Emanuel Levitus

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Glasgow moneylender and Jewish community figure (1893–1982)

Emanuel Levitus

Born 13 June 1893 Newington, Edinburgh, Scotland
Died 10 December 1982 (aged 89) Bournemouth, Dorset, England
Occupation Moneylender
Parents Solomon Levitus; Agnes Levitus
Spouse(s) Paulina (Pearl) Levitus (née Sandground; m. 1920)
Children Rosalind Flora Levitus; Yolanda Adrienne Pagac (née Levitus; also indexed as Cynthia A. Levitus)

Emanuel Levitus was a Glasgow based Zionist and money lender. He married Pearl Levitus. Part of the Glasgow based Zionist Levitus family. In 1947 he, Pearl, Samuel and Bertram Levitus, as directors of the Ambassador Hotel (Bournemouth) Ltd, were fined for black-market food offences.[1][2]

Emanuel Levitus was born on 13 June 1893 in Newington, Edinburgh,[3] and died in Bournemouth, Dorset, on 10 December 1982, aged 89;[4] he was buried at Kinson Cemetery, Bournemouth.[5]

Family

The 1901 census records Emanuel, aged 7, at 8 Montague Street, Edinburgh, in the household of Solomon Levitus, a travelling jeweller born in Russia, and his wife Agnes, with their children Harry, Leah, David, Samuel, Amelia and Flora.[6] The Jewish Chronicle death notice of Solomon Levitus in May 1918 listed among his children "Emmanuel Levitus, Brooklyn, U.S.A."[7] In November 1915 an Emanuel Levitus, aged 22, of Glasgow, arrived in New York from Glasgow,[8] and the 1918 notice places "Emmanuel" in Brooklyn.[7]

The 1921 census records him in Kelvin, Glasgow, with his wife Pearl, aged 22, and their infant daughter Rosalind.[9] Pearl Levitus died in 1985, aged 87, and was also buried at Kinson.[5] In 1957 the Kinematograph Weekly described Bertram Levitus as his nephew.[10]

Moneylending

According to the Companies House incorporation documents of Harry Smith, Limited, formed on 15 April 1913, Emanuel Levitus was its clerk, with Harry Levitus and David Oppenheim as its first directors and Samuel Levitus as secretary.[11] In April 1920 the London weekly Truth named the operators of Henry Smith, Limited, 173 Vincent Street, Glasgow, as Harry Levitus, of 31 St Andrew's Drive, Pollokshields, and an Emanuel Levitus, of 18 Montague Street, Edinburgh.[12]

In 1919 newspaper advertisements offered loans from S & E Levitus, 37 Bath Street, Glasgow.[13] In February 1925 Emanuel Levitus was convicted at the Western Police Court, Glasgow, of assaulting another moneylender, who had taken on a young woman formerly employed by him, and was fined two guineas; a charge against his brother Samuel was found not proven.[14][15] The two papers give the address of the office differently: the Dundee Evening Telegraph as 174 West Regent Street, and the Daily Record as 147 West Regent Street. The Daily Record named the assaulted man as Benjamin Oppenheim.[15]

Community life

Emanuel Levitus was among the founders of the original Giffnock Shul in 1931.[16] According to the synagogue's history, the foundation stone of its first building, at May Terrace, was laid by E. Levitus on 14 August 1938 "for his contributions to the project".[17] In 1944 he was one of the representatives of Giffnock and Newlands on the Board of Deputies of British Jews.[18]

Freemasonry

Lodge Anima No. 1223 lists "Emanuel Levitus D.S.M" as its Right Worshipful Master for 1930–31.[19] In November 1930 the Kinematograph Weekly reported the election of "Bro. E. Levitus" as R.W.M. of Lodge Anima, Glasgow, with "Bro. S. Levitua [sic]" as Senior Warden,[20] and the Daily Record reported that "Mr E Levitus of Glasgow" had been elected Right Worshipful Master of "the Lodge Anima No 1223 the Cinema Lodge".[21] In May 1931, with "R.W.M. Bro. E. Levitus presiding", Bro. Madell of Lodge Anima No. 421, Sydney, presented the lodge with an engraved gold medallion,[22] and in December 1931 E. Levitus, as Immediate Past Master, was presented with a past master's jewel.[23] In November 1957 the Kinematograph Weekly reported that "E. Levitus, PM" had taken over as treasurer of Lodge Anima, with "his nephew, Bertram Levitus" as the new secretary.[10]

