|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The story begins in 1873 when two Jewish brothers, Nathan and Isidor Straus, convinced Rowland H. Macy to run a concession in the basement of his store on 14th Street in New York City. Eleven years later, they were part owners of the huge store, and by 1896, they became outright owners of R. H. Macy & Co.
From there, much was accomplished. For example:
The two brothers became the first businessmen in America to form a mutual aid society designed to provide healthcare to their employees.
In 1892, Nathan and his wife privately funded the Nathan Straus Pasteurized Milk Laboratory, which provided pasteurized milk to infants and children to fight infant mortality and tuberculosis.
Additionally, he opened homeless shelters where 64,000 needy people could get a bed and meal for 5 cents.
In 1914, he retired and devoted his time to charity.
During the winter of 1914-15, he served over 1 million meals for a penny each.
After the turn of the century, the two brothers and their wives went to Israel (known then as Palestine) and looked for ways to assist in its development.
While visiting Israel, Isador said they should all return to the U.S. However, Nathan broke his leg and could not join his brother on his return. He and Isador parted company. It was a fateful decision. Isador and his wife booked a passage on the RMS Titanic. They met their destiny when the famous ocean liner sank.
They were so beloved that 2,000 people packed Carnegie Hall for their funeral. A larger public service was held at the Educational Alliance, where 40,000 attended.
Nathan continued his philanthropic efforts in Israel by founding a food pantry and the Jerusalem Health Center.
The city of Jerusalem named a street after him.
Nathan was also honored when, in 1928, the Israeli coastal town of Natanya was named after him.
Nathan died on January 11, 1931.
Maybe you’ll see Macy’s a little differently now….
Everything else is just history
