I found an old Elks Lodge membership pamphlet among family items. I was shocked that it contained rules pertaining to the omission of members of color or anyone related to a family member of color. Sometimes I think the human race has not really progressed all that far even now in the 21st century.
I was very privileged to have contact in working with Dr. Sands on an occasional basis during my years at Broadlawns Psychiatric Dept from 1971 through 1973. He was a wonderful physician and human being. He always treated EVERYONE with dignity and respect and did not allow others whom we came in contact with to treat us as we were beneath them because we were not doctors, social workers, etc. I had very great respect for him and have always held him and his memory in high regard. I felt very privileged to have the opportunity to associate with him.
Thank you for writing this. I remember this well; especially everyone's shock at the "no" vote. I think it was the subject of an article in Time Magazine.
Part of the shock was that so many people in DM had both Jews and non-Jews as friends. My parents and I did. There seemed to be no religious discrimination at Roosevelt.
The vote was eye opening. What had seemed to be a non-issue was now an issue, at least for adults.
The issue of who was first to join seems controversial. i was told it was my uncle, Mike Blank.
Thanks for sharing this sad piece of DM history, Julie. The letter is as much notable for the courageous members who signed it as it is for the missing names noted in the margin, some of whom had sons who were friends of mine and other Jewish kids.
I've heard the shocking stories but appreciate your article. I did not arrive in Iowa until 1965. For many reasons you must be very proud of your father. It takes people like him to make a positive difference. Thank goodness.
Julie, thank you so much! There is always a worry of repeating history that should never be repeated even in our own backyard. My husbands Father was refused entry into a Country Club in St. Louis about this same time for the same reason, just being Jewish. They welcomed him with open arms until he shared that information. I always have hope that we can all be better. Thank you!
Yes, we have and as sad as it is I wish that was the only incident we are aware of occurred. My Father-in-law, of blessed memory, had to use only Ford as his last name in his business dealings in order to avoid unpleasant encounters. Those were difficult times that we never want to return to witness.
Fascinating, Julie! It must have been thrilling to see your father's name on the signee list. The doctor's letter is perfect, to me, in describing the situation. Just yesterday, on Instagram, @theheirloomist, I read about Omaha's Highland Country Club being founded by Jews because they weren't allowed at the Omaha Country Club. She says that Warren Buffett (not a Jew) famously joined to show support.
The first Jew to be allowed to join the Wakonda Club was Jerome Wolf, owner of the Wolf’s women’s apparel store. He was my father-in-law. This is according to my husband’s family lore. I should mention that others have said it was Louise Noun so was the first. At any rate, it was a long time coming.
Would vote for Wolf, as urban legend says only "men" could join; in fact, even I (a youngster at age 78) recall the controversy at Wakonda in early '80's over whether a membership could pass to a divorced woman in addition to, or in lieu of, her husband. Issue was settled by recognizing "both/either".
Also, heard Luther Hill give a talk in early '80's about anti-semitism at Des Moines Club in the '40s wherein he described covenants in abstracts forbidding sale to Jews of homes in Waterbury Neighborhood/ Development. Waterbury friends confirmed this feature in their abstracts. Of course, long since negated. You can look it up!
Julie, thanks for sharing this history. Some may believe this is ancient history and that anti-Semitism does not exist in Iowa today, but I would disagree. To the contrary, it appears the tribes are growing stronger.
I found an old Elks Lodge membership pamphlet among family items. I was shocked that it contained rules pertaining to the omission of members of color or anyone related to a family member of color. Sometimes I think the human race has not really progressed all that far even now in the 21st century.
Fascinating.
I was very privileged to have contact in working with Dr. Sands on an occasional basis during my years at Broadlawns Psychiatric Dept from 1971 through 1973. He was a wonderful physician and human being. He always treated EVERYONE with dignity and respect and did not allow others whom we came in contact with to treat us as we were beneath them because we were not doctors, social workers, etc. I had very great respect for him and have always held him and his memory in high regard. I felt very privileged to have the opportunity to associate with him.
Thank you for writing this. I remember this well; especially everyone's shock at the "no" vote. I think it was the subject of an article in Time Magazine.
Part of the shock was that so many people in DM had both Jews and non-Jews as friends. My parents and I did. There seemed to be no religious discrimination at Roosevelt.
The vote was eye opening. What had seemed to be a non-issue was now an issue, at least for adults.
The issue of who was first to join seems controversial. i was told it was my uncle, Mike Blank.
Art Stein
Art, thanks for this perspective. It must have been hurtful for a child to experience.
Dr. Sands words are indeed the ones we need to understand today,
Thanks for sharing this sad piece of DM history, Julie. The letter is as much notable for the courageous members who signed it as it is for the missing names noted in the margin, some of whom had sons who were friends of mine and other Jewish kids.
I've heard the shocking stories but appreciate your article. I did not arrive in Iowa until 1965. For many reasons you must be very proud of your father. It takes people like him to make a positive difference. Thank goodness.
This is a timely and devastating commentary on “Iowa nice” through the ages. Thank you for sharing. I am shaken.
Julie, thank you so much! There is always a worry of repeating history that should never be repeated even in our own backyard. My husbands Father was refused entry into a Country Club in St. Louis about this same time for the same reason, just being Jewish. They welcomed him with open arms until he shared that information. I always have hope that we can all be better. Thank you!
Oh, my. Have you written this down for your family?
Yes, we have and as sad as it is I wish that was the only incident we are aware of occurred. My Father-in-law, of blessed memory, had to use only Ford as his last name in his business dealings in order to avoid unpleasant encounters. Those were difficult times that we never want to return to witness.
Fascinating, Julie! It must have been thrilling to see your father's name on the signee list. The doctor's letter is perfect, to me, in describing the situation. Just yesterday, on Instagram, @theheirloomist, I read about Omaha's Highland Country Club being founded by Jews because they weren't allowed at the Omaha Country Club. She says that Warren Buffett (not a Jew) famously joined to show support.
That’s great to know, Shirley!
The first Jew to be allowed to join the Wakonda Club was Jerome Wolf, owner of the Wolf’s women’s apparel store. He was my father-in-law. This is according to my husband’s family lore. I should mention that others have said it was Louise Noun so was the first. At any rate, it was a long time coming.
Thanks for this!
Would vote for Wolf, as urban legend says only "men" could join; in fact, even I (a youngster at age 78) recall the controversy at Wakonda in early '80's over whether a membership could pass to a divorced woman in addition to, or in lieu of, her husband. Issue was settled by recognizing "both/either".
Also, heard Luther Hill give a talk in early '80's about anti-semitism at Des Moines Club in the '40s wherein he described covenants in abstracts forbidding sale to Jews of homes in Waterbury Neighborhood/ Development. Waterbury friends confirmed this feature in their abstracts. Of course, long since negated. You can look it up!
Thanks, Wini. This is important to document. I’ve been receiving a surprising response to this.
Julie, thanks for sharing this history. Some may believe this is ancient history and that anti-Semitism does not exist in Iowa today, but I would disagree. To the contrary, it appears the tribes are growing stronger.
Thanks, John. There is a reason why many say: Never forget.