Affiliations

Timeline

  • 13 June 1893: Birth of Emanuel Levitus (mother Glasstone) in Newington, Edinburgh.[3]
  • 1901 Census – Newington, Midlothian: Solomon Levitus (57) Travelling Jeweller, on own account, born Russia, Agnes Levitus (52) born Russia, Harry Levitus (25) Travelling Jeweller on own account, born Midlothian, Leah Levitus (22), House help, David Levitus (18) Travelling Jeweller, Samuel Levitus,(14), Amelia Levitus (12), Flora Levitus (age 10), Emanuel Levitus (age 7).[6] 8 Montague Street, Edinburgh.
  • 15 April 1913 - Harry Smith, Limited Company number SC008622, Company type Private limited Company Incorporated on 15 April 1913. Nature of business (SIC)
    • 64921 - Credit granting by non-deposit taking finance houses and other specialist consumer credit grantors
    • 68209 - Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate. First Directors appointed Harry Levitus and David Oppenheim. Secretary Samuel Levitus. Clerk Emanuel Levitus.[11]
  • 10 September 1913 - Conspicuous among the swarm of moneylending advertisements in the Glasgow and Edinburgh news, papers are those of the following companies : James Arthur, Limited. Mercantile Advance Co., Limited. Harry Smith, Limited. National Finance Co. (Edinburgh), Limited. Through an inspection of the registers of joint stock companies at Edinburgh I have obtained some interesting information regarding the identity of the advertisers who masquerade under the above names. The National Finance Co., Limited, is a private company formed on April 8 last, by David Oppenheim, 39, York Place, Edinburgh, and Harry Levitus, 13, Spottiswoode Road, Edinburgh, who are the only shareholders and directors. On April 15 the same worthies blossomed forth again as Harry Smith, Limited. On June 24, James Arthur, Limited, was registered with A. L. Oppenheim, 192, West Prince's Street, Glasgow, and M. S. Oppenheim, 17, West Preston Street, Edinburgh, as the sole directors and shareholders. The Mercantile Advance Co. dates back to September, 1912, and its two directors are David Oppenheim, whose address in this case is given as 4, Parkside Terrace, Edinburgh, and Samuel Levitus, 26, Newington Road, Edinburgh. This series of Oppenheim-Levitus registrations furnishes a striking illustration of the ease with which the Moneylenders Act is at present evaded. One of its objects was to prevent moneylenders trading in more than one name or in any other name than their own. The tribes of Oppenheim and Levitus get round the law by the simple expedient of forming under the Companies Act what are essentially bogus companies, registering these companies under the Moneylenders Act, and so securing the use of aliases which are grossly misleading to intending borrowers. It is obviously a scandalous anomaly that the machinery of the Companies Act should thus be employed to defeat the Moneylenders Act. Some time ago one of the London magistrates expressed the opinion that companies of this character are unlawful; but the Public Prosecutor has not yet taken steps to test this question in England. The Lord Advocate might render a public service by doing so in Scotland.[24]
  • 16 November 1915 - Emanuel Levitus, aged 22 (b. 1893), residence Glasgow, Scotland, arrived in New York from Glasgow. He was listed as a jeweller's agent, with his contact named as a friend, Harry Fancy.[8]
  • 5 June 1917 - Emanuel Levitus registered for the US First World War draft. He was born 13 June 1893 in 'Edinborough', Scotland, and was a British citizen. He was listed as a farmhand employed by Benji Stern, living at Glenwood Road, Glenwood, New York (Nassau County No. 1).[note 1] He claimed exemption on the grounds that he 'partly support[ed] aged parents'.[25]
  • 10 May 1918 - A death notice for Solomon Levitus on 10 May 1918 revealed that Leah was in Cape Province (part of South Africa), David in Sydney, Australia and Emanuel in Brooklyn, New York.[7]
  • 7 June 1919 PRIVATE GENTLEMAN lends £5 upwards on note of hand alone to ladies or gentlemen. Strictest privacy — S Levitus 41 [South Brae] Drive Jordanhill Glasgow [26]
  • 28 June 1919 - 'PRIVATE GENTLEMAN lends from £5 upwards [on note of hand] alone ladies or gentlemen Strictest privacy— S Levitus 41 South Brae Drive Jordanhill Glasgow.[27]
  • 25 October 1919 - '£5 to £5000 to lend immediately at lowest interest. Rates of repayment arranged to suit. All applications treated in strictest confidence. Apply to THE Lenders: S & E LEVITUS 37 BATH STREET GLASGOW.[28]
  • 1 November 1919 Advert for S & E Levitus at 37 Bath Street.[29]
  • 6 December 1919 Advert for S & E Levitus at 37 Bath Street in the Callander Advertiser.[30]
  • 1920 - Emanuel Levitus married Paulina (Pearl) Levitus (born Sandground).
The Levitus operation in full flow and being exposed in 1920. In Truth 21 April 1920.
  • 1920 Valuation Rolls:
    • Harry Levitus — Proprietor — House 38 Rankeillor Street — Edinburgh.[31]
    • Harry Levitus — Proprietor — House 11 Cathcart Place — Edinburgh.[31]
    • Emanuel Levitus — Proprietor — House 22 Carment Drive — Eastwood.[31][32]
    • Samuel Levitus — Proprietor/Occupier — House 41 South Brae Drive — Renfrew.[31]
    • Henry Levitus — Tenant — House 31 St Andrews Drive — Govan.[31]
