Elsie Levitt
b. 9 February 1916
| Father | Leon Levitt1 b. 13 Dec 1876 | |
| Mother | Ida Gimberg b. 1883, d. 13 Oct 1944 | |
Elsie Levitt|b. 9 Feb 1916|p2.htm#i31|Leon Levitt|b. 13 Dec 1876|p2.htm#i32|Ida Gimberg|b. 1883\nd. 13 Oct 1944|p2.htm#i33||||||||||||| | ||
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Sandra Gross |
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 9 February 1916 | Elsie Levitt was born on 9 February 1916 at NY. |
| She is the daughter of Leon Levitt and Ida Gimberg.1 | ||
| Marriage* | Elsie Levitt married William Lawrence Gilman. | |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Elsie Levitt is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. in the household of Leon Levitt as Elsie Levitt age 4, dau, Imigrated 1914, Alien; Jan 3.2 |
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Elsie Levitt is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. in the household of Leon Levitt as Elsie Levitt age 14, dau, born NY; May 3.3 |
Family | William Lawrence Gilman b. 7 Jun 1907, d. 24 Nov 1961 | |
| Marriage* | Elsie Levitt married William Lawrence Gilman. | |
| Children |
| |
Leon Levitt1
b. 13 December 1876
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Sandra Gross |
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 13 December 1876 | Leon Levitt was born on 13 December 1876 at Russia.1,2 |
| Marriage* | 1903 | Leon Levitt married Ida Gimberg in 1903.1 |
| Immigration* | between 1912 and February 1915 | Leon Levitt immigrated between 1912 and February 1915 to NY; Daughter May was born in Russia, Elsie in NY. Imigration enumerated dates vary from 1913-1914. Ellis Island arrival record not found. |
| Residence* | 12 September 1918 | Leon lived on 12 September 1918 at 176 Osburn St, Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY; Leon Levitt, age 42, born Dec 13, 1876 in Russia. Nearest relative Ida Levitt, same address.2 |
| Cen-Head* | 2 January 1920 | Leon Levitt is head of household on the census of 2 January 1920 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY, recorded Jan 3, as Leon Levitt age listed 43 occupation Factory Born in Hungary Father born in Hungary Mother born in Hungary, Imigrated 1914, Alien. Enumerated with Ida Levitt, Thelma Levitt, May Levitt and Elsie Levitt.3 |
| Cen-Head* | 1 April 1930 | Leon Levitt is head of household on the census of 1 April 1930 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY, recorded May 3, as Leon Levett age listed 49 occupation Merchant Born in Russia Father born in Russia Mother born in Russia, married when 24, Immegrated in 1913, Naturlized. Enumerated with Ida Levitt, May Levitt and Elsie Levitt.4 |
Family | Ida Gimberg b. 1883, d. 13 Oct 1944 | |
| Marriage* | 1903 | Leon Levitt married Ida Gimberg in 1903.1 |
| Children |
| |
Ida Gimberg1
b. 1883, d. 13 October 1944
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Sandra Gross |
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 1883 | Ida Gimberg was born in 1883 at Minsk, Russia.1 |
| Marriage* | 1903 | Ida Gimberg married Leon Levitt in 1903.1 |
| Death* | 13 October 1944 | Ida Gimberg died on 13 October 1944 at Kings Co, NY; Not certain that this is the proper Ida Levitt.2 |
| Immigration | between 1912 and February 1915 | She immigrated with Leon Levitt between 1912 and February 1915 at NY; Daughter May was born in Russia, Elsie in NY. Imigration enumerated dates vary from 1913-1914. Ellis Island arrival record not found. |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Ida Levitt is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. in the household of Leon Levitt as Ida Levitt age 40, wife, born in Minsk, Russia as were both parents, Immigrated in 1914, Alien; Jan 3.3 |
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Ida Levitt is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. in the household of Leon Levitt as Ida Levett age 47, wife, married when 22, born in Russia as were both parents, Immegrated in 1913, Naturlized; May 3.4 |
Family | Leon Levitt b. 13 Dec 1876 | |
| Marriage* | 1903 | Ida Gimberg married Leon Levitt in 1903.1 |
| Children |
| |
May Levitt1
b. 1912
| Father | Leon Levitt1 b. 13 Dec 1876 | |
| Mother | Ida Gimberg1 b. 1883, d. 13 Oct 1944 | |
May Levitt|b. 1912|p2.htm#i34|Leon Levitt|b. 13 Dec 1876|p2.htm#i32|Ida Gimberg|b. 1883\nd. 13 Oct 1944|p2.htm#i33||||||||||||| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 1912 | May Levitt was born in 1912 at Russia.1 |
| She is the daughter of Leon Levitt and Ida Gimberg.1 | ||
| Immigration | between 1912 and February 1915 | May Levitt immigrated with Leon Levitt between 1912 and February 1915 at NY; Daughter May was born in Russia, Elsie in NY. Imigration enumerated dates vary from 1913-1914. Ellis Island arrival record not found. |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | May Levitt is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. in the household of Leon Levitt as Mary Levitt age 12, dau, Imigrated 1914, Alien; Jan 3.2 |
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | May Levitt is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. in the household of Leon Levitt as May Levitt age 18, dau, Immegrated in 1913, Naturlized; May 3.3 |
Samuel Gross1
b. 15 September 1892, d. 8 July 1967
| Father | Shmuel Beryl Gross b. 1862, d. 1956 | |
| Mother | Kalie Goldie Kushner b. 1866, d. 1935 | |
Samuel Gross|b. 15 Sep 1892\nd. 8 Jul 1967|p2.htm#i35|Shmuel Beryl Gross|b. 1862\nd. 1956|p4.htm#i91|Kalie Goldie Kushner|b. 1866\nd. 1935|p4.htm#i92|Avram R. Gross||p12.htm#i365|Frume S. Greenspan|d. c 1920|p12.htm#i366|Boruch Kushner|b. 1820\nd. c 1895|p13.htm#i399|Itkeh Kalinsky|b. c 1828\nd. 1920|p13.htm#i407| | ||
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Sandra Gross |
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 15 September 1892 | Samuel Gross was born on 15 September 1892 at Russia.1,2 |
| He was the son of Shmuel Beryl Gross and Kalie Goldie Kushner. | ||
| Marriage* | 31 December 1916 | Samuel Gross married Ida Cohen, daughter of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler, on 31 December 1916.1,2 |
| Death* | 8 July 1967 | Samuel Gross died on 8 July 1967 at Queens, Queens Co, NY, at age 74.2,3 |
| Burial* | He was buried at Knollwood Park Cem, Ridgewood, Queens Co, NY.2 | |
| Occupation* | Samuel was generally known to be a Contractor in young women's clothing. Throughout the years he ran his factory, Sam provided work for his brothers and sisters as machinists, cutters and book-keepers. Once he started his own operation he contracted work from manufacturers and later in life he had 60 sewing machine operators as well as cutters, pressers, etc.2 | |
| Immigration* | 1905 | He immigrated in 1905 to NY, US; from TRESTINYE, County of Bialystok, Province of GRODNO, in Czarist Russia.4 |
| Note | SAMUEL GROSS I know that most of these “tales” have been about me and my side of the family. Here’s one about the Gross side of the family. When your Great-Grandfather Sam Gross was only thirteen, he embarked ALONE on a ship which took him to the NEW WORLD. He had no adult with him but would be met in New York by an adult member of either his father’s or mother’s family who had come here before him - I do not know which side. In fact, in order to enter the U.S.A. you had to have somebody who would be responsible for you when you arrived. He embarked on the S.S.ROTTERDAM and lived in steerage at the bottom of the ship with lots of other immigrants making the crossing. They were given very little by way of good food. Soup and bread were daily meals. One day, I believe it was while the steerage passengers were allowed out on a lower deck for some air and light, 13 year old Sam Gross was asked by a cook’s assistant whether he’d like to have a piece of herring. Of course, Grandpa Sam said yes. The catch was that he had to peel potatoes in order to get that piece of herring. Sam jumped at the opportunity. So every day, he peeled potatoes, and every day he had his piece of herring with his bread and soup. The irony of this story is that when Sam and Ida Gross made their first ocean voyage back from Europe to the US (having visited Israel first - to which they had flown) the ship that they booked a first class stateroom on was the ROTTERDAM. We think it was the Rotterdam III, but nobody knew for sure. Grandpa Sam told us the story MANY TIMES while chortling over the fact that he could order whatever he wanted from the superb menus offered....and he didn’t have to peel one potato. - Alice Gross Brooks. | |
| Cen-Head | 15 April 1910 | Samuel Gross is enumerated on the census of 15 April 1910 at East 8th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. in the household of Shmuel Beryl Gross as Samuel Gross age 18, son, Immigrated in 1905, occupation an operator in a clothing factory; April 19.5 |
| Note | SAM AND IDA GROSS When Sam Gross and Ida Cohen were married, Sam’s youngest sister, Janet (who was born with the name Frieda) was so unhappy to know that her big brother was going to live far away from home, she carried on until they agreed to take her with them. So, she became their little girl in many ways. She lived with them until Irving was born a year later. Janet was eight years older than her nephew. It was a wonderful relationship between Sam and Ida and little sister Janet and remained that way for their entire adult lives. She was the daughter they never had. So, if you ever wondered why Grandpa and I always said “Aunt Janet and Uncle Lou” when they were people just a little older than we, that’s what the true relationship was. After Irving was born, Janet went back to live in her parents’ home and Sam and Ida proceeded to bring up their family in Kingston, NY. Sam had a small shop there and came home for lunch every day. During the first two months of marriage, Ida cooked up a storm and used all sorts of rich foods....so much so, that she gained 40 pounds in those two months! She loved garlic and often rubbed a slice of fresh rye bread with a garlic bud until it made a creamy froth. One day, when Sam came home for lunch, he said whatever she was cooking smelled wonderful. Then he kissed her and yelled! “What’s that stink?” She couldn’t imaging what he was talking about and he was disgusted with the odor from the lips of his darling young bride. He made her promise never to do that again, no matter how much she was tempted. It seems that Ida loved extreme flavors. Arnie and Ken remember very well how their Grandma Ida enjoyed biting into a hot cherry pepper, screwing her face up into a pinch and saying “Mm...that’s good!” But over the years, there was nobody who could compare to Ida’s ability to cook and bake superbly. Her kitchen was always full of tempting and delicious foods and her recipes were treasures. If you look into my recipes file on my computer, you’ll find some of Ida Gross’ specials - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Note* | A LOVING, BUT NOT VERY PATIENT, FATHER One day when Sam Gross came home for lunch, Ida was giving the baby (Irving) some cooked cereal. She turned the bowl over to Sam and said, “You feed him and I’ll get your lunch on the table.” Irving was not a good eater. He was the baby with the closed mouth....and didn’t take food that eagerly. Sam managed to get one or two spoons of cereal into the baby’s mouth and then, nothing. As he tried and the baby turned his head away from side to side, the young father became more and more frustrated. Finally, Ida heard an explosive sound of annoyance from Sam and a cry from the child. She turned to see the cereal bowl turned over on top of the baby’s head and the cereal pouring down his face. Did you ever see a photo like that? It’s a commercial thing, but our story is true and pre-dates that photo by many, many years. And the food was cereal, not spaghetti as in the commercial photo. | |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Samuel Gross is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Samuel Gross age 25, son-in-law, immigrated 1905 and Naturalized in 1910, operator ladies waists; Jam 3.6 |
| Cen-Head* | 1 April 1930 | Samuel Gross is head of household on the census of 1 April 1930 at 6648 75th St, Middle Village, Queens, Queens Co, NY, recorded April 16, as Samuel Gross age listed 38 occupation Manufacture childrens wear Born in Russia Father born in Russia Mother born in Russia, married when 24, Immigrated 1904, Naturalized. Enumerated with Ida Gross, Irving Gross and Bernard Gross.7 |
| Note | THE FAMILY MAN You may or may not know that your Grandfather/Great-Grandfather, Sam Gross, was a man who cared greatly about family. Not just his immediate family, but all of the family on both sides. Long before I became a member of the Gross family, I heard stories about his generosity even when he didn’t have much more than anyone else. After the stock market crash of 1929, times were extremely difficult for the average family and many close families shared whatever they could. In the mid-thirties there were many times when Sam and Ida paid for rent or food for other members of their birth families, but the most unusual instance of his concern for others came when he was asked for a fairly large sized loan. He didn’t have the money to lend, but he took a loan on his own name and gave the money to the brother asking for it. It was a very long time before it was ever repaid and that was the only reason that I heard about it. When it finally was repaid I had already married into the family, so it was probably outstanding a good ten years. The story goes too, that Sam was a very considerate boss. Many of the workers in the shop he ran as a contractor in ladies’ junior sportswear, knew that if he could do it, he’d lend them money for emergency purposes. He knew he would never become a rich man, but he was happy with being a man who made a comfortable living, taught values to his sons by his example, cared for family and neighbors and earned the respect and love of all who knew him. - Alice Brooks Gross. |
Family | Ida Cohen b. 22 May 1895, d. 26 Sep 1976 | |
| Marriage* | 31 December 1916 | Samuel Gross married Ida Cohen, daughter of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler, on 31 December 1916.1,2 |
| Children |
| |
Citations
- [S5] Census Record; 1587, Page 4B, Dwell 53.
