USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 93
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114
On the 8th of November, 1906, Mr. Perlroth was united in marriage to Miss Lena Alder- man, of Ansonia, Connectient, and they have two children: William, born October 20, 1910; and Ruth, born in 1914. Mr. Perlroth is the owner of the Connecticut House, famous as the building erected by the state at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This building was dismantled after the fair was over and was rebuilt on land owned by Mr. Perlroth. It is a beautiful tract with over five hundred feet of water front on Long Island Sound, and is said to be the finest building site between Boston and New York. Mr. Perlroth also owns an elegant residence on George street and he has extensive real estate holdings not only in New Haven but also throughout the county.
Mr. Perlroth has ever regarded business as but one phase of his life and not as his sole interest. He is serving on the board of directors of the Hebrew Charities and also on the board of directors of the Hebrew Aged Charities. He belongs to the chamber of commerce and cooperates heartily in all of its well devised plans and projects for the upbuilding of the city, the extension of its trade relations and the advancement of its civic interests. In 1917 he donated two hundred and fifty lots in New Haven to the chamber of commerce for cultiva-
750
A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN
tion. He is a member of the war relief fund board and he is keenly interested in all that per- tains to American interests and the maintenance of the high ideals of the republic.
It has frequently been said that the foreign born citizen has a keener appreciation for American opportunities and American institutions than the native son, who has always been accustomed to the conditions surrounding him and who, therefore, oftimes does not value his advantages highly enough. Mr. Perlroth, coming to America when a youth of thirteen, has made splendid use of his time and talents, not failing to employ any advantage offered, in- chiding night school instruction, to perfect himself in English and to better quality himself for life's practical duties and responsibilities. He has at all times been actuated by laudable ambition and his life work has been characterized by a persistency of purpose that has car- ried him over obstacles and difficulties and brought him to the goal of success, so that he now ranks among New Haven's most prominent business men.
HARRY B. FROMMER.
Harry B. Frommer is engaged in the eigar manufacturing business at No. 218 George street, New Haven. He is numbered among those citizens to whom America has opened wide her doors, welcoming the men of enterprise and ambition who have sought the oppor- tunities of the new world. He was born in Russia. May 28. 1882, a son of Jacob A. and Bertha Frommer, who came to the United States during the infancy of Harry B. Frommer and established their home at Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended the public schools. In early life he was apprenticed to the cigar making trade in that city and after learning the trade he came to New Haven in 1901 and was employed by others for two years. In 1903 he entered business on his own account in a small place on Congress street, there making cigars and selling to the retail trade. He started with but two employes and has so developed the business that at times he employs as many as sixty-five operators in his factory. He now sells direct to retail merchants, manufacturing the Frommer and Red W. brands, which are five cent cigars, while the Uniform and Frommer Perfecto are ten cent cigars, the output amounting to about two million annually.
On the 12th of Jannary, 1902, Mr. Frommer was united in marriage to Miss Lena Gans. of New Haven, and they have become the parents of six children, namely: Samuel, who was born in 1903; Edna, born in 1904; Milton, in 1906; Lillian, in 1907: Leonard. in 1910; and Marvin, in 1915.
The family attend the New Haven synagogue and Mr. Frommer belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of B'nai B'rith and the H. T. S. He is also connected with the Eagles Lodge and the Eagles Club and for twenty-two years he has been a member of the Cigar Makers Union. He is an independent voter, casting his ballot for men and measures rather than party. He started in the business world with a cash capital of but twenty- five dollars and from that humble beginning has steadily worked his way upward until he is now in control of one of the important industries in his line in New Haven. His sue- eess is based upon close application, thorough understanding of the trade, persistent energy and indefatigable industry.
ABRAHAM MOLSTEIN.
Abraham Molstein, one of the self-made men of New Haven, is now actively engaged in business as a member of the Perlman & Molstein Company, wholesale dealers in coal. He was born in Russia, November 5, 1884, a son of Benjamin and Sarah Molstein. The father engaged in the contraeting and building business while still in Russia but on the 19th of August, 1899, came to America and settled in New Haven, where he remained up to the time of his death, which occurred August 26, 1916, when he was seventy-four years of age. His wife passed away in Russia in 1897 at the age of forty-two. They were the parents of six children: Mrs. Esther Salant, Mrs. Ida Miller, Mrs. Annie Merriam and Mrs.
