Page 30 - April 2020

BURIED TREASURE

Ben Medofsky

Toastmaster &

Civic Leader 1942

to 1955 (Part 4)

Harvey Schowe, DTM

On February 17, 1946 the Oregonian published He purchased
an article about the life of Ben Medofsky. Ben the Benson
BEN F. MEDOFSKY MARCH 1944
was a member and held leadership positions in Apartments in
Source: Oregonian Newspaper
many civic groups because people admired and February 1942 reproduced with permission
enjoyed working with him. and organized
Ben’s memberships included The Psychology Verigon Investments Company around 1944.
Club, Lincoln Club, Oregon Apartment House This company acquired Morlee Apartments,
Association, Republican Club, Portland Chamber Bran Mar, Crescent Orchards, and View Villa

of Commerce, Path Finders’ Mountain Climbing for one million dollars in 1951.
Club, Health Education League, American Ben continued his membership with the
Pioneer’s Association, and Zionist Organization YMCA Lincoln Club, a public speaking and
of America. During the war he donated $50 a discussion group, through 1954.

month to the US Government for the war effort. During the Friday March 3, 1944, meeting at
He was a sector warden for the air defense of the Winter Garden restaurant, Ben was elected
South Portland, and worked on war bond drives. president of the club. He continued as a member
During the late 1940s and early 1951, Ben at least until April 1954.

managed Israel bond drives. He wrote articles Ben Medofsky probably joined Toastmasters
in the Oregonian editorial section. One such between 1952 and September 1955. On October
article was in 1942 protesting the internment 5, 1955, he was elected as vice president of
of Japanese Americans. He frequently walked the Beyond Basic Toastmasters Club #1360

10 miles a day in the west hills of Portland. In during a joint induction meeting with Hi Dawn
July 1943 he rode his bicycle from Portland to Toastmasters club #730. Past District 7 governor
Seaside in two days. He also danced, ice skated, George Lonely was Toastmaster. The installation
roller skated, and skied. was held at Webb’s Hollywood Club, a restaurant

Medofsky’s apartment business grew on NE Sandy Blvd and NE 48th street, Portland.
during and after World War II. His brother William Dudley, Lieutenant Governor of District
Morris was his business partner during the War. 7 inducted the officers.

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