Citizens of Newark Planning Memorial to the Late Felix Fuld, Merchant and Philanthropist, for His Se

Although no special ceremonies marked the first anniversary of the death of Felix Fuld, prominent merchant and philanthropist, plans are under way for the creation of a memorial to one of Newark’s greatest benefactors.

The “Newark Ledger,” local morning paper, in an editorial, called upon the city administration to “take the lead in creating a memorial here that will reflect the gratitude of Newark for his constant, generous service to this city and its people.”

The “Ledger” editorially stated:

“When Mr. Fuld passed away, the flags half-staffed over our public and commercial buildings were symbols of our people’s grief over the loss of a splendid citizen whose memory is enshrined in the hearts of thousands who were recipients of his bounty, that knew neither race, creed, nor color.

“At that time there was much discussion of a memorial to this good man. Would it not be timely to revive this project on the anniversary of his passing to his eternal reward?

“This suggestion is submitted respectfully to the Mayor and the other City Commissioners who, we believe, should take the lead in creating a memorial here that will reflect the gratitude of Newark for his constant, generous service to this city and its people. In that memorial a record of his service should be preserved as an inspiration to our youth.”

The editorial immediately called forth an affirmative response from a number of leading citizens, among them Mayor Jerome T. Congleton, who is quoted as lauding the memory of Mr. Fuld as “a wonderful citizen,” and declaring: “Enough cannot be said to praise Felix Fuld. Yet he left his own memorials. The generosity shown in his will, in his gifts to the Jewish hospitals, to other institutions, reveal the man. A memorial to him would be a praise-worthy project.”

Both Rabbi Solomon Foster, of Temple B’nai Jeshurun, and Rabbi Julius Silberfeld, of Temple B’nai Abraham, are quoted as heartily endorsing the idea. The latter suggests a statue or monument in a public park as an appropriate memorial, while Rabbi Foster did not indicate his choice, declaring: “If his nearest and dearest approve, it should be their place to decide what form a public tribute to Felix Fuld should take.”

The New Jersey Federation of Y. M. H. A.’s and Y. W. H. A.’s at its last convention decided to call a special state conference to consider the practicability of raising a fund of $100,000 to establish a children’s camp site in the state as a memorial to Mr. Fuld. The latter was president of the Federation at the time of his death and in recent years was intensely devoted to the Jewish community center movement.

Another memorial project pending at present is that suggested by the Conference of Jewish Charities of this city, in cooperation with the Welfare Federation. As a means of commemorating Mr. Fuld’s philanthropic activities, their project would call for the erection of a building to house the administrative offices of all social agencies in the city, as a memorial to the deceased.