Arthur did not want to be known as Dr. Bleeden, so he changed the pronunciation of his last name.

Arthur Irving Blieden

Arthur was born on July 3, 1911, in Brooklyn, NY, and was the oldest child of Gussie Abramowitz and Harvey Blieden. As a young child, they moved around every few years.

In 1915, they lived at 201 Stockton Street.  In 1920, they had moved to 150 Thompkins Avenue. In 1930, they lived at 230 St. John’s Place.  They only spoke Yiddish at home and Arthur learned English once started attending school.

Arthur – about 8 years old, circa 1919

In 1924, on a visit to the country, Arthur was climbing an apple tree when he fell out and broke his elbow. The first doctor did not set it properly, so he spent much of the next year in and out of the hospital.  He became so interested in medicine that he later chose it as his career.

Arthur graduated from Boys High in 1928. Boys High is in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn and is now considered a New York City landmark. From his yearbook, we can see that Arthur participated in several activities. activities.

Boys HIgh
Boys High graduates 1928
from “The Chat” (Brooklyn, NY), June 30, 1928, page 44

Arthur attended Columbia University  in NYC even though it was difficult for his family to afford it.  After college he was accepted into medical school at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio.  To help pay tuition, he sang on the local radio station.  For a while he debated between a career in music or one in medicine.  Orthopedic surgery won out!  His father’s cousin, Meyer Blumberg, also loaned him money for tuition.

Boys HIgh Yearbook Cover , class of 1928
Boys High Yearbook, class of 1928
Arthur in the Boys High Yearbook, class of 1928
Arthur in the yearook
Arthur's yearbook entry
Arthur’s yearbook entry
Chief Kibbitzer election
What was this about and when was “the election”?

Medical School Years:

Arthur's medical school transcript, junior year

Letters to Art from His Family

A series of letters to Art from his family were saved by Arthur and survived thanks to his son, Andy, who continued to save them. The letters were written in either broken English or Yiddish. They give us a glimpse into Arthur’s family life and what was important to them.

Sep 25 – 34

Dear Son

Your letter reseived glad to her that u in Cincinnati I. signed that paper wat u send me and return to U I. hope wereting well in safty side wright me exciting by U.  made out soon at possible how is the work and when U stated to go in caledgc

Regards from Mame and Mildred see goes to school and to work and sleep 4 hours a day  Bernie does wanted you to the dentist and his does listen when U took to him wright him a good letter and addren to alden theatre for him and let him thing that U special wright to him mabe his will listen

Regard from grandma and Bricker families

Harvey Blieden
Father

From Gussie:

My dear son, I wish you a good and healthy year with good fortune, happiness, may you have satisfaction from your life and many blessings, amen. It should be good for you while you go forward and make progress.
?
From me your mother Gussy
Continue to write me everything. Don’t wait, answer me straight away, I’m still old. A good and healthy year. Greetings to everyone.

09251934 Letter from Harvey and Gussie to Art, p1
09251934 Letter from Harvey and Gussie to Art, p2
09251934 Letter from Harvey and Gussie to Art, p3

Bklyn 10/3-34

Dear son Your letter received I was glad to her that U bussie, Mame was so hape that se became in 1 week a. grandmother with 4 babies that see baket a special cake well how is the Kiddie Familie Ther all well I hope so U did not let us no what der is boyer or girls wright in next letter all perticles. Der weather is her fine so I. feel good I was to day to Dr Msau I have my glasses but I. wasn’t yet by Dr Alpern for examination U didn’t writh to Aunty Reve yet I. told ho everything ws U wright but I didn’t tell ho for the poper wath I. Signet a don’t know too tall ho or not I. think not to tell ho till U will be hom for vacation den wee no better wright to ho soon M hve time all so to aukel Max wright U can tell him form the babies hanouch U gad but not from the loan wath u got infresas time from the university so I. Klause my letter to day and U cant in this seson not expected any letter from Mildred see is two bussie so I. and Mame will answer U on U letters

Your Father H Blieden

From Gussie (Translated from Yiddish on FB Group Tracing the Tribe)

My Dear Son, __ , may your life be filled with ‘naches’ (pleasure) and joy. Take good care of yourself. Eat good. Drink good. And sleep. Because I like a ‘good-lookin’ son. Mildred works very hard, she eats almost nothing and hardly sleeps. Write to her and tell her to take care of herself because it hurts me when I see this!

