JACK POLLICK'S FAMILY HISTORY

Founder of the family in England was Julius (Eliahu) 1851-1927. Born in Kovno, Russia ( now Kaunas Soviet Republic of Lithuania). Emigrated to England at the age of 16 along with sister Sophie and a cousin named Pulerovitch (later Peller). They landed in Liverpool where there was an established immigrant Jewish Society. Many awaiting further emigration to the United States. Sister Sophie eventually did emigrate to the U.S. married there to a man named "Rattner?". Had several children. Little more is known of this branch of the family. Except that Sophie died at an early age. Cousin "Peller" married and lived in both Manchester and London and had many children.

There are no official documents to determine the name "Pollick" whether it was adopted or anglicized from a Russian many syllable title - nor is there a current living member having knowledge of earlier ancestry of the Pollicks. Julius's parents were named Moshe and Faygah (Morris and Fanny).

The English economy at that period was certainly not easy for foreign immigrants. Though Julius in his early years was apprenticed as a Jewelry Craftsman he could not find employment in that capacity and became self employed as an itinerant glazier replacing broken windows.

It was in his late teen years while passing a small tailoring workshop in the Liverpool garment district 'that a shower of wooden spools struck him, thrown from an upper window. He demanded to find the culprit. His temper was totally deflated when he met the delinquent, a beautiful petite teenaged girl with striking violet eyes and dark hair. Her name was Esther Baum. An instant romance ensued, they were married forthwith and eventually Esther became the mother of 14 children. She was born in Liverpool in 1855 and lived with her parents Barnett and Theresa Baum along with two younger sisters, Annie and Rebecca.

The wedding of Julius and Esther was solemnized in Liverpool about 1875. The Pollicks remained in Liverpool where their first child - Morris was born. After a time, they moved to the small Lancashire Town of Runcorn where the majority of their other children were born. They commuted very often to Liverpool where the school aged sons were pupils of the Liverpool Jewish School. It was decades later in 1964 that the second son David was Honored as the oldest surviving pupil.

What kind of man was Julius? Physically he was less than average height and in his younger years with auburn hair and bearded coupled with liquid green eyes. He had charming presence. His soft toned voice added to his personality. He bore only a trace of a European accent and naturally used many Yiddish Phrases. Meeting some of his landsmen he occasionally conversed in Russian. None of his children were fluent in these tongues. He was devout and sincere, free of prejudice and guile. Strictly observant in religion and unusually tolerant to other beliefs and followings. I, the writer, one of his many grandsons, and now in my 78th year, recall with blessed memory his beautiful disposition. His friendliness and warmth  was a delight. Always a twinkle in his eyes and good humor. Most of his mature years were devoted to charitable causes - the sick and needy. He established a small congregation in Morton St. Manchester in a deprived Jewish area and remained its chazzan. Entirely honorary until his demise. Well do I recall his funeral with the dignity and respect of vast numbers of mourners, rabbis, and dignitaries. Grandmother Esther is within living memory of many of my contemporary cousins, who will no doubt recall her strong Lancashire accent. She remained slim and beautiful, a typical English country woman to the end of her days in 1943. Of the fourteen children she bore, 13 survived, each to be happily married and endowed with families of their own. So large was Esther's progeny that when she reached the age of 83 - she had an offspring equal to each year of her life.

"THE TREE"

Patriarch of the clan was Esther's father Barnett Baum originally "Flancenbaum" who was born in Lithuania and arrived in Liverpool early in the 19th century. His photographs taken in later years indicate he was very tall and distinguished. It was he who was the mentor of the ensuing woodworking association of his son-in-law Julius and grandsons. He was a cabinet maker working in his basement home constructing baby cribs. His wife Theresa, Esther's mother, is believed to be one of a total of six "wives" all of whom he out lived to the ripe age of 98, and died in 1911, shortly after my own birth. The apparent perpetuity of his name in the many "Bernards" of the Pollick Family. Similarly the name Theresa is evident in the first and second generation daughters. The First generation Pollick's and their eventual spouses etc. are listed chronologically.

At this date of writing (1988) it is with joy and thankful prayers that there are two surviving members of first generation. Joe Pollick and Ameilia Liberson, Baruch Hashem.

At the latter part of the 19th century the Jewish community of Manchester was the largest in the Provinces. There were many good reasons for the Pollick Family to locate there. This they did in 1895. It is not known where their first home was situated but much photographic memorabilia exists of the large family home - an ancient farmhouse in Cheetwood Lane - familiarly referred to as "The Lane". This was one of the last remnants of city ruralism to be converted to industrial development. It is understood that the last children were born at "The Lane".

J. Pollick and Sons Joiners and Shopfitters

As recorded earlier - Julius was initiated into the woodworking business by his father-in-law, similarly the Pollick sons adapted their talents in this field and in 1907 the family business was established in Gt. Ducie St. Manchester. Morris, the oldest son did not at this juncture participate in the business. It was years later that he took over management of the small "mechanized" factory in Julia St., prior to the family establishment. Two sons - David and Harry trained cabinet makers employed at the "Liechtenstein" furniture factory in Broughton St., long since demolished. It is not known which of the older sons were actively involved in the original family business. Two sons - Abe and Sam emigrated to the U.S.A. and one time returned for only a short stay and finally resettled in the U.S.

With the skilled talents of David, Harry and Joe many synagogue interiors were constructed in Manchester. At this period I recall my father David telling me of a special order they received for a synagogue interior in Alexandria, Egypt. Three representatives of that congregation brought along architectural drawings and specifications for the highest standard of materials and craftsmanship to be constructed entirely by a Jewish company. This was a forerunner acknowledging the Pollick family's competence to undertake prestigious contracts.

Now that the entrepreneurial demands of Manchester Jewry extended to the retail and manufacturing trades - ample opportunities established the family as shopfitters and joiners. It is not very clear which sons were involved in the firm. Abe and Sam were in the U.S. and younger brother Jack followed them. Joe at this period was in his teens and did service in the British Army in World War One. He gained additional expertise in' construction bricklaying and building on rejoining the family business adding further dimensions to the versatility of their undertakings. Youngest son Louis (Lulu) joined his brothers in the U.S. and returned in the early twenties.

After many years in America, Jack - his wife Margaret and their daughters Hazel and Pauline returned to Manchester but their stay was short before going back to New York. Evidently the three sons were successful in their adopted country in building and carpentry. Identity with the construction of synagogues was undiminished; both Abe and Sam individually built temples in Jamaica N.Y. and in Far Rockaway, L.I, NY. Seemingly there is now only one Pollick name heading the successful store fixture company in Manchester. The company is headed by third and fourth generation of Pollick's whose operations are Nationwide.

With the demise of so many talented Pollicks, the later generations now cover a wide spectrum of occupations and certainly not limited to male descendants alone. We can be proud of some of their achievements - Doctors, Lawyers, Surveyors, Teachers, Politicians, and Oxford Honors Graduate and Yes, even a Rabbi.

Jack Pollick

Toronto

December 1988