Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, Jan. 25, 1957, Part 2

Press Notes
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 25, 1957, Page 3

By Julia Kaufman

Father of the “Bird” — Fathers and mothers of “Blue Birds” are flying all over town these days delivering cans of peanuts which their young daughters have sold via the telephone for the Camp Fire Girls.

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This is news!  The story of the local blind pianist, who was arrested and booked for drunk driving, driving without a license, and passing a “Stop” sign will make national and international news. The details read like a “shaggy dog” story. The driver’s partner-in-crime, a fellow musician, failed to see anything wrong. After all, didn’t he sit right next to him and act as “co-pilot.”  “It was as easy as landing a plane by control tower.”  If his own license hadn’t been revoked, he would have driven the car himself.  He further explained that the two of them used to ride bicycles in the same manner but they had to give it up because his friend almost pedaled off Sunset Cliffs into the ocean. My guess is that too much Rock ‘n Rye not Rock ‘n Roll cause this situation.

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While doing my stint for the ‘Marchof Dimes,’ at the Spreckels Theatre last week, I noticed that a sailor, after giving generously, passed the contained to a young colored lad sitting next to him. The boy seemed to hesitate and the sailor, in a friendly manner, handed him a coin to deposit.  “Three Cheers for the Boys in Blue!”

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And why not?  The oversized, illustrated study report of the Jewish Community center was presented before the Welfare Council by Irving Mortin, its director, last week.  I wonder how many people noticed that it opened from right to left.
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On her visit to SAn Diego for the Pioneer Women’s Conference, Mrs. Batsheva Vilenski, Director of the Vocational Training Program for the Youth Department of the Working Women’s Council in Israel, spoke before a group at State College. The pupils in the class asked many questions about the problems facing Israel, on economics, unemployment, and the Sinai affair. What they did not learn was that Mrs. Vilenski’s son was killed in the Sinai fighting.

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Welcome!  The Hungarian escapees, who came to San Diego, were greeted with an overwhelming amount of publicity, involving T.V., radio and picture snapping. Clara Reiner and Sandor Vidor had only to mention tht they wished to marry and presto! — a beautiful gown was donated by a local specialty shop, there was a Temple wedding (with interpreter) and a lovely reception attended by over 100 guests.  I noted that the strain of the experiences was visible on the faces of these newcomers. Perhaps the warmth of their reception will help them adjust to a new country and new friends.
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Everyone turns critic when a new show opens and those who saw “Foolin’ Ourselves” were no exceptions. The show proved at least two things –one, that it is very difficult to put together an original and entertaining musical, and two, that San Diegans are so eager to see live shows that theya re willing to pay top prices for an untried show. To the customers, I say, “don’t get discouraged.”  Paul Gregory brought to San Diego “Don Juan in Hell,” “John Brown’s Body,” “Tree for Tonight,” and “Cain Mutiny.”  he’s entitled to a miss with all those hits.
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The Face of Russia — Experience and colored slides of his thirty days in Russia were shared with the public by Dick Moorsteen, at a Council “Coffee Chat.”  Mr. Moorsteen’s choice of “shots” and anecdotes gave the audience a fair and unbiased picture of the cities he visited. They saw the peasants and the city dwellers… the excuse the expression– Richa and the Poor … new housing developments (with outside plumbing) and crumbling apartment houses where four or five families share on apartment … the skyscraper hotel in Moscow… the new air conditioned subways in Leningrad .. the grim faces of the citizenry … the closed mouth smiles of the young girls (we learned it was because of the stainless steel fillings an caps on their teeth) … the happy faces of young children, garbed in their school uniforms …The book stores where books from the U.S. were conspicuous by their absence .. the old palaces of Royalty and the new Palace of Labor. Women seemed to dominate the pictures as shoeshiners, peddlers, street cleaners, plasterers, construction workers, policewomen and street car conductors.  Mr. Moorsteen met and spoke to unfriendly, suspicious Russians and Russians eager to know about life in the States. His observation and choice of subjects for his pictures were commendable and I found it a rewarding evening.

