In April, 1933, construction began on three internment camps for political prisoners in the Emsland area of northwest Germany, with a central administration in Papenburg. Two of these camps were Borgermoor and Esterwegen. Borgemoor was opened in July, 1933, and closed in April, 1934. Esterwegen was opened in August, 1933, and closed in December, 1936.
Below are thumbnails of the front and back of a registered cover dated August 30, 1933 to Dr. Heinrich Schierbaum, thought to be in "protective custody" in Camp Esterwegen or Camp Boergermor. This cover is illustrated on page 28 of Sam Simon's "Concentration Camp Mail" and page 82 of Henry Schwab's "The Echos That Remain". The letter, undeliverable, was opened by postal authorities to determine the sender. Dr. Schierbaum was the publisher of the German newspaper "Reichswaechter". Please click on the thumbnail to see the full image, and then click your back key or "Cover" in the left frame to return.
Below are thumbnails of the front and back of a postcard (Lordahl type Ps218I) from inmate 768 at Esterwegen, Hugo Kremers, written September 30,1933, and cancelled October 3, 1933. The card also bears a Lordahl type C1b censor cachet. According to Lordahl, this is the only reported example of this card type. Please click on the thumbnail to see the full image, and then click your back key or "Postcard" in the left frame to return.
Below are thumbnails of the front and back of a money order sent to the labor camp at Esterwegen dated February 2, 1934. Please click on the thumbnail to see the full image, and then click your back key or "Money Order" in the left frame to return.
Erik Lordahl, German Concentration Camps 1933-1945, History and Inmate Mail (2000). Referred to as Lordahl.
Copyright © 2005 Edward Victor