AuthorGold, Irving, 1911-1998.
TitleIrving Gold Scrapbook [microform] ca. 1930-1936.
Description1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm.
General NoteThis scrapbook will be of value to researchers interested in American dance music in the 1930s as well as researchers interested in Jewish musicians in the 1930s. Irv Gold and His Orchestra was based in Cleveland, Ohio, but played in other communities including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Findlay Lake, New York; and Akron, Ohio. The group frequently played at supper clubs and ballrooms, and was broadcast on radio stations. In addition to leading and booking his own band, Gold booked other individuals and groups including Sammy Kaye and Red Nichols and His Famous Orchestra.
Restrict. AccessNo restrictions.
Summary NoteThe Irving Gold Scrapbook, ca. 1930-1936, consists of posters, newspaper clippings, photographs, telegrams, and sheet music.
Historical NoteIrving Gold (1911-1998), bandleader and businessman, was the eighth of the ten children of Max and Becky Goldstein, Russian Jewish immigrants who settled in Cleveland, Ohio, at the turn of the century. At the age of 13, Gold began trumpet lessons which he helped pay for by selling newspapers on a street corner and selling produce from a horse-driven wagon. Gold attended Central High School, where he played in the band. In 1930, he formed his own six-member dance band, Irv Gold and His Orchestra, which was in existence until 1936. The band played at supper clubs including Club Mirador (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and Club Budapest (105th and Euclid, Cleveland, Ohio). In addition, they frequently played at Summit Beach Park (Akron, Ohio), and were often broadcast on radio. During this period Gold also acted as an agent for other entertainers. To this day Gold continues to be an active member of the Cleveland Musicians' Union. Following his professional music career, Irving Gold and his brother Dan (d. 1965) established Highland Hardward (W. 121st and Lorain Avenue) and Cleveland Housewares and Supply Company, before both worked for Giant Tiger. Irving Gold later established a series of manufacturing concerns: Key Spray Company, Polar Industries, and Merrymaid Plastic. In the 1950s, Gold was one of the founders of the Cleveland Housewares Club, a social group whose members were in the housewares business. He served that group as president for five years, during which time the membership expanded greatly. He retired from business in 1993. In 1937, Gold married Rhoda Sobol; the couple had three daughters: Arol, Janet and Marjorie. Since 1948, Gold has been a member of B'nai Jeshurun Congregation (Temple-on-the-Heights). From 1952 until the present, he has had the honor of serving the congregation by blowing the shofar at Yom Kippur services.
Provenance NoteLoan from Irving Gold, 1995.
SubjectsDance orchestras -- Ohio -- Cleveland.
Gold, Irving, 1911-1998.
Jewish musicians -- Ohio -- Cleveland.
Jews -- Ohio -- Cleveland -- History.
Jews -- Ohio -- Cleveland -- History -- Sources.
Call Number/Copies 
 WRHS Research Library: Microfilm Cabinet 53 Drawer 1
MQ227142: Positive microfilm, microform room [status: NON-CIRCULATING]
[Record 137176]