The Great War
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The Great War

War-related news came to dominate the paper this year as the U.S. entered the war and the draft got underway.  The articles in this section focus on individual involvement in the war effort; the Jewish community section at the end covers community-wide efforts.

• 5/28:  “The board of registrars for Allegheny county to take the names of those between the ages of 21 and 31 subject to military service under the selective draft bill on Saturday issued the list of those who will serve at the different polling places on Tuesday, June 5.” In “the list of the registration boards of Homestead and the immediate community” for the Second ward of Homestead was my great-uncle “Abram C. Hepps!!”
• 7/28:  Red Cross stations were set up around town to make it easier for people to donate.  The Half Bros. store was one.
• 7/31:  “The [draft] exemption board of this the seventh district has received notice of the following registered for army service who have enlisted and will not be subject to the draft…Ralph Lasday enlisted in Philadelphia for U.S. Ord. Enl. Res. Corp.”
• 8/7:  “The Boy Scouts are doing splendid work for the draft board at the Municipal building.  The scouts act as messengers and perform other duties which enable the physicians to handle hundreds of men.  The Scouts on duty” included Harry Lasdusky and Edward Haupt.
• 8/17:  “Ralph H. Lasdusky, who has completed a six weeks’ course at the University of Pennsylvania in the ordinance department and has been assigned to the officers’ staff, is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lasdusky.  The University of Pennsylvania is one of the ten in the United States assigned to take up this special course.  Mr. Lasdusky is expecting to be called out and assigned to duty this week.”
• 8/22:  A list of contributors to the Red Cross included Half Bros. and Robert L Freeman (but I can’t find a Robert L. Freeman — was this Louis Freeman?).  (The names on this list were pretty WASPy sounding, as were all the lists in the paper of people involved with the Red Cross).
• 9/1:  The second inspection of the school gardens took place this week.  Participating in the Second Ward Plot were Martin Hepps (1st inspection score 48, 2nd inspection score 47), his twin brother Herbert Hepps (80 / 67), and their cousin Sadie Hepps (75 / 45).  Sam Fogel participated in the Central Plot (86 / 90).
• 9/18:  The soldiers wanted books to read in camp and in the trenches, and a campaign was organized to contribute their share of the $1MM dollars it would cost to give the soldiers the request 1MM books.  The Homestead campaign’s managing committee included Morris Half.
• 9/28:  “Ralph Lasdusky, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lasdusky, of Ninth avenue, Munhall, left last evening to join the colors at Camp Lee.  This is the second son of Mr. Lasdusky to leave during the past week, his son, Louis, having left last Saturday.  Ralph Lasdusky enlisted and is in the Ordnance Department.”
• 10/3:  The Local War Council raised over $500 to provide books for the soldiers in camp.  Donors included Joseph Fried $1, Meyer I. Grinberg $1, Harry Glick $1, Louis Glick $2, O. Magram and H. Podolsky $3, Israel Roth $2.
• 10/8:  During the previous day’s parade for the send-off of the latest draftees to leave for training, a flag was carried by a group of girls, including Hazel Numeroski.  The money thrown into the flag was for the benefit of the War Library Fund.
• 10/9:  The final drive for the soldier book fund was set for the next three days.  $900 of the needed $1100 goal had been raised.  “The friends of the soldiers who will take our money” included Mrs. Morris Grinberg, Morris Half (captain of one of the fundraising teams), Joseph Lasdusky, and Ben Little.
• 

  10/9/1917

  10/10:  “Patriotism has been display in unlimited degree and in various ways and we call attention to an advertisement of Half Bros, well known furniture dealers on Eighth avenue, which can be seen in the Daily Messenger.  The firm is aiding in the sale of Liberty Bonds by carrying it for the buyer…” — basically, a sort of installment plan not unlike how they sell their furniture!

• 10/11: “What promises to be one of the social events of the months will be a euchre and whist to be held under the auspices of the Hebrew Ladies Aid society for the benefit of the Red Cross. The affair will be held on Tuesday evening, October 25, in Realty hall, at which all are invited. Beautiful prizes will be given to the winners.”
• 10/13:  “Joseph Lasdusky received a telegram from his son Lewis, one of the drafted men at Camp Lee stating that he along with three other Homestead boys had been selected by their regiment to come home to help promote the sale of Liberty Bonds.”  One of the other boys was Harry Margolis.  “These boys were selected at a banquet held by the officers of the camp for the purpose of devising ways and means of helping the government along in the sale of the bonds, the officers hitting upon the plan  of selecting two men from each company to go home and spend five day soliciting subscriptions for the bonds….A later telegram received by Mr. Lasdusky this morning states that Allen Goldson (sic) will accompany Lewis Lasdusky and Harry Margolis here.  There will be a meeting of the Jewish synagogue tomorrow night to extend all three boys a hearty welcome.  All the friends and especially the families of the five soldier lads are filled with pleasure at the opportunity of seeing them again.”
• 10/13: “The following ladies of this vicinity are arranging for a euchre and whist party to be held for the benefit of the Red Cross society in the Realty hall, Thursday evening, October 25. Those in charge will be Mrs. Harry Feldman, Misses Sadie Siegal, Fanella Mervis, and Margaret O’Rourke. The public is cordially invited.”
• 10/15:  Five “local soldier boys” were “sent home from Camp Lee to further the sale of Liberty bonds…Louis Lasday and Harry Margolis two Jewish boys, attended a meeting in the Hebrew synagogue last night and sold $5,0000 worth of bonds.”  This was half of the $10K the five boys had raised thus far.  Albert Goldstron (sic) “another local boy who came home is selling bonds in another district.”  “The boys will be here five days will make a complete canvass of the town.  Help them along by giving them your subscriptions for the bonds.”  Full article below.
• 10/17:  Harry Margolis provided the paper with a menu from Camp Lee to prove that the boys there are well fed.  “The artists who furnished this menu are Jesse A. Honse, mess sergeant; Alex Friedlander, first cook; William Barry, second cook; Max Nedoff, third cook.”
• 10/18:  The boys sold nearly $250,000 worth of Liberty Bonds.  “Special mention must be given Corporal Louis Lasday who received the largest total amount for the three days or $25,500…Harry K. Margolis, fourth with $12,500 and Allen Goldstein (sic), fifth with $10,500.  Still larger contributions are promised within the next few days.
• 10/18:  More contributions to the Soldier’s Library Fund included Mrs. K. Freeman 1.00, B. Friedlander 2.00, Max Jacobson .50, E. Lowenstein 1.00.  10/19:  Even more: M. Carpe 0.50, Liberman & Cohen .25, B.J. Schwartz 1.00, Sam Rosenthal 1.00, L. Jacobson 1.00, A. Lefkovitz 1.00, S.I. Cohn .50, Mark Fischel 2.00, Israel Miller 1.00, Mr. Wolks (sic) 1.00, James Schwartz 1.00, Morris Grinberg 1.00, Rudolph Shermer 2.00, I.J. Goldstien (sic) 2.00, D. Saron 2.00, H. Sapeer 2.00, Joseph Port 1.00, U. Cohen 2.00, B. Hepps 2.00, Geo. Seigel .25, D. Fisher .50, Jos. Kardon .50, Ben Little 2.00, E. Lembersky 1.00, Rev. S. Widom 1.00.  10/24:  Yet more:  Samuel Glick .50, Friedlander Bros. 1.00, Samuel S. Mervis 1.00.  10/25:  Jennie Lebovitz 1.00.  10/29:  The soldier’s library fund was completed; Homestead raised more than the national fund required.  Morris Half, captain 73.50; Samuel Margolis 1.00; Harry Solomon 1.00, Dr. M.H Moss 1.00, Max Adelsberger 1.00, Jos. Lasdusky 2.00.
• 10/19:  “In order to make clear the statement published yesterday in regard to the amount of Liberty bonds secured by the boys from Camp Lee it is explained that Sergeant Harry Margolis and Corporal Louis Lasday were in team work for their company and that the amount secured should go to the credit of both men.”
• 10/19:  “Anyone visiting the Canning display in Half Bros. window this week end will have to declare that Homestead women are no slackers in food conservation…”
• 10/20:  “The Food Conservation window in Half Bros. is well worth a visit.  The government posters and up-to-date kitchen cabinet make it a very attractive setting for the figure in “Hooveralls” and the fine display of home canned and home grown products.  If every community has done as well as Homestead–Heinz will have to look to his laurels–not to mention his income.”
• 10/25:  The final inspection of the school gardens was made.  Samuel Fogel‘s scores were 86-96-98.  Hebert Hepps 80-67-70.  Sadie Hepps 75-45-75.  Martin Hepps  48-47-45.
• 10/25:  The business men launched a liberty bond campaign.  Leo Half and Joseph Lasdusky were captains of two of the thirtreen teams.  Samuel Margolis, B. Friedlander, and Dr. David Reiter were on teams, too.  10/27:  The business men’s committee raised over $100,000 in Liberty Bonds.  Half had the greatest number of sales.  Lasdusky was in last.
• 10/27:  Prizes for the best war gardens in the contest amongst Homestead public school students were awarded.  Samuel Fogel came in second and got $5.  None of my family members got anything!
• 10/31:  The Red Cross work in schools involved the 1st ward teachers, including Miss Lebovitz, teaching girls to knit.
• 11/1:  In Carnegie Musical Hall a “novel show” was set for the next evening called “The Call of a Nation.”  “The children from over 150 of the best families of the town will take part in the show.”  This included Marion Moss performing (a skit?) “Uncle Able and Aunt Maria,” Sarah Freeman doing a reading “It’s Not Your Nationality,” and Sarah Jacobson doing a reading, “The Locket My Mother Wore.”
• 11/3:  “The Homestead District Branch of the Red Cross has received contributions this week from several different sources…Another considerable donation was that from the euchre and whist party held last week, the work of which was largely done by Mrs. Harry Feldman, of 1209 Ann street.  She solicited the prizes and conducted the entertainment.  Other recent contributions were from the Hebrew Ladies Aid Society.”
• 11/9:  “Half Bros. were the first to come forward with a donation of records for the colored troops at Camp Lee, the records will be sent to the boys the first of the week and all are requested to donate a few out of their selection.”
• 11/10:  “Joseph Lasdusky has receive a telegram from his son, Ralph, stating that he has been ordered to the ordnance depot at Camp Jackson, S.C. indefinitely and has been appointed ordnance sergeant and leader of squad.”
• 11/14:  The business men planned to canvas later this week to boost the soldiers’ recreation fund.  Mr. Katz was part of this group.
• 11/16:  “Private Max L. Nidoff, of Co. F, 319th Infantry, stationed at Camp Lee, arrived here last evening to spend a few hours with Mr. and Mrs. Harry Glick at their home on Fourth avenue.  Mr. Nidof spent the greatest part of his furlough with his brother Daniel who is seriously ill at his home in New York.”
• 

  11/20/1917: Texas Rabbi for the Navy

  11/17:  “An enthusiastic meeting was held last evening in the Savings Bank hall at which a campaign was started to raise $25,000.00 for the benefit of the Soldiers Recreation, the Young Men’s Christian Association, the Knights of Columbus and Young Men’s Hebrew Association fund.  Joseph Katz was one of the captains of the 20 teams set to canvass the town.  11/19:  The $25K canvass started.  80% of the money was set to go to the YMCA, “which is by far the largest and covers the greater field.”  (The Knights of Columbus was for Catholics.  The Recreation War Fund organization was…non-sectarian?  I can’t seem to find much about it.)  11/27:  “The Patriotic Reputation of Homestead is Sustained,” trumpeted the main headline on the front because the local war relief fund was oversubscribed.  Jos. Katz raised just 53.00, which was quite low in comparison to the others involved.

