Robert M. Spitz

Solomon Spitz was born in Breslau, Germany and emigrated to the United States in his teens. He worked in New York, Cleveland, OH, and the Black Hills, SD. He moved to Santa Fe in 1880 where he sold and repaired watches. He later specialized in Mexican filigree jewelry and opened a jewelry store on the Plaza. He was also involved in real estate and became a director of the 1st National Bank of Santa Fe. He was a 33rd degree Mason. He married Francis and they had three children, Bernard, May, and Florence. Bernard Spitz was a veteran of WW-I and took over the jewelry business until 1974; May Spitz owned and managed real estate properties; and Florence Spitz married Martin Gardesky and was active in the community. Mr. Gardesky was a local pharmacist and member of the Board of Directors of the 1st National Bank of Santa Fe.

From the guide to the Spitz Family Business Papers, 1888-1975, (New Mexico History Museum. Fray Angélico Chávez History Library.)