Evening star., 1933-09-13
|S|DORE SAKS DIES
AT SUMMER HOME.
Former Washington Merchant
Recently Celebrated 58th
Wedding Anniversary.

Isidore Saks of New York, co-founder
of the department stores in Washing
ton and New York bearing his name
for many years, died early today at his
Summer home in Elberon, N. j., just
four days after he celebrated his 58th
wedding anniversary. He was 81 years
old.
Fore more than half century Mr.
Saks and his brother, Andrew. were
among the leading merchants of Wash
ington. Their chain of stores, eventu-
ally established out of the Washington
business. later spread to New York.
indianapolis, Richmond and Norfolk,
Va
Mr.. Saks was one of the organizers,
with John Joy Edison. Of the Washing
ton Loan & Trust Co.. and for many
years was on its board of directors.
Mr.. Saks' rise to fortune as a mer-
chant reads like a page from one of
Horatio Alger's stories. for 1t was as a
newsboy during the Civil War. selling
The Evening Star and other papers
at Pennsylvania avenue and Seventh
street, that he got his start in life.
Ill Several Months.
For several months Mr.. Saks had
been in i'll health from complications
that had more or less made him an
invalid at his Summer home. With
him at the time of his death were his
wife, Mrs Ida Heller Saks. and a son.
Joseph I Saks. New York broker who
had come to join in the celebration
of their wedding anniversary Mr.. Saks
had observed his 81st birthday ami
versary on May 19.
Born in Baltimore. he came to Wash
ington as youth. After brief career
as a newsboy, he went into the clothing
business with his brother, with whom
he was associated for SO many years.
His brother had opened a store on Sew
enth street. next door to what is now
the building of the Lincoln National
Bank. That was in 1867. The firm
f1ourished. In later years. 1t occupied
the site at Seventh street and Louisiana
avenue. until the business was absorbed
about year ago by S. Kann &, Sons
Mr.. Saks remained in Washington
until about 1908. when he and his
lied the department store on Fifth
avenue bearing their name. Eventually
three other stores were established, for
a while. in other cities.
Bought Brothers Interest.
Mr.. Saks and his son brought his
brothers interest in the Washington
store. in 1905, and he was president of
the company until he went out of busi-
ness. After his brothers death. in 1910.
he conducted the New York store as
well until it was absorbed by another
flrm some years ago.
1f
public-spirited citizens of Washington
Mr.: Saks was prominently identified
with civic and charitable affairs here
for half century He was one Of the
organizers and charter members Of the
Washington Board of Trade. maintain
ing his interest in that organiza lion
always. For many years he maintained
a residence at IT'S Massachusetts ave-
nue..
About 25 years ago Mr. Saks started
custom OF giving away new overcoats
at Christmas to poor boys in Washing
ton, many Of them newsboys Every
Christmas until the store closed this
custom was continued. in later years
under the personal supervision Ct Isaac
Cans, general manager Of the store.
He was married September 9, 1875.
to Miss Ida Heller of Richmond Be-
SIDES his widow and son, two grand
children also survive. They are Anne
Virginia and Phillip Saks
At one time. during the Arthur ad-
ministration. Mr.. Saks turned down
the office of District Commissioner.
which had been rendered him by Post
master General Hatton. The latter
mad been given a blank appointment
With power to fill in the name Of the
new Commissioner. Mr.. SAKE was not
interested in holding political Office.
Career Revealed at Banquet.
At the banquet at which the Board
OF Trade was launched one of the
leaders Of the city. DR.. A. P. Pardon.
made a speech and revealed Isidore
Saks' neWsboy career In speech.
he said he had just met at the dinner
man whose face seemed familiar to
him. During the Civil War, as he was
going to and leaving one of the Gov
ernment departments. Dr. Pardon
said very short but energetic news
boy always ran up to him and showed
newspaper toward him in an unescap-
able manner. That boy, he learned at
the dinner, was Mr. Saks, one of Wash
ington's Leading merchants
For many years Mr.. Saks was promi-
nent in Masonic affairs as well as in
the Chamber of Commerce and many
other local activities.
According to advices received BY rel
atives here, the funeral will take place
in New York City on Friday at noon.
He will be buried there
Two brotherS-in-law, Dr. Joseph M.
Heller and Sidney H. Reizenstein. re-
side here, and Mr. Saks' mother and
father are buried here.