• 11/19:  Harry Margolis’ girlfriend sent a 250 pound box of food to Camp Lee for Harry and his friends to eat.  Full article below.
• 12/8:  Homestead began a campaign to do their part to raise national Red Cross membership to 50 million by Christmas eve.  Lasdusky was on the “committee on districting.”
• 12/15:  Questionnaires were mailed out by draft board this morning.  Various committees of professionals were appointed; among the attorneys were C.W. Frankel and Abram Hepps.
• 12/17:  One of the men who volunteered to help registrants fill out questionnaires was A.C. Hepps.

Draft

Starting 7/20 the paper began to publish the draft board’s lists of men who were called to appear for physical examination, those who were exempt from service, those who were called to serve, those who were summoned to appear, and those who had departed.  One by one all the young men of the town made their way through this process.  Many Jewish boys were called, and a number began to leave for training camp starting in September. The table below organizes when these boys appeared in the paper’s numerous draft-related lists. (This is by no means the end of the story; the draft continued through much of 1918.)

Aaron Samuel Posin	538 Dickson st.	7/20 number drafted	8/1 call for 8/6 examination	8/17 exempt
Abraham Bailey	434 3rd ave. => Langeloth Washington County	7/20 number drafted	8/1 call for 8/6 examination	8/21 called for service	9/1 ordered to report 9/5 (8/31 volunteered to leave early)	Departed 9/6
Meyer Jacobson		7/20 number drafted	9/24 call for 9/28 examination	10/3 exempt
Harry D. Margolis	709 8th ave.	7/20 number drafted	8/1 call for 8/6 examination	8/14 called for service	9/14 ordered to report 9/21	Departed 9/22
Morris A. Goldman		7/20 number drafted	8/20 call for 8/24 examination
Benj. Mervis	709 1/2 8th ave.	7/20 number drafted	8/1 call for 8/6 examination	8/15 exempt
Morris Fishman	519 5th ave.	7/21 number drafted	8/1 call for 8/6 examination	8/17 exempt
Alex. Friedlander	243 3rd ave.	7/21 number drafted	8/1 call for 8/6 examination	8/14 called for service	9/14 ordered to report 9/21	Departed 9/22
Lewis Markovitz	465 4th ave.		8/1 call for 8/6 examination	8/17 exempt
Morris Boksanbaum	954 8th ave. Munhall		8/2 call for 8/7 examination	8/23 exempt
Julius Frank Felsher	210 E. 4th ave.		8/2 call for 8/7 examination	8/21 called for service	9/14 ordered to report 9/21	???
Samuel Lenorwitch	430 3rd avenue		8/2 call for 8/7 examination	8/14 called for service	9/14 ordered to report 9/21	Departed 9/22
Ben D. Lazar	405 4th ave.		8/2 call for 8/7 examination	8/14 called for service	9/14 ordered to report 9/21	Departed 9/22
Jacob Schwartz	525 5th ave.		8/3 call for 8/8 examination	8/14 called for service	9/14 ordered to report 9/21	Departed 9/22
Morris J. Haupt	527 Dickson st.		8/3 call for 8/8 examination	8/14 called for service	9/14 ordered to report 9/21	Departed 9/22
Jake Burchson	424 5th ave.		8/3 call for 8/8 examination	8/17 exempt
Max Mallinger	615 McClure st.		8/3 call for 8/8 examination	8/17 exempt
Louis Glucksman	218 9th ave., West Homestead		8/3 call for 8/7 examination	8/28 called for service? (paper missing pages)	9/14 ordered to report 9/21	Departed 9/20
Hyman Lazirovitz	415 8th ave., West Homestead		8/4 call for 8/7 or 8/8 examination	9/6 exempt
Robert J. Glueck	305 8th ave., West Homestead		8/6 call for 8/8 examination	??	??	10/6 will depart 10/7
Frank Harry Weis	209 E. 14th ave.		8/10 call for 8/15 examination	8/21 called for service
Louis L. Lasday	559 9th ave., Munhall		8/10 call for 8/15 examination	8/21 called for service	9/15 ordered to report 9/21	Departed 9/22
A.C. Hepps	406 Dickson st.		8/10 call for 8/15 examination	8/23 exempt
Louis Rosenblatt	511 3rd ave.		8/10 call for 8/15 examination	8/23 exempt
Bennie Mermelstein	519 5th ave.		8/10 call for 8/15 examination	8/23 exempt
Harry Solomon	523 Heisel street		8/11 call for 8/16 examination	8/23 exempt
Frank Hepps	465 4th ave.		8/11 call for 8/16 examination	8/23 exempt
Max Sidoff (sic?)	510 4th ave.		8/14 call for 8/17 examination	8/21 called for service	9/15 ordered to report 9/21 alternate	Departed 9/22 as alternate
Paul Numerosky	434 5th ave.		8/14 call for 8/17 examination	8/23 exempt
Samuel Greenstein	423 5th avenue		8/18 call for 8/23 examination	8/30 called for service	10/2 ordered to report 10/5	Departed 10/6
Allen I. Goldston	319 E. 9th avenue		8/18 call for 8/23 examination	8/30 called for service	10/2 ordered to report 10/5	Departed 10/6
William H. Seigel	249 3rd ave		8/18 call for 8/23 examination	8/28 exempt
Abraham Markus	559 9th avenue, Munhall		8/20 call for 8/24 examination	8/30 called for service	9/1 ordered to report 9/5 (8/31 volunteered to leave early)	Departed 9/6
Hyman Samuels	412 3rd avenue		8/20 call for 8/24 examination	8/30 called for service	10/2 ordered to report 10/5	Departed 10/6
Sam Wiener	302 Dickson st.		9/21 call for 9/14-9/15 examination (?!)	10/2 exempt
Harry Solomon	430 3rd avenue		9/21 call for 9/14-9/15 examination (?!)	10/2 exempt
Saul Weinberger	1014 Amity st.		9/24 call for 9/28 examination	10/2 exempt
Robert Lang	314 8th ave.		9/24 call for 9/28 examination
Louis/Lewis Rubin	424 5th ave.		9/25 call for 10/1 examination	10/5 exempt
Bennie Cohen	541 or 511 1/2 Dickson st.		9/25 call for 10/1 examination	10/5 exempt
Max Ruben	534 Heisel st.		9/25 call for 10/1 examination	10/5 exempt
Isadore Glick	424 5th avenue		10/1 call for 10/5 examination	10/10 exempt
Joseph Wolfe Feldman	115 W. 9th avenue		10/1 call for 10/5 examination	10/10 exempt
Joseph Glick	231 8th avenue		10/1 call for 10/5 examination	10/12 exempt
James Max Moss	324 9th avenue		10/8 call for 10/12 examination
John W Gross	101 E. 11th avenue		??	10/17 exempt
Isie Gershinowitz	300 Dickson street		??	10/17 exempt
Samuel Israel	1116 McClure street		10/19 call for 10/24 examination
Aaron Cohen	344 11th avenue		10/19 call for 10/24 examination
Charles Markowitz	503 5th avenue		10/19 call for 10/24 examination
David Klein	135 3rd ave.		??	10/19 exempt
Manuel Lieberman	541 1/2 Dickson street		10/20 call for 10/26 examination	11/1 exempt
Joseph Heidovitz	441 3rd avenue		10/20 call for 10/26 examination	11/1 exempt
Zoltan Smooke	503 5th avenue		10/20 call for 10/26 examination	11/1 exempt
Max Jacobson	241 E. 4th avenue / 603 1/2 Amity st., Flat 6	10/20 call for 10/26 examination	11/1 exempt
Jake Kahan	322 3rd avenue		10/20 call for 10/26 examination

Integration

• 1/10:  The previous day, all the banks of the vicinity held their annual elections for directors.  Benjamin Friedlander was elected to the First National Bank of Munhall, and I.S. Grossman and B. Hepps were elected to the Homestead Savings Bank & Trust Company.
• 1/18:  Mark Fishel was listed as trustee of the Homestead Turners (a German-American gymnastic club) in an article about their upcoming masked dance.
• 2/14:  Joseph Lasdusky was announced as a member of the town’s businessmen’s association standing committee on charity.
• 4/9:  Many businessmen, including B. Friedlander, William Gluck, and Joseph Lasdusky, signed a letter printed in the paper that the town’s hospital was inadequate.  This letter was part of the announcement for a fundraising campaign for a new hospital to start the next day.  4/10: The campaign for a $100,000 hospital launched.  Joseph Lasdusky was one of the speakers at the meeting, and he and M. Half were two of the nominees for the executive committee of the campaign.  5/24:  Lasdusky attended the Men’s committee meeting.  5/25:  And he was nominated to be on the hospital’s board of directors.
• 4/20:  At the Merchants Credit Bureau Banquet, “America” was sung.  “This was a very pleasant surprise owing to a new feature being injected into the patriotic song by Lee Half, who had a couple of excellent phonographs, the use of which he had donated for the occasion.  After the audience had sung the first verse, it was repeated on the instrument by a male voice, immediately followed by that of a woman.  Then the audience repeated the song.”
• 4/20:  The Homestead Dental Society included Dr. J.W. Moss as a member.
• 4/25: For the annual business men’s picnic Leo Half was named to the publicity committee.
• 5/19:  For the $100,000 hospital campaign, the committee brought in a professional fundraiser, Isador Sobel.  “He had conducted many campaigns for such enterprises, notably that for the Homeopathic hospital of Pittsburg in which a half million dollars was raised within six weeks.”  5/31:  “Under the direction of Isador Sobel, of Erie, a man of ideas and dynamic force, the organization had made a splendid beginning.  Mr. Sobel is known as the most successful director of campaigns in the country and his plans are tried and solidly based.”  Very little else about him appeared in the paper, but it turns out he was one of the original 50 members of the American Jewish Committee, amongst numerous other political and civic accomplishments.  Raising money for hospitals was more of a hobby in his active public life.  A posthumous biographer noted, “He was heartily interested in everything pertaining to the public welfare, American and Jewish, and always eager to work for it.”
• 5/29:  As part of the hospital campaign, a women’s afternoon entertainment drew around 150 women, including Mrs. Louis Freeman, Mrs. I. Grossman, Mrs. Morris Grinberg, Mrs. Jos. W. Moss, and Miss Fannella Mervis.
• 6/8: At the latest event for the hospital movement, there were addresses in English by Morris Half and others.
• 

  6/14/1917: Joseph Lasdusky on the Hospital Movement

  6/14: To boost the Hospital movement, officially kicking off its $100K fundraiser on Monday, the paper quoted the town’s leading citizens on the cause.  One was Joseph Lasdusky.  His quote is at right.

• 6/15:  “List of Those Working for Hospital Expected at the Dinner Tonight.” The committee of ten included Morris Half and Joseph Lasdusky.  The board fifteen included Mrs. Esther E. Grossman (the only one not listed under her husband’s name).  The women’s executive committee included Mrs. M.I. Grinberg, Mrs. J.W. Gross, and Mrs. Louis Gross.  The men’s executive committee included Louis Freeman, B.F. Friedlander, Morris Grinberg, Isaac Grossman, Abraham Hepps, Samuel Margolis, S.S. Mervis.  The physician’s team included D. Reiter.  One of the men’s teams was captained by Joseph Lasdusky and included Morris Half and H.L. Little.  Ben Little was also on a team.  One of the women’s teams was vice captained by Mrs. Morris Grinberg and included Mrs. I Lincoff, Mrs. H. Schwartz, and Miss Sadie Siegel.  Mrs. I. Grossman, Mrs. Jos. Moss, and Mrs. B. Friedlander were on other teams.
• 

  6/19/1917: Hospital Campaign Executive Committee

  6/19:  In a big article boosting the hospital progress so far, pictures of the Hospital Campaign Executive Committee included pictures of Morris Half and Joseph Lasdusky, two of the eleven men (others included Fred Mesta and A.A. Corey).  Another article mentioned that Dr. M.H. Moss subscribed $500 along with the town’s other doctors.  6/20:  On the third day of the campaign, contributions of Morris Half, $100, and David Reiter, $100.  6/23:  Half Bros. donated $500. 6/26:  H.L. Little donated $100, as did the I.O.B.A. (a Jewish fraternal group).  6/28: Louis D. Moss gave $100.  6/29: In an article celebrating the success of the hospital campaign, a picture of Morris Half included the caption, “Morris Half, to whom much credit for the success of the Hospital Campaign is Due.”

