Lee Kohns' father built a small business in Auburn GA., and Lazarus Straus, after running a general store in Talbotton GA., transferred his modestly successful business to Columbus, Ga. Shortly thereafter the Civil War with its disastrous financial aftermath greatly depleted their small capital. They came to New York and, after paying off their pre-war debts, which, although of doubtful legal sanction were morally binding, started again in separate enterprises.
Lee Kohns was educated at Donai Institute and public school, and in 1884 graduated from the College of the City of New York. His father in the meantime had become partner of L. Straus & Sons, founded by Lazarus Straus. Upon his graduation Lee Kohns entered the employ of his grandfather, father, and uncles Isidor, Nathan and Oscar S. Straus. He remained a member of the firm, being for a long period managing partner, until his retirement in 1923. Through his interest in L. Straus & Sons he became a partner in Abraham & Straus, of Brooklyn, and later when it was incorporated became a director and vice-president. He was for many years, and at the time of his death, a director of the American Exchange-Irving Trust Company and the National Guaranty Insurance Co. He held at varying times the presidency of the New York Board of Trade & Transportation, and the presidency of the Crockery Board of Trade.
Lee Kohns' recognized integrity and business ability was such that he was offered the Fusion nomination for President of the Borough of Manhattan on the Gaynor ticket in 1909, which he declined, and again in 1918 he refused the office of Deputy Commissioner of Public Welfare. He also declined various public offices offered him by Presidents Cleveland and Roosevelt.
After the World War, Lee Kohns, believing that a proper understanding of each other by the peoples of France and the United States was essential for the well-being of both countries, conceived the plan of establishing a chair of American literature and civilization a the Sorbonne (University of Paris). He accordingly endowed this chair which very properly was named for him. Although the plans for the establishment had been perfected less than a year before his death he saw the great enthusiasm among well-informed people of both countries, and that the work was about to start with every prospect of becoming a valuable contribution to international good-will.
Lee Kohns died January 18, 1927, in his sixty-third year. Although he had never held, nor been candidate for, public office, he devoted a large portion of his time, energy and ability to public and semi-public matters. Primarily a business man, and a successful one, he did much more than merely to attend to his own personal business, he was always alive to, and keenly interested in, any movement which would improve civic conditions and tend to give greater opportunities to the mass of the people. As a result, at the time of his death, he was first vice-president and chairman of the executive committee of the Educational Alliance, trustee of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropic Societies, trustee of the Andrew Freedman Home, trustee of the United Hospital Fund, and trustee of the College of the City of New York.
]]>Lee Kohns was born in Columbus, GA., September 1, 1864. His mother, Hermine Straus, was the daughter of Lazarus and Sara Straus. His father was Lazarus Kohns. Both his parents, his father directly and his mother indirectly, were of that group of liberty-loving German Jews who along with many other liberal Germans found that the harsh and autocratic government of '48 made life there unbearable and came to America, the land of opportunity and freedom, to start their life anew.
Lee Kohns' father built a small business in Auburn GA., and Lazarus Straus, after running a general store in Talbotton GA., transferred his modestly successful business to Columbus, Ga. Shortly thereafter the Civil War with its disastrous financial aftermath greatly depleted their small capital. They came to New York and, after paying off their pre-war debts, which, although of doubtful legal sanction were morally binding, started again in separate enterprises.
Lee Kohns was educated at Donai Institute and public school, and in 1884 graduated from the College of the City of New York. His father in the meantime had become partner of L. Straus & Sons, founded by Lazarus Straus. Upon his graduation Lee Kohns entered the employ of his grandfather, father, and uncles Isidor, Nathan and Oscar S. Straus. He remained a member of the firm, being for a long period managing partner, until his retirement in 1923. Through his interest in L. Straus & Sons he became a partner in Abraham & Straus, of Brooklyn, and later when it was incorporated became a director and vice-president. He was for many years, and at the time of his death, a director of the American Exchange-Irving Trust Company and the National Guaranty Insurance Co. He held at varying times the presidency of the New York Board of Trade & Transportation, and the presidency of the Crockery Board of Trade.
Lee Kohns' recognized integrity and business ability was such that he was offered the Fusion nomination for President of the Borough of Manhattan on the Gaynor ticket in 1909, which he declined, and again in 1918 he refused the office of Deputy Commissioner of Public Welfare. He also declined various public offices offered him by Presidents Cleveland and Roosevelt.
