Affiericam Palish Periodical Carter Frida y, September 6, 1946 CLIFTON AVENUE - CINCINNATI 20, OHIO Page Thirteen DETROIT JEWISH CHRONICLE and The Legal Chronicle Art, Drama U. S. Visa Brings Joy to Survivors and Song HISTORY OF JEWS IN MICHIGAN By IRVING L KATZ ARTICLE 28 Biographical Sketches of Detroit Jews Abraham J. Franklin ABRAHAM J. FRANKLIN was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1833 and came to Detroit in the 1850's. He was connected with the Heavenrich Brothers (Simon and Samuel) Clothing firm as a traveling salesman. He was a member of Temple Beth El and the Phoenix Club. Mr. Franklin was one of the leaders of the liberal group in Temple Beth El who advocated reforms at religious services in order to en- hance the beauty and decorum of Jewish worship. It was he who introduced, in 1861, a resolution to establish a choir of men and wo- men to sing at services which was carried by the congregation. Mr. Franklin possessed a fine tenor voice and had a good knowl- edge of liturgical music. He of- fered his services gratuitously as cantor and choir leader, a posi- tion which he filled honorably for 25 years. For many years he was also the Baal Tolteah (Shofar blower) at the Holy Day Services. • • • MR. FRANKLIN was also re- sponsible for the introduction of another change at Temple Beth El—family pews. When the mixed choir was introduced it was found that part of the space occupied by the women in the gallery was necessary for the choir. Mr. Abraham J. Franklin Franklin and Sigmund Rothschild took it upon themselves to remove the seats reserved for women in the gallery and when the ladies ar- rived the next Saturday at the synagogue and found their seats gone, they were compelled, nolens volens, to sit on the same floor where the men worshipped. This was the beginning of family pews at Beth El, and it was not long thereafter that the family pew system was officially sanc- tioned and introduced. Mr. Franklin was married to Hanna Hart and they were the par- ents of Nancy (Mrs. Louis Strauss), Carrie (Mrs. Nathan Bimberg), and Joseph A. Their grandchildren are Julia and Stella Strauss, Mrs. Lyman Walters (Selena Strauss), Walter and Sidney Strauss, Mrs. Myron Mailbrunn (Carrie Strauss) and Franklin Blmberg. Mr. Franklin died In 1900. Simon A. Ascher SIMON A. ASCHER was born in Prussia in 1840 and came to New York In 1866. The following year he arrived In Detroit and for a while engaged in the manufacture of overcoats. Later he be- came associated with the clothing firm of Heineman, Butzel and Company, where he was employed for 25 years. After that he worked for the City of Detroit. Mr. Ascher was secretary of the Montefiore Lodge of the Order of Free Sons of Israel for 25 years, president of Pisgah Lodge Bnal Brith in 1890 and a member of Temple Beth El. He was known for his charitable work and was active in the Poor Commission. • • • MR. ASCHER was married in Germany to Bertha Lewyn and they were the parents of Minnie (Mrs. Alex Hirschfeld), Louis, Ernest, Anna (Mrs. Joseph Marks), Abe, Pauline (Mrs. Leo Michel- son), Jennie (Mrs. Herman Meyer. sohn), Morse, Sol and Ezekiel. Of the 10 children, only one, Mrs. Herman Meyersohn of Detroit, survives. Simon A. Ascher The grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Simon A. Ascher are Magnus and Bruno Hirschfeld, Charles and Josephine Ascher, Rudolph Marks, Mrs. Bertram Good (Alma Marks), Max, Lawrence J. and Alice Michelson, Mrs. Horace (Lillian Michelson), Rudolph Meyersohn and Mrs. Max Neuman (Rosalind Meyersohn). Mr. Ascher died in 1914. "GEORGE WASHINGTON SLEPT HERE" Is the first offer- ing of the Detroit Civic Players for the 1916-47 subscription sea- son. The comedy success by George Kaufman and Moss Hart will be presented for three nights Sept. 12, 13 and 14 at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The play concerns itself with the sale of a two-hundred year old, stone farmhouse in historic Bucks County, Penn. and the Ful- ler family who are the hapless purchasers. • • • Palestine Bureaus In U. S. Merge In continuing a well-established tradition, Junior Hadasash, young women's Zionist organization of Detroit, formally opens the year with membership Teas from 2:30 to 5 p. m. Sunday, Sept. 8. The teas are a means of com municating to Detroit women the aims and activities of Hadassah for the forthcoming year. All women, 18-25, are invited to the gatherings and to participate in attaining Hadassah goals. Stim. ulating programs arc in store, the membership chairmen promise. The Central Group will give its tea in the home of Mrs. Adolph Ehrlich, 1991 Calvert avenue. Mary Cohen and Fanny Greenwald are in charge. The guest speaker will be Mrs. Eliezer Levi, and a mon. ologue will be given by Charlotte Kruger. The Russell Woods Group's tea will be given in the home of Mrs. Jack Berger, 4261 Leslie avenue. Miss Zelda Rosenthal will appear as guest speaker and musical sel- ections will be presented, Jean Quidd, who is in charge, an- nounces. The tea for the University group will be held in the home of Mrs. Phillip Lipson, 17527 Fairfield avenue. The group will present Mrs. Henry Stark as guest speak- er. The program is under the direction of Marjorie Salk. Toby Langer, University Group president, announces the follow- ing chairmen as new members of the board: Phyllis Lindner, pro. gram; Phyllis Giesler, cultural and American affairs; Caroline Green. berg, J. N. F.; and Corinne Wil- helm, corresponding secretary. The opening meeting of Junior Hadassah will be held in the au- ditorium of WWJ at 2:30 p. m. Sunday, Sept. 15. For further information call chapter president, Gertrude Strauss, TO. 7.2935, or member- ship chairman, Rhodine Ungar, TY. 5-3094. o■••■o■ o....