• 6/30: The hospital board election was that evening.  Lasdusky was one of the nominees.  7/2:  And he was elected to the 15-person board!
• 7/19 For the annual Business Men’s outing, this year advertised as as a “great gala day and patriotic celebration,” contributors included Ben Little $10, B. Friedlander $5, Meyer I. Grinberg $2, Louis Freeman $2.00, and Half bros. $15.00.  7/21:  More contributions from Friedlander bros. $2, E. Greenstein $2, Sol Wolk $5, Sam Fogel $1, S.S. Mervis $2, Joseph Lasdusky $5, H.L. Little $5, Morris Grinberg $2, S. Wolk $1, J.W. Gross $2, H. Hilk $1, Mrs. Max Malinger $1, I.J. Goldstone $1.
• 7/26:  At the outing, a Mrs. Harry Glick of Browns Place won the ladies’ nail driving and wood sawing contests!
• 9/11:  A “splendid site” was found for the new hospital.  The committee of A.A. Corey, Morris Half,  and Fred Mesta filed a request for the transfer of 1 acre at Eighteenth and West streets at the borough council meeting.  That’s where the hospital is to this day (though it’s a private facility now)!  An editorial on 9/12 praised the site for being near a trolley stop and having “pure air.”
• 10/19:  The paper reported earlier that several citizens signed a petition asking that a fireman be removed.  “Nathan Eskovitz, of 503 Fifth avenue” and another man “Called at this office and stated that they were led to sign the petition through false representation.  They thought it was to have a different man reinstated.  “The men stated they…would not sign any petition under those circumstances to have a man deprived of his job.”
• 10/24:  “Big Time Assured Halloween.” Half Bros. donated 5.00 to the effort.
• 10/30, 10/31: Hallowe’en costume content prizes were announced. As always, there was “best Hebrew” category. Brief were supplied by many merchants, include B. Friedlander, Meyer Grinberg, Ben Little, Dan Saron, I.J. Goldston, H. Sapeer, Joseph Lasdusky, Sam Fogel, Victor Shoe Co. (Jacob Little), and L. Hilk.
• 11/1: Half Bros. won third prize in the Best Group of Floats and first prize for Windows. Lefkowitz Poultry Co. won second place for best automobile. Nathan Lefkowitz won “Second Best Female Impersonator.” Ed Kennedy won Best Hebrew. Saul Weinberger won “Best Male Driver.”
• 11/5: Edward Hertz was running for councilman representing the Second ward.  In a letter rom a voter (which may have actually been a paid advertisement), he praised two candidates and knocked two others. Hertz didn’t come in for as much criticism as the other guy.  “When it comes to Mr. Hertz, his qualifications taking everything into consideration, are not to be compared with” the letter writers’ two preferred candidates.  11/7:  Hertz came in a distant fourth.
• 12/14:  The business mens’ athletic class was proving quite popular at the library gym.  Among the most active members was Ben Little.

School & Sports

• 1/13:  Freshman Victor Averbach was listed as one of the students maintaing an average grade of 90 or over at Munhall High School.  (And again on 2/9.)
• 1/17:  Benj. Trau was on the sophomore class social committee at Homestead High. He was also class editor.
• 1/18:  During the “Juniors vs. freshies basket ball game,” M. Trau played guard for the Juniors and made three field goals. Though his team won, they played “way off color.”  “The Juniors tried every combination available. First Trau was started at guard and then switched to forward, but this had not the desired effect. Numerous substitutions followed which also proved failure.”  On 1/29 the juniors beat the seniors, with M. Trau again at guard.  2/10:  And they beat the freshman, with Lazar at guard and M. Trau at forward.  2/16:  And the sophomores, with M. Trau and Lazar both guards for the juniors, and B. Trau center and Hilk guard for the sophomores.  2/23:  And Duquesne!  Lazar center, M. Trau and Haupt, guards.  3/2:  The junior defeated the freshmen, with Trau as guard.  4/11:  A long article summarizing the 9-5 record of the Homestead High school juniors noted, “The Juniors started out poorly, losing the first two games.  But Trau and Dean were persuaded to play and six games were won in a row….Clifford, captain of the team, was the leading scorer, although Trau who took part in fewer games was a close second…Trau and Dean performed at guard and both played wonderful ball.  Trau was used practically half the season at guard, yet managed to score the second highest number of points.”
• 1/31: Benjamin Trau was on the reception committee for the initial party for Homestead’s class of 1919.  2/8:  The high school sophomores’ banquet and dance was schedule for Monday, and Benjamin Trau was named as a member of the entertainment committee.
• 2/9:  Munhall had a great social on Friday under auspices of high school athletic association.  “Assistant general chairman and financial chairman, Lasdusky…spoke for a few moments. He pleaded for the support of the school in making the affair a success saying that the social was not only for the athletic association, though held under their auspices; but each and every member of the school should hold some responsibility and it was up to them to see that the thing would go.”
• 2/13:  The sophomore were set to play the Turners tonight with B. Trau at forward.  2/28:  The sophomores lost to the seniors, with B. Trau at guard.
• 

  2/17/1917: Judging from these stats, it looks like M. Trau is one of the best basketball players in Homestead!  Note also Lazar‘s stats. (Click to enlarge.)

  2/16:  The Munhall high school notes in the paper were edited by Isador A. Lasdusky. He called his father’s social “one of the most successful socials held in the Munhall vicinity.”  3/2:  He was listed as the editor of this week’s edition as well.

• 2/23: From the Munhall High School notes:  “The new spring wearing apparel is on the market. If you don’t believe it, ask Abe Averbach. Abe appeared in class, Tuesday morning, wearing a pair of ‘gutta percha’ socks. He claims they are the latest. But to the general opinion of the Freshies, the socks resemble a ‘mushroom patch.'”
• 2/23:  The Fogel team, sponsored by Sam Fogel’s candy store, was defeated by the Heckle (sic?) club whose players all had Jewish names…. because they were connected to the Zion Council in Pittsburgh.
• 3/8:  The sophomores with B. Trau at guard defeated the juniors with M. Trau at guard.  Is that like when the Manning brothers played against each other in the NFL?
• 3/17:  “Last Friday the Seniors played their first inter-class game to settle the championship of the school.  They met and easily defeated the Juniors by the score of 50 to 27…The nimbleness of this individual coupled with Lasduksy‘s help is what held the Juniors to so low a score…This did not end the settlement of the championship, however, as the Sophomores put in a claim…The Seniors finally emerged winners by the score of 21 to 25.  The Sophomores played like Trojans, for the pennant depended upon this one game.  Saron and Noroski although slightly hurt, played well for the Sophomores…Last Thursday an athletic association meeting was held…Lasdusky thanked the association in the behalf of the letter-men for the sweater coats presented them.  Also a vote of thanks be given the members of the association for the help they gave in the recent social…Baseball was the next procedure of business.  It was voted to have a team this spring and Isador Lasdusky was elected manager…”  4/17:  As the Munhall high school basketball neared the start of its first season, “Isador Lasdusky, who was elected manager, resigned at the last athletic association meeting, stating that the annual and other school activities were taking up the majority of his time and could not devote the time he would like to.”
• 3/20:  Unsurprisingly, the Munhall sophomores, with Saron at forward, “walloped” the juniors.
• 3/30:  Munhall’s eighth grade team won with another Lasdusky as guard.  The Munhall class notes published the next day noted, “Lasdusky and Feath guarded well”.
• 4/13:  The Junior class of Homestead High put on a play, and Gertrude Friedlander played Mrs. De Smythe, one of the lead characters.  4/17:  From the review of the play: “Especially well handled were the characters of ‘Mrs. De Smythe’ and ‘Aunt Matilda,’ both of whom were portrayed with remarkable truthfulness to the types they represented.”
• 4/19:  The sophomores, with B. Trau in right field, “walloped” the seniors in the opening baseball game. “B. Trau stole second, third, and home.” 4/26:  The sophomores, again with B. Trau in right field, beat the juniors in the Homestead High School intraclass league.
• 4/23:  In baseball the juniors, with M. Trau in center field and Haupt at second base and center field, walloped the freshmen.
• 4/28:  In the Munhall High School sophomore debates, the winners included Herman Saron.  “Isador Lasdusky, president of the Senior class” spoke at the Munhall High Senior-Junior banquet.  “After thanking the Juniors in behalf of the Senior class, he talked on class deasension (sic?).  Declaring that the present Juinor and Senior class had gotten along well, considering everything.”
• 5/2:  The seniors won their latest game in the interclass league Homestead baseball league.  M. Trau played right field for the juniors.
• 5/3:  Ben M. Gross and David Lebovitz were in the senior class play.
• 5/4:  The Munhall sophomores lost to the Homestead sophomores.  B. Trau played right field on the winning team.
• 5/9:  Boy Scout Troop Two met and accepted three new applications for Tenderfoot scouts, including Charles Fogel and Allan Widom.
• 5/10:  The seniors defeated the juniors, whose team included Lazar at center field.
• 5/12:  The cast of the Munhall high school play included “Isador Irwin Allen Lasdusky.”  Half Bros. provided the set.  5/16:  “The audience gave every indication that it was greatly enjoyed.”
• 5/18:  The sophomores (B. Trau, rh) beat the juniors (M. Trau mf and Haupt rf).
• 5/23: “Miss Gertrude Friedlander, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. Friedlander, of 334 Tenth avenue, won second prize in the reading contest which was held last Saturday at the University of Pittsburgh.”
• 5/24:  The freshies beat the juniors, whose team included Haupt r, M. Trau l, and Davidson c.

• 6/6: In a shorthand-typewriting contest held at Central YMCA in Pittsburgh, Edward Haupt beat out North Braddock and Union High Schools with 58 words/min. Josiah Lazar came in third with 51. The local contests captured all the honors in typewriting, and all but one in handwriting. “These results speak exceedingly well for the commercial department of the Homestead High School.
• 6/6: In an article about Homestead High School graduation, “Ruth Grinberg completed the work in three years. She has never failed or fallen below 75 per cent in any branch.” The following have never failed in any branch: David Lebovitz, Ruth Grinberg, Edith Widom, Benjamin Gross. A diploma was also awarded to Esther Grossman.

