Oscar Feldman
Interviewed by Jim Grey
June 29, 2004
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Oscar Feldman
Video 00:44:12
Oscar Feldman
Audio 00:44:12
Abstract
In this interview, Feldman speaks about his parent’s immigration to the US. He then talks about his move to Michigan to join the band at University of Michigan. He mentions his experiences in the Army during World War II, and then describes moving back to Michigan to get a Master’s in business administration. Later, he got a law degree at Columbia University.
From here, Feldman talks about Bill Davidson asking him to move back to Detroit and help him buy a failing company. He agreed, and in Detroit, married, began teaching law at Wayne State University, and then took over his father-in-law’s practice when he had passed on. He speaks about his involvement with Bill Davidson with Guardian Industries, and their interest in sports, which lead them into buying the Detroit Pistons, among other teams.
Next, Feldman talks about his involvement with the Jewish community in Detroit, including the construction of the Palace, and dealing with David Hermelin. He mentions the William Davidson Mission in Israel, as well as some philanthropic work at the Weizmann Institute. He also talks about some non-Jewish philanthropy, such as the Detroit Medical Center, the American Red Cross, University of Michigan Advisory Board, and others.
Feldman talks for a moment about traveling the world, staying active in old age, and his children and grandchildren. He speaks about his wife and the Jewish organizations she is involved with as well. Wrapping things up, Feldman speaks about his time in the Army, his many careers, and more about Detroit sports teams.
History of Narrator
Oscar H. Feldman was born on August 18, 1921 in Poughkeepsie, New York. He attended the University of Michigan, his education briefly interrupted by military service during WWII. He then went on to Columbia Law School.
While attending University of Michigan, Feldman became friends with William Davidson. In 1951, he was invited by Davidson to come to Michigan to look at a company Davidson was considering buying. During that visit, Davidson convinced Feldman to join him in business. Thus began a long partnership.
The two men also shared a love of sports and in 1974 put together a deal to buy the Detroit Pistons.
Feldman was active in philanthropy. He co-chaired Federation’s annual campaign with David Hermelin and during that campaign they launched the William Davidson Mission, one of the most successful fundraising missions in Federation’s history. He also served as chairmen of Hutzel hospital and was on the boards of Detroit Receiving Hospital and Karmanos Cancer Institute, and co-chair of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Transcript
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Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Oscar Feldman Oral History Interview, June 29, 2004.