- [S12] Oral Communication; Alice Brooks Gross.
- [S6] Obituary; New York Times, July 8, 1967.
- [S5] Census Record; 1857, Roll 3b.
- [S5] Census Record; T624.1012, Page 11B, Dwell 154.
- [S5] Census Record; T625.1134, Page 4A, Dwell 75.
- [S5] Census Record; 1587, Page 4B, Dwell 85.
Ida Cohen1
b. 22 May 1895, d. 26 September 1976
| Father | Samuel Cohen2 b. 1866, d. 20 Aug 1953 | |
| Mother | Esther Schmuckler2 b. 1870, d. 25 Sep 1961 | |
Ida Cohen|b. 22 May 1895\nd. 26 Sep 1976|p2.htm#i36|Samuel Cohen|b. 1866\nd. 20 Aug 1953|p2.htm#i39|Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40|||||||Itzakh Schmuckler||p15.htm#i465|||| | ||
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Sandra Gross |
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 22 May 1895 | Ida Cohen was born on 22 May 1895 at Russia.1,3,4 |
| She was the daughter of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler.2 | ||
| Marriage* | 31 December 1916 | Ida Cohen married Samuel Gross, son of Shmuel Beryl Gross and Kalie Goldie Kushner, on 31 December 1916.1,3 |
| Death* | 26 September 1976 | Ida Cohen died on 26 September 1976 at Flushing, Queens Co, NY, at age 81.3,4 |
| Burial* | She was buried at Knollwood Park Cem, Ridgewood, Queens Co, NY. | |
| Occupation* | Ida Cohen was generally known to be a Gem setter for a jeweler.3 | |
| Immigration* | 1904 | She immigrated in 1904.5 |
| Cen-Head | 15 April 1910 | Ida Cohen is enumerated on the census of 15 April 1910 at E 5th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Ida Cohen age 15, dau, immigrated in 1905; April 19.6 |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Ida Gross is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Ida Gross age 22, dau, immigrated 1905, Naturalized; Jam 3.2 |
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Ida Gross is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at 6648 75th St, Middle Village, Queens, Queens Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Gross as Ida Gross age 34, wife, married when 20, Immigrated in 1904, Naturalized; April 16.7 |
Family | Samuel Gross b. 15 Sep 1892, d. 8 Jul 1967 | |
| Marriage* | 31 December 1916 | Ida Cohen married Samuel Gross, son of Shmuel Beryl Gross and Kalie Goldie Kushner, on 31 December 1916.1,3 |
| Children |
| |
Citations
- [S5] Census Record; 1587, Page 4B, Dwell 53.
- [S5] Census Record; T625.1134, Page 4A, Dwell 75.
- [S12] Oral Communication; Alice Brooks Gross.
- [S6] Obituary; New York Times, April 19, 1966.
- [S5] Census Record; 1857, Roll 3b.
- [S5] Census Record; T624.1011, Page 9A, Dwell 716-156.
- [S5] Census Record; 1587, Page 4B, Dwell 85.
Irving Gross1
b. 8 November 1917, d. 1 February 2000
| Father | Samuel Gross1 b. 15 Sep 1892, d. 8 Jul 1967 | |
| Mother | Ida Cohen1 b. 22 May 1895, d. 26 Sep 1976 | |
Irving Gross|b. 8 Nov 1917\nd. 1 Feb 2000|p2.htm#i37|Samuel Gross|b. 15 Sep 1892\nd. 8 Jul 1967|p2.htm#i35|Ida Cohen|b. 22 May 1895\nd. 26 Sep 1976|p2.htm#i36|Shmuel B. Gross|b. 1862\nd. 1956|p4.htm#i91|Kalie G. Kushner|b. 1866\nd. 1935|p4.htm#i92|Samuel Cohen|b. 1866\nd. 20 Aug 1953|p2.htm#i39|Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40| | ||
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Sandra Gross |
| Last Edited | 25 Jan 2008 |
| Birth* | 8 November 1917 | Irving Gross was born on 8 November 1917 at Kingston, Ulster Co, NY.1,2,3 |
| He was the son of Samuel Gross and Ida Cohen.1 | ||
| Marriage* | 20 November 1941 | Irving Gross married Alice Ethel Brooks, daughter of Herbert Brooks and Pauline Edelman, on 20 November 1941 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. |
| Death* | 1 February 2000 | Irving Gross died on 1 February 2000 at Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Broward Co, Fl, at age 82.3 |
| Burial* | He was buried at Knollwood Park Cem, Ridgewood, Queens Co, NY.2 | |
| Note* | IRVING GROSS and MUSIC Did you ever hear of Irving Gross’s musical beginnings? He was four years old when his father and mother took him for violin lessons. The story goes that little Irving didn’t like the instrument, but he dutifully did what he was supposed to do until the time he began to refuse to cooperate with the violin teacher. When he was brought for a lesson he refused to play and finally, ducked under the piano and wouldn’t come out. Sam, whose lack of patience with such behavior was easily provoked, took the child out from under that baby grand, hit him across the back with the back of the fiddle (breaking it, of course) and that was the end of violin playing for little Irving. However, not too long afterward, he was drawn to the piano. From there he began, very seriously, learning to play the accordion and proved to be one of Pietro Diero’s star pupils. When he went to high school, Irving was a pianist, of course, but he also played the ‘cello in the orchestra and the tuba and trombone in the band. When he began to study flute, I’m not sure, but I know that when we were in college his trombone playing was as close to the sound of Jimmy Dorsey as anyone we’d ever heard. I accompanied him when he played flute before we were married and afterward when he played flute with the Queens Symphony Orchestra. Most of his “professional” playing (meaning he was paid) started with the accordion at local events and then in the Catskill Mountain resorts. But, as you well know, it was the piano that was his major instrument. After we retired, and after he had done every possible kind of music in theater, concert hall, accompanying operatic artists like Robert Rounseville, Mimi Benzell, and others, teaching in school and privately, Irving finally began really spending time at the keyboard. He practiced several hours every day.......and I loved being surrounded by his sound. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Note | Irving Gross was an extremely gifted child intellectually and skipped a grade four times during elementary school. One advancement involved an entire year. The result was that he was off to high school as a very small child [physically] who was younger than any of the other students. He was also in a school that was quite far from his Middle Village home - Bushwick H.S. After one year his parents moved him to Grover Cleveland High School where his school work was exemplary and his musical ability shone. He played 'cello in the orchestra, tuba in the band, and piano whenever called upon to accompany the chorus or school shows. He stayed in H.S. an extra year in order to be more mature when he started college. | |
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Irving Gross is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at 6648 75th St, Middle Village, Queens, Queens Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Gross as Irving Gross age 12, son; April 16.4 |
| Note | 1933 | In 1933, at the age of 16, Irving began playing every summer with bands at hotels in the Catskill Mountains and was always ready with accordion, piano or trombone to fill the needs of the job. Over the years he accompanied a great variety of instrumentalists and singers of every genre. This was his strength, musically, for his entire life. |
| Education* | 1934 | In 1934 Irving Gross entered college intending to major in chemistry and history. In 1935 he changed his major and entered the Music Department of New York University.2 |
| Education | from 1935 to 1939 | Irving Gross was educated from 1935 to 1939 at NYU School of Education, Washington Sq East, Manhattan, New York Co, NY, ; He concentrated on trombone and flute but continued his piano studies. He was playing the usual weddings, bar-mitzvahs and dances every week-end while he was in school and was able to have the family car available when he needed to be out late. This was a luxury during those depression years.2 |
| Employment* | from 1941 to 1945 | From 1941 to 1945 at in the Public Schools of, Bronxville, Westchester Co, NY, He was employed as a teacher of instrumental music. |
| Note | Irving and Alice WEDDING DAY MEMORIES It was 1941 - November 20th, and it was Thanksgiving Day that year. President Franklin D.Roosevelt had decided to pull the celebration of the approaching December holiday season up one week. Whether it was to kick-start the just- recovering economy we never knew. But we did know that money was still at a very low ebb and we were getting married. Because I was her only child, my dear mother wanted me to have as perfect a wedding celebration as possible, and my step-dad strongly supported that decision. Mom and I had splurged on a bridal gown of white satin with seed pearl trim and, to fulfill my dreams, a four foot train! It cost $75 and was absolutely royal in its elegance. I felt terribly guilty because my mom was a working woman and money was not easily at hand, but Mother and Dad assured me that all was within our plans and would be fine. Our family was a rather small one and we were sure that a modest wedding reception would be in keeping with the economy, but when I asked my mother-in-law-to-be whom we should invite, I was in for a shock. Her response was a simple “Everybody”. That included the many siblings of my husband’s father and mother with their respective families; young children could not be left out - “who ever heard of such an insult?”; elderly aunts from distant cities whom my husband didn’t know; neighbors who were good friends and some shop-keepers were included as well. My family numbered about 35 and Irv and I had a table of ten friends. Our plans for luncheon changed drastically as the numbers grew, but by the day of the event, everything was ordered for 140 guests. The morning of November 20 was dark and rain poured heavily until about 10:30 AM. By that time I was in a state of nervous anxiety because the photographer had arrived at our apartment and was waiting to take the official photos of the bride and groom and their parents before we were to leave for the synagogue. The problem was that the groom and his parents hadn’t arrived. The photographer was ready as was the bride and her parents. The groom and his family came about 45 minutes late. But while I fumed, the sun forced the rain to stop and the day became brilliantly warm and beautiful. So warm, in fact, that we didn’t even try to wear a wrap over our gowns. No, at that time there were no “wedding planners” to tell inexperienced couples and their bemused parents what to do and how to go about it. Or at least nobody suggested that we consult with such a person. Nobody had suggested that we dress at the temple and take our official photos there. We just went ahead and planned it on our own and trusted to luck. We got into a couple of cars, arrived at the temple and the groom, his father and the best man parked the vehicles. While everyone was seated in the sanctuary, the six ushers, best man and maid of honor discussed what they were to do, and we were ready. My best friend from college who was my maid of honor, fussed over my veil which had been lovingly handed down from two cousins who were like sisters to me. The meaningful gesture of sharing the same veil was somewhat deflated by the fact that (unknown to me before that day) the lace had been torn in a rather crucial spot and the fussing Roz was doing was in order to get that large, open spot gathered under the tiara so that it wouldn’t be noticeable. All but one of the ushers were first cousins of my groom. The sixth was a young man with whom I had shared some ten years of maturing and we were, and would be, lifelong friends. I can see those handsome fellows in their morning suits, top hats and canes as though it were yesterday. As we prepared to walk down the aisle and ascend the four steps to the bridal canopy, Roz whispered, “You’re not going to wear your glasses, are you?” “If you don’t want to see me trip and fall on my face as I walk up those steps, I’m wearing my glasses,” I replied, and we moved forward to take our places, giggling at the thought of me possibly ruining the picture we had built in our minds of the elegant and proper ceremony in which we were about to participate. One of the gifts we had received was an 8mm moving picture camera and three members of our families took turns recording the event. It was a first try for two of them. Despite some footage blocked by a thumb over the lens, somebody’s decision that it wasn’t important to take pictures of the table where we had seated our dearest friends, and a long shot of me trying to raise my veil from covering my face as we turned to walk back up the aisle after the ceremony, thereby completely covering my face with my hand, we are still in possession of that film and it’s a treasure to have after all these years. (By the way, for our fiftieth wedding anniversary, I took the chance of boring our guests, including a lot of young people who never knew their great-grandparents, and I showed a bit of that wedding footage along with pictures of our family as it grew and developed. Everyone loved it! Many asked for a re-run so they could see once again, grandparents in their youth and other members of the family.) After we greeted our guests and people began being seated at tables for luncheon, we were approached by the caterer to inform us that there were seven people who had no table assignments. Actually, three were invited and they did have a place to sit, but they decided to bring four others with them. Neither my husband nor I knew who they were, but after my mother-in-law identified them (all from Philadelphia) we managed to have the caterer squeeze four more spaces in. That kind of aggravation shouldn’t be allowed to spoil the most special day in two young people’s lives, and our wonderful families saw to it that it didn’t. Like all weddings, ours was memorable for many reasons.....the food was nicely served and the music was wonderful .... but mostly, seeing so many family members together and introducing people who two hours earlier were strangers, now suddenly related to each other because of this day, made a big impression on both of us. We changed to our travel clothes, our best man had our bags in the car and off we went ... by train...to Atlantic City for a three day honeymoon. I shall never forget that train ride. We met two other couples our age and we wondered whether we were as obvious in our newly-wed appearance as they were. We ordered hot chocolate with crackers and blue cheese and talked about the few days we would have together, just the two of us, alone for the first time as a couple. Although the war was not as yet part of the American domestic concern, it was already coloring a lot of America’s lifestyle. We hadn’t realized that cities on the ocean, like Atlantic City, were blacked out at night. No bright lights were lit on the streets and windows had blackout curtains in every room. It was a sobering thought as we viewed the darkened boardwalk at night, but we had booked a beautiful hotel on the boardwalk and our room, while not facing the ocean (who could afford an ocean view?) was just off the corner of the building. Through our open window, we could see and hear the constant waves from the seventh floor of the hotel where our room was located and no sound of waves slapping against the sand beach has ever left any impression in my mind that could replace those nights in Atlantic City. We laughed like a couple of children at play when we checked out our room. It was exactly as described to us by a couple with whom we’d become acquainted during our summers working at Hilltop Lodge, the adult hotel/camp on Sylvan Lake near Hopewell Junction, New York. They were married over thirty years and had told us, laughing but almost shyly, how they had behaved when they booked one of the Shelburne Hotel rooms for their honeymoon. The room had two huge closets in it and our friends had each used one as a private dressing room. We thought it very funny, and we playfully did the same thing. Even though we were not physically strange to each other when we married, a sudden change of attitude took place as we play-acted at being shy and used those two “dressing rooms”. The realization of the fact that the ceremony we had gone through that afternoon was the beginning of the rest of our lives together, put us into a very serious mood that night. With times for laughter and times for solemnity, times for joy and times for disagreements, times for anger and times for forgiveness, our marriage went on for the next fifty-eight years. Irv and I always felt that nobody should miss the seriousness of a wedding night and an understanding of what marriage truly is in the lives of two people and a family. I hope that we managed to impart this aspect of a lasting relationship with each other to all of our descendants. In the long run, nothing replaces it. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Residence | 1941 | Irving and Alice lived in 1941 at Rego Park, Queens Co, NY.2 |