• 8/1:  The Fogels lost a baseball game to their rivals.
• 9/11:  An article announced that Arthur M. Grossman passed the PA State Law.  “Arthur Grossman is the son of Mr. and Mrs. I.S. Grossman, numbered among the oldest residents of Homestead, who after 28 years’ residence here, have lately removed to their present home at 5531 Howe street, East End, Pittsburgh.”  The rest of the article below outlines his education, starting with Miss Kessler in the Second ward school, Homestead high school graduation in 1910, a year at Grove City College, and BA from Pitt in 1914.
• 9/22:  Munhall high school notes: “The high school orchestra held its first rehearsal Wednesday evening. Although C. Krane and L. Lasdusky, two of the star players of last year will not appear, their positions will be filled…”
• 9/22:  “Miss Ruth Grinberg, of Twelfth avenue, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Grinberg, has entered the Pennsylvania College for Women, Pittsburg.  Miss Grinberg is a graduate of Homestead high school class of 1917.”
• 9/24:  Benj. Trau published a high school football article, reporting that the “H.H.S. team will be strong.” Someone Seigal was on the team.
• 9/26:  “Isadore Lasdusky, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lasdusky, of Ninth avenue, Munhall, will leave tomorrow evening for Philadelphia to attend the Penn University.  He will enter the dentistry class.  Mr. Lasdusky was a graduate of the 1917 class of the Munhall High School.”
• 9/26:  Another Benj. Trau football article was headlined, “High School Squad Too Small.” He quoted President Wilson in arguing that sports are important in keeping young men physically fit.
• 9/27:  Edward Haupt was one of the reporters for the “Homestead High School Notes” column.  “The school, starting practically in insignificance, has grown to be comparatively one of the best in the state.”
• 9/27:  The latest article by Trau clarified that this was Mose Seigal, who was previously a varsity player and likely to be one again, though he had missed some practice.  Zeinbach was likely to be a line backer.
• 9/28:  The latest Benj. Trau column reported that the Homestead high school football team started its season with “Ham Hepps” at center.  He was designated a “scrub,” as opposed to a varsity player.  Sammy Zeinbach was a varsity halfback.  He “wrenched his knee slightly.”
• 10/1:  The latest Benj. Trau column discussed how Homestead “put up a stiff fight.”  Seigal played right tackle.  Many more columns of his about the Homestead and Munhall football teams appeared throughout the rest of the football season.  He also started reporting on boxing, too (a local boxer, Ray Pryel, was beginning to have much success).  Sometimes he had two columns a day under his byline — this, when no one got bylines in this paper!  After football season ended, he switched to basketball in December.
• 10/11:  Benj. Trau was on the junior class’ social committee.  Robert Hilk was chair of a committee to put on a play in lieu of the usual Hallowe’en social.
• 10/17:  Amongst the leaders of the high school parade to advertise the upcoming game against Duquesne included cheer leader Benj. Trau ’19.
• 10/20:  The committee for an upcoming dance for the junior class included Ben Trau.
• 10/27:  In Trau‘s latest high school football column, he noted that Hepps shared the “e.” (end?) position with two other players.
• 11/1:  Munhall High’s roster to play Irwin include Saron as r.e. and Lasdusky as possible l.g.  11/3:  Munhall defeated Irwin “Capt. Gift… is about the best line plunger for Munhall, he having made as high as fifteen yards on a line plunge with the aid of Saron, who made numerous large openings in the opposing line.”
• 11/2:  “Homestead High shaping for Munhall,” by Benj. Trau, noted that “both clans have many veterans amongst them,” including Saron on Munhall’s team.
• 11/10:  “Homestead High in a Deadlock,” by Benj. Trau, mentioned that “M. Trau was sent in a tackle.”
• 11/13:  “The boys of Homestead High School have completed arrangements for a stag barn party this evening to be held at Schulz’s dairy. Messrs. Davison and Hays will be in charge.”  Is this Gerald Davidson?
• 11/20:  There was a football game between the Munhall HS seconds and  the Homestead HS seconds.  “R. Hepps” played left end.  The article noted that “Red Hepps, left end, played a fine game.”   But who is Red Hepps?!
• 11/28, 11/29:  A couple Benj. Trau article appeared  previewing the “Turkey Day Game,  Inter Borough Title” between rivals Homestead and Munhall.  The players would include M. Trau l.g. for Homestead and Saron r.e. for Munhall.
• 11/30:  “Homestead High Defeated Munhall High 33 to 13 – The Usual Lively Thanksgiving Morning Scene at Homestead Park – A Clean Hard Played Game.” M. Trau shared l.g., Saron was l.e., and Lasdusky shared l.g.

Business Doings

• 1/3: “Joseph Lasdusky, who is now the oldest business man in Homestead in the mercantile business, is about to celebrate his twenty-fifth anniversary of his locating in Homestead by moving into new quarters and opening the largest department store in town.”  Read more below.  2/21: “L.L. Lasdusky who has conducted the largest store in Donora for the past two years, recently sold out his interest and joined partners with his father who are now planning to open the largest department store in Homestead.” The article repeats many of the same details about the ongoing construction already reported.
• 

  1/5/1917: An overly optimistic headline

  1/5:  “Carelessness in taking care of the water in apartments result in two stores on Eighth avenue being flooded and large damage incurred early this morning.  The store of Morris Grinberg, at 515 East Eighth avenue, was flooded and damage which is estimated at $1,000 resulted.  This resulted from the fact that the tenants above the store left the spiggots open and when the water turned on this morning the sink overflowed and the water poured through the building.”  More in the article below, including that the $1000 in damage was not insured against flood damage.  (Why was the water off?  Homestead was in the midst of series problems with the town’s water pump.)  2/20: The store of Morris Grinberg, at 515 and 517 Eighth avenue, was for the second time flooded with water, yesterday morning, caused by the tenants of the second floor leaving their spigots open. The damage incurred is estimated at about $100. The cause of the place being flooded was exactly the same as on the previous occasion when the damage was estimated at about $1,000. The water had been turned off the town (sic) and the spigots in the apartments above were left open when the water was turned on the sinks overflowed and the water poured down in to the store.”

• 1/20: “Sol. Wolk, who was for many years one of the leading merchants of Homestead, is coming back to town and will on or about April 1st open a gents clothing and furnishings store in the room now occupied by Joseph Lasdusky. Mr. Wolk, since leaving here has been very successful in business, and now owns a chain of stores in the Pittsburg district. He has a large establishment in Pittsburg, where he manufactures all his own clothing. He intends to make his new store here one of the most attractive for men in the valley and will spend considerable money in fitting it out. He is a hustler and a firm believer in advertising, and promises to stir things up when he gets back in town. Watch for his announcements soon.”
• 1/22: “Leo L. Half, of Half Bros., the well known Eighth avenue furniture dealers, returned home from Grand Rapids and Chicago furniture markets on Saturday. He reports considerable talk about still further advance (sic) in prices, but says that the heavy buying which the big firm has done before and at the market will protect their customers against varying higher prices for some time to come.”
• 1/23: “The second floor of Lasdusky‘s new department store at 337-339 and 341 in the Steenson building is being arranged and the fixtures installed…and will be ready by March 15. An elaborate front to the first floor is being planned which promises to be the handsomest in town. The display windows will be 25 feet deep and the first floor will contain a magazine balcony to be used as a rest room. The A. & P. store now occupying this room will abandon this store before possession is turned over to Mr. Lasdusky…”
• 2/6:  “B. Friedlander, a well known merchant of 213 Eighth avenue, has left for New York where he will purchase spring goods.”
• 2/7: “The following manufacturers and dealers in mattresses were given hearings yesterday for alleged violations of the mattress laws of Pennsylvania before Alderman M.A. Riley and were gned (sic) as indicted…Dealers–Balley & Staricka, Homestead, $100; Lewis Hilk, Homestead, $50; A. Hepps, Homestead, $25; E. Lembeski (sic), Homestead, $25; A. Weigle, Homestead, $25; Magram & Podolsky, Homestead, $25; A. Eskovitz, Duquesne, $25; P. Hogman, Duquesne, $25. Many dealers in Braddock and McKeesport were also fined.”  (“This marks the wind-up of a campaign begun by the state inspectors early last year,” noted The Pittsburgh Post (2/6/1917, p. 2).)  An editorial published in the Homestead paper the following day explained that the crime was “[manufacturing] mattresses from old-cast off material which may contain disease germs.” The paper called the local dealers who sold these goods “worse than highwaymen who hold people up and demand their money or their life…such methods of trade should at once [be] exterminated even if the dealers themselves have to be exterminated.”
• 2/23: “Morris Half and Leo Half were in attendance at the house warming and formal opening of the splendid new quarters of the Standard Talking Machine Company” in Pittsburgh.
• 2/23:  “H.L. Little, a well known shoe man of Eighth avenue, has returned home from Philadelphia where he attended the Shoe Dealers’ convention…Louis Freeman, a prominent business man of Eighth avenue, has returned home from a business trip to Akron, Ohio.”
• 2/28: “At an early hour yesterday morning the meat market and general store of Joseph Glick, at Hays, was entered and $16 in money, taken from the register and about $5 in tobacco and stogies were carried away. The robbery was discovered by Mr. Glick, when he went to his store and found the door open. The robbers evidently used a skeleton key and had no trouble in entering and ransacking the place. Mr. Glick reported the robbery to Chief of Police Andrew Kitzinger, who kept the matter quiet in hopes a clue would result in an arrest of the robbers.”
• 3/17:  “Israel J. Goldston, clothing merchant of 617 and 619 East Eighth avenue, has paid over the hand money for the purchase of the MacMath hotel property subject to the sale being confirmed by the orphans’ court.  The price agreed on is $15,000…The property is located at 237 East Eighth avenue and has been [leased] as a hotel for many years…Mr. Goldston has purchased the property for an investment…Mr. Goldston is one of Homestead’s oldest business men, he having been in business here over 20 years, and he is a firm believer in the town and its future.”
• 

  3/31/1917: With the country on the brink of war Half Bros. advertised flags (this block excerpted from a large ad).

  3/27:  “It has been noticed that elaborate preparations have been in progress at Half Bros.‘ furniture store for the annual public display and inspection of the goods of this big firm which will be held tomorrow.  This annual event if now looked upon a fixture among the public happenings of Homestead and it is always attended by several thousand interested visitors.”  The article went on to detail the entertainment, souvenirs, and demonstrations.  3/29:  “The spring opening and display…attracted the same wide attention that they always have in the past and the same interest was manifested in the handsome goods on display the tasteful decorations and other arrangements…Hardly could you meet a person on Eighth avenue whom you did not recognize as having been at the opening, for each one carried an envelope containing one of the souvenirs which were presented to their guests…”  3/31:  “The girls say they are much pleased with the souvenirs given at Half Bros. opening and are now waiting for some they will get up at Homestead Park during the pleasant evenings.”

• 3/28:  “A Nobby Front — One of the greatest improvements made along Eighth avenue in a long time is the new front to Gross‘ gents furnishing and clothing store at the corner of McClure street.  The front is one of the most attractive in town, the windows being unusually large and roomy, affording ample display space for the firm’s big line.  The interior of the store has also been overhauled and improved and additional stock put in, as the business of the concern has grown rapidly during the past year.  Gross Bros. are among the leading merchants in town and show hustling quality and enterprise.”
• 

  4/9/1917

  4/2:  “Homestead again has a first class department store, Joseph Lasdusky having this morning moved into his new and enlarged quarters in the Steenson building.  The front of the new store is not yet completed, but the store is open for business, the second floor being complete in eery detail and every lady in Homestead is invited to call and inspect it and not wait until the grand opening…”

• 4/4:  “Applicants for whole liquor licenses were closely cross-examined yesterday by Attorney John N. English of the dry forces.  Rev. J.H. Douds, of the United Presbyterian church, testified in the hearing of Harry Glick, of 201 Sixth avenue, that he had observed cases piled on the sidewalk and Attorney English also examined the applicants on the number of kegs piled in front of his place.  Mr. Glick acknowledged that at times these objects could be seen on the sidewalks but it was just before they were hauled away.  He promised, however, to remedy the condition.”  The judges also “stated that those [wholesale liquor dealers] who sold for cash [not credit] would have their applications more favorable considered.”  Thus, the town’s liquor dealers published a notice that effect, signed by J.B. Lazar, Samuel S. Mervis, Herman Markowitz, Harry Glick, and six others.
• 4/13:  “Wolk’s National Clothing store will open tomorrow in the room recently vacated by Joseph Lasdusky, with the largest and finest stock of men’s ready to wear goods ever shown here.  This is one of a chain of stores the firm is operating all over the country, they being large manufacturers of clothing.  They make a specialty of $10 and $15 suits.  Sol Wolk, who was one of the leading business men of Homestead in the early days is at the head of the company and will devote much of his time to the local store.”
• 

  4/20/1917

  4/20:  “GRAND OPENING TONIGHT — Music and Souvenirs at Lasdusky‘s Big Department Store — A BIG ENTERPRISE.”  A long article went on to recount the history of his business, now “one of the most responsible firms of the Monongahela Valley.”  It also described Lasdusky’s civic activities and the design of the new store.  Finally, it noted that his son, Louis Lasdusky, will manage the new store.  (Full article below.)

