Magyar News, 1996. szeptember-1997. augusztus (7. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1997-03-01 / 7. szám
Around the Hungarian Patriots’ Day I jokingly make remarks about the Hungarians affiliation to the Irish. We celebrate March 15 and a couple of days later the Irish pay tribute to St. Patrick’s Day. Our visible symbol is the red-white-andgreen little ribbon in our lapel. Not much to see, not much to notice. People say it is all in the heart. Then a few days later you could see the same people all dressed in green; green suit, green shirt, green tie and hat, though I have never seen green shoes. We outdo ourselves to show the Irish that we respect them. I recently had a reversed experience. Visiting relatives in New Hampshire, I was put on the spot by an Irish relative - by marriage. He was referring to a family that came from Hungary, worked hard, had bad times and also success. I was told in a very emotional manner that the whole world should be proud of them, and I should write about them in the Magyar News. These people came from Hungary. The truth is that through last year many publications wrote about it. “One Boss in a Million” - “restores our faith in corporate America”. I was collecting some articles with the determined intention to write about this personal miracle. Tied up with other matters I just couldn’t get to it. I needed an Irish American to tell me to praise the Hungarians. Good turn. Well here’s the story. Up in the Northeast comer of Massacbusets lays Lawrence. A half an hour above Boston. Century old factory buildings were the home of Malden Mills. This mill is one of the most profitable textile businesses in the industry, putting bread on the table of 3000 people and their families just along the Northeast. Nowadays the whole world knows their product. You buy it for your children and probably for yourself, too. The product of the mill is used for those frizzy, lightweight sporty clothes that go by the name of “Polartec” and “Polarfleece.” These are man-made materials, light weight and very warm. Page 6 Seasoned in fire In the first years of this century a man from Hungary, Henry Feuerstein, was pushing a cart on the Streets of New York selling rags. By 1906 he founded the mill called Malden Mills. His son, Samuel continued the business getting his training at the early age of 13. Later Samuel had other members of the family work in the mill. His son, Aaron, is the present owner. Aaron majored in philosophy and English literature. He kept studying after he took over the mill, saying that business alone doesn’t enrich a man. At the plant his wife joined him, then two of his sons and a sonin-law. They spent years with him. Recently Aaron turned 70, and he was trying to avoid any celebration figuring it might give the false idea that he will be retiring. So his birthday party took place - where else? - at the Cafe Budapest in Boston. That was the night when disaster struck. Late night when Aaron Feuerstein arrived home the telephone was ringing. He was told that two buildings were on fire and the five story main mill has contracted the flames, too. The sight was a total disaster. Feuerstein was numb and the people around saw their future going up in flames. After the injured were taken care of he recalled his father saying “In a place where is no man, do everything in your power to be a man.”He also remembered what his grandfather taught him “A good name is the greatest treasure a man can acquire.” These are pretty tough moral norms to live up to. Aaron Feuerstein was chosen to do so. Being sole owner of the company he was not under the pleasure of the shareholders, therefor was able to do what his heart dictated to him. First of all he handed out the regular payroll envelope that also contained $275.00 for each person. Then he extended paying the salary to all employees for a whole month, including those who were without anything to do. Such a gesture from an employer at Christmas time touched people in the area. Businesses, banks, individuals all the way to Seattle showed their support. People from New Hampshire donated Christmas trees and toys. Aaron Feuerstein also made a decision to stay at the same location to continue working with his thousands of people who otherwise would be out of work and have a questionable future. In a month the mill was reorganized to production and 65% of the workforce was putting out the world famous product. There were three factors that helped Mr. Feuerstein to get everything together, besides his own people. That was a lucky simádon in this tragic event. First it was an off season time, then the warehouse holding the finished fabric was spared by the fire, and last, new machines were arriving at the time. It is great to learn about such deeds that take under consideration the welfare of dependent people. For us it has more importance because every time the Feuerstein family was mentioned, also their Hungarian background was put into the foreground. We fell very proud about it. Joseph F. Balogh NICE TO SEE HIM SEE In the past weeks we were happy to have Right Reverend Dr. John Butosi among us again. After he retired from the United Church of Christ on North Avenue in Bridgeport, he took on a teaching job at the Theologian Seminary in Debrecen, Hungary. This past year Reverend had an eye problem that was operated on. Some complications hindered gaining full use of one eye and he had a second surgery. This time his recovery turned out to be successful. He spent some time with his daughter, the Balias family, then returned to his home in Pennsylvania. We wish Reverend full recovery. It is nice to see him, and for him to see us. w z^JSl =TÜ LENTEN ECUMENICAL SERVICES Wednesdays at 7:30 PM February: 19/ Church of the Resurrection, Clinton Ave 26/ Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church, Scofield Ave. March: 5/ Calvin United Church of Christ, Kings Highway. 12/ St. Emery Roman Catholic Church, Kings Highway. 19/ First United Church of Christ, Clinton Ave 26/ United Church of Christ, North Ave. Everyone is welcome l\L___ lib llv' Til