| Education | 1942 | In 1942 he was awarded the M.A. in Music Education at NYU School of Education, Washington Sq East, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. |
| Employment | from 1946 to 1960 | Irving Gross was employed from 1946 to 1960 at NY as a professional musician whose work covered several years in some of the famous hotels and restaurants of New York City, usually accompanying a violinist or as part of an orchestra. He specialized in ethnic music from all over the world and was in demand for parties at the United Nations or in the homes of elite society. |
| Employment | 1948 | In 1948 at Manhattan, New York Co, NY, He began playing for Broadway shows. He did several, but didn't enjoy being away from the family during the pre-Broadway try-out period which usually went to Philadelphia. He played for several shows but decided not to stay in the theater. |
| Employment | from 1960 to 1979 | He was asked by the chairman of Music at Forest Hills High School, NY to take a position teaching instrumental music. When Irving asked why he was offered the job, the response was that “the product speaks well for the manufacturer”. This was the evaluation of what Milton Fink, the chairman, thought of ARNOLD STUART GROSS, who was a student at the school at that time. That began a teaching career that lasted for nineteen years with the New York City Board of Education from 1960 to 1979. |
| Residence* | 1961 | Irving and Alice lived in 1961 at Hollis Hills, Queens Co, NY.2 |
| Note | A VISIT TO IRV’S BIRTHPLACE One summer when Ken was at the Interlochen National Music Camp and Arnie was working at a hotel, we decided to take a look around Kingston, NY for the house where Irving was born. We had the street name and the address and were going to be visiting Arnie up in the Catskills anyway, so why not satisfy our curiosity about the location of the first place where Sam and Ida Gross lived after they were married? We had a local area map with us, but nothing like a city map. We decided that shouldn’t pose a problem. We went into the town, looked for a residential area and began driving around looking for street names. After about a half hour of this foolishness, I suggested that we ask for directions to the street at the next gas station we came across. We stopped, got some gas and asked the attendant our question. He looked at us and said something like “where are you from?” We told him we were from New York City and wanted to find a house on –X--- Street. (I’m sorry, but I don’t remember the name of the street anymore.) He said okay and gave us explicit directions. It took us about ten minutes to get there, but as we progressed the area became more and more poor in appearance. Finally, we were in a neighborhood that was rather run-down with little landscaping except for a tree here and there. We found the street and proceeded to look for number 3. We found one, two, four, five, but no three. There seemed to be a space about the size of a wide alleyway between two and four, but no house. We decided that the original house must have been destroyed but never replaced, and perhaps the very wide alleyway was where part of the house had been. At any rate, with his usual dry sense of humor, Irving said “I didn’t know I was born in a neighborhood that was mostly peopled by families of color.” Mr. Hemingway was right. You can’t go home again. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Note | 1975 | In 1975 Irving and Alice took a sabbatical leave to travel around the world and visit schools in various countries to hear the music programs there. Irving's love of history and his enjoyment of varied cuisines and cultures of other countries made this trip an exceptional experience. This five month experience took them to sixteen countries in the Far East, Middle East and Scandinavian areas. |
| Note | CHOP STICKS Of course you know about the travels that Irving and I took and if you’re interested in any of them you can read my handwritten travel diaries. But, I don’t think I stressed the fact that aside from being in places he had learned about through his love of history and famous people of the past, Irving thoroughly enjoyed eating a new cuisine in each country we visited. When we went on our trip around the world this aspect of our travels was a great pleasure for us both. As we left Hawaii, I suggested that Irv practice using chop sticks, which he never had used. His answer was, “If I need them, I’ll learn to use them.” I laughed. When we arrived in Tokyo, we were anxious to go out on the Ginza which is famous for its lack of automotive traffic on Sundays. The entire area is given over to pedestrians only. We left our bags unpacked at the hotel and decided there was no need to take a camera with us since we were just going for a quick look around. What a mistake!! One of the busiest spots was a Mac Donald’s store next to a Kentucky Fried Chicken store. The people were going in and out of the stores like a cartoonist’s film of a constantly moving snaking line. You can read the diary for more detail, but suffice it to say that one of the things we were attracted to was a vendor directly opposite the American stores. He was selling hot, freshly boiled, very long noodles. Irv wanted those noodles. They were served in a tall, slim paper carton with a pair of disposable chopsticks. Irv looked at them and proceeded to inhale those delicious noodles until the last little bits were gone...and he used the chop sticks fairly well. His comment was something about ‘learning on the job’. The laugh was on me. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Retirement* | 1979 | In 1979 Irving Gross and Alice Ethel Gross retired at Bayside, Queens Co, NY, and began spending part of the year in Pembroke Pines, Broward Co, Florida. Irv took this opportunity to work on his piano playing, often spending between three and five hours a day at the piano. His repertoire was concentrated on the works of Liszt, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Schumann and other Romantic Period composers, but he played challenging pieces of any period for the pure pleasure of the work. He appeared as featured piano soloist with several community orchestras during those years. Alice continued her service to the community by forming a chorus, directing shows, continuing volunteer work for Hadassah and teaching courses in music for the Brandeis University National Women's Committee. |
| Residence | 1979 | Irving and Alicemoved to Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Broward Co, Fl 1979 to spend the winter months away from the snow and cold of the North. |
| Illness* | May 1990 | Irving Gross was ill and had quadruple bypass heart surgery in May 1990. |
| Residence | August 1990 | Irving and Alicemoved to Heritage Village, Southbury, New Haven Co, Ct August 1990 where they began to spend six months of the year, wintering at Pembroke Pines, Broward Co, Fl. Alice continued doing the same kind of community service she had always done. Irving enjoyed living in Heritage Village and Pembroke Pines. He was admired throughout Heritage Village as a consummate pianist, whether for classic or popular repertoire. During the last five years of his life he dropped playing parties in Florida, but never stopped performing at special concerts with community orchestras or as accompanist for large cantorial concerts. |
| Note* | Irving and Alice Postlude - INHERITED TALENT and OUR EARLY YEARS Interestingly for Grandpa and me was the fact that we had so many parallel things in our backgrounds or in our growing up years. As in the Gross family, so in the Brooks family, there was a streak of the talented entertainer. In my case it was being related through my paternal grandmother’s family to the mother of Sophie Tucker. My grandmother and her mother were probably first cousins. I do not clearly remember whether they were sisters, but I do recall my father and his sisters referring to Sophie as “Cousin”. Whether it was a first cousin once removed or closer, I don’t know, but the line is there. I, as a very little girl, was introduced to Sophie on several occasions at family “events” and as I became a teenager I even had some correspondence with her in reference to some songs I had written. She strongly advised me to stay out of show business. ;-) [Andrea has the original letter.] My father’s sister, Faye, had a really big and beautiful singing voice and she played the piano. She gave me my first real piano lessons and I often think that some of her talent was passed on to me, although Grandma Paul also had a lovely singing voice. Nothing pleased my Grandmother Hannah more than to listen to her daughter and grand-daughter singing together, and I still remember the special feeling it gave me when I supplied the harmony and we blended our voices so perfectly together. If you look into the first album of photos I’ve put together about Grandpa Irving and me, you’ll come across another co-incidence. On one page, dated the same year, each of us were at summer camp. Both of us had a photo taken in front of the tent where we slept and each of us was standing in exactly the same position: looking as if we were holding up the center tent-pole! The big difference was that although he was 10 months older than I was, I looked two or three years older than he. He was a little guy and I was maturing quickly. And of course, we were in different places and were not destined to meet each other for another six years when I began attending college. Even though Grandpa and I were married in 1941, (you figure out how long ago that was when you read this) we were both perfectly normal young people who each had acquaintances of the opposite sex -- some more important to us than others. But after we had graduated college, (NYU - Music Department of the School of Education) where we had certainly spoken to each other, but never dated, we found ourselves in the same adult camp for the summer. I was there as a rehearsal pianist for the entertainment staff of actors, singers and dancers, and Grandpa was there as the pianist in the band. That was the beginning of our romance and we’ve had some wonderful years together. Memories are difficult to share with others, especially private ones, so I’ll save those for the time being. - Alice Brooks Gross. |
Family | Alice Ethel Brooks b. 6 Sep 1918 | |
| Marriage* | 20 November 1941 | Irving Gross married Alice Ethel Brooks, daughter of Herbert Brooks and Pauline Edelman, on 20 November 1941 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. |
| Children |
| |
Bernard Gross1
b. 20 January 1921, d. 5 November 2006
| Father | Samuel Gross1 b. 15 Sep 1892, d. 8 Jul 1967 | |
| Mother | Ida Cohen1 b. 22 May 1895, d. 26 Sep 1976 | |
Bernard Gross|b. 20 Jan 1921\nd. 5 Nov 2006|p2.htm#i38|Samuel Gross|b. 15 Sep 1892\nd. 8 Jul 1967|p2.htm#i35|Ida Cohen|b. 22 May 1895\nd. 26 Sep 1976|p2.htm#i36|Shmuel B. Gross|b. 1862\nd. 1956|p4.htm#i91|Kalie G. Kushner|b. 1866\nd. 1935|p4.htm#i92|Samuel Cohen|b. 1866\nd. 20 Aug 1953|p2.htm#i39|Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 20 January 1921 | Bernard Gross was born on 20 January 1921 at NY.1,2 |
| He was the son of Samuel Gross and Ida Cohen.1 | ||
| Marriage* | 23 January 1944 | Bernard Gross married Eva Saks on 23 January 1944.3 |
| Marriage* | 17 January 1999 | Bernard Gross married Helga Schwedeler, daughter of Eduard Schwedeler and Antonie (?), on 17 January 1999 at Las Vegas, Clark Co, Ne.4 |
| Death* | 5 November 2006 | Bernard Gross died on 5 November 2006 at Ramona, San Diego Co, Ca, at age 85.3,2 |
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Bernard Gross is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at 6648 75th St, Middle Village, Queens, Queens Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Gross as Bernard Gross age 9, son; April 16.5 |
| Residence | Bernard and Eva lived at Flushing, Queens Co, NY. | |
| Residence | Bernard and Eva lived at Rego Park, Queens Co, NY. | |
| Residence | Bernard and Eva lived at Kissimee, Osceola Co, Fl. | |
| Residence* | between 1984 and 2002 | Bernard and Eva lived between 1984 and 2002 at Palmdale, Los Angeles Co, Ca; sometime after 1984, were recorded in Palmdale. |