  • 21 April 1920 - Anyone guileless enough to believe what he reads in moneylending advertisements might imagine that Glasgow swarms with wealthy Scotchmen whose noble mission it is to relieve the financial needs of brother Scotchmen by means of advances on easy terms without inquiry or security. At the suggestion of a local correspondent I have looked into the credentials of some of these Scottish philanthropists and the results are rather entertaining. For instance, the usurer trading as Andrew Walker, Limited, 180, Hope Street, boldly proclaims himself "a Genuine Scotsman." But Andrew Walker is really Aaron Green (formerly Greenberg, and originally of Russian nationality), and two or three other members of the same family, who reside at 20, Campbell Avenue, Langside. The company, which offers to lend thousands to all and sundry has a capital of £500. "Scotsmen" also figure in the advertisement of Robert M'Leod, Limited, 96, Renfield Street, Glasgow, but the company actually consists of Daniel Abrahams, 11, Cranworth Street, two other members of his family, and one Carl Horsman. George Ramsay, Limited, 75, Jamaica Street, invites all classes to apply for loans from £5 to £5,000. The paid-up capital of this concern is £20, and the directors are Myer Winocour and his wife, both of Russian nationality, 13, Langside Place, Glasgow. Three more of the Russian tribe of Winocours (Claude and Polly, 119, Albert Road, and William, 102, South Portland Street) masquerade as Edward Scott, Limited, 68, Bath Street, and with a paid-up capital of £30 offer advances up to £3,000. Harry Levitus, 31, St. Andrew's Drive, Pollokshields, Glasgow, and Emanuel Levitus, 18, Montague Street, Edinburgh, run a usury shop under the name of Henry Smith, Limited, 173, Vincent Street, Glasgow. "We kill large interest," they announce. "We are the right people to deal with" is the claim of what seems to be a rival firm, the City Financiers, Limited, 54, Gordon Street. But the same Harry Levitus is also one of the City Financiers, his fellow-director being Maurice Leon Miller, who was of Russian nationality before he became British. Levitus adorns the board of yet another company styled Edward Carswell, Limited. These cases show how easily and completely one of the Purposes of the Moneylenders' Act is defeated. It was intended that this Act should compel Shylock to trade in his own name, but by a simple and inexpensive process under another Act he forms what is practically a private company, and so we have Russian Hebrews blossoming forth as Andrew Walkers, George Ramsays, and so on.[12]
The Levitus family makes the news in 1924. Sunday Post Sunday 13 April 1924
  • 1921 Census:
  • 1921: Birth of Flora Rosalind Levitus in Scotstoun and Yoker, Glasgow.[34]
  • 1921: Birth of Rosalind Flora Levitus in Kelvin, Glasgow.[34]
  • 10 May 1922 - 12 to 6. Warrant for Apprehension. At a sitting of the Police Court on Saturday, Harry Levitus, manager, representing Thomas Burr and Co., 142 Trongate, Glasgow, was charged with having on Tuesday, 2nd inst., within the Territorial Drill Hall, Tain, contravened the Shops Closing Order by keeping open premises and serving customers after the closing hour prescribed, viz., 7 p.m. Levitus failed to appear, and warrant was granted for his apprehension.[35]
  • August 1924 Advert for S&E Levitus at 180 Hope Street, Glasgow, in the Montrose Standard[36]
  • 1925 Valuation Rolls:
    • Harry Levitus — Proprietor — House 38 Rankeillor Street — Edinburgh.[31]
    • Harry Levitus — Proprietor — House 11 Cathcart Place — Edinburgh.[31]
    • Emanuel Levitus — Proprietor — House 22 Carment Drive — Eastwood.[31][37]
    • Samuel Levitus — Tenant — House 12 Glasgow Street — Govan.[31]
    • Samuel Levitus — Proprietor — House 4 Belmont Street — Govan.[31]
    • Harry Levitus — Proprietor/Occupier — House 57 Aytoun Road — Govan.[31]
    • Agnes Levitus (Mrs) — Tenant — House 32 Warwick Street — Govan.[31]
    • Emanuel Levitus — Tenant — House 6 Lothian Gardens — Glasgow.[31]
    • Harry Levitus — Proprietor — House Victoria Place Old Town Broxburn — Uphall.[31]
    • Harry Levitus — Proprietor — House and Garden Victoria Place Old Town Broxburn — Uphall.[31]
    • Harry Levitus — Proprietor — House Old Town Broxburn — Uphall.[31]
  • 16 February 1925 - MONEYLENDERS AND THE GIRL WHO LEFT. Police Court Sequel to Glasgow Scuffle. Three Glasgow moneylenders figured in a case which was heard at the Western Police Court, Glasgow, to-day. The charge was one of assault, and the cause was said to have been that a young girl left the employ of one firm and took service with another. The accused was Emanuel Levitus and Samuel Levitus, and they were alleged to have assaulted a third moneylender in his office at 174 West Regent Street, Glasgow. The assaulted man, who took the oath in the Jewish fashion, said that both the accused rushed into his office, and while he was still feeling surprised at the sudden invasion they pushed him into a private room and struck him on the face. A girl who had been in the service of the accused asked witness for a job, and he had engaged her. He thought the accused had a grievance against him because of that. Cross-examined by an agent who appeared for the accused, witness said that he did not inform them that the girl was going into his employment because he did not think it was any of his business if the girl chose to leave one employer and go to another. The girl, in evidence, admitted leaving the service of the accused without giving them notice. She gave the excuse that she was nursing an aunt. When the first witness came out of the room after the incident his face was bleeding. Emanuel Levitus stated that the girl had been in his office for a fortnight. When he ascertained that she was in the employ of the first witness he felt annoyed at the underhand way in which the thing had been done. Along with his brother Samuel he went to the office. The first witness became abusive, adopted a threatening attitude, and ordered them to leave the office. A scuffle followed, in which, said the accused, he acted entirely in self-defence. His brother Samuel took no part in the scuffle. Bailie Dunlop convicted Emanuel and fined him two guineas, and found the charge against Samuel not proven.[14]
Emanuel Levitus and Samuel Levitus in assault of business competitor Benjamin Oppenheim. Dundee Evening Telegraph - Monday 16 February 1925
