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Home , Bill Gleason, Iroquois Theatre fire, Levy Mayer, Maxwell Street, Rosehill Cemetery

Look to the rock from which you were hewn Vol. 27, No. 1, Spring 2003

jewish historical society chicago jewish history

1943: Marshall Commandos Are IN THIS ISSUE City Champions in Stadium Win and the “The juniors of Marshall High School and the seniors of Mount Carmel are proudly established today on the twin thrones of Chicago’s schoolboy basketball From the Archives: realm. Playing before the biggest crowd ever to see the cage sport played anywhere in the world—21,472 spectators jammed every inch of sitting and standing room Babette Mandel in the Stadium—the new rulers won their crowns beyond all question of a doubt February Meeting: in the first postseason playoff ever held between the champions of the Public The Shomrim Society continued on page 10 of Mickey, Ruffy & Sonny Oral History Excerpt: Sol Brandzel CJHS Summer Tours: Reservation Form

Save the Date! Sunday, May 18: CJHS Program on History of Cong. Shaare Tikvah “The History of Congre- gation Shaare Tikvah” will be the subject of the Society’s open meeting on May 18, at Cong. Shaare Tikvah-B’nai Zion, 5800 North Kimball. Marshall High School Junior Basketball Team, 1943. The program will begin at ROW I: Julian Davis, Arnold Greenstein, Jack Brazier. ROW II: Irving Mazer, 2:00 p.m., after a social hour Hyman Tadelman, Sidney Zomlefer, Morris Kaplan, David Levitan, Charles and refreshments at 1:00 p.m. Swibel. ROW III: Coach Lou Weintraub, Hillel Levin, Charles Kaplan, Irving Admission is free and open to Hartman, Morris Lennoff, Manager Abe Weisberg. ROW IV: Orville Shane, the public. Invite your friends! Jerry Shuman, Ray Lowy, Marv Schufeldt, Sidney Swibel, Leon Herzog. continued on page 3 Yearbook photo by Daguerre Studio, 1943 Marshall Review. 2 Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 President’s Column

chicago jewish historical society LET ME TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO thank the members of our Chicago Jewish Officers 2003-04 Historical Society who have written, telephoned, Walter Roth President or e-mailed me their reactions to reading my book Burt Robin Vice President Looking Backward: True Stories from Chicago’s Dr. Carolyn Eastwood Secretary Jewish Past. I have been very gratified at the Herman Draznin Treasurer enthusiastic and favorable response. Directors Walter Roth One of the letters I received may be of Leah Axelrod particular interest to you, our readers, since it is Harold T. Berc also addressed to you. The letter is from Dan Sharon, Senior Charles B. Bernstein Reference Librarian of the Asher Library, Spertus Institute of Jewish Dr. Irving Cutler Studies. Dan is a brilliant scholar and researcher with an Sheldon Gardner Dr. Rachelle Gold “encyclopedic” knowledge of Chicago Jewish history. He wrote: Clare Greenberg “Thank you again for your new book. I’ve Dr. Adele Hast* Rachel Heimovics* started reading it, and I find it fascinating. You Dr. David H. Heller might pose the following question to readers of your Janet Iltis quarterly journal, Chicago Jewish History: Why did a Bea Kraus Polish American gangster in Chicago, who Roslyn Lettvin supposedly served as an altar boy in a Catholic Michael Lorge church, change his name to the stereotypically Seymour H. Persky Jewish one of “Hymie Weiss?” To me, this is one of Muriel Robin Rogers* the minor mysteries of Chicago history. I’ve looked Norman D. Schwartz* at book after book that mentions Weiss, and no one Dr. Milton Shulman answers this question. Indeed, no one even raises it. Dr. N. Sue Weiler Allegedly, Weiss was the rival Capone feared most, *Indicates Past President and Capone finally had Weiss killed.” Chicago Jewish History Chicago Jewish History is published Dan also suggested another topic for discussion in our quarterly: quarterly by the Chicago Jewish the attacks on blacks and Jews that occurred in the late 1940s in Historical Society at 618 South Chicago—particularly the disturbances that took place in Michigan Avenue, Chicago, November, 1949 on Peoria Street in Englewood. While the police Illinois 60605. (312)663-5634. stood by, mobs assaulted the blacks and Jews who had just moved Single copies $2.00 postpaid. into the neighborhood and hurled rocks at their homes. The Successor to Society News. rampage seemed to have lasted for many days. Many of the Please send submissions to the prejudices and hatreds that caused the Peoria Street riots half a editor, Bev Chubat, at 415 West century ago remain with us today. Fullerton Parkway, #1102, Chicago, Illinois 60614-2842. Dan Sharon has inspired many of our past articles and has E-mail: [email protected] unfailingly provided us with research material whenever we asked. He is the one who comes up with answers to tough questions, but Editor/Designer now he has posed a couple of his own. If you can fill in the Beverly Chubat biography of the mobster called “Hymie Weiss” or know the Immediate Past Editor specifics of the Peoria Street riots, please let me know. Dan has Joe Kraus kindled our interest, and we are busy researching these subjects. Editor Emeritus In the meantime, as we move from a long winter to a more Irwin J. Suloway hopeful spring, I trust that you had a festive Passover holiday—and Editorial Board fervently hope that peace will prevail in our country, in Israel, and in Burt Robin, Walter Roth, Norman the rest of the world. ❖ Schwartz, and Milton Shulman Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 3

