Dewey D. Stone Papers

Collection

Identifier: P-529 and P-529A

Staff Only

Scope and Content Note

This collection documents the life of Dewey Stone (DDS). His involvement with the State of Israel and with Chaim Weizmann and the Weizmann Institute is heavily documented, as are his many philanthropic activities and his connection with a great many notable public figures and politicians. A small amount of correspondence received by DDS's wife Anne is included in the collection. The collection is organized into seven series, as follows: Correspondence, Weizmann Institute, Philanthropy, Israel, Personal, Anne Stone, and Photographs. Some material in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish is included.

The addendum contains additional information pertaining to Dewey D. Stone's activities, including his involvement with the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Zionist Congress, the Weizmann Institute, and United Jewish Appeal. There is also a speech given by Stone's nephew, Theodore Teplow, at the Dewey David Stone School in Jerusalem, and various medals, awards, and photographs. The addendum also includes various news clippings and articles about Stone and his relationship with Israel.

Dates

undated, 1916-1984

Creator

Stone, Dewey David, 1900-1977 (Person)

Language of Materials

The collection is in English, French, German, Hebrew, and Yiddish.

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for researcher use. Please contact us to request access or to make an appointment to view this collection at jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Use Restrictions

There may be some restrictions on the use of this collection. For more information contact jhcreference@nehgs.org.

Biographical Note

Dewey David Stone (DDS) was born in Brockton, Massachusetts on August 31^st, 1900. He served as a Sergeant Major in World War I, graduated from Boston University in 1920 and married Anne Abrams, also of Brockton, in 1923.

He played a role in U.S. politics, providing funds which aided Harry Truman in securing the 1944 Vice Presidential nomination and raising money for Truman's 1948 presidential campaign. DDS also assisted John F. Kennedy in his 1952 senatorial campaign by providing him the opportunity to address Massachusetts Jewish leaders. (Kennedy had had difficulty procuring invitations from Jewish organizations, due to his father's previous endorsement of Adolf Hitler.) DDS also served as an advisor to Kennedy during his presidential campaign.

DDS was a leading figure in the American Zionist movement. He was one of the founding members of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science; this Committee raised funds for the development and expansion of the Daniel Sieff Research Institute, receiving funds from individual donors and from the Zionist Organization of America, B'nai B'rith, Hadassah, the Canadian Zionist Organization, and the United Palestine Appeal of Canada. DDS served as Chairman of the Committee's board from its inception in 1944 until 1971. He also served as Chair of the Weizmann Institute's Board of Governors.

In 1946, DDS headed the U.S. operation to acquire boats to bring survivors of the Holocaust into Palestine and during the 1947-1948 United Nations debates, he played a major role in securing votes for the UN Partition Resolution. After the Resolution was passed, he helped Dr. Chaim Weizmann secure President Truman's recognition of Israel.

DDS was active in many Jewish organizations, serving as National Chair of the United Jewish Appeal from 1955 to 1963, of the United Israel Appeal from 1960 to 1968, and of the Jewish Agency from 1960 to 1968. He received many awards and honors, several of which are highlighted in the following chronology. He died in 1977.

Chronology

1900
: DDS born
1920
: Graduates Boston University College of Business Administration
1923
: Marries Anne Abrams
1944
: American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science founded.
1948
: Boston University science building named in honor of DDS and his brother Harry
1949
: Formal dedication of the Weizmann Institute
1950
: Receives honorary degree from Boston University
1952
: Certificate of merit award from Jewish War Veterans
1958
: Honorary degree from Stonehill College
1960
: Receives honorary fellowship from Weizmann Institute
1966
: New administration building of Weizmann Institute dedicated as "Anne and Dewey D. Stone Administration Building"
1969
: Named associate founder of Boston University
1970
: School in Kiryat Hayovel, Israel named in honor of DDS, in honor of his 70^th birthday.
1977
: Death of DDS

Extent

4.75 linear feet (9 manuscript boxes, 1 half-manuscript box, OS folders)

Additional Description

Abstract

Contains papers and photos including correspondence and other materials relating to work as Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Palestine (and Israel), as National Chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, as a leading campaigner for Israel Bonds, and as co-founder of and Chairman of the Board of the Weizmann Institute of Science; 2 texts of radio broadcasts made in 1948 informing America about the Israeli war for independence and the new Israeli republic; a list of military equipment supplied by Mr. Stone to Israel in 1948; letters and biographical material relating both to pressure applied by Mr. Stone and others on Pres. Truman to recognize and support the new Jewish state and to Mr. Stone's financial support of Truman's campaign and the Democratic Party in 1948; materials on associations with Boston University (including the dedication of the Dewey D. and Harry K. Stone Science Building), and the Truman Library; tributes and awards; biographical material; memorials; miscellaneous speeches, presentations, and essays; miscellaneous press clippings; and various photographs. Among the correspondents are: Chaim Weizmann, Vera Weizmann, Abba Eban, David Ben Gurion, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, the Rothschilds, Hubert Humphrey, Adlai E. Stevenson II, Teddy Kollek, Golda Meir, Richard Cardinal Cushing, Jacob Fine, Henry Ford II, Solomon Goldman, John M. McCormack, Meyer Weisgal, and Stephen S. Wise.

This collection also contains a number of items relating to Dr. Chaim Weizmann's career as a statesman and as the first President of the State of Israel. Also consists of Ann Stone's personal correspondence including letters for medical assistance with Lord Marcus J. Sieff of London.

Physical Location

Located in Boston, Mass.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Anne Stone in 1985, with additional material donated by the estate of Anne Stone in 1991.

Addendum materials donated by Theodore H. Teplow in September 1997.