• 4/21:  “Expressions of surprise and amazement were numerous last night among the throng that crowded into Lasdusky’s new department store in the Steenson building, as few had any conception of the size and completeness of the store or the beauty of its arrangements until they visited it last night.  The store is something the town has long needed…”  A long article (below) went on to praise the work of Joseph and Louis Lasdusky.
• 4/27:  “Joseph Lasdusky announces the beginning today of a big sale in honor of the 25th anniversary of his location in Homestead…See the big page announcement of the sale on page eight today.”  A long article the following day promoted the sale (see below).
• 5/11: “Mrs. Alice R. Bellamy, of New York, special representative of the Pictorial Review Company, will demonstrate at Lasdusky‘s big department store tomorrow and Monday. Mrs. Bellamy is an expert on style and…will be pleased to explain the use of Pictorial Review Patterns which enable you to make your own clothes at comparatively little price…”
• 5/17:  “There will be a demonstrate of ‘Like Koffee’ at Lasdusky‘s Saturday and every one is invited to call and try a sample cup.”
• 5/17:  “Herman J. Lippman, a traveling salesman for Sperling & Epstein Company, and Elias Lippman, traveling salesman for Light & Schlesinger, both of New Pork (sic!), were business visitors at Gross‘ gents’ furnishing store yesterday.”
• 6/5:  “David Hurschburg was a business visitor in town yesterday.  Mr. Hurshburg was formerly with Half Bros. and is now located in Vandergrift.”
• 6/14:  “What is without doubt one of the most eagerly looked forward to events in Homestead mercantile circles is scheduled to start today.  We refer to the Annual Anniversary Sale of Half Brothers, the Eighth avenue furniture dealers.  This year’s anniversary marks this firm’s eighteenth year in business…The reporter of the Messenger was treated to a distinct and truly big surprise when he was invited by Mr. Leo Half to take a trip through Half Bros. big warehouse located at Eighth avenue and Hays street.  We always were of the opinion that we had a good idea of the size and resources of this firm from the extent of their five-floor store, but when we saw the tremendous reserve stock we are free to confess that we were simply astounded…” Full article below.
• 6/19:  “I. Miller, 412 Dickson street, wishes to announce to his customers and friends that he will have an opening from 2 until 6 o’clock tomorrow afternoon, at which a plate of ice cream along with souvenirs will be given away free.  All are welcome.”
• 6/30:  Summer closing hours were always a big deal in Homestead.  Half Bros. announced that in July and August they’d close 5 PM daily, 9 PM Saturday.
• 7/2:  The annual early closing movement made headlines, with many Jewish merchants participating, including B. Friedlander, Joseph Lasdusky, Ben Little, Max Adlersberg, A. Gross, Morris Grinberg, Louis Hilk, Sol Wolk, H. Sapeer, H.L. Little, M. & S. Wolk, and M.I. Grinberg.
• 

  7/6/1917: Kahn’s Speciality Shop

  7/6:  A new store, Kahn‘s Specialty Shop, opened.  See ad at right.

• 7/13:  “One of the most delightful events of the summer season was a picnic supper which was held by the employees of the Half Brothers Furniture Store, at Homestead Park last evening.  They were taken to and from the park in the truck belonging to the Halfs, which was decorated in red, white and blue, in honor of the occasion.”  A “sumptuous supper” was followed by games, and “the favors were silk American flags.”  Attendees included Mr. and Mrs. Moses Half and sons Howard and Irvin, Hazel Numeroski, and Marion Steinberg.
• 7/13:  A long article touted Lasdusky‘s semi-annual sale.  “Mr. Lasdusky’s son and manager just returned from an eastern business visit to Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and other cities where he purchased more merchandise in quantities and lots for this sale only…These last few days Lasdusky’s store has been transformed in (sic) one large bargain store, as it were, nor (sic) unlike a bazaar.”  7/27:  “Joseph Lasdusky is winding up one of the most successful sales ever held by a store in Homestead…Many of the bargains advertised at the opening of the sale have been sold out, but Mr. Lasdusky this week picked up a lot more bargains in New York which arrived yesterday and are on sale today.”
• 8/1:  “The H.L. Little shoe store, of this city, has just been advised that the fine window display of Dr. Scholl’s Foot Comfort Devices, which many readers will remember seeing in the window of that store during Foot Comfort Week June 18 to 23rd was awarded a valuable prize by the judges of the Scholl Window Trimming Contest.”  The event “covered the entire United States and Canada” and “this prize was won in competition with the thousands of window displays which were entered in the contest.”
• 9/8:  “The fourth exhibition of Buster Brown and his dog, Tige, given by Ben Little, the popular shoe dealer of Eighth avenue and Amity street, amused the people this afternoon and proved to be the most amusing and interesting entertainment seen in Homestead this summer…”
• 9/12:  “At a meeting of the Talking Machine Association of Allegheny County held last night in the Ft. Pitt Hotel, Leo L. Half, of the firm of Half Bros., the well known Eighth avenue furniture dealers, was elected president.  The association comprises all the dealers of talking machines in Allegheny county.”
• 9/25:  “The Fall opening of Lasdusky’s store in the Steenson block, 337, 229 (sic) and 341 East Eighth avenue, which was held last Friday night was a most pleasant fathering for those who attended…The big establishment was packed during the entire evening…Mr. Lasdusky has been in the mercantile business here for twenty-six consecutive years and during that his business has grown with the advancement of the community until now it is one of the largest establishments in the Monongahela valley.”
• 10/4:  “Max Risenbaum of New York, has accepted a position as manager of Joseph Lasdusky’s store.”  Well, sure.  All his sons had just gone off to war!
• 11/3  The “musical event of the season”:  the young, American soprano Betsy Lane Shepherd, in Carnegie Library Music Hall on Friday evening, “brought to Homestead by Messrs. Half Brothers.”  This was likely a promotion to sell her records.

Misfortunes

• 1/5: “Mrs. Frankel, wife of Morris Frankel, a former Homestead councilman representing the Second ward, now a hotel proprietor in Duquesne, who is in the West Penn hospital where she has undergone a severe but successful operation, expects to be able to leave the institution next week, when she, in company with Mr. Frankel, will leave for Atlantic City.  She will spend the remainder of the winter there under the advice of her physician.”
• 1/11:  “Harry Mervis of 607 Eighth avenue, who has been ill with the grip (sic), is reported somewhat improved.”
• 2/12: “The funeral of Mrs. Ida Melmick (sic), aged 37 years wife of Arron Melmick (sic), of 409 Fourth avenue, who died on Saturday evening was held at 3:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon. Interment was made in the Jewish cemetery at Homeville.”
• 2/16:  “Mrs. Esther Simon wife of Phillip Simon, and sister of Mrs. I.J. Goldston, of 619 Eighth avenue, died this morning at her home, 523 Overhill street, Pittsburgh. She had been ill for the past few years and was well known in this vicinity…”
• 2/27:  “Mrs. Rose Hibron (sic) of 126 Eighth avenue, is confined to her home with illness.”  3/5:  “Mrs. Rose Heilbron, of Eighth avenue was taken to the West Penn hospital where she will under-go an operation.”  4/3:  “Mrs. R. Heilbron, of 5514 Second avenue, Glenwood, formerly of Homestead, who underwent an operation at the West Penn hospital has returned home and is reported doing very nicely.”
• 3/15: A young man was held on charges of entering buildings and larceny. “It is alleged that on February 14 he entered the store of Meyer Grinberg, at 209 Eighth avenue and stole $12 worth of goods.” Other stores he robbed were listed as well.
• 3/17:  “Louis Hilk, a well known business man of 538 Dickson street, received word this morning that his sister, Mrs. Bertha Fisher, aged 40 years, wife of Harry Fisher, died last night at her home, 920 Jenny Lind street, McKeesport.  She is survived by her husband and seven children.”
• 3/19:  “At an early hour this morning Gross‘ department store at 401 Eighth avenue was entered and goods valued at $100 was taken.  The firm is having a new front placed and the entrance was made through a small opening.  It is the work of boys, who after ransacking the store took packages of sox, underwear and jewelry.”
• 3/28:  “Shortly after 8 o’clock last night an alarm was received from box 31 and when the Central and Second ward departments arrived they found smoke issuing from the cellar of Mrs. H.A. Rosenbaum, 303 Dickson street.  Some wood in the cellar had caught fire, but when the water was turned on the blaze was quickly extinguished.”
• 4/10:  “Albert Walker, colored, who is cripple (sic), was committed to Allegheny county jail this morning by Justice J. Clyde Miller, on a charged of entering a building, preferred by B. Gross.  Walker, who lives on Gold way, entered Gross’ store, Eighth avenue and McClure street, and stole shoes.  He was arrested by Constable Frank Bell and at the hearing this morning pled guilty to the charge.  He was unable to furnish $500 bail for court and was taken to jail.”
• 5/16:  “Mrs. R. Heilbron having recovered from a severe sick spell, will be glad to see her customers at her home, 5514 Second avenue, Glenwood.”
• 6/11:  “As a result of a cloudburst yesterday afternoon at Homeville, thousands of dollars’ worth of damage was done to the business section of the town when Munhall creek overflowed and covered Greensprings avenue with several feet of water.  Samuel Lewis, a grocer, was in the zone of the flood when his cellar containing three tons of sugar, several hundred sacks of of flour and other groceries, was flooded and the contents carried down the creek.  His warehouse and garage stocked with food and merchandise, was carried from its foundation and swept away.  His auto was also carried down the creek and badly damaged. He estimates his loss at $3,000.”
• 6/12:  A man “smashed a plate glass window of E.M. Feinberg‘s jewelry store and pawn shop at 334 East Eighth avenue, evidently with the intention of robbery.  Mr. Feinberg sleeps in the rear of his store and when he heard the noise of breaking glass he rushed out and three a searchlight on the colored man who ran down the street and onto Hazel alley into West Homestead.”  The fugitive was captured and committed to jail with $1,000 bail.
• 6/15:  “Charles Fogel, of Homestead, is undergoing treatment in the Columbia hospital.” 6/26: “Charles Fogel, of Tammany way, who was operated on at the West Penn hospital, is reported somewhat improved.”
• 6/18:  “Steve Kushner, of Munhall Garden Plan, Munhall, was struck by the auto of Isaac Lincoff, of Eighth avenue, at 12:45 o’clock this afternoon….small hopes are entertained for the boy’s recovery.”
• 7/30:  “Shortly before 11 o’clock Saturday night two men entered the store of Meyer Freeman at Haslett and Risher avenue, Lincoln Place, and one of them asked for a package of ‘Bull Durham’ tobacco.  The proprietor secured the package and when he turned to hand it to him he looked into the muzzle of a 32 calibre revolver and was requested to hand over the contents of the cash register.  The proprietor did so.  The men then left and as soon as they departed a posse of small boys of Lincoln Place formed themselves into a squad and were largely responsible for the capture of the robbers…”
• 7/28:  “Max Berger, an aged resident of Homeville, died this morning after a long illness at his home on Greensprings avenue. He was employed at the Westinghouse plant at East Pittsburgh and is survived by his widow.”  7/30:  “Max Berger, aged 47 years, died on Saturday about noon, after a long illness in his home on Greensprings avenue, Homeville.  The funeral was held yesterday and the interment was made in the Jewish cemetery.  Mr. Berger was employed at the Westinghouse works in East Pittsburg and is survived by his widow.”
• 8/14:  “Solomon Llinsin (sic), aged 30 years of 407 McClure street who was crushed while at work in the plant of the Westinghouse Electric company in East Pittsburgh several days ago died yesterday morning in the Braddock General hospital.  The funeral was held yesterday afternoon and interment was made in the Jewish cemetery near Homeville.”  (Solomon Valinsky, who fell from a crane.)
• 8/28:  “Leo Half‘s Auto Stolen But Found,” read the headline.  Article below.
• 9/11:  Headline:  “Dr. Nathan Kartub Charged With Murder — He Left Here Two Years ago After Being Held for Conspiracy in an Insurance Fraud Case.”  The charge was that he “administered and gave certain poison” to who had made out an insurance policy to Kartub’s alleged co-conspirator.  9/12:  Naturally Kartub denied the charged, though he was accused of more such murders.  The articles below outline the charges.
• 9/20:  “Benj. Trau will not have the H.H.S. football news written up for a few days as he is confined to his home on Eighth avenue with illness.”  His article appeared on 9/24.   9/26: “Ben Trau of Eighth avenue, who has been confined to his home with illness is reported greatly improved.”
• 11/13:  “Mrs. Rose Heilbron, aged 63 years, died yesterday afternoon at 4:15 o’clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B. Klein, 5514 Second avenue, Glenwood.  Mrs. Heilbron formerly resided at 122 East Eighth avenue but went to Glenwood to live with her daughter about six months ago.  The funeral was held this afternoon at 1 o’clock and the interment was made in the Jewish cemetery in Mifflin township.”
• 11/19:  A man tried to break into Feinberg‘s pawn shop, and Feinberg fire several shots at him.  Full article below.
• 11/27:  “Mrs. Joseph Lasdusky of Ninth avenue, Munhall was taken to the West Penn hospital where she will undergo an operation.”
• 12/7:  “At an early hour this morning the police discovered the window in M. Mallinger‘s confectionary store, Eighth avenue and Stone way, had been broken and part of the glass removed.  Several five pound boxes of candies, flash lights, pipes and other articles were taken.  The job was pulled off so neat that no clue was left except a footprint in the snow.”
• 12/8: Former Homestead physician Dr. Nathan Kartub, was indicted for murder — poisoning a patient for the insurance money.  Full article below.
• 12/24: Dr. Kartub‘s trial was postponed.  Full article below.
• 12/29: Dr. Katub plead guilty.  Full article below.
  12/31: Dr. Kartub was sentenced to 20 years in prison and fines of $2000.  Full article below.

