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I'd love to hear from any relatives out there. I remember Aunt Hattie from my childhood, especially her house in Manhattan with the circular staircase. She, my grandfather Herman and their brother Toni (originally Abel) would have regular meetings, as I recall. I also have some photographs I could scan in if anybody is interested. Lucille Ball was one of their models before she became famous. Please visit http://www.hattie-carnegie.info
Hi Shoshana,
This is Amy, the owner of Hattie-Carnegie.info
I would love to see some of the photographs, that you have of the family?
Might I please also have permission to post them on Hattie's website?
Wow, this is so exciting, Exactly how are you related again?
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
Amy
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Hi Amy,
Hattie, her brother Herman (my grandfather) and her other brother Abel, who liked to be
called "Toni" were the three who started Hattie Carnegie. There were a couple of other
sisters, Rose and Frances, whom I remember from my childhood. But it was Hattie who
changed the family name from Kanengeiser to Carnegie because she thought it would
sell better.
I found the best photo I had and scanned it,once in the frame (which turned out a bit blurry)
and once outside the frame, which is clearer. The original photograph had been scissored
off to fit an oval frame at some point so I used the mat to cover up the uneven corners.
I think I have more pictures buried someplace and I'll ask my mother what she has. I know
she had a perfume bottle---the golden head---for years, as well as unopened boxes of Hattie
Carnegie Blue and Pink. I don't know if she still has them, though.
I think Toni was the only child born in the US. Their parents' names were Isaac and Hannah.
I have the naturalization papers for my grandmother's family but not for my grandfather's, not
yet at least. And I have their marriage certificate and Ketubah. But I don't have Hattie's.
There should be a marriage certificate on file in NYC, though.
Anyway, you may absolutely use the picture, and any others I find. I rather like this one,
mistress of all she sees. My childhood memories are as big as life anyway.
Is there anything specific I might be able to tell you?
I hope the pictures come out clearly.
Shalom,
Shoshana
Wow, This is exciting!
You say your memories are clear, Could you share your favorites with me Please. Might you be able to scan the marriage certificate for Isaac and Hannah, and there Ketubah. Would love to see it?.......and have a copy for the family/friends section
Do you have any pictures of Herman?, Isaac or Hannah to share?
Also what do you think of my tribute to Hattie and the rest of your family?
I would love to get an opinion from a family member?
The site will be five years old in October.
How many children did Herman have?
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The Carnegie Family: What You Will NOT Find in the Books
Herman Carnegie took over the role of the family patriarch, after the untimely passing of his father Isaac as was customary of the eldest son in a traditional Jewish household. He had only an eighth grade education, however he had possessed maturity and wisdom well beyond his years. He had quit his formal education in order to bring in another much needed income to the family.
He appreciated where he came from, but he could not help, but hold bitterness against the Austrian government for what they did not only to his personal family, and his other loved ones, but even to those Jews that he did not know personally, or any other groups of individuals that were forced from their homelands or who had died simply because of prejudice and hate.
This sadness remained within Herman into his later years, his granddaughter, Shoshana, recalled that he once told her not to wear her six pointed Star of David to a job interview, when he saw her pick up the beloved gold necklace, the symbol of Judaism, when she inquired as to why she should not wear the beloved heirloom, he told her with a heavy heart, “Because you probably will not get the job”
The Kanengeiser’s felt a need to shed their ethnic identity, not because they wanted to, but they felt they needed tofit in, to grasp a new identity as that of an American Family. Isaac encouraged the children to speak only English in their new homeland. The children would begin to rattle off conversations in their native German, if Isaac or Henna heard them, they would remind them. “English, children, please speak English”
I have shared this story before, Henrietta was arguing with Herman, Isaac would get tired of their constant feuding, he told her, “Henrietta, if you absolutely must fight with your brother, practice your English.”
Henrietta replied, “Papa, I don’t know any of those words in English.”
The children only spoke Yiddish on the Sabbath, at synagogue, or while bowing their heads in prayer. The English language was encouraged at all other times.
The newly named Carnegie children were well ahead of their time when it came to their beliefs. Isaac and Henna were traditionalist, the children were not.
Hattie was an Auntie Mame, according to her niece, Hattie rejected the idea of not only the arranged marriage, but supported early forms of birth control, and did not believe that you had to be married to share intimacy with the one that you loved.
One of Hattie’s best friends on the Lower East Side, had a baby, when she was just sixteen. Hattie had too many dreams to be saddled with an infant at such a young age.
Because Henna had seven babies, all of them were born at home. Hattie was well informed about the birds and the bees......at least when it came to labor and delivery. Any other questions, she had, she would discuss with the other young girls at Macy’s. Her friends were as curious as she, but in that day and age, this topic was not discussed within most families. Most girls of that generation, did not know where babies came from until they had one.
Hattie knew that she loved John, and when their relationship, became serious, she wanted to be prepared. She told John, that she was not ready to have a baby of her own, because she was already busy helping her mother raise her young siblings.
Hattie and John were able to locate a friend who was able to obtain all the latest forms of birth control methods at prices that they could afford.....or they would trade for other items, such as cigarettes.
The year was 1902, This practice was very illegal at the time, The Suffragist Movement was trying to change this, fighting for rights, as basic as Family Planning with Doctor Counseling, but this was still not permitted in most states.
Friends would cover for Hattie and John when they wanted to be “alone” Hattie would tell her parents that she staying at the house of a female friend when in reality she was actually with John.
She would incorrectly state that she HAD love with John, instead of MADE love with John. She was worried the first time, that her father would find out about their intimacy, and he would be furious, her friends laughed and told her that there was no mark on her forehead.
Hattie also sold lingerie at her shop in New York City, and believed that women should always look their best for their husbands or boyfriends.
Toni was also very ahead of his time, His story was that he fell in love, with a woman who belonged to the Roman Catholic Faith. Toni was Jewish, Toni’s girlfriend could not or would not marry him. They wanted more than anything to be together, so they broke another taboo. They moved in together. The couple believed that this would be more accepted in society, then an interfaith marriage. I personally do not know about that or which is more controversial. According to Shoshana, they were very happy, and she adored Toni’s common law marriage wife, and said, that she was a wonderful, loving aunt. Shoshana loved her Uncle Toni very much, and he travelled a lot, and always sent her a postcard, that had “Love Uncle Toni" scrawled on the back, he never forgot to send his niece, a memento of his travels, just to tell her that he was thinking of her and that he loved her.
Shoshana was in complete awe of Aunt Hattie, and referred to her on the phone, when she was talking with me, as her Auntie Mame.
She thought Aunt Hattie was an incredible woman, and very interesting. She used to like to talk to Aunt Hattie and dance around Hattie’s huge house. She loved Aunt Hattie’s circular staircase. Hattie used to comment that she was full of energy, but a lovely little girl.
She would also run around Hattie’s huge maisonette, and play with the toy poodles, Onyx and Opal.
She would try to keep all her niece’s and nephew’s straight about who was who.
She would often say to Shoshana, “You are Herman’s granddaughter,” Shoshana would reply, “Yes, I am…..Aunt Hattie.”
Hattie always had treats in her house for the little ones when they would come to visit. Shoshana recalls that Hattie’s housekeeper, Madeline, whom she loved to chat with fix her and her brother these huge bowls of ice cream.