CJHS Meeting on May 18 continued from page 1

Tours of the synagogue building and its noted stained glass windows will be given during the social hour. A panel of six persons will present the program. After greetings by current Rabbi Dennis Katz, the founding days of the congregation, from 1942 to the late 1940s, will be reviewed by Mayer Stiebel and Jay I. Weisman, both sons of founders. Mr. Stiebel is a retired kosher caterer and an activist in Chicago Conservative Judaism. Mr. Weisman, a lawyer, is active in the Lincolnwood Jewish community. Solomon Gutstein, rabbi, lawyer, and former alderman of the 40th Ward, will review the period during which his father, Morris Gutstein, was rabbi of the congregation, 1947-71. Sol Gutstein will also discuss the synagogue’s stained glass windows, designed by A. Raymond Katz. The father and son Gutstein team co-authored a monograph about the windows. Corrections & Clarifications Neil Handelman, a past president of the congregation, will speak To Our Year-End 2002 Issue: on 1971-95. Irving Federman, the current president of Cong. Shaare On page 4 we described a guide Tikvah-B’nai Zion, will cover the period from 1995 to the present. to Jewish Florida as “recommended” by CJHS Past President Rachel Heimovics, now a Florida resident. Letter to the Editor Ms. Heimovics is actually the book’s primary author. The correct title, citation, and ordering information: Hebrew Classes in THE FLORIDA JEWISH HERITAGE TRAIL. To the Editor, By Rachel B. Heimovics and Marcia In your article in the Year-End 2000 issue about Marshall High Zerivitz. 2000. Florida Department School you made the statement that “Marshall High School was, I of State, Division of Historical have been told, the only Chicago Public School that ever offered Resources. Illustrated, paper, 44 pp. Hebrew as a foreign language.” You stated it in a way that leads me to $10.50 each for 1 or 2 copies. believe that you did not believe that as fact. Well, your doubt is well- (Includes postage and handling.) founded. The Jewish Museum of Florida In the late 1950s Sullivan, Von Steuben, and South Shore High 301 Washington Avenue Schools taught Hebrew for foreign language credit. My sister received Miami Beach, FL 33139-6965 two years of foreign language credit at South Shore as a result of Phone (305) 672-5044 taking Hebrew. My wife said that many of her friends took the Hebrew classes at Sullivan, and my sailing partner informed me that On page 6 we listed our video THE ROMANCE OF A PEOPLE Hebrew was given at Von while he was there. I hope this information will be useful to you. We enjoy reading but omitted the name of the Chicago Jewish History when it arrives in the mail. executive producer/ director, Beverly Siegel. The video’s running Jerold Levin time is 30 minutes. Chicago On page 10 in the Covenant Thank you, Mr. Levin. CJH welcomes informative letters like Club photograph Judge Henry L. yours. We urge our readers who studied Hebrew in the CPS to write Burman was incorrectly identified as and tell us about their teachers and experiences. E-mail your message Herman Berman. (or send it as a WORD doc. attached to your e-mail), or write to CJH apologizes for the errors. Editor Bev Chubat. Postal and e-mail addresses are listed on page 2. 4 Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 Levy Mayer and The Iroquois Theatre Fire BY WALTER ROTH

ne century ago in Chicago, on the afternoon of Among the cast of characters whose names now December 30, 1903, a horrific event occurred became known to the public were Marc Klaw Oat the Iroquois Theatre. In less than 20 and Erlanger. These men, with other minutes over 600 persons, mostly women and children, partners, controlled the Theatrical Trust, which from its died in a catastrophic fire. The Iroquois was located on offices on in held a virtual , between State and Dearborn, where monopoly on many “legitimate” theaters in America— the Oriental Theater now stands (refurbished and including the Iroquois. The Trust owned the theaters renamed Ford Center for the Performing Arts). and also controlled bookings and ticket prices. This A recent book, The Tinder Box, by Anthony P. aroused great antagonism. Leading clergymen of the Hatch (Academy Chicago Publishers 2003), recalls, in day, together with the press and independent theater personal interviews and collections of stories of owners, held the Trust “responsible for the degradation survivors, the traumatic terror these people endured. It of the American theatre” and the corruption of was the city’s worst fire up to that time—and since “Christian morals.” then—the casualties far exceeding those resulting from As Hatch writes, “It was easy to dislike Marc Klaw the of 1871. and Abe Erlanger. And they were Jews.” With the A rage seized Chicago, fanned by newspaper arrival of thousands of poor Russian Jewish immigrants, accounts of the tragedy. The public wanted to know with their strange language (Yiddish), dress and habits, who was responsible—whoever it was must be anti-Semitism was rife in Chicago. The legacy of the punished! Reporters discovered that recently enacted Haymarket Riot and anarchist scares still gripped the city ordinances had not been complied with: the city, spurred on by the sensationalism of the media. sprinkler system did not work, the doors opened only Klaw and Erlanger were in financial trouble in from the inside, exit signs were missing, and the 1903 and, with the Trust, were involved in bitter labor skylight was sealed shut. There were many other disputes. Chicago was in the grip of a transit strike. violations. Within a few days, the theater manager and Still, the Iroquois Theatre was slated to open in other employees were arrested for manslaughter and a November. The opening production was a musical number of persons, including the Mayor, Carter H. comedy, Mr. Bluebeard, produced by Klaw and Harrison, were held for action by a grand jury. Erlanger, starring Eddie Foy. It was during a holiday

Left: Gravestone of Myrtle and Theodore Shabad. Inscribed: “Beloved and only children of Henry and Fanny Shabad. Myrtle, born Oct. 4, 1889, died Dec. 30, 1903. Theodore, born March 23, 1891, died Jan. 1, 1904. Victims of the Iroquois Theatre fire, Dec. 30, 1903.” Right: Shabad family monument. Inscribed “Shabad” in Hebrew. Name is inscribed in Yiddish vowelized spelling on the other side of the stone. Waldheim Cemetery, Free Sons of Israel–Gate 31. Photos by Norman D. Schwartz. Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 5