| Note* | 7 November 2006 | Bernard EULOGY FOR BERNARD GROSS I would like to remember my father who had a great impact on my life and on the lives of many other people. He was a man who had many accomplishments like overcoming his deafness to become the world's first deaf licensed pilot to build and fly two airplanes. They were a seaplane known as the "Deaf Duck" and a glider known as the "Deaf Hawk". I remember very vividly that he took me on an airplane ride around the Statue of Liberty in New York City. He also flew over a summer camp in New England where I attended and he circled the camp with his airplane. At that time we formed a human chain on the ground saying something like "hello" to my father who was flying overhead in his airplane. His two airplanes are now hanging at a museum in Northern California. My father also was a great photographer and a mechanic. He also built a boat and loved life. He was married to my beloved mother, Eva, for many years before she passed away in 1997. Shortly after my mother's passing he met Helga and they were married in 1999 in Las Vegas. My father was born on January 20, 1921 in New York . He is worthy of great praise and respect for his own many accomplishments. He also enjoyed being a handyman repairing things in people's homes including mine. He loved to help deaf people and he worked as a TTY repairman installing TTYS for deaf people so they could communicate with each other. My father also had hearing friends, especially in the aeronautical community. My dad loved to attend air shows with his plane in many places including Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He received many awards for his design and work with experimental aircraft. His name was mentioned in newspapers and magazines. My father lived most of his life in Flushing, New York with my mother and worked at the Aeroflex Company in Plainview on Long Island before moving to Kissimmee, Florida to work at an important job with Martin- Marietta for a few years. After his retirement both my parents moved to Palmdale, California to live near me for many years. After he married Helga, both my dad and Helga moved to Ramona in San Diego County where he continued to show his passion for airplanes by flying model planes and going to the local airport there. My father loved my mother and Helga very much. He loved me too as he wanted to see me succeed in life. I thank my father for guiding me to become an educator of the deaf. He loved science and kept a collection of science magazines and we loved to talk about technology so that is probably why I enjoy technology including photography . My father was a complex man with strong opinions who made his contributions to the world around him. I know that my father's mind and heart is now in the heavens in his airplanes, and his spirit has traveled even further . Many of us who knew my father would agree with me that he was a very talented human being. My stepmother Helga and I as well as other people in my father's life will miss him very much with our hearts but we know my Dad is now at peace and not suffering at all from his illness. He is even smiling at us now with his airplane flying over us. - Written by Bruce Gross to be read at my father's funeral on Tuesday November 7, 2006 on 7 November 2006. |
Family 1 | Eva Saks b. 17 Feb 1924, d. 27 Jan 1997 | |
| Marriage* | 23 January 1944 | Bernard Gross married Eva Saks on 23 January 1944.3 |
| Child |
| |
Family 2 | Helga Schwedeler b. 15 Jan 1923 | |
| Marriage* | 17 January 1999 | Bernard Gross married Helga Schwedeler, daughter of Eduard Schwedeler and Antonie (?), on 17 January 1999 at Las Vegas, Clark Co, Ne.4 |
Samuel Cohen1
b. 1866, d. 20 August 1953
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Sandra Gross |
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 1866 | Samuel Cohen was born in 1866 at Russia.1 |
| Marriage* | circa 1893 | Samuel Cohen married Esther Schmuckler, daughter of Itzakh Schmuckler, circa 1893 at Russia.1 |
| Death* | 20 August 1953 | Samuel Cohen died on 20 August 1953.2 |
| Burial* | He was buried at Knollwood Park Cem, Ridgewood, Queens Co, NY. | |
| Note* | Kohen (one of the Kohanim; a member of the priestly caste), Cohen, Kohn, Cohn, Kuhn. A kohen (or cohen, Hebrew, "priest", kohanim or cohanim), is assumed to be a direct male descendant of the Biblical Aaron, brother of Moses. | |
| Occupation* | Samuel Cohen was generally known to be a Tailor.2 | |
| Cen-Head* | 15 April 1910 | Samuel Cohen is head of household on the census of 15 April 1910 at E 5th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY, recorded April 19, as Samuel Cohen age listed 42 occupation Tailor Born in Russia Father born in Russia Mother born in Russia, married 1 time 19 years ago, immigrated in 1904, alien. Enumerated with Esther Cohen, Sadie Cohen, Ida Cohen, Lena Cohen, Irving Isidore (Mike) Cohen, Rebecca 'Becky' Cohen, Sophie Cohen and William Cohen.3 |
| Cen-Head* | 2 January 1920 | Samuel Cohen is head of household on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY, recorded Jam 3, as Samuel Cohen age listed 53 occupation Proprietor Tailor Born in Russia Father born in Russia Mother born in Russia, Immigrated in 1905, Naturalization Papers applied. Enumerated with Esther Cohen, Sadie Pearlman, Morris Pearlman, Ida Gross, Samuel Gross, Lena Cohen, Irving Isidore (Mike) Cohen, Rebecca 'Becky' Cohen, Sophie Cohen, William Cohen and Edna Cohen.1 |
Family | Esther Schmuckler b. 1870, d. 25 Sep 1961 | |
| Marriage* | circa 1893 | Samuel Cohen married Esther Schmuckler, daughter of Itzakh Schmuckler, circa 1893 at Russia.1 |
| Children |
| |
Esther Schmuckler1
b. 1870, d. 25 September 1961
| Father | Itzakh Schmuckler | |
Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40|Itzakh Schmuckler||p15.htm#i465|||||||||||||||| | ||
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Sandra Gross |
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 1870 | Esther Schmuckler was born in 1870 at Russia.1 |
| She was the daughter of Itzakh Schmuckler. | ||
| Marriage* | circa 1893 | Esther Schmuckler married Samuel Cohen circa 1893 at Russia.1 |
| Death* | 25 September 1961 | Esther Schmuckler died on 25 September 1961. |
| Burial* | She was buried at Knollwood Park Cem, Ridgewood, Queens Co, NY. | |
| Cen-Head | 15 April 1910 | Esther Cohen is enumerated on the census of 15 April 1910 at E 5th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Esther Cohen age 39, wife, married 1 time 19 years ago, had 7 children and all are living, immigrated 1905; April 19.2 |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Esther Cohen is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Ester Cohen age 49, wife, Alien, Immigrated in 1904; Jam 3.1 |
Family | Samuel Cohen b. 1866, d. 20 Aug 1953 | |
| Marriage* | circa 1893 | Esther Schmuckler married Samuel Cohen circa 1893 at Russia.1 |
| Children |
| |
Sadie Cohen1
b. 1893
| Father | Samuel Cohen1 b. 1866, d. 20 Aug 1953 | |
| Mother | Esther Schmuckler1 b. 1870, d. 25 Sep 1961 | |
Sadie Cohen|b. 1893|p2.htm#i41|Samuel Cohen|b. 1866\nd. 20 Aug 1953|p2.htm#i39|Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40|||||||Itzakh Schmuckler||p15.htm#i465|||| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 1893 | Sadie Cohen was born in 1893 at Russia.1,2 |
| She was the daughter of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler.1 | ||
| Marriage* | circa 1917 | Sadie Cohen married Morris Pearlman circa 1917.1 |
| Cen-Head | 15 April 1910 | Sadie Cohen is enumerated on the census of 15 April 1910 at E 5th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Sadie Cohen age 17, dau, immigrated in 1905; April 19.3 |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Sadie Pearlman is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Sadie Perlman age 24, dau, Immigrated in 1905, Naturalized; Jam 3.1 |
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Sadie Pearlman is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Morris Pearlman as Sadie Perlman age 37, wife, married when 24; April 13.4 |
Family | Morris Pearlman b. 15 Sep 1894 | |
| Marriage* | circa 1917 | Sadie Cohen married Morris Pearlman circa 1917.1 |
| Children |
| |
Lena Cohen1
b. 8 October 1897, d. 15 February 1992
| Father | Samuel Cohen1 b. 1866, d. 20 Aug 1953 | |
| Mother | Esther Schmuckler1 b. 1870, d. 25 Sep 1961 | |
Lena Cohen|b. 8 Oct 1897\nd. 15 Feb 1992|p2.htm#i42|Samuel Cohen|b. 1866\nd. 20 Aug 1953|p2.htm#i39|Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40|||||||Itzakh Schmuckler||p15.htm#i465|||| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 8 October 1897 | Lena Cohen was born on 8 October 1897 at Russia.1,2,3 |
| She was the daughter of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler.1 | ||
| Marriage* | 19 June 1921 | Lena Cohen married Abraham D Gottlieb on 19 June 1921.2 |
| Death* | 15 February 1992 | Lena Cohen died on 15 February 1992 at Flushing, Queens Co, NY, at age 94.2,3 |
| Burial* | She was buried at Knollwood Park Cem, Ridgewood, Queens Co, NY.2 | |
| Cen-Head | 15 April 1910 | Lena Cohen is enumerated on the census of 15 April 1910 at E 5th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Lena Cohen age 12, dau, immigrated in 1905; April 19.4 |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Lena Cohen is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Lena Cohen age 18, dau, immigrated 1905, Alien, operator ladies waists; Jam 3.1 |
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Lena Gottlieb is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at Flushing, Queens Co, NY. in the household of Abraham D Gottlieb as Lena Gottlieb age 32, wife, married when 23, immigrated in 1904, naturalized; April 7.5 |
Family | Abraham D Gottlieb b. 15 Dec 1896, d. 2 Jan 1990 | |
| Marriage* | 19 June 1921 | Lena Cohen married Abraham D Gottlieb on 19 June 1921.2 |
| Children |
| |
Irving Isidore (Mike) Cohen1
b. 8 March 1900, d. 20 February 1992
| Father | Samuel Cohen1 b. 1866, d. 20 Aug 1953 | |
| Mother | Esther Schmuckler1 b. 1870, d. 25 Sep 1961 | |
Irving Isidore (Mike) Cohen|b. 8 Mar 1900\nd. 20 Feb 1992|p2.htm#i43|Samuel Cohen|b. 1866\nd. 20 Aug 1953|p2.htm#i39|Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40|||||||Itzakh Schmuckler||p15.htm#i465|||| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 8 March 1900 | Irving Isidore (Mike) Cohen was born on 8 March 1900 at Russia.1,2,3,4 |
| He was the son of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler.1 | ||
| Marriage* | 5 November 1938 | Irving Isidore (Mike) Cohen married Sylvia Cohen on 5 November 1938.2 |
| Death* | 20 February 1992 | Irving Isidore (Mike) Cohen died on 20 February 1992 at age 91.2,4 |
| Burial* | He was buried at Beth Moses Cem, Elmont, Nassau Co, NY.2 | |
| Cen-Head | 15 April 1910 | Irving Isidore (Mike) Cohen is enumerated on the census of 15 April 1910 at E 5th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Isidore Cohen age 10, son, immigrated in 1905; April 19.5 |
| Residence* | 12 September 1918 | Irving lived on 12 September 1918 at 716 E 5th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY; Irving Cohen, age 18 born March 8, 1900, occupation clerk. nearest relative Samuel Cohen, same address.3 |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Irving Isidore (Mike) Cohen is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Irvin Cohen age 18, son, immigrated in 1905, Alien, cutter in shirt factory; Jam 3.1 |
Family | Sylvia Cohen b. 15 Dec 1915, d. 31 May 2000 | |
| Marriage* | 5 November 1938 | Irving Isidore (Mike) Cohen married Sylvia Cohen on 5 November 1938.2 |
| Children |
| |
Rebecca 'Becky' Cohen1,2
b. 18 March 1903, d. 15 March 1990
| Father | Samuel Cohen1 b. 1866, d. 20 Aug 1953 | |
| Mother | Esther Schmuckler1 b. 1870, d. 25 Sep 1961 | |
Rebecca 'Becky' Cohen|b. 18 Mar 1903\nd. 15 Mar 1990|p2.htm#i44|Samuel Cohen|b. 1866\nd. 20 Aug 1953|p2.htm#i39|Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40|||||||Itzakh Schmuckler||p15.htm#i465|||| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 18 March 1903 | Rebecca 'Becky' Cohen was born on 18 March 1903 at Russia.1,2 |
| She was the daughter of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler.1 | ||
| Marriage* | 1931 | Rebecca 'Becky' Cohen married Benjamin Diamond in 1931.2 |
| Death* | 15 March 1990 | Rebecca 'Becky' Cohen died on 15 March 1990 at age 86.2 |
| Cen-Head | 15 April 1910 | Rebecca 'Becky' Cohen is enumerated on the census of 15 April 1910 at E 5th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Rebecca Cohen age 6, dau, immigrated in 1905; April 19.3 |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Rebecca 'Becky' Cohen is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Beckie Cohen age 16, dau, immigrated in 1905, Alien, Examiner in Coat & Suite factory; Jam 3.1 |
Family | Benjamin Diamond b. 1896, d. 7 Oct 1957 | |
| Marriage* | 1931 | Rebecca 'Becky' Cohen married Benjamin Diamond in 1931.2 |
| Children |
| |
Sophie Cohen1,2
b. 23 May 1907, d. July 1990
| Father | Samuel Cohen1 b. 1866, d. 20 Aug 1953 | |
| Mother | Esther Schmuckler1 b. 1870, d. 25 Sep 1961 | |
Sophie Cohen|b. 23 May 1907\nd. Jul 1990|p2.htm#i45|Samuel Cohen|b. 1866\nd. 20 Aug 1953|p2.htm#i39|Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40|||||||Itzakh Schmuckler||p15.htm#i465|||| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 23 May 1907 | Sophie Cohen was born on 23 May 1907 at NY.1,2 |
| She was the daughter of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler.1 | ||
| Death* | July 1990 | Sophie Cohen died in July 1990 at age 83.2 |
| Cen-Head | 15 April 1910 | Sophie Cohen is enumerated on the census of 15 April 1910 at E 5th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Sophie Cohen age 3, dau; April 19.3 |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Sophie Cohen is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Sophia Cohen age 16, dau, born in NY; Jam 3.1 |
William Cohen1
b. 9 March 1910, d. 16 July 1997
| Father | Samuel Cohen1 b. 1866, d. 20 Aug 1953 | |
| Mother | Esther Schmuckler1 b. 1870, d. 25 Sep 1961 | |
William Cohen|b. 9 Mar 1910\nd. 16 Jul 1997|p2.htm#i46|Samuel Cohen|b. 1866\nd. 20 Aug 1953|p2.htm#i39|Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40|||||||Itzakh Schmuckler||p15.htm#i465|||| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 9 March 1910 | William Cohen was born on 9 March 1910 at NY.1,2,3 |
| He was the son of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler.1 | ||
| Marriage* | 10 November 1934 | William Cohen married Ruth (?) on 10 November 1934.2 |
| Death* | 16 July 1997 | William Cohen died on 16 July 1997 at Alpharetta, Fulton Co, Ga, at age 87; Alpharetta, Ga is his last SS# address. The Georga State death records indicate William died in Cobb Co and was a resident of Cherokee Co. His daughter Tema resided in Alpharetta, Ga.2,4 |
| Cen-Head | 15 April 1910 | William Cohen is enumerated on the census of 15 April 1910 at E 5th St, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as William Cohen age 1/12, son; April 19.5 |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | William Cohen is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as William Cohen age 8, son, born NY; Jam 3.1 |
Family | Ruth (?) b. 1912, d. 1986 | |
| Marriage* | 10 November 1934 | William Cohen married Ruth (?) on 10 November 1934.2 |
| Children |
| |
Edna Cohen1
b. 22 April 1917, d. 18 February 1996
| Father | Samuel Cohen1 b. 1866, d. 20 Aug 1953 | |
| Mother | Esther Schmuckler1 b. 1870, d. 25 Sep 1961 | |
Edna Cohen|b. 22 Apr 1917\nd. 18 Feb 1996|p2.htm#i47|Samuel Cohen|b. 1866\nd. 20 Aug 1953|p2.htm#i39|Esther Schmuckler|b. 1870\nd. 25 Sep 1961|p2.htm#i40|||||||Itzakh Schmuckler||p15.htm#i465|||| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 22 April 1917 | Edna Cohen was born on 22 April 1917 at NY.1,2,3 |
| She was the daughter of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler.1 | ||
| Marriage* | 11 September 1938 | Edna Cohen married Harry Baken on 11 September 1938.2 |
| Death* | 18 February 1996 | Edna Cohen died on 18 February 1996 at Port Richey, Pasco Co, Fl, at age 78.2,3 |
| Burial* | She was buried at Knollwood Park Cem, Ridgewood, Queens Co, NY.2 | |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Edna Cohen is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Edna Cohen age 3, dau, born NY; Jam 3.1 |
Family | Harry Baken b. 29 Jan 1914, d. 31 Jan 2003 | |
| Marriage* | 11 September 1938 | Edna Cohen married Harry Baken on 11 September 1938.2 |
| Children |
| |
Morris Pearlman1
b. 15 September 1894
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 15 September 1894 | Morris Pearlman was born on 15 September 1894 at Russia.1,2 |
| Marriage* | circa 1917 | Morris Pearlman married Sadie Cohen, daughter of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler, circa 1917.1 |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Morris Pearlman is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Assembly District 3, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of Samuel Cohen as Morris Perlman age 25, son-in-law, cutter in Tailor establishment, born in Russia, emmigrated in 1905 an Naturlized; Jam 3.1 |
