Look to the rock from which you were hewn Vol. 32, No. 1, Winter 2008

jewish historical society chicago jewish history

Judge Samuel Alschuler of the Seventh Circuit BY WALTER ROTH y the beginning of the twentieth century, Chicago was home to a number of Jewish attorneys who became leading figures in the B American judiciary. First among them was Julian Mack (see Chicago Jewish History, Summer 2007), who became a Judge of the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in 1911. He was followed on the Court by Samuel Alschuler, who was appointed to the position in 1915, making two Jews of German immigrant origin serving on this, one of the most important Federal Courts in the nation. A year after Alschuler’s appointment, Louis D. Brandeis, also a child of European-born parents, Judge Samuel Alschuler became the first Jewish Justice of the United States Supreme Court. (1859-1939). History of the Jews of Chicago. continued on page 4

Another Samuel Alschuler: Photographer of Abraham Lincoln and Father of Chicago Architect Alfred Alschuler hotographer Samuel G. Alschuler was born in Bavaria in 1826, Parrived in America in 1849, and settled in Illinois. He was operating a photographic studio in Urbana when, in 1858 (or 1857), political hopeful Abraham Lincoln came by to have a portrait taken. Lincoln was wearing an old linen duster which was inappro- priate for the portrait, and had Jews in Chicago no other coat available. The photographer, about a foot Politics Since shorter than the circuit lawyer, loaned him his own coat. 1920 Lincoln’s arms extended through BY LEON M. DESPRES continued on page 6 This article first appeared in Abraham Lincoln, 1858 (1857?). our January 1990 issue. We are Meserve #5. The photograph is a republishing it in celebration copy of the ambrotype by Samuel G. of the 100th birthday of Alschuler in the collection of Jean Leon Despres. Soman. The original ambrotype is at Article begins on page 7 the Illinois State Historical Society. 2 Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 President’s Column Look to the rock from which you were hewn

chicago jewish historical society LEON M. DESPRES WAS BORN IN CHICAGO THE SAME YEAR THE CUBS Officers 2008 LAST WON THE WORLD SERIES. Walter Roth Alderman Despres, a revered, longtime member President of the Chicago Jewish Historical Society, was Burt Robin born on February 2, 1908. We congratulate him Vice President on his personal centennial. (Perhaps the Cubs Dr. Carolyn Eastwood will amaze us with a centennial pennant.) Recording Secretary Walter Roth. Leon Despres grew up in Hyde Park and Dr. Edward H. Mazur graduated from the Law Treasurer School in 1929. He and Marian Alschuler were married in 1931. Directors They were blessed with two children, Linda and Robert. Leah Axelrod Marian, daughter of famed Chicago architect Alfred Alschuler, Harold T. Berc could trace her local ancestry back to her great-grandfather, Michael Charles B. Bernstein Greenebaum, who immigrated to our city from Germany in 1849. Rachel Heimovics Braun* Leon’s forebears were more recent arrivals. Dr. Irving Cutler I have had a number of conversations with Leon about his search Herman Draznin for his roots in Europe. I believe that this search led him to a greater Herbert Eiseman identification with the Jewish people and his own Jewish heritage. Dr. Rachelle Gold Leon Despres was, and still is, a brilliant lawyer, specializing in Clare Greenberg civil matters. He has always been a liberal in his political beliefs. Dr. Adele Hast* Among his interesting life experiences was the occasion when, on Janet Iltis behalf of a fellow lawyer, he delivered a package of clothing to Leon Melynda Lopin Trotsky, the exiled Soviet leader, in Mexico City. This occurred in Seymour H. Persky 1937. Trotsky was living at the home of the artists Diego Rivera and Muriel Robin Rogers* Frida Kahlo, then husband and wife. While Marian Despres sat for a Norman D. Schwartz* portrait by Diego, Leon Despres escorted Frida to the movies. Dr. Milton Shulman In 1938, the Republic Steel “Memorial Day Massacre” occurred Dr. N. Sue Weiler in Chicago, a strike in which a number of demonstrators were killed *Indicates Past President by the police. Leon represented some of the workers facing prosecu- Chicago Jewish History tion for their participation in the strike. I had occasion to talk with is published quarterly by the Leon about his involvement when I was writing an article about Chicago Jewish Historical Meyer Levin’s book, Citizens, which deals with the strike. Society at 610 S. Michigan Ave., Leon has always taken the high road, whether in his legal #803, Chicago, IL 60605. practice (he still maintains his Loop office), or in his political Phone (312) 663-5634. E-mail activities with the Independent Voters of Illinois (IVI). He became [email protected]. well-known as the alderman of the Fifth Ward who stood in Single copies $4.00 postpaid. opposition to Mayor Richard J. Daley in City Council battles. Successor to Society News. His bicycle trips from his Hyde Park home to his Loop office Editor-Designer exemplified his lifelong fortitude and vigor. Bev Chubat After voluntary retirement after twenty years as alderman, he Editorial Board served as a parliamentarian for Mayor and then for Burt Robin, Walter Roth, Mayor during the raucous “Council Wars.” Norman D. Schwartz, and Marian Despres died on January 4, 2007. Today, Leon resides Milton Shulman in their apartment on South Stony Island Avenue, overlooking the Send all submissions to: Jackson Park Lagoon, located very close to the apartment where Editor, Chicago Jewish Historical another great Chicagoan, Clarence Darrow, once lived. Society. 610 S. Michigan Ave., Our Board of Directors and our entire membership join me in #803, Chicago, IL 60605 or wishing Leon Despres “Happy Birthday” on reaching this milestone! [email protected]. Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 3 Save the Date! CJHS Open Meeting on Sunday, March 30 “Chicago’s Forgotten Synagogues” by Robert Packer

obert Packer, a private building R and environmental inspector, who has written two books of photographs and anecdotes about many of Chicago’s past houses of worship and their congregants, will present the next program of the Chicago Jewish Historical Society on Sunday, March 30, at Temple Sholom, 3480 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. The program will begin at 2:00 p.m., following a social hour and refreshments at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Mr. Packer will be pleased to sign his two books, Doors of Redemption: The Forgotten Synagogues of Chicago and Chicago’s Forgotten Synagogues, Former Cong. Anshe Sholom, South Independence Blvd. and West Polk St. before and after his slide lecture. Now a Seventh Day Adventist Church. Collection of Robert A. Packer.

Further Research on Civil War Veterans Under the column heading “Place of residence at the time of death or place of nativity” I interpret “Pris” to Buried in Jewish Graceland Cemetery mean “prisoner.” Even though there is a double line In the article in Vol. 20, No. 1, Winter 2005 of through the numeral “17” and a line drawn through the Chicago Jewish History, on Civil War veterans buried in entry, I think this brings us closer to the conclusion that Jewish Graceland Cemetery, I listed Theodore Hirsch, a Hirsch was buried in this cemetery even though we Confederate soldier, among them. Recently, a careful never found a grave marker. There are many markers by perusal of an old Jewish Graceland Cemetery record the east fence which have been moved from their book showed the following entry on page 11: original positions (which have not been inventoried). 17 Theodore Hirsch Dec 15 1864 Pris Camp Douglas —CJHS Past President Norman D. Schwartz

