The Americana Public Library of Budapest

RESEARCH SERIES: THE NAKED CITY (1948)
SUBSERIES: HUNGARIAN-AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHERS
SUBSERIES: WEEGEE

This is the original poster for The Naked City (1948). It's an American film noir crime procedural based on New York photographer Weegee's (Hungarian-American, 1899-1968) book Naked City (1945). Weegee acted as a consultant on the film.

Weegee was born Fellig Ascher (Usher) on June 12th, 1899, in Złoczów in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. His name was changed to Fellig Arthur when he immigrated with his family to New York in 1909.

The Naked City
1948
Directed by Dassin Jules
Written by Maltz Albert, Wald Malvin

RESEARCH SERIES: THE NAKED CITY (1948)
SUBSERIES: HUNGARIAN-AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHERS
SUBSERIES: WEEGEE

The Naked City (1948) is an American film noir crime procedural based on New York photographer Weegee's (Hungarian-American, 1899-1968) book Naked City (1945). Weegee acted as a consultant on the film.

Weegee was born Fellig Ascher (Usher) on June 12th, 1899, in Złoczów in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. His name was changed to Fellig Arthur when he immigrated with his family to New York in 1909.

The Naked City
1948
Directed by Dassin Jules
Written by Maltz Albert, Wald Malvin

I just found this and I absolutely love it. This is a lithograph of an injured Hungarian miner, with a crutch, by the name of George Malnosky. The scene is set in Calumet, Pennsylvania, or a small community in the vicinity. The lithograph perfectly captures the scenery and character of Pennsylvanian mining towns of the 1930s.

The lithograph was created by Bernarda Bryson Shahn (American, 1903-2004) in 1935-1936. It is based on photographs she took of Mr. Malnosky in October of 1935. The photographs are part of a larger series of photographs, created by Bernarda and her husband Ben Shahn (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969), documenting the activities of the Resettlement Administration. Most likely the artist couple was going on missions with an official from the Resettlement Administration, who can be seen in other photographs in this series.

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Miner
1935-1936
Lithograph
Sheet: 29.1cm × 40.3cm (11.4375in × 15.875in), Image: 24.5cm × 32.5cm (9.625in × 12.8125in)
Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase, with funds from the Print Committee

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Untitled (George Malnosky and Resettlement Administration official, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Negative, gelatin silver (35mm film)
2.4cm x 3.6cm (0.9375in x 1.4375in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Untitled (George Malnosky and Resettlement Administration official, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Negative, gelatin silver (35mm film)
2.4cm x 3.6cm (0.9375in x 1.4375in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

This is a photograph of the children of laborers in Calumet, Pennsylvania. It's possible that the location isn't Calumet exactly, but rather a small community in the vicinity. This area was greatly populated by immigrants and children of immigrants from the former Kingdom of Hungary. Many individuals / laborers photographed in this series identified themselves as Hungarian.

The photograph was taken in October of 1935 by Ben Shahn (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969). It's part of a larger series of photographs, created by Ben and his wife Bernarda Bryson Shahn (American, 1903-2004), documenting the activities of the Resettlement Administration. Most likely the artist couple was going on missions with an official from the Resettlement Administration, who can be seen in other photographs in this series.

I love the way the little boy puts his leg through the fence!

Shahn Ben (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969)
[Untitled photo, possibly related to: Miner at Calumet, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania]
October 1935
1 negative : nitrate ; 35 mm.
Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540 USA

This is a photograph of the children of laborers in Calumet, Pennsylvania. It's possible that the location isn't Calumet exactly, but rather a small community in the vicinity. As I know, these are the Huhn children. Interestingly, “Huhn” is German for "Hun,” as in "Hungarian.”

The photograph was taken in October of 1935 by Bernarda Bryson Shahn (American, 1903-2004). She was accompanying her husband, Ben Shahn (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969), who was documenting the activities of the Resettlement Administration. Most likely the artist couple was going on missions with an official from the Resettlement Administration, who can be seen in other photographs in this series.

