An unidentified man carrying a basket with loaves of challah in it. A population census from 1927 indicates that there were about 4000 Jews living in Duluth at the time.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Joe Numero and his business partner, Fred Jones, were responsible for the creation of the first refrigerated truck. Their invention, financed by Numero and engineered by Jones, revolutionized interstate commerce. A trucking company could deliver perishable products to far-flung markets without fear of spoilage en route. The invention happened at a fortuitous moment--the beginning of WWII, when the country had need of moving large quantities of produce and meat across long distances to feed hungry troops.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Oreckovsky family migrated to the United States from Russia the 1880s. The first-generation pioneers of the family--Joseph and Israel-- undertook the journey to Minnesota across Canada by foot, peddling clothes to rail- and mine-workers as they moved westward. The picture features the second generation, Israel's children, later in life. "Big Joe" Oreckovsky, seated in the middle on the couch, ran the First Street Store, a well-known Duluth department store. He was best known for his support of the Duluth Children's Home, and for hiring newly arrived Russian immigrants, both Jews and gentiles. "Big Joe" is surrounded by his sisters, clock-wise from left; Sarah, Channa, Pearl, Ida and Riva.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Frishberg owned two North Dakota men's haberdasheries with Charles Cohen in the 1920s. Cohen died in a hunting accident, and Frishberg closed the two Dakota stories and set up a shop in Buffalo MN. He soon sold the Buffalo store and moved to St. Paul. Frishberg is on the right.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Fannie Cohen wearing a white pharmacist's coat and standing amongst shelves of medicines. Fannie Cohen was one of the first women to graduate from the University of Minnesota Pharmacy School. She was born in 1901 to Romanian immigrant parents, and graduated with her degree in 1922. Show worked in Hospital pharmacies in Duluth, Rochester and St. Paul. She was a lifetime member of Temple Israel in Minneapolis, and was bat mitzvahed in 1977 at the age of 75.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Two unidentified men in automobiles loaded with crates. A third unidentified individual stands behind them. The Goldishes were one of a small number of Jewish families who lived and worked along the North Shore in the commercial fishing industry. They both fished and processed their catch for market.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Mr. Milavitz stands in front of his store. A young girl stands to the side of the doorway and a child in a carriage is visible on the left side. Many avenues of employment were closed to Jews, resulting in a concentration of Jews earning a living as small shopkeepers. Many graduated from peddling to keeping a store after years of travel and establishing accounts on the road.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph of a placard detailing different activities taking place at the Jewish Education Center on Center Day. Center Day showcased the facilities and services at the J. E. C., and allowed the community to observe a cross-section of the activities that took place there.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Men and boys playing table tennis on Center Day. Sports and recreational activities took place at the Annex, an old house and yard next door to the J. E. C. The Annex remained in use until 1940, when deteriorating conditions caused it to close.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Girls between the ages of 10 and 14 were in this Junior-level troop which met at the Emanuel Cohen Center on the North Side. This photo was taken as a promotional shot for a play the troop put on at the Center called "the Seven Stages of Life."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Rockler Family sits around two long dining tables during Seder. The National Jewish Workers Alliance, also known as the Farband, was an early North American Zionist group. It was the mutual aid society of the political party Poale Zion. Farband members organized cooperative insurance and medical plans, adult education classes in Yiddish, and funded cooperative housing. The Minneapolis Farband house was located at 10th Street and Knox Avenue.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Around the table are members of the Kaner, Shapiro, Milavitz, Hosen and Dorfman families. The Passover Seder celebrates the Jews passage to freedom from slavery in Egypt.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Hebrew class instructor stands with the students of the Hebrew class of West Side B'nai Israel Synagogue. The photograph was taken at a class outing in Lincoln Park in Duluth. B'nai Israel consolidated with congregation Adas Israel in 1930.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Graduates and instructors stand arranged on the steps of the Emanuel Cohen Center. The Emanuel Cohen Center provided recreation space and social services to the North Minneapolis community. The Center was named for Emanuel Cohen, an attorney and the Center's principle benefactor.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Members of the Beth David congregation sit and stand at long tables. Beth David was a small Orthodox congregation located at Clinton and Isabel in St. Paul.