THE SILVER & ROTHMAN FAMILIES

Herbert Silver’s Underwriting Company (Herbert Silver & Company) prospered post Civil War.  In 1875, Herbert’s son Armen hired Sam Rothman (off the boat from Germany) and eventually arranges financing for Sam to expand his stove company in the midwest (1880s).  

Sam moves to Elder, buys a warehouse, and converts it into a factory to make his stoves.

Herbert Silver dies in 1884, leaving the business in the hands of son Armen.  Armen had married Anna Goldmark, another establishment family, and together with great style, they manage to defy the rampant anti-Semitism of the day and straddle both social worlds. They  build a French Renaissance chateau on 5th Ave among the palaces of American peerage- Vanderbilts, Oelrichs, Whitneys, Astors.

Their son Sydney is handsome, if thin, with chiseled features and affecting eyes. Intelligent, sensitive and charming with an impish sense of humor. He loves music.  It is music that brings Sam Rothman’s daughter, Violette, into his life.