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Untitled (Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Negative, gelatin silver (35mm film)
2.4cm x 3.6cm (0.9375in x 1.4375in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

RESEARCH SERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIAN LABORERS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF CALUMET, PENNSYLVANIA

These are photographs of a laborer, possibly Hungarian, and his family, in Calumet, Pennsylvania. It's possible that the location isn't Calumet exactly, but rather a small community in the vicinity. The photographs were taken in October of 1935 by Ben Shahn (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969). They are part of a larger series of photographs, created by Ben and his wife Bernarda Bryson Shahn (American, 1903-2004), documenting the activities of the Resettlement Administration. Most likely the artist couple was going on missions with an official from the Resettlement Administration, who can be seen in other photographs in this series.

In the last photograph you will notice a detail of a curtain. You will also notice that although the house is poor and simple, it is neat and tidy.

Shahn Ben (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969)
[Untitled photo, possibly related to: Hungarian miner, Calumet, Pennsylvania. Worked in the mines for thirty-four years, now sixty-three with no pension and no work]
October 1935
1 negative : nitrate ; 35 mm.
Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540 USA

Shahn Ben (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969)
[Untitled photo, possibly related to: Hungarian miner, Calumet, Pennsylvania. Worked in the mines for thirty-four years, now sixty-three with no pension and no work]
October 1935
1 negative : nitrate ; 35 mm.
Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540 USA

RESEARCH SERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIAN LABORERS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF CALUMET, PENNSYLVANIA

This is a photograph of another laborer, possibly Hungarian, in Calumet, Pennsylvania. It's possible that the location isn't Calumet exactly, but rather a small community in the vicinity. The photograph was taken in October of 1935 by Bernarda Bryson Shahn (American, 1903-2004). She was accompanying her husband, Ben Shahn (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969), who was documenting the activities of the Resettlement Administration. Most likely the artist couple was going on missions with an official from the Resettlement Administration, who can be seen in other photographs in this series.

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Untitled (Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Negative, gelatin silver (35mm film)
2.4cm x 3.6cm (0.9375in x 1.4375in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

RESEARCH SERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIAN LABORERS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF CALUMET, PENNSYLVANIA

This is a photograph of the surrounding scenery in Calumet, Pennsylvania. It's possible that the scenery is actually a community near Calumet, Pennsylvania, and not necessarily Calumet exactly. The photograph was taken in October of 1935 by Bernarda Bryson Shahn (American, 1903-2004). She was accompanying her husband, Ben Shahn (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969), who was documenting the activities of the Resettlement Administration. Most likely the artist couple was going on missions with an official from the Resettlement Administration, who can be seen in other photographs in this series.

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Untitled (Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Negative, gelatin silver (35mm film)
2.4cm x 3.6cm (0.9375in x 1.4375in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

RESEARCH SERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIAN LABORERS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF CALUMET, PENNSYLVANIA

This is a photograph of an injured gentleman with a crutch, by the name of George Malnosky, speaking to an official from the Resettlement Administration. The scene is Calumet, Pennsylvania. The photograph was taken in October of 1935 by Bernarda Bryson Shahn (American, 1903-2004). It is part of a larger series of photographs, taken by Bernarda and her husband Ben Shahn (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969), documenting the activities of the Resettlement Administration.

It's a sad scene. It appears that Mr. Malnosky is explaining a situation to the official, perhaps he is describing the circumstances of his injury.

Was George Malnosky Hungarian? Was he a miner, and did he get injured in the mines? Does the Public have any information on George Malnosky? The same official from the Resettlement Administration, present in the photographs with Mr. Kollar and in the photograph with the village lady, is also present in this scene. Perhaps the photos were taken on the same day, and during the same mission.

After doing some more research, I found out that the location may not be Calumet, Pennsylvania exactly, but possibly small communities around Calumet. Some of the photographs in the series were taken in Pleasant Unity, Pennsylvania.