Photocopied page from an old Jewish Graceland Cemetery record book (detail). Number 17 is Theodore Hirsch. 4 Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008

continued from page 1 party politics. He was known throughout the state as a Judge Alschuler member of the liberal wing of the party and was in constant contradiction to the “boss”-controlled Chicago Samuel Alschuler was born in Chicago on faction. He became close to John Peter Altgeld. November 20, 1859. His grandparents and parents had In 1892, Altgeld ran for Governor of Illinois, as one left Southern Germany as part of a mass migration of of the leaders of the “Free Silver” movement led by the Jews to America following a series of unsuccessful social Democratic Party’s Presidential candidate, William revolts in their German states. In 1861, the Alschulers Jennings Bryan. Altgeld was victorious, but Samuel moved to Aurora, a small town to the west of Chicago Alschuler, Democratic candidate for U.S. Representative (and now the second largest city in Illinois). from Illinois, lost his race. Samuel was the second of Jacob and Caroline Stiefel overnor Altgeld rewarded Alschuler for his Alschuler’s six children. The oldest, Clara, became a support by appointing him to the State teacher in Aurora. The third, Edward, died at age 25, a Commission on Claims in 1893. Samuel few years after he and his father established a real estate G resigned this post in 1896 to run for, and win, a seat in and insurance company, J. & E. A. Alschuler. the Illinois House of Representatives. He was elected The fourth child was George Alexander. He began Minority Leader in 1898. He was widely lauded for as a printer’s devil at the Aurora Daily News in 1879, leading the fight against the Chicago utility bosses led and worked there as a printer and foreman of the by Charles Yerkes and his corrupt street railroad and composing room for eight years. He then went into elevated train syndicates. The bosses gained benefits for business with his father in the firm which became the utilities they controlled by buying the votes of state George W. Alschuler & Co. after his father’s death. It legislators. Alschuler and his friends waged a losing fight was the largest real estate firm in Aurora. He was Mayor but gained wide public respect. of Aurora in 1901-03 and oversaw installation of the The fact that Alschuler was Jewish may have been a first paved streets. He also served two terms in the state hindrance to his political ambitions in various parts of legislature starting in 1909 and was minority leader of Illinois, but because of his reputation for honesty, the the Democratic Party in his second term. He was the Democratic Party slated him as their candidate for Democratic nominee for State Treasurer in 1928. Governor in 1900. Alschuler’s nomination may also The fifth Alschuler child, Fannie, died in infancy. have been an attempt to obtain the votes of Jews, who Benjamin, the youngest child, practiced law. He was in those years usually voted Republican. His opponent Vice President and General Counsel of Western United was Richard Yates, the son of Illinois’ popular Civil War Gas & Electric Company. He also represented the governor. Alschuler lost the election, but it was close. Copley Press, Copley Hospital, and the Chicago, He carried Chicago, unusual for a Democrat in those Aurora & Elgin Railroad. Benjamin was a Democratic days. No Democrat would become Governor of Illinois nominee for Congress and Judge of the Illinois Court of until in 1933. Claims. He was the grandfather of Albert W. Alschuler, Samuel then returned to the practice of law, and the Julius Kreeger Professor of Law and Criminology joined the firm of Kraus, Alschuler, and Holden. Adolf emeritus at Northwestern University School of Law, Kraus was a Democrat and had been appointed to who graciously provided this writer with the preceding important city offices under Mayor Harrison. He also information about the close-knit Alschuler family. was becoming increasingly active in the Jewish amuel attended Aurora public schools and had community in Chicago. Both Kraus and Alschuler were various jobs, some as a laborer and others as a members of the leading Reform congregations. Sbookkeeper. In 1878 he began his studies in the The firm prospered, handling plaintiff cases in jury law offices of A.C. Little, a well known Aurora attorney. trials as well as other matters. Samuel worked with During his law clerkship, which he completed in three Clarence Darrow on several cases, including one years, he also did a great deal of studying in the liberal involving publisher William Randolph Hearst and some arts. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1887, and of his employees who were charged with contempt of immediately began a successful legal practice in Aurora. court for ridiculing the opinion of a state court judge in He was a plaintiff’s attorney and developed an excellent Hearst newspaper cartoons. Samuel also worked on reputation with substantial clients. many pro bono cases, including work on the reform of In 1901, he moved to Chicago. In these early years Chicago public schools. He continued his activities in as a lawyer, Samuel also became involved in Democratic the Democratic Party, campaigning for candidates in Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 5

Illinois elections in the early 1900s, school, but Wilson convinced including Henry Horner and Julian Samuel Alschuler that he had Mack in judicial races. demonstrated his “legal astuteness In 1912, Samuel again sought and his learning.” the Democratic Party nomination Neither Mack nor Alschuler for Governor, but due to schisms in experienced organized opposition to the Party and his unwillingness to his nominations. While Mack was make deals with the “bosses,” he was an active leader of Zionist organi- unsuccessful. Though twice defeated zations and causes, Alschuler played in his gubernatorial aspirations, he no such public role. While he stated was still a prominent personage in that he saw the need for a land Tablet on Chicago Post Office, 1918. the Democratic Party. With the where persecuted Jews could live History of the Jews of Chicago. election of his friend J. Hamilton safely, he kept his efforts on behalf Lewis to the Senate from Illinois and of Zionism a private matter. It was people. It was certainly a public Woodrow Wilson to the Presidency, said that “his sympathy for his affirmation of his Jewish identity by Samuel was called upon regularly to fellow Jews was strong.” Alschuler, as the meeting of the give advice on appointments. Jewish Historical Society of Illinois uring World War I, in Alschuler himself was appointed was held in his chambers. addition to his duties as by President Wilson to the United In 1922, President Harding Federal Judge, Alschuler States Court of Appeals for the D appointed Alschuler to the Federal received the distinction of special Seventh Circuit where his friend Coal Commission. Again, a special legislation which appointed him as a Julian Mack was already serving. He law was passed by Congress to special arbiter of labor disputes that took his seat on October 1, 1915. enable him to hold this job in were affecting production for the addition to his Federal Judgeship. “It would be natural to war effort. His work in this area was He also continued his work as a compare Judges Alschuler on the cutting edge of enlightened labor-management arbitrator. and Mack. Both were well labor negotiations, with concessions In 1935, an uproar occurred in known German Jews who made by business owners to their the U.S. House of Representatives. belonged to Jewish Reform employees, such as the eight hour Everett M. Dirksen, Republican of Congregations (Sinai and work day, health benefits, and a raise Illinois, had made an attack on K.A.M.). The two men, in wages. Of major importance was Alschuler’s character and demanded however, were markedly his success in settling the disputes his impeachment for improper different. Mack was a Jewish between Chicago packinghouse involvement in a patent case. House activist, social reformer, and workers and their employers. members of both parties quickly an intellectual who only On October 9, 1918, Judge came to the Judge’s defense and the tangentially became involved Alschuler was asked by the Jewish House cleared him of all charges. in elective politics and the Historical Society of Illinois to give Alschuler was failing in health Democratic Party. Alschuler the main speech on the hundredth and resigned from the Federal Bench was a consummate politician anniversary of Illinois statehood, at in 1936. and loyal Democrat who the dedication of a tablet located on Samuel Alschuler was a bachelor supported progressive a new post office at the corner of until 1923 when he married Ella reforms within the party Clark Street and Jackson Boulevard. Kahn, daughter of Felix Kahn, a organization.” —Rayman L. The tablet honored Chicago’s first Chicago clothing manufacturer. The Solomon, History of the house of worship, K.A.M., built on couple had no children. Samuel Seventh Circuit 1891-1941. that spot in 1851. (The Kluczynski Alschuler died on November 10, Federal Building was erected on that 1939, at age 80, at his home at Judge Alschuler’s grandnephew, site and a new commemorative 5421 South Cornell Avenue. Funeral Professor Albert Alschuler, informed tablet was dedicated in 1975.) services were held at the home of his this writer that the Judge told Alschuler’s speech is recorded in brother Benjamin at 146 Grand President Wilson that he did not History of the Jews of Chicago by H.L. Avenue, Aurora, and he was interred deserve his nomination because he Meites. It is a poetic expression of at Spring Lake Cemetery in Aurora had not attended college or law his faith in America and the Jewish on November 14, 1939. O 6 Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008

