Philip Pollak (1846 – 1911)

Damaged photo of Philip Pollak, date unknown

Philip Pollak was born in 1846 in Mezouň, Bohemia (now Czech Republic), near Prague. He was a significant figure in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he made substantial contributions to the local business community. He was the son of Aron Pollak and Josephine Federman. Philip initially engaged in various entrepreneurial ventures, notably co-founding Pollak Brothers, Co., a business located on Bank Street in Waterbury, which later became P. Pollak & Co.

Throughout the 1890s, Philip’s business saw multiple relocations within Bank Street, and during this period, he was also active in the community. In 1893, his daughter Camilla became engaged to Louis Strauss, a New York Life Insurance employee. The engagement was celebrated with a large party at Pollak’s home, attended by numerous guests.

Philip experienced personal tragedy when his first wife, Adele Heller Pollak, died in 1894 following surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital. He later remarried in 1896 to Rose Hirschon, with whom he continued to build his life in Waterbury.

In addition to his business endeavors, Philip was involved in community activities, notably with the Independent Order of B’nai B’rith, where he presented the history of the organization during its 25th-anniversary celebration in 1898. He also held a leadership position in the American Legion of Honor, demonstrating his commitment to civic and social causes.

Philip Pollak passed away in 1911, leaving behind a legacy of business success and community involvement in Waterbury.

Mezouň, Bohemia (now Czech Republic)

Life in Prague

1864 Prague Census

Philip’s family was recorded in the Population Register of Prague in 1864. Joseph lived with his parents, Aron (born 1813) and Josefa (Federman) Pollak (born 1812), along with his siblings Joseph (born 1848), Anton (born 1853), and Maria (born 1845). It is unclear whether Philip’s brother, Adolph, is listed in this record as Anton or if Anton is an additional brother. Most records for Adolph indicate his date of birth as April 1851 or 1852. The family resided in Mezouň, Bohemia, a small rural community about 23 kilometers southwest of Prague.1

1869 Application for Residence Permit in Mezouň, Bohemia

When Philip’s father moved to a new home in Mezouň in 1869, additional documents were submitted to the Prague Police Headquarters to register the residence. Aron, born in 1813, listed the residents of the new home as himself, his wife Josefa Federman (born in 1812), and their children Philipp (born in 1846), Josef (born in 1848), Anton (born in 1853), and Maria (born in 1845). Philip had emigrated to the United States around 1865-1866, so he was not living with them. His brothers arrived after him and likely were no longer living at home either.2

Life in the United States

The 1860s

1867-68 Peddlers

In 1867 and 1868, Philip and his brother, Joseph, worked as peddlers in Middletown, Connecticut, and they each had to pay $10 in taxes per year for their work.3

The 1870s

1870 United States Census

In 1870, Philip, 23, lived by himself in a multi-family home with two other families in Middletown, Connecticut. His personal estate was valued at $150 and he was a picture dealer. Philip was born in Bohemia, his parents were not in the country. and he was not yet a citizen.4

1870-71 Middletown Directory

In 1871, Philip lived at 14 1/2 Court St. in Middletown, Connecticut, and worked for J. Barrett & Co., a company that sold picture frames.5 By 1872, Philip had established his own business, Pollak Brothers, at 14 Court St. in Middletown, while he lived on Pearl St., north of Spring St. Pollak Brothers sold pictures, frames made of rosewood and black walnut, glass, mirrors, German accordions, concertinas, and violins.6

Formerly 14 Court Street, Middletown, Connecticut

Today, 14 Court Street is part of the land occupied by the State of Connecticut Superior Court.

Formerly Pearl Street, Middletown, Connecticut

In 1874, Pearl Street continued north above Spring Street, but now the road makes a T-intersection, and new buildings cut off that part of the area.7

1875-76 Waterbury Directory

In 1875, Philip lived with his brother, Adolf, at 14 Chatfield Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut. They, along with Joseph, sold picture frames at their business, Pollak Brothers, at 122 South Main Street, also in Waterbury.8 Chatfield Avenue was once located near Bank and Meadow Streets, but it vanished with the construction of Interstate 84.