751
AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY
Rose Perlman, all of whom reside in New Haven; Mrs. Rebecca Siegel, of Brighton, Mas- sachusetts; and Abraham.
The last named spent his boyhood days in Russia and after coming to America be- came a student in a night school. Still later he entered the Boardman Training School, where he prepared for Yale. He was employed in various ways in New Haven and in his youthful days sold newspapers. He developed a newspaper route which he afterward sold for one thousand dollars. It was then that he entered the coal business in partnership with Harry Perlman, under the name of Perlman & Molstein, beginning operations in that field on the 22d of September, 1907. They started in a small way but have developed the business extensively. At first they had but one horse and a wagon and from that point they have enlarged the business until the Perlman & Molstein Company is one of the foremost operating in the coal business in New Haven. They sell wholesale and retail and their interests have reached gratifying proportions. In addition to his other interests Mr. Molstein is president of the American Realty & Loan Corporation of Stam- ford, Connecticut.
On the 22d of August, 1915, Mr. Molstein was nnited in marriage to Miss Mary Rodiansky, of Stamford, a daughter of Joseph and Rachel Rodiansky. They have become parents of one child, Edward, born June 24. 1916, in New Haven.
In his political views Mr. Molstein is independent, voting for men and measures rather than party. He is identified with the New Haven Chamber of Commerce and is interested in all the projects which tend to promote the welfare and upbuilding of the city. He is identified with the Sons of Israel and has been president of the local organ- ization. In business he has made steady progress since starting out in life empty- handed and his record indicates what may be accomplished through determined purpose, persistent energy and indefatigable effort. He is today at the head of large and im- portant interests which return to him a very gratifying annual income.
FRANK X. HALD.
Frank X. Hald, proprietor of an auto storage and moving business in New Haven, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 20, 1873, a son of Alois and Barbara (Hauber) Hald. The father came to America in 1877, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, but afterward disposed of his business there and came to New Haven. He only remained, bowever, for two years and then returned to Cin- cinnati, after which he practically lived retired until his death, which occurred in 1913. when he was seventy-nine years of age. His wife had died in Germany. In their family were four children: Lawrence and Pauline, who are residents of Cincinnati; Mrs. Bar- bara Dailey, living in Ridgewood. New Jersey; and Frank X., of this review, who is the youngest.
In his boyhood days Frank X. Hald attended school in Germany and was a youth of seventeen years when he crossed the Atlantic to America to avoid conscription, for he was not in sympathy with, nor in favor of, the military principles as laid down by the German government. He came direct to New Haven, where he secured a position in a factory, working in that way for two years. He was afterward employed in various establishments throughout this section of the country for ten years and each change which he made indicated an advance in his business career. He only left a position in order to accept a better one and by the year 1904 had accumulated sufficient capital to embark in commercial pursuits on his own account and he established an auto storage and moving business, in which he has been very successful. His elose application and his energy have enabled him to build up trade connections of large and gratifying propor- tions and year by year his financial resources have increased. He today owns several large auto vans and several fine teams of horses, and an additional evidence of his suc- cess is found in the fine home which he occupies and other valuable property which he owns on Dwight avenue in New Haven.
Mr. Hald was married in January, 1903, to Miss Josephine Merritt, of New Haven, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Merritt. They have become parents of three chil-
752
A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN
dren: Pauline, who was born in 1904 and was graduated from St. Boniface school in June, 1917; Lawrenee, born in 1908; and Walter, in 1909.
The family are communicants of St. Boniface's Roman Catholic church. Politieally Mr. Hald is a republican but has never aspired to office, content to keep well informed on the issues of the day and to indicate his preference by his ballot. He is a member of many of the leading German societies and charitable organizations, also of a number of singing societies. He is a lover of musie and his interest therein has done considerable to further musical tastes among bis associates. He gives freely and generously where aid is needed and is a man of bumanitarian principles, reaching out a helping hand wherever possible to assist a fellow traveler on life's journey. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world and is a thorough American in spirit and interests, for, having lived long under the protection of the laws of this country and enjoyed the benefits and the opportunities here offered, be feels that he owes his only allegiance to his adopted land. As a business man his record is certainly creditable, show- ing what may be accomplished by determined purpose and indefatigable energy. Along those lines he has steadily worked his way upward and has developed a business of gratify- ing proportions.