After the World War, Lee Kohns, believing that a proper understanding of each other by the peoples of France and the United States was essential for the well-being of both countries, conceived the plan of establishing a chair of American literature and civilization a the Sorbonne (University of Paris). He accordingly endowed this chair which very properly was named for him. Although the plans for the establishment had been perfected less than a year before his death he saw the great enthusiasm among well-informed people of both countries, and that the work was about to start with every prospect of becoming a valuable contribution to international good-will.
Lee Kohns died January 18, 1927, in his sixty-third year. Although he had never held, nor been candidate for, public office, he devoted a large portion of his time, energy and ability to public and semi-public matters. Primarily a business man, and a successful one, he did much more than merely to attend to his own personal business, he was always alive to, and keenly interested in, any movement which would improve civic conditions and tend to give greater opportunities to the mass of the people. As a result, at the time of his death, he was first vice-president and chairman of the executive committee of the Educational Alliance, trustee of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropic Societies, trustee of the Andrew Freedman Home, trustee of the United Hospital Fund, and trustee of the College of the City of New York.
Links:
“Hermine Straus Kohns 1846-1923” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 7 No. 1 (New York: February 1999); pp. 4-7.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/_________nwsltr299.pdf
“Unsent Telegram from Lee Kohns after ‘Titanic’” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 3 No. 1 (New York: August 2001); p. 10.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/_________nwsltr801.pdf
While Isidor Straus never held public office again, he remained active in civic affairs. He served on a general committee of the New York Chamber of Commerce to enter the crusade against free silver coinage. He continued to be an advisor to President Cleveland. He chaired the Citizens Committee on Conventions of the New York Board of Trade and Transportation that inaugurated a drive to bring the Democratic Convention to New York. Isidor's name was suggested in 1901 and in 1909 as a possible candidate for Mayor of New York. And in March of 1911, he was considered for nomination for the New York State Senate. His overriding desire, however, was to attend to his family and his business, both jobs he handled with perfection.
]]>Isidor (1845-1912), Nathan (1948-1931) and Oscar Straus (1850-1926) were close friends of Grover Cleveland, Governor of New York (1883-1885) and two-time President of the United States (1885-1889, 1893-1897). From 1894 to 1895, Isidor Straus served as a member of the House of Representatives under Cleveland, focusing on tariff reform, the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchasing Act and regulation of the railroads through the Interstate Commerce Commission. Although he never aspired to public office, Isidor felt it was his civic duty to serve when called.
While Isidor Straus never held public office again, he remained active in civic affairs. He served on a general committee of the New York Chamber of Commerce to enter the crusade against free silver coinage. He continued to be an advisor to President Cleveland. He chaired the Citizens Committee on Conventions of the New York Board of Trade and Transportation that inaugurated a drive to bring the Democratic Convention to New York. Isidor's name was suggested in 1901 and in 1909 as a possible candidate for Mayor of New York. And in March of 1911, he was considered for nomination for the New York State Senate. His overriding desire, however, was to attend to his family and his business, both jobs he handled with perfection.
Links:
Adler, Joan. “Many Waters Cannot Quench Love – Neither Can the Floods Drown it” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 3 No. 2 (New York: August 1995); pp. 3-8.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/______nwsltr895.pdf
“Hon. Isidor Straus, House of Representatives: 1894-1895” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 1 (New York: August 2002); pp. 1-8.
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Isidor devoted full attention to his mercantile career. When away from the store, he considered it recreation to read about currency, banking and tariff matters from his extensive home library. And so, Isidor was fully prepared for the matters under consideration in the House; tariff reform, the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchasing Act and regulation of the railroads through the Interstate Commerce Commission when he was prevailed upon to run for the unexpired seat of Democrat Ashbel P. Fitch, representative of the Fifteenth Congressional District.
]]>Many people are not aware that Isidor Straus (1845-1912) served in the House of Representatives during the second Cleveland administration. Although he never aspired to public office, Isidor felt it was his civic duty to serve when called.
Isidor devoted full attention to his mercantile career. When away from the store, he considered it recreation to read about currency, banking and tariff matters from his extensive home library. And so, Isidor was fully prepared for the matters under consideration in the House; tariff reform, the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchasing Act and regulation of the railroads through the Interstate Commerce Commission when he was prevailed upon to run for the unexpired seat of Democrat Ashbel P. Fitch, representative of the Fifteenth Congressional District.