*.mo...* ■o■ omsem... "Designers of Distinction" CURTIS FLOWER MART Flowers for All Occasions • GIFTS AND POTTERY • WE DELIVER UN. 1-2033.4 18120 LIVERNOIS (Corner Curtis) Harold E. Waldman Norton T. Klein Wonder Farm IIONIEO, MICHIGAN NEW YORK—With a program calling for substantial expansion of its service, the Palestine Econ. omic Bureau will now function as An integral department of the Palestine Foundation Fund (Keren Hayesod) Inc. with offices located in New York City, it was an- nounced by Mr. Charles Ress. chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Palestine Foun- lation Fund and chairman of its Finance and Economic Committee The Bureau will henceforth be known as the Economic Bureau MORIZ ROSENTHAL DIES of the Palestine Foundation Fund New York.—Moriz Rosenthal, 83, (Keren Hayesod) Inc. The Palestine Economic Bureau famed Jewish pianist„ died Tues. organized under the auspices of He had been 111 for several years. the Zionist Organization of Amer. Ica, in January, 1945, has devoted its activities toward fostering trade and commerce between this country and Palestine as well as to encourage increased American investments in Palestine. One of its major activities was the spon- sorship of the first post-war Trade Mission to Palestine in April of this year. On this tour, 25 out- standing American industrialists and businessmen inaug urated TWA's Middle East service, corn. pleting the flight to Palestine In 30 hours and 20 minutes of flying time. . Enjoy t e quiet an mufti sur- roundings of the Hilltop Rest Home. You'll receive rest and loving care In the pleasant atmosphere. Appetizing and healthful meals Plenty of milk and Battle Creek Foods. Reduce or build yourself the right way with the correct kind of food and exercise at the Wonder Farm. Planned and Built by CAROLYN NILSON Certified Stockholm Graduate For Information Call CH. 4015 or Romeo 113 NORTHWEST HEBREW CONGREGATION & CENTER SUNDAY SCHOOL • Final Date for Registration— SUNDAY, SEPT. 15, 1946 10 A.M. - 12 NOON AT THE BAGLEY SCHOOL JUST ARRIVED- • SILVERWARE—ROGERS 1847, COMMUNITY and HOLMES & EDWARDS . • RADIOS, IRONS, BROILERS, etc., for immediate delivery Costume Jewelry at Reduced Prices • berg. Tickets can be purchased from Ben Fingeroot, TY. 5-9919, or any member of the committee. Chapter I is comprised of young men over 21 and young women over 18. Jack Kape, membership chair- man, supplies information regard- ing this group. 3 Junior Hadassah Groups Launch Season With Membership Teas "HOOTENANNY," FOLK SING- ERS jam session, will be present- ed the first time in Detroit at the Art Institute, on Friday and Saturday night, Sept. 20 and 21, under the sponsorship of Amer- ican Youth for Democracy. The "Hootenanny," featuring prominent New York folk singers Pete Seeger, Tom Glazer, Char- lotte Anthony, and Al Moss, will be devoted to a different theme each night. Detroit's own Barbara Cahn, former Wayne University student, now a shop worker at Detrola, will make her debut as a folk singer at the "Hootenannys." ' Chapter I, ZOA Chapter I of the Zionist Organi- zation of America, Detroit District, is completing plans for its au- tumn festival dance to be held at 9 p. m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Con. gregation Shaarey Zedek. Jack Qualey's orchestra will provide music and entertainment and re- freshments will be available. The dance committee is headed by Selma Jakont, who is assisted by Bess Faxstein, Sol Wildstrom, Pearl Meisner, Ben Fingeroot, Maxine Steinman, Ruth Friedland, Bob Mittenthal and Jack Mcnen- Overjoyed at the sight of their visa admitting them to the United States are Paul Aufricht and his wife Mar- garite, who are starting life anew in Harrison, N. Y., with the help of the National Refugee Service (United Service for New Americans) which is financed by the $100,000,000 United Jewish' Appeal. DETROITERS , WILL HAVE the first opportunity to see the ex- hibition "The /Arts of French Canada" at the Detroit Institute of Arts from Sept. 24 through Oct. 25. The exhibition is starting from Detroit because it is the work of Edgar P. Richardson, director of the Detroit Institute of Arts. Since it will be the first survey ar- ranged in the United ' States of the arts and crafts of early French-Canadians, It already has attracted the attention of national art publications and other sec- tions of the art world. The purpose is to show the wood carving, furniture, silver, embroidery, paintings, and all the other artistic traditions which were distinctive of the French culture along the St. Lawrence River. • • • M. GREENBERG & SON JEWELERS. Open evenings Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Sunday till 2130 8931 12th STREET TY. 6-3020, New Term Will Commence on Sunday, September 22nd • • CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT THE BAGLEY SCHOOL For Further Information, Phone David J. Miller, Committee Chairman, UNiversity 3.7100 .