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Fink Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0759
Finding aid note: Forms part of the Houston Jewish History Archive. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Scope and Contents

The Fink Family papers contain family photographs, and feature several religious ceremonies: Jack and Rosalee’s wedding, Aaron’s Confirmation, and Michael’s Bar Mitzvah. The collection includes materials from Echo Hill Ranch (one vinyl record and eight commemorative booklets) and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (one yearbook and three commemorative booklets) Also included are newspaper clippings relevant to the family, and Harold Fink’s Purple Heart medal. The materials are in good condition and range in date from 1930 to 1987. Researchers interesting in the Fink family, religious ceremonies, or Jewish youth organizations would all find this collection helpful.

Dates

  • Creation: 1930 - 1987

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research.

Stored off-site at the Library Service Center. Please request this material via woodson@rice.edu or call 713-348-2586.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Fink Family Papers must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

Sergeant Harold Fink was born in Texas, and served in the army during World War II as part of the 70th Infantry division. He was killed in action January 1, 1945, for which he received the Purple Heart.

Harold’s brother, Jack Fink, married Rosalee Ann (Baer) Fink in 1955. They were married for 52 years, until Rosalee’s death in 2007, and had two sons---Aaron and Michael Fink. Rosalee was the past president of the Houston District B’nai B’rith Women, now known as Jewish Women International, and an active member of the Temple Emanu El Sisterhood.

From 1953-2013, Echo Hill Ranch was the only family-owned camp in Southwest Texas that served the Jewish community while also welcoming families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Since its founding in 1953 by Dr. and Mrs. S. T. Friedman, Echo Hill Ranch was owned and operated by the Friedman family, and its camper population came from not just from Texas, but also Louisiana, Florida, Maryland, Georgia, California, Mexico, Europe, and Israel.

With a focus on providing children with summers of fun, skill development and self fulfillment, Echo Hill Ranch made its mark on many families until its closing in 2013. Though campers and staff of all faiths attended Echo Hill, the camp boasted a Jewish focus, celebrating Shabbat with candle lighting and camper-led services on Fridays, serving meals in the Kosher style, and providing Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring.

The B’nai B’rith Youth Organization is the world's leading pluralistic Jewish youth movement. The century-old institution provides fun and meaningful Jewish experiences for teens in North America and beyond. The organization provides leadership training, community service opportunities, Jewish education, and a connection to Israel for thousands of Jewish Teens.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (1 Box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Fink family Papers are comprised of photographs of the Fink family, the Purple Heart medal awarded to Harold Fink for his wartime service, and various papers related to the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and Echo Hill Ranch---both organizations that nurture and encourage the growth of Jewish Teens.

Arrangement

The materials are arranged by date in three series, as follows:

Series I: Photographs

Series II: Memorabilia

Series III: Documents

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Aaron Fink donated the materials in June of 2018.

Title
Guide to the Fink Family Papers, 1930-1987
Status
Unprocessed Addenda
Author
Gabby Parker
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas Repository

Contact:
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA
713-348-2586