Editor’s Note: Part 1 of the November 30, 1956 issue was reprinted out of sequence
Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Press Notes
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956, Page 3
By Julia Kaufman
“Books lead us into the society of those great men with whom we could not otherwise come into personal contact. They bring us near to the geniuses of the remote lands and times. A good library is a place, a palace, where the lofty spirits of all nations and generations meet.” — Niger
Sh! Sh! sh! Are you a victim of jangled nerves? Do you jump when a jet plane zooms overhead … does the banging and rumbling of over-sized trucks disturb you … does the chatter and high pitched voices of some of your friends make you want to scream? If you find yourself in this deplorable condition, take off to the nearest public library and relax in its quiet atmosphere.
The library has long been a haven for the student who cannot study at home and the person who wishes to quietly do some thinking on his own — without benefit of outside influence.
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More than a haven — I interviewed Miss Cary Head in the restful, black walnut paneled Wangenheim Reference Room, of San Diego’s Central Library. Miss Head, who is in charge of public relations, has an enthusiasm and love for her work which is quite understandable — she likes people and books. The room in which we sat contained a history of the development of books and printing from man’s first attempt at writing to modern printing methods. In addition, there is a case containing samples of some of the earliest characters used in writing printed on clay, wood, palm leaves and papyrus reed. I became so interested that I almost forgot my rain reason for being in the library.
The library serves the entire family. Every Wednesday morning there is a story hour for young pre-school children. The step from the Story Hour to the use of the children’s library is a short one. My visit was on a Saturday and it was heartwarming to see a girl or boy with a younger sister or brother in tow. The older children, already initiated, take pride in introducing the young ones to the world of books.
If your child has had the pleasure of watching the Padre Puppeteers, you will be interested in how Mrs. Bruce Engman and Mrs. Robert E. Hitchcock developed a hobby into a little theatre which has given happiness to thousands of children. Every other month, during the winter season, at least 250 people (one quarter of them are over 25 years of age) gather in the Children’s Room to watch the Padre Puppets. The puppet stage is constructed so that either marionettes or the Punch and Judy type puppets may be used. The show is free and the puppeteers’ only payment is the reward of laughter.
The first performance was given by Mmes. Engman and Hitchcock in 1949. They had been making use of the San Diego Public Library for research work on the making of puppets, costuming, etc. and the encouragement they received from the librarians kept them going. Today, as the Padre Puppeteers, they put on plays in Balboa Park all summer. After each performance they show children how to manipulate the marionettes or puppets. If you wish to arrange a “theatre” party for the younger set, check on the date for the next show at the library.
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Delinquent Juveniles? … Not if you speak to any of the librarians. During my visit, I saw large group of teenagers. Perhaps they would be “rockin’ and rollin'” that night but in the library they were quietly “readin’ and ritin.'” It was a relief to speak to someone who considers our teenagers “thinking young people.” I learned that in choosing topics for school discussion, they are not afraid of controversial subjects and their research covers topics as varied as the Bible, narcotics and communism.
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There was a great deal of interest shown recently in hypnosis. One very young man, after reading half an article in the encyclopedia, stared at a librarian so long and hard that she became self-conscious. The mystery was cleared when he explained that he was trying to hypnotize her.
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Controlled reading or grading of children’s books is a debatable matter, upon which educators do not agree. Miss Head, who wrote her thesis on this subject, found that children between the ages of eleven and twelve, who were forced to read books assigned to their age group, lost interest and their attendance at the library fell off. In most cases, the decision is usually left to the librarian.
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I was surprised to learn the degree to which business firms use the downtown library for technical information. Many business men consult the up-to-date files on stocks and bonds with lucrative results. Calls are constantly being received from individuals with questions from Abaddon to Zythum.
The library has over 300,000 State, county and City documents, covering child care, geriatrics, industries, congressional records, etc. There are instruction books covering almost every language, including the ancient Sanskrit. If you are interested in reading the untranslated works of Sholm Asch, Perez and other favorite authors, you will find well worn copies of their works at your own public library.
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A pause in the day’s occupation is provided by concerts of recorded music every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Films are shown periodically on art, travel, etc.
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A librarian’s work may not sound exciting but there is plenty of compensation for those who love their work. The people they meet are as varied as the books on the shelves. those who seek information find the librarian not only sympathetic but helpful in solving their problems. Some forget the guidance given them but others return to exhibit the results of the knowledge gathered from between the covers of books. One man brought in a beautiful bouquet of carnations, grown by soilless gardening, from information acquired through books on horticulture An owner of a local sausage company learned everything from recipes to the method of conducting his business through research at the library. Men and boys bring in models of airplanes and boats, complete with minute details, built according to instructions from a book. They all know that at the library they will find a receptive audience for their experiences.
