Dora Schwebel

Born in 1888, Dora Goldberg was the daughter of the shammes at the Children of Israel Synagogue. In 1906, she married her first cousin Joseph Schwebel. Together, they established and operated one of the most successful bakeries in the Youngstown area. Dora and Joseph raised six children, most of who became involved in the family business. After Joseph’s untimely death in 1928, “Ma” Schwebel, as she was affectionately known, was forced to bare the responsibility of the then tentative business venture.

With staunch dedication, Dora was able to expand Schwebel Bakery and make it prosper. Under her leadership, the business grew into a multi-million dollar venture. She was often demanding and serious in her business interactions, but donated much to the community. Her philanthropy coupled with her professional success made her a legend in her own time.

In 1964, Dora passed away at the age of seventy-six from a heart ailment. Her status made her funeral one of the largest ever seen in the Youngstown Jewish community. On August 8, 1964, 800 mourns crowded the Temple Anshe Emeth to celebrate Dora’s life.[1]

[1] Irving E. Ozer, et al., These Are the Names: The History of the Jews of Greater Youngstown, Ohio 1865-1990 (Youngstown, OH: 1994), 387-88.

Above: Dora Schwebel. Acc. No. JA95-610P5, MVHS Collection.

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society educates and promotes an interest in the history of the Mahoning Valley by collecting, preserving, and developing material representative of the people who have inhabited the region.

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