Anshey Dowig Association (Boston, Mass.) Records

The Anshey Dowig Association began in the last quarter of the 19^th century, initially as informal meetings for Jews from the region of Dowig, Lithuania, living in the Boston area. Often collections were taken up to be sent back to family and friends still living in Dowig. In 1887 they sought official status as a landsmanshaften or immigrant benevolent society, and in 1888 they received their charter name of Anshey Dowig Association.

The association functioned as a benefit society for its members and in 1898, with the acquisition of burial plots in a cemetery in West Roxbury, it also established itself as a chevra kadisha or burial society. By the 1980s, as membership dropped, it began working towards reviving the organization as a cemetery corporation, its main function being to maintain and provide perpetual care for the graves in the Anshe Dowig Cemetery.

1887

Constitution adopted.

1887

First minutes recorded.

1888

Charter obtained in the name of Anshey Dowig Association.

1898

Deed to a parcel of land in a cemetery located in West Roxbury is passed from Benjamin Miller to Anshey Dowig Association.

1927

A decision was made in arbitration in a dispute with Beth Israel over the right of way access road between their respective cemeteries.

1938

Celebrated its 50^th Anniversary at the Aperion Plaza in Roxbury, MA.

1947

Dissolved for not filing reports for 2 years, though still held meetings.

1981

Received certificate for revival of the corporation.