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After a whispered goodbye and thanks to Miss Head, I closed the door on this vast dispensary of knowledge, inspiration, entertainment, adventure and romance — concocted from the genius, imagination, artistry and inventiveness of man — carefully preserved in books.
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“We hated to do it,” an official said after installing two collection boxes in New York’s 42nd St. Public Library. This was said to be the first time that the library has used coin boxes, although it has made a yearly public appeal since 1949. The Reference Library, which will benefit by the drive, is largely supported by private funds.
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Vital Statistics: Saul Chenkin, of our city, made some interesting discoveries recently when his birth certificate was finally uncovered by New York City’s Board of Health — filed under the name of “Jenkins.” His name is Abe — not Saul; he was born on Jan. 19–not Jan. 1st; he is one year younger than he thought. The latter is the only fact that his wife, Eve, refuses to accept. .. it makes him one year younger than her.
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America, I love you! A family of five drove up to a hamburger stand on El Cajon Blvd. lastweek and came away $200 richer. Two $100 bills were in one of the hamburgers served to them. It was the 2,000,000th hamburger served by the company.
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Hebrew Home for the Aged Auxiliary To Hold Chanukah Party December 2
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956, Page 4
The Hebrew Home for the Aged Auxiliary extends an invitation to the members of the community and especially to the older citizens to attend the Hanukah Party to be given at the Home, 4075 54th St., on Sunday, Dec. 2 at two o’clock. A very entertaining program has been arranged and refreshments will be served.
December 16 at 7:30 the Home will be opened to the Community for a gigantic Card party. Bridge, Pan, Mah Jong and other games will be available. Make up your own game or a game will be arranged for you. See next issue of the Press for details. Mrs. Harry Snyder is general chairman and will be assisted by members of the Board.
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Council Plans New Year “Confetti Ball”
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956, Page 4
Invitations will soon be mailed for the New Year’s Eve Confetti Ball, spoonsored by the National Council of Jewish Women. Outstanding decorations will illuminate the newly enlarged Lafayette Room, in the Lafayette Hotel, for the gala event.
A lavish full course buffet supper will be served from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with dancing from 9 p.m. till 2 a.m. Pete Newberg’s eight-piece orchestra, plus girl vocalist, are featured. Hor d’ouevre will be served to each table free of charge.
Chairmen for the affair are Mmes. Sheldon Sackheim, general chairman; Martin Ernest, tickets; Robert Silverman and Robert Hodes, Arrangements; Irving Coleman, Decorations; Ben Lemson, Invitations. Mrs. Eugene Sacks is Vice-President in charge.
Reservations can be made by calling Mrs. Harley Babbitz, AC 3-8230, or Mrs. Ben Lemson, JU-2-7628. Donation is $15.00 per couple.
As with its other donor events, the net proceeds from the Ball will help Council maintain its many health, welfare and education programs.
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Beth Jacob Has New Holiday Gifts
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956, Page 4
Saul Ben Frank, 72 years of age, passed away November 18 at a local hospital. He resided at 4213 Alabama Street and had lived in San Diego since 1912. He was a member of the Tifereth Israel Synagogue and was a retired retail music store owner.
Mr. Frank is survived by his wife, Rebecca Frank; a daughter, Mrs. Marion Roades; and a son, Milton S. Frank; also a brother, Simon Frank, and 3 grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at the Lewis Colomial Mortunary on Tues., Nov. 20, with Rabbi Monroe Levens officiating. Interment Home of Peace Cemetery.
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Community Mourns Death of Al Neumann
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 30, 1956, Page 4
Alias Neumann, 676 years of age, passed away November 15. He resided at 4370 Oregon St. and had lived in San Diego 45 years.
MR. Neumann was a member of the S.D. Eagles Lodge; the Guardians of San Diego; B’nai B’rith; a founder of Hebrew Home for the Aged, and a member of the Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Neumann; a daughter, Mrs. Julius Brown; two sons, Sidney and Arthur Neumann all of San Diego; three sisters, Mrs. Sarah Ruben of san Francisco; Mrs. Tillie Finkelstein and Mrs. Rosalie Sonnabaum of San Diego; one brother, Will Neumann of San Diego and five grandchildren.
The Men’s Club at Tifereth Israel Synagogue held a special service on the eve of the funeral.
Funeral services were held at the Lewis Colonial Mortuary with Rabbi Monroe Levens and Rabbi Morton J. Cohn officiating assisted by Cantor Joseph Cysner. Entombment was in Sholom Mausoleum.
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Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history. To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box, located just above the masthead on the right hand side of the screen.