Photographer Alschuler continued from page 1 early three years later, President-elect Lincoln N posed again for Alschuler, this time in Chicago, at the request of Whitney. This 1860 portrait was the first “about a quarter of a yard.” A witness wrote later that to show Abraham Lincoln with a beard. Lincoln “was overcome with merriment” when the short coat “proved to be a bad misfit.” “The original glass ambrotype was bought directly from Alschuler by W. H. Somers, a circuit court clerk who knew and admired Lincoln. A photographic copy of the ambrotype was subsequently owned by Lincoln’s fellow lawyer and biographer, Henry C. Whitney, who first met Lincoln in 1854 while traveling from Danville to Springfield.”—Lincoln in Photographs by Charles Hamilton and Lloyd Ostendorf (Morningside, Dayton Ohio, 1985, page 11). hitney tells the story of the photographer's coat W in Life on the Circuit with Lincoln: “In the fall of 1857, Lincoln attended at the photograph gallery of Sam. Alschuler in Urbana, to have his picture taken: he was attired in a linen coat: doubtless the same one which he wore to Cincinnati just before, and which Stanton so rudely lampooned. The artist suggested that he should wear his black coat. Lincoln replied that he had left it home, and had none other there. “‘Try my coat,’ said the accommodating artist: and the future emancipator was taken in a borrowed coat, with a velvet collar on, which shows plainly:—the picture being still in existence. On another occasion, earlier, a very poor artist induced him to sit and took a Samuel G. Alschuler: daguerreotype which resembled (not Lincoln but—say) Abraham Lincoln with half-beard, November 25, 1860. the Wandering Jew: and exposed it in his outer show- Lincoln In Photographs, by Charles Hamilton & Lloyd case.”—Life on the Circuit with Lincoln by Henry Clay Ostendorf, 1985, Page 67. Courtesy of Jean Soman. Whitney (Caldwell, Idaho, 1940, page 70.) hotographer Samuel G. Alschuler was married twice. He and his second Pwife, Fannie Guggenheimer, had three sons: Leon, a Chicago lawyer (grandfather of Jean Soman); Alfred, a famous Chicago architect (father of Marian Despres, the late wife of Leon Despres); and Samuel, a businessman. The photographer lived in Urbana, Chicago, and finally Mattoon, Illinois, where he died in 1882. Judge Samuel Alschuler was a relative. O CJH found most of this fascinating story of Lincoln’s Jewish photographer on the website of the Jewish-American History Documentation Foundation— www.jewish-history.com—in an entry written by L. M. Berkowitz, based on material contributed by Jean Soman, who added biographical details for us. Jean Powers Soman is the great-great granddaughter of Marcus Spiegel, a Jewish colonel in the Union Army, on one side of her family, and the great granddaughter of photographer Samuel G. Alschuler on the other side of her family. In January, she took part in the panel discussion— “Lincoln and the Jews”—sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and the Jewish Museum of Florida in celebration of Florida Jewish History Month. She is co-editor, with Oil Portrait of Samuel G. Alschuler. Frank L. Byrne, of the book, A Jewish Colonel in the Civil War: Marcus M. Spiegel of the Collection of Jean Soman. Ohio Volunteers (1995, University of Nebraska Press). Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 7 A Candid Assessment of Jews in Chicago Politics Since 1920 A Veteran Independent Looks Back at Varied Achievements, Shortcomings

BY LEON M. DESPRES

ews in Chicago Politics’ is a fascinating subject. A complete and accurate account would require the careful attention of a historian, ‘Jassisted by several students. At best, I am prepared to sketch some aspects in the hope of inspiring someone to carry the subject further. Leon M. Despres, 1985. I have taken the period from 1920 on because it covers part of my lifetime Courtesy of the Chicago Jewish Archives, and provides me with a frame of reference for the material. I think I can deal Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. with it more accurately than if I tried to go back to the Civil War. Since about 1920, there has been a Jewish population base large enough THIS ARTICLE WAS FIRST to encourage ambitious Jewish people to become candidates for public PRINTED IN THE JANUARY office. I have gone through the records of local aldermen, congressmen, state 1990 ISSUE OF CJH representatives, state senators, city officials and state officials and compiled a This introduction, the list of Jews among them. You are not interested in the details of that list— headline, and the headings how many aldermen there were, how many senators—but it is important to were written at that time note that there were a great many. by our late editor emeritus, Never a mayor, however. There were two Jewish candidates, Bernard Irwin J. Suloway. Epton and Bill Singer, but never a Jewish . There were Although it is well over a hundred many state representatives and state senators and several Jewish years since the first local Jews congressmen, but no U.S. Senator from Illinois. There was one elected attained political office, the real Governor of Illinois, Henry Horner, and a lieutenant governor, Samuel heyday of Jewish politicians was Shapiro, who became acting governor [but lost his race for election]. the decades following World War I. As the Jewish population Many Jewish Judges disperses itself more widely There were many, many Jewish elected judges because our tradition has through the metropolitan area, attracted Jews into the legal profession. A study of Chicago’s Jewish judges there are signs that that heyday could yield an interesting analysis of their contribution to the law. Among may be drawing to a close. distinguished judges I mention only Arthur Goldberg, the Chicago lawyer The writer of the accompanying who became a Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and Seymour article, attorney Leon Despres, has Simon, a Chicago lawyer who became an outstanding Justice of the Illinois been active in politics for over a Supreme Court. We also have a couple of others who received sentences and half-century, most prominently as one who committed suicide as a result of the Greylord investigation… an independent and fearless alderman for two decades before Contributions Not Always Good retiring undefeated. He here That brings me to the next point I want to make, an important one. provides an assessment of “repre- Generally, when an ethnic or cultural or religious group talks about its sentative” local Jewish politicians contributions to the society of which it is a part, the tendency is to stress since 1920 as well as thoughtful “the great people…the great accomplishments….” In fact, the contributions insights into recent political of such groups are always mixed.…This is most evident when you hear the history. This paper was adapted Italian-American societies talk about the contributions of Italian-Americans from an address given at a recent in Chicago, but there is also and some others they’d rather not Society meeting [on April 23, mention. But there they are! 1989, at Congregation B’nai continued on page 8 Zion, 6759 North Greenview]. 8 Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008

