2026 Straus Historical Society Scholarship Winners
The August newsletter introduces the five 2026 Straus Scholars: Noam Joshua Shapiro, Alya Paz Ruiz, Ariane Rosenberg Gottlieb, Anna Kaganova, and Lashun Taylor. Their graduate studies and career goals reflect a strong commitment to public service, including environmental policy, diplomacy, democracy, equitable resource allocation, and criminal justice reform. The issue also includes each scholar’s award-winning essay.
Harry H. Straus and the Ecusta Company
The newsletter recounts Joan Adler and Catherine Smith’s May visit to Brevard, North Carolina, where they gave a presentation about Harry H. Straus, Ecusta, and the Straus family’s impact on Transylvania County. The article emphasizes Harry’s belief that a company should strengthen its community and describes Ecusta’s support for education, healthcare, recreation, music, sports, and Camp Straus. Personal recollections from former Ecusta families and the historic film Golden Reflections added a vivid local perspective.
Straus Family and Friends Heritage Tour of Talbotton and Columbus, Georgia
SHS provides an update on plans for the Fall 2027 heritage tour, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the reconstruction of Straus-LeVert Memorial Hall and the 200th anniversary of Talbot County. The tour will explore sites connected to the Lazarus and Moises Lazarus families, including homes, businesses, plantation properties, historic buildings, and sites in both Talbotton and Columbus. The trip is designed as both a family-history experience and an opportunity for relatives and friends to connect.
Edward Schafer/Henry Ford’s Violin
This fascinating article traces the complicated history of a 1703 Antonio Stradivari violin purchased by Edward Schafer, son-in-law of Oscar S. Straus. Schafer bought the violin in 1917 and gave it to young violinist Elias Breeskin before it eventually returned to Schafer and was sold to Henry Ford in 1924. The article also explores mistaken provenance attached to the instrument and the continuing confusion over its name.
SHS Scholarship Alumni: Where Are They Now?
This feature highlights the ongoing accomplishments of former Straus Scholars, including careers in climate research, refugee services, and data science.
Friends of Straus Park: Moving Forward With the Help of the Community
Paul H. Froehlich highlights efforts to maintain and improve Straus Park, along with its community events and ongoing preservation projects.
New SHS Board Member: Karen Franklin
The newsletter welcomes Karen Franklin, an accomplished family historian whose extensive experience in genealogy and Jewish history brings valuable expertise to the SHS Board.
The August newsletter introduces the five 2026 Straus Scholars: Noam Joshua Shapiro, Alya Paz Ruiz, Ariane Rosenberg Gottlieb, Anna Kaganova, and Lashun Taylor. Their graduate studies and career goals reflect a strong commitment to public service, including environmental policy, diplomacy, democracy, equitable resource allocation, and criminal justice reform. The issue also includes each scholar’s award-winning essay.
Harry H. Straus and the Ecusta Company
The newsletter recounts Joan Adler and Catherine Smith’s May visit to Brevard, North Carolina, where they gave a presentation about Harry H. Straus, Ecusta, and the Straus family’s impact on Transylvania County. The article emphasizes Harry’s belief that a company should strengthen its community and describes Ecusta’s support for education, healthcare, recreation, music, sports, and Camp Straus. Personal recollections from former Ecusta families and the historic film Golden Reflections added a vivid local perspective.
Straus Family and Friends Heritage Tour of Talbotton and Columbus, Georgia
SHS provides an update on plans for the Fall 2027 heritage tour, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the reconstruction of Straus-LeVert Memorial Hall and the 200th anniversary of Talbot County. The tour will explore sites connected to the Lazarus and Moises Lazarus families, including homes, businesses, plantation properties, historic buildings, and sites in both Talbotton and Columbus. The trip is designed as both a family-history experience and an opportunity for relatives and friends to connect.
Edward Schafer/Henry Ford’s Violin
This fascinating article traces the complicated history of a 1703 Antonio Stradivari violin purchased by Edward Schafer, son-in-law of Oscar S. Straus. Schafer bought the violin in 1917 and gave it to young violinist Elias Breeskin before it eventually returned to Schafer and was sold to Henry Ford in 1924. The article also explores mistaken provenance attached to the instrument and the continuing confusion over its name.
SHS Scholarship Alumni: Where Are They Now?
This feature highlights the ongoing accomplishments of former Straus Scholars, including careers in climate research, refugee services, and data science.
Friends of Straus Park: Moving Forward With the Help of the Community
Paul H. Froehlich highlights efforts to maintain and improve Straus Park, along with its community events and ongoing preservation projects.
New SHS Board Member: Karen Franklin
The newsletter welcomes Karen Franklin, an accomplished family historian whose extensive experience in genealogy and Jewish history brings valuable expertise to the SHS Board.