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A woman stands in front of a microphone, while Hurbert Humphrey sits at the table next to her at a Hadassah Supply Shower luncheon. Hadassah promoted health and welfare services to Jewish women and children in Palestine. By the end of WWII, the Minneapolis chapter of Hadassah was 1900 members strong. This photo taken at the Supply Shower luncheon at the Nicollet Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. The luncheons helped collect goods such as layettes and linens to be sent to hospitals and clinics in Palestine. Minnesota dignitaries like Humphrey spoke to show their support for Palestine relief, and by extension, a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Stevie Franker and Gerald Bubis pose for a photograph to raise awareness of the Hillel students food drive for displaced persons. Hillel students were involved with relief work for Jewish refugees at the end of the war. During Purim celebrations on campus, food drive co-chairs Stevie Franker and Gerald Bubis posed for a publicity photo to generate interest in Hillel's drive. The photo would be published in the AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD, the local Jewish newspaper.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Silber was the leader of Kenesseth Israel, the most influential synagogue in North Minneapolis at the turn of the century. He is speaking at the dedication of the "new" Talmud Torah, which housed classrooms, social services, and recreational facilities for the community. Rabbi Silber is flanked by A. N. Bearman and Nathan Weisberg.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
This ribbon cutting at the first Hillel House took place in 1944. Hillel House serves Jewish students attending the University of Minnesota. From the turn of the century through the early 1940s, Jewish student organizations did not have a permanent place to meet. Hillel was constructed with support from the national B'nai Brith organization and the Jewish community in the Twin Cities.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph showing members of the graduating class in caps and gowns. St. Paul differed from Minneapolis in that it supported two Hebrew schools rather than one centralized school. The Hebrew Institute and the Capitol City Hebrew School maintained their affiliations with founding synagogues: consequently, enrollments for the schools was smaller and funding for the schools was less robust than in Minneapolis. In 1956, Capitol City Hebrew School and the Hebrew Institute merged to become the St. Paul Talmud Torah.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The children in the photograph are dressed up to represent the Royal Court at the St. Paul Winter Carnival. The photograph was taken in the basement of the George Kaplan Hebrew Seminary building at 1464 Summit Avenue in St. Paul.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait photograph showing the young men and women of the graduating class from the Saint Paul Talmud Torah. Max Gordon, the director of the Talmud Torah, is seated at the center of the front row.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A reprint of a photograph of the Popkin family sitting at a dining table set with plates and glasses. Passover Seders begin with a retelling of the story of the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. It includes foods symbolic of the years of slavery and flight from Egypt. Seders are family and community observances, held primarily in the home. The Popkin family lived in Duluth.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Passover Seders begin with a retelling of the story of the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. It includes foods symbolic of the years of slavery and flight from Egypt. Seders are family and community observances, held primarily in the home. The Smith family lived in St. Paul on Dayton Avenue. Jennie Smith, the family matriarch, presides at the end of the table.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph of the Plitman family sitting at a dining table. Passover Seders begin with a retelling of the story of the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. It includes foods symbolic of the years of slavery and flight from Egypt. Seders are family and community observances, held primarily in the home. The Plitman family lived in Minneapolis.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Silber, presiding at the head of the table, led Congregation Kenesseth Israel during its early years. Silber's family surrounds him, with the Silber son and daughters seated on the right. Passover Seders begin with a retelling of the story of the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. It includes foods symbolic of the years of slavery and flight from Egypt. Seders are family and community observances, held primarily in the home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Saul Upin is standing, reading from the Haggadah, the text for the Seder observance. The Albert Lea Jewish community was relatively small. The 1930 American Jewish Yearbook census put the population at 29 people, which was undoubtedly its peak.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph showing members of the Miller, Gordon, Orenstein, Naftalin and Davis families gathered around the dining table. The Davis family lived in Minneapolis. Passover Seders begin with a retelling of the story of the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egyptian bondage. It includes foods symbolic of the years of slavery and flight from Egypt. Seders are family and community observances, held primarily in the home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A large gathering of students, sit on benched in a hall in Moses Montefiore Hebrew School. The Hebrew School was formally organized in 1905 and incorporated in 1908. The driving force behind the school was Mrs. Ida Cook, a Lithuanian immigrant. The school, according to the articles of incorporation, was to "…furnish persons of Hebrew parentage with religious instruction in harmony with the Hebrew religion; to teach the Hebrew and English languages...and to promote religious principles and devotion." The school later became the Duluth Talmud Torah.