Kantrowitz, Gussie_1968, Oral History

Subjects of interview include: Tucker Songs, "Some of These Days" and "My Yiddish Mama". Sophie Tucker childhood, career, family, education, charity. (G) Life in Russia, America, family.

GREATER HARTFORD JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY ORAL HISTORY COLLECTION

Tape No.: 5 No. of Tapes: Name of Interviewee: Gussie Kantrowitz (Mrs. Samuel) Date of Interview: October, 1968 Occupation: Homemaker Date of Birth: Circa 1895 Place of Birth: Russia Transcript (yes/no): yes No. of Pages: 13

Abstract: Mrs. Kantrowitz came to America at the age of 10 and with her parents settled on a farm in Willimantic, CT. She married at age 17 and moved to Hartford where her husband was a furrier. She was very active in working for the Hebrew Home and the Denver Medical Center. She knew Sophie Tucker (nee Abuza) for many years meeting her through Sophie’s sister who worked in the Kantrowitz’s business. Mr. Kantrowitz knew Sophie’s mother from when they were children in the same town in Russia and the two families became very good friends. The tape begins with a recording of Sophie singing two songs. Mrs. Kantrowitz relates anecdotes of Sophie’s childhood in Hartford where she first sang in her father’s restaurant and some of her later exploits. Sophie was discovered by some visiting theatre professionals while singing in the restaurant. A biography of Sophie’s rise to fame in her singing career is quoted by a recording company. According to Mrs. Kantrowitz, Sophie was very devoted to her family and a generous person.

Subject Index: Community Activities (in the Jewish community) Sophie Tucker Oral History