Cohen, Meyer_1974/7/25, Oral History

Subjects of interview include: Jewish family life in Russia, Jewish life in Hartford, Israel

GREATER HARTFORD JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY ORAL HISTORY COLLECTION

Tape No.: 75 No. of Tapes: Name of Interviewee: Meyer Cohen Date of Interview: July 2, 1974 Occupation: Real Estate Date of Birth: (Circa) 1884 Place of Birth: Kiev, Ukraine, Russia Transcript (yes/no): yes No. of Pages: 30

Abstract: Born in a forest occupied by Jews who leased the land from Poles. Educated by tutors (Rabbi’s) who were brought in surreptitiously. Arrived in the U.S. at age 14, lived the remainder of his life in Hartford and West Hartford except for a short stay in Schenectady. Worked for 13 years in automotive factories, then bought a grocery store, garages, went into real estate and finally building. Participated in one of the first strikes while working at Pratt and Whitney. Interested in politics, civics, and Zionism.

Subject Index: Business Eastern European Jewry Hartford History – General Hartford History – Jewish Labor Movement Oral History West Hartford, CT Hebrew Home Zionism Community Activities (in the Jewish community)