matinee performance of Mr. was one of the reasons why the Bluebeard, before an audience Chicago grand jury did not reach composed largely of children, that them. They had their own attorneys the fire occurred. in New York, deeply involved in the The Klaw-Erlanger organization Iroquois cases, who soon turned to was later blamed for disregarding work closely with the attorney the safety of its patrons by violating selected by the Chicago defendants city fire regulations, allegedly to cut to defend them in the coming legal costs in order to meet the opening battle. His name was Levy Mayer. date. It was said that such items as the fireproof curtain and fire- evy Mayer was a brilliant fighting equipment were not up to Jewish lawyer whose parents standard because of their need to L had immigrated to the cut expenses. Life magazine—not from small towns in the magazine of the same name Bavaria. He was born in 1858 in which came into existence later— Richmond, . The Mayers mentioned Klaw and Erlanger in relocated to Chicago where Levi the caption of a cartoon showing Levy Mayer (1858-1922) began his primary education. the figure of Death blocking the History of the Jews of Chicago, 1924. In 1876 he was graduated from way of the victims struggling to . Too young to open the exit doors. witnesses called to testify. At the enter law practice, he started his Initially the main target of the same time a “deluge of suits” was legal career as researcher and critics, such as the , filed against the Iroquois Theatre, librarian at the Chicago Law was Mayor Carter H. Harrison, its management, owners, and the Institute. From there he was asked because of his “indolent” behavior City of Chicago. On January 25 the to become a partner by a prominent toward municipal corruption at Coroner’s verdicts were returned, Jewish attorney and Reform Jewish every level of local government. He naming Mayor Harrison, Iroquois community leader, Adolf Kraus. was held for arraignment by the Theatre Manager Will Davis, the The partnership, after a number police. (However, within a week City Building Commissioner and of name changes, became, in the after his retention for a grand jury others. Klaw and Erlanger, though early 1900s, the firm of Mayer, hearing, he was released on a writ of often mentioned in testimony as Meyer, Austrian & Platt, one of the habeas corpus, since there was responsible for the faulty curtains most prominent law firms in nothing to directly connect him and other violations, were not Chicago, specializing in corporate, with the operation of the Iroquois.) named. banking, governmental, and “Let no man escape,” one minister The Grand Jury, after its secret international law. Levy Mayer was shouted as he viewed the gruesome deliberations, returned its indict- its dominant figure, with a theater scene. ments on February 23, naming Will reputation for brilliance and Davis, Stage Manager James integrity. He had an imposing six abbi Moses Peretz Jacobson Cummings, and Business Manager foot tall physique and an enormous of Kehilat Anshe Ma’ariv James Noonan. The Jury exonerated capacity to retain facts and cases. He (K.A.M.), conducting the Mayor Harrison, but said there was also said to speak clearly and R was “looked upon as a combative funeral for two Jewish children, “should be a more intelligent called the fire “one of the great administrator in City Hall.” The adversary.” calamities of the age.” Another charge against the three indicted It was reported that a day after rabbi at a memorial service was men was manslaughter. the Iroquois fire, Klaw and Erlanger quoted as saying, “This fire was not In addition to the criminal and their New York attorneys an act of God but due to ignorance, charges, there were a host of civil contacted Mayer to represent not criminal neglect and recklessness.” suits against these and other only their interests but also others The inquest by the Coroner’s defendants—Klaw and Erlanger who might be indicted by the grand Office began in City Hall on among them. Klaw and Erlanger jury. Hatch, in Tinderbox, writes February 7, 1905 with over 200 lived in New York, which perhaps that Klaw and Erlanger, after a long continued on page 6 6 Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 Levy Mayer began on March 7, 1907, and was or the victims and their continued from page 5 expected to be lengthy. The relatives there was now only prosecution was said to be prepared F the consolation that civil meeting with executives of the to call over 200 witnesses. As the actions might be more successful. Theatrical Trust, selected Mayer and first one—a woman dressed in Numerous suits had been brought his firm to head the defense team. black—was sworn in, Mayer rose to after the fire, but after the long Some have said that it took demand that the State produce the delay it appears that “most families enormous courage for Mayer to take Chicago City Ordinances on which of the dead and injured received not this unpopular case. the indictments were based. As this so much as a dime for compen- Levy Mayer’s legal brilliance was was done, Mayer filed a lengthy sation.” Hatch reports that there soon evident. He filed a motion to 231-page brief attacking the validity were rumors that the Klaw-Erlanger quash the charge against Davis of the ordinances. Hatch writes that organization eventually paid small because it did not properly specify at that moment, “the doors to the amounts to relatives of the victims, the legal duty to discharge the acts courtroom were flung open and a but there was never any real complained of in the indictment, procession of bellboys and porters evidence of that. In 1909, there was and he filed a motion for a change [entered] loaded down with piles of a report that Fuller Construction of venue so that Noonan and law books that they heaped on Co. had paid $750 in thirty cases, Cummings could get a “fair trial.” defense counsel’s table.” Levy Mayer but noted that over 400 cases were This motion was granted and their continued to argue his case before still pending. Since such suits are case was moved to Peoria. On July an enthralled audience and a usually handled by plaintiffs’ 9, 1905, Mayer’s strategy was curious Judge. attorneys on contingency basis and marked with success when the two The essence of Mayer’s since these attorneys knew they judges in Peoria and Chicago argument, which the research would be up against Levy Mayer in quashed the charges on similar supported, was that the ordinances Chicago and other powerful lawyers grounds. There was no express duty were invalid because the State of in New York representing Klaw- binding the defendants. Mayer Illinois had not actually delegated to Erlanger, it is doubtful that any announced that “any future Chicago the power to enact its litigation succeeded. indictments would not be worth the ordinances (this was before Home As for life insurance on the paper they were written on.” Rule was in fact granted to Chicago victims’ lives, U.S. Judge Kenesaw by the State legislature ). Mountain Landis ruled in a “theater evertheless, one month After a thirteen hour presen- liability suit” that the Iroquois later another Chicago tation, Mayer concluded his case Theatre was not responsible for N grand jury indicted Davis and moved for a directed verdict. failure to comply with the Chicago and two others on manslaughter The Judge agreed. Without the ordinances providing for fire charges. Klaw and Erlanger were not benefit of the ordinances, the Judge equipment on appliances of the indicted, on grounds of insufficient directed the jury to return a not- Theatre. Landis, incidentally, is the evidence. Mayer promptly filed a guilty verdict in the manslaughter Judge who would become the first motion to quash and it was not case, stating: “If it were in my power Commissioner of Major League until January 13, 1906 that the to bring back life and put the bloom Baseball following the “Black Sox” Davis indictment was sustained by of youth into the cheeks of these scandal. Landis was responsible for the Illinois courts. As a trial date young girls by incarcerating the the expulsion of a number of loomed, Mayer promptly filed a defendant in this case in the players for motion for change of venue. In a penitentiary for the term of his allegedly “throwing” games in the brilliant stroke, he had many natural life, I would do it; but I 1919 World Series. The attorney members of his staff collect over cannot.” It had taken two and a half representing , the 12,000 affidavits attesting to bias years to conclude the trial. Levy owner of the White Sox, was Levy and prejudice against the Mayer’s strategy had earned him a Mayer. defendants. prominent place in Chicago judicial The Iroquois Theatre fire had The Davis trial was promptly history, though the results were enhanced Mayer’s fame as one of moved to Danville, a town over 100 sharply criticized by many, in legal Chicago’s ablest attorneys, though miles south of Chicago. The trial journals and the media. not necessarily the most popular. Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 7