Travel and Socializing

• 1/6:  Miss Eva Finkelstein, of New York City, is the house guest of Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Little, of Twelfth avenue and McClure street.”
• 1/15:  “Mrs. Al Smoke, of Clairton, Pa., has returned home after a visit with her parents on Fourth avenue.”
• 1/22:  “Louis Levi, of Portsmout (sic?), Ohio, is visiting Felix Half, of Eighth avenue.”
• 1/24:  “Miss Tobie Silver (sic?) o (sic) Baltimore, has returned home from a visit with Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Little, of Twelfth avenue and McClure street.”
• 2/6:  “Aaron Silverman, of Baltimore, Md., is visiting at the home of his sister, Mrs. H.L. Little, of Twelfth avenue and McClure street. I. Lincoff, of Eleventh avenue, has purchased a 191 (sic) Hudson Touring car.”
• “Samuel Rosen, of Butte, Montana, has returned to his home from a visit to his sister, Mrs. Louis Freeman, of the Messenger apartments.”  2/14:  “Louis Newman of Tenth avenue was calling on friends in Braddock today. Morris Rosen, of Butte, Montana is visiting at the home of his sister, Mrs. Louis Freeman, of the Messenger apartments.”
• 2/7:  “Miss Minnie Margolis, of 709 Eighth avenue, entertained Monday evening at a 500 party at which ten tables were in use.  Guests were present from Homestead, Duquesne, McKeesport and Braddock.  Yello jinquils (sic) were used in decorating.  A dainty luncheon was served, covers being laid for thirty.”
• 2/20: “Mr. and Mrs. B. Friedlander of 324 Tenth avenue, have returned home from an eastern trip, and were given a surprise party at their home last Sunday evening at which many out of town guests were present. A delightful evening was spent in cards and music, after which Mr. and Mrs. Friedlander were presented with a large silver basket of American Beauty roses. Luncheon was served, covers being laid for fifty.”
• 2/24:  “Mrs. Samuel Fogel, of the McConnon apartments on Eighth avenue, entertained on Wednesday afternoon of this week in honor of her house guest, Mrs. Harry Marcus, of Philadelphia.  The afternoon was spent in cards.  After which luncheon was served.”
• 2/28:  “Samuel Gross of Philadelphia, has arrived here on a visit to his sister, Mrs. Morris Fogel, of Tammany way.”
• 3/13:  “Mrs. Julius Wilner, Mrs. Louis Samuels and Mrs. Louis Feinling, of Johnstown, Pa., are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Freeman, of the Messenger apartments.”
• 3/15:  “Sol Wolk of Pittsburg, was calling on friends in town today. He will open a store here about April 1.”
• 3/20:  “Morris Half, accompanied by his wife and children have left for a few weeks’ vacation to Cambridge Springs.”   3/27:  “Morris Half has returned home after a week’s vacation, spent in Cambridge Springs.”
• 5/2:  “Myers Moranz, of Youngstown, O., formerly of Homestead, has returned home from a visit with Thomas Morgan, of Twelfth avenue and West street.”
• 5/19:  “Harry Mervis a popular barber, has returned home from a month’s visit with relatives in Starford, Indiana county.”
• 5/22:  “Samuel Fogel, the well known confectioner, was a business visitor in Duquesne today.”
• 5/23:  “Mrs. H.L. Little, accompanied by her son, Merle, of McClure street, has left on an extended visit with her parents in Baltimore, Md.”
• 5/25:  “Mrs. Samuel Fogel, of the McConnon apartments; Mrs. Fred Moser, of Tenth avenue, accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Amelia Back, of Philadelphia, attended a 500 party on Wednesday afternoon of this week at the home of Mrs. David Dreyfess (sic?), East End.”
• 6/7: “Mrs. Joseph Lasdusky, of Ninth avenue, Munhall, has left for New York to visit her son, Ralph, and other relatives. Before returning home she will visit many places of interest…The following have purchased Ford cars from the Orr garage…Joseph Weinberger, 517 Fifth avenue.”
• 6/11: “Dr. David Reiter and wife, of 613 Eighth avenue, have returned home from New York where they attended the Medical Society convention.”
• 6/16:  “H.L. Little, of McClure street, a well known shoe merchant, returned last evening from Baltimore with his family who had been visiting there for three weeks.  The trip was made by automobile by way of the National road, starting from Uniontown…”  In MD they saw the damage from a major, crop-destroying hail storm.
• 6/19:  “Felix Half has left for a few weeks’ vacation to be spent at Bemis Point, N.Y.”
• 7/3:  “Miss Edith Widom, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Samuel Widom, has left for a graduation trip to Youngstown, Cleveland and Detroit, Mich.”
• 7/5:  “Harry Margolis, a clerk in H.L. Little’s shoe store, attend the auto races at Uniontown yesterday.”
• 7/9:  “Max Rosenhain, of New York City, is visiting his uncle Joseph Lasdusky of the Lasdusky apartment store…Leo Half has left on a business trip to Grand Rapids, Mich…Miss Edith Widom, of Seventh avenue, is visiting with relatives in Detroit.”
• 7/10:  “Mr. and Mrs. E. Greinstein (sic?), Mr. and Mrs. Z. Smoke, Miss Wilson and Mr. Glick have returned home from a motoring trip to Somerset county.”
• 7/12:  “Isador Kerber, manager of the People’s credit clothing store, was a business visitor in Davosburg yesterday…Mr. and Mrs. I. Lincoff and son, of Eleventh avenue, have left on a motoring trip to Cambridge Springs…M. Half has returned from a delightful two weeks’ vacation spent a the Columbian Inn, Bemus Point, N.Y.”
• 7/16:  “Samuel Israel, of McClure street, left this morning for Detroit, Mich., on a two weeks’ vacation….Morris Half has left on a few days’ business trip to Grand Rapids, Mich.”
• 7/17:  “Miss Ruth Grinberg, of Twelfth avenue, accompanies by Harry Goldberg and daughter, Rena, of Portland street, East End, have left for Cambridge Springs.”
• 7/24:  “Bernard Weis of Fourteenth avenue, who is employed in the Electrical department at the Westinghouse (sic) is on a two weeks’ vacation.”
• 8/6:  “Mr. and Mrs. Harry Feldman and children of 1215 Ann street, have left for a two weeks vacation to Philadelphia and Atlantic City.”
• 8/15:  “Mrs. Joseph Lasdusky is spending a few days visiting Mr. Lasdusky’s sister, Mrs. Anna Bone, of Somerset county.”
• 8/20:  “Miss Ruth Grinberg of Twelfth avenue and Miss Rose Glick, of Fourth avenue, are home from a visit with friends in Donora. … Joseph Lasdusky, a well known business man of Eighth avenue, and family motored to Somerset county on Sunday.”
• 8/25:  “I.J. Goldston of 519 Eighth avenue has returned from a four weeks’ vacation spent in the White Mountains and Philadelphia.”
• 8/29:  “Daniel Saron, confectioner of Eighth avenue, Munhall, has returned home from a two weeks’ vacation spent at Atlantic City.”
• 9/1: “Louis Moss has returned home from a month’s stay at Battle Creek, Michigan…Morris Grinberg, a prominent business man of Eighth ave, accompanied by his son Leonard, of Twelfth ave, have (sic) returned from a two weeks’ vacation spent in Philadelphia and Atlantic City.”
• 9/26:  “Harry Gross of Philadelphia is visiting at the home of her (sic?) sister Mrs. Morris Fogel of Tammany way.”
• 10/8:  “A.C. Goldman of Philadelphia was visiting with Samuel Fogel, the well known confectionary man of Eighth avenue this morning.”
• 11/2:  “Miss Della Freedman of Pittsburgh, spent the day with Mrs. R. J. Goldston (sic), of 619 Eighth avenue.”
• 11/14:  Joseph Wolfe and Louis Freeman were among the group of “well known business men of Homestead” who “attended a social given by the members of the Oakland Turners at their hall last evening.”
• 11/15:  “Miss Dorothy Goldman of Third avenue, entertained on Sunday evening in honor of Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Kohn of Akron, Ohio, and Mr. and Mrs. Joel Harris of McKeesport. Covers were laid for twenty . An enjoyable evening was spent featuring games and music.”
• 12/5:  “Mrs. Samuel Fogel, of the McConnon apartments on Eighth avenue, entertained at a dinner party at her home last evening at five o’clock in honor of her house guest….Covers were laid for” various out-of-towners, Jewish and non-Jewish.  “The remainder of the evening was spent in Auction Bridge.”
• 12/11:  “Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Little entertained yesterday at their home, 1107 McClure street, in honor of their son, Mearle’s (sic) birthday anniversary.”
• 12/13:  “Mr. and Mrs. Harry Silverman, of Baltimore, have returned home from a visit with their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Little, at their home at 1107 McClure street.”