| Cen-Head* | 1 April 1930 | Morris Pearlman is head of household on the census of 1 April 1930 at Bronx, Bronx Co, NY, recorded April 13, as Morris Pearlman age listed 36 occupation Propertor Dress Factory Born in RusPoland Father born in RusPoland Mother born in RusPoland, pmmigrated in 1905, natrlized, married when 23. Enumerated with Sadie Pearlman, Col Irving Pearlman and Leonard Pearlman.3 |
| Residence* | 5 April 1942 | Morris lived on 5 April 1942 at 4320 Brodway, Manhattan, New York Co, NY; Morris Pearlman, age 48, born Sept 15 1894 in Russia, employed at the University Garment Factory, contact person Sadie Pearlman.2 |
Family | Sadie Cohen b. 1893 | |
| Marriage* | circa 1917 | Morris Pearlman married Sadie Cohen, daughter of Samuel Cohen and Esther Schmuckler, circa 1917.1 |
| Children |
| |
Alice Ethel Brooks
b. 6 September 1918
| Father | Herbert Brooks1 b. May 1890, d. Jan 1951 | |
| Mother | Pauline Edelman1 b. 4 Jul 1892, d. 10 Feb 1983 | |
Alice Ethel Brooks|b. 6 Sep 1918|p2.htm#i49|Herbert Brooks|b. May 1890\nd. Jan 1951|p5.htm#i126|Pauline Edelman|b. 4 Jul 1892\nd. 10 Feb 1983|p5.htm#i127|Israel I. Brotsky|b. 20 Oct 1863\nd. 1 Jan 1939|p5.htm#i135|Anna Mundell|b. Apr 1867\nd. Mar 1956|p5.htm#i136|Abraham D. Edelman|b. 5 Dec 1863\nd. 2 Oct 1932|p5.htm#i128|Hannah Zarin|b. 10 Jan 1866\nd. 12 Jan 1939|p5.htm#i129| | ||
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Sandra Gross |
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 6 September 1918 | Alice Ethel Brooks was born on 6 September 1918 at NY.1 |
| She is the daughter of Herbert Brooks and Pauline Edelman.1 | ||
| Marriage* | 20 November 1941 | Alice Ethel Brooks married Irving Gross, son of Samuel Gross and Ida Cohen, on 20 November 1941 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Alice Ethel Brooks is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at St Johns Place, Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. in the household of Herbert Brooks as Alice Brooks age 1 4/12, dau. ; Jan 17.2 |
| Note | A STICKY HAIR-DO What would happen today if a toddler got hold of some gum and stuck it onto her head? My mother often told me a story about me doing just that when I was about eighteen months old. How I got the gum nobody could figure out, but it was soft and moist and I just stuck it on top of my head! I had thick curly hair and by the time my mother discovered what had occurred the gum was well worked into those curls. She was frantic, calling her older sister Rose for advice. Nobody could figure out what to do. Water only seemed to harden the stuff. Crying bitterly, my Mother called the doctor who gently told her to try working the mess out with some baby shampoo. After several tries with various products, she discovered that CASTILE SOAP shampoo did the trick. I don’t think my mother chewed gum at that time, but I’m not sure. I do know that when she was in her fifties and later, she loved chewing gum. Perhaps that was the source of the original piece and maybe that’s why she felt so distraught about the possibility of having to cut off my hair. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Residence | between 1922 and 1929 | Alice Ethel Brooks lived with Simon and Rose Grosoff between 1922 and 1929 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY, During those years Alice said that she was almost the third daughter of the family and her cousins Mildred and Lucille were like older sisters for her. |
| Note | Alice MY SLIPPERS As I’ve mentioned in previous anecdotes, I lived with my Aunt Rose and her family for seven years. During that time, if Uncle Simon and Aunt Rose and their daughters went on vacation, I was usually part of the group. Early on, when I was still very young, perhaps seven, we went to a fashionable hotel in Lakewood, New Jersey. I remember a broad central staircase (think “Gone With The Wind”) going down to the lobby and the other public rooms. Our rooms were on the second floor, somewhere off that main stairway. One evening, we were told to get dressed for dinner. One of the last things my aunt said to me after telling us to dress was, “Remember to put on your slippers”. My cousin, Mildred, was six years my senior and she was “in charge” of her sister and me. When the three of us girls were dressed we began to go down the grand staircase. We were about one quarter down when Mildred told me to stop and go back to our room. As the three of us were entering the room we shared, my Aunt and Uncle met us. Mildred told her mother something I didn’t hear, but the furious expression on my aunt’s face was something I remembered for many years. My uncle, a gentle and kindly man, was laughing. I was petrified because I didn’t know what I had done wrong. Then I learned what my aunt had meant when she said “put on your slippers.” I had thought it strange to put my bedroom slippers on when I was dressed to go down to dinner, but nobody ever questioned an order from Aunt Rose. When I was finally properly attired in my patent leather Mary Ann’s, I was too embarrassed to try to explain why I had done “such a stupid thing....wearing slippers to dinner!” But I absorbed my first lesson in speaking up when you needed clarification for an instruction and becoming ‘your own person’. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Note* | MY EARLY HISTORY I don't know how many of my grandchildren are aware of the fact that I, too, came from a "broken" home. When I was just past three, my father disappeared. For many years, my mother,(who was the Great-Grandmother you called Grandma Paul), searched for him through police, detectives, morgues, newspaper ads and magazines. He was lost without a trace, we thought. After seven years, he was declared legally dead and my mother obtained an “Enoch Arden” divorce. During those seven years, she went to work to support me and I lived with her older sister and brother-in law. Aunt Rose and Uncle Simon had two daughters who were like sisters for me. Lucille was two years older than I and Mildred was four years older than her sister. During those years, my mother lived with her parents. I visited with her every weekend from Friday evening to late afternoon on Sunday, when she'd bring me back to Brooklyn to Aunt Rose's home. During the first year, when I was about four, Mom lived with us, too, but when she had to take a steady job, she moved to her parents’ home. I was six when I met the man who would be father to me for the rest of my life. Sam Levine met mother while working for the same company. The three of us began going on outings to the beach or a picnic in the park. For several years, we spent a week at a farm in Pawling, NY, during their summer vacations. It was there that Sam introduced me to things I had never seen before, like chickens and cows, woodchucks and frogs that sat in the cool of a natural spring house. When I was almost nine, mother became very ill after serious surgery, but nobody told me that she was sick. Everyone thought that I shouldn’t be told that she was near death. Nobody thought to tell me why I was not seeing my mother or receiving letters or calls from her. I was told that she was traveling on business, which was part of her normal work. I was angry, hurt, and confused. Why was Mom too busy for me? Sam came to visit me. He called me on the 'phone, and when my birthday arrived, he visited and brought me a new black leather brief-case for my school books as my birthday gift. He also brought me a birthday card and a present from my mother. But I didn't believe him or anybody that she was still thinking of me. It had been two months by then that I had not heard from her. I was sure that she was dead but I didn’t tell anyone how I felt or what I thought. But on that day, September 6, 1927, when I was nine years old, I grew up and spoke out and wasn't afraid to say what I had in my heart and mind. It was a shock to my Aunt and to Sam and it was he who was able to persuade her to let me know the truth about Mom. Not long after that, I was taken to see her and knowing that she was getting better helped my distraught and resentful attitude. It was during her illness that Sam Levine proposed to her. She realized that he loved me as well as he did her and his declaration of wanting to be a father to me, in the true sense of that term, was what finally convinced her to say " yes." On February 2, 1928, they were married. She was still too weak to be up and about, but sat in a chair for most of the day. She was dressed in a rose-colored dress and jacket and my grandparents’ apartment was crowded with family members. I was happy to know that I was going to have my own family soon. I didn't go to live with Mother and Dad until the following year. By then, they had spent one year together in a little flat with a tiny kitchen and were ready to move into an apartment in the Bronx. I was not yet eleven when I joined them and life changed most dramatically for me. For years, the dusty-pink color of my mother’s dress on their wedding day always evoked a sense of warmth and security within me, no matter what the situation around me. It seems amazing to me, but while I can remember so much of my physical surroundings from the time I was a very little child through all the years of growing up, I cannot remember the Bronx apartment at all. I know that my mother’s brother, David, lived in the same building with his wife and son (my cousin, Lester, who is four years younger than I) and that I wore a key on a red ribbon around my neck so that I could get into the apartment when I came home after school. Each day I had the lunch my mother prepared and left with her sister-in-law, when Lester and I came home from school at noon. We were one block down from the Grand Concourse, on Valentine Avenue and I think we were on the fourth floor, while Uncle Dave’s family lived on the second floor. I remember that the address was 2772 Valentine Avenue. It had a rhythm and rhyme to the sound and I never forgot it. But the memory of the place I called my first real home is an absolute blank. By the way, the reason for the key being on a red ribbon around my neck might be of interest to you. My mother wouldn’t dream of offending her mother by suggesting that we didn’t have to follow the superstitious rules which grandma, and many of her neighbors, believed in. Therefore, when grandma heard that I would be leaving for school and coming home when nobody else was home, she requested that the key I was given be on a red ribbon to “keep the evil eye away.” I don’t remember any other girl wearing a similar talisman. Maybe I was the only “latchkey” child in the class in those years. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Note* | Alice and Lucille THE RABBIT DRESSES I know that I mentioned my grandmother Hannah’s ability with sewing and designing clothing and I know that I noted the fact that she taught her eldest daughter, Rose, how to sew. Aunt Rose used the sewing machine and the needle equally efficiently. One summer, both Lucille and I were outfitted with a wardrobe of eight dresses in different pastel colors, The dresses were sleeveless with ties at the shoulders and large pockets on each side just below the waist. I can almost see them now! The material was soft and silky in vertical self stripes but the thing both of us loved was the stitching around the ties and pockets. The stitching on each dress was done in heavy black velvet-like thread, and outlined a bunny-rabbit on each pocket and on each shoulder tie. We took those dresses to a hotel as a basic wardrobe that summer and never wore the same color at the same time until a lady said something to my aunt about how smart it was to be able to have both girls wear the same dress even though they were not the same size (being two years apart)! That very same evening, Lu and I wore the lavender bunny dresses at the same time and my aunt was satisfied that the gossip was put in her place! - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Residence | between 1930 and 1932 | Alice Ethel Brooks lived with Pauline and Samuel Levine between 1930 and 1932 at 2772 Valentine Ave, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY, She graduated from P.S.46 in 1932 with medals for Music, Orchestra (saxophone) and School Service.1 |
| Note | Alice SLEEP-AWAY CAMP At the end of the school year, when I was going on twelve, my mom asked whether I would like to go to a sleep-away camp. I had never had such an experience, and I jumped at the chance. I was a kid who enjoyed other people. I loved to dance, play the piano, sing, swim, run and play various physical games, so camp sounded perfect. Besides, my two cousins, Lucille and Mildred had been going to a camp far away in New Hampshire (or was it Maine?) for a few years and I wanted the same opportunity. I have another cousin, Alvin, who is six years younger than I am. His mother was the younger sister of my mother and Aunt Rose. He, too, had a “broken” home, but his mother and father separated and then divorced. They eventually remarried and remained together through the end of their years. Alvin, too, had lived in my Aunt Rose’s home for a while. By the time I was eleven, he lived with his mom some of the time, but at this period of our lives, he was living in a children’s boarding school which was called “Heimschul”. It was this facility which had a summer camp, Camp Harmony, which Mom offered me for my first sleep-away camp experience. We were given all the lists to prepare the clothing and other items I would need for my first camp experience. Excitement ran high the day Mother took me to the bus to meet the counselors and children I’d spend the next ten weeks with. Yes, in those days we stayed in camp from the beginning of July to just past Labor Day. When we arrived at the place where the bus was waiting, everyone was speaking Yiddish! Adults and children as well. Mom looked at me and said, “Do you want to go home?” I thought about it for a very brief period of time and decided that I knew a lot of what was being said because I had always heard Grandma and Grandpa speak Yiddish to their sons and daughters (especially when they didn’t want us to know what they were talking about) and somehow, over the years, I had begun to understand the language quite well. Of course, I went to Camp Harmony. I couldn’t put a sentence together in proper Yiddish, but I got along just fine. I danced with the other senior girls - we were all twelve or about to become that wonderful age - and we were draped in white sheets and taught dances which the little Russian dancing counselor insisted were traditional for Friday nights. I sang songs with the other children and learned what the words meant when I couldn’t understand. These children were speaking a proper European Yiddish, not the Americanized version, and when I came home at the end of the season, I used words that my mother didn’t know! It was a truly memorable summer....and I even got to perform the role of Carmen --- in Yiddish, of course. Yes, the opera which was shortened for us quite expertly, was transliterated for me so I could learn the lines and sing the music. A short anecdote in relation to that performance might amuse you. I’ve often told it to my adult choruses (only if they were Jewish) because they could empathize. While rehearsing for the role of Carmen, I was practicing the Habanera which Carmen sings to Don Jose by way of enticing him and taunting him to do her bidding. I was twelve, remember, and the year was 1930. As I sang in my “best” voice, the little blonde Russian music counselor stopped me with the following critique: “Ellis, dahlink. It’s a very important luf song. You must zing it mit more peshin in your woice!” So, I tried harder, but what 12-year-old knew what “peshin” was supposed to be in 1930? We had no lake to swim in, but the pool was a good size and when the Camp Director made the announcement: “Aller kinder arein in yahm!” (all children go into the sea) we went to the pool - even though the word “yahm” means ocean or sea. So, although in the best sense of the word I’ve lived my life as a secular Jew, I always had the feeling for Yiddishkeit, and I hope that somewhere along the line it has been imparted to you, too. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Note | LESSON LEARNED There were lots of times I was alone, and while Mom and Dad constantly warned me not to let any strangers into the apartment, I remember one event which could have been a really dangerous one for me. It was winter, the weather was very cold, and we didn’t stay outside to play after school. Lester had his homework to do and I had mine. We each went to our own apartments. It was late afternoon and getting dark outside, so I turned on the lights and sat at the kitchen table with my books. The bell rang and when I asked who was there, a man’s voice told me that he had to check the heat. It was not the voice of the janitor who took care of the building, and I said I couldn’t let anyone in because my mother was not home. I heard another man say something and then the first voice told me that I had to open the door because they were there to inspect the radiators. To me, that was the voice of authority and I opened the door. My glass of milk and a box of cookies was on the table. The two men were about the age of Dad and they smiled at me as they went to check the other rooms. I still cannot visualize that apartment, but I distinctly remember a tall man looking down at me as I sat with my homework. I offered him a cookie. He smiled, said “No thanks” and then told me that no matter what anyone said to me, I must never let anyone into the house when I was alone. He and his companion warned me to be sure to lock the door and they waited in the hallway and tried the handle to be certain I was following their advice after they had left. It made me feel guilty for having let them in and I was afraid to tell my folks that the men had come to check the radiators. But I did. Dad explained that I could have let robbers into the apartment, but nobody punished me, scolded me or told me how stupid it was to ignore their instructions. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Residence | between 1932 and 1936 | Alice Ethel Brooks lived with Pauline and Samuel Levine between 1932 and 1936 at Lakeland Place, Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY, Alice graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in January 1936 with medals for School Service (Arkon Society) and Music. She was the first girl to play in the marching band at Lincoln and was a member of the orchestra. She sang the role of Pitti-Sing in that years annual Gilbert and Sullivan performance (The Mikado).1 |
| Note | CRUEL TEACHER When I was a youngster my hair was identical to my mother’s: deep brunette with an auburn streak in the back. It was very thick, wavy and heavy. It took a lot of muscle power to brush it every day, but that was the drill. Brush, brush, brush. Actually, it was beautiful hair and I was quite proud of it. When I entered the sophomore year of high school I was sent to the main building of Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn. Our gym class was tremendous and the teacher in charge was a very strict and militant woman. One day we were told to line up in rows in front of the gym and pass an inspection. I had no idea what it was about, but as this female pushed a long stick (perhaps it was a pencil?) through my hair, she raised her voice so that it could be heard throughout the gym. “You should be ashamed of yourself!” I didn’t know what she was talking about and I said something like “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” In an even louder voice she shouted, “And your mother should be ashamed of herself!”Now, I was not a kid who was rude or talked back to authority figures like teachers, but nobody was going to insult my mother! So I answered back, and I still don’t know what I said but it was something like, “Don’t you say anything bad about my mother.” This martinet took me out of line, wrote a note to the Dean of Girls and told me to present myself at the Dean’s office. I was angry, and when I got angry I cried. The class of some 80 or more girls were standing silent and watching me in my misery. I don’t remember whether I was sent to the Dean with another girl to “escort” me, or whether I was called to the Dean’s office the following day. I do remember, however, being asked to tell my story to the woman who was probably in her fifties, soft spoken and very kind. When I had finished, I said I still didn’t know what the problem with my hair was. She smiled and said that the gym teacher was accusing me and my mom of coloring my hair in a beauty parlor! I told her I didn’t go to a beauty parlor, that I got a haircut at the barber shop, and that my hair was like my mom’s and my grandmother’s. She asked whether she could look at the “offending section of red” and asked whether I had any sisters or brothers in school. I told her I was an only child but I had a cousin in Lincoln who was older than I. Bertha Cohen, the Dean, then asked who my cousin was and when I said Lucille Grosoff, she said: “My Lucille? She’s my favorite secretary in the senior class!” We talked a bit more and she told me to appear in Gym class the next day where Miss ????? (the teacher) would be making a public apology to me in front of the entire class. Vindication? You bet. And the assurance that there are lots of good people out there willing to help you when you’re right and honest. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Note | TEENAGE PRESUMPTION Have I ever told you how badly I behaved as an "educated" teen-ager when I tried to correct Grandma Hannah's pronunciation? It was difficult for Grandma Hannah to pronounce the "a" sound in words like bad. She said the word as she pronounced “bed.” One day, with elegant sophistication and the omniscient expertise of the teenager, I said, "Grandma, you say b-ed when you talk about going to sleep, but when you want to tell somebody they are not good you have to say B-A-AD." My grandmother smiled at me, sighed and said, "Darling. I try to get them right. But, bed or baaad" (she made a sound like a bleating sheep) "what's the difference? You know what I mean." I had thought I was being smart and helpful, and while I probably didn't really bruise my Grandmother's feelings, that was one time I wished I had been more sensitive to the possibility of the hurt I might inflict. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Residence | between 1936 and 1941 | Alice Ethel Brooks lived with Pauline and Samuel Levine between 1936 and 1941 at 1525 E 26th St, Flatbush, Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY.1 |
| Education* | from 1936 to 1939 | Alice Ethel Brooks was educated from 1936 to 1939 at NYU School of Education, Washington Sq East, Manhattan, New York Co, NY, receiving a B.S. in Music. She received the Arch Award for outstanding school service when she graduated. After graduation, she continued taking courses toward her Masters Degree.1 |
| Note | REMEMBRANCE OF A COLLEGE SHOW Do you remember how much fun it was to be involved in a College Varsity Show? In 1938, I was the female lead in the NYU School of Education Varsity Show. Those of us who could write, formulated the story. Those who could compose songs, wrote the music. The Dramatic Arts Department lent their talents to technical aspects of the production. From every department of the School, those who were able to sing, act or dance all tried out for parts, and we worked hard in rehearsal for two months. Our orchestra was made up of the instrumental majors of the Music Department as was the conductor, and all of these men were working professionally on week-ends, so we had a very able musical accompaniment. No, there were no women in the orchestra for those shows. We were aware of what was going on in Europe and we tried to produce a serious musical drama....perhaps it might be called a melodrama...but we were determined to portray a gripping dramatic story in which the final scene had everybody strewn around the stage in assorted positions depicting brutal death and destruction. Because we all loved the arts, we included a male dancer who would, in the final scene, portray the spirit of the future shining in symbolic freedom. We worked earnestly and long so that everyone would be impressed with our last scene. We had carefully rehearsed the blocking and our positions. After the solo ballet, the male lead and I were to rise from the carnage, find each other amid the broken bodies and destruction, and sing the final song of hope. So, picture this: The stage was in semi-darkness. I was lying mid-center stage with my left arm extended toward the audience. My lover was crumpled somewhere away from me on stage left. The male dancer appeared at up-stage center (coming from between the curtains at the back of the stage). He was spot-lighted as the music rose for his leap forward and he danced for about two minutes. The music rose, the dancer sailed through the air - and landed. The audience applauded his grande-jetee, and that’s when my problem began. Bob had landed on my out-stretched hand. For good luck in the performance, I was wearing a ring on my fourth finger which had belonged to my father. It was in a square gold setting on which was a piece of black onyx with a small diamond in its center. I couldn’t see my hand, but it felt as if my ring had tightened on my finger. The dance went on as did the rest of the finale. The music for the last song began, I made my way to my feet and I sang as the male lead joined me. When the curtain came down and we made our way to the wings, several people, including the man I almost married, were smiling and congratulating me on my convincing dramatic performance. Tears were coming down my cheeks as I held up my left hand.....blood dripping freely. There were gasps, questions, but we had to go out for another bow. By the time I got back once again, I finally broke down and pleaded with somebody to help get the ring off my finger and stop the bleeding and pain. It was easier said than done. Finally, one of the stage-hands found two pairs of pliers and with well-meaning helpers to hold me still, the ring was removed without tearing any flesh. Somebody found a first-aid kit and they did a repair job. Nobody thought of asking whether there was a doctor in the house and since we were a School of Education, there was no medical department or faculty. I was lucky on several counts, though. It was the last performance of the show; no bones were broken; and I’m a fast healer. I refused to let my injury spoil our closing night cast party. But Bob, our dancer, couldn’t forgive himself, even though I had. I never wore that ring again. I was convinced that it was bad luck. After all, it had belonged to the father who abandoned me seventeen years before that injury on stage. It was almost as though this was proof that I should never forgive or forget. The following year, instead of appearing on stage for the Varsity Show, I conducted the orchestra as musical director, but that’s another story . - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Occupation* | from May 1940 to 1943 | During summer from May 1940 to 1943 at Hilltop Lodge, Hopewell Junction, Dutchess Co, NY, Alice Ethel Brooks was on the Entertainment Staff as rehearsal pianist (plus actress, singer and dancer when needed).1 |
| Note | Alice and Irving WEDDING DAY MEMORIES It was 1941 - November 20th, and it was Thanksgiving Day that year. President Franklin D.Roosevelt had decided to pull the celebration of the approaching December holiday season up one week. Whether it was to kick-start the just- recovering economy we never knew. But we did know that money was still at a very low ebb and we were getting married. Because I was her only child, my dear mother wanted me to have as perfect a wedding celebration as possible, and my step-dad strongly supported that decision. Mom and I had splurged on a bridal gown of white satin with seed pearl trim and, to fulfill my dreams, a four foot train! It cost $75 and was absolutely royal in its elegance. I felt terribly guilty because my mom was a working woman and money was not easily at hand, but Mother and Dad assured me that all was within our plans and would be fine. Our family was a rather small one and we were sure that a modest wedding reception would be in keeping with the economy, but when I asked my mother-in-law-to-be whom we should invite, I was in for a shock. Her response was a simple “Everybody”. That included the many siblings of my husband’s father and mother with their respective families; young children could not be left out - “who ever heard of such an insult?”; elderly aunts from distant cities whom my husband didn’t know; neighbors who were good friends and some shop-keepers were included as well. My family numbered about 35 and Irv and I had a table of ten friends. Our plans for luncheon changed drastically as the numbers grew, but by the day of the event, everything was ordered for 140 guests. The morning of November 20 was dark and rain poured heavily until about 10:30 AM. By that time I was in a state of nervous anxiety because the photographer had arrived at our apartment and was waiting to take the official photos of the bride and groom and their parents before we were to leave for the synagogue. The problem was that the groom and his parents hadn’t arrived. The photographer was ready as was the bride and her parents. The groom and his family came about 45 minutes late. But while I fumed, the sun forced the rain to stop and the day became brilliantly warm and beautiful. So warm, in fact, that we didn’t even try to wear a wrap over our gowns. No, at that time there were no “wedding planners” to tell inexperienced couples and their bemused parents what to do and how to go about it. Or at least nobody suggested that we consult with such a person. Nobody had suggested that we dress at the temple and take our official photos there. We just went ahead and planned it on our own and trusted to luck. We got into a couple of cars, arrived at the temple and the groom, his father and the best man parked the vehicles. While everyone was seated in the sanctuary, the six ushers, best man and maid of honor discussed what they were to do, and we were ready. My best friend from college who was my maid of honor, fussed over my veil which had been lovingly handed