Abraham Banner arrived in America at the age of nine on January 5, 1900 with his mother, three sisters (Helen, Henrietta, Anna), and a baby brother (Irving).  His father, Moses,  an older sister (Beckie), and an older brother (Maxwell S.) had already immigrated and were living with their Uncle Fishel Banner and Aunt Matilda on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

 

Much to the dismay of the family, Abraham was too young to work (children had to be 14), so he went to school, where he developed an intense love of learning.  Nevertheless, at the age of 14 he got a taste of working in New York's leather district, and decided that his dream was to open a pocketbook factory.  He later opened Banner Brothers and was joined by his brothers Maxwell and Irving.

 

In the 1950's Abe wrote his memoirs.  I have been transcribing the memoirs into computer files and will add chapters as they are completed.

 

Please be advised that the documents reproduced here are copyrighted.  Please see the copyright notice on the home page.  Descendents of Fishel and Abraham Banner are permitted to make copies without permission.