His career is covered in a biography written by evy Mayer died on August 14, 1922, some say Edgar Lee Masters of Spoon River Anthology fame. The from overwork. He was a workaholic, completely details of the Iroquois Fire are amply covered in the L engrossed in his law practice up to the last day of book, but other aspects of Mayer’s life are not his life. Since his wife and two daughters were away in mentioned. There is not a single mention of his Jewish Europe at the time of his death, the funeral service was heritage or the simple fact that he was Jewish. not held until their return on August 24. H.L. Meites, however, in his classic work, History of A memorial was held at Sinai Temple, attended by a the Jews of Chicago, mentions Levy Mayer a number of huge assemblage of leading personalities, mostly from times and includes a summary of his life. In the chapter the legal profession and the business world. Abraham L. on leading Chicago Jewish lawyers, Meites also notes Erlanger of Iroquois Fire fame was there. that Mayer served as Secretary of the Zion Literary The eulogies were numerous and full of tribute. Society, which was “the big cultural and social force in One eulogy contained an interesting sentiment: “What Chicago during the 1870s and 80s, and held crowded Disraeli achieved in England, Mayer matched in meetings every Friday night at Zion Temple.” America.” He was interred in the family mausoleum at Meites also comments that Mayer attained . nationwide fame as a lawyer, “though with the passing The Sentinel in its August 18, 1922 edition carried a of years, sad to state, he became estranged from Jewish story on Mayer’s passing under the headline “Levy efforts.” Meites does report, however, that in 1916 Mayer, Noted Jewish Lawyer Dead.” It noted that Mayer was Chairman of a large public fund-raising Mayer had made gifts to a number of Jewish charities in gathering at the to help Jews made his lifetime. “His residence[s were] a palatial suite in the destitute by . Meites writes that the Blackstone Hotel [and] a summer home and large farm Auditorium event followed a dinner the night before at in Manomet, Mass. The fortune of Mr. Mayer is the home of . estimated at $25,000,000...” ❖ WALTER ROTH is President of the Chicago Jewish Historical Society. Save the Date! Jewish Historical Society of Sunday, June 8— Greater Washington Commemorates Ben Labor Zionist Alliance of Chicago to Honor Hecht Pageant We Will Never Die Clare Greenberg A special program marking the 60th anniversary of We Will Never Die— A musical reception for A Mass Memorial to the Two Million Dead in Europe was presented on Clare Greenberg will be held Thursday, April 10, at the Rayburn Building in Washington D.C. on Sunday, June 8, at 2:00 CJHS has a strong connection to this program in that President Walter p.m., at the Women’s Club of Roth first suggested it to the Washington Society. (Mr. Roth has extensively Evanston, 1702 Chicago Ave. researched and written about the pageant, and a chapter on it is included in She is being honored by his recently published book, Looking Backward.) the LZA for her years of work The program told the story of the collaborative work of controversial in behalf of the State of Israel. activist Peter Bergson, Hollywood’s leading screenwriter Ben Hecht, and Appropriately, an Israeli cellist Hollywood luminaries who produced this performance to call attention to is to be the featured musical the plight of Europe’s Jews. artist at the reception. A welcome from Honorary Committee Chair Representative Tom Mrs. Greenberg is a CJHS Lantos, Democrat of California, himself a Holocaust survivor, opened the activist. A long-time member program. The main speaker was Dr. Rafael Medoff, author, with David S. of our Board, she served as Wyman, of the new book, A Race against Death: Peter Bergson, America, and recording secretary for ten the Holocaust, who shared his insights about Peter Bergson, Ben Hecht, years, and currently chairs our artist Arthur Szyk, and the impact of We Will Never Die. membership committee. The program also included a display of images from the original Admission is $18.00. For program at Constitution Hall, a selection of readings from the original further information phone pageant script, and showcase film of the pageant that has survived. ❖ (847) 675-1677. 8 Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003

FROM THE CHICAGO JEWISH Babette Mandel: Portrait archives of a Philanthropist By Joy Kingsolver

abette Mandel (1842-1945), great-niece of In 1875 they moved to the Colonnade Building on Michael Reese and wife of one of the founders State and Madison, owned by Marshall Field. Intent on Bof Mandel Brothers department store, came to building up , Field persuaded the Mandels Chicago at the age of three and grew up to become to stay by means of a generous, long-term lease, and “one of the foremost woman philanthropists of soon the business was flourishing again. Chicago,” as H.L. Meites expressed it. Her parents, The Mandels were active members of Sinai Temple, Emanuel Frank and Elise Reese Frank, left Aufhausen and in 1888, at a meeting held at Sinai, Leon and in Bavaria in the summer of 1852, drawn by hopes of Emanuel were among those who pledged money to greater prosperity. found the Jewish Manual Training School (later the Michael Reese, an uncle then living in California, Jewish Training School). The idea behind the School encouraged them to come to America and set aside was to give immigrants manual skills that would enable funds for their support. After a journey by ship and them to support themselves, while also promoting stagecoach that took several weeks, the Franks and their Americanization. Located on the West Side, the School ten children arrived in Chicago on Erev Yom Kippur. taught cooking, sewing, woodworking, English and The family settled in a citizenship to Eastern Euro- house on north of pean immigrants. Madison. Sadly, in 1855 Babette Mandel was Emanuel Frank was killed in an prominent among those who accident, and though she organized the School, at first excelled at school, Babette was serving as a director, and then forced to spend much of her as its president. The Jewish childhood helping to maintain Training School closed in the household. 1912; the inrush of immigrants On April 18, 1871, when that had made it so essential she was 29, Babette married was largely over by then. Emanuel Mandel. Emanuel’s brothers, Leon and Simon, had hicago Lying-In Hos- founded a dry goods store with pital and Dispensary Leon Klein in 1855. The C was founded in 1895 business was reorganized as the with the help of Babette Mandel Brothers store when Mandel. She also served on its Klein retired and Emanuel was board. This was a maternity brought in as a third partner. clinic at first housed in four The Mandel Brothers store rooms on Maxwell Street. It was then located near Clark was later renamed the Chicago and Van Buren Streets. When Maternity Center. the Chicago Fire destroyed the Inspired by the success of building in October 1871, just , Mrs. Mandel and six months after Emanuel and others established the Maxwell Babette were married, the Street Settlement in 1893 as a Mandels re-established their Babette Mandel around the time of her cultural center for newly- store on the South Side. wedding, 1871. Chicago Jewish Archives. arrived Jewish immigrants. Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 9

