Memorial Book of the First New York Benevolent Association; Organized 1898

Published by Printer: Mirsky Art Engraving Co., N.Y.C.

About this Item

Intended as a remembrance document for members of what was created almost surely as a Jewish mutual burial society -- these associations were created to assist the indigent and less fortunate pay for a proper funeral. These associations were popular among Jewish greenhorns, or recent immigrants, in particular. As succeeding generations became more prosperous and also lost their intimate connection with the "old neighborhood", such organizations fell out of favor, although we believe there are survivors among them. Notwithstanding the name "First New York Benevolent Association" being suggestive of prominence among such groups, we were unable to come up with any detailed info about this group via a Google search. We would guess there more thorough records to be mined at the Historical Society, the Jewish Museum or the like, but we haven't as yet explored these resources. Given the book's stated purpose, the simple somber elegance, and heft of the full morocco binding seems entirely appropriate. Folio, 45 by 29 cm. Gold moire endpapers. Unpaginated. 15 pages with content -- mostly names written in a decorative Gothic Fraktur script. Most of the leaves, and we would estimate there are well over 100 leaves -- our estimate is about 120 leaves, or 240/250 pages. An early page with a large photo of a founder of the assocation, this surrounded by what looks like stenciled decoration (which loosely has a,n Art Deco styling). Other decoration, loosely evocative of illuminated manuscript, has color decoration which appears printed at least partially. Condition: minor rubbing of the leather binding. Otherwise, lightly handled and minimal wear. Seller Inventory # 007386

Bibliographic Details

Title: Memorial Book of the First New York ...

Publisher: Printer: Mirsky Art Engraving Co., N.Y.C.

Binding: Full Morocco

Condition: Near Fine