Jesse Isidor Straus: Temporary Emergency Relief Administration (TERA)
<h4><a href="https://vmps.omeka.net/exhibits/show/straus-family/straus-family">Return to The Straus Family: A History of Public Service and Philanthropy</a></h4>
<p>The official announcement that Jesse Isidor Straus (1872-1936) would head the New York State Temporary Emergency Relief Administration (T.E.R.A.) was made September 30th, 1931. He would administer the $20,000,000 fund for the relief of the needy unemployed in the state during the coming winter. Frank Friedel, in <em>Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Triumph </em>wrote, “Straus had practically a free hand in organizing the T.E.R.A.” He named Harry L. Hopkins, who was executive director of the New York Tuberculosis and Health Association, executive director of T.E.R.A. Hopkins had already demonstrated his abilities in the field of social welfare. One of T.E.R.A.’s first tasks was to name a woman “of demonstrated ability” to establish a woman’s division. Roosevelt said that they “had been equipped with broad powers to establish whatever organization may be required to meet the emergency. To the extent this is possible the commissioners would enlist volunteer workers, and use unemployed persons entitled to relief in salaried positions to aid the large number of white collar workers who have lost their jobs.” An editorial in the <em>New York Times </em>on October 1st, 1931 states, “Nothing but a deep sense of civic obligation, we may be sure, could have induced Mr. Straus to make the personal sacrifice requisite if he was to respond to the Governor’s urgent invitation. President of a great business house, and responsible for the conduct of its affairs, with many other duties pressing upon his attention, he is ready to drop all these things and place his talents and energy at the disposal of the State. It is the very highest kind of public service. No office could bring such opportunities or entail such responsibilities. The work will be exacting and prolonged, but its successful achievement is made certain by the willingness of men like Mr. Straus to give the patriotic pleas first place. So long as this country can count upon such volunteers for emergency duty, we need not despair of the Republic.”</p>
<p>On February 22nd, 1932 Governor Roosevelt called a conference with T.E.R.A. chair Jesse I. Straus and NYC Emergency Work Commissioners to discuss the continuance of state aid for the jobless. On March 10th, 1932 both houses of the State Legislature passed a bill extending the life of T.E.R.A. beyond the next election.</p>
<p>On March 20th, 1932 Jesse said, “I regret exceedingly that I am compelled to retire from the Temporary Emergency Relief Administration. When Governor Roosevelt honored me with the appointment I do not think that either he or I anticipated the necessity for full-time services. ... it has been a privilege to share in the first State efforts to supplement local relief with State aid. I must now return to my own business.” Governor Roosevelt “regrets Mr. Straus’s resignation because of the belief that it will be difficult to find a successor who will carry on the work as efficiently and as energetically as Mr. Straus.” A March 23rd <em>Time</em>s editorial stated, “Under his capable executive direction plans have been formulated and competent personnel employed so that this great and necessary charity will march even after the one who has done so much for it withdraws from his active connection with it. ... There is general agreement that no one could have taken hold of the business from the start with more energy and skill than Mr. Straus, or more surely made it a going concern. ...He has been one illustration more of the resources in private life which America can draw upon in times of emergency.” Jesse later said, “My experience convinced me that most of our unemployed people want work, and not charity.”</p>
<a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr213.pdf"><strong></strong></a>
The Straus Historical Society
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/4369613_orig.jpg
The Straus Historical Society
1920
The Straus Historical Society
Jesse Isidor Straus: Temporary Emergency Relief Administration (TERA)<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org">The Straus Historical Society</a>
<p>Links:</p>
<p>“Jesse Isidor Straus 1872-1936” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1 (New York: August 2004); pp. 3-7.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr804.pdf"><strong>http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr804.pdf</strong></a></p>
<p>“Jesse Isidor Straus 1872-1936: Part Two” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 2 (New York: February 2005); pp. 1-7.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr205.pdf"><strong>http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr205.pdf</strong></a></p>
<p>“Jesse I. Straus ‘Businessman for Roosevelt’ and Ambassador in Paris” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 14 No. 2 (New York: February 2013); pp. 8-9.</p>
<a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr213.pdf"><strong>http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr213.pdf</strong></a>
Medium: Photograph
English
Figures
Jesse Isidor Straus, Straus Family, TERA, NY, Unemployed, FDR
Historic
Jesse Isidor Straus: Ambassador to France