Formerly 68 South Main Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

The former location of 68 South Main Street was once in the center of a vibrant community.

The Pollak Brothers

The three Pollak Brothers, from an article in the Waterbury Democrat, were saved by the family. This article was probably printed in 1909 or 1910.

1877 Waterbury Directory

In 1877, Philip lived at 24 Orange Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. His brothers lived in their own homes and they all worked at Pollak Brothers.9

Formerly 24 Orange Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

No structures occupy the land that was once 24 Orange Street.

1878 Waterbury Directory

In 1878, Philip lived at 245 South Main Street in Waterbury, Connecticut. He was listed as a canvasser, a term likely referring to his involvement with canvassed art rather than survey-taking.10 With the installation of the highway, the land has been redeveloped, making it difficult to determine the exact location of the home on today’s landscape.

This year, the shop was listed as “Pollak B.,” which could be short for “Pollak Brothers.” However, there is a home address listed as 11 High Street, which is where Philip’s brother, Adolph, lived. This could be the time that Adolph’s wife, Bertha, became involved with the business. The shop had moved locations as well, to 57 Bank Street, where it remained until 1883.

Formerly 57 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

57 Bank Street no longer exists, but was likely inside or next to the Apothecary Building, which was replaced in 1894.11

Victorian Trade Cards

In the late 1800s, it was common for businesses to create trade cards as advertisements for their business. Many from Philip’s shop survive to this day, and they occasionally show up for sale online.

1879 Waterbury Directory

In 1879, Philip lived at 11 High Street, Waterbury, Connecticut with his brother, Adolph, and their families.12

Formerly 11 High Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

The house at 11 High Street no longer exists.

The 1880s

1880 United States Census

In 1880, 34-year-old Philip lived with his wife, Adele (listed as Ardella), 31, and their children: Camilla, 7, Oscar, 6, Josephine, 4, and Arthur, 3 months. They resided on Jefferson Street in Waterbury, Connecticut. Philip was a picture merchant, and Camilla and Oscar attended school. Both Philip and Adele were born in Bohemia, as were their parents. Adele was unable to read or write.13

Maps of the former location of Jefferson Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, and the surrounding area

Jefferson Street, which once ran parallel to Scovill and Union Streets off Market Street, no longer exists. Today, Waterbury’s health department buildings occupy much of the block. The map on the left illustrates the road layout in 1877, while the one on the right provides a bird’s-eye view from 2020.14 The only remnant of Jefferson Street is the Jefferson Square Apartment Building, constructed in 1969. Philip and his family lived there until 1881.15

1882-83 Waterbury Directory

In 1882 and 1883, Philip lived at 98 Cherry Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.16

Formerly 98 Cherry Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

98 Cherry Street has been replaced with 94 and 100, Cherry Streets, twin houses that were built in 1900 and 1905.17

1884 Waterbury Directory

In 1884, Philip lived at 11 Bishop Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.18

New Opportunities, Inc., 11 Bishop Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

Philip’s home at 11 Bishop Street is no longer standing. It is now the home of New Opportunities, Inc., a non-profit organization that supports people who are living in poverty.19

In 1884, B. Pollak & Co. moved to 81 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, and remained there for two years.

Formerly 81 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

81 Bank Street no longer exists. The buildings are numbered 77 and 83 Bank Street and appear to have been built later than 1884.

The Pollak Brothers frequently showcased artwork or notable items in their front window. On May 2, 1884, they featured the wedding gifts received by a local couple.20

1885 Waterbury Directory

In 1885, Philip moved to the intersection of Vine and Locust Streets, later specified as 49 Locust Street, in Waterbury, Connecticut. He and his family lived there until 1906. Today, Vine Street no longer crosses Locust Street, as a local factory expanded and took over the land. Philip became the treasurer of the German Societies club, Melchizedek Lodge, in 1886, and secretary in 1894 and 1902.21

Maps of former and current layout of Vine Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

The above maps are from 1886 and approximately 2021. Notice how Vine Street continues in the older map but has been taken over by the large factories on the right. Philip’s house was on the section of Locust Street that once extended north of Orange Street.

