Samuel Beskin - Beacon's Second Mayor
Sam Beskin’s life was the epitome of the American dream… a true rag to riches story. Beskin emigrated to the US in 1891 from Russia and went from being a street peddler to a successful merchant, businessman, and Beacon’s second Mayor! When he arrived in America at 27 years old, he couldn’t speak a word of English and had $1.65 in his pocket. At first, he peddled notions and stationery and even mended chair bottoms.
Beskin worked hard, saved his money and opened a saloon, then a hotel on Ferry Street, quickly followed by a bottling plant called the Colonial Brewery on Beekman Street.
Beskin worked hard, saved his money and opened a saloon, then a hotel on Ferry Street, quickly followed by a bottling plant called the Colonial Brewery on Beekman Street.
Beskin’s first department store, the Clothing House, was right next to tailor and founding BHA member Samuel Snidaman. Beskin’s second department store was considered the finest in the area. It featured a three-story brick building with an elevator, the first ever in Beacon. There was a third store in Matteawan. Beskin used clever marketing schemes: offering coupons, 2-for-1 sales, and special events. His other businesses included the Beekman Street Apartments and the Overland Hat factory.
Beskin was appointed the NY state contractor for state and roads, bridges, and dams by Governor Al Smith. His largest endeavors were over 30 miles of roadwork around the Ashokan Dam, and the 4th Avenue Subway crossovers at the DeKalb Avenue station on the Flatbush Avenue extension.