What I get out of the
Mayoff Family Descendant
by Teddy Mayoff (Sam)
I received the Spring 1997 edition of the Family Descendant which I glanced through when it was received. It came during the height of Tax Season and so I didn't have much spare time to read it thoroughly then. Now that I've gotten around to looking at it more closely, I felt it was time to take pencil in hand (i.e. switch on the word processor) and write a letter to the editor. I thought I'd try to put into words, my thoughts as I engrossed myself in our family's chronicle.
I must start off my saying that I felt proud of my little brother to read in The Editor's Corner that we made the Jewish Times. The article on page six instilled in me a new respect for the work, effort, expense and time you have devoted to bringing our family together and helping us learn about our roots. I know that everyone who reads the Descendant shares my appreciation of what you are doing.
I was disappointed to read further on in your 'Corner' that "A good portion of this issue is fill-in. Unless I receive some articles, it is quite likely that we might not have a summer issue." I have felt guilty in the past that I haven't contributed much to the Newsletter and so I am writing now with the hope that if you see fit to print any of my ramblings, perhaps it will help to fill part of the paper. I encourage everyone who reads the Descendant to seriously think about writing you a short note on what they get out of this remarkable publication.
Reading the front page article about Esther brought back many fond memories of Mother & Dad [Moe & Rae Mayoff] taking us to Hymie and Esther's. I bought Linda's engagement ring (in 1963) from Hymie. I also smiled to myself when the story reminded me of how the cousins fell in love. Esther is an amazing woman.
The pictures of the Bottlers on page four and five also brought back many good memories. I'm sure that Mom and Dad had at least a few of these at home when we were growing up. Some are very familiar. I remember us visiting Sarah and Abe Bronstein when I was around five or six years old (pretty good memory, eh?) and playing with Gerald in his room. My recollection was that he had a whole bunch of great toys to play with. The picture of Sarah and Abe are just as I remembered them.
I also enjoyed reading Rena's letter. I'm glad she mentioned that she remembered me because I remember her quite well. Many a-time at Bubby Libba's house we played together. I'm not quite sure, but I think I'm just a few years older than her. I remember her and Howie, her brother, although I really don't remember Steven (who was born when I was about 17 years old). After Aunt Doris died and Uncle Jackie married Libby, I didn't get to know Buddy or Honey other that their names. At the reunion here in Montreal it was good to meet them.
I also want to once again encourage those who read this to send THE EDITOR an article or at least a letter telling the Family what you get out of reading our FAMILY DESCENDANT.
Love to all.
[Teddy, thanks for your very warm and encouraging letter. Interesting how you recalled Howie Mayoff in this letter written in early May. Sadly I must report of his passing on June 30th, 1997. His obituary appears on page ten.]
Chicago Cousins celebrate Mayoff Day Early
by Marty & Nita Nickow (Hen)
On Friday May 30, the Chicago cousins gathered for dinner at the Highland Park CC. Attending were Sandra and Howard Fradin, Harriet and Ben Rosen, Esther and Irv Kogen, Lee Bergen, Adrienne and Hy Nickow and Nita and Marty Nickow. Sally and Stuart Simon were going to attend but Sally was not feeling well. Sally recently had minor throat surgery. Many items were discussed including how to make Mayoff Day a National Holiday. We also had many suggestions on how to make Mayoff Day into an entire weekend. Naturally, we are looking forward to next year and a bigger and better Mayoff day. [See the next two pages for an additional Mayoff Day story.]
Mini-Reunion held in Chicago
by Marty Nickow
Sunday June 22, 1997 (Mayoff day plus 22) Chicago cousins welcome California, Kentucky and Ohio cousins. A mini reunion was held today in Skokie IL. at the Bagel Restaurant. Betty and Irwin Rosen from California, Claire Drucker from Louisville, KY and Claire's daughter Karen from Cincinnati, OH along with Karen's husband Bob Rush and their 2 children Meridith and Eric were greeted by Chicago cousins Sandra and Howard Fradin, Harriet and Ben Rosen, Lee Bergen, Adrienne and Hy Nickow and Nita and Marty Nickow. Great conversations, great food and of course lots of memories. Betty, Irwin and Claire grew up in Chicago with the rest of the Chicago cousins. A wonderful time was had by all. We even sang the 1997 Mayoff song. Chicago cousins feel that although Mayoff day is normally May 31, it can be celebrated anytime Mayoffs get together.
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