PAUL POMEROY IVES.
Paul Pomeroy Ives. a member of the state legislature and a poultry expert of Connecti- ont whose name has become a synonym in connection with the raising of Blaek Langshans. has in all his business and public interests stood for progress and improvement and has done much to further development in the state, especially in the field of poultry raising.
He was born in Meriden, Connecticut. May 28. 1877, a son of Charles Pomeroy and Phoebe (Taintor) Ives. The father was born and reared in Meriden, where he engaged in the practice of law for fifteen years, but finding no satisfaction in his profession, he aban- cloned the law and took up the occupation of farming at Berlin. Connectieut. He also con- ducted a restaurant on State street in New Haven for a few years but is now concentrating his attention and energies upon general agricultural pursuits at Branford. Connectieut. While living at Berlin he served as a member of the town board for some time. His wife is a native of Sheldon. Massachusetts, and by their marriage they became the parents of six children, of whom five are yet living: Paul Pomeroy: Eli Butler, who is a physician and surgeon of Bridgeport. Connecticut ; Hope. the wife of Frank Collins, of Branford: Eugenia, the wife of J. E. Stannard : and Mary. at home.
Paul P. Ives aequired his education in the district schools of Berlin and the city schools of New Haven and afterward learned the blacksmith's trade in East Haven, also acquiring a knowledge of tool making there. In 1902 he purchased the blacksmith shop of John W. Grovener near the East River bridge on Clapboard hill, in Guilford,, where he condueted busi- ness for five years. He was a partner of Mr. Grovener for five years and on the expiration of that period purchased the shop, which he conducted alone until June 1. 1916, when he sold ont. He owns a valuable farm of twenty acres on the Boston post road on Clapboard hill in Guilford, where he raises Blaek Langshans. He is well known all over the east as a breeder and exhibitor of Black Langshans and mention of that breed at once brings to mind the name of Mr. Ives, for his name is known wherever chickens are exhibited. He has won many prizes on his exhibits of birds at New York and Boston poultry shows.
On the 21st of April, 1917. he was appointed on the staff of the New Haven County Farm Bureau, in charge of the farm employment bureau, which has headquarters in the Manufacturers' exhibit hall on Chapel street in New Haven. Mr. Ives is also the poultry expert on the staff of the New Haven County Farm Bureau and he is director of the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven county, directing the organizations of girls' elubs in the rural districts for the raising of pigs, for the production of corn and also canning clubs. in fact clubs for every activity that has to do with agricultural interests. He is vice president of the New Haven County Poultry Club. is the secretary of the Conneetient Poultry Breeders Society. Inc., a position which he has hell for seven years, serving also on the executive eom-
PAUL P. IVES
755
AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY
mittee, and is a life member of the American Poultry Association, of which he is acting as state organizer for Connecticut.
On the 27th of November, 1902, in New Haven, Mr. Ives was married to Miss Blanche Hammond, who was born in New Rochelle, Westchester county, New York, but was reared in Torrington in the home of her parents, Rev. Samuel and Frances (Howell) Hammond, who were natives of Riverhead. Long Island. The father devoted his life to the work of the Methodist Episcopal ministry. To Mr. and Mrs. Ives have been born three children, Charles Pomeroy, Eugenia Hammond and Frances Howell, all natives of Guilford.
In politics Mr. Ives has always been an earnest advocate of republican principles. He has served as justice of the peace, on the board of finance and as a member of the town committee for seven years. In 1916 he was elected representative to the state legislature and is now serving on the shell fishery and game committee and as clerk of the agricultural com- mittee. His wide experience makes him a valuable member of these committees. In Masonic circles he is well known as a past master of St. Albans Lodge, No. 38, F. & A. M., of Guil- ford. and as charter member of Guilford Grange, No. 84, of the Patrons of Husbandry, of which he became the first secretary, He is likewise connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and he is a member of the executive committee of the Guilford Agricultural Soci- ety. Advancement has been his watchword and his course has been marked by steady progress in all that he has undertaken. His business ability has found expression in his growing suc- cess and he is now one of the prosperous residents of Guilford.
