Helen Korngold Diary: January 27- February 2, 1919

Helen Korngold, December 1919, New York City

January
Monday 27

Yesterday the gods showered flowers upon me—roses—carnations and sweet peas. That dance last night was a regular E. St. Louis affair. Nothing special today. Talked with Pauline a whole hour in library. Mr. Russack told us all about my friend E.—Gee, I’m all off him for life! He called up today, but I was asleep.

Tuesday 28
Wellston—Class! It’s all wrong—I almost fell asleep in Ed. That fellow Ellenburg calls up too often. Lecture was wonderful—all about paper & China—by a Dr. Willet of Chicago University. Since Mr. Goldstine told us about Ellenburg I’m sorry I ever went out with him, or yet, he treated me fine.

Wednesday 29
Wellston—Actually dozed in Ed 4. Ordered gowns & caps. They told me Ellenburg phoned again, but thank goodness it was Joe Raskas! At least, he doesn’t pester me with proposals. Beastly tired. To bed at 10 P.M.

Friday 31
Wellston—This is the first day I’ve felt gay for at least 72 hours! I don’t know why, but—oh well, I suppose it’s the effect of last night—I do love chop suey!—especially chicken. Dancing in gym is getting complicated. Miss Grant is wonderful. Last night Summer told me Dewey Pierre has been sent to New Mexico—he’s bound for the coast, I suppose.

February

Saturday 1
Papa left for N.Y. and I gave him a long list of questions to answer. I know he won’t do it. Junior Council luncheon at Grand Leader—Mrs. Leonard spoke—so also did Mrs. Halpern—she’s a doll. Beatrice appointed me chairman of party committee—I’ve got one big job before me. Went around curio room in Leader with Mrs. H. - Shopped & home.

Sunday 2
Just like all other Sundays—fooled around all day. Expect to get lesson tonight if Aunt Beryl ever comes. Awful Ellenberg called up! Threatened to commit suicide if I didn’t allow him to call! I won’t allow it. He’s too much for me. Said he’d meet me on train to Cole! Not if I know it!

*****

NOTES:

January 27

Several Russack families appear in the St. Louis Census. Samuel Russack in 1916 was Vice President of Peckham’s Pleating and Ostrich Feather Renovating Company. Samuel was in Real Estate on the 1920 St. Louis Census, with a son Martin, age 17. Samuel was Magyar in heritage.

January 28

Dr. Herbert L. Willet of Chicago University spoke on “The Changing Orient.”

Albert E Goldstein, B.S.  His June 1917 WWI Draft Card showed he was born February 20, 1896, and was tall with a medium build and had brown hair and eyes. He was a student. Albert E. Goldstein appears on the 1916 and 1917 St. Louis City Directory as a student living on Morgan St.

In 1930 and 1931 he appears as an Assistant Professor in Chemistry at Washington University. He is a full professor into the 1958 City Directories. He died in 1971.

January 29

Joseph Ruvlin Raskas in 1916 was attending the University of Illinois. His June 1917 WWI Draft Registration shows he was a student at Washington University. He appears in the 1917 Washington University yearbook and in the Class of 1919 Freshman Medical School photo.

The 1917 St. Louis City Directory shows  Joseph R. Raskas working for the St. Louis Neckwear Company and living at 4401 Page Blvd., the same street the Korngold family lived on. In 1944 he is working for the Raskas Sales & Service Company and still on Page Blvd.

passport photo for Joseph Raskas

Joseph R. Raskas was born on May 19, 1895, to Isaac S. Raskas and Sophia Saranson, both born in Russia. A 1921 passport request included an Oath of Allegiance. Joe was traveling for personal business to visit his father Isaac who was living in Palestine. Isaac appears to be appointed to the U.S. Consular post in Israel. The passport shows that Joseph was 26 years old, 5’6’ tall with a high forehead, brown eyes, prominent nose, round chin, dark hair and oval face. His WWII Draft Registration shows him living with Lottie in Evansville, IL and self-employed. In 1924, 19230, 1939 and 1943 (living in New York City),  he appears on passenger lists traveling to Europe. R. Raskas also appears on a passenger list in 1950. He was living in Baltimore when he passed away in 1981.

January 31

Miss Florence Grant, A.B. was Director of  Physical Training for Women until June 1919 when she retired to marry. She was cited as having awakened increasing interest in PE among women at the university, which included hockey and swimming.

February 1

article from Jewish Voice

The Grand Leader Department Store was located at 601 Washington Ave. Built in 1906 as Stix, Baer & Fuller, it was one of the premier department stores in St. Louis. Expanded in 1919, it became the Grand Leader Department store.

In 1879 Julius and Sigmond Baer opened a dry goods store in Arkansas which thrived and grew. After they were joined by their brother-in-law Aaron Fuller they decided to relocate to St. Louis. The men contacted Charles A. Stix, a St. Louis civic leader and in 1892 the Stix, Baer and Fuller department store was opened. In the 1980s they were bought out by Dillard's.
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