Alter Barbel

Alter Barbell Tombstone, circa 2005

Alter Barbell, born on January 24, 1877, in Pruzany, Russia, embarked on a journey to the United States via Hamburg. He, along with his wife Dora and sons Myer and Elmer, arrived at Ellis Island, New York, on February 28, 1902, aboard the Hamburg-American line steamship Phoenicia. The family initially settled in South Philadelphia, where, by the 1910 Census, another child named Israel had joined the family. Shortly after the census, they relocated to 327 Liberty Street in Camden, possibly influenced by local businessman Abraham Lichtenstein, a patron of Camden’s first synagogue, known as the Lichtenstein Shul.

Initially a tailor, Alter Barbell transitioned to become a Hebrew teacher, a role for which he is most renowned. In March 1917, Alter filed his declaration of intention to become an American citizen while residing at 1122 Baring Street. By the 1920 Census, the family had moved to 1130 Baring Street, near Kaighn Avenue, with sons Myer working as a draftsman and Elmer as a bookkeeper at a furniture store.

In April 1930, the Barbell family still resided on Baring Street. Myer had married and established his medical practice as a physiotherapist at 2 Leonard Avenue in East Camden. Elmer had become an accountant, and Israel pursued a career as a dentist.

Alter Barbell continued teaching Hebrew in Camden until at least 1938. He passed away at 69 on July 14, 1946, and was laid to rest in the new Jewish section at New Camden Cemetery. Widow Dora Barbell lived at 1227 Langham Avenue with son Elmer and daughter-in-law Sadie. Rose Lillian Barbell also resided at this address, while Israel Barbell lived at 297 Rand Street in East Camden. Dr. Myer Barbell had relocated to 2737 Federal Street, just around the corner.


Related Photos


Related Articles

  • Alter Barbel

    Alter Barbel

    Alter Barbell, born on January 24, 1877, in Pruzany, Russia, embarked on a journey to the United States via Hamburg. He, along with his wife Dora and sons Myer and Elmer, arrived at Ellis Island, New York, on February 28, 1902, aboard the Hamburg-American line steamship Phoenicia. The family initially settled in South Philadelphia, where,…

    Read More…

  • Alter Barbell – Reminiscing

    There was a learned man in Hebrew who lived on Baring Street, Camden, was married, and held in his home a daily after school instruction for boys in order to be bar mitzvah-ed at their 13th birthday period. I was one of his students in 1938. He was a tough fellow, and appeared (in my…

    Read More…

  • Jews End Campaign to Raise Charity Funds

    Jews End Campaign to Raise Charity Funds

    Camden Courier-Post – June 24, 1933 The Federation of Jewish Charities concluded its campaign for funds Thursday night with a banquet attended by workers and directors of the organization, at the Talmud Torah, 621 Kaighn Avenue.

    Read More…

  • Jewish Charities Raise $1500 Here

    Jewish Charities Raise $1500 Here

    Camden Courier-Post – June 7, 1933 More than $1500 in pledges and in cash have been received in the campaign of the Camden Federation of Jewish Charities, it was announced last night by E. George Aaron, chairman of the campaign committee. The drive will continue through this week.

    Read More…

  • Funds to Aid Womens Home, Talmud Torah and Free Loan

    Camden Courier-Post – June 4, 1933 A campaign to raise funds for the Federation of Jewish’ Charities of Camden was launched yesterday under the chairmanship of E.George Aaron. The drive will continue a week. Funds raised will be contributed to the support of the Hebrew Ladies’ Sheltering Home, the Talmud Torah, and the Free Loan…

    Read More…


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.