Shoshana remembers how sad it was that by the time that she turned ten (1954) that her once energetic Aunt Hattie fell very, very ill, and she started to sleep a lot, and was so weak, that she began to spend a lot of time in bed. The diagnosis was stomach cancer, which saddened Shoshana, but because she was still so young, she didn’t understand, just how sick, Hattie was. She would ask her grandfather, “Why was Aunt Hattie always in bed?" Herman would tell her that Aunt Hattie was sick, and needed her rest. Hattie was in total agony, and would sometimes cry out in pain, if you shook the bed. Shoshana would be careful, not to jar the bed, and cause her pain.
Herman, Toni, Rose and Hattie would have regular meetings at Hattie’s apartment in Manhatten. Tony would bring Shoshana and her brother along because Hattie loved to see them, and they cheered her up. Especially when she was sick from the cancer.
I heard that Hattie was so sick, at the end, that if it weren’t for John, Hattie would have spent the remainder of her life in a hospice, but he took care of her personal needs, such as helping her bathe, dress, etc.
Hattie did not want her customers, employees, co-workers, and fans (and yes, she had quite the fan base) to feel sorry for her, so she told the family, not to let on to the press, the extent of her sickness, the family did not agree, and thought if they went public with her illness, the outpouring of love would help her, but they did as she said, and told the press that she was in retirement.
Hattie passed away on the 22nd of February, 1956. Shoshana was twelve years old.
Back to Herman, Shoshana’s grandfather, he married a beautiful girl from the Lower East Side, her name was Anne. Anne was ten to twelve years, Herman’s Junior. Herman was in his late 30’s when he married his young bride on Christmas Eve of 1921. They married in Atlantic City. Shoshana’s mother Marilyn was born, three years later, in 1924, and their younger daughter, Imogene was born in 1930. They kept Herman young.
Herman was very gifted and highly intelligent and responsible. The young man who had to drop out of school after eighth grade, went back later, and got his GED, his Citizenship, and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant, remembering and holding true what his parents taught him about the importance of an education. He also loved crossword puzzles, and could complete an entire puzzle.
Herman thought that a young Lucille Ball was highly gifted. Like the rest of America. Herman became her biggest fan, saw all her movies, and remembered her from when she was just a baby of seventeen.
One time, Lucille was swinging her purse. Herman asked, “Did my sister fire you yet again?”
She answered, “That is right, Herman.” and Lucille added with a laugh, “I will see you tomorrow.”
Easygoing, Herman, Could not fathom his sister’s temper. Herman passed away from cancer in the early 1970’s when Shoshana was in her early to mid 30’s.
Shoshana and her husband have three grown children.......and they live in California.
Her mother, Marilyn and Aunt Imogene. (Herman's daughters, Hattie's nieces) are still alive and well and are in their mid eighties.
Thank you to Shoshana for sharing her memories of her family with this website.
With Love and Appreciation
Amy
HATTIE'S EARLY YEARS
"Auntie"Hattie was an Auntie Mame type according to
her niece, Shoshana
Shoshana's Personal Family Album.
 She looked beautiful in this next photograph
Perhaps Miss Hattie had the photograph below taken for John
Her beloved pearls were a gift from John
The Kanengeiser (Carnegie) Children
Parents Helen Legal Name (Hannah) Jewish Name (Kranczer) and Isaac
1. Herman
2. Henrietta (Hattie)- born 1886
3. Abel (Toni)
4. Madeline
5. Rose
6. Frances
7. Celia
* Herman, Toni, and Rose worked for Hattie Carnegie, Inc.
Below Anne and Herman Carnegie:
Shoshana's Grandmother, Anne, with her Grandfather, Herman
Notice the eyes especially: Herman and Hattie were definitely siblings
On their Wedding Day, on December 24th 1921
Shoshana adored her grandparents.
and Herman and Hattie were the closest of all the siblings, had a fierce rivalry, but a deep love and appreciation for one another. Because they were the two eldest, and worked hard to keep the family safe and secure. Herman was the patriarch upon Isaac's death.
Thank you to Shoshana for sharing her personal photographs with this website. WHAT AN HONOR!
THE ZANFT CHILDREN
Mothers name was Jeanette, John's father was predeceased, and he was not listed in the obituary, Name Unknown
1. John (1883) Major after World War I
2. Yetta
3. Susan
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HELEN was Legal Name HANNAH was her Jewish Name and ISAAC- Hattie's Parents-
Hattie always had a lot of love and respect for her mother. Helen (Hannah) Kranzer was born in the early 1860’s in the Austrian countryside. Hannah was very proud that she could read and write because the opportunity for education was rare for Jews in the 1860s. Most Jews were not permitted to go to school, so Hannah thought that she was fortunate to have been able to attend one.
She married a tailor, Isaac Kanengeiser by the traditional marriage/matchmaker arrangement in the early 1880’s The couple’s first child, a son was born around 1883-84. Their second child, a daughter, was born two to three years later in 1886. The couple named her Henrietta Helen, so she was was not only her namesake, she just happened to have blue eyes, and curly blonde hair.
Hattie’s father was a tailor, but the family lived in severe poverty due to the restrictions placed on individuals of the Jewish faith. He was only able to find employment in certain neighborhoods, so to supplement the family income he utilized his artistic talent and sold some of his paintings and artwork. Hattie’s mother loved gardening and baking and sold some of their vegetables and pies to the local markets. She loved to cook and continued to make traditional Austrian dishes for her family when they emigrated to New York. Hattie’s mother was like the majority of women from her generation, and her primary role was taking care of the home and the family. When the family suffered a terrible fire, there was no choice, but to leave Austria, and Hannah supported her husband’s decision.
They chose New York as their destination because there were many employment opportunities available in the garment industry. They settled in a Jewish neighborhood on the Lower East Side. It was a poverty stricken neighborhood, but on a positive note many other families settled there from Austria, so they had the best of both worlds. The Kanengeiser children would be immersed in their heritage, yet at the same time they would become Americanized and learn to love their adopted country and appreciate the bright future America would offer them.
Soon after settling in New York, Hattie’s mother was informed that they would soon be expecting another baby. The thought of having another baby to feed worried them, but they considered her a blessing from God and were very pleased that their baby girl was an American citizen by birth as it made them all more American.
America was a place that the Kanengeiser family grew to love with all their hearts, but the cultural differences were very obvious. Women’s suffrage was in it’s infancy when the family settled here. This movement inspired Hattie and shocked her mother. Young Henrietta couldn't believe all the freedom that women were fighting for in the United States of America. She didn’t really understand the movement in the beginning nor what it was all about. She thought that she now had freedom, but soon found out that if she became a citizen she wouldn’t have the basic right to vote. Henrietta was influenced by her friends, and joined the Women’s Rights Movement.
Miss Henrietta had decided she wanted a career, and knew she wanted a career since she was a little girl modeling her mother’s hats in the mirror or selling that yard of blue velvet that she draped on her head and pinned together. Macy’s Department Store held that same philosophy. They were the first department store to offer women managerial positions and advancement. When the department store advanced her that first managers job. Hattie could hardly contain her excitement. Hattie’s mother felt so guilty that her daughter had to leave school at such a young age and this advancement through Macy’s brought her so much happiness that she encouraged and applauded her daughter’s apparent work ethic, but didn’t think it would lead anywhere. What did it really matter? She would be married in a few years, and her career would be a distant memory.
Hannah wasn’t very pleased though when Hattie began smoking, Hattie’s mother used to get upset when she saw her lighting a cigarette. In her mother's opinion that behavior was considered very unladylike. If her mother saw her smoking a cigarette, she would have to put it out immediately by telling her, “Henrietta that isn’t very ladylike", and offered her a disapproving look. Hattie thought this was very unfair. Her mother said nothing when her brothers smoked. Although she didn't approve of Hattie’s new habit of smoking, Hattie’s mother was the lenient parent and was more open to change. She didn't mind when Henrietta wanted to wear makeup. All the girls employed at Macy’s wore makeup. Hattie bought some with her paycheck. When her mother spotted her putting it on, she thought that she was going to be in trouble, but to her surprise, her mother loved the different shades and colors of cosmetics. She thought that it looked nice. Hannah also thought it was a positive experience when Hattie began to date, and actually talked Hattie’s strict father into allowing her to date because Hannah thought it was a way for her to make some friends. Marriages were arranged, she felt that Hattie understood about the marriage contact and her impending arrangement. Helen viewed dating as socialization and it didn’t even cross her mind that Hattie would meet someone and actually fall in love.
Hattie’s parents held affection for each other. Hattie always believed, despite the fact her parents marriage was arranged by a matchmaker, that they really loved each other. They had seven children out of their union. Hattie’s mother was deeply saddened and heartbroken when Hattie’s father passed away. She was so heartbroken that Hattie was concerned that her mother would become sick. Hattie’s best friend, Alma Gluck, came to the rescue and often stopped by to cheer up her mother by singing opera songs. When Alma Gluck became a famous opera singer and Helen Kanengeiser was her most avid fan and some of her earliest concerts were in the apartment building where Hattie grew up.
Hattie kept her promise to her father that she would always take care of her mother and siblings. As soon as she made enough money, she moved them out of the rat infested tenements to a beautiful building in a very nice neighborhood.
Hannah was very proud of Hattie when she achieved her own business. She was absolutely amazed when Hattie first took her to see the shop. She just couldn’t believe this was her daughter’s shop. When Hattie had first started out, and opened up an account she was spending money like it was water and her mother was very worried. “Henrietta, how in the world are you going to pay for that?” Hattie was young and foolish at the time, and it didn’t take her long to realize that her mother was right. She didn’t know how she was going to pay for everything. She decided to that she should be more careful. Because of her mother’s advice, Hattie didn’t suffer anymore sleepless nights due to foolish spending. When Hattie went on overseas trips or to fashion related events, she often invited her mother to travel with her.
When Hattie married her teenage sweetheart John Zanft in 1928, Hannah was very happy. She always liked John, if she didn’t know at the time that they were an item, the secret was now known. Hattie’s mother was the one who encouraged them to date in the first place and now they were together united in marriage. Hattie was the only daughter that ended up in an arranged marriage because Hannah’s opinions about marriage based on love had changed overtime. Hattie had married only to please her father and her first marriage ended in divorce, so Hannah thought it was wonderful when her younger daughters were able to find happiness and a future with the men that they loved. She was equally happy when Hattie rekindled the flame with John Zanft. When Hattie changed her name legally to Carnegie, the rest of the family did the same.
Helen never understood her daughter’s fame because she owned a dress shop. All she knew was that she loved her.
A TRIBUTE TO HATTIE’S FATHER
ISAAC KANENGEISER "Carnegie"
Austrian-Jewish Traditions
The popular film Fiddler of the Roof could easily have been a biographical account about Isaac Kanengeiser’s outlook on tradition and cultural beliefs. He held them dear to his heart much like Tevye, the father in the film. Like Tevye, Isaac was conflicted because his beloved daughter Henrietta had always challenged him to change. Isaac was a traditionalist and he was always puzzled by the fact that he raised a daughter who was such a free thinker.
Isaac Kanengeiser was born in the early 1860’s in the Austrian countryside. He was trained as a tailor early in his teens and found employment in a men’s clothing store. Isaac always looked forward to every wedding in the neighborhood because he knew that he would be bringing home more money during that particular week. Isaac wanted more than anything to own his own business, but he was well aware that the Austrian government had made it next to impossible for a Jewish man to own a business, so sadly this dream remained an unreachable goal and Isaac resigned himself to working for other people.
In the early 1880’s, a neighborhood matchmaker located him a bride. She was a pretty blonde named Helen (Hannah) Kranzer. After the formal arrangement was finalized, all parties involved agreed to the terms that were set forth. The young couple were married in a traditional Jewish ceremony and settled down to start a family.
The first child was a son and two years later when Helen found out that she was expecting a second child. They hoped and prayed that this time God would bless them with a girl. Their wish was granted when Henrietta was born on March 15th, 1886.
Like most little girls, Henrietta adored her father. When Henrietta was around five years old. She started to take an interest in her father’s profession because his job often required him often to complete work at home. She would ask her father questions about tailoring and he would answer her, however she could not understand why her father only made boring men’s suits. She once told him she thought it would be much nicer to make pretty dresses because the women of the town needed a dress shop. In a favorite childhood memory. Hattie had recalled that one year for her birthday her father had surprised her by making her and her rag doll matching pink dresses.
Isaac worked for a few more years at the shop but he became increasingly discouraged because he was working long hours but was still struggling to put bread on the table. Isaac was concerned about his family and didn’t know what to do, because he didn’t want to uproot his family from the only life they knew. All this would change when the family suffered a terrible fire. Thankfully the family got out safely, but the family home burned to the ground and most of the family’s personal belongings were destroyed. Isaac and Hannah knew that the chances of rebuilding their lives in Austria were slim at best. If it was just the two of them they would have taken their chances and remained in Austria, but they had six children to consider. It was decided the only choice they had now was to try and begin a new life in the United States of America. After consulting with some friends they had chosen to emigrate to New York City within a neighborhood practically founded by Jewish immigrants. They were happy to learn their children would not lose their cultural identity. This neighborhood was founded around the garment industry and was home to many tailors and their families. Isaac and Hannah were now looking forward to the voyage to America. Henrietta didn’t feel the same way and cried that she did no want to leave Austria. Henrietta’s father told her that she had no choice in the matter, that he understood it would be difficult for her and her brothers and sisters, but they would all adjust over time. The Kanengeiser family said their tearful goodbyes to their family and friends. They didn't realize at the time, but because of the horrors of the holocaust that would take place years later, it would sadly be a final goodbye for most of the extended family.
The children were told only to bring what was absolutely necessary with them. Isaac and Hannah had to scrape together whatever savings they had to pay the fare across the ocean for eight passengers and they could not afford the cost for cargo. They also sold a few of the treasured belongings that they had managed to save before the home burned. The young girl who would grow up to be one of the greatest names in the world of fashion left Austria with only three dresses. Henrietta thought the voyage over was an adventure. She had never been out of Austria and now she was traveling across the ocean on a huge ship. Henrietta was instructed to watch her younger brothers and sisters and was told by her father not to bother other passengers. When Hattie went up to the deck she started conversations with the stewards and other passengers. She spotted a few American passengers and the inquisitive young girl began to ask questions, in broken English, about what America was like. The passengers thought she was adorable but Henrietta’s parents were very embarassed.
A short time after the emigration, Isaac located employment in the garment industry. Henrietta was only twelve years old when she dropped out of school to help bring in additional income for her family. While her older brother found work doing manual labor, Henrietta eventually obtained a job with Macy’s Department Store. Isaac was so proud of his daughter finding a job with such an exclusive world renowned department store. He felt guilty that Henrietta had to leave school at such a young age. Even though her formal education ceased, Isaac and Hannah made Henrietta study English and American history for a couple of hours each evening. She often drifted off to sleep with a book in her hand. She was becoming more interested in fashion and the business world, and asked her father what he thought about women owning their own business. Isaac told his daughter not to worry herself about the business world, because in only a few short years, she would be married with a family of her own. Isaac was also concerned that encouraging Henrietta to dream about owning her own business would only set her up for disappointment.
Because she was now a young teenager, Isaac and Hannah had begun the search for a suitable husband for Henrietta. It was truly an act of parental love, an important decision which was never to be taken lightly. Isaac felt the need to locate the perfect husband for his eldest daughter. Not only did tradition dictate that he select a future husband for his daughter by the time she reached her teen years, he wanted someone to always take care of and provide a comfortable life for his baby girl. Henrietta disagreed with her father. She was becoming more Americanized. She thought that she should be allowed to date because all the girls at Macy’s dated and talked about their boyfriends. Isaac was very upset by his daughter’s defiance regarding tradition, but his opinion was softened by Hannah who thought that dating would be a positive experience for their young daughter. Socialization would help her adjust to a new life in a new country and she seemed to understand their opinions about traditional values. Hannah believed she would not only honor her eventual arrangement, but would also grow to love the young man they selected for her. Both Hannah and Isaac agreed that Henrietta was too young to be rushed into the marriage because she was still just a young teenager. They reluctantly told her that she had their permission to date.
Henrietta met a young American by the name of John Zanft while employed as a salesgirl at Macy’s Department Store. She eventually brought John home to meet the family introducing the young man as her friend John Zanft. Henrietta was falling in love with John, but her father had recently announced that he had selected the young man who was to be her future husband. He was half English, half Austrian and his name was Ferdinand Flesichman. Even though it was morally wrong, because she was now engaged, Henrietta was so deeply in love that she continued to sneak around to be with John. Henrietta and John's friends supported the relationship and helped cover for the couple.
There was much sickness throughout the rat infested tenements. Isaac Kanengeiser fell ill and died suddenly. Henrietta cried and cried because her beloved Papa was now gone. John enlisted in the Military. Henrietta’s mother had just given birth to another baby. Henrietta could not leave her mother now to travel far away with a military man. She promised her father she would care for her mother and younger siblings, and her mother needed her more than ever now.
Henrietta walked down the aisle with Ferdinand. There wasn’t any doubt in her mind that her parents most definitely loved each other, maybe the marriage would be a success. Possibly she could share the same love with Ferdinand one day. The marriage would also honor her father’s final wish for her. Ferdinand was very kind to her just like he promised her father he would be, but the couple would never grow to attain the love her parents shared and would eventually divorce on good terms. The two, nonetheless, had developed a strong friendship. Hattie never held any bitterness towards Ferdinand, and she always cared for him. Ferdinand was happy for Hattie when she rekindled her romance with John Zanft.
In 1909, Hattie bought her first dress shop. She had succeeded in making her dream come true. She couldn’t help but recall it was also her father’s dream to have a business of his own. She felt a sense of pride following in his footsteps and when asked who her mentors were. Hattie’s father Isaac was always at the very top of her list. Her father wanted to give his children a better life in America. At the same time he had saved their lives, because if they had remained in Austria they would have suffered and died in the concentration camps of the Second World War.
Hattie’s father also had a talent for art. His favorite hobby was painting. He sold his paintings for extra income, but also painted portraits to brighten up their tenement apartment. Hattie had several of her father’s paintings proudly displayed in her living room and they were her prized possessions.
Hattie Carnegie made this statement about her parents in a November 1945 Life Magazine interview:
“Over forty years ago, my parents brought us to America to give us a better life. I am determined to make them proud.”
This article from 1949 is very good, as it goes more into Hattie's life. The article asks Hattie some questions about her family, who she looked like, and who she took after. Hattie replied that she looked like her mother because they were both really tiny with light blonde hair and blue eyes, and she took after her father. Her father was a tailor, and that first led to her interest in the clothing industry. She chose ultimately to follow in the footsteps of her father, whom she adored. Her father always wanted his own business, but was never able to achieve that as Hattie did. Little Henrietta took great interest in her father's job from a very early age, and always wanted to help him. When she was really young, he used to take her to work with him because she enjoyed helping out and because she pleaded many times.
She just couldn't understand why her father always made boring men's suits. Always the little lady, she asked her dad,
"Where are all the pretty dresses?" Mr. Kanengeiser tried to explain to his daughter,
"Henrietta, This is a men’s clothing store."
With a sad look, she blurted out, "Papa, That's not fair. Women need a shop too,I wish that you could make me a pretty dress", she used to say to her father, "then I could learn to make my dolly pretty dresses".
Little Henrietta had a beloved rag doll that she carried with her everywhere. She didn't have many toys, but Hattie and that doll were inseparable.
When she was six that she had two gifts a big present and a little present.
She opened up the big gift first and it was a beautiful pink dress that her father made for her.
She was so very happy, she wanted to go try it on immediately that she was racing around the house announcing to any one who would listen that her father made her a dress.
Her parents actually had to remind her that she had another gift to open. When she opened the second gift, it was a miniature dress identical to the one she had just gotten for her beloved doll. Henrietta was so pleased that her doll had a matching dress and they could look alike.
As she got older Hattie realized, appreciated, and never forgot, how much thought and love went into her special birthday gift.
Shortly after that the seventh little Kanengeiser was born, Hattie's baby sister, Celia. Isaac Kanengeiser sadly passed away. Celia was the only one of the Kanengeiser children to be a United States citizen by birth,
Hattie never stated what her father died from. It is very possible that it was from a tenement borne illness because, through my research, I discovered the tenement houses that housed the "Poorest of the Poor" were disease ridden. They suffered bad living conditions which caused many people to become very sick and many people died. It wasn't till the 1930's when living conditions begun to improve in the tenements, and landlords were starting to be held accountable for forcing people to live in squalor. This probably led to Hattie's fathers early demise.
Hattie stated that shortly after the youngest Kanengeiser was born, that her beloved father left this world for a much better place.
Henrietta, Her family, New York City Tenements
This crowded living space of the New York tenements often upset Henrietta. She was a young girl coming of age. Living in a tenement apartment with her six siblings and her parents offered little privacy.
The rooms in their tenement apartment were divided by doors as opposed to hallways. This did not please Helen nor Isaac because their children especially temperamental Henrietta had a tendency to slam the doors when frustrated by the lack of privacy.
Electricity was invented at the turn of the century, but like many families in their neighborhood. The Kanengeiser family utilized kerosene lanterns for light and heat. They had an indoor flushing toilet, but no bathtub, so they went to a bathhouse to bathe.
Henrietta's youngest sister Celia was born at the turn of the century in the tenement apartment, so more than likely when she was born all the neighbors knew of the blessed event because the walls were paper thin and there wasn’t any soundproofing.
Around the time of Celia’s birth, Hattie was hired by Macy’s Department Store. I can’t even imagine the state of shock, she must have been in when she first walked into Macy’s Department Store. Working in the world famous department store by day, and returning to the drab and dark tenements each evening.
Celia was the baby of the family. In many ways she was more fortunate than her sister Henrietta. She was able and encouraged to receive an education, like the younger Kanengeiser siblings. She had more opportunities than the older members of the family. She was even given a job within her sister’s already established company when she completed school.
Hattie never resented the fact that her younger siblings had it easier. She wanted them to have as many opportunities as possible in life.
In many ways though, she knew that she had blessings they didn’t because the younger children didn’t have a chance to grow up with the father that she adored. Hattie’s father Isaac’s passed away, when she was a teenager.
Hattie’s older brother Herman assumed responsibility for the family upon Isaac’s death. He was beloved and respected by all his siblings, and was a father figure to the younger ones.Celia even named her son in honor of her brother. Hattie who had always considered Herman her ultimate rival while they were growing up gained a new respect for her brother after her father’s passing.
Hattie was also loved and appreciated by her younger brothers and sisters. When Hattie decided to change her name legally to Carnegie. The rest of the family followed her lead. Hattie’s sisters, who desired to keep the name "Carnegie" within the family after they married and had families of their own, gave their children the middle name of "Carnegie".
Henrietta's Pet
When Henrietta was about five years old, her mother gave birth to her little sister, Madeline
Her mother was busy tending to the baby,. Henrietta had two brothers and wanted a baby sister and was overjoyed when the stork finally brought her a sister, and neglected her doll to hold and rock the new baby, but now she was a little jealous of the new baby girl who had arrived, and kept saying,
“Mama, Mama,” she vied for her mother’s attention.
Helen was getting flustered and she told Henrietta that she had to take care of the new baby, and noticed Henrietta’s rag doll sitting on a nearby chair, attempted to counteract her jealousy and to instill a sense of responsibility for another.
“Look at Johanna,” she told Henrietta, “she is crying for her Mama too” Henrietta had named her doll, Johanna in honor of the author who wrote her favorite book, Heidi, a book, that her mother often read to her was ironically written the same year she was born and had taken place in the Alps.
Henrietta remarked, “Johanna is sleepy, she needs to take a nap, she needs a cradle, Mama.”
Hannah emptied a nearby wicker basket, and gave her a pillow case and a tiny cloth. "Here is a blanket and cradle for her." she said kindly. Henrietta kissed her mother in appreciation and ran outside to play with her friend who had knocked on the door. Basket and baby in hand.
A little while later, Hannah looked outside as she rocked the littlest Kanengeiser to sleep. she noticed the two girls were running around outside and playing happily in the tall grass.
Isaac arrived home, and Henrietta was still outside playing, she was so busy searching for something in the grass that she didn’t acknowledge her Papa, which was rare because she loved it when he came home early.
After not receiving his usual enthusiastic greeting Isaac inquired as to what his daughter was looking for that was so interesting?
Hannah explained that she had reminded Henrietta that she to was a little mother and her dolly needed her, just as the new baby needed them.
Isaac told his wife that Henrietta probably lost her doll because she was looking for something outside.
Hannah heard as the girls repeatedly commented “You are so pretty.” They were laughing, and pleading, "Come Here, come here."
Oh they are just playing……She must be talking to that doll.
There was a loud scream, and Mr. and Mrs. Kanengeiser ran out the door and were met by Henrietta and her friend. Henrietta explained through tears that she was bitten by a bright green snake. Hannah panicked because she saw blood and she got a bandage, applied pressure, attempted to stop the bleeding. While the other little girl went to get her mother. Hannah was frightened, but she tried to maintain composure as to not frighten Henrietta and whispered "Isaac, she was bitten. Do you think it's poisonous?"
Isaac inspected the bite and he didn’t think that the snake was the poisonous kind to worry about based upon the look of the bite, but he thought that maybe he should stitch the wound, so it wouldn’t get dirty, and would heal faster.
When the other girls parents arrived to assist in holding Henrietta down. Mr. and Mrs. Kanengeiser preformed minor surgery on their eldest daughter without the benefit of an anesthetic Henrietta screamed and cried when her mother put a home remedy on the bite, and her father took a sterilized needle and thread and stitched up the bite, The procedure stung and hurt, Mother and daughter both cried.
When the wound was stitched up Isaac placed a bandage on her leg and hugged his beloved daughter.. They made her stay in bed for a couple of days to make sure that she didn’t develop a fever and within three days, she was running and playing in the Austrian countryside again, but she left those pretty green grass snakes alone.
"Green grass snakes usually don’t bite unless they think that a little girl will try to hurt them." Henrietta was warned not to try and bring one home. "Remember that God wants snakes to live outdoors, not inside a house or especially not inside a basket." Isaac instructed.
This is Herman in his Later Years
This is Anne (Herman's Wife) in her Later Years- Hattie's Sister in law
A cute story, when Henrietta first started school back in Austria. Henrietta’s parents stressed the importance of an education to her from the time that she was old enough to understand. She couldn’t wait for school to officially begin. She had talked about it for weeks. She bragged confidently about how she was going to go to school so that she could learn and become smart.
She could already read a few words, that her mother Helen had taught her and she could write her name, which was quite the accomplishment for a little girl whose name was Henrietta Kanengeiser.
The first day of school, Little Henrietta looked adorable. Her mother had tied ribbons in her blonde curls that matched with the new dress that she was wearing especially for this important milestone. Henrietta's brother Herman was a veteran entering his third year of school.
Isaac decided to be late to work on this day so he could escort his two eldest children to school. Henrietta chattered non-stop about school on the short walk there. When she arrived she hugged her Papa goodbye, running in the direction of her brother who was way ahead of her, and already in the school house, but she didn't quite make it up the stairs before she got cold feet and trailed her father to work.
Her father spotted her out of the corner of his eye and asked her what was wrong. Henrietta answered that she was scared, and since she could already read and write her name, so she didn't need to go to school. She thought she could help her Papa instead.
He told her she had to go to school because she was just a little girl, her blue eye filled with tears.
Isaac told her she shouldn't be scared because her big brother was in school with her.
He took her by the hand and walked back in the direction of the school, when they arrived. She asked her father if she couldn't go to work with him, she could stay home and help her Mama take care of the babies.
Isaac knew it was time to get tough when he yelled at his daughter, "Henrietta, Go into that school now!" Isaac hid from her. He watched her for a few minutes before going off to work.
SHOSHANA SIMON-HATTIE'S GREAT NIECE-HERMAN'S GRANDDAUGHTER
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BONNIE RADDING-HAYMSOM Hattie's Great-Niece- FRANCES GRANDDAUGTHER
I was very thrilled to hear from another relative of Hattie Carnegie. It always makes me very happy and proud, because I take so much pride in this site.
Bonnie Radding-Haymson was born on July 24, 1947. Bonnie was the granddaughter of Joseph and Frances-Carnegie Barnett. Frances was the younger sister of Hattie Carnegie.
Frances fell in love and married a gentlemen by the name of Joseph Barnett. Joseph ironically worked in the garment industry as well. They met at a youth social club
Frances and Joseph were blessed with two daughters, Edith Barnett and Hattie Barnett who was called "Peggy" because she was named in honor of her aunt, Hattie Carnegie.
Bonnie has told me, that she has some photographs of her mother, Edith that were published in the newspaper, because Edith worked as a model, for her Aunt Hattie, during her younger years. Bonnie's mother stated that Aunt Hattie could be difficult at times to work for because she was a perfectionist and she could have a fiery temper.