continued from page 7 were most Jews of that time Republicans? Because the Leon Despres Republican Party was the party of Abraham Lincoln. My maternal grandfather, for example, who came When a historical society considers the contri- here from Hungary in 1867, became a Republican butions of Jews to politics in Chicago, it owes an because that was the party that had freed the slaves. It obligation to be accurate and complete. We can talk was the party of the Union and freedom, while the about our contributions with pride, but we have to take other party was the party of the former slaveholders. So into account that the contribution is varied. It is a coat a liberal, forward-looking person imbued with the ideals of many colors, and not all of the colors are handsome. of prophetic Judaism would be a Republican. As an example of a proud claim, I cite a statement Emil G. Hirsch, Chicago’s leading Reform rabbi, by Jacob Freed, who wrote about Jews in the modern and considered a liberal, was a Republican. In public world. In his chapter on the American Jew as a civil lectures he spoke with sarcasm about the Democratic servant, he makes this claim for the Jewish contribution: Party. (My own father, who had populist views, was a “Pledged to the service and freedom of Democrat, but the prevailing view was Republican.) many for full opportunity to life, liberty, and Julius Rosenwald, a member of Dr. Hirsch’s congre- the pursuit of happiness, they ally the moral gation, shared the views of most other respectable, qualities and ethical principles of prophetic successful Jewish persons in support of the Republican Judaism to those qualities of the Enlightenment Party. In 1926, Rosenwald did something very and American life which have given this nation interesting, something I consider noble and fine and in so much of its spiritual stature and civilization, the best Jewish tradition, even though it was unwise. and they implemented their insights in the One branch of the Republican Party, which spheres of public life—in the court chamber, the included Chicago Mayor William Hale Thompson and legislative hall, and the executive office, in the State’s Attorney Robert E. Crowe, was supporting a marketplace, public accommodations, and the candidate named Frank Smith for the United States halls of learning.” Senate. Smith had been the chairman of the Illinois You might try, after reading this article, to judge Commerce Commission, and as chairman he had been how well Chicago’s contributions meet this standard. unduly favorable to the utilities. He had accepted large The German sociologist Max Weber said that in sums of money from them. politics there are two kinds of activists—those who live for politics and those who live off politics. In all the Unwise but Noble Gesture history of Chicago, most people active in politics have In his race for the Senate, Smith received enormous been those who lived off politics. Some were mixed: they contributions from Samuel Insull, Ira Copley, and lived off politics, but they lived also for the goals of Clement Studebaker, Jr., the leading utility magnates in good government. Illinois. He had accepted so much money that the Having gone through the list of Jewish persons who election was effectively being bought. Even before he have been active in Chicago politics, I noted that in was elected, the Senate itself conducted an investigation these past seventy years nearly all were men. Thus, there of Smith’s campaign.Yet he won the primary. is no use in saying “his or her” about them—since Rosenwald, even though he was a Republican and almost without exception, “his” is appropriate. strongly oriented toward business, was horrified by the Because I cannot give you a detailed history or an corruption. He issued a strong statement against Smith. enumeration of hundreds of names, I have taken five Rosenwald decided to support another candidate, Hugh individuals to illustrate the history of Jews in Chicago McGill, a former state senator with fine qualifications. politics: Julius Rosenwald, Henry Horner, Jack Arvey, Rosenwald rallied the best elements in the party in Earl Bush, and Sidney Yates. support of McGill. Then, on his own, Rosenwald took a daring action. Rosenwald and the Republicans He went to see Smith at the Congress Hotel, in hopes Everyone [here] knows who Julius Rosenwald was. that he might prevent the harm Smith would do to the Although he did not run for public office, Julius state and the country he loved, and limit the damage Rosenwald was intensely interested in politics and never Smith was doing to his Republican Party. Fortunately, shied away from it. He was a committed Republican, Frank Smith immediately wrote down what occurred at but in the 1920s most Jews were still Republicans. Why their meeting and disclosed his notes five years later. Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 9

over to you when your withdrawal occurs.’ ” Well, Smith declined Rosen- wald’s offer and he was elected. The Senate, however, refused to seat him. It was imprudent of Rosenwald to make such an offer. It was unwise to offer a candidate 10,000 shares of stock to withdraw in favor of another candidate. Yet it was a very noble act, and I have chosen it as an illustration of the period from 1920 to about 1932, because it exemp- lifies Republican predominance and also gives us an example of a public- spirited Jewish Republican actuated by the highest ideals. In his political activities, he lived for politics, not off politics. A Different Kind of Julius Rosenwald and his family at their Ravinia estate, ca. 1915 (detail). Republican Augusta Rosenwald is seated in the center; her son Julius is seated on her right. Lest I create a false picture of Courtesy of the Chicago Jewish Archives, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. that period, at the same time there was a Jewish “boss” named Morris Thus we have a reliable contempo- thought we could elect Eller who was one of the worst raneous account: Here is part of McGill, I would put up committeemen we have ever had. what Smith put down: $500,000. Now I want to He was a trustee of the Sanitary say something to you, Mr. District during its most scandalous “After we shook hands, Smith. Not in the interest of days. He was the City Collector. In Mr. Rosenwald said, ‘You any candidate, but just the same summer of 1926 that saw would just about as soon because I am a Republican Rosenwald’s effort to cleanse the expect the Deity himself and interested in the party, Eller took part in the here as you would me.’ And Republican Party and the “Pineapple Primary”—in which I answered, ‘It is said the State of Illinois. If you bombs were used to win elections. Deity is ever present. Sit withdraw from the Senate In the summer of 1926, the vote down.’ race, I am here to offer you in the 20th Ward for the key candi- “Rosenwald said, ‘May I 10,000 shares of Sears Roe- dates was: Savage 6,918; Trude, the talk plainly? I do not want to buck stock the moment you reform candidate, 377. Eller had hurt your feelings. You know sign your withdrawal notice. delivered 94.8 percent of the vote! that if you are elected United In a few months the stock That was impossible without States Senator, you can’t be will be worth $750,000. You massive vote fraud and an environ- seated, don’t you?’ I said I can give as your reason for ment of fraud and coercion. knew no such thing. withdrawing that your Two years later, when Eller ran “Then Rosenwald said, health won’t permit you to for committeeman again, the ward ‘Last Friday, when we were take the campaign or any was beginning to change color, and discussing ways and means other reason you want to an African-American named Octav- of financing a campaign for give. The shares will be ius Granaday filed to run against Mr. McGill, I told them I deposited in escrow in any Eller. When Granaday refused to didn’t want to be the angel bank you name, to be turnd of the campaign, but if I continued on page 10 10 Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008

Despres continued from page 11 not even sure the Democratic Party candidacy. There had been a fine could win. So he backed Horner as a Jewish candidate for Governor of long shot, even a probable loser, Illinois thirty-two years earlier, when bow out, he was killed by a bullet, calculating that it would help the Samuel Alschuler of Aurora ran not by Eller himself, but by the local ticket even if he lost. against Richard Yates, but Alschuler people who worked for him. During Horner’s campaign caught on was a Democrat, Illinois was a then Prohibition, Eller was a close ally of like wildfire. There were “Physicians a Republican state, and most Jewish the Capone gang. He was not to be for Horner,” “Lawyers for Horner,” voters were Republicans. In 1932, opposed. I mention Eller only to “Nonpartisan Speakers for Horner,” even Republican Reform Jews give balance to the account.… “Restaurant Owners for Horner,” supported Horner, a member of and a “Citizens for Horner” group Sinai Congregation. Conservative Horner Runs for that attracted 100,000 adherents. and Orthodox Jews supported him. With an honorable Jewish As the votes showed, he also Governor candidate for Governor, there was an appealed to Poles and Swedes and Henry Horner is the Germans. Two hundred Jewish person who has University of Chicago achieved the highest office faculty members formed a in Illinois. It is still a committee for Horner. source of satisfaction to President Robert Maynard think that he was elected Hutchins declared for and that he amassed a him, something a Univer- record without blemish. sity of Chicago president He was a Democrat. He would not do today. illustrates the swing of the In the primary, Horner Jewish vote to the Demo- won the 24th Ward, cratic Party, which has where Mo Rosenberg and persisted since his 1932 Jack Arvey were active. election as Governor of Horner received 15,614 Illinois. votes; Michael Igoe, 241. Horner had been an That was 98.4 percent— exemplary judge of the better than Eller had done Probate Court since 1914. in the Pineapple Primary. I remember seeing him in There undoubtedly were court—a figure of great irregularities, but in this dignity. He was a man of case, the high percentage good humor, of splendid and large turnout were appearance, and, above all, clearly attributable to the of probity and legal ability. Jewish vote. In 1918, when he first came up for re-election, Anti-Semitism 1,400 lawyers formed a Illinois Governor Henry Horner, 1937. non-partisan committee in Oil painting by John Doctoroff. Courtesy of the Chicago Appears his behalf. Henry Horner Jewish Archives, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. In the general election, had the total admiration of Chicago Mayor William the Chicago Bar. outpouring of Jewish support as had Hale “Big Bill” Thompson cam- In 1932, the boss of Chicago never occurred here. The only paigned against Horner around politics, , wanted to phenomenon like it happened in our Illinois. He argued that “they’ve run for governor himself. Judge lifetime with the 1983 and 1987 gone to Jerusalem to get a Governor Horner decided to enter the African-American support for for you.” If Horner is elected, he primary. Cermak realized that his Mayor Harold Washington. told farmers, the price of pork will own reputation was not good There was enthusiasm, really go down. …But when the 1932 enough to win statewide—he was super-enthusiasm, over Horner’s election returns came in, it was a Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 11