down from two cousins who were like sisters to me. The meaningful gesture of sharing the same veil was somewhat deflated by the fact that (unknown to me before that day) the lace had been torn in a rather crucial spot and the fussing Roz was doing was in order to get that large, open spot gathered under the tiara so that it wouldn’t be noticeable. All but one of the ushers were first cousins of my groom. The sixth was a young man with whom I had shared some ten years of maturing and we were, and would be, lifelong friends. I can see those handsome fellows in their morning suits, top hats and canes as though it were yesterday. As we prepared to walk down the aisle and ascend the four steps to the bridal canopy, Roz whispered, “You’re not going to wear your glasses, are you?” “If you don’t want to see me trip and fall on my face as I walk up those steps, I’m wearing my glasses,” I replied, and we moved forward to take our places, giggling at the thought of me possibly ruining the picture we had built in our minds of the elegant and proper ceremony in which we were about to participate. One of the gifts we had received was an 8mm moving picture camera and three members of our families took turns recording the event. It was a first try for two of them. Despite some footage blocked by a thumb over the lens, somebody’s decision that it wasn’t important to take pictures of the table where we had seated our dearest friends, and a long shot of me trying to raise my veil from covering my face as we turned to walk back up the aisle after the ceremony, thereby completely covering my face with my hand, we are still in possession of that film and it’s a treasure to have after all these years. (By the way, for our fiftieth wedding anniversary, I took the chance of boring our guests, including a lot of young people who never knew their great-grandparents, and I showed a bit of that wedding footage along with pictures of our family as it grew and developed. Everyone loved it! Many asked for a re-run so they could see once again, grandparents in their youth and other members of the family.) After we greeted our guests and people began being seated at tables for luncheon, we were approached by the caterer to inform us that there were seven people who had no table assignments. Actually, three were invited and they did have a place to sit, but they decided to bring four others with them. Neither my husband nor I knew who they were, but after my mother-in-law identified them (all from Philadelphia) we managed to have the caterer squeeze four more spaces in. That kind of aggravation shouldn’t be allowed to spoil the most special day in two young people’s lives, and our wonderful families saw to it that it didn’t. Like all weddings, ours was memorable for many reasons.....the food was nicely served and the music was wonderful .... but mostly, seeing so many family members together and introducing people who two hours earlier were strangers, now suddenly related to each other because of this day, made a big impression on both of us. We changed to our travel clothes, our best man had our bags in the car and off we went ... by train...to Atlantic City for a three day honeymoon. I shall never forget that train ride. We met two other couples our age and we wondered whether we were as obvious in our newly-wed appearance as they were. We ordered hot chocolate with crackers and blue cheese and talked about the few days we would have together, just the two of us, alone for the first time as a couple. Although the war was not as yet part of the American domestic concern, it was already coloring a lot of America’s lifestyle. We hadn’t realized that cities on the ocean, like Atlantic City, were blacked out at night. No bright lights were lit on the streets and windows had blackout curtains in every room. It was a sobering thought as we viewed the darkened boardwalk at night, but we had booked a beautiful hotel on the boardwalk and our room, while not facing the ocean (who could afford an ocean view?) was just off the corner of the building. Through our open window, we could see and hear the constant waves from the seventh floor of the hotel where our room was located and no sound of waves slapping against the sand beach has ever left any impression in my mind that could replace those nights in Atlantic City. We laughed like a couple of children at play when we checked out our room. It was exactly as described to us by a couple with whom we’d become acquainted during our summers working at Hilltop Lodge, the adult hotel/camp on Sylvan Lake near Hopewell Junction, New York. They were married over thirty years and had told us, laughing but almost shyly, how they had behaved when they booked one of the Shelburne Hotel rooms for their honeymoon. The room had two huge closets in it and our friends had each used one as a private dressing room. We thought it very funny, and we playfully did the same thing. Even though we were not physically strange to each other when we married, a sudden change of attitude took place as we play-acted at being shy and used those two “dressing rooms”. The realization of the fact that the ceremony we had gone through that afternoon was the beginning of the rest of our lives together, put us into a very serious mood that night. With times for laughter and times for solemnity, times for joy and times for disagreements, times for anger and times for forgiveness, our marriage went on for the next fifty-eight years. Irv and I always felt that nobody should miss the seriousness of a wedding night and an understanding of what marriage truly is in the lives of two people and a family. I hope that we managed to impart this aspect of a lasting relationship with each other to all of our descendants. In the long run, nothing replaces it. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Residence | 1941 | Alice and Irving lived in 1941 at Rego Park, Queens Co, NY.1 |
| Education | 1942 | In 1942 Alice was awarded M.A. in Music Education at NYU School of Education, Washington Sq East, Manhattan, New York Co, NY. |
| Note | from 1947 to 1960 | From 1947 to 1960 Alice became involved in many community activities while two sons were growing up: PTA, Cub Scouts, Temple Sisterhood, Hadassah, directing community shows and choral groups for synagogue and community organizations. She gave private lessons for piano and voice. |
| Note | 1960 | In 1960she began to teach music in the New York City School system. During the next 15 years she taught all three levels of school music, helped write a vocal music curriculum for teachers; created several music curricula for different school levels; was Associate Conductor of the Queens All-Boro Jr. H. S. Chorus for two years and Associate Conductor of the All-City High School Chorus for three years. During these years she composed several school Alma Mater songs and wrote a Cantata in honor of Henrietta Szold, founder of Hadassah. She also composed an anthem for synagogue and began writing more poetry and short stories. Some of her writing was for children. |
| Residence | 1961 | Alice and Irving lived in 1961 at Hollis Hills, Queens Co, NY.1 |
| Note | 1975 | In 1975 Alice and Irving took a sabbatical leave to travel around the world and visit schools in various countries to hear the music programs there. Irving's love of history and his enjoyment of varied cuisines and cultures of other countries made this trip an exceptional experience. This five month experience took them to sixteen countries in the Far East, Middle East and Scandinavian areas. |
| Note | 1976 | In 1976 due to an injury in school, Alice retired from work for the Board of Education. |
| Retirement* | 1979 | In 1979 Alice Ethel Gross and Irving Gross retired at Bayside, Queens Co, NY, and began spending part of the year in Pembroke Pines, Broward Co, Florida. Irv took this opportunity to work on his piano playing, often spending between three and five hours a day at the piano. His repertoire was concentrated on the works of Liszt, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Schumann and other Romantic Period composers, but he played challenging pieces of any period for the pure pleasure of the work. He appeared as featured piano soloist with several community orchestras during those years. Alice continued her service to the community by forming a chorus, directing shows, continuing volunteer work for Hadassah and teaching courses in music for the Brandeis University National Women's Committee. |
| Residence | 1979 | Alice and Irvingmoved to Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Broward Co, Fl 1979 to spend the winter months away from the snow and cold of the North. |
| Residence* | August 1990 | Alice and Irvingmoved to Heritage Village, Southbury, New Haven Co, Ct August 1990 where they began to spend six months of the year, wintering at Pembroke Pines, Broward Co, Fl. Alice continued doing the same kind of community service she had always done. Irving enjoyed living in Heritage Village and Pembroke Pines. He was admired throughout Heritage Village as a consummate pianist, whether for classic or popular repertoire. During the last five years of his life he dropped playing parties in Florida, but never stopped performing at special concerts with community orchestras or as accompanist for large cantorial concerts. |
| Note* | THE BRASS CANDLESTICKS About the heavy brass candlesticks I use every Friday night: When my Grandmother, Hannah, came to these shores with her husband Abraham Edelman, and two children, she brought some special things with her. I wish I knew more about exactly what was brought here by these young immigrants, but those stories were never told and we can only imagine. I do know, however, that among their possessions were four brass candlesticks. The candlesticks had belonged to my grandmother’s GRANDMOTHER....so you can figure out how old they are likely to be.** When my grandparents, whose name was EDELMAN, purchased the samovar (or if that was one of the items that came with them along with the candlesticks) I do not know. However, when Grandma Hannah died, her daughter, Ethel, kept two of the candle-holders and my Mom took two. My uncle Dave took the samovar. Eventually, I asked my mother whether I could have the brass candlesticks since I was lighting candles almost every Friday night. She was happy to know that I wanted them and since they were purely decorative in her home, it was okay with her. Many years later, while I was polishing the brass, I noticed that the two sticks were not exactly matched. I eventually got in touch with my Aunt and, upon examination, discovered that, indeed, none of the four was an exact duplicate of any of the others. They are handmade, you realize, and that accounts for the slight discrepancy. Sandy has asked whether she may have these candlesticks and I am very happy to know that they will be loved and cared for. Hopefully, she will also be able to pass them on to one of her children someday in the far distant future. **They were probably crafted in the early 1800's. - Alice Brooks Gross. | |
| Residence* | August 2001 | She moved August 2001 to East Hill Woods, Southbury, New Haven Co, Ct Alice co-chairs the writers' circle and is the chair for the Profiles Committee, which interviews and writes bios of new residents of the community. All the while she encourages other residents to sing and exercise the muscles for breathing. |
| Note* | Postlude - INHERITED TALENT and OUR EARLY YEARS Interestingly for Grandpa and me was the fact that we had so many parallel things in our backgrounds or in our growing up years. As in the Gross family, so in the Brooks family, there was a streak of the talented entertainer. In my case it was being related through my paternal grandmother’s family to the mother of Sophie Tucker. My grandmother and her mother were probably first cousins. I do not clearly remember whether they were sisters, but I do recall my father and his sisters referring to Sophie as “Cousin”. Whether it was a first cousin once removed or closer, I don’t know, but the line is there. I, as a very little girl, was introduced to Sophie on several occasions at family “events” and as I became a teenager I even had some correspondence with her in reference to some songs I had written. She strongly advised me to stay out of show business. ;-) [Andrea has the original letter.] My father’s sister, Faye, had a really big and beautiful singing voice and she played the piano. She gave me my first real piano lessons and I often think that some of her talent was passed on to me, although Grandma Paul also had a lovely singing voice. Nothing pleased my Grandmother Hannah more than to listen to her daughter and grand-daughter singing together, and I still remember the special feeling it gave me when I supplied the harmony and we blended our voices so perfectly together. If you look into the first album of photos I’ve put together about Grandpa Irving and me, you’ll come across another co-incidence. On one page, dated the same year, each of us were at summer camp. Both of us had a photo taken in front of the tent where we slept and each of us was standing in exactly the same position: looking as if we were holding up the center tent-pole! The big difference was that although he was 10 months older than I was, I looked two or three years older than he. He was a little guy and I was maturing quickly. And of course, we were in different places and were not destined to meet each other for another six years when I began attending college. Even though Grandpa and I were married in 1941, (you figure out how long ago that was when you read this) we were both perfectly normal young people who each had acquaintances of the opposite sex -- some more important to us than others. But after we had graduated college, (NYU - Music Department of the School of Education) where we had certainly spoken to each other, but never dated, we found ourselves in the same adult camp for the summer. I was there as a rehearsal pianist for the entertainment staff of actors, singers and dancers, and Grandpa was there as the pianist in the band. That was the beginning of our romance and we’ve had some wonderful years together. Memories are difficult to share with others, especially private ones, so I’ll save those for the time being. - Alice Brooks Gross. |
Family | Irving Gross b. 8 Nov 1917, d. 1 Feb 2000 | |
| Marriage* | 20 November 1941 | Alice Ethel Brooks married Irving Gross, son of Samuel Gross and Ida Cohen, on 20 November 1941 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. |
| Children |
| |
William Lawrence Gilman
b. 7 June 1907, d. 24 November 1961
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Sandra Gross |
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 7 June 1907 | William Lawrence Gilman was born on 7 June 1907. |
| Marriage* | William Lawrence Gilman married Elsie Levitt, daughter of Leon Levitt and Ida Gimberg. | |
| Death* | 24 November 1961 | William Lawrence Gilman died on 24 November 1961 at age 54.1 |
| Burial* | 26 November 1961 | He was buried on 26 November 1961 at New Montefiore Cem, Farmingdale, Nassau Co, NY.1 |
Family | Elsie Levitt b. 9 Feb 1916 | |
| Marriage* | William Lawrence Gilman married Elsie Levitt, daughter of Leon Levitt and Ida Gimberg. | |
| Children |
| |
Citations
- [S6] Obituary; New York Times, Nov 26, 1961.