Babette Mandel was a leader in many other organi- zations as well: Chicago Women’s Aid, Sarah Greene- Report on CJHS Open Meeting: baum Lodge (United Order of True Sisters), the Chicago Section of the [National] Council of Jewish The Shomrim Society of Illinois Women, and others. “The History of the Shomrim Society” was the subject of our program on Sunday, February 9 at he achievement she is best known for, however, Temple Sholom. The guest speakers were Lt. Bruce is the establishment of the West Side Rottner of the Chicago Police Department and T Dispensary in 1903. Originally opened in 1899 Rabbi Moshe Wolf, chaplain of the CPD. at Clinton and Judd Streets, this building was Lt. Rottner is past president of the Shomrim inadequate, and Babette Mandel gave $10,000 to re- Society of Illinois, an organization of Jewish law establish it at Maxwell and Morgan Streets. Most of the enforcement officers. The Hebrew word for patients were Russian or East European immigrants watchman is shomer and the plural is shomrim. from the West Side. In 1910, she again gave a large sum The first Shomrim Society was founded in of money to establish the Dispensary in new quarters- New York City in 1924 at a time when Jews were and at this time, the Dispensary was dedicated to the just beginning to enter the law enforcement field memory of her husband, Emanuel Mandel, who had in numbers. A national Conference of Shomrim died in an accident in 1908. Mrs. Mandel continued to was formed in 1958. support the clinic with large gifts over the years, and in Lt. Rottner was impressed by a collection of 1928 it was incorporated into Michael Reese Hospital essays he read in college, by Arthur Niederhoff of as the Emanuel and Babette Mandel Clinic. John Jay College. Included was “The Jewish Most of Babette Mandel’s charity work was carried Patrolman.” Jewish immigrant mothers, it seems, out while she raised their three children: Frank, Edwin, were embarassed by their sons’ going into law and Rose. When she died on March 12, 1945, she left enforcement. They would say, “My son is a $50,000 to the Jewish Charities of Chicago and policeman, but he teaches in the training $25,000 each to Michael Reese Hospital and the division,” or “He works with children.” (To them, Chicago Maternity Center, among other bequests. “cop son” sounded too much like koptsn—the Her son Edwin became president of Mandel Yiddish word for pauper or beggar.) Brothers department store and was also president of Bruce Rottner’s college-educated parents stood Michael Reese Hospital. In 1960, Mandel Brothers was behind his career choice. His late mother served sold to the Weiboldt Corporation, which closed the for many years as librarian at Anshe Emet store in the 1970s. Synagogue. (As for his sports hero father, Mickey At a time when women were not expected to work Rottner, see the article on page 11.) outside the home, Babette Mandel, like many women The local Shomrim Society was founded in of her generation, found a vocation and purpose that 1959 by Lt. Peter Harlib of the CPD. In 1967 allowed her to extend her role as mother beyond the sheriff’s police and suburban officers were confines of the home. Her significance lies in the way admitted to membership. Women were admitted she used her position of wealth and privilege to help the in 1975, the first year that women of the CPD Jewish community at a time when immigrants were in went on patrol—they were formerly matrons or desperate need. youth officers. There are 500–600 Jewish officers Babette Mandel is one of many women featured in in the CPD. The Shomrim Society numbers 300. the current exhibition, “Shaping History: Chicago The organization sponsors social events and Jewish Women in the Twentieth Century,” now on supports philanthropic causes. Gun afficionados view in the Gallery of Chicago Jewish History at participate in the annual Lox and Bagel Shoot. Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. The Gallery is (“That’s how the holes get in the bagels,” Lt. located on the 6th floor and is open M-Th 9-5, F 9-3, Rottner once explained to his young daughter.) and Sunday 11-4:30 (for Sunday access, go to the Asher ❖ Rabbi Wolf spoke of how, after 9/11, Library reference desk on the 5th floor). firefighters were lauded as heroes, but police officers were often forgotten. He reminded us to JOY KINGSOLVER is Director, Chicago Jewish honor those who “serve and protect.” Archives, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. 10 Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 Sonny Saken Commandos continued from page 1 (1916--1994) Following are excerpts from letters and League and the champions of the Catholic League. clippings sent to us from (James S. Kearns, Chicago Sun, March 28, 1943.) CJHS member Leonard “Junior” and “Senior” were not school year classi- fications. Since the 1920s the Chicago Public Schools (Babe) Saken of North and the Catholic Schools had organized basketball Hollywood, California,about leagues. In order to involve as many students as his late brother. possible, two varsity divisions were created, classified athan (Sonny) Saken is by weight—“lights” and “heavies”—but that plan N pictured fielding a 16- didn’t work. Height became the criterion—Juniors, inch softball, something he under 5’7” in the Public League and under 5’8” in the did expertly as a Windy City Catholic League, and Seniors, the taller boys. player, along with Hermie he West Side, specifically Lawndale, was a Cohen, Marty Singer, Ben terrific training ground for young basketball Branman, Shorty Lipman T players. Instruction was provided at two and dozens of others. popular boys’ clubs—the American Boys’ Common- He was a gifted all- wealth (ABC), funded by Jewish Charities, and the around athlete, beginning as Boys’ Brotherhood Republic (BBR), funded by private a little kid on the West Side philanthropists, where club and league play prepared at Lawson playground. youngsters for higher-level competition. The JPI (Jewish People’s Institute), a complete recreation and There he met Frank Heiden- social center, had a fine gymnasium. Facilities were reich, the legendary director also available at the church-funded Marcy Center, the of playgrounds, who became Nathaniel Institute (NI), and the city parks. Sonny Saken. Collection Sonny’s athletic mentor and In the autumn of 1939 a Marshall High Junior of Leonard B. Saken. close colleague in later years. team with that background worked out for the first When the Saken family time under their new basketball coach, Lou moved to the North Side, Sonny starred on the Senn Weintraub. They went undefeated that season, and the High School baseball team. He later played minor next, and the next, and again! Marshall Junior teams league ball at Freeport, Illinois. He was on the first amassed 80 straight wins before the 1943 game at the B’nai B’rith basketball team to compete against the Stadium. (The streak went on for a record 98 games.) CYO. Although he was a fine student, the dire Coach Weintraub and the physical education conditions of the Depression required him to work and department had instituted a conditioning program the previous year, to prepare all the boys in the school for help with family expenses, and he didn’t go to college. their future service in the armed forces. When a Mr. Saken became a successful businessman. He British commando raid on the French coast made formed the Macy Jewelry Company on Van Buren headlines, the coach was inspired to name students Street, later renamed S&N Jewelers and located on who passed his rigorous program “commandos” and Dearborn Street. His partner was his softball pal, Ben also to suggest that the nickname of Marshall athletic (Nicky) Branman. For a time they catered to the sports teams be toughened—from Orioles to Commandos. professionals, and their store was decorated with The 1943 championship twin bill was played in a autographed photos of those celebrities. A Cubs or Sox thrilling patriotic atmosphere. The teams were player who a home was rewarded by S&N with outfitted in contrasting red, white, and blue satin a gift to charity in his name or a piece of jewelry. uniforms and warm-up jackets. The Seniors of Mount He was a founder of the B’nai B’rith Sports Lodge, Carmel trounced Kelvyn Park 48-24. Mount Carmel’s where he helped create scholarships for needy and Juniors used a stalling defense against the usually worthy young men. He was posthumously inducted high-scoring Marshall team, but the Commandos beat them at their own game, 21-12. —Bev Chubat into the Lodge’s Jewish Athletes Hall of Fame in 1996. Through a generous memorial donation from the Thanks to Martin “Red” Mottlow. His book, Saken family to the park district of Highland Park, the Fast Break to Glory: Marshall High School’s 98-Game baseball diamond in that suburb’s has Basketball Winning Streak (self-published, paper, been beautified and renamed Sonny Saken Field. 83 pages), provided the basis for this article. Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 11 Ruffy Silverstein 225 pounds. He was only 5’-8.” He was near his prime when he wrestled (1914-1980) Following are excerpts for the University of Illinois. In from a column by Bill Gleason in the three years of varsity competition he Chicago Sun-Times, June 26, 1979. did not lose a match. He was alph (Ruffy) Silverstein had NCAA champion and national “Rstarted wrestling as a juvenile AAU champion. at Lawson playground, on 13th “Ruffy’s wife, Evelyn, remem- Street between Homan and St. bered that his superiority enabled Louis. He polished his skills at the him to introduce showmanship to BBR, the JPI, and Crane Tech. intercollegiate wrestling… “Dr. Ralph Gradman, one of “He became a professional Silverstein’s teammates…said the wrestler after he was graduated from other day, ‘He had a very low center Illinois [in 1937]. Pro wrestling still of gravity and tremendous strength had credibility then…and Ruffy was in his upper body. There wasn’t the ideal ‘good guy.’ anybody he couldn’t take down “After service in World War II from the standing position…’ Silverstein returned to wrestling “Eddie Gold of the Sun-Times [but]…he was too good, too much sports staff recalled a time a few the pure wrestler to become world Ruffy Silverstein. years later when Ruffy was the champion. Ruffy became a Chicago Evelyn Silverstein, Ruffy’s widow, swimming coach at the JPI. ‘He school teacher, passing on what he gave us this photo and the Gleason would lie flat on the floor and let 10 had learned on the playgrounds, the column some years ago. Evelyn or 12 of us young kids jump on him boys’ clubs and the schools of the Silverstein died on March 6, 2002. and pin him. Four on his ankles, six West Side. on his chest, two on his thighs. “About two years ago, as he was Then he’d slowly rise from the mat preparing to retire from teaching, he Ruffy’s physical problem was and catapult us all over the room.’ began to notice a loss of coordi- diagnosed as amyotrophic lateral “In his prime Ruffy weighed nation. In November of 1977 sclerosis, ‘Lou Gehrig’s Disease.’…”