Roosevelt sweep, and Horner ran far ahead of him. ward committeemen supported him. Even some FDR’s Illinois majority was 449,000; Horner’s was Orthodox Jewish leaders came out for him. Just as 566,000. Democratic National Chairman Ron Brown came to He was a very good governor, although always a Chicago to support Richard M. Daley for Mayor, Harry Democratic Party man. I remember the time he Hopkins and the WPA threw resources into Chicago to addressed University of Chicago faculty members at the help Bundesen. The national party supports the official Quadrangle Club. Professor Jerome Kerwin told me nominee, be it Bundesen or Washington or Daley. about it afterwards. The faculty questioned him about Horner won the primary. In the 24th Ward, almost patronage appointments. He answered, “I’m going to entirely Jewish, where Arvey was ward committeeman, appoint the best people the Party can find for me.” I the vote was overwhelmingly for Bundesen. The was a little shocked, then, by his statement, but I Machine had to deliver, and the committeeman was suppose I was expecting too much of him. He did first of all a Party Democrat. He delivered. appoint the best people the Party could find, and he In the fall, Horner was the nominee and was re- initiated excellent programs. elected. In his second term he was very good again. He One of his best programs was the strengthening of sponsored, supported, and pushed through important the Illinois Commerce Commission in protecting social programs. In the 1938 primary, he won another consumers of electricity, telephone service, and gas. victory when Scott Lucas won the nomination for Then, toward the end of his first term, Chicago United States Senator with Horner’s strong support. Mayor Edward J. Kelly was able to drive through the Tragically, two days before the 1938 election, Horner Illinois legislature a bill to license handbooks, betting suffered a cerebral thrombosis, a stroke, from which he establishments controlled by the Mob and the Machine. never recovered. From then until the end of his term, he Horner was shocked by the measure, and without was only nominally Governor. A group of men around consulting Kelly, vetoed it with a very strong veto him ran the state. In October 1940, he died. Like Julius message. That finished Horner with Kelly. Rosenwald, Henry Horner was a person who lived When the 1936 primary came, Kelly found a almost entirely for politics and not off politics. candidate to run against him, Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Herman N. Bundesen. Kelly figured Arvey, an Interesting Character that Bundesen’s free book on baby care, which had a Jack Arvey’s record illustrates the fact that careers very wide circulation, would get him enough votes to could be built in the Democratic Party. He lived off beat Horner. politics, but also, to a great extent, he lived for politics. He was primarily a ward committeeman, primarily in Running Against the Bosses the business of politics, but also a man deeply interested in the goals of government. Horner rose to the occasion. Instead of giving in, He dropped out of Crane High School, but later this judge, who had never been in such a campaign attended John Marshall Night Law School. In 1914, at before, really lashed out. He went up and down the the age of nineteen, he engaged in his first political state talking about “Boss Kelly,” “Let’s have honest activity. It was anti-Machine. He was supporting the elections,” and “Let’s have permanent voter campaign of an Independent, William J. Lindsay, for registration.” Pat Nash, the co-chairman of the Cook judge of the municipal court. After Lindsay lost, Arvey County Democratic Party, said permanent registration joined up. Years later, when he had gained power in the would cost the Machine 200,000 votes, and he Democratic Party, Arvey made Lindsay a judge. mobilized all his forces to defeat Horner. In 1918, Arvey became an assistant State’s Attorney. Horner had a good friend, Ben Lindheimer, who At that time the office was in Republican hands. Arvey was very rich himself and was able to raise money from became a bipartisan protege of a Republican State’s others for the campaign. He raised money from state Attorney. Abe Marovitz, a lifelong Democrat, followed employes and from contractors doing business with the this same career path. This was a reflection of the state. Edmund Jarecki, the judge in charge of Cook predominance of the Republican Party at that time. County election machinery, was on the outs with Kelly In 1923, Arvey became 24th Ward Alderman, and favored Horner. Many Republicans crossed over to where the solid Jewish population provided a base for vote for him. ambitious Jewish candidates. He was alderman for On the other hand, Bundesen was indeed very well known. Forty-seven out of Chicago’s fifty Democratic continued on page 12 12 Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008

Despres continued from page 11 Political Acumen Pays Off In 1948, the political outlook seemed dismal. It was believed that Truman would lose to Dewey and the Democratic Party would be out of eighteen years. In 1934, he became national office. It was already out of state office. With brilliant insight, committeeman and ran the ward Arvey decided to throw the dice, take a chance, and back a couple of distin- organization very efficiently. He saw guished non-professional candidates. Under his influence, the party regulars to it that the vote was enormous. agreed to support Professor Paul H. Douglas for Governor and Adlai E. In the 1936 election, the ward’s Stevenson for U.S. Senator. Then they realized that that decision might be a Presidential vote was 98 percent mistake. They feared that Douglas might show dangerous independence as Democratic. 29,000 for Franklin D. governor, just as Horner had done. So they nominated Douglas for senator Roosevelt to 700 for Alf Landon. and Stevenson for governor. FDR said that Chicago’s 24th Ward It was a tough election contest. Nobody knew how it would turn out. was “the best Democratic ward in But Douglas and Stevenson won by more than half a million votes, and America.” That was just eight President Truman carried Illinois. The morning after Election Day, at a months after Arvey had corralled general meeting of the Democratic precinct workers, Arvey announced, votes to try to beat Horner. “We’re in business wholesale.” It was a great phrase. He was thinking, Alderman Arvey became chair- “We’ve got the President, we’ve got the Governor, we’ve got the Senator, man of the City Council finance we’ve got the State’s Attorney. We’ve got everybody up and down the line. committee and the number three We’re in business wholesale.” He had made a brilliant, brilliant move. political figure in Chicago, after Ed Illinois was indebted to him for his farsightedness. Kelly and Pat Nash. He was as effective in the City Council as he Arvey Stumbles and Falls was in the ward. In 1941, he joined the Illinois National Guard and In 1950, Arvey stumbled. He backed Daniel Gilbert for Sheriff of Cook served in the Pacific until 1945 as a County. “Tubbo” Gilbert had been a Chicago police captain and a top judge advocate with the rank of assistant State’s Attorney. It was disclosed that on a modest police officer’s colonel . He returned and became pay he had amassed a fortune. “I made wise investments,” he explained. Cook County party chairman in When the press disclosed Gilbert’s wealth, the whole Democratic ticket 1946. He had a very good vision of was discredited and went down in defeat. Arvey was removed as chairman the party’s future. Although Mayor and given the far less important position of national committeeman. He did Ed Kelly had backed him for the not get along well with Richard J. Daley, who became Cook County chairmanship, Arvey decided that he chairman as well as mayor in 1955. In 1960, Arvey wanted to support could not be the candidate in 1947. Stevenson for President, Daley was for Kennedy, and they disagreed openly. Kelly had acquired a bad In 1972, Arvey voted for liberal changes in the rules for seating national reputation among reform political convention delegates, and Daley did not even put Arvey’s name on the slate. elements for his debasement of the Arvey commented, “I’ve been a delegate to every Democratic National public schools and the corrupt Convention, except 1944 when I was in the Pacific. I might not have gone atmosphere of his administration. to the convention if I had been elected, but I feel hurt not even to have been However, what finished him was a named.” As long as Daley lived, Arvey played no effective part in the strong statement he made on the Democratic Party organization. right of people to live anywhere in Chicago regardless of race. In doing The Final Years so he aroused such strong hostility Jack Arvey became wealthy through his law practice. He energetically that Arvey felt he could not win. I devoted himself to raising money for The Hebrew University, State of Israel am sure Arvey did not advocate Bonds, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Brandeis University, racial prejudice, but he concluded and Weiss Memorial Hospital. He achieved an enviable name and that the mayor’s statement must reputation. cause him to be dumped. The When Richard J. Daley died, the party elected Arvey chairman emeritus, Democrats did win with Kelly’s with the intention of restoring some honors to him. Arvey said, “I have been successor, Martin Kennelly, who a Democrat all my life and I will die one.” When asked what he thought of served for eight years. Arvey had Daley, his mortal party enemy, Arvey said, “I regard Daley as a good friend saved the office for his party. and ally. All through his political career I have been at his side to help him. I Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 13

