Samuel Rubel
Samuel Rubel | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1881 Riga, Latvia |
| Died | 1949-04-29 |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Leadership of Pocono Mountain Ice Company; presidency of Ebling Brewing Company; benefactor of Boy Scouts of America |
Samuel Rubel (1881–1949) was a Russian-born American millionaire.
Life and career
According to the 1920 U.S. Census, Rubel’s profession was recorded as "Coal Miner & Ice Retailer." At 23 years old, he immigrated to the United States from Riga, Latvia, in 1904, launching his business by selling coal and ice using a horse-drawn wagon in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Rubel eventually took leadership of the Pocono Mountain Ice Company located in Hoboken, New Jersey. Under his management, the company expanded to dominate the ice industry across Pennsylvania and New Jersey by absorbing smaller firms. However, with the rise of refrigeration technology during the 1930s, the demand for naturally harvested ice diminished. Consequently, Rubel diversified his ventures into other sectors, including the brewing industry.
In 1946, Rubel’s estate in Roslyn, New York suffered destruction due to a fire.
At the time of his passing on April 29, 1949, Rubel served as president of the Ebling Brewing Company and possessed an estimated fortune valued at $8 million.
He was also a benefactor of the Boy Scouts of America, donating land near Stillwater Lake in Pocono Summit to the Bethlehem Area Council. This property became Camp Minsi, which remains operational today.
Personal life
Samuel Rubel was married to Dora Nachumowitz, and together they had two daughters.
Death
Obituary from the New York Times (April 30, 1949):