Black, circular, cast iron lid with a convex curve. The center c-shaped handle is surrounded by a pattern of 3 concentric circles. Around the lid edge is a short partition. A letter and number are embossed on the lid directly below the handle. The underside is bisected by a cast iron ridge and recessed to allow the lid to sit tightly on the pot.
Subjects
- Jewish refugees--France.
- World War, 1939-1945--Underground movements--France.
- World War, 1939-1945--Refugees--France.
- Jewish children in the Holocaust--France--Limousin.
- France--History--German occupation, 1940-1945.
Genre
- Object
- Household Utensils