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Men and women gathered around a piano. Hazomir was a choral movement begun in Lodz, Poland in 1899. It became successful in other cities in Poland and Russia, and branches popped up later in the United States. The repertory included Jewish and Israeli folk music. The photograph features members of the Minnesota Hazomir.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Daniel Snyder Oglansky's was located at the corner of Sheridan and Golden Valley Road. The photograph is part of a collection of genre photographs depicting everyday life and people in North Minneapolis.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph showing a group of boys wearing baseball uniforms with baseball bats in the foreground. This group of boys probably played for a settlement house team. The uniforms they wear sport the letters "DTC": the scoreboard is in the background to the right. Settlement houses sponsored sports teams to attract boys to supervised activities as an alternative to hanging out on the street.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Horses pull a wagon down a street in Minneapolis. Raphael Weinberg and his son Ben owned Weinberg's Department store, located on Central Avenue in North Minneapolis. Weinberg's five daughters also worked in the store.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Harry Silberstein driving a horse-drawn wagon used for collecting scrap metal. Scrap metal salvage was one of the occupations accessible to Jews. For immigrants leaving Europe in the late 1880s, scrap collection was an open field which required minimal capitalization and a willingness to move about. It also allowed the collector to be his own boss and avoid mandatory factory work hours which would have conflicted with Sabbath observance. Paper-Calmenson was founded 1891 and is still in operation.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph of a scrap pile with a woman sitting in the foreground while a man can be seen standing in the background. Samuel Karon founded Northwestern Scrap Iron and Metal Company in Duluth.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Two girls and a boy stand outside of Desnick's Drug Store laughing. Desnick's was a neighborhood hub, close to schools, car and foot busy Plymouth Ave.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Children lay on individual mats on the floor during rest time in this pre-kindergarten class. The Jewish Educational Center was the precursor to the current St. Paul Jewish Community Center. It was built in 1930 at the corner of Holly and Grotto. Programming combined recreation and education, and by the time this picture was taken, over 100 community groups used the building.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
H. S. Berman and Mrs. A. Birengberg present a check to Dr. Joseph Tennebaum, then president of the A. F. P. J. The organization attempted to protect Polish Jews during the Holocaust by eliciting Catholic Church intervention, to little avail.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
This photograph of attendees of the 66th Annual B'nai Brith banquet was taken at the Lowry Hotel in downtown St. Paul. B'nai Brith chapters were established in St. Paul in 1871 and Minneapolis in 1877. The organization was founded in the United States in 1843 by German Jews interested in meeting socially and creating business contacts away from the synagogue.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Desnick's Drug Store was located at Penn and Plymouth Avenues, a hub of the North Side neighborhood. The two girls are Reva (Margolis) Rosenbloom on the left, and Ruth Lurie on the right.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph showing the front exterior of the Oglansky Railroad Surplus Store which sold discounted merchandise of all types. The Oglansky home is next door to the store on the left.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Interior view of Minnehaha Liquor Store with two men standing in the aisles. Minnehaha Liquor Store was owned and operated by Sam Zimmerman, seen at left. The store is still at its original location at Lake St. and Minnehaha Boulevard
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The earliest Jewish neighborhood in Minneapolis was located around the Cedar-Riverside area, and gradually divided and moved Northwest and South. Labovsky's was located at 16th and Franklin Avenue. In the picture are Shifra and Nuchan Labovsky and their sons, Ben and Joe.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph showing graduates of the Minneapolis Talmud Torah Bet Midrash class, wearing caps and gowns and holding a banner. The Class of 1924 was the first class to hold classes in the new Emanuel Cohen Center building. The Center was purchased through funds donated by Emanuel Cohen, a prominent Minneapolis lawyer. By the mid-1920s, the Minneapolis Talmud Torah was recognized as one of the most modern and effective Hebrew schools in the country. In addition to memorizing Hebrew, students learned to read and speak Hebrew conversationally, and studied Hebrew dramatics and Jewish affairs. The Bet Midrash students shown here had completed the last two years of a ten year curriculum!
