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The ”Aryanization” of Joseph’s business was already fully underway prior to the

horror of the November pogrom, and the decree effective December 3, 1938. In early October 1938 the approval of the chief administrator was received for the takeover of the company by B., and K. at a purchase price equal to the lowest assessed value; followed by the Aryanization order on November 18, 1938. The buyers initially

would purchase the inventory and the goods depot only, and rent the store.

The purchase price and the rental income were the only sources for the Strauss family

to finance their livelihood! Too, an ”Aryan” shop in rented accommodations of a

Jew’s house! That, of course, was intolerable for the NS-party. Thus, later on house

and property were sold to B., and K. - an exact date for this transaction cannot be determined from the documents. At any rate, this transaction was supposed to be completed by the time the family emigrated, at the latest as of October 1, 1940. This

is according to an official verification on site - the Strauss’ house - dated November

22, 1938.

The ”Huenfelderite” G. Kraus assumes, that Joseph’s friend and former housemate by the name of Eckert, who worked at the Fulda tax and revenue office ever since 1933, kind of slowed down the process: ”And this guy, Eckert managed to increase the assessed value from approximately 5000 (marks) to 20000.” It must be seriously questioned whether this was possible at all.

Against this, said report mentions Joseph’s notarized sales offer in about this amount.

But Joseph definitely didn’t receive this amount, no way! At least the family could continue to live in the house - as renters, after the sale, most likely in just a few rooms.

As of January 1, 1939 the male members of the Strauss family were forced to add "Israel” to their first name and the female members "Sarah".