did not hurt him. He was a very impulsive man, but he was a great mayor and a great leader.” Jack Arvey was not a person to say anything mean about anyone. In the summer of the year he died, in an interview with Roger Simon, Arvey said, “I want to say one more thing, to sum up what politics and the organization mean to me. I am not strictly a religious man, this I know; but my life has been guided by what I learned at a Yom Kippur service. No, no, you cannot print it. This is too corny. Not while I’m alive. Wait. Wait until I’m gone. Then you tell them what I learned from Isaiah: that you do not please the Lord by wearing sackcloth and ashes and by showing grief. You please the Lord by feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, and President Harry S Truman and Jack Arvey, undated. Courtesy of the Chicago Jewish Archives (Arvey Collection), Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. doing justice to your fellow man. When I’m gone, you tell them that in and told me that this was Arvey’s through Rosenberg Iron and Metal this quote explains me.” first case as master in chancery. Company at enormous profits, A Mixed Legacy Epstein pointed to a picture on the which he used, in part for himself wall by John Doctoroff, a skilled and in part (as the utilities Arvey lived off politics and he portraitist who was then very expected), to support Democratic lived for politics, too. He was a popular, and said, “That’s Mo Party candidates. It was a way the remarkable person. He elected U.S. Rosenberg, Master Arvey’s sponsor.” utilities had of making what were Representative Adolph Sabath, who I did not know what a “sponsor” essentially cash contributions to the was a useful congressman for many was. I was inexperienced in politics Machine. years. He put his law partner, and barely experienced in law, but I Mayor Kelly and others went to Samuel Epstein, on the bench. was impressed by the portrait and President Roosevelt to ask that the Epstein was an outstanding judge. the idea that a man had a “sponsor.” case be dismissed. FDR sent for the Arvey was responsible for the Epstein explained that Arvey file, opened it, looked through it, political careers of dozens of office- was a political protege of Mike and closed it, and said, “I think you’d holders. Mo Rosenberg. The 24th Ward better go back to Chicago.” He I met Arvey when he became a organization was Mike and Mo declined to intervene. Rosenberg master in chancery, around 1932. Rosenberg’s organization. then tried to stave off the inevitable That position was very lucrative by making a full confession. He because in mortgage foreclosures— Mo Rosenberg and went to the Department of Justice in and there a great many of them Corruption Washington, and in the presence of then—you had to take your case the U.S. District Attorney told how before a master in chancery, and he Soon after my visit to Master in much money he had obtained and got a fee depending mostly on the Chancery Arvey, Mo Rosenberg was to whom he had given it.… size of the mortgage. I was then a indicted for income tax evasion. The confession wasn’t enough. beginning lawyer working for the In the 1920s and ’30s, he had The case against him was continued, Sonnenschein firm, and we handled been given, at very favorable sub- for one reason or another, until a lot of mortage foreclosures. While market prices, the scrap metal that finally, the judge said it would go to I was there, Arvey’s law partner, utility companies had to get rid of. Samuel Epstein, whom I knew, came He was able to resell the junk continued on page 14 14 Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008

Despres continued from page 13 Chicago be shown to him first. He A Genuinely wanted to make certain that they presented a good image of the city. Admirable Politician trial the next Monday. On Friday, When, during the riots after the The fifth and last individual I Mo Rosenberg entered Michael King assassination, Daley gave his have chosen to discuss is Sidney Reese Hospital for an appendectomy order to “shoot to kill” looters, and Yates. I take him as an example of a and died on the operating table. To then denied saying it—although the genuinely admirable Jewish person this day, nobody on the outside television stations replayed the now in public life. His parents were knows for sure whether he really had Mayor making the statement—Bush immigrants from Vilna. He was appendicitis or was just making said it was “damned bad reporting.” born in Michael Reese Hospital, another effort to stave off the trial. “You should have reported what he lived on Maxwell Street, moved to At the funeral on the following meant,” Bush argued, “not what he Lakeview, attended Nettelhorst Tuesday, Judge Harry Fisher, a great said.” When the BBC produced a Elementary School, graduated from man, but a product of the Machine, fine documentary on Chicago, Bush Lake View High School, and went said, “Today, Mo Rosenberg appeals made sure it could not be shown on to the University of Chicago, the to a higher court.” publicly anywhere in the city. I had College and the Law School. to see it in a private home. It was a Between college and law school Earl Bush, an great documentary, but it was not he played professional basketball (at totally complimentary to Chicago. five dollars a game—the going rate Underrated Politician With the impending 1968 in those days). The fourth figure I wish to Democratic National Convention in Yates graduated from the discuss is Earl Bush. He is an Chicago, Bush warned, “I’ll give the University of Chicago Law School in example of Jewish people who have police permission to chase the 1933, began to practice law, and in been active and influential in politics cameras.” Sure enough, he did— 1936, went to work for Governor without holding office. I think he with a very bad result for Chicago. Henry Horner’s Illinois Commerce never got his full recognition. Earl All in all, however, Bush was a newspaperman who Bush was phenom- became Daley’s press attache in the enally successful at 1954-55 mayoral campaign. He was his job. a genius at publicity. After winning There are other the election, Mayor Daley kept him Jewish persons for on as his public relations man. whom he is a proto- Bush was personally responsible type, other Jews for the successful public image who have had im- which Daley projected. Daley had portant roles in the brilliance to see how valuable government affairs Bush was. “The City That Works” without holding and “The ‘I Will’ Spirit” were office. phrases that Bush publicized. Daley Three examples would end almost every speech with are Ben Lindheim- an appeal to “The ‘I Will’ Spirit.” er, who was Henry Nobody ever knew what that spirit Horner’s intimate was, but it had a great effect. “The friend, adviser, and Sidney Yates, undated. Courtesy of the Chicago Jewish City That Works” was certainly a supporter; Charles Archives, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. great slogan. The city did not work, Swibel, who was but the slogan did. Jane Byrne’s intimate adviser, less Commission. He also worked on He was constantly covering for admirable than Lindheimer; and Horner’s re-election campaign. In Mayor Daley. He pressured adver- David Axelrod, who was recently the 1939, he joined his father-in-law’s tisers to influence the television and second Mayor Daley’s campaign firm. Then, like Arvey, he tried radio stations and the newspapers. public relations person and virtually independent politics. He ran for Under Daley’s orders, he required a “sub-candidate” like Earl Bush. 46th Ward Alderman as an anti- that all movie scripts filmed in Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 15