1886-88 Waterbury Directory

From 1886 to 1888, the B. Pollak & Co. was located at 56 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.22

Former location of 56 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

The two entrances to the building that houses Bank of America are 54 and 58 Bank Street. 56 no longer exists.

1888 In the Pollak Picture Window

Showcased in the Pollak window and “attracting considerable attention” was the first public display of Hugo Possner’s work in early 1888. Below is an example of his artwork which has recently appeared at auction.23

Hugo Possner, “A Difficult Haircut” – Credit: Invaluable.com.24

1888 Snow Storm

Credit: Connecticut Historical Society

This image from the Connecticut Historical Society shows the sidewalk after the Great Blizzard of 1888.25 One of the storefronts on the right was home to the Pollak Brothers.

Credit: Connecticut Historical Society

Another image from the 1888 snowstorm, also from the Connecticut Historical Society, shows Johnson and Kaiser Clothiers (owned by Maier Kaiser, a close friend of the Pollaks) in the distance at 62 Bank Street.26 The building numbers decrease as you move closer to the photographer, so 56 Bank Street, where the Pollak Brothers were located, is one of the storefronts to the right of Johnson and Kaiser.

1889-90 Waterbury Directory

In 1889 and 1890, Pollak Brothers was located at 90 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.27

Formerly 90 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

The building with the awning on the left is 92 Bank Street, and the one on the right contains the addresses of both 84 and 86 Bank Street. As of November 2020, both buildings were void of business. 90 Bank Street no longer exists.

The 1890s

1980 B. Pollak & Co. Ad

On November 7, 1890, an advertisement in the Waterbury Evening Democrat while they were still located at 90 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.28

1891-94 Waterbury Directory

Between 1891 and 1894, B. Pollak & Co. was located at 106 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.29

Formerly 106 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

This building contains addresses between 96 and 108 Bank Street. However, it wasn’t the building that existed in 1891.

1891 A Pollak Brothers Bakery?

A brief announcement in the “State News Jottings” section of the Morning Journal-Courier on April 18, 1891, mentioned that the Pollak Brothers were planning to open a bakery on Round Hill Street in Waterbury, Connecticut.30 Although there’s no evidence that the bakery ever opened, Joseph lived at 146 Round Hill Street at the time, suggesting it may have been his business venture or that of his second wife, Nanette.

1893 – A Busy Year

  • On February 17th it was announced that Philip’s daughter, Camilla, became engaged to Louis Strauss, who worked at New York Life Insurance. Camilla worked at a millinery establishment,31
  • A February 22nd advertisement appeared in the Waterbury Evening Democrat that listed the store location as 145 Bank Street, Waterbury,32
  • Camilla Pollak and her fiance, Louis Strauss held an engagement party her father’s house, 49 Bank Street, on February 26th, with a “large number” of guests attending.33
  • A March 27th announcement of a new millinery notes that it was taking the place of the Pollak Brothers’ old “stand” at 106 Bank Street, Waterbury.34
  • A Unity Council within the American Legion of Honor was organized to offer life and disability insurance on May 10. Philip was listed as treasurer, and his younger brother, Joseph, as commander.35

1894 Death of Wife, Adele Heller Pollak

Joseph’s wife, Adele Heller Pollak, passed away on December 19, 1894, at the age of 47, with her husband by her side, at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. She had been hospitalized for nine days due to a tumor and did not recover after surgery to remove it. A funeral took place in her home, after which she was laid to rest at Melchisedeck Cemetery. Her passing was announced in the Waterbury Evening News on December 20, 1894.36

Transcript: "Mrs Adele Pollak, age 47, wife of Philip Pollak of the firm of Pollak Brothers, died at Mount Sinai hospital, New York, last night. She went to the hospital nine days ago suffering from a tumor. An operation was performed and she never rallied. The remains will arrive here this afternoon, accompanies by her husband who was with her when she died. The funeral will be held to-morrow from 49 Locust street to Melchisedeck cemetery."

