JEWS@WORK

150 Years of Commerce
& Industry in Oregon

Part I (1850-1921)

June 5 - October 16, 2005

Jews@Work follows the working lives of Oregon's Jews. From the pioneers who came with the Gold Rush to care for the miners; to junk peddlers who sold their wares from street carts; to storekeepers who spanned out across the state; to entrepreneurs who found unique ways to experience Oregon's abundant opportunities, Oregon Jews defined themselves through their work.

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General Store c. 1890 Some Jewish peddlers succeeded in overcoming the hardships of pioneer days and eventually became merchants and general store proprietors. Many of the artifacts that you see in this recreation of a store were used by pioneer Jews as they moved westward

Peddler's Cart Many Jewish immigrants to Oregon began as peddlers. Peddling served as a starting point–a way to learn English and save some money. Young men traveled throughout Oregon hawking dry goods, second-hand clothing, cooking tools, jewelry, notions and scrap metal. A few succeeded handsomely–Schnitzer Steel, Zidell Industries, Royal Flush Beverages and the Meier & Frank stores have their humble roots in street peddling–but most did not. The majority of Jewish merchants contented themselves with small family run clothing and dry goods stores.