GEORGE W. HOTCHKISS.
George W. Hotchkiss, the proprietor of a garage at Westville, is also extensively in- terested in ranching and stock raising in the west. He was born May 3, 1863, in West- ville, Connecticut, a son of William Warren and Mary (Clinton) Hotchkiss. His mother was born in Pennsylvania, while his father was a native of Derby, Connecticut, where he attended school and was reared to manhood. Later in life he became well known in New Haven in connection with public affairs, He was for several terms a member of the board of relief and filled other public offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity, his course reflecting credit upon himself and proving entirely satisfactory to his constituents. He turned his attention to the meat industry while residing in New Haven and became one of the leading merchants in that line in the city. He afterward removed with his family to Chase county, Kansas, where he purchased a large cattle ranch and thereon spent his remaining days engaged in raising live stock. He also established a wholesale pork packing industry in Chase county and these two combined lines of business made him independently wealthy. While he resided in Chase county he still retained his property interests in New Haven and in Westville and these are still owned by his son. He died in 1897 while visiting here, having made the trip east to look after his invested interests. Ilis widow still survives and is eighty years of age.
George W. Hotchkiss was the only child born to his parents, In early life he at- tended the schools of New Haven and continued his education in the Cheshire Academy of Cheshire, Connecticut, from which he was gradnated with the class of 1882. After leaving school he removed with his parents to Chase county, Kansas, and there became acquainted with the live stock business and also with the pork packing industry. He remained in the west until 1903, when he returned to New Haven in order to look after the real estate interests of the family at this place. He located at the old homestead at No. 1044 Whalley avenue and he there built a garage and automobile station, which he now successfully conduets. He is also the owner of a large cattle ranch in Chase county, Kansas, which has been a very profitable source of income.
On the 4th of May. 1905, Mr. Hotchkiss was united in marriage to Miss Marguerite Hendrickson, of New Haven, who was born in Denmark and is a daughter of Hans and Katherine Hendrickson. By a former marriage Mr. Hotchkiss has four children, namely ; Harold H., who was born in Chase county, Kansas, in 1885; Warren W., who was born in New Haven in 1892 and who is married and has one child, Beth; Gladys, who was born Vol. II-34
756
A MODERN HISTORY OF NEW HAVEN
in New Haven in 1895 and is now a resident of Chase county, Kansas; and Walter, who was born in Chase county in 1900.
Mr. Hotchkiss is a representative business man, alert and enterprising, and his interests are capably managed and bring to him a gratifying return. He combines the spirit of western enterprise with New England thrift and his judicious investments and intelligently directed interests have gained for him a place among the men of affluence in this city.
MORRIS FREDERICK FRANKEL.
Morris Frederick Frankel, manager of the Frankel bottling works and ice cream man- ufactory of New Haven and also widely known as a football and basketball player, was born February 22, 1891, in the city where he still resides. His father, Benjamin Frankel, was born May 28, 1861, and became the founder of the business of which his son, Morris F., is now manager. He started the enterprise with four employes and at the time of his death had built up a business that required ten employes. He married Rosa Wolfson, who survives him, his death having occurred May 13, 1912.
In the public schools of New Haven, Morris F. Frankel pursued his education, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school as a member of the class of 1910. Two years later he became manager of the business established by his father and is now concentrating his attention and energies upon its conduct, making it one of the important enterprises of this character in the city. It enjoys a liberal patronage and the business is steadily growing. In addition to his work in this connection Mr. Frankel has become widely known as a noted football and basket ball player, first in amateur circles and later as a professional. He was captain of the New Haven highi school football team in 1910 and afterward was with the Washington Glees, a famous professional team. He has played both football and basket ball all over the eastern states and has also played with the famous Winchester basket ball team, every member being a noted athlete.
