Dedication Day Program Booklet for the Cincinnati Orthodox Jewish Home for the Aged

1963

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IN THE BEGINNING
 
Early in 1906, at a meeting of the Ladies Benevolent Society, which met at the Beth Hamedrash Hagodol Synagogue on Kenyon Avenue, a proposal was made by a group of women consisting of Mrs. Frume Sher, Mrs. H. Wallenstein, Mrs. Ida Neuerman, Mrs. Hanna Fage Levy, Mrs. Pearl Gittle Touff, and Mrs. Rebecca Greenwald for establishing an Orthodox Jewish Home for the Aged in Cincinnati.
 
These women prevailed upon Mrs. Hannah Hirschman to become active in organizing a society with such an objective. Interest was arouse at the Beth Hamedrash Hagodol at this meeting to such an extent that the first contribution was made by Mrs. Rose Billilov of $50. Immediately solicitations for membership were made, the dues being 25 cents a month. A general meeting was then called and officers elected. Mrs. Philip Mincowsky, mother of the financial secretary of the Home for many years, Mrs. Aaron Hirschman, was elected as president. Mrs. Hannah Hirschman was chosen as secretary and treasurer, and Mrs. Nellie Sivitz as recording secretary.
 
MEMBERSHIP GROWS TO 3,000
 
From the humble beginning and the arduous work and persistence, the membership grew to 3,000. Membership dues was supplemented by other activities such as raffles, picnics and dances. By the middle of 1913 there was an accumulation of funds sufficient for a down payment on a building.
 
When the women finally decided on a suitable building, they called upon a committee of men, consisting of Mr. B. Manischewitz, Mr. Philip Mincowsky, and Mr. Moses Hirschman to approve their choice. The Home at 1405 Myrtle Avenue was then purchased and steps were taken for city wide solicitation to help defray expenses for remodeling, furnishings and equipping the Home, with approval of Mayor Henrey T. Hunt, and Rabbi J. G. Lesser.
 
FIRST BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
At a mass meeting on May 10, 1914, the following were elected to constitute the first Board of Directors:
Mrs. Charles Albert
M. Bing
M. Englander
Mrs. S. Fisher
Mrs. H.E. Grad
Mrs. M Hirschman
M. Hirschman
Jos. Magrill
Mrs. Jos Magrill
Mrs. S. L. Metz
Dr. R. W. Miller
Mrs. P. Mincowsky
H. Neuer
P. Polasky
M. Reiser
Mrs. M. Rosenbaum
Mrs. M. S. Sanders
Charcles Schaengold
Ad. Schreibman
Mrs. M. Weiss
 
At the first Board Meeting on May 13, 1914, the following officers were chosen:
President – Charles Schaengold
Vice President – Mrs. Charles Albert
Second Vice President – Mrs. Phil Mincowsky
Treasurer – H. Neuer
Financial Secretary – Mrs. M. Hirschman
Recording Secretary – M. Englander
Executive Committee – Jos. Magrill, Dr. R. Miller and P. Polasky