* Note - This article appeared in the 2003 Chisago County Traveler published by the STAR Newspaper.
by Tesha M. Wiedemann
STAR Special Sections Editor
Some people are remembered for the great things they did when alive, while others are remembered for what they are still accomplishing from beyond the grave. The latter is the case of the three Edelstein siblings.
The North Branch High School auditorium carries the name Edelstein Auditorium. The name was designated in October 2002 to mark the legacy of David, Jacob and Ruth Edelstein. None of the three ever married, but the beneficiaries of their inheritance have included North Branch High School students for the past 30 years. In the past three years, the interest from the Edelstein Family Foundation has provided $80,000 per year in scholarships to NBHS seniors, and District 138 Superintendent Bob Stepaniak “expects the money to continue as long as NBHS exists.”
At a special naming ceremony on Monday night, Oct. 15, 2002, followed by a music concert featuring the North Branch Treble Choir, Concert Choir and Symphonic Band, Stepaniak noted, “Normally, school districts are careful about naming things because there are so many people who make contributions to schools.” But because of the Edelsteins’ “enduring legacy that will benefit students for a number of years,” the school board thought it fitting to name the auditorium after them.
The name was actually proposed by high school counselor Lora O’Hern who was inspired by a story in the Chisago County Press regarding Ruth’s contributions to the Ordway.
“This was a Jewish family living in the middle of Olsons and Johnsons who made a good life for themselves and gave back to the community,” O’Hern pointed out. “This family has done so much; we should look at honoring them… Our purpose is to inspire students.”
The Edelstein family lived in North Branch. David and Jacob were born to Samuel and his first wife, Leah, who died quite young. Samuel then married Ethel Sushan, and Ruth was born. In the early 1900s, Samuel owned and operated S.E. Edelstein, a general mercantile on Main Street in North Branch.
Jacob
born Aug. 7, 1893 in North Branch
died Feb. 28, 1953 in Minneapolis
Edelsteins’ three children, David, Jacob and Ruth, attended North Branch schools. Jacob Edelstein was the valedictorian of North Branch High School’s first graduating class in 1907, which proved to be quite an accomplishment as most children did not attend school past eighth grade. He was one of three seniors. The ceremony was witnessed by over 600 townspeople. In his valedictory address, Jacob told the school board and community, “At present, we can only thank you, but we shall live in the expectancy of rewarding you for your faithfulness and integrity.”
A classmate described Jacob as “everywhere a gentleman” and reported that he “seldom asks favors, but is always willing to grant them.”
Following high school, Jacob received a degree in engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and settled in St. Paul. He co-founded the Rap-in-Wax Paper Company and for the rest of his life served as vice president and principal owner of the company.
David
born July 6, 1895 in North Branch
died Feb. 5, 1975 in St. Paul
David Edelstein graduated from NBHS four years later. He earned a degree from the University of Minnesota, and afterwards became treasurer and later sole owner of the C.D. Robinson Company. Inc. Under his leadership, C.D. Robinson grew to be one of the largest volume sugar dealers west of Chicago.
David enjoyed the arts and was a supporter of the stage and symphony, generously contributing to the Minnesota Museum of Arts. He was a member of the St. Paul Rotary Club, the Shriners and other organizations.
David counseled ex-convicts, gave financial assistance to young people seeking a college education and supported various other community programs. It was he, who in later years, took a leading interest in the Edelstein Family Foundation.
Ruth
born July 30, 1900 in North Branch
died March 16, 1998
In third and sixth grades, Ruth Edelstein appeared in school plays to raise money to purchase a piano for the school. Following her high school graduation in 1917, Ruth attended the University of Minnesota and Macalester College. She finished her collegiate career at Cumnock School in Los Angelos, where she resumed her childhood interest in acting.
Ruth starred in several plays in a stock theater company in upstate New York, where she went by the stage name Ruth Easton. She appeared in five Broadway plays in seven years and starred in radio dramas on the Rudy Vallee Hour and the Fleischmann’s Yeast Hour. Among the plays she performed in were “Exceedingly Small”, “Privilege Car”, “Town Bay”, “Buckaroo” and “Charlie Chan”. She played opposite some of the super stars of the day, including Al Jolson, Clark Gable and Lionel Barrymore.
New York critics praised her, calling her performances “thoroughly touching” and “highly spirited and excellent.”
Ruth, too, took time for charity. While in Los Angeles she participated in several charitable organizations in the area, and was a member of the 52 Association of Southern California, which provided friendship and services to men in the veterans’ hospitals.
As a gift to her brother David, Ruth established the David Edelstein Gallery as part of the Minnesota Museum of Art’s permanent collection.
Jacob, David and Ruth created the Edelstein Family Foundation in honor of their parents. North Branch High School is one of the many artistic and educational charities that benefit from the foundation.
A plaque commemorating the Edelsteins hangs near one of the entrances to the auditorium.
Thanks to Lora O’Hern, of North Branch High School, and Tom Keller III, trustee of the Edelstein Family Foundation, for compiling the information that appears in this article.
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