Bonnie remembered that Great Aunt Hattie had two black standard poodles, and would bring them with her when she went to visit Frances at her apartment on Riverside Drive. Bonnie was very little at the time, and was intriged by the very large dogs who were bigger than her tiny aunt.
Although she has some memories of visiting her aunt's showroom. She wishes that she could have been born a generation earlier, so that she could have gotten to know her Great Aunt Hattie, a little better, and possibly had the chance to work with and learn from her amazing aunt. Possbly if she had been born about fifteen to twenty years before she was, she could have saved the family business. Bonnie was just eight years old when Hattie died, so at the time she didn't realize the scope of her aunt's fame.
Bonnie was very, very close to her grandmother, Frances and her aunt, Celia.
Frances and Celia were the closest of the sisters. They shared a very special bond. . The sister's saw or spoke with one another almost every day.
Hattie was closer to both of her brothers than she was to any of her sisters, especially to her brother, Herman probably because they were the eldest and had similar family responsibilites, due to the unfortunate demise of their beloved father Isaac. Hattie always entrusted her brother, Herman with many issues that were important to her. Herman was named as the executor of Hattie's, Last Will and Testament.
I asked Bonnie, if she remembered her great-grandmother, Helen. Bonnie sent back a reply stating that she hasn't any personal memories of Helen, however she was able to share some information with me.
Helen was very beautiful, and the family absoluted adored her, especially her grandchildren who were charmed by her. Her nickname was "Hannah", In fact it was because of Henna, that Hattie's father insisted that she be named Henrietta Helen.
The marriage of Hannah and Isaac was arranged by the traditional matchmaker, but in later years, Hattie often told interviewers, that she could see that her parents truly loved each other, and it was a match made in Heaven because they were perfect for each other, and Hannah never truly got over the loss of Isaac.
With great affection everybody referred to Henna, as "Shena Hannah" Shena is the Yiddish word for beautiful. If she really was Shena, Isaac must have been quite happy that she was chosen as his match, and apparently Hannah was shena on the inside too, because her entire family thought that she was a treasure.
Bonnie was pleased to have been named after Henna too, As Bonnie explained to me, Shena is the Yiddish translation for beautiful, and Bonnie is the Scottish translation for beautiful.
I also inquired if Bonnie had some photographs of Frances and possibly Hannah that she could share and she said, that she does have photographs of family members, some may actually be duplicates or she would see if she could get some originals copied for me onto a disc or a cd-rom. That would be a wonderful and treasured addition to this tribute site.
Bonnie also wanted me to pass along, that she would love to talk with or meet other living family members who visit this site. Please let me know, if you would like to contact Bonnie and I will forward your email on to her.
Thank you very much, Bonnie, for allowing me to share your story.
Love,
Amy
Bonnie's additions and/or corrections to my original write-up.
Amy: Here are the corrections to your write up of my history of Hattie Carnegie:
Frances Carnegie met Joseph Barnett at a youth social club on the lower east side of New York city around 1908. I am not sure who introduced them. They were married in 1910. I mistakenly said that her daughter, Peggy, was originally named Hattie. It was Henrietta Barnett. Hattie's mother name was " Hannah" as I stated before. The English translation of that is Hannah or Ann. I am not sure where Helen comes from. She was very beautiful in her youth, but in the pictures I have of her as an older grandmother, she is no longer a beauty.I am going through many photos that have been stored away for quite some time and will send you some in the near future. We will be away for several weeks, so I probably will not be able to get them to you before mid Sept.
I am delighted with the time and effort that you have put into reseaching Hattie Carnegie. I too, believe that she has not gotten the attention that she deserve in the fashion hisotry of the USA. She was truly a remarkable person who personified the American dream.
I think I told you that I was born in 1947 and just had my 60th birthday. Edith, my mother, died in 1973 at the age of 49. Frances and Joseph died in the late 1970's. Joseph predeceased Frances. I will be married this coming Dec. for 39 years to Franklin Haymson. We have two children, both married. My daughter Nicolle Kaufmann, has two children and my son, Adam Haymson, has none at this time. We all live in Westchester County, New York. My husband and I are both still working. We sell real estate. This is a career we came to later in our working years. My previous background has been in fashion and retailing.
Keep up the good work. If I can think of more facts I will let you know.
Bonnie Haymson
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Amy: I was correct the first time that Peggy Carnegie, daughter of Frances, was originally Hattie Barnett. She also had a daughter, Jacqueline Klotz, my cousin. The exact date of Frances' death was July 5, 1977. Joseph died in 1975.
Hope that I have not confused you.
Bonnie
Friends
HATTIE'S best friends after she moved to New York City as a young teenager:
ALMA GLUCK- Became a Famous Opera Singer, She sang at the Metropolitan Opera. Hattie's very best friend. First person who befriended Hattie in America.
Alma was from Romania. Hattie really appreciated the close friendships she developed upon arriving in New York.
Once Hattie started working for Macy's it not only helped the family financially. she had the additional chance to meet many friends who would eventually assist her in her dreams of becoming successful in the fashion business. What she admired most about her friends though, was that they cared about each other.
Hattie mentioned in the 1949 Collier's Magazine interview, that one of her first friends in America was a young girl named Alma Gluck. She was a few years older than Hattie and she looked up to her.
Alma and her family emigrated from Romania, so she understood the difficulty Hattie had adjusting to her new country and new surroundings, and the girls quickly became best friends.
Hattie stated that when her father died, her mother was very sad and went into a major depression. She was also having a difficult time taking care of Hattie's little brothers and sisters. Hattie was busy working a lot so she didn't have much time to help her care for them.
Hattie cried, "I'm just so worried about my mother," telling her friend, "I don't know what to do".
Hattie's kindhearted friend went over a few times a week and helped Hattie's mother take care of Hattie's younger siblings, and cheered Mrs. Kanengeiser up by singing opera to her.
Alma was a Famous Opera Singer at the turn of the century, and the first person ever to have a million selling record. She sang at The Metropolitan Opera.
Hattie was an avid opera fan and loved her friend's concerts, and designed all of Alma's costumes that she wore on stage while performing.
Hattie and Alma were each other biggest fans.
Alma Gluck was also the grandmother of actress Stephanie Zimbalist of Remington Steele fame.
Alma Gluck became a famous opera singer, and sent many of her friends to Hattie's shop
. Hattie never forgot her friends kindness and when she died, in 1938, Hattie was heartbroken..
Henrietta and the Earrings.
Henrietta and her friend Alma Gluck decided they wanted to pierce each others ears one afternoon. Henrietta thought pierced earrings were more elegant.. She was determined to have her ears pierced.
Her father objected to the idea and forbid her to have her ears pierced, because they could become infected. Isaac and Hsnnah knew that sickness and infection was not only common in the tenements where they resided but was often deadly.
The girls initially decided to do it themselves, but Henrietta got scared when Alma talked her into piercing her ears anyhow despite her fathers objection. She could have been afraid of the needle, but she was probably more afraid of her fathers wrath.
Henrietta told Alma that she wasn’t allowed to have her ears pierced and the reason why her father had objected . Alma talked Henrietta into having her ears pierced at a tiny shop which she assured her friend was sanitary .
Henrietta let the owner pierce her ears justifying her disobedience by determining that her father simply had objected to her and Alma piercing each others ears.
Her ears did not become infected, however she knew what she had done was wrong because when her father asked about the new earrings, Henrietta told her father they were screw backs. Screw back earrings were the earliest version of the clip on style which hadn‘t been invented yet.
