Have you ever shopped in a Madewell clothing store?
I read this online a few years ago and again today. I decided I needed to contact the author, Dan Nosowitz. Here is a link to his essay. https://www.buzzfeed.com/dannosowitz/how-madewell-bought-and-sold-my-familys-history
Hello Dan
I reached out to you on Twitter but then saw your email listed. I'm still active on Twitter. @Patienc77732097.
I read your article a few years ago when I first started researching my family tree because the first time I saw a Madewell store I had the same reaction as you - family birthright - why did I not know about this?
My niece later sent me a photo of her shopping bag and asked the same thing. I read the essay again today and had to reach out.
You see Dan, I AM A MADEWELL.
My maternal grandmother's maiden name was Madewell. She was born in Fentress County TN in 1896.
So who is this Russian Jewish Madewell that your great grandfather found a headstone for? You said in your article that because of language difficulties, Julius might have spelled the name wrong. I also know that when people entered this country through Ellis Island their names were butchered and shortened. My late husband's name is a case in point. "Mehas" was shortened from the Greek "Mehalos." (Spelling is probably wrong) when his grandfather immigrated. Another friend's grandfather came through the same way and his name was changed from "Nepasilik" to "Silk."
When they arrived here from their homeland, they said their name, someone wrote it down, and that became their new name.
I wonder if that is what happened with your Julius Madewell. I wonder whose name was on that stone.
I will stop rambling now. But every time I see a Madewell store, I think I should be getting dividends.
Please get back with me, especially if you have any answers.
Mona Mehas