Mr. Frankel belongs to a family well known in New Haven, where his two brothers and sister are living, namely: Dr. Bernard B. Frankel; Joseph, who was graduated from the Yale Medical School with the class of 1917; and Ida Rhea Frankel. The family attend the Rose Street synagogue. Mr. Frankel is prominent in the B'nai Ami Club, of which he is treasurer.
WALLACE S. COKER.
Wallace S. Coker, town clerk and tax collector of East Haven, was born February 12, 1874, in the village where he still makes his home. His father, Frederick J. Coker, was a native of England and after coming to the new world wedded Grace A. Smith, who was born in East Haven.
In the public schools of East Haven Wallace S. Coker pursued his education and for three years was a student in the Giles Business College of New Haven. He afterward learned the pattern maker's trade, which he followed for nineteen years with Sargent & Company. Since early manhood, however, he has taken an active interest in town affairs and in 1896 he was made registrar of voters, which position lie held until 1908. He was then elected town clerk and tax collector, both of which positions he has since filled, covering a period of nine years. His long continuance in the office is unmistakable proof of his fidelity to duty and his capability in the discharge of all the tasks connected with the office. His wife has always taken a helpful interest in his work and in fact has been a most able office assistant to him, her gracious manner and unfailing sympathy constituting an element of success in the man- agement of the office.
Further recognition of his merit and ability came to Mr. Coker in his election to the state legislature, of which he was a member in 1917, serving on the committee on cities and boroughs and on other important committees. For many years he has been in closer touch
757
AND EASTERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY
with the voters and more intimately in command of all political situations in East Haven than any other man in the community and has probably exerted greater influence for the betterment of the town government than any other individual. His political activity has been devoid of personal ambition and he has quietly, conseientiously and effectively executed his duties without attracting attention to himself. In his present position he has won the highest approval and commendation of all parties. lle has taken a keen interest in his work and has shown special adaptability for it. He has secured the adoption of a system of town records and the installation of a thoroughly up-to-date fireproof vault which is second to none to be found in the smaller towns of the state. In addition to holding office. Mr. Coker since 1909 has also been engaged in the insurance business in connection with Samuel R. Chidsey, under the firm style of Chidsey & Coker, representing a large number of companies.
On the 10th of October, 1895, Mr. Coker was married in the Old Stone church in East Haven to Miss Clara L. Nickerson, a daughter of Richard G. and Arabella (Seymour) Nicker- son, of East Haven, but formerly of Port Chester, New York. They have one daughter, Jessie Seymour, who is eighteen years of age and resides with her parents at No. 49 High street.
Mr. and Mrs. Coker are loyal and devoted members of the Old Stone church and he is serv. ing as its clerk. They are also popular in social circles and have many friends in this com- munity. Mr. Coker is a charter member of the New England Order of Protection, of Adelphi Lodge, F. & A. M., of New Haven, and he is also identified with the fire department. He is actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good at all times and East Haven numbers him among its most valued residents.
JACOB FROHLICH.
Jacob Frohlich is conducting a profitable and growing wholesale and retail cigar busi- ness at No. 37 Church street, in New Haven, and has long been connected with the cigar trade. He has figured also quite prominently in political circles and has represented his distriet in the state senate, thus leaving the impress of his individuality upon Connecti- eut's laws.
He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, January 29, 1856, a son of Jacob and Eliz- abeth Frohlich. He attended the public schools but at fourteen years of age found it neces- sary to provide for his own support and decided upon cigar making as a trade, entering the employ of the firm of Dawson & Douglas, one of the old-time cigar manufacturing firms of New Haven, now out of existence. After serving his apprenticeship he began to work for the firm of Osterweis & Oppenheimer, now Osterweis & Sons. He continued with them for two years and then began business on his own account, establishing a cigar factory in 1876, when twenty years of age. He had a small place on Quinnipiac avenue and employed two men. He there remained for one year, when, owing to the increase in his trade, it was necessary to seek larger quarters and he removed to Grand avenue, where he continued in the manufacture and retail sale of cigars with four men as employes. He remained at that location for twelve years and then opened a more extensive place in Fairhaven. East, having eight employes. Business was there conducted until 1908, or for a period of nineteen years. Hle then sold out and for two years was not connected with the cigar business. During that time he was superintendent of charities under James B. Martin, who was then mayor of New Haven.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.