Martin Nathan collection

Collection

Identifier: MS 0784

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Forms part of the Houston Jewish History Archive. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center and requires 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Scope and Contents

The materials in this collection consist of Martin Nathan’s Bar Mitzvah Scrapbook, gift list of the same, and miscellaneous pictures of Nathan throughout his lifetime. The materials are in good condition, and range in date from 1944 to 1963, with one undated picture of Bob Hope, personally signed. This collection is both a stunning example of Jewish culture and tradition surrounding the bar mitzvah, the coming-of-age ritual in the Jewish faith, and a personal historic record of the Nathan family timeline. Many of the pictures are identified as relatives or other community figures. It also contains a Sakowitz credit card belonging to Marilyn Nathan, but issued to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Nathan before women could get credit in their own names. Researchers may find that the collection is limited in its mostly photographic content, though the scrapbook also contains a certificate of service and single news clipping with the date of the bar mitzvah on it.

Dates

Creation: 1944 - 1963

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research. Stored off-site at the Library Service Center and requires 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Martin Nathan Collection must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

Martin Robert Nathan was born in 1944 and passed away January 4, 2011. A native of Houston, he lived there most of his life with his loving wife, Marilyn Kemeny Nathan and their two sons Marc Harris and Michael Kemeny Nathan. Martin graduated from Bellaire High school before completing his Law Degree at the University of Houston, going on to practice alongside his mother for many years at Nathan, Nathan and Newman Law Firm. In 1999, he began to work with his son Marc at Bulldog Financial. A known philanthropist, Nathan gave to many people and organizations, and was known for his honesty and integrity.

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet (2 Box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Martin Nathan Collection contains photographs and scrapbook pages depicting Martin Nathan over the course of his life, with a focus on his Bar Mitzvah. The detailed identification of attendees and extensive gift list offer a clear depiction of the ceremony.