SISKINS TURN TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH
(Editor’s note: One in a series)
In the years following Robert Siskin’s death, the Siskin brothers, Mose and Garrison, expanded their business while emulating their father’s philosophy of disciplined work and integrity coupled with benevolence. Just as Robert had modeled the Hebrew concept of tzedakah for his sons, they quietly extended assistance to those struggling in the aftermath of the economic depression of the 1930s. The strongly bonded brothers blended work and family life. Life was good.
But in 1942 things took a dramatic turn when Garrison Siskin was seriously injured in an accident. While boarding a train just hours from home in Johnson City, Tennessee, a 50-pound steel platform fell and crushed his leg. Hot wet compresses were applied but led to increased trauma from blood clots restricting circulation. The physician warned Siskin that amputation was necessary to save his life, but he was not willing to accept that pronouncement as the final word. Instead, Garrison took the issue to a “higher power” with a promise that, if he received healing as a gift, he would give to others who needed assistance and be their advocate.
Much to his physician’s surprise, the blood clots disappeared by the next morning. While he needed extensive medical care and rehabilitation, Garrison Siskin avoided amputation of his leg. His prayers had been answered.
Equally important, Garrison shared the story of his prayer with Mose. The two never forget a promise to extend help to others. The Siskin brothers’ business prospered during the 1940s and along with that a commitment to help those in need. The cigar box in the office desk drawer, the tzedakah, now held substantial funds. Either brother could withdraw cash from the box to help employees and local families with significant medical or financial need. As cash was “gifted,” the box was refilled because needs were always present. The brothers never forgot the answered prayer. As their practice of tzedakah increased, so did the vitality of their business.
In 1949, the Siskin brothers took advantage of the post-war boom and new industries that needed standard-size steel products by opening a new on-site facility, Chattanooga Steel and Supply. The two large businesses forced the brothers to split focus, with Garrison directing Chattanooga Steel and Supply and Mose continuing the expansion of R.H. Siskin and Sons. Within one year, however, they chose to reunite by merging the two operations under a new name, Siskin Steel and Supply.
With the increased success came an equally greater commitment to help others. Struggling businesses found themselves “gifted” funds necessary to improve their facilities or increase inventory. Talented students regularly found their tuition paid, allowing them to prepare to serve others. Families faced with the inability to pay for medical services received notice, often anonymously, of surgeries scheduled and funded. The brothers treasured Garrison’s second chance and generously employed others who needed a second chance.
But in 1952 their desire to serve others found a new avenue when Chattanooga grocer Isidore Tyber and his wife, Betty, placed an appeal in the newspaper: “WANTED — If you’re a parent of a mentally retarded child, please call. Help needed in starting a school for handicapped and crippled kids.” The Tybers refused to accept their family physician’s recommendation to institutionalize their mentally challenged child because there was no school that could “deal” with the child. And, much to their surprise and dismay, there were no classrooms or teachers available to assist. The Siskin Children’s Institute was born from that request. No longer were much-loved children relegated to a less than second-class education and lifestyle.
But the brothers had additional plans for the community. In 1953, they recognized that the cost of a facility was one of the difficulties faced by nonprofit organizations. The Anna and Robert H. Siskin Memorial Building was constructed to provide free space for those serving others. One after another, the Chattanooga Area Literacy Movement, the Easter Seal Society, the Adult Education Council, Chattanooga’s Big Brothers Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association moved into offices free of charge. In addition, hundreds of ramps were constructed at schools, churches and homes for individuals challenged by mobility issues. Mose and Garrison Siskin had become champions in helping others succeed.
Quietly, they were making a difference.