Mickey Rottner After four and a half years in the Three pro seasons were enough service, during which he played ball for veteran Mickey Rottner. (His Following are notes from my phone for top Army teams, he returned to current NBA pension is larger than interview with Mickey Rottner on Loyola, attended night school on his pro contract of $8,000.) He March 24, 2003, the day after he the GI Bill, and completed his retired as a player and became a celebrated his 84th birthday.—B.C. credits for a degree in Economics. scout for the Stags’ successors, the ickey Rottner played high A new pro basketball league was Packers and the Zephyrs. Among Mschool basketball at Tuley, formed in 1946-47, the Basketball the owners were prominent Chicago graduating in 1936. In the depth of Association of America, (later to Jewish businessmen Charles Lubin, the Depression, as the youngest of become the NBA). The teams Dave Trager, Sam Karlov, Henry nine children raised by their played in large arenas in big cities Mann, and Art Ludwig. mother, he couldn’t afford college. and looked to sign college stars who As Mr. Rottner closed out his He worked at any job he could get had made their reputations in those pro career he was honored by the until 1939, when he was awarded a same venues. One of the charter B’nai B’rith with a “Night” at the basketball scholarship to Loyola teams was the Chicago Stags. Their , and he was given University Chicago. home was the Stadium, and they the gift of a car. The keys were Mr. Rottner was an outstanding signed Loyola’s Mickey Rottner. presented by his dear friend, Rev. basketball player at Loyola, and was The Stags won the Western William A. Finnegan, S.J., dean of named All-American in 1942, the Division title, but lost the champi- Loyola’s college of arts and sciences year he enlisted in the Army. onship to the Philadelphia Warriors. —to “Michael O’Rottner.” ❖ 12 Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003

Oral History Excerpt: SOL BRANDZEL

Attorney Sol Brandzel, 89, died Wednesday, March 19 in his Lincoln Park home after suffering two strokes in the last year. He was a former president of the Chicago Board of Education, a former chair of the city’s Board of Ethics, and a progressive and gentle union reformer with the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers, of which he was international director until his retirement in 1980. Mr. Brandzel, with his late wife, Ruth, was a founding member of the Chicago Jewish Historical Society. He was a member of our board of directors until recent years, and on our advisory board until his death. He served as on-screen moderator of the CJHS Stashover videotape, a project he organized. It was an interview of ten former residents of the Staszow area (see below) who had survived their concen- tration camp experiences and later became Chicago residents. He addressed our December 5, 1994 open meeting on the topic “Jewish Labor Union History.” Mr. Brandzel is survived by his devoted life partner, Esther Zackler. Other Sol Brandzel Z’L in 1984. survivors include daughters Merle Brandzel Geller and Lisa Fierce, son Joel, Chicago Jewish Archives. brother Louis, and five grandchildren.