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Demos Plastered:  Please don’t understand. IT all began when some members of the Democratic Party decided to remodel the Demo Headquarters at 920 4th Ave., and asked for volunteers to help on a “remodel it yourself” basis.  One professional workers, a carpenter, was hired to direct and on “D” Day everyone showed up but the carpenter. The group consisted of an entomologist, a Navy submarine commander, a professor of history, a female M.D., a cosmetologist, one housewife and two eleven year old boys.  It was a shame to waste all this talent, so with makeshift tools of hangers and broken metal racks the wrecking crew set to work tearing down walls. They even tried moving a sink without turning the water off but the cosmetologist saved the day by playing the part of the little Dutch boy — she placed her finger in the pipe to stop the flow of water. After many hours of hard work, the little group — completely covered with plaster — weary but happy — left the mess.  The next move is up to the carpenter.

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Letter to the Editor
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 25, 1957, Page 3

My dear Mr. Kaufman:

Even thought our acquaintanceship was a brief one, I have learned from our boys in San Diego how cooperative you have been with the San Diego Post 185.  I deeply appreciate this cooperation because to my mind this organization takes second place to none in our concern over the problems of the Jewish community and the security of America. With the sort of encouragement that you have given our organization, we can carry out our assignment to attempt to mould the opinion of the citizens of America on the justice of our quest for civil rights and adjudication of the problems of the State of Israel. I know how sympathetic you are to such problems.

May I extend to you the season’s greetings for a very Happy New Year.

Sincerely yours,
/s/ Ben Kaufman
Nat’l Executive Director

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A Loss to San Diego (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 25, 1957, Page 3

There is a possibility that the U.S.O.-Jewish Welfare Board may close its operation in San Diego. If it should happen, we would sorely miss an activity that has become part of our community. In continuous operation since 1940, it has always played an important role in making the serviceman welcome during his stay here.

We have no information as to why the U.S.O.-J.W.B has taken this step. It seems to us that there is as much need now as there has been in the past. There certainly cannot be many other areas that contain more military installations and servicemen.  We are quite sure that the number of ships based in our harbors have not decreased. We are also sure that the percentage of Jewish servicemen remains the same.

Recently one of the large carriers was slated to leave on a six months training cruise. With no Jewish chaplain on the board for the Jewish personnel, the question of what was to happen on Passover was raised. The local J.W.B. worker made all the arrangements and took care of the necessary supplies.

The local Armed Services Committee will, of course, do all within its power to persuade the Jewish Welfare Board from taking this step. If it should fail, however, we hope this committee will seek the assistance of the Jewish Community for help in taking over the responsibilities of the U.S.O.-J.W.B. and keep this very worthwhile activity going.

The Jewish community of San Diego has a long and distinguished record of service in this field. We know they will not let this come to an end now.

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An Act of Faith (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 25, 1957, Page 3

For thirty-five years, Mrs. Gertrude J. Ellis taught in the English Department of Eastern District High School. The school, situated in the Williamsburgh section of Brooklyn, for much of this period served a predominantly Jewish population. With the years, the population of the area began to change and with the change there came racial tensions which affected the relationships among the children.

To meet the situation, the school authorities organized an intercultural Faculty Committee to develop a human relations education program that would relieve the tensions and promote a better understanding among the children of their differing racial and religious origins.  Among the teachers named to the committee by Dr. Samuel Moskowitz, then principal of the school, was Mrs. Ellis. Among the human relations agencies called in to help with the programming was the Anti-Defamation League of the B’nai B’rith.

Last January, Mrs. Ellis, who was of Protestant faith, died. This week, proceedings in the queens County Surrogate’s Court revealed that she had named the ADL as the residuary legatee of her estate.  The bequest amounts to $150,000 and the League is directed to use the funds to establish the Kenneth Malcolm Ellis Memorial Fund for human relations education in memory of Mrs. Ellis’ late husband.

The will directs that the Fund be used for the granting of fellowships, payment of salaries of teachers of human relations at colleges, and the inauguration of support of human relations courses in colleges and universities.

The two strongest feelings in Mrs. Ellis’ life, according to her closest intimates, were her sympathy for the underdog and her hatred of prejudice in any form; and after that, her devotion to the memory of her husband who shared her hatred of intolerance and totalitarianism in any form.

Mr. Ellis wrote and published the “Digest of the Federation to Fight Fascism,” which he described as a digest of the worldwide activities of the enemies of freedom. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis put out the publications themselves.  It was anti-fascist and anti-communist.