  • 17 February 1925 - MONEY LENDERS' QUARREL Resenting the employment by another moneylender of a young woman who had left his service Emmanuel Levitus according to evidence led in the Western Police Court Glasgow yesterday assaulted Benjamin Oppenheim in the office of the latter at 147 West Regent Street A fine of £2 2s with the alternative of ten days’ imprisonment was imposed A charge against Samuel Levitus of having participated in the assault was found not proven.[15]
  • 29 October 1925 - Mrs Pearl Levitus 6 Lothian Gardens North Kelvinside Glasgow was in Dumbarton Sheriff Court yesterday fined £10 in consequence’ of a motor smash in Bowling last month A butcher's van was standing at the side of the road when the accused came along in a motor car and collided with the van capsizing it on top of a motor cycle standing at the kerb Several persons at the rear of the van were slightly injured.[38]
  • 1927: Birth of Dawn Angela Levitus in Hillhead, Glasgow.[34]
  • 1928: Birth of Yvonne Levitus in Hillhead, Glasgow.[34]
  • 11 May 1928 Glasgow Zionist Organisation. KEREN HAYESOD APPEAL., SECOND LIST OF DONATIONS. The treasurer gratefully acknowledges receipt of the following yearly and half-yearly contributions:— ...
  • December 1928 - JUDEAN MEMORIAL LODGE NO. 78, ORDER SHIELD OF DAVID, A meeting of the literary section was held on Sunday last, when a discussion took place on the subject: ° Should Dowries be abolished 77’ Most of the opinions expressed were that dowries created unnatural conditions, and in its train brought unhappiness to those directly concerned and also distress to parents, and that the community in general suffers. The following participated in the discussion : Bros. Avis, Gold, Goodman, Levitus, Lebovitch, Chitterer, and Schain. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks i@ fine Chairman, Mg M W Bloom.[40]
  • 1929: Marriage of Sarah Emily Levitus to Philip Glass in Milton, Glasgow.[41]
  • 6 September 1929 - Harry Levitus gave £5 to the Palestine Emergency Appeal.[42]
  • 20 September 1929 - Mrs Levitus of 57 Aytoun Road in Pollokshields gave 10'6 to the Palestine Emergency fund.[43]
  • 20 December 1929 - Jewish National Fund. N. Links, Honorary Treasurer. WEEKLY REPORT. Per Ladies' West End Aid Society, Mrs. M. H. Stone, Hon. Treasurer. ... Mrs. Levitus, Anniesland Rd. ...[44]
  • 1930–31 - Emanuel Levitus, D.S.M., was Master of Lodge Anima No. 1223, Glasgow.[19] On 13 November 1930 the Kinematograph Weekly reported the election of "R.W.M. Bro. E. Levitus" by Lodge Anima, Glasgow, with "Bro. S. Levitua [sic]" as Senior Warden,[20] and on 18 December 1930 the Daily Record reported that "Mr E Levitus of Glasgow" had been elected Right Worshipful Master of "the Lodge Anima No 1223 the Cinema Lodge".[21]
  • 21 May 1931 – With "R.W.M. Bro. E. Levitus presiding", Bro. Madell of Lodge Anima No. 421, Sydney, presents the lodge with an engraved gold medallion.[22]
  • 11 September 1931 - Harry, Emanuel and Samuel Levitus were all listed as members of the South Portland Street Synagogue.[45]
  • 10 December 1931 – At the installation of his successor, W. Kempsell, the Immediate Past Master, "Bro. E. Levitus", is presented with a past master's jewel.[23]
  • 1931 - The founders of the original Giffnock Shul in 1931 included: S Abramson, B L Banks, S Barclay, S Barnett, J Benson, L Benson, P Berger, B R Cates, L Cohen, A Collins, D Coorsh, Mrs F Coorsh, S Coorsh, P Coutts, W Dunitz, D Elston, L Ferrar, A Gelfer, J Gelfer, J Goldberg, A Goobler, H Gordon, J Gordon, S Gould, S Grace, A Granet, H Harris, B Hylander, J Hylander, J H Kapper, N Katz, R S Khan, J Krevitsky, M Lee, J Levitt, E Levitus, M Levitus, J Lewis, W Marco, C Markson, Mrs. J Markson, J Markson, S Meadow, J Mendelson, E Naftalin, H Ness, B Nettler, H N Norton, H Rimmer, R Seigle, S Shur, D Silver, H Silver, W Silver, M Silverstein, M Silverstone, C Stein, R Terley, B Vertis.[16]
  • 24 May 1934: Birth of Yolanda Adrienne Pagac (née Levitus) in Eastwood and Mearns, daughter of Pearl Levitus and Emanuel Levitus. The births index also lists a Cynthia A. Levitus, born in Eastwood in 1934, under the same reference number (644/25/264), so the two index entries refer to one birth.[34]
  • 24 August 1934 - Order Shield of David, Judean Memorial and Maurice Bloch Lodge, No. 78 Bro. W. Mundlake, Noble Master, assisted by Bro. B. Linskill, Vice-Master, presided at the quarterly meeting which was held on Sunday at the O.S.D. rooms, Stockwell Street. The quarterly balance sheet was presented by the Secretary, Bro. C. Trager, and the treasurer Bro. M. Fell. The statement showed that the Lodge finances were in a most satisfactory position and that progress was being made. Bro. Schain, the auditor, corroborated the report. The balance sheet was adopted on the motion of Bro. Morris Caplan, seconded by Bro. Levitus. The report on the annual conference of the Order Shield of David, which was held in London on August 5th and 6th, was then submitted by the Lodge delegate, Bro. Mundlake. He reported that the rules governing the amalgamation of the Grand Order of Israel with the Order Shield of David had been accepted almost unanimously by the delegates. The Grand President's report to the Conference showed that the Order was most sound financially and as strong as ever numerically. Through their Propaganda Department the Order had been successful in establishing four new Lodges during the past year, special progress having been made by the Eva Bloom Lodge of Birmingham. The Silver Shield of the Order was awarded to this Lodge for having gained over 80 new members during the year. This most gratifying position was typical of all the Lodges in the Order. Great satisfaction was also expressed on the progress of the two Glasgow Lodges. For the first time in the history of the Order, the conference was addressed on behalf of the Zionist movement by Professor S. Brodetsky, who spoke on the necessity of all Friendly Societies taking an active interest in Zionist work. The address was most enthusiastically received by all present. Speaking to an Echo representative on the effect of the amalgamation of the two Orders upon the Glasgow Lodges, Mr. Mundlake stated that although the Lodges under the two Orders would continue to function separately until the New Year, the ultimate fusion of the Lodges into one body was highly probable. The members both of the five G.O.I. Lodges and of the two O.S.D. Lodges had expressed their satisfaction in the amalgamation.[46]