This interview took place on Sunday, January 29, 1984 intervened, and I never saw my father until I got here. I at the home of Sol and Ruth Brandzel. The CJHS came with two older brothers—I was then six and they interviewer was Sidney Sorkin. were nine and twelve—and my mother. CJHS Mr. Brandzel, where were you born? CJHS And you came right to Chicago? SB I was born in Poland, in a little town called SB We came via steerage to —the whole Staszow [STA-shov]… immigrant bit—in April of 1920. In fact we celebrated CJHS And what year was that? Pesakh at Ellis Island. The Pesakh we celebrated there SB 1913. The year was recorded, but usually was notable for me. It was the first time I had tasted an measured only as “summertime” or “winter.” I chose egg. I remember vividly that first taste of an egg. my birthday arbitrarily—June 5, 1913—when we came Ellis Island was quite an experience. I was originally to this country in 1920. rejected. I was malnourished and had a big [distended?] stomach. They were undecided about whether or not I CJHS And your entire family came at that time? was going to be admitted into the country. If not, my SB No, my father had been here. He had come mother was not going to come, and I doubt whether originally around 1907 or 1908. I don’t know why he my brothers would either. But after I was separated came to Chicago—there must have been some from my family for a few days in the hospital facilities landsmen here at the time. He got a job at Hart on Ellis Island, [the doctors] finally decided to pass me. Schaffner & Marx, although he had been a shoemaker We came to Chicago via train from New York.… in Europe, not a tailor, and he became involved in CJHS Do you remember where you lived—your first organizing the workers there. In 1910 they had the residence—in Chicago? strike that led to the formation of the unions, and he was ostracized—blacklisted—for his union activities. SB We lived in Wicker Park, which at that time He couldn’t get any job in the tailoring trade, so he was a very heavily Polish Jewish area—Orthodox. It had went back to Europe in late 1910 or 1911. to be Orthodox because most of the Jewish people just He chose to return to small town life in Poland, came off the boat. With its little stores and shtibelekh where he didn’t have the freedom that he had here. He and the people who lived in that area, it was like a was unhappy after having a taste of what this country Polish shtetl relocated in America. was like, although it was hard work and all that. So he CJHS Would you recount your education? left for America again, around 1913, before I was born, SB I can’t recall ever not knowing English, but I intending to bring his whole family here. But the war obviously could not have known the language when I Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 13 started kindergarten. My father spoke English, but with became part of the Illinois Institute of Technology. But a strong accent. He had virtually no education, and my then I decided to study law.… mother had no education whatsoever—not in Poland, CJHS What law school did you attend? and certainly not here. At home they spoke Yiddish. SB I went to DePaul night school for four years, My father could read the English section of the graduating in 1938. I worked from 1930 to 1938 at a Yiddish Forverts, but had to struggle with it. One of the variety of clothing companies…I was conditioned a reasons he never attained a high office in his union, great deal by what I saw in those factories. The workers [the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America], was were relatively well paid as compared to other industrial because he could not read and write and speak a good workers at the time, since they were among the first English. Those were important requirements. who were organized, but they worked at a pace that was After about four years we moved to a building at amazing and heartbreaking. True, they did have a little 711 North Monticello, which my father and his time for themselves—a rest period in the morning and brother-in-law had bought. That was interesting to me, a break in the afternoon—but unlike a break you get in because my father, although he was not philosophical, an office when you work on an hourly basis, it was at understood fully what being a socialist was. He knew their own expense. It was piecework. the difference between a worker and an owner—and I could never conceive of him as an owner. CJHS What impelled you to go into law? The neighborhood was largely Italian, my mother SB I always wanted to work for the union—to be a had to travel to the old neighborhood to buy kosher labor lawyer. In fact, when I graduated from law school food, and I was harassed and sometimes beaten [by the I applied to [the Amalgamated] for a job. But they felt Italian kids]. It didn’t make sense to live there. So after it was not ethical to let children of union officers a year they sold the building and we moved to Logan become involved. Since my father was an officer— Square, a congenial Yiddish neighborhood, where we albeit an unpaid officer, a shop steward—I was turned lived on the first floor of a three-flat my father and down. It wasn’t until years later, in 1950, when the uncle owned. It was their last capitalist venture. union was short of potential future leadership that they I graduated from Chopin grammar and went to sought me out. Crane Tech High School. I would walk to Crane along CJHS Did their sense of ethics come from Judaism? Oakley Boulevard, and pass through two neighbor- SB hoods, Italian and black, both of which frightened me. Well, the people I was applying to were Interestingly enough, I received virtually no harassment primarily the Jewish leadership—men like Sam Levin, from the black community. the leader of the union in the City of Chicago, and vice-president of the International—and incidentally, a CJHS Were there any special activities or interests that member of the Chicago Board of Education back in the you had as a teenager or young man? 1930s—and Frank Rosen, secretary-treasurer of the SB I loved baseball—softball and hardball. The International. I think they had a general sense of social Jewish boys played Sunday mornings on a sandlot near ethics and secondarily a Jewish identification.… Tuley High. I played semi-pro during the summer for a I was admitted to the bar in June of 1938… There couple of years in Peoria and places like that. was a great deal of unemployment, so I applied to the My family led me to my love for classical music— Chicago Relief Administration. They hired me, but not my older brother, particularly. He had a fairly decent as a lawyer. I was an intake worker, taking care of all the tenor voice and was given lessons for a while. He used emergencies that [desperately needy] people might to be in the chorus of the old Civic Opera and sang in have. It could be a person was short of food or did not the synagogue on the High Holidays. I listened to a have a place to stay. It was a valuable experience—really great deal of music at home as a result of his involve- on the front line of needs in the city of Chicago. ment. He bought a piano for the house and arranged One important thing—it was at that office I met for me to take lessons from the daughter of a landsman. Ruth, my wife, who was then a student in the School of Social Work at the University of Chicago… CJHS And after you graduated from Crane? In June of 1939 I got my first law job—with the SB I went to Crane Junior College, in the same National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C. I building, for two years.…Since I was the only one in applied for the job and sought the assistance of Sam my family who could handle a screwdriver, I began Levin, and through him, [received a recommendation attending night classes at Lewis Institute, which later from] Sidney Hillman… continued on page 14 14 Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 Sol Brandzel were ordered to give priority to the their trusted assistants. Where were “Manhattan Project.” None of us the young people? As soon as he continued from page 13 had any idea what it was about. found out about me, he wrote me a We used to have prisoners of letter. In a matter of weeks I was My job in the NLRB legal war, mainly German and Japanese, hired. At long last, I was hired to do department lasted for about a used primarily as farm workers. I what I wanted to do. ❖ year…until the budget of the labor remember going to an agricultural board was reduced, because of the camp that was being given an award expansion of the military effort. for production and seeing how the CJHS Welcomes Many of the socialists were having migrant workers lived, as opposed their budgets reduced. to the way we were taking care of New Members Fortunately, I had taken the the POWs. I recall one time, a Mr. & Mrs. Harold Blechman Civil Service exam, and after about major company…I came back and Dr. Morris Fishman a month I was hired by the Illinois told [my superiors] not to give Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Gordon Department of Labor in the Office them an Army-Navy Award because Shirley Gerard of Unemployment Compensation of the way they treated their Geoffrey Grossman …where I worked until I was workers. I had my head chewed off. drafted on June 11, 1942. In September or October of Margaret Kuhn I was sent to Officer’s Candidate 1950 the president of the union Frieda Landau School and graduated as a Second happened to run into my father at Allan Lesser Lieutenant….They shipped me out the Amalgamated Bank, then on Lily Levy to the Quartermaster Depot in the second floor of a building on Abner J. Mikva Jersery City, NJ where my primary the southeast corner of Monroe and Sherman Rosen duty was as a Labor Relations Dearborn. The union hierarchy was Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Sutker Officer…to resolve any labor getting older—there was no young Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Tesher dispute that impeded war Jewish leadership coming in. So Howard Warady production. Every now and then we they began making inquiries of