Machine candidate. He lost, and like gave me excellent advice on how to From the current editor-designer: Arvey, he then joined the “regulars.” be a candidate, what to do, how to An editor cannot resist tweaking the During World War II, Yates act. He was most encouraging. But text for clarity, and an editorial served in the U.S. Navy. When he after we landed he said, “Don’t tell designer cannot resist tweaking the returned, he was still in the 46th anybody I told you this.” He had text for appearance. The urge to Ward organization under Commit- told me no secrets, but he knew I fact-check is also irresistible, even teeman Joe Gill. Early in 1948, Yates was running against Committeeman for an article by Alderman Despres, went to Gill, saying he’d like to run Barnet Hodes’ candidate in the 5th when the editor knows that her for Congress. Gill laughed at him. Ward, and he didn’t want me to go readers are themselves historians. They were in a “swing district,” around saying that Sidney Yates had So I have shortened and sharpened sometimes Republican, sometimes told me how to behave.… the original article somewhat.—B.C. Democratic. Gill told Yates that they I urge you to read: needed a candidate of German Inspired Excellence Challenging the Daley Machine: heritage, and it was going to be John A Chicago Alderman’s Memoir. Haderlein. in Public Service By Leon M. Despres with Kenan However, in August, the incum- He has been an example for a Heise (Northwestern University bent Chicago Postmaster died, the number of others in politics. He is Press, 2005). Party decided it needed a German- the prototype for Abner Mikva, American replacement, Haderlein Seymour Simon, and Robert Mann; Chicago Afternoons with Leon: was appointed, and that created a for Robert Marks, Aaron Jaffe, 99 1/2 years old and looking vacancy on the ticket. Gill asked Martin Oberman, and Harold Katz; forward. By Kenan Heise Yates if he still wanted to run. Yes, and for Alan Greiman, Ellis Levin, (AuthorHouse, 2007). he did. Could he finance his own and Arthur Berman. campaign? Yes, he could.… He At the beginning of my talk, I campaigned vigorously, and in the quoted what Jacob Freed wrote Welcome, New Members surprising Democratic sweep of about American Jews in public of the Chicago Jewish 1948, he carried his district by service and the prophetic ideals. Historical Society! 18,000 votes. Have Jews in Chicago’s public life ben faithful to those ideals? The Richard Chasman An Outstanding picture is mixed, like that of other Dr. Irving H. Distelheim Congressman peoples in Chicago politics. Max Dolins There are two sides to Sidney But I think we have an edge. We Jay & Irene Frank Yates. In Congress, he is courageous, have been a persecuted people, and Judge Sheldon C. Garber independent, and fearless. In the city we understand the burdens of Dr. Betsy Gidwitz organization, he goes along quietly. discrimination. We have a greater Mary L. Gray sensitivity to social injustice than When McCarthyism arose, he Richard & Judy Haber most others do. I think that for our was one of seven Representatives Vivian S. Handel who opposed the terrible Hobbs numbers, we have contributed just a Steven & Priscilla Kersten Bill, and he was one of the very few few more than our arithmetical share to vote against the Internal Security of people in public life who have Gertrude L. Kahn Law.… He was always on the ball on been responsive to the prophetic Maury Kravitz housing. Always on health issues. He ideal of Judaism. Sheldon Loewy has been and is a great champion of What is the ideal? I think it was William H. Marks the arts. He was slow to oppose the best stated in Scripture (Amos 5:24). Gerald & Maia Mullin Vietnam War, but he finally began I think it is what we would like to Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz voting against appropriations.… have from every Jewish person in Jack Siegel When I first ran for alderman in public life. It was repeated by Jean Powers Soman 1955, Yates had been a congressman Martin Luther King in his 1963 Sylvia Stone for seven years. By chance, we were Washington speech: “Let justice roll once on the same plane to Wash- down like waters and righteousness Jay H. Zimbler ington, D.C. During the flight he like an ever-flowing stream.” O Louis Weber 16 Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 Behind the Scenes at the Chicago Jewish Archives Text and Photographs by Joy Kingsolver

hen you enter the new Spertus building at 610 South Michigan Avenue, the first thing W you notice is the light, open space. This theme of openness is not just an architectural feature; it reflects an institution-wide effort to make visitors feel welcome. For readers of Chicago Jewish History who may not be able to visit in person, we offer this look around the new spaces of the Chicago Jewish Archives, one of the Asher Library’s Special Collections. This was a complex move for the Archives, involving the re-ordering of all of the archival collections and a completely new shelving arrangement. For the previous year, we had been closed to researchers in order to update our database of collection descriptions and make sure every box was packed securely for moving. Chicago Jewish Archives Workroom. During the move, staff put in long hours and worked closely with professional movers to tag every The Asher Library’s book collections had already been box with its new location. The Archives holds about moved, and now it was the turn of the Asher Library 2500 linear feet of archival boxes, plus oversize items Special Collections—which includes archival such as awards and large photographs. Each oversize collections, rare books and maps. Our first moving day item was wrapped and tagged. The regular Archives staff began early, and work continued until evening for numbers just two, so we were fortunate to have extra several days. Staff monitored the process at every step help during this period. A grant from the National and personally carried the most fragile items over to the Endowment for the Humanities allowed us to hire a new building. special assistant, and we made good use of volunteers, Finally, all the special collections were housed in the including Norma Spungen and Sue Weiler of the new Special Collections Vault. Once the move was Chicago Jewish Historical Society. Even the archivist’s complete, we began the task of counting boxes, son was pressed into service whenever school was out. verifying shelf locations, shifting collections to allow for Finally, we were ready for the pros to take over! growth, and making other adjustments. Material that had been specially packed must be unpacked and checked. Likewise, rare books are being carefully unpacked and shelved by the conservators. The new Special Collections Vault is climate- controlled; both temperature and humidity are regulated and monitored to ensure the preservation of archival collections, rare books and maps. Our NEH grant funded the purchase of compact shelving, which is designed to make the most efficient use of space. When shelves are not in use, they are closed together, eliminating the space-wasting aisles between them. This has almost doubled our capacity, and we have many empty shelves that are designated for future acquisitions. When new archival material is received, we process it and prepare it for researchers in the new Archives Asher Library Special Collections Vault. Workroom. This room is large enough to accommodate Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 17