Her father believed her but Hattie’s conscience got the best of her she told her father the truth.
Isaac was very upset and ordered her to throw away the earrings that she had purchased and remove the earrings from her ears. Hattie did as she was told on the surface, but like many teenagers do today the minute she was outside of her father's watchful eyes she put those earrings back in her ears, and removed them before she returned home each evening.
VALESKA SURATT- A Silent Movie Actress, and Broadway Star.
She discovered Hattie Carnegie while she was out having lunch with friends. Hattie was amazed that someone so famous would speak to her, and they became friends.
Valeska Suratt was the first person to notice that Hattie had talent and ambition. Valeska was four years older than Hattie.
ROSIE ROTH- Hattie and her friend Rosie Roth were business partners and co-owners of the shop from 1909 until after World War I.
Hattie bought Rosie's share of the business as Rosie didn't want the stress of running a business.
After Hattie married John Zanft in 1928, they turned Hattie Carnegie Inc. into a family business.
Hattie and her friend Rosie, whom she met while working at Macy's, They decided to go into business together because neither of them had enough money saved to buy their own shop. They looked around but to no avail, they still couldn't locate a building that they could afford.
They were about to give up looking for a shop when friends of the girls came to their rescue. Hattie's friends were golf instructors who taught in the nice weather and in the off season they owned a sports store.
They informed Hattie that they had some space in the upstairs of their building which equaled three rooms. They would rent it to them for a reasonable rental fee if they were interested.
It was in a rundown neighborhood. Hattie overlooked the neighborhood.
She was so thankful and happy that she couldn't wait to sign the lease, and as soon as all the legal documents were signed, promptly set up shop.
She pictured her name on billboards- Rosie designed the dresses,Hattie created matching hats. Hattie was also salesgirl and mannequin. She dressed in their designs as an advertisement for the store.
Despite the rundown neighborhood. The girls were a surprise overnight success.
Hattie had many contacts from her years working and training through Macy's and she had many wealthy and very successful friends, who in turn told their friends about the new shop and that they just had to visit the shop.
Hattie always laughed when she remembered that time. It was a rundown neighborhood. They shared the building with not only the sports store, but also a laundry mat, a deli and a Chinese restaurant. It was quite the site to see all these high society women who also overlooked the neighborhood. Hattie commented that she was always embarassed that all the dresses and hats smelled like Chinese food and cold cuts.
When Hattie was in the process of buying out Rosie's interest in the business, the only way that Hattie could afford do this was to pay monthly installments to her. She always paid her bill in a timely manner, however Rosie insisted that her name was to remain on the sign because until Hattie paid her in full. She was still co-owner of the business they shared and built together, so Rosie still wanted credit.
Hattie confessed that two months later, she felt like it was her shop. Rosie had left and she was now doing all the work. Hattie said, "Rosie was understanding, she could have called me on that, but because they were friends she didn't." She couldn't stand it any more, She changed the sign which once read,
"ROTH-CARNEGIE LADIES HATTER" to "HATTIE CARNEGIE INC" Hattie eagerly awaited the challenge that running a business would bring her.
Rosie accepted employment with a married couple by the name of Jackson who owned a small dress shop and were looking for a designer. Rosie was a talented designer, but she just no longer wanted the hassle of owning and operating a shop, and wanted to work for a small family owned company.
In 1909, Hattie Carnegie joined forces with one of her best friends, Rosie Roth, to incorprate what was to become one of the most successful fashion empires in history. Hattie's friend loved Hattie's sense of style, and because they worked together at Macy's, she knew that Hattie had a lot of drive and determination. She was also a trained milliner, which meant she designed hats
. Hattie was really petite and stylish so she was milliner and mannequin and Rosie designed the dresses, while Hattie took care of the business side and also waited on customers attired in their various designs.
After a 13 year partnership though, Hattie felt like she was in a rut. Rosie was content with the business as is, not so with Hattie, she wanted to expand and climb the ladder of success.
Hattie stated in a 1949 interview, that she and Rosie, although they were friends, had had creative differences and their personalities were as different as night and day.
Hattie added, "It was either me or Rosie after a while, one of us had to buy they other out, or we would kill each other. Everyone was stunned and shocked that it was me who bought her out, and the rest in history". Hattie and Rosie remained friends for the rest of their lives.
Rosie was Hattie's business partner when Lucille Ball began working for Hattie in 1928.
Hennrietta's Dedication
Hattie's name wasn't really Hattie Carnegie at all. Her birth name was Henrietta Kanengeiser. She wasn't given the nickname of Hattie until she began her employment and training at Macy's when she was 15 years of age.
Hattie was a fitting nickname for the young girl for two reasons, She was trained as a milliner through Macy's Department Store, a designer who makes hats, and Hattie was a suitable nickname for Henrietta.
She took the name Carnegie, when she was in her 20's, in tribute to Andrew Carnegie. At the turn of the century, Carnegie was the richest man in America. Hatttie wanted to be as successful as Carnegie.
On the ship, an inquisitive Miss Henrietta, who was struggling with speaking English, was asking a steward all kinds of questions about America.
Her parents didn't want her bothering people with endless questions, but Henrietta was so curious and wanted to learn all about America.
The ships staff and passengers admired her curiousity, and when she asked one passenger who the most successful man in America was,
He thought for a moment and answered: Andrew Carnegie.
Henrietta's blue eyes brightened and she smiled and announced: "When I get to America, my name shall be Carnegie too".
Hattie Carnegie was never related to the Carnegie Family, but the name of her choosing brought her good fortune.
Many immigrants changed their last names to assimulate into their adopted country. The entire Kanengeiser family soon followed Hattie's lead and changed their names to Carnegie as well. Her parents didn't like the name Hattie, and although everyone else began calling her Hattie, her parents named her Henrietta and called her that until they died.
Earliest Employment
Upon arriving in New York from Austria, fourteen year old Henrietta knew she had to find a job to continue to help support her family. Back in Vienna, she had quit school two years prior to do just that.
Now it was going to be even more difficult for the young teenager. She was in a foreign country that spoke a language she could barely understand. Because she was uncertain about her English speaking abilites, she didn't want to get a job in a clothing store just yet. She took several different jobs; washing floors and dishes, among the various types of housework.
Hattie mentioned in an interview that most people were understanding that she was new to the United States, and were patient with her. They knew she was a hard worker, and wanted to help out her family. Still many others could be unbelievably cruel to her. They made fun of her culture, her religion, her accent and the fact that she struggled understanding and speaking English. Although she couldn't really understand what the words themselves meant, she knew they were making fun of her because of the tone of their voices and their gestures.
Hattie went home in the evening and cried herself to sleep many nights because she was upset and so exhausted from working all day long.
Hattie made a vow then and there. If she ever achieved her dream of having her own shop, everyone would be welcomed there- no matter what their race, religion or nationality.
Hattie was belittled. The experience gave her an understanding of the evils of prejudice. Hattie was very accepting, generous and loyal to those she cared about. She considered her difficult childhood a true learning experience. She was determined to acheive success with her life.
How Hattie Almost Lost her Business
When Hattie was 19 years old, she thought her career was ruined before it was even started. She was working at Macy's at the time, and she felt that she might have just enough money and training, after spending four years working for them, to make a go of it.