“Be well. Write soon. Your mother, Gussie.

“Regards to all”.

10041934 Letter to Art from Parents - p1
10041934 Letter to Art from Parents - p2
10041934 Letter to Art from Parents - p3

Bklyn 10/9-34

Dear Son

Your Letter reseved and wee all hope that you feel well and like your work Meanwile you ount write us hay brgis your ride famiilie have you made ane increase last week you have 4 habie hmuch this week? I was by aunt Reve and ask ho if see had a letter from your and she told me yes lasat week both she never told me wath your writ to ho about the financial arrangement and I. didn’t aske ho so I’ll told ho wat your writ to me about the hospitals that see can get all she can ho friends hoo have pull with hospitals Reve told me that you told Kleinberg you will lik better to get in Western hospitals so writ too him and told him that you change your mind and like to get in New York hospitals I my self keep well I. hope for the rest of the winter but Mame ask for pay and I can’t five ho that mk me feel no so good but I can’t help myself

Bern & Mildred laf when the read your letters that the not write to you and left all to me the say that wirttin well do me good when I turn I. sahl writ regards from Mame

Your Father H Blieden

From Gussie (Written in Yiddish)

Translated on FB Tracing the Tribe


Basically wishing him a year of health and living. And much success in all his endeavors. Hopes he’s eating well. ( stereotypical Yiddishe mamma).
Sending heartfelt regards from his friends for a good year.
With nachas.
Please answer soon.

10091934 Letter to Art from parents - yiddish letter from Gussie
10091934 Letter to Art from parents - p2
10091934 Letter to Art from parents - p3

Brooklyn 10/17-34

Dear son

Your root Leond Reseived I was expected letter with information on wath Hospitals your maid the aplications well wee howe to hear.  Thes for ther next letter Yes I. want wratt yor about my white tablets I haven’t any morr I was thiinnning that you will send me when you came to emernaty both you dint so I have to remain you then I. want you shold send me the 7 ½ grame be cause the weather getting cold and ma bee that will be better meanwhile I. live there to you wath ever you theng is better send and of you cant sen so I will make by Klem the wath Surman gabe last the last cold day wath we have her I. wast out from hous that was too cold for me not they wether isn ice so I’m  olright Berny Mildred have reseived your letters make the answer you that is a question to  day will be not  in next letter will have more to writ you Mame is mad of your because you never anser ho and ho letters Make sey that you writ Jurer alright and you don’t write to  ho Mame refursed to write to ell you writ ho Juerer letter

Mame Bernnie Mildred send their love

Father H Blieden

10171934 letter to Art from his father, Harvey, p1
10171934 letter to Art from his father, Harvey, p2

Brooklyn 10/25-34

Dear son

Your letter Monday and to day the box “fill reserved” You don’t write me wat the full cost I have to send you the money and what gram other I want no to Dr. Msan I am not going 2 weeks his told me to call in 6 weeks again then he will see agn about the hospitlas I believe the best that you soll trict to the Israel Zion because the no You and I. have naot any bode with influenza in others hospitals writ to Dr. Kleinberg that his sall help you to get there have you made applications in there hospital wehr uncle Max have you by his griend Mr. Bernard Mabee fur cood do et.  The weather her is fine and I. have no could I hope not ther winter to get one Bernny was home when I. writ they letter both by went out I. told him to writ so you now his anymore don’t bader me his now in the Central Theater his gad transferred Mama was glad that letter you worte to ho by the way you left a bo of pills home wat your brought from hospital when you have I. could for wat in the pils good and how is to tace them aunt Reve have send you a check Monday that all for to mgt the balance for next week Your father

H Blieden

(I left the spelling and punctuation as was found in the original.  I am only guessing on the words “fill reserved”.  I could not make them out)

Gussie’s part was written in Yiddish. Translated it said:

  • My dear beloved son, may you live and be happy with pleasure from your life, may God grant you to be healthy. I thank you for writing me in Yiddish. It’s very good for you to do it, because a man such as you needs to know everything. A doctor needs to understand and get acquainted with everything in life. Because one meets all kinds of people, some are convinced of what they are talking about (hypochondriacs). You should pay attention. Eat well and drink well, because I like a nice-looking face, which tells of a good life. Everyone sends their greetings.
    From me, your dear mother Gussy who waits for your answer. Do not delay. Greet everyone and write about everything. Mildred and Bernie send you their greetings and wish you health and a good life. Please answer.

  • “I thank you very much for writing me in Yiddi(sh). [she must be from the tribe of Efraim :)]. And this is very good for you, because a man such as you needs to know everything. A doctor must know and be acquainted with everything in life, because one meets all kinds of people . . . hypochondriacs.”
10251934 Letter to Art from father, p1
10251934 Letter to Art from father, p2
10251934 Letter to Art from mother, p1
10251934 Letter to Art from mother, p2

Brooklyn 11/8 – 34

Dear son

Your letter received all information about Jewish hospital I. gather from Aunt Reve she had their from Mr. Murry, well wath you writh that Mame of see know someone yes she know Mr. Magin they secretary from Hebrew ach see sent to him both her say his cant not doet both her advised to you to DR Luria there is 3 brothers all Dr his told ho to wach shee would ask so see went last Monday and tal wath hi and his ask ho by see know to kam to him, you now Mame see make up I sotry and told him that see now his Father and Hy good see was and so see told him from Mr. Magin and he say you his know Mr. Magin well Mr. Magen don’t wanted that Mame should say that bus sended to him so see goth to make around and remain his nam so the have a nice talk and fur our ho wiat school you was her and shee told him everything and shee five him your Piktzen and his say his look good than his ask when you houme to make the examination so she told him see 22 so his say when you come to B’klyn you sold can t shee him first before you fan for examination Mr Magin has promises Mame to speak with someone to so you see that Mame do wath see can for you also Mame was speking with durgist Klem brother have a brother in law a Dr and his promises to speak with him don’t worry Mame don’t forget you everething will be O.k

Regard from Mame Berny Millie Millie say no more letters for this term til you come home Bennie say don’t bader me

Love father

Harvey Blieden

In 2 weeks I will you to Dr Mason and I will speak with him meanwhile can’t you writh to him?  Also writh to Aunt Reve keep on asking ho remain ho Harry had a causin Dr Shemby she will speak with him mabee he can doit

11081934 Letter from Harvey and Gussie - p1
11081934 Letter from Harvey and Gussie - p2
11081934 Letter from Harvey and Gussie - p3

Arthur’s father, Harvey, passed away suddenly on November 20, 1934. Arthur was not told of his father’s death until after the funeral, as he would not have been able to get home in time and so as not to disturb his studies. He found out about his father’s death from his landlord. His Uncle, Harry Bricker, wrote to the landlord asking him to tell Arthur the sad news.

Letter written to landlord about Arthur's father's death
Address of landlord

Arthur’s sister wrote a detailed letter explaining what happened the day his father died.

November 24, 1934

Friday

Dear Artie,

I don’t know what to say to you.  Everything happened so suddenly that its hard to believe even now.  We would have let you know in time for the funeral, Artie, but, it was no use.  You would never have made it on time.

I don’t know what Uncle Harry wrote, but I’ll tell you just what I know.  Tuesday, the day it happened, Papa went to see various people that day. You know, how every now and then Papa used to go to his office & other places.  He did that, that day.  He saw Al’s Uncle about his nose.  Papa spoke to him about you trying to help you, & the doctor told him to tell you not to worry that everything would be all right.  From there Papa came home & had dinner.  In the afternoon he went to his office to see Breidenbach, who had written to him asking to appear as a witness against some claimant against the firm.  Papa was there & agree to go the next day, Wednesday, to court.  From there we went to the Dellman on Hart St. & visited them for a while.  His next stop was at Mrs. Levine’s on Tompkins Ave. (You went with her son Moshe to Hebrew School).  He stayed with her a while & came home.  At home he met Mrs. Krales & her daughter & joked around with them for a while.  After they left he had a very light supper because he wasn’t very hungry.  Then he cleaned my white gym shoes because Mama told him I needed them cleaned.  As usual, he sat down to play solitaire, when suddenly Mama heard him calling.  In the meantime he had put his cards away & changed from the chair to the rocker.  When Mama came to him he was pressing his chest.  Mama was afraid to leave him, but this time he actually wanted the doctor.  There was no one home except Mama & she called Mrs. Oberstein who phone for an ambulance & also the nearest doctor.  They came, but it was too late to help.  He died there in Mama’s arms.

Neither Bernie nor I were home, but Mama was there with him.  Artie, don’t feel too badly about it, because, I was told, he didn’t suffer at all.  It’s hard to be thankful for anything, but at least I’m glad that he didn’t suffer pain for hours first.  It would have been terrible to have him suffer & suffer & then go.  Mrs. Oberstein, the landlady, told me that it happened so quickly, it was just as if he had shut his eyes.

I got the account of what he did during the day from Mama.  He first had time before he went to tell Mama what he had done thru’out the day.

Artie, it just doesn’t seem possible, but it must be true.  He looked so well, he didn’t complain – wasn’t feeling ill at all recently.  It just seems as tho’ he must walk in any minute.  It doesn’t seem to be true.

Artie, we don’t know about your sitting Shivah.  We’re asked some of the old men who come to the minion – some say you should; some say, because you’re in the hospital, you don’t have to, some say only three days.  The only thing for you to do is ask an orthodox Rabbi – explain just how & what you’re doing.  Of course, you’ll say Kadesh, even if the rabbi says no Shivah.  Just try to do the best you can.

Don’t worry about us Arte, we’ll get along all right.  Mama’s O.K. Just take care of yourself, so that when you can come home you won’t look like a wreck & frighten Mama.  Please take care of yourself.

It’s hard to be thankful for anything, but, I’m glad if it had to happen that Papa didn’t suffer because I know that he hated pain & illness.  He used to tell me when he was ill that he hated it.  So, as awful as it is, it was, at least, not so bad for him.

Please don’t worry too much, Artie.

Love,

Mildred

Mildred's letter to Art about his father's death - 1 of 3
Mildred's letter to Art about his father's death - 2 of 3
Mildred's letter to Art about his father's death - 3 of 3

He received another letter from his sister, Mildred, and one from his brother, Bernie, about his father’s death and what his father would have wanted for him. Mis mother wrote to him in Yiddish as she could not write in English. The translation is below

Sunday

November 26, 1934

Dear Artie,

I just want to say that we’re all all right out here  Mama is getting along OK; so don’t worry about her .  Please Artie,– as many as possible,  worry and take care of yourself.

As soon as we are able to, we’ll move.  We’ll try to get room for about 30 or 35 dollars – as many as possible, because Mama doesn’t want to sell the dining room set and in 2 or 3 rooms, it’ll far too lonesome for Mama.

Artie, did you send an application for internship to King’s County?  If you didn’t, do so at once – because Mac and Rae Hamburger (They were here yesterday) said they are personal friends of the superintendent of King’s County – in fact, Know him very well.  They said that if your application is in on time, or even if you send it now – they might get you in – in fact they’re sure of it if your application is in in time & if it’s sent in late they’ll try their best.  S don’t forget, Artie, please take care of that immediately.

You know that Papa wanted more than anything to see you in.  In fact, he was very happy that day because Dr. Usey (Al’s uncle) told Papa that you shouldn’t worry, because he’ll see that everything was OK for you.  At least Papa was happy in knowing that because he tried so hard for you.  And Mama tries so hard.  Now you stop worrying & do your best.

Love,
Mildred

Dear Arthur

I want to let you know that Poppa’s wish was that you become a great & good doctor so for the sake of his memory you must go on studying harder than ever to be a success. Pop did not suffer for one minute it was a sudden attack and he was happy up to the last minute.

He died in a couple minutes after the attack there was no pain.

Keep your chin up in the air & go right on with your work.

Bernie

The following letter was written in Yiddish from Gussie to Arthur:

My dear child, be comforted with our loss (fall) that befell is. It is over. Most likely it has to be this way. Be well and we should have Nachas from you, with happiness in our lives. Be well, from your beloved mother Gussie.

Nov. 26th letter to Art from MIldred, Bernie and his mother.
Nov. 26th letter to Art from MIldred, Bernie and his mother.

His Aunt Reve Blieden Bricker, sister of Arthur’s father, Harvey, also wrote about how much she loved Harvey and how hard this was to believe,

Dec. 2, 1934

Saturday Evening

Dear Nephew Arthur:

No doubt by now you have heard again from Mildred.  Your folks, under circumstances, are all right.  There is nothing that can be done now, nor will crying or worry over the situation alter it any, so we much all bear up, for my loss was as great as yours, he being just like my father in addition to brother. (I knew no other father but him.)  He just seemed to live long enough to make sure your graduate Dr. for if he hadn’t you would not have been one, always remember that.  His one big ambition was to see you through.  As soon as he was sure you are making it, he left us – Sad and horrible, as it is, we must all cheer up, for life always goes on, and so much we thinking of him, our dear one, in the pleasantest way.  I have begun to believe he is not gone, thinking of him in the present, expecting always to see him and feel him with us.  It isn’t possible any other way.  Grandma does not know and I may be able to keep it from her until the spring.  From the day – it was raining daily and he can’t go out in bad weather, nor was he out all last winter, she remembers that, so she is prepared for the winter not to see him.  Cheer up, the living must go on living and laughing, that is the way of the world, and we are part of it, nothing we can do any more.  The crying cry alone and it does no one any good.  What God hath so decreed, and I suffice he has, we must accept and smile.

Love from us all.

Lovingly,
Aunt Reve

Aunt Reve's letter to Arthur after his father's passing - 1 of 2
Aunt Reve's letter to Arthur after his father's passing - 2 of 2

Some of Arthur's medical school grades

Arthur Blieden in the 1935 U. of Cincinnati Yearbook

List of names of new physicians from the University of Cincinnati, class of 1935
Telegram to Arthur from his cousins
What event was his cousins referring to? His graduation?
1929 World's Fair Ticket
I wonder who Arthur went to the fair with and what he saw there?
Arthur Blieden
The young doctor, Arthur Blieden

A story always told to me was that our last name was originally pronounced  as “Bleeden”.  However, Arthur did not want to be known as Dr. “Bleeden” so he changed the pronunciation to Bli(Long I)den.  Hence we have been known as BlIeden ever since.

From his draft card, we learn that Arhur was 5′ 8 /12 ” tall and weighed 167 lbs. Also, he had a light complexion, blonde hair and brown eyes and wore glasses. From the family, we know that he was right-handed.

Draft Card for Arthur Bliedem
Arthur’s draft card found on Fold3.com
Back of Arthur Blieden's draft card

During the war years, Arthur finished his medical training and then became an orthopedic examiner for the draft. He was unable to enlist because of his deformed elbow. During the war, Arthur corresponded with his brother, Bernie, who was in the Army Air Corp. Here is one letter Bernie wrote to Arthur before being shipped overseas:

October 3, 1942

Dear Art –

By the time you get this I may be gone from here – I am now on shipping orders.

Since I arrived here I have received 2 complete physical exams and had a “Shortarms” inspection 4 times.

They don’t give you a chance to “damaze” it before someone yells – milk it down – Everyone who is on this overseas shipping orders go thru this.  I may go to a port of embarkation or I may go to join some squadron here before shipping out.

It’s no picnic here – frill from 8: AM til 5: PM every day.  Boy – are my feet tired –

We can’t even leave to barracks without sighing out and getting permission – they let you know you’re in the Army – here and not at Scott field – which of course you know by now – in a plan to take a rest one –

Anyway will keep you informed

Bern

While blowing must fall out.

The above was written Thursday – line by line – whenever I had a free minute but never got to mailing it.

Friday – Today I’ve learned how to handle a Thompson sub-machine gun – which is the basic weapon in the air corp – Every member of the air corp when shipping overseas get one – so we must know how to handle it.

General Weaver – who ha command of all the air forces paid us a visit and we had to parade all dressed –  thousands upon thousands of us passed in review in close order formation – what a sight – the entire personnel of J. B. turned out.

We had to get things ready for the general – so we had to “G.I.” The barracks and boy did we scrub and scrub  – –

Today we got “yellow fever” shots that probably mean we will be shipped south tomorrow morning we will have a clothing issue and if they take away my winter clothes then I know I will be shipped south.

Squadron left, squadron right  about face – left flank – march – halt –forward – to the rear – dress it up cover off – cover down –  If I ever hear it again I’ll scram bloody murder – hour after hour that’s all we do – But all in all it’s a relief from the mental work we have been getting – Flerer in.  really both to tell you Art – but I –haven’t the patience to write it down.  It’ll all have to wait until I see you, which I hope will be before I go over there –

All information relating to my shipping, please don’t repeat to anyone.

I hate to stress this point so often – I know it must get boring to read it so often what you know how important that is –

I don’t know what to tell you about mail – because I believe that I won’t be here by the time you receive this.

Regards to everyone

Bern

I was going to send this to your office – but I home mislaid your address and can’t remember it.  Please send it to me.

Letter envelope from Bernie to Art
10/3/1942 letter from Bernie to Art p.1
Page 1 of 6
10/3/1942 letter from Bernie to Art p.2
page 2 of 6
10/3/1942 letter from Bernie to Art p.3
page 3 of 6
10/3/1942 letter from Bernie to Art p.4
page 4 of 6
10/3/1942 letter from Bernie to Art p.5
page 5 of 6
10/3/1942 letter from Bernie to Art p.6
page 6 of 6
10/3/1942 letter from Bernie to Art return address

Arthur looks so happy holding his first nephew, Harvey Eric Rich. Harvey was the son of his sister, Mildred. He was born on May 20, 1943, in Phildelphia, PA.

Arthur holding his nephew, Harvey

In a letter dated July 18, 1944, written to Art from his sister, Mildred, we learn that Art was considering a new position in a small town, and we also learn more about how is mother was coping.

Monday, July 18, 1944

Dear Artie –

Received your letter on July 16th and yes card on July 15.

I so appreciate your position altho, now your decision is made.  You must have been heartsick those days & in much of a quandary until you made up your mind.  There is nothing, I think, worse, than having to make a decision on which the future is based.

It was a swell opportunity, but what good is a swell opportunity if everything connected with if isn’t right.  By that I mean the locale, the town maybe I’m wrong but I honestly can’t see you being very happy living in a tiny town all the time, especially one that is such a distance from a large city.

2)

Anyway, your decision is made – that no use think further about it, except on one score.  The opportunity for you are definitely there & open, which, in itself is a wonderfully encouraging sign.  All you need is to keep trying to widen those opportunities until you strike the right one & then make the right decision.

Another thing, you said you’ll even earn between 6 – 9000 dollars this year.  Of course, we don’t forget the upkeep where you are, but, nevertheless it’s a steady advancement & also shows you’ve constantly forging ahead where you are, so that you can feel what you’re doing is worthwhile, too.

One important point (to me anyway) is to keep in mind for future decisions is this.  Can you he happy away from everyone you know?  By anan, I mean thousands a write!  You are, the important thing in this altho I know you don’t agree with me – if you have a partner,

3)

In other words, a worthwhile info – anything is worth a trial, because you can achieve for greatly happiness that was than totally alone.  And make no mistakes, a wife & a mother are two difficult points – I think even you will grant me that.  Therefore, alone you must weigh the decision of happiness versus money & advancement, for more than you would otherwise.

As for as Mama is concerned I hope you know & you should know, that I can’t agree with one chaupts many of leaving Mama to her lonesome.  If you feel you can take her with you anyplace that’s fine.  If not, you needn’t ask.  I never thought otherwise.  She’ll be with me.  As for getting along, I’ve unfortunately learned a lot in 6 months’ time & that but amounts to

4)

This – that there is no such thing as give & take for a mother who has raised her children & is in her own home.  In other words, all the giving and all the taking must be solely on one part only – mine. All right, so I’ve learned that fact.  I guess I can make it do.  I reckon – they will be friction – there must be friction for various reasons.  I’m only human & I’ve been master of my own destiny for so many years, it’s quite hard for me to know, on all the time & for me to know if on all the time & be stepped on. For that’s what it amounts to.  You don’t realize it – but you see, Mama grants you a respect she never has, & never will, grant me.  One word from you is law, but my word means nothing.  So you can’t appreciate all I’ve learned about taking, but is important that I have to take it, because she cannot ever learn to compromise.  As I say, I’m flexible, very flexible & I can do my best & will do my best.

5)

All I’m trying to say is I’ve always had in in mind that eventually Mom & I will get together, so if you ever have a decision to make don’t hesitate on that score at all.

Of course, right now things aren’t normal.  Like, you must take this into consideration.  If Many is ever settled any place for a decently long period I’ll join him again.  For many reasons, one of which is very important – I will not take Mama with me.  That one reason among others is that Mama could not take the hardships army wives endure & I know which of I speak.

In such case, should you have to make any decisions to go elsewhere, we’ll keep up an apartment together, Mama & I, but for

6)

whatever length of time I will have to be with Many I will join him & Mama will have to be alone.  In such case, we could arrange for her to have a lady border, or roomer, just so there will be someone in the apartment. I think that’s a pretty fair solution to all sides, yours, hers, mine, for a very impermanent time as the present & near future until some days of permanency again appear & we can see then what to do on a permanent basis.  What do you think?

In other words, I want you to go where you would for your best, knowing that I will go with Mama, but I also want you to keep in mind that I will go with Mama, but that I also have a husband who is pretty important to me – but also that I don’t want you to hesitate doing anything to your welfare because of that point, since I think we can

7)

also handle Mama’s end pretty satisfactorily, too, fair whatever few month I may have to be away.

Another point I’d like to clarify is this.  Many times you write of “Mama’s being sick, etc.”  Also, many times I’ve asked you to tell me what is wrong.  Always you waive the subject aside.  Do you really think that that’s is fair to Mama, to our, to me, to have me in ignorance of what is wrong. After all, should you go away, would it be very fair to me, much less to Mama, to have no one with her who understands her state of health, what to do if necessary, where to go if necessary, etc. – to know more than a general, bland statement that you always pass on

8)

to me of Mama being sick. If she is sick, what is wrong?  I think, in just a fairness, if for nothing else, I should be left in on certain facts & knowledge for, I leave that to you – because you know your there is very little you ever impart to me & there is no use begging you simply leave it up to your own broadness of mind to do as you wish, whether this once you would like me to know something or not.  If not, there is nothing I can do to make you – except to try to tell you that it’s not very fair, or even very nice to all of us, about all to Mama, to keep with such things concealed from people who are very interested, in this case, from me.

I hope, tho I’ve answered your query & relieved your mind – namely I’m in back of you & will help if & when you want to go.

Love,

Mildred

P.S.  If, by any change –I irritate thru this letter, please forgive me.  I mean no such thing.  I also know based on past knowledge, that I do irritate you, without meaning to.  Okay.

To:

Dr. A.I. Blieden

1165 Park Ave.

New York 28, New York

From:

Rich

4716 Atlantic Ave.

Wildwood, N. J.

07181944 Letter from Mildred to Art 1 of 8
07181944 Letter from Mildred to Art 2 of 8
07181944 Letter from Mildred to Art 13of 8
07181944 Letter from Mildred to Art 4 of 8
07181944 Letter from Mildred to Art 5 of 8
07181944 Letter from Mildred to Art 6 of 8
07181944 Letter from Mildred to Art 7 of 8
07181944 Letter from Mildred to Art 8 of 8
07181944 Letter from Mildred to Art envelope

As soon as his brother, Bernie, returned from the war, Bernie married his longtime sweetheart, May Wosnitzer.

The wedding took place on September 18, 1945.

Arthur is escorting his first cousin, Mickey Blieden, down the aisle. His sister, MIldred Blieden Rich (encircled in red) is watching on although she was upset at not being asked to accompany Arthur. The bridesmaid who was supposed to walk with Arthur didn’t show up and someone grabbed a last minute replacement.

Arthur and MIckey at Bernie's wedding

Arthur married Lois Drosin and had 3 children.  He met Lois in 1948 through a friend’s mother who told him to call Lois. Their first date was a dinner date and a ride on the Staten Island ferry. On another date, he had Lois meet him at his office.  He called her into the examining room to show her what he had just done.  He was proud of it.  What he had done was amputated someone’s arm.  When Lois saw that, she passed out. However, he made up for it when they became engaged.  He brought her several diamonds and told her to pick out the one she liked best!

Lois' Get Well Telegram to Arthur

Arthur and Lois at their Engagement Party
Gussie, Bernie, May, Lois, Arthur, and Mildred
Lois and Arthur
Lois and Arthur

Arthur as a young doctor

At first they lived in Gramercy Park, in NYC, which is in the Flatiron Section. According to the 1950 Census, they lived at 44 Gramercy Park, apartment 8D.

1950 Census recrod for Arthur and Lois Blieden
44 Gramercy Park
Gramercy Park
Looking at 44 Gramercy Park from the gated park only for residents

Later, they moved to Teaneck, NJ.  The Teaneck house was across the street from the Teaneck Jewish Community Center so all the cousins would gather at their home during the Jewish Holidays.


