Israel Bernstein was born in Portland, Maine on November 22, 1890. He graduated from Harvard College in 1912 and Harvard Law School in 1915. In 1922, he married Rebecca Thurman; they had two daughters. He was an attorney at law from 1915 until his death in 1967. Israel Bernstein served as a Regimental-Sergeant-Major in the 12th division U.S. Army during Word War I. He was on the executive board of many organizations, such as the Jewish Federation of Portland and the National Jewish Historical Society of Portland, Maine. Bernstein also co-established the Casco Bank and Trust Company. Among his many achievements, the Boy Scouts of America awarded him both the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope Awards for his distinguished service to youth. The Jewish Federation of Portland, Maine recognized his service as President in 1947 and 1948 and granted Bernstein a citation commemorating his devotion to the organization. Bernstein died in 1967.
-
November 22, 1890:
Born in Portland, Maine.
-
1912:
Graduated Harvard College.
-
1915:
Graduated Harvard Law School.
-
1922:
Married Rebecca Thurman.
-
1933:
Co-established Casco Bank and Trust Company.
-
1940:
Awarded Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award.
-
1945:
Awarded Boy Scouts of America Silver Antelope Award.
-
1948:
Elected President of the Jewish Federation of Portland.
-
1949:
Jewish Federation of Portland, Maine tribute to Bernstein.
-
1953:
Received a Citation from the National Jewish Welfare Board.
-
1953:
Elected President of the Jewish Historical Society of Portland, Maine.
-
1956:
Received a Citation from the Jewish Federation of Portland, Maine.
-
1967:
Died in Portland, Maine.
-
Footnotes
- 1Information used in this finding aid is from the following sources: Materials from the collection.
From the guide to the Israel Bernstein (1940-1968), Papers, undated, 1945-1968, (American Jewish Historical Society)
