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Rubye Finger papers

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: MC-119

Scope and Contents

the collection includes photographs, correspondence, brochures, newsletters and newspaper clippings. Her oral history, done in 2004 for the Council on Aging, is also a part of the Archives of the Center for Jewish Culture, and is located in MC 23, interview #233-234.

Dates

  • 1965-1989

Language of Materials

Materials entirely in English

Conditions Governing Access

None

Biographical / Historical

Ruby Haffer Finger was born in Boston March 24, 1924 to Louis Haffer, a retailer of men’s clothing, and Mildred (Molly) Shrier, an immigrant from Russia who became a political activist in the Boston area. She and her younger brother, Miles, were raised in Boston. Ruby was educated at Boston Latin School and Roxbury Memorial High School and received a B.S. Degree in Education from Framingham State College during World War II. Before getting married, she worked as a substitute teacher, which she continued later in New Bedford at the Vocational School. After college she married Louis Finger, of New Bedford, and moved to this area where they raised two children, Ellen and David.

Rubye Finger and her husband and his parents were instrumental in the creation of the first non-profit convalescent home, the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home. The groundbreaking and dedication dinner were on January 16, 1966. She was also trustee at St. Luke’s Hospital and worked within the Office of Elder Affairs, as chairperson of New Bedford Sub Region. She served as director of the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home from 1971-1983.

Rubye Finger was very active in her community. She as president of the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood at age 25. She served as president of the New Bedford League of Woman Voters, chairperson of the Woman’s Division of the United Jewish Appeal of Greater New Bedford, and president of Greater New Bedford Community Council. She was also a member of the National Public Affairs Committee and the National Jewish Welfare Board. Rubye died on April 16, 2012.

Extent

.2 Linear Feet (one half-size manuscript box)

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Rubye Finger, 2004.

Title
MC 119, Rubye Finger Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Cassandra Bernardo
Date
July 2012
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Claire T. Carney Library Archives and Special Collections, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Repository

Contact:
285 Old Westport Rd.
N. Dartmouth MA 02747 USA