Helen & Ruth Eldrich
While on his way to find work in neighboring Goose Creek, forty-one-year-old Sigmund Eldrich, a peddler, suddenly died at Houston’s Union Station in March 1922. The next year, Sigmund’s widow, the former Tillie Blum, placed their two daughters in the Home. Helen was 5 and Ruth was 4.
While in the Home, Helen was a member of Girl Scout Troop 33, which included girls from the Home as well as those in neighboring parts of the city. She celebrated her confirmation at Temple Sinai in 1932 and graduated from its religious high school in 1935, the same year she performed with Louise Karp and other fellow residents in the Home’s elaborate anniversary program. She later fondly recalled having socials in the Home every Friday night and dancing.
Sisters Helen, left, and Ruth Eldrich at the Home. Undated photo courtesy of Helen’s son, Dr. Stephen F. Schwartz.
In this 1929 photo, Superintendent “Uncle Harry” Ginsburg reads to Home kids, including Helen Eldrich and Earl Foreman (at immediate right of Ginsburg on sofa) while Lee (or identical twin Sam) Hartman leans over sofa (at immediate left of Ginsburg). “I always loved Uncle Harry,” Helen told a Texas Jewish Post reporter in 1995. “I felt like I was one of his favorites… He told the most wonderful stories. I loved him, I really did.”
Helen Eldrich, seated at desk, with unidentified Home girls. Golden City Messenger, Nov.-Dec. 1932. Beginning in the late 1920s, the Home converted its large barracks-style dormitories into small personalized bedrooms for up to four children.
In May 1936, Helen was discharged from the Home into the care of her uncle, Jack Blum, in Fort Worth, Texas. She soon began work at Radio Station KTAT, where she hosted a weekday morning broadcast during which she answered listeners questions about radio and movie celebrities. Joined by fellow Home alumna Ida Beerman, Helen also participated in the activities of the Council of Jewish Juniors.
In 1938, Helen married Leon G. Schwartz, who worked as a salesman for a giftware manufacturer. Helen and Leon had two children. Following Leon’s death, Helen married Max Shapiro.
Helen died in 2011 at age 94.
Helen Eldrich Schwartz, 1938. Unattributed photo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, July 11, 1938.
In Helen's Words
In 1995, Helen Eldrich Shapiro was interviewed about her childhood in the Home for an article in the Texas Jewish Post. “As I look back, I don’t have a single derogatory thing to say about it. The medical care was the finest in the world, and, of course, the education was also. At the time we didn’t realize we’re having the best possible, but I think back now and I think it really was great. Then, it didn’t enter my mind one way or another.”
Elizabeth Rosen, “After 140 Years Jewish Children’s Home, Now Guided by Jewish Children’s Regional Service, Brings Back Memories to Former Home Kids,” Texas Jewish Post, Sept. 14, 1995.
Helen Eldridge (Eldrich) Schwartz Shapiro. From Find a Grave.
Ruth remained in the Home until 1937. She returned to Houston, Texas where she worked as a clerk for a clothing retailer.
In 1948 she married Nathan Roth in a ceremony celebrated at her uncle’s home in Fort Worth. They lived in Dallas where they raised two children.
Ruth died in 1972 at the age of 53 and was buried in Temple Emanuel-El Cemetery.
Ruth Eldrich Roth. Unattributed photo from Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Feb. 29, 1948.