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph of members of the Ivria Club standing beneath a pergola at the Como Park Conservatory. Ivria Clubs were social clubs for young people dedicated to promoting Hebrew language and culture. This chapter was sponsored by the Minneapolis Talmud Torah. The idea of binding the "old" that was Hebrew with the "new" that was American--"Ivrit B'Ivrit"-- was introduced by Elijah Arvin. Arvin is on the bottom row, second from the right.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph of young boys and girls in a classroom. Some children are sitting at desks and some are standing at the chalkboard with chalk in hand. The first Talmud Torah building was located on Fremont Avenue North and Eighth Street. The president, Nathan Weisbren, spoke to Thomas Lowry, president of the Minneapolis Street Car Company, and arranged for a charter street car to carry students to class. For even the youngest students at the new school, the first day of class began with the expectation that classes would be conducted in Hebrew. Memorization was supplemented by reading, acting, conversation and playing games.
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
Young students stand on the steps of the school. The instructors stand in the back right. Temple of Aaron organized it's own Hebrew school in 1916. The multiplicity of Hebrew Schools in St. Paul was a marked difference from the centralized Hebrew instruction in Minneapolis, reflecting the diversity of the St. Paul community and it's lengthier history.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Children dressed in costume, standing outside of Temple Emmanuel. Purim is a religious holiday that celebrates the defeat of Haman, the Persian minister who plotted the annihilation of the Persian Jews. It is a holiday marked by re-enactments of the story and subversive merry-making.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Rabbi Wechsler (pronounced Wexler) lead the congregation's sponsoring a Jewish farming settlement in the Dakota Territories. The settlement attempted to help Russian Jewish immigrants find livelihoods working the land in the American West. Though the farm colony ultimately failed, he was considered an innovator and modernizer. Late in his career, after leaving Minnesota, he worked to improve educational opportunities in Mississippi for blacks. He served at Temple Mount Zion from 1878-1886.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A portrait photograph of Rabbi Solomon Silber. Rabbi Silber served as Kenesseth Israel's rabbi from 1902 to 1925. He, and members of his congregation, were instrumental in funding and building the Jewish Family Welfare Board and the Jewish Sheltering Home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The men in the picture represent the leadership of one of the most influential congregations in the City of Minneapolis at the time. Rabbi Silber is in the first row, middle.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Oak Ridge Country Club was chartered by several prominent Jewish businessmen who had been denied membership in existing Twin Cities clubs. Initially, there had been a movement in the local Jewish community for a Twin Cities club, but when that proved undoable, Minneapolitans selected the Hopkins site (St. Paul golfers founded Hillcrest Country Club.) Oak Ridge opened in July, 1921.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of members of the Sigma Delta Tau Sorority in caps and gowns. Sigma Delta Tau sorority was founded by seven young women at Cornell University in 1917. The seven had had been denied membership into other Greek organizations because they were Jewish.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A group of young women stand outside the sorority house. The Sigma Delta Tau sorority was founded by seven young women at Cornell University in 1917. The seven had had been denied membership into other Greek organizations because they were Jewish.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The generator that Sam Ziff is standing next to is to be sent to a kibbutz. Mr. Ziff was the local chapter president of the League for Religious Labor in Palestine, a national organization which promoted "religious labor", i.e., non-socialist labor organizing on kibbutzim in Palestine.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Five men stand for a photograph at the National B'nai Brith Bowling Tournament. Bowling was a popular form of recreation for men and women sponsored by B'nai Brith.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Atlas Club was one of several Jewish social clubs in the Twin Cities operating during the early 1900s to the 1920s. The clubs were a response to the fact that "downtown" social clubs such as the Athletic Clubs would not admit Jews. The Atlas Club was absorbed into Gymea Doled in 1919. Unfortunately, there is no additional information on Rhoda and Harry Hirsch, the "World's Greatest Entertainers."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A man and a woman stand in front of the United States flag at the J. W. V. picnic. Jewish War Veterans was established in 1896 to honor Jewish veterans serving during the Civil War and wars abroad. This picnic took place during the year the United States entered World War II.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait photograph showing members of the Minneapolis Workmen's Circle. Workman's Circle members were non-religious, politically active Jews, many of whom were Socialists. They espoused a classless society, favored the use of Yiddish for cultural expression, and created a variety of services for members, including medical and insurance benefits.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph showing members of the National Jewish Workers Alliance Home standing in front of the meeting hall, which appears to be a personal home. N. J. W. A. was the Americanized name for the Farband. This is the second part of a two part photograph. See also mhs06636.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph showing members of the National Jewish Workers Alliance Home standing in front of the meeting hall, which appears to be a personal home. N. J. W. A. was the Americanized name for the Farband. This is the second part of a two part photograph. See also mhs06636.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Board of Directors of the Workman's Circle Loan Association sitting at a table, working and chatting. Both St. Paul and Minneapolis had Workmen's Circle chapters.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph showing workers on the production floor of a hat factory. Many immigrants were employed in the textile and clothing manufacturing business.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A portrait photograph of Rabbi Albert Minda. Rabbi Minda succeeded Rabbi Samuel Deinard at Temple Israel after Deinard's death in 1921. Minda was a graduate of Hebrew Union Collage, and served Temple Israel until his retirement in 1963. Minda was an exceptional leader, presiding over the construction of a new synagogue in 1929, the founding of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation in 1949, the Minneapolis Urban League and The Minneapolis Roundtable of Christians and Jews. In Minnesota's Centennial year--1949--he was designated as one of the "Hundred Living Great [sic] of Minnesota."