Links:
Adler, Joan. “Many Waters Cannot Quench Love – Neither Can the Floods Drown it” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 3 No. 2 (New York: August 1995); pp. 3-8.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/______nwsltr895.pdf
“Hon. Isidor Straus, House of Representatives: 1894-1895” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 1 (New York: August 2002); pp. 1-8.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr802.pdf
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.
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.”
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 New York Times 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.
]]>The New York Times 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 Christian Science Monitor 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.”
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.
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.”
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 New York Times 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.
Links:
“Jesse Isidor Straus 1872-1936” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1 (New York: August 2004); pp. 3-7.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr804.pdf
“Jesse Isidor Straus 1872-1936: Part Two” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 2 (New York: February 2005); pp. 1-7.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr205.pdf
“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.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr213.pdf
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.
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 Times 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.”
]]>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 Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Triumph 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 New York Times 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.”
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.
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 Times 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.”
Links:
“Jesse Isidor Straus 1872-1936” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1 (New York: August 2004); pp. 3-7.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr804.pdf
“Jesse Isidor Straus 1872-1936: Part Two” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 2 (New York: February 2005); pp. 1-7.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr205.pdf
“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.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr213.pdfIn 1892, Lina’s husband Nathan Straus became interested in learning how to produce clean milk. He started exploring how to produce what he called pasteurized milk. Nathan hired doctors and scientists to learn the process and then built the first Nathan Straus Pasteurized Milk Laboratory on East 32nd Street in New York City. Once the formula and process was perfected, he created milk depots around New York City to distribute this low cost healthy product. And then, for the rest of his life, Nathan Straus, supported and accompanied by his wife Lina, traveled the world, offering to build a milk pasteurizing laboratory for any municipality that would send professionals to learn the process. In 1917 Lina wrote Disease in Milk: The Remedy Pasteurization: The Life Work of Nathan Straus, a loving tribute to her husband. This book describes in minute detail the process of pasteurization and the distribution of pasteurized milk. Testimonials from prominent medical and scientific personnel, as well as government officials and philanthropists, are included.
Nathan and Lina Straus first traveled to Palestine in 1904 where they were disturbed by the poverty of the people and the unhealthy conditions in which they lived. The Strauses became Zionists, believing in a Jewish national homeland. Much of their philanthropy from this point onward was directed toward Palestine. Lina donated all of her jewelry to Hadassah to be used to erect a health center in Jerusalem. In 1929 Nathan and Lina donated $50,000 for the endowment of a fund to aid in the repair and maintenance of the Health Center in Jerusalem. Lina and Nathan supported soup kitchens for more than twenty years. They supported stations where people could learn a skill and prepare for employment and they generously donated to charitable organizations that provided services to the people.
Nathan Straus' concern for the condition of his fellow man and his remarkable efforts to ameliorate suffering are clear. What is unusual is that his wife Lina was at his side and an active participant in all his endeavors. This was a time when women rarely worked outside the home, especially married women with children. And it was a time when wives were generally not involved in their husband's activities. For Lina to be at Nathan's side, and to support his efforts on so many fronts, speaks volumes for this diminutive Victorian era woman. Among her papers Lina left a Living Will: "Whatever happiness life has brought me, has been through Papas and your own limitless devotion - our in-laws the same as those of our own blood. - I feel grateful for all this and bless you for it to my last breath. - I don't speak of our grandchildren - You know the joy they have brought into our lives. - I only add my prayers for your precious health. - I know you will under all circumstances keep up the family tradition in our branch - of unity and mutual devotion - and not permit anything to interfere with it. - I have nothing further to wish for when my time of parting comes. God bless you and guard you all the days of your lives! Mamma.”
]]>Lina Gutherz Straus (1854-1930) was the wife of Nathan Straus and his true partner, who championed his life's work, supported him through his bouts of depression and showed a strength that was not generally evident in women of the time.
In 1892, Lina’s husband Nathan Straus became interested in learning how to produce clean milk. He started exploring how to produce what he called pasteurized milk. Nathan hired doctors and scientists to learn the process and then built the first Nathan Straus Pasteurized Milk Laboratory on East 32nd Street in New York City. Once the formula and process was perfected, he created milk depots around New York City to distribute this low cost healthy product. And then, for the rest of his life, Nathan Straus, supported and accompanied by his wife Lina, traveled the world, offering to build a milk pasteurizing laboratory for any municipality that would send professionals to learn the process. In 1917 Lina wrote Disease in Milk: The Remedy Pasteurization: The Life Work of Nathan Straus, a loving tribute to her husband. This book describes in minute detail the process of pasteurization and the distribution of pasteurized milk. Testimonials from prominent medical and scientific personnel, as well as government officials and philanthropists, are included.
Nathan and Lina Straus first traveled to Palestine in 1904 where they were disturbed by the poverty of the people and the unhealthy conditions in which they lived. The Strauses became Zionists, believing in a Jewish national homeland. Much of their philanthropy from this point onward was directed toward Palestine. Lina donated all of her jewelry to Hadassah to be used to erect a health center in Jerusalem. In 1929 Nathan and Lina donated $50,000 for the endowment of a fund to aid in the repair and maintenance of the Health Center in Jerusalem. Lina and Nathan supported soup kitchens for more than twenty years. They supported stations where people could learn a skill and prepare for employment and they generously donated to charitable organizations that provided services to the people.
Nathan Straus' concern for the condition of his fellow man and his remarkable efforts to ameliorate suffering are clear. What is unusual is that his wife Lina was at his side and an active participant in all his endeavors. This was a time when women rarely worked outside the home, especially married women with children. And it was a time when wives were generally not involved in their husband's activities. For Lina to be at Nathan's side, and to support his efforts on so many fronts, speaks volumes for this diminutive Victorian era woman. Among her papers Lina left a Living Will: "Whatever happiness life has brought me, has been through Papas and your own limitless devotion - our in-laws the same as those of our own blood. - I feel grateful for all this and bless you for it to my last breath. - I don't speak of our grandchildren - You know the joy they have brought into our lives. - I only add my prayers for your precious health. - I know you will under all circumstances keep up the family tradition in our branch - of unity and mutual devotion - and not permit anything to interfere with it. - I have nothing further to wish for when my time of parting comes. God bless you and guard you all the days of your lives! Mamma.”
Links:
“Nathan Straus 1848-1931” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1 (New York: February 1998); pp. 4-8.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr298.pdf
“Nathan Straus 1848-1931” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 2 (New York: August 1998); pp. 4-7.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr898.pdf
“Lina Gutherz Straus” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 16 No. 2 (New York: February 2015); pp. 1-5.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/newsletter_february_2015.pdfBrother Nathan Straus (1848-1931) was best known as a philanthropist. It is not generally known that Nathan was also a public servant. He was the Commissioner of Parks in New York City, President of the Department of Health, a member of the Forestry Board of New York State and Forest Commissioner. He was an independent Democrat who ran for the office of Mayor of New York City and was proposed as the nominee of the Democratic Party for the Senate of New York State.
On Nathan's 75th birthday in 1923, congratulatory messages were sent from around the world. Theodore Roosevelt wrote, "There are no two men for whom I have a greater respect than Nathan Straus and his brother Oscar. Both of them have given the best that lay in them to the public service. Both of them have been ready at all times to contribute not only money, but more important still, their untiring devotion and work to the service of their fellow citizens." President Harding sent his greetings, "Mr. Straus's public service and private and public philanthropies have deserved [sic] much of his fellow-citizens and I hope that he may live many more years of similar usefulness."
]]>When we think of public service and the Straus family, we usually think of Oscar S. Straus (1850-1926). A few of his positions include Minister to Constantinople, Ambassador to Turkey and Secretary of Commerce and Labor. But Oscar and Isidor were not the only Straus siblings to serve.
Brother Nathan Straus (1848-1931) was best known as a philanthropist. It is not generally known that Nathan was also a public servant. He was the Commissioner of Parks in New York City, President of the Department of Health, a member of the Forestry Board of New York State and Forest Commissioner. He was an independent Democrat who ran for the office of Mayor of New York City and was proposed as the nominee of the Democratic Party for the Senate of New York State.
On Nathan's 75th birthday in 1923, congratulatory messages were sent from around the world. Theodore Roosevelt wrote, "There are no two men for whom I have a greater respect than Nathan Straus and his brother Oscar. Both of them have given the best that lay in them to the public service. Both of them have been ready at all times to contribute not only money, but more important still, their untiring devotion and work to the service of their fellow citizens." President Harding sent his greetings, "Mr. Straus's public service and private and public philanthropies have deserved [sic] much of his fellow-citizens and I hope that he may live many more years of similar usefulness."
Links:
“Nathan Straus 1848-1931” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1 (New York: February 1998); pp. 4-8.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr298.pdf
“Nathan Straus 1848-1931” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 2 (New York: August 1998); pp. 4-7.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr898.pdf
“Nathan Straus Pasteurized Milk Laboratory” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 2 (New York: February 2002); pp. 4-9.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr202.pdf
“Nathan Straus, Public Servant” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 2 (New York: February 2003); pp. 4-8.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr203.pdf
“The Nathan Straus Soup Kitchens in Palestine” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 16 No. 1 (New York: August 2014); pp. 1-5.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/nwslttr814.pdf
Nathan traveled to Albany to present his opposition to the Brush Bill on February 15, 1898. "The principal provisions of the bill to which exception is taken are those depriving the board of the services of the President of the Board of Police Commissioners, prohibiting the production of vaccine virus, diphtheria antitoxin, and other antitoxins, and the work in the prevention of infectious diseases, and excluding from the list of "infectious, contagious, and pestilential diseases" a number of diseases which now are classed by the Health Department or by the Health Departments of other cities as dangerous to the public health."
]]>In 1897, Nathan Straus (1848-1931) became the President and Commissioner of the New York City Board of Health for a two year term. Nathan took his responsibilities seriously. One of his first duties as President of the Health Board was to announce that hotels and bath houses would be required to provide bathers with life lines. The board also contemplated appointing a life savings corps of officers in uniforms. On February 2, 1898 The Times reported, "The Woman's Health Protective Association is still interested in the subject of expectoration tracts, and Nathan Straus, President of the Health Board, is to co-operate with the society in the war it is to wage this winter against the great New York expectorator."
Nathan traveled to Albany to present his opposition to the Brush Bill on February 15, 1898. "The principal provisions of the bill to which exception is taken are those depriving the board of the services of the President of the Board of Police Commissioners, prohibiting the production of vaccine virus, diphtheria antitoxin, and other antitoxins, and the work in the prevention of infectious diseases, and excluding from the list of "infectious, contagious, and pestilential diseases" a number of diseases which now are classed by the Health Department or by the Health Departments of other cities as dangerous to the public health."
Links:
“Nathan Straus 1848-1931” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1 (New York: February 1998); pp. 4-8.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr298.pdf
“Nathan Straus 1848-1931” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 2 (New York: August 1998); pp. 4-7.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr898.pdf
“Nathan Straus Pasteurized Milk Laboratory” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 2 (New York: February 2002); pp. 4-9.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr202.pdf
“Nathan Straus, Public Servant” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 2 (New York: February 2003); pp. 4-8.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr203.pdf
“The Nathan Straus Soup Kitchens in Palestine” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 16 No. 1 (New York: August 2014); pp. 1-5.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/nwslttr814.pdf
Nathan and Lina became staunch Zionists. He built soup kitchens for the aged and the blind and the physically disabled in 1917. He supported workrooms so that unskilled laborers could train for employment. He built health stations which ministered to the victims of malaria and trachoma. He believed strongly in palliative care. He provided $250,000 ($5 million today) for the establishment of the Jerusalem Health Center (pictured) and made possible the founding of a Pasteur Institute. He lent moral and material support to the farmers and colonists of Israel and labored in the interests of the Hebrew University. They began calling him "The Great Giver."
So great was the depth of Lina's commitment, she donated her jewelry to Hadassah in Palestine in 1918. It was valued at more than $18,000 ($306,000 today).
]]>Upon touring the Mediterranean in 1904, Nathan (1848-1931) and Lina Straus (1854-1930) stopped over in Palestine, expecting it to be but one stop of many. He wrote, "On reaching Jerusalem, we changed our plans. All that we saw in the Holy Land made such a deep impression on us that we gave up the idea of going to other places. Visiting the holy sights of which one hears and reads since childhood, watching the scenes in life as pictured in the Bible, was most soul-stirring. From that time on we felt a strange and intense desire to return to the land."
Nathan and Lina became staunch Zionists. He built soup kitchens for the aged and the blind and the physically disabled in 1917. He supported workrooms so that unskilled laborers could train for employment. He built health stations which ministered to the victims of malaria and trachoma. He believed strongly in palliative care. He provided $250,000 ($5 million today) for the establishment of the Jerusalem Health Center (pictured) and made possible the founding of a Pasteur Institute. He lent moral and material support to the farmers and colonists of Israel and labored in the interests of the Hebrew University. They began calling him "The Great Giver."
