Many graduates of the Minneapolis Talmud Torah stayed together socially after their Hebrew instruction was complete. Through participation in sports, men built social networks that served them in business and community activities. Activities were paid for jointly by individuals and community organizations, which encouraged people to join by relieving financial constraints.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait of Harry Goldie He was an exceptional boxer; the first boxing coach for the University of Minnesota; and the developer for the Calhoun Beach Club, a Minneapolis architectural landmark.who was the first boxing coach at the University of Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Harry Goldie had an interesting career, which included amateur boxing, coaching, and real estate development. He spearheaded the creation of the Calhoun Beach Club. While the club was chartered in 1928 and building began in 1929, financing for it foundered during the Depression, and it didn't officially open until 1946. Goldie's dream for the club entailed an egalitarian social and athletic space that would welcome members regardless of race, religion or sex.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A portrait photograph of the Minneapolis Talmud Torah football team. When plans for the new Talmud Torah building were being formulated in the mid 1910s, there was a groundswell of support for a facility that would include not only classrooms, but social and recreational space for young people in the community. There was a plea for funding for a Talmud Torah gymnasium. Public pressure resulted in several community organizations pledging to fund activities for teenaged boys and girls. The sports programs were overseen by a new administrative unit, the Talmud Torah Social Service department.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A portrait photograph of the Minneapolis Talmud Torah football team. The Talmud Torah attempted to engage young people not only through studies, but through social activities including sports. This stems in part from the early affiliation of the school with the Jewish Family Welfare Association.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait photograph of the North High men's basketball team. North High had a large Jewish population from the turn of the century through the early 1960s.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait photograph of the Mercury basketball team in uniform. The Mercurys were the city and state basketball champs in the settlement house league in 1923. Max Winter is in the back row on the far left.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait photograph showing men associated with the Mercury Athletic Club. The Mercury Club was founded in 1930 as the Wells Mercurys, a boy's and girl's athletic club affiliated with the North Side Well Settlement House.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Queens from three Beth El fundraisers posed for this photograph, including Mrs. Louis Rubenstein on the left. The woman selling the greatest number of tickets to the event was named Queen.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Bearmans were a North Side family with a successful produce business. They sponsored a baseball team that played in the municipal league. Of note is the unidentified African-American player at the far left.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives