Norman Goodman interview, son of one of the original founders of FIT, Abe Goodman, 1985 February 8

Norman Goodman interview, son of one of the original founders of FIT, Abe Goodman, 1985 February 8

This interview is with Norman Goodman, son of one of the original FIT founders, Abe Goodman. Norman discusses his father’s emigration from Romania and subsequent start in the garment business at age 11. Abe’s ascension in the garment business was swift, and he established A. Goodman Company in 1932. Norman describes the company’s set-up, and his father’s decision to largely employ fellow immigrants. In the 1940s, Abe introduced his son to Dr. Mortimer Ritter. Norman explains his own decision to attend FIT in order to manage his father’s business. He describes his time at school and FIT’s efforts to make a name for itself via a trade show set up by Arthur Tarsius. Norman graduated from FIT in 1948, but eventually chose to move into real estate. By the 1960s, Abe Goodman had liquidated his garment manufacturing business but continued working with others in the industry such as Mollie Parnis.

FIT Special Collections and College Archives

1985-02-07

1985

2020

27:44

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