<h4><a href="https://vmps.omeka.net/exhibits/show/straus-family/straus-family">Return to The Straus Family: A History of Public Service and Philanthropy</a></h4>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">The <em><span style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;">New York Times </span></em>reported on February 26th that Jesse Isidor Straus (1872-1936) would be a popular choice if appointed Ambassador to France. On March 9th 1933 Jesse was formally nominated. The French Foreign Office approved his selection citing his frequent visits to France and his ability to speak the language. A March 15th article in the <em><span style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christian Science Monitor </span></em>reported, “In the naming of Mr. Jesse Isidor Straus as Ambassador to France, another glamorous chapter is added to the legend of America’s merchant princes. Of the second American generation of his house, Mr. Straus is following the tradition of the public and arty distinction attained by his father, Isidor, and his uncles, Nathan and Oscar.”</span></p>
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<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">Jesse’s appointment was confirmed in the Senate without debate on March 19th and his swearing in ceremony at the State Department was held ten days later. He expected to remain in Washington for about a week where he would become acquainted with his new duties and then return to New York to wrap up his responsibilities at home. On April 6th he resigned as president and member of the board of directors of R. H. Macy & Co., Inc. Jesse and Irma sailed for Europe on the US liner “Manhattan” on May 24th, landing at Le Havre, the same port from which his grandfather Lazarus left Europe 85 years earlier. A welcoming delegation from the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the municipality of Le Havre boarded the ship to greet them when they arrived.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">Jesse entertained the diplomatic representatives of all the American republics at a luncheon in the American Embassy in Paris on the 1936 anniversary of Washington’s birth. He said, “All of us can rejoice together at our increasing friendship, mutual confidence and interest in each other’s peace, prosperity and economic progress. In the midst of the many uncertainties that prevail in other parts of the world, we can point with just pride to the fact that at no time in the history of the American republics had the spirit of cooperation, confidence and mutual helpfulness reached a higher level than at present.”</span></p>
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<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">On August 18th, 1936 poor health forced Jesse to tender his resignation. On August 26th, 1936 President Roosevelt issued a statement saying that he had accepted Jesse’s resignation with “deep regret.” French officials expressed much regret at Jesse’s resignation. The <em><span style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;">New York Times </span></em>reported on August 27th, “During the three years that he has represented the United States in France, French leaders say he has shown such qualities of heart and such keen comprehension of how best to find the middle way between French and American differences of view and interest that he has won a very genuine affection and respect.” Jesse Isidor Straus died in New York October 4th, 1936 with his family at his side.</span></p>
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http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/247800_orig.jpg
The Straus Historical Society
1935
The Straus Historical Society
Jesse Isidor Straus: Ambassador to France <br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org">The Straus Historical Society</a>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">Links:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">“Jesse Isidor Straus 1872-1936” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1 (New York: August 2004); pp. 3-7.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr804.pdf"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#c51b35;">http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr804.pdf</span></b></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;"></span></p>
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<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">“Jesse Isidor Straus 1872-1936: Part Two” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 2 (New York: February 2005); pp. 1-7.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr205.pdf"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#c51b35;">http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr205.pdf</span></b></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;"></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">“Jesse I. Straus ‘Businessman for Roosevelt’ and Ambassador in Paris” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 14 No. 2 (New York: February 2013); pp. 8-9.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr213.pdf"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#c51b35;">http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr213.pdf</span></b></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;"></span></p>
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Medium: Photograph
English
Figures
Jesse Isidor Straus, Straus Family, Ambassador, France, FDR
Historic
Jesse Isidor Straus
