Re: [CR]Singer background

(Example: Production Builders:Frejus)

From: <LouDeeter@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 20:07:56 EDT
Subject: Re: [CR]Singer background
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


heine@mindspring.com writes:
> How does this relate to the bikes?

I for one believe that from where a person came might give an indication of their values and work ethics that translate to either the artistry or quality of their work. In Singer's case, it appears from what I've learned today that he did in fact emigrate from Hungary to Paris when he was about 18 in the 1920s. My previous information that he might have gone to London first is somewhat ragged. That he spoke Yiddish is something I'm still pursuing. So, are his bikes French or Hungarian? Is a Confente-made Masi Italian or U.S.?

"Assuming he was Jewish, progroms in Hungary started only after WW II had begun in1939."

Beg to differ with you, but Pogroms didn't originate with WWII. They go back to BC and were particularly prevalent in Eastern Europe from about 1880 to 1920s, about the time Alex Singer would have left Hungary. In 1919, thousands of Jews were killed in Hungary. See http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Cyprus/8815/chrono.html

I have no evidence that supports this being his reason for leaving his homeland, but I can speculate that it might have affected his decision. It would be interesting to learn about his training and education that might have led Singer to bicycles.

Lou Deeter, Orlando FL