The Columbus Jewish Historical Society

by Leslie Blackmon

Harry (S.) Shaw Cohen was a first-generation United States citizen. He respected his parents’ deep religious and moral values, their dedicated work and hardship experiences and grew to embrace the cultural and economic changes of his time. His story began with his parents, Joseph and Lena Cohn.

Harry’s parents were born and lived in Russia. Joseph Cohen (born in 1853) and Lena Hoffman, born in 1854 were guided in their daily lives by the tenants of the Orthodox Jewish faith. Joseph married Lena in 1854 where they had seven children, four were born in Russia. Abrahm, in December 1877, Paulina, in March 1882, then Louis in August 1884. Edith was the last child born in Russia, in August 1888. Bess was born in New York in 1891, Annie in 1897 (date estimated). Harry’s birthdate in April 3,1893.  Later, Paulina and Louis died, dates unknown.

Joseph emigrated from Russia to the United States in 1886 and worked to establish himself in his new country. Antisemitism was prevalent in Russia and hopes of a better life beaconed from the United States. As with many other Russians leaving their home country, it’s possible he worked in the garment district for a few years before moving to Mt. Vernon. He saved enough money for Lena and their children to come to the United States where they lived at 28 S. Fifth Street, Mt. Vernon, NY. Joseph continued to work as a Mt. Vernon Real Estate agent as well as an insurance broker.

In 1918, Lithuania declared independence from Russia. In the 1930 Census, Joseph changed the spelling of his last name to Cohn as did Lena, Edith, and Annie and cited Lithuania as their homeland. The rest of the family used the alternate spelling of Cohen. They became Cohn, vice Cohen.

Joseph was a religious man and realized that Mt. Vernon needed an Orthodox Synagogue. It began in 1894, when Joseph and Max Yavelow wanted to conduct a minyan of prayer in their homes, but they didn’t have the required number of men, nor was there a synagogue to help them. So, they scoured the city and found the nine men required to hold their minyan. And because of that first action, they established what became the Congregation Brothers of Israel (CBI), the first synagogue in Mt. Vernon.  In recognition of accomplishment, on June 5,1934 a testimonial dinner was held, and they were honored as co-founders of Congregation Brothers of Israel. The speakers recalled how Mr. Cohen and Mr. Yavelow established the first synagogue in North Street four decades ago. With the city’s growth, the pair worked together to build the present temple. Mr. Cohen was presented with a silver pendant with lifetime of service recognition as the original members of the Orthodox faith in Mt. Vernon, NY. The pendant’s inscription read: Congregation Bros of Israel of Mt Vernon, NY. Presented to Joseph Cohen Life Membership June 24, 1934, In Appreciation of Faithful and Loyal Service.

However shortly after the testimonial honor, Joseph passed away on July 29,1934. Lena’s passing date is unknown. Their daughter Bess died on 10 June 1985. Abrahm died about 1975 at age 98. Paulina, Louis, Annie and Edith died with dates unknown.

Harry remained in Mt. Vernon and finished high school in 1913. He decided to enter the men’s clothing business for a New York manufacturer where he worked for four years. In 1917, the United States entered the WW1, the Greatest War and Harry joined the Navy. During his service, he spent 26 months at the Brooklyn Navy Yard where he oversaw examining woolens. After earning an Honorable Discharge on May 14, 1921, and Harry returned to New York City to continue his career in the clothing business as a traveling salesman.

As a traveling salesman for men’s clothing, Harry’s area included the Midwest. While visiting his Dayton customers, Harry met Theresa Silverman on an arranged date.  She had been seeing another boy for a while. However, her parents, Harry and Anna Silverman, said, although they liked him, they did not like his family, and they asked her to stop seeing him. She was 17 at the time, but she loved her parents and did what they asked. Several months past and a friend of hers said she met a nice man and thought they would like each other.  Theresa’s parents met Harry, and they said yes, they could see each other. Theresa and Harry dated and were married on 11 January 1925 solemnized by Rabbi Samuel Mayerberg at her parent’s home. She was 18 and he was 32. They honeymooned in New York city as well as seeing other eastern cities. Upon their return they took up temporary residence at her parents’ home at 39 Lexington Avenue, Dayton, Ohio.

Theresa wanted to live near her family in Dayton and four years after they married, their daughter Paulette was born on 13 October 1929. They moved to Zanesville and built a one-story stone-covered home on a large corner lot in Ridgewood Circle at 315 Parkway Drive.

Harry’s territory covered the Midwest including Ohio, and he made frequent trips to see the Zanesville merchants. He saw the opportunity to enter the retail clothing business and in September 1938, he leased the closed clothing department store of Regan-Weber at Main and Third Streets. Five years later, Harry opened his first privately owned store at 321-323 Main Street. A costly fire hit the A.E. Starr store and caused severe damage to Harry’s Men’s store adjacent to the Starr store. Three years later Harry added a boy’s department to the second floor. However, after two years, a second fire devastated the store again. By March 9, 1951, the store was completely rebuilt. Through the foresightedness of Mr. Cohen, the use and occupancy insurances were in force and his entire personnel were kept on the payroll.

In 1949, Alvin met Paulette while he was visiting Zanesville, and he saw Paulette walking downtown. He asked a man on the street if he knew who she was. “She’s Harry Cohen’s daughter,” the man said. Everyone knew Harry Cohen because of his dedicated involvement with the Zanesville community. As it happened, her last name was the same as his. He looked her up in the phone book and said he was in town looking for a local synagogue and gave her the story of how he found her name. Paulette said “OK, meet me at Lash High School by room 105.” She saw him and introduced herself. They dated while she was attending Ohio State University, and he received his accounting degree from Ohio University. Paulette married Alvin Cohen on February 18, 1950.  Eventually, Alvin Cohen became Harry’s Vice President in charge of buying and merchandiser of the furnishings, sportswear and the hat department.

Harry had nine employees and operated a three-story business with an elevator, He was the largest retailer in southeastern Ohio of high-end products such as Hart, Schaffner and Marx clothes, Arrow Shirts, McGregor sportswear, North Brooke, Eagles and Alligator clothing. Knox and Resistol hats, Fownes gloves, Textron pajamas, Hut neckwear and Swank jewelry. The store occupied all three floors with the sales floor occupying the entire first floor.

Mr. Harry Cohen, a former president of the Findley Avenue Temple, the Retail Merchants’ association, the Zanesville Chamber of Commerce, was also a member of the Zanesville Country Club, the B’nai B’rith, and the Elks club. He was the only Zanesville merchant affiliated with the American Institute of Men and Boys Wear, Inc and was honored by the National Brands’ association as “Retailer of the Year” in Ohio.

In his spare time, Harry enjoyed playing golf and later won a trophy for his low score. He also loved baseball.

Harry’s associates include Ralph Truax had been working with the Men’s clothing business in Zanesville for the past 30 years. He was a member of the Central Trinity church, and the Masonic Temple. He resided with his wife at 1010 Market St.  Eddie Baker had been in the men’s clothing business and has long been associated with the Harry S. Cohen Store for Men. Baker was a member of the Elks Club, University Club, American Legion, Zanesville Country Club, and St. John’s Lutheran church.

Harry and his wife Theresa held an annual Holiday dinner at the Zanesville Country Club and summer picnics in their backyard for employees and friends.

 

 

 

Harry was active in helping those less fortunate in his Zanesville community. He launched his Goodwill Industry project that provided the disabled with hundreds of overcoats and suits. For each used garment turned in, the customer was provided with a cash discount. The used garments were turned over to Goodwill where they are re-conditioned by the workers and offered for sale at Goodwill store. Officials of Goodwill praised the idea which was developed by Mr. Cohen and said the work needed is critical for the 40 handicapped employees which are now restoring the clothing.  Cohen planned this clothing trade service as an annual event for the public.

Harry and Alvin Cohen went on frequent buying trips to outfit the store with the latest men’s wear products. During their trip to New York City, Harry Cohen experienced what he thought was severe flu, so they shortened their visit and returned home. Cohen’s family physician, Dr. James McCormick, said Harry had suffered a heart attack and recommended he retire. Harry took his doctor’s advice, sold his store, his Ridgewood Circle house and retired. They moved to a co-operative in North Miami. FL because the humid climate was better for his overall health.

However, in his 83^rd year, Harry contracted pancreatic cancer and died on May 29, 1980. Theresa moved to Sunrise, Fl. to be near her daughter Paulette, but she developed Alzheimer’s disease and died March 10, 2000. She was 93.

Two personal notes from Harry and Theresa’s granddaughter Leslie.

When I was five, Papau (my nickname for Grandpa Harry) taught me this nonsensical poem, but it’s something I always remember about him, he had great sense of humor. It goes: “The night was dark and stormy, the sun was shining bright, the old man’s lips were sealed, but he yelled with all his might. Kill Me, kill me he cried. The villain raised his gun and fired; he shot him with a knife. A sweet young miss was passing by, recognized him and said, “Who is he?” The old headless body cried out, “My God, it’s Lizzy.”

In 1998, my husband James and I visited Zanesville. I wanted to show him the city where I was born and lived until I was five years old.  Zanesville has changed a lot since I left. Several of the downtown store fronts had “for rent signs” posted and where Grandpa’s store was located, was now a parking lot between two brick buildings. A lot of Zanesville businesses had moved out west, leaving the downtown somewhat empty.

I wanted James to see my Grandparents home in Ridgewood Circle first-hand because they meant so much to me. The large neighborhood circles that surrounded all the home lots on each circle were just the same. Every multi-lot circle had a topped-off pyramid that lined the road, and none of the homes had changed. It was as if I was five years old again. I brought a picture of the house to show the current owners that I had a history in their home. I rang the doorbell, and a woman answered, I  introduced myself and I said I was Leslie Cohen, Harry and Theresa’s Cohen’s granddaughter and showed her a picture of their home. The woman immediately said, “You’re Paulette’s daughter! I went to high school with her.” When she realized that Harry Cohen’s home was for sale, she bought it sight unseen. “If it’s good enough for Harry, then it’s good enough for me.”

Joseph and Lena gave Harry a solid foundation which proved invaluable in his life. He demonstrated how strongly our parents influence us and how their love guides us and our decisions throughout our lives.

Harry was a smart and giving man who helped those who could not help themselves. He was a big fish in a little pond, where he made many ripples of kindness.  Joseph and Lena would be proud. L’chaim.