Home on Marbachweg: The Sweetest Years
In the spring of 1927, Otto Frank, Edith Frank-Holländer, and baby Margot moved into their apartment at Marbachweg 307-I in Frankfurt, a significant step into their own family life after staying with Otto’s mother. Otto, a businessman (Kaufman), occupied “I and II hoog” (first and second floor) of the building.
The Marbachweg years were later described by Edith Frank as “die Jahre im Marbachweg mit die schönsten” (“the years on Marbachweg were among the most beautiful”), a testament to the stability and contentment they found there.
A large part of this happiness was due to their neighbor, Gertrud Naumann. Born in 1917, Gertrud was crazy about babies and often played with both Margot and later, Anne. She became deeply woven into the fabric of the Frank family’s life, often staying for meals and becoming close enough to call Otto “Papa Frank.” Edith, in turn, gave Gertrud the most thoughtful presents, solidifying their bond.
Even after the Frank family was forced to leave Germany in 1933, the friendship endured. Edith Frank wrote to Gertrud regularly, and to a lesser extent, Otto, Anne, and Margot also corresponded with her. The letters kept a fragile piece of their old life alive.
After the war, Otto Frank and Gertrud re-established contact, continuing their correspondence regularly until Gertrud’s death in 2002. Her memory provides a crucial, loving glimpse into the pre-war life of the Frank family and the enduring power of true, compassionate friendship.