Simchas

• 1/12: “Mr. and Mrs. Morris Grinberg and Miss Rose Grinberg attended the wedding of Miss Barbara Lewin and Mr. Simon Grinberg in the Adams room of the Rittenhouse on Wednesday evening…The groom is a nephew of Mr. Morris Grinberg.” The wedding was performed by Rev. J. Leonard Levy, and the couple settled in Squirrel Hill.
• 2/5:  “Miss Blanche Seigel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Siegel, of 423 Fifth avenue, and Mr. M.B. Ories, of Pittsburg, were married yesterday afternoon at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg, Rabbi Leonard Levy officiating.  A wedding supper was served at the home of the bride’s parents at which only relatives were present.  Mr. and Mrs. Ories will reside in Pittsburg.”
• 2/8:  “Master Albert S. Schwartz, son of Mr. and Mrs. H.C. (sic?) Schwartz, of 328 Ninth avenue, will be “Bar Mitzvah” at the Homestead Synagogue this coming Saturday morning. His parents will celebrate the event at their home on Sunday evening, February 11, 1917. No cards.”
• 2/23:  “Mr. and Mrs. L. Jacobson, of 530 Dickson street, will be at home Sunday evening, February 25, in honor of the engagement of their daughter, Miss Fannie, to Samuel L. Rubenstein, of Pittsburgh.  No cards.” 2/27: “At a reception given by Mr. and Mrs. L. Jacobson at their home, 520 Dickson street, on Sunday evening, announcement was made of the engagement of the daughter, Miss Fannie Jacobson, to Samuel L. Rubenstein of Pittsburgh. The date of the wedding will be announced later. Covers were laid for 200. The rooms were tastefully decorated and a large number of out-of-town visitors were present. During the evening a musical program was rendered, while singing and dancing were the features.”
• 4/3:  “Last evening at 5 o’clock in the Jewish Synagogue, Pittsburg, the wedding of Miss Rose Weis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morris D. Weis, of 109 E. Fourteenth avenue, and Mr. E. Harry Odle, of Pittsburg, was solemnized by Rev. Dr. J. Leonard Levy.  The bride wore a handsome blue serge traveling suit with gray hat and carried violets and pink sweetheart roses.  After the wedding ceremony a reception and wedding dinner was given at the home of the bride’s parents, only relatives being present.  Mr. Odle and his bride will reside in Bellevue.”
• 4/13:  In the list of marriage licenses recently taken out, Max Jacobson and Fannie Klein were included.  (Surprising!  This was during the omer, a period when marriages are traditionally prohibited.  Did the pending draft affect their timing?)
• 4/23: “Mr. and Mrs. I. Samuels, of 412 Third avenue, entertained last evening in honor of their daughter, Marie‘s tenth birthday.  The evening was spent in games and music.  A dainty luncheon was served, covers being laid for fifty.  The colors were carried out in pink and white.”
• 6/23:  “Mr. Leo Half received word this morning that Mr. and Mrs. H.O. Taylor, both of whom were former neighbors of Mr. Half from Marysville, O., were former neighbors of Mr. Half from Marysville, O., were on their honeymoon and would visit him today.”  The rest outlined a practical joke Mr. Half hoped to plan on them.  “He is also planning to give them a little newly-weds’ joy ride, if he is able to induce them to get into an automobile.”  Perhaps related, 6/25: “There was a large number of people in front of Half Bros.‘ windows on Saturday afternoon and evening. The attraction was Mr. and Mrs. Newly Wed, shown in their new home. They were preparing and eating their meals, cleaning the apartment, dancing, etc.”
• 6/23:  “Mr. and Mrs. Myron (sic) I. Grinberg, of 335 E. Twelfth avenue, will be at home Sunday evening, June 24, in honor of the confirmation Bar mitzvah of their son, Bernard Grinberg.”
• 6/27:  “A confirmation party given by Mr. and Mrs. Myer Grinberg at their home on Twelfth avenue is honor of their son Bernard J. was largely attended by relatives and friends.  The decorations were carried out in red, white and blue.  Refreshments were served at a most suitable hour.  A large cake decorated with patriotic colors formed the center piece.  The confirmant received many beautiful gifts.”
• 7/10:  “Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Malven (sic), of Eight avenue, are receiving congratulations over the arrival of a son, born at the Montefiore Hospital, July 9, 1917.”
• 7/18:  “Mrs. L. Freeman, of the Messenger apartments, announces the engagement of her sister, Miss Sarah Rosen, to Mr. A.E. Hepps, of Castle Shannon, formerly of Homestead.  Miss Rosen was formerly of Pittsburgh but has been making her home for the past year with her brother-in-law and sister, Dr. and Mrs. J.W. Moss, of 436 Eighth avenue, Munhall.”
• 8/21:  “Mr. and Mrs. Myer Grinberg, of 12th avenue, are receiving congratulations over the arrival of a son, born August 20, 1917.”  This son is Allen Grinberg.
• 8/27:  “Announcement is made of the marriage, at Pittsburg on July 31, of Miss Ida Goldman, of Third avenue, and Joel Harris, of McKeesport.  Rev. A. Ashinsky, of Pittsburg, was the officiating clergyman.  Mr. Harris is a well known young business man of McKeesport, being a member of Harris Bros., of Fifth avenue.”
• 9/29: “The wedding of Miss Sara Rosen, daughter of Samuel Rosen of 2028 Center avenue, Pittsburg, and A.E. Hepps, of Castle Shannon, formerly of Homestead, were united in marriage on Thursday evening of this week in the Temple of Rodef Shalom.” Full article below.
• 11/9:  “Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Little, of 1107 McClure street are receiving congratulations over the birth of a son. The family now consists of two boys.”
• 11/15:  The paper published a long tribute about Joseph Lasdusky, which was a copy of what appeared in the Pittsburgh Jewish Criterion, which was a copy of what appeared in Distinguished Jews of America: A Collection of Biographical Sketches.
• 11/19:  “Mr. and Mrs. E. Greenstein of 423 Fifth avenue yesterday celebrated at their home the fortieth wedding anniversary of Mrs. Greenstein’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Henry Glick of 510 Fourth avenue.  Only immediate relatives were present.  At 12 o’clock a sumptuous dinner was served, covers being laid for twenty-six.  A large cake with forty burning candles adorned the center of the table.  Mr. and Mrs. Glick received many beautiful gifts.  The guests spent a pleasant time in music and social past time.”

Jewish Community

• 1/2:  The Y.M.H.A. and the local I.O.B.B. chapter held a bazaar, reception, and dance to do their share in raising money for the IOBB orphanage in Erie, PA.  500 people attended; full details below.
• 1/27:  “The Y.M.H.A. Jr. basketball team of this place will play the fast Eleventh U.P. of North Side Monday night.  All players please take notice.”
  1/29:  “At a meeting of the Hebrew Ladies’ Aid Society at the Synagogue on 10th avenue officers were elected for the ensuing year, as follow:  Mrs. J.B. Schwartz, president; Mrs. B. Friedlander, vice president; Mrs. Harry Feldman, financial secretary; Mrs. I.S. Grossman, correspon- (sic) lady with a flower.  They were st- (sic) er.”  (It seems like some lines of the article were missing.)  They tried again on 2/1:  “At the last meeting of the Hebrew Ladies’ Aid society, the following ladies were installed as officers: Mrs. H.S. Schwartz, president; Mrs. B. Friedlander, vice president; Mrs. L. (sic?) Grossman, assistant secretary, Mrs. Harry Grossman, treasurer, Mrs. B. Glueck.”  But as you can see, there will still some problems!
• 1/30:  “The Young Men’s Hebrew association Juniors of Homestead defeated the Eleventh United Presbyterian church of the North Side by the score of 37 to 27.  Lineup:  Trau…F, Levey…F, Fogle…C, Carpe…G, Siegle…G.  Field Goals–Trau 6, Levey 6, Fogle, Carpe 3, Siegle 2.  Foul Goal–Levey 2 out of 3, Trau 1 out of 2.”
• 2/3: “Two of the most vital questions before the Jews of America, that of the peaceful colonization of Palestine by Jews, and the calling of a congress of American Jews, will be discussed before a mass meeting to be held tomorrow night in the Homestead Synagogue, under the auspices of the Jewish national fund commission of Homestead.”  More details below.
• 2/3: “All members of the Y.M.H.A. of Homestead are requested to meet in their club rooms at 8:30 Sunday morning to pay their last respects to their deceased brother, Harry Perlman, who died yesterday in the Homestead hospital.”
• 2/14:  The article doesn’t mention Purim, but “A masquerade ball of more than ordinary magnitude is being arranged for February 21, by a joint committee representing four Jewish organizations of Homestead, namely:  The Rodeph Shalom Synagogue, the Homestead Lodge, I.O.B.A., the Hebrew School Association, and the United Hebrew Cemetery Association of Homestead.”  Read the article below for the details of the dancing, costume prizes, and attendance predictions.
• 2/21: “What promises to be the largest social event of the season will be the United Hebrew Charity Masquerade ball, which will be given in Turner hall, on Fifth avenue, this evening. Hundreds of guests from Pittsburg, McKeesport and towns along the Monongahela valley will attend. Sixteen handsome prizes will be awarded the best dresser and comic dressed gentlemen and ladies present. The dance will be from 8 o’clock to 2 a.m.”
• 3/8:  A long article about Purim, called “Jewish Thanksgiving Today,” was published.  Read it below.
• 3/12:  “The Y.M.H.A. pool team now claims the local championship, they having defeated their rival, the Y.D.K. boys twice.  They having handed them their second defeat Friday evening by the score of 100 to 50.  Line up and score:  Y.M.H.A. — Aaron Swede…50, L.D. Moss…25, L. Gross…25, Totals 100…”
• 3/13:  “The Y.M.H.A. of Homestead will hold its third annual dance Wednesday evening, March 14, at the Elks’ Temple on Ninth avenue, between Ann and Amity streets.  The committee which consists of Julius Markowitz, chairman; C.D. Mervis, Lew Lasday, J.W. Gross, M.C. Jacobson, Wm. Glick and Bernard Weiss, assure all who attend a very delightful evening.”  3/15:  “The Y.M.H.A. of Homestead held their third annual dance last evening in the Elks’ temple on Ninth avenue, which was one of the social events of the week.  Over 50 couples were present including many from out of town.  Nossokof orchestra furnished the music…”
• 4/5:  Rev. Dr. A. Kahn published a long column on “The Feast of Passover” (below).
• 4/7:  “Homestead Lodge No. 586, Independent Order B’Nai B’rith, will hold a very important meeting tomorrow evening at eight o’clock at the Bank hall over the Homestead Savings Bank and Trust Co., corner of Eighth avenue and Ann street.  Business of special importance will be transacted and all members are urged to be present.  A feature of the evening will be the initiation of new members by the degree team of McKeesport Lodge I.O.B.B.”
• 4/14:  “Homestead Lodge No. 586, Independent Order B’nai B’rith and its Ladies’ Auxiliary will hold a special joint meeting Monday evening, April 16 at 8:30 o’clock at the synagog (sic) on Tenth avenue.  The subject for discussion will be ‘How can the B’nai B’rith in a greater degree advance the social and educational condition of the Jewish community of Homestead?’  All members of the lodge and its auxiliary are urgently requested to come to the meeting prepared to participate in the very interesting discussion which is sure to take place.”
• 5/22:  On the list of upcoming events at Homestead Park, the YWHA was listed for evening dances on June 12 and July 26th.
• 

  6/9/1917: Local Man a Candidate

  6/4: “Important Gathering of Jews — One of the most important events in recent years, to the Jewish populace of this district, took place yesterday afternoon, when about one hundred delegates, representing organizations in Homestead, Braddock, McKeesport and Duquesne, assembled in the Odd Fellow Hall in McKeesport to nominate a delegate to the Jewish Congress to be held at Washington D.C., on September 2. The delegates representing Homestead were Mesdames H.S. Schwartz, I. Grossman, E. Epps (sic!) and M.D. Weiss. Messrs. I.J. Goldston, Robert Davidson, Jos. Lasdusky, S. Mervis, R. Schermer and A. Zeiger. The convention was marked throughout by enthusiasm and proved a tremendous success.