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Untitled (Resettlement Administration official and unidentified woman, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Negative, gelatin silver (35mm film)
2.4cm x 3.6cm (0.9375in x 1.4375in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Untitled (Resettlement Administration official and unidentified woman, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Negative, gelatin silver (35mm film)
2.4cm x 3.6cm (0.9375in x 1.4375in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

RESEARCH SERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIAN LABORERS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF CALUMET, PENNSYLVANIA

This is a photograph of a village lady in Calumet, Pennsylvania. The same official from the Resettlement Administration present in the photographs with Mr. Kollar is also present in this scene. Perhaps the photos were taken on the same day, and during the same mission.

I wonder if this village lady was Hungarian? What was her name? Were the men in her family miners?

After doing some more research, I found out that the location is actually Pleasant Unity, Pennsylvania, a small community a few minutes away (by car) from Calumet. Most likely the other photographs were also taken in Pleasant Unity, Pennsylvania.

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Untitled (Resettlement Administration official and unidentified woman, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Negative, gelatin silver (35mm film)
2.4cm x 3.6cm (0.9375in x 1.4375in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

RESEARCH SERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIAN LABORERS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF CALUMET, PENNSYLVANIA

Just incredible. These scenes are so real. Mr. and Mrs. Kollar of Hungary photographed at their home in Calumet, Pennsylvania. As previously noted, "Kollar worked in the mines for 34 years. He is now 63. He is too old for a homestead, but his son has tried to get one. Kollar has no pension and no work. He has a fine garden and a neat house. A Hungarian.”

These photographs were taken in October of 1935 by artist couple Ben Shahn (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969) and Bernarda Bryson Shahn (American, 1903-2004). The artist couple most likely accompanied an official from the Resettlement Administration (seen in other photos in this series) in order to document the scenes.

Does the Public have any more information on Mr. Kollar and his family?

Shahn Ben (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969)
Untitled (Mr. and Mrs. Kollar, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Nitrate negatives
35mm
Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540 USA

Shahn Ben (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969)
Untitled (Mr. and Mrs. Kollar, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
New York Public Library

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Untitled (Mr. and Mrs. Kollar, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Negative, gelatin silver (35mm film)
2.4cm x 3.6cm (0.9375in x 1.4375in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

RESEARCH SERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIAN LABORERS OF PENNSYLVANIA
SUBSERIES: THE HUNGARIANS OF CALUMET, PENNSYLVANIA

Photographs of Mr. Kollar of Hungary at his home in Calumet, Pennsylvania. A description on the photograph reads that “Kollar has worked in the mines for 34 years. He is now 63. He is too old for a homestead, but his son has tried to get one. Kollar has no pension and no work. He has a fine garden and neat house. A Hungarian.” An official from the Resettlement Administration can also be seen in the photographs.

These photographs were taken in October of 1935 by artist couple Ben Shahn (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969) and Bernarda Bryson Shahn (American, 1903-2004). They are part of a larger series documenting the activities of the Resettlement Administration.

Does the Public have any information / photographs / stories / artifacts with respect to Hungarian laborers in Pennsylvania?

Shahn Ben (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969)
Untitled (Mr. Kollar, Hungarian miner, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Gelatin silver print
19.6cm x 24.6cm (7.6875in x 9.6875in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

Shahn Ben (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969)
Untitled (Mr. Kollar, Hungarian miner, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Gelatin silver print
19.5cm x 24.7cm (7.6875in x 9.75in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

Shahn Ben (Lithuanian-American, 1898-1969)
Untitled (Mr. Kollar, Hungarian miner, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Gelatin silver print
19.6cm x 24.7cm (7.6875in x 9.75in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn

Shahn Bernarda Bryson (American, 1903-2004)
Untitled (Mr. Kollar, Hungarian miner, Calumet, Pennsylvania)
October 1935
Negative, gelatin silver (35mm film)
2.4cm x 3.6cm (0.9375in x 1.4375in)
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Bernarda Bryson Shahn