Respondent
Breskin, Joseph
Interview Date
November 5, 1993
Abstract
Respondent Real estate developer; director of Camp Ellwood; born 1902.
[T1S1] Respondent describes family's background, his birth in Russia, subsequent move to Pittsburgh in 1904 with mother and 2 siblings. Respondent talks about father's job as "expressman." Respondent reminisces about childhood in Hill District and Squirrel Hill; explains father founder of B'nai Israel Synagogue; recalls neighborhood Jewish institutions including Hebrew Institute. Respondent mentions mother high school graduate at age 50; talks about siblings. Respondent mentions marriage to Kitty, their daughters, move to Israel in 1964.
[T1S2] Respondent recalls being in first graduating class at Schenley High School. Respondent talks about jobs as surveyor; director of Camp Ellwood, 1936-1943. Respondent recalls selling camp to Salvation Army; running camp during WWII. Respondent discusses courtship, orthodox belief. Respondent recalls memories of Linden Hall; employment with real estate and development company C.L. Saxton; living, developing mountain land in Ligonier. Respondent reflects on Jewish life in Pittsburgh then and now; daughters' education; Hebrew Institute. Respondent mentions running Camp Ellwood greatest achievement. Respondent describes managing cottages in Ligonier.
[T2S3] Respondent highlights activities at Camp Ellwood; elaborates on developing Ligonier area; talks about move to Pittsburgh in 1985.
[T1S1] Respondent describes family's background, his birth in Russia, subsequent move to Pittsburgh in 1904 with mother and 2 siblings. Respondent talks about father's job as "expressman." Respondent reminisces about childhood in Hill District and Squirrel Hill; explains father founder of B'nai Israel Synagogue; recalls neighborhood Jewish institutions including Hebrew Institute. Respondent mentions mother high school graduate at age 50; talks about siblings. Respondent mentions marriage to Kitty, their daughters, move to Israel in 1964.
[T1S2] Respondent recalls being in first graduating class at Schenley High School. Respondent talks about jobs as surveyor; director of Camp Ellwood, 1936-1943. Respondent recalls selling camp to Salvation Army; running camp during WWII. Respondent discusses courtship, orthodox belief. Respondent recalls memories of Linden Hall; employment with real estate and development company C.L. Saxton; living, developing mountain land in Ligonier. Respondent reflects on Jewish life in Pittsburgh then and now; daughters' education; Hebrew Institute. Respondent mentions running Camp Ellwood greatest achievement. Respondent describes managing cottages in Ligonier.
[T2S3] Respondent highlights activities at Camp Ellwood; elaborates on developing Ligonier area; talks about move to Pittsburgh in 1985.
Subjects
Camp Ellwood (Pa.); Hebrew Institute; Israel; Ligonier (Pa.); Linden Hall (Dawson, Pa.); Public schools
Birth Date
1902
City
Kiev
Country
Russia
Emigration Date
1904
Residence
Hill District; East End; Squirrel Hill
Occupation (father)
Express man
Length (hours)
1.25
Interviewer1
Adelson, Ruth
Interviewer2
Weiss, Selma
Indexer
Frisque
Collateral Materials
Box 100 FF 35
Identifier
ais196440.057
Rights
All rights reserved. University of Pittsburgh
Reproductions