(SWJA)

Bettina Donau-Steinfeld

Bettina Donau married Albert Steinfeld in Denver, Colorado in 1883. She was described as "a beautiful Jewish woman." The couple settled in Tucson after their marriage. Albert had already established a small business in Tucson, [Albert Steinfeld was a cousin to the Zeckendorf family, who were very prominent in Tucson's business community]. The Steinfelds had two boys, Lester and Harold, and two girls, Irena and Viola.

The Steinfeld family at first lived in a two bedroom apartment. As their business grew, they built a mansion in the center of town. The couple became extremely popular and were sought after socially. Their home became the center of hospitality and gracious living. Bettina and Albert were quick to give their time in all aspects of community life. Nothing failed to receive their generous response whether it was cultural, charitable or otherwise. They helped to build the first Jewish congregation in Tucson as well as helped many other Jewish organizations.

From the earliest time of Albert's career, Bettina had great influnce over him. She was devoted to him and their children and offered constant encouragement to everyone.

The Steinfelds also had farms in the Safford Valley (Arizona) and went there sometimes to check up on things. Albert also was involved in cattle raising. He had one of the largest cattle operations south of Tucson. His lands stretched from the present day streets of Ajo and Sasabe roads all the way south to the Mexican border. Albert was also involved in the banking business and became president of Consolidated National Bank in 1910.

Albert and Bettina Steinfeld were a very innovative couple together and managed to be involved in so many things. They were one of the first families to own an automobile, (a big Pierce-Arrow), in Tucson. One day the Tucson Citizen newspaper ran a headline stating, "FIRST ARREST FOR SPEEDING IN THIS CITY." The Steinfeld's chauffeur was the first person arrested for speeding in the city and was fined $25.00 for exceeding the speed limit of 20 miles per hour.

The Steinfeld and Donau families helped to build all of Tucson's charitable organizations. Bettina's brother, Hugo, had moved to Tucson to work in the Steinfeld family business. Hugo Donau was the man that talked the Old El Paso and Southwestern Railway into donating $100,000 to build the Young Men's Christian Association Building in downtown Tucson. The diversity of both business and charity interests contributed to Tucson becoming a strong community.

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