CJHS Mourns Elaine Suloway Elaine Fox Suloway, 81, of Chicago and formerly and college together, and were married in 1947. of Oak Park, died of kidney failure on March 25 in Ill health forced their retirement from CJH, but Kindred Hospital Lake Shore in Chicago. they continued their involvement in the Society on In earlier years Mrs. our advisory board. Suloway had played an It was so good to see integral role in CJHS, them, smiling, arm-in- serving on the board of arm, at the CJHS 25th directors, as recording anniversary program at secretary, and as a Spertus last November. member of the publica- For over 30 years tions committee. She Elaine Suloway recorded was a diligent and hundreds of books for exacting proofreader Educational Tape Re- and typist for Chicago cordings for the Blind. Jewish History during She is survived by the decade that her husband Irwin, son husband Irwin Suloway Stephen, daughter Anne was its editor. E. (Timothy Baker), Elaine Suloway Z’L and Irwin Suloway in 1987. Elaine and Irwin and grandson Asher Photograph from The Chicago Jewish Historical had gone to high school Society: A Ten Year History, 1977-1987. Suloway-Baker. Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 15 CHICAGO JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Summer Tours 2003 The Chicago Jewish Historical Society––in cooperation with the Dawn Schuman Institute–– has planned three exciting summer day trips to Chicago area and downstate Illinois sites rich in Jewish history. Tours are conducted in the comfort of an air-conditioned bus with restroom facilities.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29 Chicago Jewish Roots GUIDE: DR. IRVING CUTLER. The author of The Jews of Chicago: From Shtetl to Suburb leads a sentimental journey to the Maxwell Street area, Lawndale, Logan Square and Humboldt Park. Register Today! PICKUP 12:00 noon — Bernard Horwich JCC, 3003 West Touhy — Return 5:00 pm Last Year’s $30/Member of CJHS or DSI $40/Nonmember Tours Sold Out! SUNDAY, JULY 20 In Our Own Back Yard GUIDE: LEAH AXELROD. Visit Aurora and Naperville synagogues. Tour Jewish Waldheim with the administrator, Ilene Bass, and learn the meaning of traditional Jewish gravestone symbolism and design. Discover the synagogues and organizations of early Chicago, represented by sections in this historic cemetery. Bring a picnic lunch—cold drinks provided. PICKUPS AT TWO LOCATIONS: 9:00 am — Bernard Horwich JCC, 3003 West Touhy — Return 5:00 pm 9:30 am — Marriott Hotel, 540 North Michigan ( Entrance) — Return 4:30 pm $40/Member of CJHS or DSI $50/Nonmember SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 Jews in the Illinois Heartland GUIDE: LEAH AXELROD. Travel across the prairie to Bloomington, Champaign and Danville. Visit the synagogues and hear the history of each community. The University of Illinois is the home of the first Hillel, founded in 1929. We will tour the UIUC campus and meet with faculty. Bring a picnic lunch—cold drinks provided. Dinner included. PICKUPS AT TWO LOCATIONS: 8:00 am — Bernard Horwich JCC, 3003 West Touhy — Return 9:00 pm 8:30 am — Marriott Hotel, 540 North Michigan (Rush Street Entrance) — Return 8:30 pm $60/Member of CJHS or DSI $70/Nonmember For Information phone: CJHS Leah Axelrod (847)432-7003 or DSI (847)509-8282 ✄ Summer Tours 2003: Reservations ❏ June 29 Jewish Roots $30/40 Name ❏ July 20 Back Yard $40/50 Address Pickup at: ❏ BHJCC ❏ Marriott ❏ Aug. 24 Heartland $60/70 Phone (Day) Pickup at: ❏ BHJCC ❏ Marriott Phone (Eve) Membership: ❏ CJHS ❏ DSI ❏ None Advance Payment Required. Amount enclosed: $ Make check payable to: Chicago Jewish Historical Society MAIL TO: LEAH AXELROD · 2100 LINDEN AVENUE · HIGHLAND PARK, IL 60035-2516 16 Chicago Jewish History Spring 2003 About the Society

What We Are Membership The Chicago Jewish Historical I PROGRAM COMMITTEE Membership in the Society is open Society was founded in 1977 and is Do you have a great idea for a meeting to all interested persons and organi- in part an outgrowth of local Jewish topic? The Program Committee would zations and includes a subscription participation in the American welcome your input. Join in the to Chicago Jewish History, discounts Bicentennial Celebration of 1976. planning, implementation, and on Society tours and at the Spertus Muriel Robin was the founding presentation of our bi-monthly and Museum store, and the opportunity president. The Society has as its annual meetings. Call Charles to learn and inform others about purpose the discovery, preservation Bernstein (773)324-6362. Chicago Jewish history and its and dissemination of information preservation. I MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE concerning the Jewish experience in The Society’s membership continues to the Chicago area. Dues Structure grow, and you could help us introduce Membership runs on a calendar What We Do Chicago Jewish history to even more year, from January through The Society seeks out, collects and people. Share your ideas and energy! December. New members joining preserves appropriate written, Call Clare Greenberg (773)725-7330. after July 1 are given an initial spoken and photographic records; membership through December of I TOUR COMMITTEE publishes historical information, the following year. Bring your knowledge of our area to holds public meetings at which the planning, enrichment, and Life Membership...... $1000 various aspects of Chicago Jewish promotion of our popular roster of Historian...... 500 history are treated; mounts tours on Jewish history. Contact Leah Scholar...... 250 appropriate exhibits; and offers Axelrod (847)432-7003. Sponsor...... 100 tours of Jewish historical sites. Patron or Family ...... 50 I EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Volunteer Opportunities Individual or Senior Family...... 35 Contribute your writing to our Would you like to become more Synagogue or Organization ...... 25 quarterly publication, Chicago Jewish involved in the activities of the Senior Individual or Student ...... 20 History. We are eager to receive articles Chicago Jewish Historical Society? Make checks payable to the Chicago and memoirs from our members— We’d love to have you! Following are Jewish Historical Society, and mail reports and reminiscences of events and the various committees on which to our office at 618 South Michigan unique personal experiences in your you can serve. Contact the Society Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605. own Chicago Jewish history. Contact at (312)663-5634 or any of the Dues are tax-deductible to the Editor Bev Chubat (773)525-4888. Chairpersons listed here. extent permitted by law.

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