Irving Rose Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0062

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center in small manuscript collections.

Content Description

One folder containing a Hebrew karaoke sing along and Shabbat Shalom book, both undated, documents some interests of Irving Rose.

Dates

Creation: n.d.

Creator

Rose, Irving (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research. Stored on-site at the Woodson Research Center.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Irving Rose Papers 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

Irving Rose was born on September 14, 1925, to Edward Rose and Anne Ginsberg. His father started a scrapyard in Smackover, Arkansas. The family lived in a duplex in front of the scrapyard. During the Great Depression, Edward borrowed $10 from a friend to build Rose Pipe and Supply Company in Kilgore, Texas. After 6 months, the family followed Edward to Kilgore. Irving’s mother was devout and would have kosher meat shipped in on dry ice from Kansas City. She was the driving force behind the Jewish community and would host Sunday school at their home. She helped to establish the first synagogue in Kilgore. By 1932, the Great Depression hurt the scrap business. The family made their way to Houston with no money. Edward started another scrapyard in Houston with the help of a local CPA named McClendon. By this point, Irving dropped out of school to work in the scrapyard, but went to night school to complete his education. During World War II, Irving passed the exam for the naval aviation program and was sent to college in Missouri at Maryville Teacher College from 1943-1944. It was here that a coach tapped him to play football. By 1944, the flight school sent Irving to Rice Institute, where he continued his football career and studied petroleum engineering.

Before finishing college, Irving returned to the family business to help his father, who was in poor health. Irving married Blanche Backrack in 1950 at Congregation Emanu El. They were the first couple married by Rabbi Robert Kahn. They had 4 children: 3 boys and a girl: Arthur, Elaine, Steve, and Elliot. His company, the Houston Junk Company, processed material to make new steel. He sold the company and started Rose Metal Recycling with his brother, which was later sold. His latest company is called Rose Steel Center. Irving is an inventor and innovator who created new processing methods for steel production. Irving is an active member of Congregation Beth Yeshurun, and he has written a transliterated pamphlet for the weekly service along with a book of poetry about Shabbat.

Forms part of the Joan and Stanford Alexander South Texas Jewish Archives.