Family Business

When we take a look into the kinds of occupations which our ancestors held, they somehow become more dynamic for us to picture in what skills they possessed, and how they found the means to provide for their families.

I have come to learn that both my second great-grandfather, Harold Glasser, and my third great-grandfather, Samuel Glasser, were both glaziers.

Glazing belongs in the business of architecture. Glaziers essentially manufacture anything that is made out of glass. Glaziers invest time to learn the skills in this type of industry by essentially joining a labor union which sponsors their education. They start by becoming apprentices, and they take a few years to get through the program.

It appears to me from what I have analyzed from the 1910 census is that Harold (or Harry) took apprenticeship under his father, Samuel. Samuel ran a retail business with the aforesaid occupation, and Harry held a job there as well. This was a father-and-son business in Weehawken, Hudson County, New Jersey.

1910 U.S. Census

I have also come to find in the 1930 U.S. Census that Samuel Glasser changed his occupation from glazier to real estate agent.

1930 U.S. Census: Samuel Glasser

As for Harry Glasser, he continued working in the glazing business. It further appears in the 1930 census that he might have taken over his father's business, but this time they were both living in the Manhattan District in New York City.

1930 U.S. Census: Harry Glasser

With these evidences concerning both father in son, since they were both working in two different fields of work - real estate and glazing - I wonder if Samuel may have contracted his son, Harry, to assist him in renovating architectural designs for residences that were rented, bought, or sold?