So great was the depth of Lina's commitment, she donated her jewelry to Hadassah in Palestine in 1918. It was valued at more than $18,000 ($306,000 today).
Links:
“Nathan Straus 1848-1931” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 1 (New York: February 1998); pp. 4-8.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr298.pdf
“Nathan Straus 1848-1931” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 2 (New York: August 1998); pp. 4-7.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr898.pdf
“Nathan Straus Pasteurized Milk Laboratory” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 2 (New York: February 2002); pp. 4-9.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____nwsltr202.pdf
“Nathan Straus, Public Servant” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 2 (New York: February 2003); pp. 4-8.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/________nwsltr203.pdf
“The Nathan Straus Soup Kitchens in Palestine” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 16 No. 1 (New York: August 2014); pp. 1-5.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/nwslttr814.pdf
“Honor for Nathan Straus – Six Hundred Guests Give Him a Loving Cup at Hotel Kaaterskill.
Six hundred admirers of the philanthropic work of Nathan Straus of New York presented him with a silver loving cup at a surprise farewell dinner held in his honor at the Kaaterskill Hotel tonight. Mr. Straus starts Monday for Europe on a philanthropic mission.
The entertainment began when Mr. and Mrs. Straus entered the big dining room, which was decorated with American flags and greens. Immediately after them came fifty small children carrying dolls and signing…
A large silver loving cup on which was inscribed: ‘To Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Straus as a token of esteem and love by the guests of the Kaaterskill Hotel, Aug. 5, 1911,’ was then presented. The presentation was made by Moe H. Grossman, who paid a warm tribute to Mr. Straus’s work.
In responding, Mr. Straus said: ‘When I came here I should have called you ladies and gentlemen. Now I call you friends. Anything I may say won’t show how deeply I feel your kindness. I cannot help turning to the Rev. Madison C. Peters, who has done so much for our cause. If there were forty more like him then there would be justice to the Jew. But remember, if you are suffering injustice, there is a power above that will stand for our cause.’
The Rev. Madison C. Peters, who was the next person to speak, said in part: ‘The first man to give me encouragement when I first preached my sermon ‘Justice to the Jew,’ was Nathan Straus. There are many millionaires in the world today, but any one of them would give a million of it to see as Mr. Straus may see tonight, the happy faces of children all about him. He does good while he is alive and he has the pleasure of seeing the results of his good. He has saved millions of helpless and innocent babies.’”
]]>From the New York Times, August 6th, 1911
“Honor for Nathan Straus – Six Hundred Guests Give Him a Loving Cup at Hotel Kaaterskill.
Six hundred admirers of the philanthropic work of Nathan Straus of New York presented him with a silver loving cup at a surprise farewell dinner held in his honor at the Kaaterskill Hotel tonight. Mr. Straus starts Monday for Europe on a philanthropic mission.
The entertainment began when Mr. and Mrs. Straus entered the big dining room, which was decorated with American flags and greens. Immediately after them came fifty small children carrying dolls and signing…
A large silver loving cup on which was inscribed: ‘To Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Straus as a token of esteem and love by the guests of the Kaaterskill Hotel, Aug. 5, 1911,’ was then presented. The presentation was made by Moe H. Grossman, who paid a warm tribute to Mr. Straus’s work.
In responding, Mr. Straus said: ‘When I came here I should have called you ladies and gentlemen. Now I call you friends. Anything I may say won’t show how deeply I feel your kindness. I cannot help turning to the Rev. Madison C. Peters, who has done so much for our cause. If there were forty more like him then there would be justice to the Jew. But remember, if you are suffering injustice, there is a power above that will stand for our cause.’
The Rev. Madison C. Peters, who was the next person to speak, said in part: ‘The first man to give me encouragement when I first preached my sermon ‘Justice to the Jew,’ was Nathan Straus. There are many millionaires in the world today, but any one of them would give a million of it to see as Mr. Straus may see tonight, the happy faces of children all about him. He does good while he is alive and he has the pleasure of seeing the results of his good. He has saved millions of helpless and innocent babies.’”
Links:
“Surprise to Nathan Straus” Straus Historical Society Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 1 (New York: August 2000); p. 15.
http://www.straushistoricalsociety.org/uploads/1/1/8/1/11810298/____________nwsltr800.pdf