The Ratshesky Family
First noted on Hanover and N.Centre St. in 1883, Asher Ratshesky opened a retail clothing store with his sons, Israel and Abraham (A.C.), and remained in the area through 1928. Their lasting presence in this parcel is a representation of their influence in the North End. Asher Ratshesky was a Jewish immigrant that built his business to become one of the "biggest clothing dealers in the city" (Hennessy). The Ratshesky family paved the way for immigrants entering Boston, not only as a example of hard work and perseverance, but also through the charitable contributions to the city's lower income communities which were largely immigrants at the time.
Boston Gas Light Company. "Blackstone Street, Boston." Photograph. 1882. Digital Commonwealth,
Pictured on the left is one of the few images of the Ratshesky clothing store, from the view point of Blackstone St.. Although cropped to focus on the storefront, the original photo is the same image used as the introduction photo of the Hanover St Hotels page, which displays the Robertson House, the first name of the lodging house. Being located on the busy Hanover Street, the Ratshesky clothing store garnered daily foot traffic from Bostonians making their around the city.
As the family business continued to thrive, one of the Ratshesky sons, A.C., began to immerse himself in the local affairs of Boston and developed a career that extended beyond Hanover St.
Personal record of Abraham Captaine Ratshesky (1956), Boston (Mass.). Record Commissioners. Boston (Mass.). Common Council.1890/1892
A.C. Ratshesky and His Charitable Influence
Abraham Captaine (A.C.) Ratsheshky had diverged from his father's footsteps and became a successful banker in Boston, but his legacy in the Boston area is centered around his charitable contributions. In 1915, A.C. anonymously donated $100,000 to the Federated Jewish Society which had gone towards the development of poor Jewish communities throughout Boston. His charitable contributions to the city would continue, both during and after his life through the A.C. Ratshesky Foundation. The foundation still provides financial aid and assistance to individuals and families in need throughout the Boston area as well as supports disadvantaged Jewish populations. For more information on the A.C. Ratshesky Foundation and its history, visit https://www.ratsheskyfoundation.org/
The Ratsheskys and the United States Trust Company
Following a long career in banking and amassing substantial wealth, A.C. and his brother, Israel, founded the United States Trust Company in Boston, which was recognized as the "first Jewish bank of Boston" (Hennessy). The bank, located on the same corner of Hanover and N. Centre St where their father established their clothing business, provided credit and other services to the increasing immigrant population in the city (AtlasScope). Their work had allowed for the growth of the city and granted immigrants of Boston an avenue for economic growth and development. The Ratsheskys' presence in the North End of Boston is a representation of figures with significant capital and influence making lasting investments to this area. More information on this topic can be found on the North End Investments page.
On the left, a portion of a Boston Globe article detailed the wealth of Israel Ratshesky following his death in 1927, which included his involvement in the US Trust Company and the A.C. Ratshesky foundation. Possessing over 2 million dollars of personal wealth in 1927 would have guaranteed a place in the upper echelon of Bostonian wealth. Israel and A.C.'s financial successes and their longstanding presence in the parcel represent a common theme of long-established proprietors of the upper class investing in this parcel.
Bibliography
- Hennessy, M E. "A. C. RATSHESKY GIVES WIFE CREDIT FOR GIFT: Banker Only Hopes He Can Merit Same Eulogy As Globe Gave His Father." Boston Daily Globe (1872-1922); Dec 19, 1915; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Boston Globe. pg. 51
- Personal record of Abraham Captaine Ratshesky (1956), Boston (Mass.). Record Commissioners. Boston (Mass.). Common Council.1890/1892
- Boston Gas Light Company. "Blackstone Street, Boston." Photograph. 1882. Digital Commonwealth,
- "ISRAEL RATSHESKY ESTATE IS VALUED AT $2,773,243." Boston Daily Globe (1923-1927), Dec 01, 1927
- https://www.ratsheskyfoundation.org/
- Bromley, George Washington. Atlas of the City of Boston. Philadelphia: G.W. Bromley & Co. 1938. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library, via AtlasScope.