<h4><a href="https://vmps.omeka.net/exhibits/show/straus-family/straus-family">Return to The Straus Family: A History of Public Service and Philanthropy</a></h4>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">Jesse Isidor Straus (1872-1936) was born in June 25th, 1872 at 28 West 38th Street in New York City. He attended Harvard and graduated in 1893 with an A.B. degree. Jesse married Irma Nathan (1874-1970) on November 20th, 1895. After graduation, Jesse began work as a clerk at Hanover National Bank and then went on to work for Abraham and Straus in Brooklyn. In 1896, he joined R.H. Macy & Co. Jesse and his brothers Percy and Herbert assumed sole senior partnership at Macy’s in 1912. They were called a “triumvirate” and “Merchant Princes” by the press. He was a Macy’s partner until 1919 at which time he was elected the President.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">Jesse was active in the Democratic Club. He also was a member of the Founders’ Committee of the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. Jesse was elected president of the National Retail Dry Goods Association for 1922. He was elected to the Board of Trustees of the United Hospital Fund on February 1, 1924 and to the active committee to raise funds for the Hampton-Tuskegee Institute in March 1925. The same month he gifted the Atlanta Art Museum 5,000 annotated photographs of paintings, mostly by old masters of the Italian Renaissance School.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">Jesse was part of a delegation of the New York State Chamber of Commerce that went to Cuba as guests of Cuba’s President Machado in January 1928. He was a member of the New York State Commission for the Revision of Tax Laws. The commission became operative April 23, 1930. Jesse was also the chairman of the notification committee of the Independent Citizens’ Committee for the re-election of Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lieut. Governor Herbert Lehman of New York in October 1930. Jesse was elected to the Board of Overseers of Harvard University in 1925 and chairman of the Visiting Committee in 1930. He was a director of the New York County National Bank, the Lincoln Trust Company and the New York Life Insurance Company. He was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences, the Educational Association of New York, the National Economic League and the Business Historical Society to name just a few of his affiliations.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">He took his appointments seriously, learning everything he could about each organization and its purpose and then acted accordingly. He personally gave the award to graduates of the Brooklyn Junior High School No. 109. He supported the Isidor and Ida Straus Scholarship at the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in Hampton, VA. He gave generously to the American Red Cross, the National Committee on Prisons and Prison-Labor, the Lenox Hill Neighborhood Association, Mt. Kisco Police Department, the Boy Scout Fund and countless other causes. With all of his business, civic and philanthropic activities, Jesse Isidor Straus was a devoted family man. He tried to be home each evening for dinner. Although he couldn't prevent his mind from wandering to the problems of the day, he was always available to his wife and children. He was a serious man who still found it possible to bring humor and music into his world. Jesse Isidor Straus was a merchant, public servant and philanthropist. And in each he excelled.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">In 1931, Jesse was appointed as head of New York State Temporary Emergency Relief Administration (T.E.R.A.). He left that position in 1932 after realizing it had become a full time position. Although he resigned as chair of T.E.R.A., Jesse continued his civic work. He was a member of the executive committee of the Chamber of Commerce. Jesse also served on the Salvation Army United Appeal general committee. In 1933, he was nominated and appointed the United States Ambassador to France, a position he held until 1936. He died on October 4th, 1936 surrounded by family.</span></p>
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The Straus Historical Society
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/5392781_orig.jpg
The Straus Historical Society
Circa 1930s
The Straus Historical Society
Jesse Isidor Straus (1872-1936) <br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org">The Straus Historical Society</a>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">Links:</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">“Jesse Isidor Straus 1872-1936” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1 (New York: August 2004); pp. 3-7.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr804.pdf"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#c51b35;">http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr804.pdf</span></b></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;"></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">“Jesse Isidor Straus 1872-1936: Part Two” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 2 (New York: February 2005); pp. 1-7.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr205.pdf"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#c51b35;">http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr205.pdf</span></b></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;"></span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;">“Jesse I. Straus ‘Businessman for Roosevelt’ and Ambassador in Paris” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 14 No. 2 (New York: February 2013); pp. 8-9.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr213.pdf"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#c51b35;">http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr213.pdf</span></b></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#000000;"></span></p>
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Medium: Photograph
English
Figures
Jesse Isidor Straus, Macy's, Woodrow Wilson, Retail, United Hospital Fund, Tuskegee, Atlanta, Cuba, NYC
Historic