Unfortunately she met the wrong person. A man started talking to her, and because they had the same interests and ambitions, over time she began to trust him. He wanted the same thing she did- his own business. Hattie did find it strange, however, that he was asking her all sorts of questions about John Zanft and their relationship. He seemed to know they had dated and were serious about each other.
She explained her sad story- that they had to split up because of her arranged marriage. She was depressed because John was gone and would probably never see him again. She mentioned that she felt she should start focusing on a career now and get on with her own life, instead of always wanting to be with John. The man asked her how much money she had saved in the bank, and she foolishly told him.
He asked her that if they split the cost they could have a shop now.
Hattie, being so determined to begin her career, thought that was a great idea. She took the money out of the bank, and she and her so-called friend went shopping.
Hattie said, "I was young, a recent immigrant, determined but very native". For the first time in three years, Hattie didn't have John to turn to for advice in the matter. She didn't understand at the time to get everything in writing, and she just took him at his word.
Hattie said: "We began to set up shop, we bought all the items we thought we needed for our new business venture". After a month of putting everything together he said: "Our grand opening is Monday".
Hattie was overjoyed. She was finally going to have her dream. When Monday finally came and she arrived at the new location, everything was gone. Her so called friend dumped her and took off with everything, setting up shop for himself.
Hattie was stunned and heartbroken. Unfortunately she didn't have a case because she had no proof they ever had a contract. Nothing was in writing. Hattie felt she didn't have time for tears, as she had to begin again. That meant saving money, going back to her job at Macy's. Hattie decided she was going to learn all she could about business so this would never happen again. Hence she started attending business seminars, making sure she attended evey one.
It took Hattie four additional years of hard work, saving, and educational seminars, finally opening her shop in 1909 at the age of 23.
Hattie got the last laugh in the end, because she became a success. Whenever she had a fashion show this man was promptly thrown out if he even set foot in her store.
When he was losing his business, he begged and pleaded for her help-"he even cried", she said, "I wasn't about to help him though. He almost had me ruined". Hattie told him off and his business went under and he was never heard from again. Hattie now understood why he was so concerned about her and John Zanft, and whether they were together. "John would have dealt with him!", she said with a laugh.
A Young Girl Ahead of her Time
Hattie Carnegie was very controversial for her time for a couple of reasons. She was born in 1886 in Austria. Hattie's family was Jewish so they wanted to make sure she would marry someone who would not only take care of her but who was also Jewish. Her parents pressured her into an arranged marriage which she eventually agreed to. The problem was it didn't work out because she was in love with someone else. Her first husband was also in love with someone else. After a time they eventually agreed to divorce. Divorce was practically unheard of at the time. They would both be free to marry for love.
When Hattie was working for Macy's Department Store, All of her dresses were very low cut. she thought they looked better that way. She and her supervisor used to fight over this, but it was the new style. Hattie was just a teenager and a recent immigrant when she started working at Macy's. They admired her drive and ambition, but got aggravated at her stubborn nature. She was very young, but knew so much about fashion. Eventually Hattie won that battle because everything she designed, and all the ideas she came up with, were well received by the customers. Hatties innovative thinking was making Macy's Department Store a lot of money. During the time she worked and trained at Macy's, for six or seven years, they began to respect her. They started consulting her concerning fashion design
which led to her increased confidence and independent nature.
I have noticed, with the Hattie Carnegie clothes that I own, when I wear them they are slightly above the knee. She kept that fashion trend, and helped to start it. The raised hem seem like nothing today, but it was very controversial in her time.
Why are you Dressed like that?
When Hattie was a teenager, working for Macy's Department Stores, she had aspirations of being a famous and successful businesswoman- one day and owning her own shop- instead of working for someone else.
Because of this fact, she had a great sense of fashion. She never wanted to look tacky because she thought that would project badly on her future choice of career, so she always dressed nicely. She wore designs that she created. She took great care to make sure she looked perfect, and was so proud when someone complimented her on her beautiful clothes.
One day, before she met John, one of her friends asked her if she wanted to go out with him. She asked her co-worker and best friend, Rosie Roth, if she minded filling in for her that afternoon. Hattie wanted to leave early that afternoon and wanted to leave right from the store.
Hattie came out of the dressing room a little later and was dressed so differently that Rosie thought she had lost her mind. Hattie was always concerned with looking fashionable that it didn't make any sense.
"What in the world is wrong with you Hattie, You want to be in the fashion business and you are going out on a date, dressed like that.....Where is your beautiful dress?"
Hattie answered, "I think I would look very strange wearing a fancy dress to go play golf". Hattie's friend was a golf instructor.
Fashion and Other Popular Culture of 1900-1910
Hattie's Formative Years
The first decade of the 20th century was a time of social change in America and the world. It was the era of mass immigration and mixing of cultures and a changing of ideals, especially for women.
Henrietta Kanengeiser was just 14 years old when she boarded a ship to America with her parents and three brothers and two sisters. Life was so different in Austria. She grew up in the countryside surrounded by the beauty of the open fields, flowers and mountains and went to a little schoolhouse in the village. When she was not in school or the synagogue, little Henrietta appreciated nature and the beauty of Austria, and loved animals and flowers. When she was a little girl, she loved modeling her mother’s hats in the mirror. She adored pretty dresses and was such a little lady, but at the same time she was fiercely independent. This was part of the reason, that although reluctant at first, Henrietta developed an extreme love for America and New York City. That love for pretty dresses and jewelry and that independent nature that she developed in Austria would serve her well. Years later that little girl, who modeled her mother’s hats in the mirror and was the daughter of a tailor, would conquer the fashion world.
New York City was so different from life in Austria. In Austria, Henrietta’s life would have been mapped out for her, she was bound by what her culture expected of her. In America, she would be permitted to achieve her dreams. Her life became very different than it would have been if she remained in Austria.
Henrietta was a working girl in New York City from the first days. Still struggling with the English language she accepted housework which consisted of cleaning floors, washing dishes and doing other household chores for the more well to do households. Later she went to work with other young girls in the mills. It was unskilled, tedious and very dangerous labor. Many times children would be severely injured while working with the machinery. Although they would be passed a decade later in 1900, there were no child labor laws. Most children of Henrietta’s generation instead of completing elementary school went off to the mills and sweatshops each day.
In 1900, You were considered fortunate if you had an eighth grade education. Henrietta only had a sixth grade education, but she was the eldest daughter in a very poor family, so obtaining employment was a necessity. Only a mere 10% of the population graduated from high school in 1900.
Recreation at the Turn of the Century
The new American worked hard for a living, but they also found time for recreation. Jazz was a new and popular music. Young people of Hattie’s generation also enjoyed attending the theater, and opera and classical music was extremely popular among European immigrants.
Hattie loved to play golf. I laughed at the thought of this little lady, who wasn’t even five feet tall, picking up a golf club that was almost bigger than she was. Golf was a very popular sport in 1900. Young women of Hattie’s generation were not only going to the golf course to watch their boyfriends play, they were sometimes, even challenging them to a game and dare I say, winning.
Other popular sports, that the new liberated women of Hattie’s generation took part in, were boating, rollerskating and riding a bicycle.
The phonograph that was invented the year Hattie was born in 1886, but it first achieved extreme popularity in 1900. It was considered a fabulous invention. One could actually turn a lever and listen to a song being played. The phonograph popularized opera and classical music into the mainstream. Due to it’s high pitch and use of several musical instruments,it was the perfect music to be played on the earliest version of the record player.
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