People

The Buffalo region has been home to a wide range of individuals associated with local Jewish communities and Jewish networks from the 1820s through to the contemporary period as immigrants, citizens, residents and locals.

Institutions

Buffalo Jews have a rich history of forming both formal and informal institutions for religious, educational, political and social needs. From synagogues to organizations, and from coordinating agencies to groups and clubs, Jewish Buffalonians have seen a changing range of institutions supported by group endeavors and community philanthropy.

Neighborhoods

In living memory, the East Side and North Buffalo stand out as physically connected and interwoven religious and commercial centers of Jewish living. In contrast to these specific areas are the mini hubs identified with Jewish living and connected to a more dispersed idea of neighborhood. Separately, suburbia with its significant geographic spread, has redefined how a series of Jewish spaces come together with a mix of hubs, focal points and networks.

Themes

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Exhibitions

Special exhibitions, through a focus on particular individuals and subjects, delves into the personal stories that have animated Jewish lives. Each digital exploration reflects on the interplay between place, identities and changing times and the way in which American, Jewish and Buffalo historical experiences are deeply interwoven.

Resources

Materials that document Jewish Buffalo in all its diversity are found in books, articles, archives and museums, many of which are available locally or online. This section highlights some of these sources and will be updated regularly.

Harold_Arluck_1920s_Courtesy_of_Sam_A_Arlen_SA_Music_LLC

Harold Arluck, 1920s. Courtesy of Sam A. Arlen, SA Music LLC.

Harold Arlen Exhibition  /  Performer and Arranger

By the age of 18, Arluck had established himself as a full-time performer. He changed his first name to Harold listing himself in the Buffalo City Directory in 1923. In 1924, he published his first piece of music with Hymon Cheiffetz as “My Gal, My Pal (Won’t You Come Back To Me?).” He joined the Southbound Shufflers, playing the steamships between Buffalo and Canada. By 1925, the band changed names to the Yankee Six. A popular draw at Crystal Beach Amusement Park, the band also played for local college groups and graduation events. After adding more members to the band, they became the Yankee Ten. When another member joined, the group renamed themselves as the Buffalodians.

By 1926, the Buffalodians were everywhere: on the radio, on tour, in the clubs and available on multiple record labels. After his parents and younger brother Julius moved to Syracuse, Harold rented his own place at 220 Spring Street, while also working on the touring circuits. While performing in New York City in 1928, Harold made the bold decision to leave the Buffalodians and remain in New York City. He planned a career as a performer, a vocalist and an accompanist, but it was his talents as a musical arranger that led him to composition.

Gallery

The Yankee Six

"Crystal Beach Opens Season," The Buffalo Times, 25 May 1924, p. 67.

The Yankee Six

The Buffalodians

Some of the Buffalodians band members, c. 1920s. Arlen appears first from left. Courtesy of Sam A. Arlen, SA Music LLC.

The Buffalodians