Thelma Levitt1
b. 1906
| Father | Leon Levitt1 b. 13 Dec 1876 | |
| Mother | Ida Gimberg1 b. 1883, d. 13 Oct 1944 | |
Thelma Levitt|b. 1906|p2.htm#i51|Leon Levitt|b. 13 Dec 1876|p2.htm#i32|Ida Gimberg|b. 1883\nd. 13 Oct 1944|p2.htm#i33||||||||||||| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 1906 | Thelma Levitt was born in 1906 at Russia.1 |
| She is the daughter of Leon Levitt and Ida Gimberg.1 | ||
| Immigration | between 1912 and February 1915 | Thelma Levitt immigrated with Leon Levitt between 1912 and February 1915 at NY; Daughter May was born in Russia, Elsie in NY. Imigration enumerated dates vary from 1913-1914. Ellis Island arrival record not found. |
| Cen-Head | 2 January 1920 | Thelma Levitt is enumerated on the census of 2 January 1920 at Brooklyn, Kings Co, NY. in the household of Leon Levitt as Thelma Levitt age 14, dau, Imigrated 1914, Alien; Jan 3.2 |
Wendy Sharon Gross
b. 3 July 1974
| Father | Arnold Stuart Gross b. 22 Apr 1944 | |
| Mother | Elizabeth Miriam Gilman b. 1 May 1947 | |
Wendy Sharon Gross|b. 3 Jul 1974|p2.htm#i52|Arnold Stuart Gross|b. 22 Apr 1944|p1.htm#i30|Elizabeth Miriam Gilman|b. 1 May 1947|p1.htm#i29|Irving Gross|b. 8 Nov 1917\nd. 1 Feb 2000|p2.htm#i37|Alice E. Brooks|b. 6 Sep 1918|p2.htm#i49|William L. Gilman|b. 7 Jun 1907\nd. 24 Nov 1961|p2.htm#i50|Elsie Levitt|b. 9 Feb 1916|p2.htm#i31| | ||
| Last Edited | 16 Dec 2007 |
| Birth* | 3 July 1974 | Wendy Sharon Gross was born on 3 July 1974 at Manhattan, New York Co, NY. |
| She is the daughter of Arnold Stuart Gross and Elizabeth Miriam Gilman. | ||
| Marriage* | 2 April 2005 | Wendy Sharon Gross married Julia Alexander, daughter of Harold Bernard Alexander and Billie Louise DuBoise, on 2 April 2005 at Manhattan, New York Co, NY. |
| Note* | One of my favorite stories about Wendy has to do with her ability to be friendly with everyone. When she was five she made one day’s salary as an extra in two different movies: “Going in Style” with George Burns and Art Carney and “Starting Over” with Burt Reynolds. She also did a photo shoot for stills on Final Touch, the laundry product. Being a very out-going child, she talked to everyone and when, in a restaurant, some people asked what her name and age were, she told them and then asked, “Would you like my autograph?” Of course, this is just an extension of what she was like when she was almost two-and-a-half and the family was in Mexico for a holiday. Wendy was very blonde and very bright and she won over the entire dining room staff by asking (at every meal) for “mantequilla, por favor” (which, of course, her parents had carefully taught her). We had more butter than all the other tables in the dining room because all of the wait staff wanted to hear “the little blonde angel” say that phrase. - Alice Brooks Gross. |
Family | Julia Alexander b. 8 Aug 1974 | |
| Marriage* | 2 April 2005 | Wendy Sharon Gross married Julia Alexander, daughter of Harold Bernard Alexander and Billie Louise DuBoise, on 2 April 2005 at Manhattan, New York Co, NY. |
Daniel McGill
b. 19 September 1923, d. 20 April 2006
| Father | James McGill1 b. 1893 | |
| Mother | Mildred "May" Brasser b. 1896 | |
Daniel McGill|b. 19 Sep 1923\nd. 20 Apr 2006|p2.htm#i53|James McGill|b. 1893|p2.htm#i54|Mildred "May" Brasser|b. 1896|p2.htm#i55||||||||||||| | ||
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Theresa Marie McGill |
| Last Edited | 27 Apr 2006 |
| Birth* | 19 September 1923 | Daniel McGill was born on 19 September 1923 at Bronx, Bronx Co, NY.2 |
| He was the son of James McGill and Mildred "May" Brasser.1 | ||
| Marriage* | 27 December 1948 | Daniel McGill married Gladys B Kurzer, daughter of Arthur Walter Kurzer and Hermine Karasak, on 27 December 1948 at St Joseph's Church, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY.2 |
| Death* | 20 April 2006 | Daniel McGill died on 20 April 2006 at St Francis Hospital, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co, NY, at age 82.2 |
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Daniel McGill is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of James McGill as Daniel McGill age 6, son; Apr 14.3 |
Family | Gladys B Kurzer b. 21 Jun 1929 | |
| Marriage* | 27 December 1948 | Daniel McGill married Gladys B Kurzer, daughter of Arthur Walter Kurzer and Hermine Karasak, on 27 December 1948 at St Joseph's Church, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY.2 |
| Child |
| |
James McGill1
b. 1893
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Theresa Marie McGill |
| Last Edited | 3 Nov 2006 |
| Birth* | 1893 | James McGill was born in 1893 at NY.1 |
| Marriage* | 25 May 1922 | James McGill married Mildred "May" Brasser on 25 May 1922 at Queens, Queens Co, NY.1,2 |
| Cen-Head* | 1 April 1930 | James McGill is head of household on the census of 1 April 1930 at Bronx, Bronx Co, NY, recorded Apr 14, as James McGill age listed House Super occupation NY Born in Ireland Father born in Ireland Mother born in married when 27. Enumerated with Mildred "May" McGill, Marrir "May" McGill, Daniel McGill and Harold McGill.3 |
Family | Mildred "May" Brasser b. 1896 | |
| Marriage* | 25 May 1922 | James McGill married Mildred "May" Brasser on 25 May 1922 at Queens, Queens Co, NY.1,2 |
| Children |
| |
Mildred "May" Brasser1
b. 1896
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Theresa Marie McGill |
| Last Edited | 3 Nov 2006 |
| Birth* | 1896 | Mildred "May" Brasser was born in 1896 at NY.1 |
| Marriage* | 25 May 1922 | Mildred "May" Brasser married James McGill on 25 May 1922 at Queens, Queens Co, NY.1,2 |
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Mildred "May" McGill is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of James McGill as May McGill age 34, wife married when 34; Apr 14.3 |
Family | James McGill b. 1893 | |
| Marriage* | 25 May 1922 | Mildred "May" Brasser married James McGill on 25 May 1922 at Queens, Queens Co, NY.1,2 |
| Children |
| |
Marrir "May" McGill1
b. 1922
| Father | James McGill1 b. 1893 | |
| Mother | Mildred "May" Brasser1 b. 1896 | |
Marrir "May" McGill|b. 1922|p2.htm#i56|James McGill|b. 1893|p2.htm#i54|Mildred "May" Brasser|b. 1896|p2.htm#i55||||||||||||| | ||
| Last Edited | 3 Oct 2006 |
| Birth* | 1922 | Marrir "May" McGill was born in 1922 at NY.1 |
| She is the daughter of James McGill and Mildred "May" Brasser.1 | ||
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Marrir "May" McGill is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of James McGill as Marie McGill age 8, dau; Apr 14.2 |
Harold McGill1
b. 1929
| Father | James McGill1 b. 1893 | |
| Mother | Mildred "May" Brasser1 b. 1896 | |
Harold McGill|b. 1929|p2.htm#i57|James McGill|b. 1893|p2.htm#i54|Mildred "May" Brasser|b. 1896|p2.htm#i55||||||||||||| | ||
| Last Edited | 2 May 2005 |
| Birth* | 1929 | Harold McGill was born in 1929 at NY.1 |
| He is the son of James McGill and Mildred "May" Brasser.1 | ||
| Cen-Head | 1 April 1930 | Harold McGill is enumerated on the census of 1 April 1930 at Bronx, Bronx Co, NY. in the household of James McGill as Harold McGill age 7/12, son; Apr 14.2 |
Gladys B Kurzer
b. 21 June 1929
| Father | Arthur Walter Kurzer | |
| Mother | Hermine Karasak | |
Gladys B Kurzer|b. 21 Jun 1929|p2.htm#i58|Arthur Walter Kurzer||p2.htm#i59|Hermine Karasak||p2.htm#i60||||||||||||| | ||
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Theresa Marie McGill |
| Last Edited | 3 Nov 2006 |
| Birth* | 21 June 1929 | Gladys B Kurzer was born on 21 June 1929 at Astoria, Queens Co, NY.1 |
| She is the daughter of Arthur Walter Kurzer and Hermine Karasak. | ||
| Marriage* | 27 December 1948 | Gladys B Kurzer married Daniel McGill, son of James McGill and Mildred "May" Brasser, on 27 December 1948 at St Joseph's Church, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY.2 |
Family | Daniel McGill b. 19 Sep 1923, d. 20 Apr 2006 | |
| Marriage* | 27 December 1948 | Gladys B Kurzer married Daniel McGill, son of James McGill and Mildred "May" Brasser, on 27 December 1948 at St Joseph's Church, Bronx, Bronx Co, NY.2 |
| Child |
| |
Arthur Walter Kurzer
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Theresa Marie McGill |
| Last Edited | 7 Oct 2006 |
| Birth* | Arthur Walter Kurzer was born at Schlesien, Germany. | |
| Marriage* | 12 May 1928 | Arthur Walter Kurzer married Hermine Karasak on 12 May 1928 at Manhattan, New York Co, NY, ; Only the groom, Arthur W Kurzer is listed.1 |
Family | Hermine Karasak | |
| Marriage* | 12 May 1928 | Arthur Walter Kurzer married Hermine Karasak on 12 May 1928 at Manhattan, New York Co, NY, ; Only the groom, Arthur W Kurzer is listed.1 |
| Child |
| |
Citations
- [S2] Marriage License; #11612.
Hermine Karasak
| Charts | Pedigree Chart for Theresa Marie McGill |
| Last Edited | 7 Oct 2006 |
| Birth* | Hermine Karasak was born at Austria. | |
| Marriage* | 12 May 1928 | Hermine Karasak married Arthur Walter Kurzer on 12 May 1928 at Manhattan, New York Co, NY, ; Only the groom, Arthur W Kurzer is listed.1 |
Family | Arthur Walter Kurzer | |
| Marriage* | 12 May 1928 | Hermine Karasak married Arthur Walter Kurzer on 12 May 1928 at Manhattan, New York Co, NY, ; Only the groom, Arthur W Kurzer is listed.1 |
| Child |
| |
Citations
- [S2] Marriage License; #11612.