  “Two delegates were nominated, one to be elected next Sunday by a general election of the entire district. The local delegate succeeded in bringing home the honor of having placed a Homestead man on the ballot after a spirited contest. Jos. Lasdusky was nominated by a very large vote. The nomination speech was made by Robert Davidson and ably seconded by Mrs. I. Grossman. I.J. Goldston was appointed judge of election in the local district.

  “The delegates are elated over their success and are determined to make a strenuous effort to elect their nominee next Sunday. Mr. Lasdusky has been promised the support of the surrounding towns, and every one here is enthusiastic over his prospects for election.”

• 6/11: An article described the closing and confirmation exercises of the Homestead Hebrew religious school. Article below.
• 6/13:  “Samuel Margolis, a well known business man, arrived yesterday from the thirty-first annual encampment of the Independent Order Brith Abraham held in Atlantic City. Mr. Margolis had the honor of being on the committee of the Grand Masters Report.”
• 6/21: “The Hebrew Ladies’ Aid Society is organizing a Red Cross branch which is in charge of Mrs. Harry Schwartz (sic?)and Mrs. Harry Feldman. Any of the ladies who desire to join the movement can apply to Mrs. Feldman at 1215 Ann street. The purpose of the organization is to co-operate with the main division of Homestead and will take up active work in the Schwab Manual Training School as soon as the hospital campaign is concluded.”
• 6/23: “A call for a mass meeting of all Jewish residents of this community has been sent out by the local lodge of the I.O.B.B. to take place tomorrow afternoon at 2:30, sharp, at the Synagogue on Tenth avenue. The meeting was called at the request of Rabbi Tarshish, of New York, who comes here as a special representative of the Hon. Henry Morganthau, former U.S. ambassador to Turkey, who has a message of special importance deliver. All Jewish residents of this community, both male and female, are urgently requested to be present.”
• 6/25: The latest event for the hospital fund was a luncheon provided by the Hebrew Ladies’ Aid society, “Which was attended by practically all of the workers. The enthusiasm is, if possible, on the increase now that the campaign has entered the ‘home stretch.'” There were just 3 more days in the month-long, $100K campaign, and already $95.5K had been raised.
• 6/25: “The Young Men’s Hebrew club of this place will hod their annual summer dance at Homestead park tomorrow evening and a large attendance from out of town is looked for as the club has made a reputation as entertainers…The committee in charge of the dance consists of Julius Markowitz, Charles D. Mervis, Maurice A. Goldman, Lou Lasday and Harry Margolis.” Most of the young men of the YMHA were draft eligible.
• 6/26: “Everything is in readiness for the select dance to be given this evening by the Y.M.H.A. of Homestead Park.”
• 6/27: “The Young Men’s Hebrew Club held one of the most enjoyable dances of the season last night at Homestead park, the attendance being large, not withstanding the severe storm.”
• 6/29:  The calendar for Homestead Park events listed a Y.M.H.A. evening dance on August 8th.
• 6/30: “The R.H. Watsons will play the Y.M.H.A. across the river tomorrow afternoon. The game will be called promptly at 3:15.”
• 7/14:  “Owing to September 18, the date fixed for the primary election this fall, being a Jewish holiday, the legislature has changed the date of the primaries to Thursday, September 19…”  9/18 was the second day of Rosh Hashana.  This is all well and good, but something else of greater significance was on its way to being scheduled to coincide with the holidays…
• 7/24: “The Hebrew ladies of Homestead and vicinity who have started in the Red Cross work, organizing the women in this movement, have made arrangements to join the Homestead branch so that all can work together. Mrs. Harry Fellman (sic) and Mrs. Herman Schwartz are the organizers and hope that all who desire to help this worth cause will join. All information can be obtained by calling at 1215 Ann street.”
• 9/6:  “The Y.M.H.A. will hold their last dance of the summer series at Homestead Park this evening.  Ollie Riehle’s orchestra will furnish the music.  Many out-of-town guests are expected to be present.  In connection with a dance a farewell will be given for the boys who leave for [illeg.] Petersburg.”
• 9/12:  The latest introduction-to-Rosh Hashana article, anticipating the start of the holiday on Sunday, 9/16.  See article below for full explanation.
• 9/17:  “The celebration of the Jewish New Year started last night at 6 o’block and among the strictly orthodox people will continue through today and tomorrow.  Practically all the stores here are closed today and a portion of them will be closed tomorrow.”  The rest of the article summarizes the holiday, which is “largely devoted to rejoicing and festival, giving thanks for the blessings of the past and expressing an ardent hope for prosperity in the future.”  Umm, not exactly!  See article below.
• 9/19: “Notice to the Jewish residents of Homestead. The banquet that was to be held this evening in honor of the Jewish lads going to the front, has been postponed by the Ladies Aid Society, till tomorrow (Thursday) evening, when they will give the banquet along with the local lodges of the Independent Order of B’nai B’rith, and B’rith Abraham. Tokens will then be presented. The public is invited to be presented (sic).”
• 9/19: “The Jewish residents of Homestead have petitioned the local exemption board to allow the nine Jewish boys drafted to leave with those going to camp Saturday to remain home until after the most sacred of all Jewish holidays, the Day of Atonement which takes place Wednesday, September 26. The local board has taken the matter up with the governor and will grant the request if possible.”
• 9/19: “The Jewish boys who have been called to the colors drilled this morning in front of the Library and will continue to drill every morning until they leave for camp.  The will meet at 8:30 in front of the Y.M.H. Club and invite all recruits to join them in their drill.  The experience they gain at home will help greatly when they reach camp.”
• 9/20: “The request to allow the Jewish boys to remain home until after their holiday, next Wednesday, was refused by the Washington authorities for the reason that all arrangements for transportation, meals and entertainment of the men have already been made.”
• 9/21:  “A gathering seldom equalled in this community in numbers and enthusiasm, tendered the Jewish boys of Homestead who are going to the front a reception that will long be remembered by those who were present…”  The full article below outlines the event, including speeches by Mr. Morris Half, Rev. Widom, and Mr. Morris Grinberg.  9/22:  A follow-up article, also below, noted that Mrs. H.S. Schwartz and Joseph Lasdusky presented them with gifts, I. Grossman acted as toastmaster, and Robert Davidson chaired the committee.
• 9/26:  “Today is ‘The Day of Atonement,’ the most sacred of all Jewish holidays.  All the local Hebrew merchants will keep their stores closed throughout the day and impressive services will be held in the synagogue.”  The previous day the Victor Shoe Co., J. Little proprietor, was one of the stores which placed a note in the paper that they would be closed “on account of holiday.”
• 10/15:  “The reception tendered the three Jewish recruits who arrived here Saturday night from Camp Lee which was held last night in the Synagogue was of an intensely patriotic nature…The Jewish people present at once subscribed to the Liberty Bond to the amount of $5,000.  The boys who came on this mission are Louis Lasday, Harry Margolis, and Allen Goldston.  Each spoke interestingly of their camp life and they all stated their treatment in every way was fine and the could not see how it could be excelled.”  The article below also describes what a Pittsburgh speaker said about a new Jewish Soldiers and Sailors Welfare League.
• 10/16:  “Sunday evening a meeting was called to order at the Homestead Hebrew Congregation by the president, Mr. Samuel Margolis.  After a few brief remarks to the members of the congregation Mr. Samuel Margolis appointed and introduced Private Allen I. Goldston as chairman of the meeting.”  The long article below details his and Corporal Lewis Lasday‘s addresses. Sergeant Harry Margolis shared in the evening.  There was also an address about the new Jewish Welfare League, whose “work is like that of the Y.M.C.A. and K. of C. in providing entertainment and spiritual work for the Jewish young men at the camp.”  Another Jewish boy sent home from camp, who was working with Goldston in McKeesport, was Private Joseph Viess of Glassport, whose family had been in Homestead in the early aughts (and whose Grinberg cousins remained there).
• 11/30:  “The confirmation class of the Homestead Hebrew religious class has organized into a social club…  The initial reception was given Thanksgiving day at [Miss Edith Widom‘s] home.”  Full article below.
• 12/5:  “The Y.M.H.A. will hold an entertainment, euchre and bridge whist in the Realty hall on Thursday evening, December 13.  Valuable prizes will be given.  A cordial invitation is extended to all.”
• 12/10:  “Chanukah, the Jewish feast of the candles, opened last evening in the synagogue, on Tenth avenue…It has been the traditional custom to distribute candy to the Jewish children on one of these feast days but this year a patriotic spirit prevails and in many instances war saving stamps will be distributed.”
• 12/13:  The Coffey Club of Pittsburgh (a popular Jewish team) defeated the Soldier Five of Pittsburgh on the YMHA auditorium floor. “A big delegation from Homestead went over to see the game.”
• 12/14:  “The Homestead Y.M.H.A. will hold a smoker Sunday evening at their rooms on Eighth avenue.  The committee arranging for the affair is composed of Sam Fogel, Lou Margolis and Jos. Feldman.  A quartet has been obtained to furnish the singing.  Several violin solos are carded.  From indications it is certain that the boys will have a real war time affair, sans the usual eats.”
• 12/18:  “The Y.M.H.A. society held a smoker at their rooms on Eighth avenue last Sunday evening for their members and friends, which proved to be quite a success.  The entertainment of the evening were singing by the Kan-chu Club Quartet and sketch drawings by Bernard Weiss.  During the evening the following committee, Samuel Fogel, Joe Feldman and Louis Margolis served refreshments.”

Jewish Miscellanea

• 3/17: “The Young Women’s Hebrew Association of Duquesne will hold a box social and entertainment on Sunday evening March 25th, at the Y.M.H.A. Club rooms. The chief speaker of the evening will be Mr. Richard S. Rauh, of Pittsburg, Pa. Other features will be music and recitations.”
• 4/28:  The paper published an editorial (below) on the death of Rev. Dr. J. Leonard Levy, rabbi of Rodef Shalom in Pittsburgh.  “His lectures were classics, his influence dominated his race and in his death the Jewish people and the community lose one of its ablest men.” His death, funeral preparations, and funeral were front page in the Pittsburgh newspapers for days.
• 8/10: An article, “Russian Jews In Need of Aid,” explained post-revolution conditions there. “Russian Jewry has equal rights, but hundreds of thousands have rights without bread and are starving amid liberty…Twelve million rubles ($6,000,000) are absolutely needed to keep bodies and souls together. Russian Jewry looks to Americans Jews to help their relief work during the first year of their liberty.”

• 9/26:  “A powerful photo-drama is the film version of Israel Zangwill’s ‘The Melting Pot,’ with Walker Whiteside in the hero role, the offering for Thursday at the Grand.  The crime of racial hatred and the glory of America as the haven of freedom and justice for all creeds and nationalities, is a two-fold inspiration which should recommend the production to Homesteaders.”
• 10/16:  Invitations have been sent out by the members of the Young Ladies Hebrew Association, of Duquesne, for their annual autumn dance to be held in Duquesne Bank hall, Wednesday evening, October 24.  Nossokoff-Maggio orchestra will furnish the music.
• 11/26:  A long article, “Encircling Jerusalem,” reported, “The British are now within five miles of Jerusalem and are slowly encircling the city….This is the seventh time in history that Jerusalem has been besieged.”  The article discussed the history and speculated about what the Turks would do.
• 12/15:  “After retaining undisputed possession of Jerusalem for 673 years the Turks have been compelled to surrender the Holy City to the British troops…the announcement of Jerusalem’s fall is cheering news to the civilized world.”

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