The house at 19 Tinto Road, Newlands, registered in the name of Pearl Levitus from 1930 to 1940, where she lived with her husband Emanuel Levitus, who was convicted of assault in 1925 and was Master of Lodge Anima (1930–31). Photo from its sale on 15 December 2021 for £545,000.[47]
  • 1935 Valuation Rolls:[48]
    • Harry Levitus:
      • Factory at 148 Trongate, Glasgow
      • Store at 148 Trongate, Glasgow
      • Shop at 146 Trongate, Glasgow
      • Showroom at 148 Trongate, Glasgow
      • House at 38 Rankeillor Street, Edinburgh
      • House at 11 Cathcart Place, Edinburgh
      • House and garden at 57 Aytoun Road, Govan
      • House at 77 Old Town, Broxburn, Uphall
      • House and garden at 79 Old Town, Broxburn, Uphall
      • House at 81 Old Town, Broxburn, Uphall
      • House and garden at 83/95 Old Town, Broxburn, Uphall
      • House at 85 Old Town, Broxburn, Uphall
      • House and garden at 87 Old Town, Broxburn, Uphall
      • House at 89 Old Town, Broxburn, Uphall
      • House and garden at 91 Old Town, Broxburn, Uphall
      • House at 93 Old Town, Broxburn, Uphall
    • Samuel Levitus:
      • House at 4 Belmont Street, Govan
      • Service flats etc. at 4 Belmont Street, Govan
    • Dora Levitus (Mrs): House at 42 Westbourne Gardens, Govan
    • Dollie Levitus (Mrs): Proprietor of house at 251 Nithsdale Road.[49]
    • Pearl Levitus (Mrs):
      • House at 19 Tinto Road, Eastwood.[50]
  • 14 August 1938 – Laid the foundation stone of the Giffnock synagogue at May Terrace.[17]
  • 1944 - Emanuel was a member of the Board of Deputies of British Jews representing Giffnock and Newlands Synagogue along with A L Easterman, Fred Nettler and B Rubinstein.[18]
  • 24 January 1947 - Ambassador Hotel Winding-up petition adjourned - REFERENCE to 16 summonses by the Ministry of Food said to be pending against a Bournemouth Hotel was made in the Chancery Division of the High Court on Monday. Mr. Justice Vaisey was hearing a petition for the compulsory winding up of Ambassador (Bournemouth) Ltd., presented by Harry Levitus, of Aytoun Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow. It was stated that the company was a family one with six shareholders and six directors. Mr. A. Clark, KC, counsel for the petitioner asking the Judge to stand the petition over with liberty to amend it and file further evidence, said that since it was launched serious facts had come to the notice of the petitioner which he did not know before. "VERY DE LUXE" - The Ambassador Hotel, which was run by the company, could be described as a very de luxe hotel, as its minimum charges were three guineas a day for the hotel and two guineas for the annexe. Even in these days, persons who paid that were not likely to be content with the food provided by the present scale of rationing, and there were pending 16 summonses against the company by the Ministry of Food in respect of what were described as very serious offences. Counsel added that petitioner was one of the directors, and knew nothing of these alleged food offences and had been excluded from the management. He (counsel) was asking to amend the petition to raise this matter. IN THE DARK - Counsel for the company, Mr. J. B. Lindon, KC, said he also appeared for two-thirds of the shareholders who were also directors. He described the petition as a gross abuse of the process of the Court. His clients were in the dark as to whether this was a contributor's or a creditor's petition. Apart from the statutory affidavit, there had been no evidence filed on the petition. The allegations were that there was friction between members of the company and that the company was unable to pay its debts, said Mr. Lindon, but not a shadow of evidence had been produced. Now it was desired to put forward a completely different case. Serious damage was being caused to the company. JUDGE'S COMMENT - Mr. Justice Vaisey said that the Levitus family seemed to have fallen out. If the opposing shareholders proved that damage had been done to the hotel they might have their remedy. He wished to make it clear that nothing had been proved before him. The statements made might not be accurate and might be discounted by the facts. There was nothing before the court except certain allegations which would have to be tested in due course. Mr. Clark said an adjournment would enable the prosecutions to be dealt with before the petition came before the court. His Lordship said the petition would stand over 14 days with liberty to amend.[51]
  • 7 February 1947 - Ambassador Hotel petition dismissed - THE petition for the compulsory winding-up of Ambassador (Bournemouth) Ltd. was dismissed by consent by Mr. Justice Evershed in the Chancery Division of the High Court on Monday. Mr. Andrew Clark, KC, said he appeared for the petitioner and supporting contributories. It was a contributories' petition brought under the "just and equitable" rule. The parties had met together and had agreed upon terms, and he now asked his lordship to dismiss the petition with no order as to costs. Replying to the Judge, Mr. Clark said that Mr. J. B. Lindon, KC, appeared for the company and opposing contributories. "So far as I know, no other parties are interested and no creditors have given notice to appear," added Mr. Clark. "All the contributories of the company have signed the terms—all the shareholders have agreed." Mr. Lindon, agreeing that the petition should be dismissed, said that this was an unhappy family dispute, but fortunately the differences had been composed. Dismissing the petition, by consent, with no order as to costs, Mr. Justice Evershed remarked: "In the circumstances, the less I say about it the better." (When the petition was first before the court on January 20 it was said to be presented by Harry Levitus, of Pollokshields, Glasgow, and that the company was a family one with six shareholders and six directors. Petitioner was one of the directors. Ambassador (Bournemouth) Ltd. runs the Ambassador Hotel, East Cliff.)[52]