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Mains family were photographed in Russia before their move to the United States. Alexander Mains, seated at the far left, eventually settled in St Paul, Minnesota, where he married his wife Daisy and ran a successful shoe store.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
This portrait of Hiram Mendow was taken after his graduation from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1915. Mendow had a extraordinary career as a practicing attorney in Minneapolis, where he represented "Kid Cann" Blumenfeld, head of Minneapolis's bootleg syndicate, among others. The family immigrated from Lithuania, and Mendow began work at the age of six, delivering newspapers and shining shoes. Mendow litigated a number of famous cases, and continued practicing law well beyond his 100th birthday.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Judge Mendow sits behind his desk at his law office. The desk had previously belonged to Governor Bob Lafollette of Wisconsin. Judge Mendow continued to practice law until the age of 102.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
The Lipschultz family sitting on a blanket outdoors. Frema Lipschultz is flanked by her two daughters, Rose (left) and Ruth (far right), and her two grandchildren, Harold and Maurice.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Jonathan, Judy, and David Lebedoff stand behind a display of folded paper animals. Judy holds an instruction book on how to make the paper animals. Martin and Mary Lebedoff lived on the North Side of Minneapolis. The triplets were born in April of 1938.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Abraham "Dutch" Kastenbaum was a trained social worker and established the first senior center in Minneapolis. He headed the United Way's Division of Aging, and hosted a poplar cable television show, Senior Citizens Forum, for twenty five years.
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
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
Children of varying ages sit on the steps outside of the Jewish Sheltering Home. An unidentified man and woman sit to either side of the children. The Sheltering Home was a community resource dedicated to providing a stable, Jewish environment for Jewish children unable to live with their families. Residency was for the most part short term, with children staying until a sick parent recovered, or a child could be taken in by a member of an extended family. the children attended public school, and went to Talmud Torah after school. The St. Paul community also provided support for the home.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A photograph of four unidentified girls standing in front of Central Community House, holding hands. Central Community House in St. Paul was established in 1921. It offered recreational and social activities for children, as well as baby clinics and day care for mothers working factory jobs during World War II.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Sophie Wirth Camp provided immigrant Jewish children with summer recreational opportunities and a chance to leave the city behind. The same opportunity was available to their mothers, who were periodically invited to join campers for a day on White Bear Lake. The camp served the St. Paul Jewish community. Minneapolis summer campers went to different camps.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Portrait photograph of some men affiliated with Central Community House. Central Community House and its West Side counterpart, Neighborhood House, were created to assist immigrants newly arrived to the community. Although the settlement house roots were in the Jewish community, the curriculum and activities offered emphasized Americanization and secularization. The group of young Jewish men in the photo may be members of Coming Men of America, a fraternal order with Masonic roots who met at the House.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Photograph of women and men gathered around a large table at the B. W. Harris Manufacturing Company. Harris Manufacturing was founded by Barney Harris in St. Paul in 1916. The company was known for men's outerwear sold under the Zero King label. For decades the home office was in Lowertown in St Paul.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
An interior view of the Browning King clothing store with salesmen standing at a long counter. The store was located on the corner of 6th Street and Robert St. in St. Paul.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
A view showing the interior of Beckelman's Grocery Store, with workers standing behind the counters. Frank Beckelman is at the far left. Beckelman's was in South Minneapolis at 10th Street. and 7th Avenue S.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Exterior view of the Kaplan Brothers Surplus storefront with automobiles parked outside. A popular branch of the Kaplan Brothers Clothing stores was located for many years at the corner of Bloomington Avenue and Franklin Street in South Minneapolis.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives