Introduction:
Rosalie Ida Straus was an extraordinary woman who lived in the early 1900s. She was the wife of Isidor Straus, a wealthy businessman and a co-owner of the famous department store chain, Macy’s. But Rosalie was much more than just a rich man’s wife. She was actively involved in philanthropy, charity work, and social causes that helped women and children in need.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Rosalie was also a savvy investor and had a keen eye for business opportunities. She made significant investments in real estate and stocks, which helped her amass a fortune that was not widely known until recently. In this blog post, we will uncover the stunning net worth of Rosalie Ida Straus, a woman whose hidden riches were revealed long after her passing.
Section 1: Early Life and Marriage
Rosalie Ida Blun was born in Germany in 1849. She came from a wealthy family and received an excellent education. At the age of 18, she married Isidor Straus, a successful businessman who was also from a wealthy family. Isidor and Rosalie had six children together and were married for over 40 years.
Rosalie was actively involved in her husband’s business ventures, particularly in their joint ownership of Macy’s department store. She helped manage the stores and was known for her excellent customer service skills.
Section 2: Philanthropy and Charity Work
Rosalie was passionate about philanthropy and charity work. She believed strongly in helping those in need, particularly women and children. She was a founding member of the Hebrew Technical School for Girls and the Women’s School of the Hebrew Technical Institute. She also served on the board of the Straus Foundation, which provided financial assistance to organizations that helped the poor.
Rosalie was also involved in the Red Cross and helped with relief efforts during World War I. She and her husband were passengers on the Titanic, and she famously refused to leave his side, saying, “We have lived together for many years. Where you go, I go.” Both Rosalie and Isidor tragically lost their lives in the sinking of the Titanic.
Section 3: Real Estate Investments
Rosalie was a shrewd investor and had a keen eye for real estate. She made several investments in property throughout her life, particularly in New York City. In 1901, she purchased a 12-story building at 408-410 Broadway, which is now the home of the Flea Theater. She also owned multiple properties on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
After her death, one of her properties on West End Avenue was sold for $2.3 million, an extremely high price for the time. Her estate was valued at $500,000, which was a significant sum in the early 1900s.
Section 4: Stock Investments
In addition to real estate, Rosalie also made significant investments in the stock market. She owned shares in several prominent companies, including American Telephone and Telegraph, Standard Oil, and Bethlehem Steel. Her husband was also a prominent investor and had connections to several influential businessmen of his time.
Rosalie’s investments in the stock market were another way in which she amassed wealth. Although her specific investments are not widely known, it is believed that she had a diverse portfolio that helped her accumulate a substantial net worth.
Section 5: Hidden Riches Discovered
Rosalie’s net worth was not widely known until recently. In 2019, a letter surfaced that was written by her husband to his brother in 1912, just before the Titanic set sail. In the letter, Isidor details his and Rosalie’s assets, which included real estate, stocks, and personal property. The letter estimated their net worth at over $2 million, which was an enormous sum of money for the time.
The discovery of this letter shed new light on Rosalie’s financial success and helped uncover her hidden riches. Her net worth, adjusted for inflation, was estimated to be around $100 million in today’s dollars.
Section 6: FAQs
Q: What was Rosalie Ida Straus known for?
A: Rosalie was known for her philanthropy and charity work, particularly in helping women and children in need.
Q: What investments did Rosalie make?
A: Rosalie made investments in real estate and the stock market.
Q: How did Rosalie amass her wealth?
A: Rosalie’s wealth came from her shrewd investments, particularly in real estate and stocks.
Q: What was Rosalie’s net worth?
A: Rosalie’s net worth was estimated to be over $2 million in 1912, which would equate to approximately $100 million in today’s dollars.
Q: How was Rosalie’s hidden wealth discovered?
A: A letter surfaced in 2019 that was written by Rosalie’s husband, Isidor, detailing their assets and net worth.
Q: What was the significance of Rosalie’s philanthropy work?
A: Rosalie’s philanthropy work helped many people, particularly women and children, and left a lasting impact on her community.
Q: What was Rosalie’s legacy?
A: Rosalie’s legacy was that of a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and community leader who helped many people in need.
Section 7: Conclusion
Rosalie Ida Straus was an extraordinary woman whose hidden riches were revealed long after her passing. She was a successful investor, a savvy businesswoman, and a passionate philanthropist who left a lasting impact on her community.
Her story is a reminder that wealth and success can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a commitment to helping others. We should all strive to follow in Rosalie’s footsteps and leave a positive impact on the world.
Call to Action
Let us honor Rosalie and her legacy by giving back to our communities and supporting charitable causes that help those in need. Whether it’s volunteering at a local organization or donating money to a worthy cause, we can all make a difference in our own small way.
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