Images(2)

Container, Offering

Object number2004.62.1

Date1948

MediumMetal; Paint; Paper; Tape

Credit LineGift of Betsy E. Gerson

DescriptionPushke or collection box. Rectangular shaped metal can with rounded edges. Painted turquoise and white. Top of can has a slot for coins or paper money.Dimensions4.5 x 3.5 x 1.625 in. (11.4 x 8.9 x 4.1 cm)
InscriptionsFront right side: JEWISH / NATIONAL FUND / Redeems and Reclaims / the Land of Israel

Paper label on back side: JEWISH NATIONAL FUND / 5915 BEACON STREET / 5th FLOOR / PITTSBURGH, PA 15217-2082 / (412) 521-3200" (dot) "FAX (412) 521-3420";

Underneath the paper label on the back side: make / the / wilderness / JEWISH NATIONAL FUND / 42 EAST 69th STREET / NEW YORK 21, NEW YORK

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND" on top, "J.N.F."
Historical NotesCollection box from the tailoring shop that belonged to Gerson Brothers Tailors which was founded by Harry and Sam Gerson. The family emigrated from Biala, Poland. Pittsburgh was well known throughout Eastern Europe as a city of opportunity. Many Biala Jews came to Pittsburgh after the situation in the homeland became intolerable. Harry (1898-1975) founded H. Gerson in the 1920's changing the name to H. Gerson & Bros. when Sam (1904-1973) joined him. The business was listed as early as 1929 in Polk's City Directory as being located at 2022 East Carson Street on the South Side of Pittsburgh. The business eventually moved (possibly in the 1930's) and the brothers bought the building at 2016 East Carson Street. When Harry and Sam passed away in the 1970's, Harry's son Alan, continued the business until 1996, when he sold it.Label TextThis pushke (collection box) stood on the counter of Gerson Brothers Tailor Shop on East Carson Street, just as it can be found in the homes and businesses of Jews worldwide. First introduced in 1905, the proceeds from the “blue box” have been used to underwrite the purchase and development of land in Israel and has become a symbol of the Zionist cause. Harry (1898-1975), who immigrated from Poland, founded H. Gerson in the 1920s, changing the name to H. Gerson and Brother when Sam (1904-1973) joined him. Eventually, dry cleaning became a major part of the business. Harry’s son Alan Gerson (1930-2001) continued the business until he sold it in 1996.

Related person Harry Gerson

Related person Sam Gerson

Related person Alan Gerson

Related institution H. Gerson and Brothers

Previous owner Jewish National Fund

Subjects

Terms

On View

On view