The funds bequeathed to the League are the residue of a large sum of money inherited by Mrs. Ellis from her father. This inheritance she had placed in a trust fund whose income was used for philanthropic purposes. She made contributions to charitable institutions and frequently made personal donations to help the destitute family of one of her students, or to help in the college education of a former pupil, or to aid the victims of Nazi persecution.

“Money that is not earned is not mine,” she said. “It is a trust for humanity and should be used to help less fortunate ones.” She lived up to this ideal to the end.

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As the Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 25, 1957, Page 4

By Irving R. Stone, psychological consultant

Education for Whom — This is the time for report cards, registration for new classes, and thoughts of examinations. It is also a good time to reflect on the topic of today for so many new people are entering educational programs that some may have misgivings as to whether they have a place in school.

We can rightfully ask the question, “Education for Whom?” for it concerns not only those who wish to further their education but also their parents and possibly their wives and husbands. In addition, the people who yearly are faced with taxes must ask this question too, for education takes a major portion of the income from taxes.

Most educators believe that education is a continuous and continuing process  from the time of birth to the time of death. The inference is that we should think of some educational process as being a never-ending activity. This does not mean, however, that education is necessarily a program that is limited to the classroom.

It is true that many of us think that college graduation is the end of our educational process, just as we thought years ago that high school graduation was the same terminal point.  An eighth grade instructor of mine once said that when you graduate from college you then realize how little you know. With our ever-increasing opportunities for adult education and training beyond the college level it is not necessary to complete our educational activities just when we are beginning to realize how little we know.

There are many special courses at museums, art center, extension programs of the universities, books to read, places to visit, lecture to attend; all these and many more make education a continuing process.  Even the current rage for “do-it-yourself” activities would fall under the category of education for even here we learn.

We must not forget the often overlooked but vitally necessary programs of training for those with handicaps — the mentally retarded, the deaf, the visually handicapped, the orthopedically handicapped.  Yes, and we should not forget either, the gifted who nee as much special training as those less endowed.

Education is for everyone, whatever our station in life and whatever our age.  We need to appreciate our many opportunities for onnly then wwill wew make use of them.

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Council’s Luncheon Feb. 5 To Feature India Fashions
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 25, 1957, Page 4

 

Imported Indian fabrics fashioned into exciting contemporary styles will be the focus of interest at the February luncheon meeting of National Council of Jewish Women. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, February 5, at 11:45 a.m. in the Lafayette Hotel.  The clothing, which will be modeled by Council members, is created in Los Angeles by coutourier Marian Grewal, who is bringing her entire line to San Diego for this special showing.  Models are Mmes. William Berson, Irving Coleman, San Friedman, Morton Kantor, Fred Marshall, Burton Ross, David Sapp, Robert Siegel, Morris Sims, Melvin Wasserman, and Jack Wyner, under the supervision of Mmes Sidney Silverman and Amos Sommers.  Music will be provided by Mrs. Harvey Furgatch at the piano. Commenting on the clothes will be Jeanette Branin, society editor of the San Diego Independent.

The Indian motif will lend charm to the rest of the afternoon’s program, which will include dances of India in authentic costume, by Lilo Berger, and selections from Gustav Holst’s opera on Indian themes, “Savitri,” sung by Joanne Regenhardt.  Miss Regenhardt is a member of the California-Western University Opera Guild which will soon present the entire opera under the direction of Dr. Walter Teutsch, who will accompany Miss Regenhardt.

An honored guest will be Julie Saund Fisher, daughter of Dalip Singh Saund, recently elected to Congress from Imperial Valley, thus becoming the only Indian-born person serving in that capacity.

The public is invited to the luncheon. Reservations may be made with Mrs. Nat Colker, BR-7-3417.

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City of Hope Benefits from ‘Skate for Life’
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 25, 1957, Page 4

More than 40 Southland roller skating rink operators are making plans for a gigantic “Skate for Life” benefitting the Children’s Wing of the City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte.

Describing roller skating as a healthful, invigorating sport, recommended not only for youngsters but the entire family, the R.S.R.O.A. official joined with members of the Guardsmen in inviting residents of all participating communities to visit their local rinks on “Skate for Life” night.

“It is an ideal way to spend a delightful evening and at the same time help prolong the life of a suffering child,” he said.

Participating locally is the Palisade Gardens, 2838 University Avenue, Leonard Zlotoff, operator.

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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.