1895-1908 Waterbury Directory

Between 1895 and 1908, the Pollak Brothers were based at 145 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. In 1902, a year after Adolph’s death, they changed the company name from B. Pollak & Co. to P. Pollak & Co., suggesting that Bertha took a lesser role in the company following her husband’s passing.37

145 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

The building currently located at 145 Bank Street is much too new to have existed in 1895.

1896 Marriage to Rose Hirschon

On April 12, 1896, 50-year-old Philip married 38-year-old Rose Hirschon. Philip, born in Bohemia to Aron Pollak and Josephine Federman, was a resident of Waterbury, Connecticut. Rose, born in Germany, lived in New York City. This was Philip’s second marriage, following the death of his first wife, while it was Rose’s first marriage.38

1898 B’nai Brith Anniversary

In a celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Melchidezeck Lodge, Independent Order of the B’nai Brith, an event was held at the Speedwell Lodge on September 7, 1898. Joseph Pollak was the president of the Order, and the event was attended by all “representative Hebrew residents” of Waterbury and surrounding towns. Philip presented the history of the organization and spoke of “many interesting reminiscences covering a period of a quarter of a century.”39

The 1900s

1900 United States Federal Census

In 1900, Philip, 44 (born January 1856), and his wife Rose, 42 (born April 1868), lived with Philip’s children—Oscar, 26 (born August 1873), Josie, 24 (born January 1876), Arthur, 20 (born February 1880), and Francis, 18 (born January 1882)—in a mortgaged home at 49 Locust Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. Philip was a self-employed picture frame dealer. Arthur worked as a druggist, and Francis was a dry goods saleslady, though she was mistakenly marked as Philip’s son. Philip was born in Germany, Rose in Prussia, and the children in Connecticut. Both Philip and Rose had immigrated in 1878, and everyone in the household could read, write, and speak English.40

In the Pollak Picture Window

Between 1900 and 1906, many pictures were displayed to the public in the Pollak Brothers’ picture window. Below are recounting of those found in the paper.41

Social Commentary: Holiday Shoppers Careless with their Pocketbooks, December 22, 190042

1901 – Death of brother Adolph

Philip’s brother, Adolph, passed away on August 18, 1901.43 On December 6 of that year, a set of resolutions from the Melchizedek Lodge, presented to his family, was displayed in the Pollak Brothers’ show window.44 Adolph left behind a large family, including his wife Bertha Mendelsohn Pollak, daughters Helena, Jenny, and Martha, and sons Emil, Charles, Arnold, Walter, Irving, Jacques, and Monroe. Among his descendants, the most notable was his grandson Adrian, a renowned fashion designer, through his daughter Helena.45

1902 – Waterbury On Fire

You may have noticed that none of the buildings that once housed the Pollak Brothers picture store exist today. The buildings currently standing at their former locations have completely different addresses than those from the late 1800s. This change is likely due to the great Waterbury fire on February 2, 1902.

According to reports, the Pollak Art Company was located at the edge of the fire at 145 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. The Pollak Brothers occupied the first floor, while a dentist’s office and four families lived above. The families did not have insurance, although the dentist was fully insured and the Pollak Brothers had partial coverage. Despite this, their out-of-pocket losses amounted to $4,000-5,000—a significant sum at the time.46 An article printed on February 5, 1902, mentioned that some businesses were still smoldering, including the Pollak building, which sustained partial damage. A small fire remained at 9 pm but was easily extinguished.47

1902 – Pollak Brothers Reopens

After nearly three months, the Pollak Brothers reopened at the same location and expanded their offerings of musical instruments.48

1902 – 1905 Public Advertising

After reopening in April 1902, the Pollak Brothers—also known as Pollak’s Art Store or P. Pollak & Co.—began advertising regularly in the Waterbury Democrat. They continued this advertising campaign until around 1905.49