  • 27 February 1947 - £2,920 fines in hotel food case. Fines totalling £2,920 were imposed at Bournemouth yesterday in a case in which a number of people had been described by the prosecution as having "entered with wholeheartedness into the black market for the purpose of providing food that others cannot get." The Ambassador Hotel (Bournemouth), Ltd., was fined £250 on each of four summonses—two for conspiring to obtain and supply edible oil and eggs contrary to regulations and two for obtaining oil and eggs without a permit. On four similar summonses Bertram Levitus, secretary of the company, was fined in all £600; Samuel Levitus, director, £200; Emanuel and Pearl Levitus, directors, £400 each; and Thomas Whigham, also of the Ambassador Hotel, £100. David Brock, farmer, formerly of Middle Wallop, Hampshire, was fined £100 for conspiracy with regard to eggs, and £100 for supplying eggs without a permit. The hotel company was fined £20 in all on two summonses for supplying bread with meals and two for supplying more than three courses at a meal.[1]
  • 28 February 1947 - More Black Market allegations. Ambassador case ends with £2,920 fines. Fines totalling £2,920 were announced by Bournemouth magistrates on Wednesday after a day-long hearing of the case involving the Ambassador Hotel, Meyrick Road. Charges proved included conspiracy to obtain eggs illegally, buying eggs without a permit, serving more than three courses and bread with meals. At the first part of the hearing a month ago similar charges were proved of illegal deals in edible oil. Remarks about "snoopers" and "un-English ways of seeing the law enforced" were made by Mr. Scott Henderson, KC, who defended the company, after a Ministry of Food official had told how he stayed at the Ambassador as a guest and was served with four-course meals. Directors of the hotel in the dock were Bertram Levitus (secretary), Samuel Levitus, Emanuel Levitus and Pearl Levitus. With them were Thomas Whigham, an employee at the hotel, and David George Brock, farmer, of Minteys Farm, Rockbourne, near Fordingbridge. When the prosecution's case in the charges concerning eggs was resumed in the morning, Arthur Myers, of Tregonwell Road, told of an outing to Fordingbridge with Bertram Levitus and Whigham. They saw a man named Stallard, he alleged, and two boxes were put in their car. THROUGH A TRAP DOOR - He also told how he was taken through a trap door in the pastry kitchen at the Ambassador and saw a small number of dustbins there. He asked what they were there for, and Whigham told him: "Eggs in pickle." On another occasion members of the Levitus family had told him eggs had been found in a garage he had acquired for them in Annerley Road. Sgt. Johnson, called by Mr. Henderson, gave some details of the Levitus' past history. Emanuel and Samuel had carried on a furniture business in Glasgow. Emanuel had served on the Jewish Board of Guardians, and a letter from a Glasgow magistrate testified to his excellent work. He and his wife (Pearl) had been honorary probation officers for a number of years. "They were highly respected in this district both by Jew and Gentile" read a passage in another letter. Mrs. Levitus powdered her face in the dock while Bertram gave evidence. "I'LL SHOP YOU" - He said he was secretary, but neither he nor other members of the family had previous experience of hotel work, and he left the catering to the heads of the departments. He alleged that when Mr. Allen, manager for two weeks last June, was dismissed he said: "Unless I have three months' money in lieu of notice I'll shop you to the Ministry of Food." "I told him to go to the Devil," Levitus said. "He went to Scotland Yard," commented the clerk (Mr. T. D. Whalley). Levitus declared Allen's evidence was "a mass of lies," and added: "I have since realised I have depended too much on human nature." Mr. B. M. Stephenson (prosecuting): Weren't you sufficiently interested to ask where they got these large quantities of eggs? — Frankly I did not know what eggs we were getting. Emanuel Levitus and Pearl Levitus both gave evidence of knowing nothing of the catering side of the business. FARMER'S DENIAL - Brock, who pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and supplying eggs without a permit, denied allegations that large numbers of eggs had been collected from the farm he previously owned at Quarley, Middle Wallop. He said he had never supplied eggs to the Ambassador. Cross-examined, he agreed the number of eggs going to his packing station fell from 90 dozen in June to 30 dozen in July, but said this was due to reduced rations and trouble he had with his poultry. Charges of buying eggs at a price exceeding the maximum were dropped. Summonses for serving more than three courses in a meal and serving bread unordered were against the company alone. Montague Shaffer, of the Investigation branch of the Ministry of Food, said he booked a room at the Ambassador and arrived on November 7. For lunch he had hors d'oeuvre, soup, mixed grill and ice blanc-mange, and the head waiter brought him a plate of bread although he had not asked for it. For dinner that night he had hors d'oeuvre, soup, roast duck with cabbage and potatoes, sponge pudding and coffee. Bread was again brought. Lunch next day consisted of melon cocktail, soup, toasted bread, omelette and cabinet pudding. INVESTIGATOR'S BILL - His bill, for one night and meals, came to £3 12s. He had previously stayed for two nights in October