The Arthur Blieden Family 1958

Arthur, 1958
1958
Arthur, 1958
1958
Cape cod Vacatioin 1061
Uncle Arthur, July 1961 -Tara was along on this vacation and met the RI Blieden brothers on this trip
Arthur reading the newspaper

Once they lived in Teaneck, Arthur and Lois always hosted the Passover Seder.  They would move all the furniture out of their living room and move the dining room table into it to accommodate the large crowd.  The Seder would not start until Arthur returned from Temple at about 8:00 PM.  By then, the children were restless and barely made it to the end of the Seder.  However, we all remember the “grown-ups” singing away into the late evening hours.  They would often invite guests, one of them being Lillian Ianora, who became a regular, and another was Bea Ames.  Lillian, of the RI Bliedens, was a patient of Arthur’s and they struck up a friendship since she was a Blieden, too.  They never could figure out the family connection, but now in 2018, I have.  Bea Ames, was an Abramowitz relative, while Lillian Ianora was from Mordekhl’s branch of the Bliedens.

Arthur leading the family Passover Seder
FAmily Passover Seder led by Uncle Arthur
1976
Arthur with great-nephew on Passover 1977
Tradition – Arthur with his late brother’s first grandson, Brad, circa 1977

Among his many honors and accomplishments, he was the doctor for the NYC Ballet and for UPS.  He would often take his children, and his brother’s children, on his weekend hospital rounds with him.  One benefit of being a doctor back then, was the MD license plate for the car.  That meant he could park in front of a store, and run in for a second to buy a newspaper or some fresh bread from the bakery.  It was convenient especially in NYC, where it was hard to find a parking space.

Charity Donation by Arthur and Lois Blieden
from The Record (Hackensack, NJ, ) Feb. 22, 1965, page 25
Dr. Arthur Blieden

Arthur and Lois always opened their home and many people made use of their third floor bedroom as a temporary residence.  His brother’s 2 younger daughters also lived there after their father passed away in 1973. He was very proud of his great-nephew, his brother’s first grandson born in 1974, and marched him all around the neighborhood to introduce Bernie’s grandson to his neighbors.

His niece, Mavra, also lived with them and remembers the day fire trucks arrived.

Fire Trucks at 850 Prince Stree
from The Record (Hackensack, NJ) June 9, 1962, page 11

When his brother, Bernie, died in 1973, Arthur found out he had been named executor of the estate and guardian of the minor children. Although Abe Bersohn was named do-executor, he felt he was too old for this undertaking and the estate was left under Arthur’s sole management.

excerpt of Bernard H. Blieden's will.
from the will of Bernard H. Blieden, written in July, 1965
Uncel Arthur and Tara, 11151974
Nov. 15, 1974, Comparing Tummies with neice, Tara – Uncle Arthur is excited for his first grand niece or nephew to be born
1975 Reunion from the 1935 Medical School Class from the Universit of Cincinnati
Reunion in 1975 of his 1935 Medical School class from the University of Cincinnati
1975 Reunion Names from the 1935 Medical School Class from the Universit of Cincinnati
Arthur and Amy circa 1980
Arthur and his daughter, Amy, at an orthopedic convention, circa 1980
Arthur, the Associate Professor

Over the years, Arthur had some very interesting patients which his children fondly remember. Some of them included: the actor Larry Blyden, the ballet dancers who performed in the Nutcracker Suite, one who owned a pickle barrel place on the Lower East Side and would always give them pickles, a kosher butcher on the Lower East side who gave them wonderful skirt steaks, one who sent them cases of Breck Shampoo, a patient who owned a ride in Coney Island which the kids rode over and over again many times and the same man also owned a candy store in the block of stroes next to Nathan’s, so they got free shoestring licorice, rock candy, and chunks of fudge, and more.

Nathan's at Coney Island
at the corner of Stillwell and Surf Avenues – photo by Daniel Terna

Arthur had a great sense of humor and often laughed at his own jokes. Always hard-working, loving and compassionate, Arthur died in November 1983, from colon cancer.

He is buried Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in the Drosin Family Plot next to wife, Lois, and his brother-in-law, Morty.

Arthur Blieden Gravestone
Drosin Family Plot
Arthur Blieden Cemetery Information
Arthur Mt. Lebanon Cemetery Section
Arthur Blieden's Gravestone Unveiling Date
Yiskor Plaque intstalled at the Teaneck Jewish Community Center