Series 4: Herman Kobbé papers, 1935-1947, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Series 4: Herman Kobbé papers, 1935-1947, is made up of correspondence between Herman Kobbé and his wife Helen (Lili) Kobbé (née Metcalfe) and Lillian Cooper, his partner from about 1935 to 1948. The correspondence between Cooper and Herman Kobbé represents the early days of their relationship, love letters and plans to see each other, often at their apartment at 209 Washington Park. Correspondence between Lili Kobbé and Lillian Cooper regarded Lilian's relationship with Kobbé and work that both women were involved in. Also included is a folder of documents related to Kobbé's time in Mexico (with Cooper) in 1938 and some writings and drawings by him.
Correspondence to both Cooper and Kobbé is also included in Series 1: Correspondence. Correspondence between Cooper and Kobbé is also included in Series 3: Administrative Files.
Arrangement
This series is arranged chronologically.
Biographical Note
Herman Kobbé was born on April 16, 1884. He graduated from the Columbia University School of Architecture and worked as an architect in Albany for the state of New York. Kobbé was a member of the Social Democratic Federation and ran for State Assembly a few times. In 1934, he ran for Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York on the Socialist ticket. Kobbé then maintained a private architecture practice. During World War II, he served in the United States military.
Kobbé married Helene (Lili) Metcalfe in 1909 and they had four children together. Kobbé had many other romantic relationships, including with Lillian Cooper (from about 1935 to 1948). Kobbé remarried sculptor Selma Burke in 1949.
Herman Kobbé died on July 21, 1966 at his home in Kingston, Jamaica.