and paid £5 9s. 2d. He denied giving the waitress 10s. and saying "I will see you are looked after." Corroborative evidence as to the dinner and second lunch was given by Joyce Billings, a clerk in Bournemouth Food Office, who said she went to the hotel with Mr. Shaffer. Mr. Henderson commented: "When these snoopers are sent by wiles and improper methods to persuade servants to break the law, they are breaking the law themselves. I hope one of these days someone will take out a summons against a man like this snooper. It is an un-English way of seeing the law is enforced." NOTICE OF APPEAL - Fines imposed on the company for the offences relating to eggs totalled £1,000, with 40 guineas costs. In addition Bertram Levitus was fined £600, Samuel Levitus £200, Emanuel Levitus £400, Pearl Levitus £400, Whigham £100 and Brock £200, with 10 guineas costs. In the cases of meals the company was fined £20. Mr. Henderson gave notice of appeal.[2]
  • 14 February 1950 - Service Flats (Glasgow) Limited (in liquidation): at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the company held at 98 West George Street, Glasgow, on Friday 10 February 1950, a special resolution was passed: "That the Company be wound up voluntarily, and that Harry Levitus, Samuel Levitus, and Emanuel Levitus be, and are hereby, appointed Joint Liquidators for the purposes of such winding up." A. H. M'Kinnon, Secretary.[53]
  • 29 October 1955 - 31,105—Abley & Co. Ltd., 50 Wellington Street, Glasgow, manufacturers of and dealers in materials and articles used or dealt in by builders, engineers, sanitary engineers, shopfitters and decorators, &c. Capital, £300 in £1 shares. Subscribers— Arthur E. Abley, 2 Halcombe Road, Blackpool; and Emanuel Levitus, 10 The Hall, 23a Grove End Road, St John's Wood, London.[54]
  • 14 November 1957 - At a regular meeting of Lodge Anima, Nathan Barnes was elected RWM for the ensuing year and amongst new office bearers appointed were E. Levitus, PM, who takes over as treasurer and his nephew, Bertram Levitus, who is the new secretary. Six Past Masters of the Lodge were elected to office. Henry Oates was thanked for his extremely successful year in office. The installation ceremony for the new Master and office bearers will be on Wednesday, December 11.[10]
  • 21 January 1958 - Abley and Company Ltd: notice given, in pursuance of Section 293 of the Companies Act, 1948, of a meeting of the creditors of the company to be held at the offices of Fraser, Lawson and Laing C.A., 53 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, on Friday 7 February 1958, at noon, for the purposes specified in Sections 293 to 295 of the Act. All persons claiming to be creditors should complete and lodge an affidavit and claim duly vouched with Fraser, Lawson and Laing C.A. on or before that date. E. Levitus, Director, 50 Wellington Street, Glasgow, C.2.[55]
Emanuel Levitus appears in court as managing director of Edward Carswell, Ltd. - The Scotsman, 27 April 1974, p. 6
  • 27 April 1974 - 75 p.c. interest on loan ludicrous, says sheriff. A moneylender who gave evidence at Perth Sheriff Court yesterday claimed that he was completely justified in charging 75 per cent interest on a loan. Sheriff Harold Ford did not agree however. He described the interest rate as excessive, ludicrous and absurd. Mr Emmanuel Levitus was giving evidence as managing director of Edward Carswell Ltd., licensed moneylenders, West Regent Street, Glasgow. They were suing a Perth couple for £51, the outstanding balance of a £40 loan made to them last year. The couple did not defend the case but the firm were barred from obtaining an automatic decree by the terms of the Moneylenders Act. This prevents loan companies taking court action to recover loans based on an interest rate of more than 48 per cent unless they can show special circumstances justifying a higher rate. 'HELPING OUT' - Mr Levitus contended that 75 per cent was justified in this case as the couple were an abnormally high risk, had no security and were known to be in arrears with hire-purchase accounts. He added: "We were helping them out in a difficult situation. Seventy-five per cent is quite customary in such circumstances." Asked if that was the highest rate ever charged, Mr Levitus replied: "Not at all—it depends on the circumstances." Sheriff Ford said that he considered the loan arrangements absolutely ludicrous. He told the company that he would be prepared to grant decree for repayment based on an interest rate of 48 per cent, but no more. He then adjourned the case to give them an opportunity to amend their claim.[56][57]
  • 10 December 1982 - Death of Emanuel Levitus in Bournemouth, Dorset, aged 89. He was buried at Kinson Cemetery, Bournemouth,[5] in plot N 3-127.[4] Find a Grave gives his birth as 26 October 1893 in Glasgow and describes him as the "son of Solomon and Agnes Gladstone Levitus";[4] the England and Wales death index also gives his date of birth as 26 October 1893;[58] his birth registration gives 13 June 1893 in Newington, Edinburgh, and his mother's surname as Glasstone.[3]
  • 15 June 1985 - Death of his wife Pearl (Paulina) Levitus, née Sandground, in Harrow; the death index records her birth date as 14 October 1897.[59] Find a Grave gives her birth as 14 October 1898 in Hackney, London, her death on 15 June 1985 aged 86, and her marriage as 1920, and records her burial beside Emanuel at Kinson Cemetery, Bournemouth, in plot N 3-128.[60]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ The employer was probably Benjamin Stern; the Glenwood Road address matches his estate. Benjamin Stern, of the Stern Brothers department store, owned the Claraben Court estate at Roslyn Harbor, whose entrance was on Glenwood Road, and which included a model farm. See "Clapham-Stern House, Roslyn Harbor New York", Historic Structures; and Roslyn Landmark Society, "Thomas Clapham House (Stone House/Claraben Court/Wenlo)".