1906 Bail Out of Son-In-Law

On February 22, 1906, Philip’s son-in-law, Louis Strauss, the husband of Camilla, along with a group of other men, was charged with conspiracy to defraud the Woodmen of the World (now WoodmenLife) and the Ancient Order of Union Workers, both fraternal organizations providing insurance benefits.50 While the others charged were able to pay their own bail of $2,000, Philip paid the bail on behalf of Louis.51

1906 – Industrialization: Poor Air Quality

The expansion of several factories in the city led to significant environmental problems for Waterbury residents. During a hearing with the board of health, residents voiced complaints about noise, smoke, and dust emanating from the factories. Philip testified that life in his neighborhood had become unbearable and urged the board to take action to address these nuisances. Other parts of the city had faced similar issues in the past, and when residents reported the problems to the plant directors through the health board, the causes were promptly addressed.52

1907-1910 Waterbury City Directory

The year following Philip’s environmental complaints, he moved to a new home at 296 Willow Street, Waterbury, Connecticut.

296 Willow Street, Waterbury, Connecticut

Built in 1903, 296 Willow Street in Waterbury, Connecticut is currently a multifamily home featuring large apartments that primarily cater to Section 8 renters.53

The 1910s

1910 United States Census

In 1910, Philip, 64 (spelled Phillip), and his second wife, Rose, 58, lived with Philip’s children, Frances, 28, and Arthur, 30. They owned a mortgaged house at 296 Willow Street. Philip’s first marriage had occurred 23 years earlier, and his marriage to Rose had taken place 14 years prior. Rose did not have any biological children. Philip and his parents were born in Austria, with “Germany” noted above Austria. Rose and her parents were born in Germany. Frances and Arthur were born in Connecticut, with their father listed as born in Austria (Germany) and their mother in Germany—likely referring to Rose rather than their biological mother, Adele, who was born in Bohemia. Philip immigrated to the United States in 1865 and was naturalized, while Rose immigrated in 1876. Everyone in the household could speak, read, and write English. Philip worked as an art dealer in the picture industry, Frances was a dressmaker, and Arthur was a clerk in the drug industry. They were all self-employed.54

Death of Philip Pollak, January 22, 1911

Philip Pollak passed away on January 22, 1911, at the age of 65, at his home at 296 Willow Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, after suffering a paralytic shock (possibly a stroke or brain hemorrhage) a week prior.55

He was buried at Melchizedeck Cemetery in Waterbury.56 His gravestone bears the name “Philipp Pollak,” reflecting the Bohemian spelling of his name. He was laid to rest next to his first wife, Adele, and their infant son, Leo. The cemetery is locked to the public, so this photograph of his gravestone is the best available.57

Transcript: "Philip Pollak, aged sixty-five years, one of the best known residents among the Hebrew people of Waterbury, died at his home, 296 Willow street, yesterday after a brief illness caused by a paralytic shock sustained about a week ago. He was widely known throughout this section and for forty years conducted a picture store known as P. Pollak & Co. with a location on Bank street and later at 25 Grand street. He was a member of the Knights of Pythas, Improved Order of Heptasophs, Melchizedeck lodge, I.O.B.A., Friendship, Social and Benevolent society and of the S. of F. society. He is survived by a wife and three daughters, Camille, Josephine and Frances, also two sons, Oscar and Arthur. He leaves one brother, Joseph Pollak. The funeral will be from the home to-morrow afternoon at 2 o'clock and Rev. David Levi of New Haven will officiate. Burial will be in the family plot in Melchizedeck cemetery."

Philip Pollak’s life was marked by entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and a deep commitment to his community. His journey from Bohemia to Waterbury, Connecticut, showcases a story of determination and success. Despite personal losses, including the death of his first wife, Adele, Philip continued to thrive both in his business ventures and personal life, remarrying and maintaining active involvement in civic organizations. His legacy is a testament to his contributions to Waterbury’s business landscape and his enduring impact on the community through his leadership roles in various social and charitable organizations. Philip’s story is a rich tapestry of personal and professional achievements, reflecting the broader immigrant experience in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries​.

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