Morton J. Baum
Morton Jacob Baum | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | August 1, 1963 (aged 65) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Business executive |
| Years active | 1919–1963 |
| Known for | President of Hickey Freeman (1959–1963) |
Morton Jacob Baum (October 27, 1897 – August 1, 1963) was a prominent American entrepreneur who served as president of Hickey Freeman from 1959 until his passing. His association with Hickey Freeman began in 1919, and he was the second individual to hold the presidency throughout the company's first six decades.
Biography
A native of Philadelphia, Baum was the son of Emmett Baum, who led Beckel, Baum & Leopold Co., the firm that purchased Hickey Freeman in 1908. He completed his studies at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa distinction, and subsequently fulfilled a term of service in the Navy.
On September 5, 1922, Baum wed Margaret Hays in Rochester, New York. The couple had two children: Helen Baum Oakes and Morton J. Baum Jr.
In World War II, Baum undertook more than fifty trips to Washington as head of the men's and boys' apparel division within the War Production Board. By 1951, he was directing the men's apparel segment at the Office of Price Stabilization. He played a key role in securing collective bargaining agreements between the garment industry and the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America.
Baum was appointed president of Hickey Freeman in December 1959, collaborating closely with chairman Jeremiah Hickey. From 1952 to 1959, he presided over the Clothing Manufacturers Association (CMA), where he managed significant labor negotiations. Recognized as a firm yet gentle negotiator, Baum gained admiration from union figures such as Jacob Potofsky, who commended his leadership qualities and foresight.
His governance extended to board memberships at Genesee Hospital, Baden Street Settlement, Harley School, Sidney Hillman Health Center, and Brandeis University.
Baum passed away at Genesee Hospital located in Rochester.