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Daily News (London) - Thursday 27 February 1947
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bournemouth Times and Directory - Friday 28 February 1947
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 ScotlandsPeople statutory births index, 1893, Newington, Edinburgh (from David Miller's Levitus births sheet).
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Emanuel Levitus, Find a Grave, memorial 284064990.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Bournemouth Jewish Community, "Who's who 8", The Living Stones, accessed 3 November 2026.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Scotland 1901 census, Newington, Midlothian (from David Miller's Levitus census sheet).
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Death notice of Solomon Levitus, Jewish Chronicle, 10 May 1918, p. 2, JC archive.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 New York Passenger Lists & Arrivals, arrival 16 November 1915, Emanuel Levitus, b. 1893, residence Glasgow (British & Irish Roots Collection, Findmypast)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 ScotlandsPeople, 1921 census, 644/13 48/3, Kelvin.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "The Social Side in Scotland", Kinematograph Weekly, 14 November 1957, p. 25, British Newspaper Archive; Internet Archive.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Harry Smith, Limited, incorporation documents, Companies House, SC008622.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Glasgow moneylenders", Truth, 21 April 1920, p. 13, British Newspaper Archive.
  13. ↑ Bridge of Allan Gazette - Saturday 25 October 1919.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Dundee Evening Telegraph, 16 February 1925.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Daily Record, 17 February 1925.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue, About Us gnms.org.uk, accessed February 20, 2026.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue, Our History, gnms.org.uk, accessed 3 November 2026.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Board of Deputies Annual Report 1944.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Lodge Anima No. 1223, "Past Masters", lodgeanima1223.com, accessed 3 November 2026.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Kinematograph Weekly, 13 November 1930, p. 56, British Newspaper Archive.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Daily Record, 18 December 1930, p. 7, British Newspaper Archive.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Kinematograph Weekly, 21 May 1931, p. 52, British Newspaper Archive.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Kinematograph Weekly, 10 December 1931, p. 50, British Newspaper Archive.
  24. ↑ Truth, 10 September 1913.
  25. ↑ World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918 (NARA M1509), Emanuel Levitus, b. 13 Jun 1893, Nassau County No. 1, New York
  26. ↑ Callander Advertiser - Saturday 07 June 1919
  27. ↑ Callander Advertiser - Saturday 28 June 1919
  28. ↑ Bridge of Allan Gazette - Saturday 25 October 1919.
  29. ↑ Falkirk Herald - Saturday 01 November 1919
  30. ↑ Callander Advertiser - Saturday 06 December 1919
  31. ↑ 31.00 31.01 31.02 31.03 31.04 31.05 31.06 31.07 31.08 31.09 31.10 31.11 31.12 31.13 31.14 31.15 From David Miller's Levitus family research sheet (ScotlandsPeople indexes): Valuation.
  32. ↑ Valuation roll, Eastwood, 1920, VR010201286.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 From David Miller's Levitus family research sheet (ScotlandsPeople indexes): Census.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 From David Miller's Levitus family research sheet (ScotlandsPeople indexes): Births.
  35. ↑ Northern Chronicle and General Advertiser for the North of Scotland - Wednesday 10 May 1922
  36. ↑ Montrose Standard - Friday 01 August 1924
  37. ↑ Valuation roll, Eastwood, 1925, VR010201377.
  38. ↑ Daily Record, 29 October 1925.
  39. ↑ Jewish Echo - Friday 11 May 1928
  40. ↑ Jewish Echo, 7 December 1928.
  41. ↑ From David Miller's Levitus family research sheet (ScotlandsPeople indexes): Marriages.
  42. ↑ Jewish Echo - Friday 06 September 1929
  43. ↑ Jewish Echo - Friday 20 September 1929
  44. ↑ Jewish Echo - Friday 20 December 1929
  45. ↑ Jewish Echo - Friday 11 September 1931
  46. ↑ Jewish Echo - Friday 24 August 1934
  47. ↑ Nicol Estate Agents, sale brochure for 19 Tinto Road, Newlands, Glasgow (nicolestateagents.co.uk); sale on 15 December 2021 for £545,000 recorded in Rightmove, "House Prices in Tinto Road, Giffnock, Glasgow, G43" (Registers of Scotland data), accessed 3 November 2026.
  48. ↑ Valuation Rolls, 1935 (ScotlandsPeople)
  49. ↑ LEVITUS DOLLIE MRS Proprietor/Occupier HOUSE 251 NITHSDALE ROAD GOVAN 1935 VR010201567-
  50. ↑ Valuation roll, Eastwood, 1935, VR010201567 (house and garage, 19 Tinto Road).
  51. ↑ Bournemouth Times and Directory, Friday 24 January 1947.
  52. ↑ Bournemouth Times and Directory, Friday 7 February 1947.
  53. ↑ Edinburgh Gazette, issue 16725, p. 71, 14 February 1950.
  54. ↑ The Scotsman - Saturday 29 October 1955
  55. ↑ The Scotsman - Tuesday 21 January 1958
  56. ↑ The Scotsman, 27 April 1974, p. 6.
  57. ↑ See also: Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 27 April 1974.
  58. ↑ General Register Office for England and Wales, death index, October–December 1982, Bournemouth, vol. 23, p. 96: Emanuel Levitus, born 26 October 1893 (from David Miller's Levitus research sheet).
  59. ↑ England & Wales death index: Pearl Levitus, 1985, Harrow, vol. 12, p. 1680, birth date 14 Oct 1897.
  60. ↑ Pearl Sandground Levitus, Find a Grave, memorial 284065061.
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