Asher Library Special Collections Reading Room. our current staff and volunteers, and permits work on become available and gathering material to bring to the different collections to proceed at the same time. After a Archives. Many collections would have been lost forever collection is organized and housed in acid-free folders without the vigilant efforts of the Society, and we are and boxes, we prepare collection inventories to assist continuing to work together to save the historical record researchers to locate material on their topics. The of Jewish Chicago for the future. workroom also hosts our digitizing workstation, where photographs are scanned and cataloged. e are especially interested in expanding our Next door is the Special Collections Reading Room, holdings of synagogue material; many seem where material from the archives as well as rare books W to have disappeared without leaving a trace. and maps will be presented to researchers. At this We’re interested in any synagogue bulletins, fliers, writing, all Special Collections are still closed to correspondence, memos, photographs, or memorabilia researchers, but we hope to make them available to the that our readers might have stashed away. Even news public later in the spring. Updates will be posted to the clippings are of interest. Spertus website at www.spertus.edu. We are also looking for family histories or family We have continued to actively solicit and accept trees. If someone in your family has compiled a family donations of material throughout the moving period, history, please consider depositing a copy with the and have acquired two large collections of material Archives. These are invaluable for genealogy research, during the past six months. We continue to receive and are especially treasured when they are accompanied small donations as well, sometimes a single item at a by photographs and other documents. time. Large or small, each gift of historical material is significant and appreciated. In the work of saving the To contact the Chicago Jewish Archives, raw material of Chicago Jewish history, our partnership call or write to Archives Director Joy Kingsolver. with the Chicago Jewish Historical Society remains Mail: Chicago Jewish Archives, Spertus Institute, crucial. The Society serves as our eyes and ears in the 610 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60605. community, alerting the archivist when collections Email: [email protected]. Phone: 312-322-1741. 18 Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008

Beginning a New Chapter in Chicago Jewish History April 2008: Garfield Park Conservatory THE NEW SPERTUS IS OPEN! Centennial Celebration Spertus invites people of all ages and backgrounds www.chicagoasis.org to explore the multifaceted Jewish experience. Through its innovative public programming, exhibitions, featuring collections, research facilities and degree programs, “CONSERVE-A-STORY: Spertus inspires learning, serves diverse communities, A Community Exhibition” and fosters understanding, for Jews and people of all This exhibition is a collaborative community faiths, locally, regionally and around the world. project in which former and current residents will Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies bring neighborhood history to life through a 610 South Michigan Avenue collection of narratives and portraits. Stories will be told using autobiographical objects, audio www.spertus.edu interviews, photographs, and recipes. Former Garfield Parkers: participate in this valuable project by adding your own history! Contact Rachel Moore, facilitating artist, at The International Association of Jewish Genealogy [email protected] (IAJGS) announces that registration is open for (773) 252-5618 The 28th Annual International Available at bookstores now: Conference on Jewish Genealogy Inspired by Nature: August 17-22 The Garfield Park Conservatory Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile and Chicago’s West Side The conference is co-hosted with the By Julia S. Bachrach and Jo Ann Nathan Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois and With a Foreword by Alex Kotlowitz the Illiana Jewish Genealogical Society For information, see the conference website: www.Chicago2008.org Chicago YIVO Society English-Yiddish Lecture Samuel D. Kassow Charles Northam Professor of History at Hibbard Elementary School Trinity College will discuss and sign his book: Class of ’53 Reunion, August 9 Who Will Write Our History? Hilton Garden Inn-O’Hare Emanuel Ringelblum, the Warsaw Ghetto, On August 8, there will be a tour of Hibbard, and the Oyneg Shabes Archive 3244 West Ainslie. See e-mail address below for further reunion information. Alumni are urged to Sunday, April 13 send material about the Hibbard principal at that 2:00 p.m. time, Sophie H. Reiffel, who had such a huge influence on the lives of the students. Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai Emunah 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette Contact: Jackye Epstein Sullins and Leoni Zverow McVey Kosher refreshments • Admission $5.00 [email protected] www.chicagoyivo.org Chicago Jewish History Winter 2008 19

ED MAZUR’S Rabbi Saul Silber of the Chicago. The alliance will add Ahave Sholom Congregation, many benefits to the philan- PAGES FROM delivered the keynote speech in thropic institutions in the city. Yiddish and Dr. Tobias One of the conditions of THE PAST Schoenfarber spoke in English. uniting, said Mr. Rosenblatt, y source for these selections is H.M. Barnett was urged to “is that every institution must M the Chicago Foreign Language make an appeal for the Home, settle its debts before the first of Press Survey Microfilm Collection at and J. Deneals was the first to January. We must therefore, raise the , Harold purchase a room for $325.00; $65,000 in order to cover all Washington Library Center. Rabbi Schoenfarber bought deficits and pay all bills.” In the autumn of 1936 the another room for $125.00; Mr. Mr. Rosenblatt also stated Chicago Foreign Language Press Jacobs bought the third room for that the Mt. Sinai Hospital will Survey was organized under the Works $120.00. unite with the Jewish Charities of Progress Administration (WPA) of Mr. Barnett distinguished Chicago. —Daily Jewish Forward, Illinois. The purpose of the Survey was himself as a good auctioneer. He October 22, 1922 to translate and classify selected news sold the key to the Home to articles appearing in Chicago’s foreign H.R. Tish. A grand sum of THE GREAT AMALGAMATED language press from 1861 to 1938. $13,000.00 was donated. CENTER OPENED YESTERDAY Financial curtailments in the WPA The great crowd was then WITH BEAUTIFUL CEREMONIES program ended the Survey in October entertained by Cantor Alexan- Yesterday, May 1, was a 1941. The Chicago Public Library published the work in 1942. The drovitz and a delicious dinner double holiday: the celebration of project consists of a file of 120,000 was served. —Daily Jewish May 1st, and laying the corner- typewritten pages from newspapers of Courier, November 18, 1912 stone of the Amalgamated Union 22 different foreign language Temple at Ashland Boulevard and ORTHODOX AND REFORM communities in Chicago. Van Buren Street. The traffic was Yiddish is the foreign language CHARITIES UNITE completely stopped for one half of the Jewish press in the Survey. Chicago will have no more hour on the surrounding streets English language periodicals are also than one Jewish charity organi- when the cornerstone was laid. included, as well as the publications zation, beginning January 1. The two thousand members of charitable institutions, communal The Orthodox and Reform of the Amalgamated Clothing organizations, and synagogues. charities have united under one workers filled the Auditorium of name and one management. the Amalgamated yesterday THOUSANDS OF JEWS PARTICI- The name will be The Jewish afternoon at the occasion of the PATE IN DEDICATION OF MARKS Charities of Chicago. official opening of the organized NATHAN ORPHAN ASYLUM The Orthodox charities will clothing workers’ own home. The dedication of the Marks cater a dinner in the Morrison Sam Levin, the manager of Nathan Orphan Asylum began Hotel, Monday evening. Here the Amalgamated Joint Board, officially at 2 p.m. yesterday. The they will open their campaign for introduced President Hillman, chairman of the Floor Commit- $65,000 to settle all debts of the who, in the name of the Chicago tee ordered the doors closed due “Federated” before uniting with organization, greeted all the to lack of space, while hundreds the “Associated.” members present with a very remained standing outside. The speakers will be Judge hearty welcome, in their own At 3 o’clock Nicolas J. Harry Fisher, Jacob M. Loeb, magnificent home….—Daily Pritzker, chairman of the Judge Henry Horner, James Jewish Forward, May 2, 1927 Dedication Committee, opened Davis, Samuel Deutsch and S.J. DR. EDWARD H. MAZUR, treasurer of the meeting and introduced Rosenblatt, chairman of the campaign committee. the Chicago Jewish Historical Society Rabbi Pinchas Saul Katkoff who and member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Rosenblatt believes that invoked a prayer in Hebrew. is an urban historian, professor Jacob Levi, president of the the uniting of the two charities is emeritus at City Colleges of Chicago, Home, then read a message to the an important step forward in the and consultant to the International Chicago Jewish public. life of the Jewish community in Visitors Center of Chicago. Look to the rock from which you were hewn Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Chicacago, IL 60611 chicago jewish historical society Permit No. 6590

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