The life story of Sam Abend is typical of the American tradition, in that it tells of an immigrant boy who came to the United States and by dint of hard work rose to business success. But Sam’s success went beyond mere business, for he earned the far greater wealth of an abundance of friends, the respect and affection of his fellowmen in his community and throughout the industry of which he became a vital part.
At the age of 17, Sam arrived alone at Galveston, Texas, in 1913, from his native Poland, with four dollars in his pocket. His point of destination was Kansas City, which he had heard was a growing community, and he managed to get there despite his meager funds, inability to speak English and other handicaps. His first job was that of a Baker’s handyman, driving a truck, helping in the baking and doing anything that was required of him.
Shortly after America’s entry in World War I, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a citizen of his adopted country. When he returned to civilian life, he started in business for himself with a second-hand automobile in which he delivered motion picture films to theatres in both Kansas Cities. From that small beginning there grew the Exhibitors Film Delivery Service, whose operations extend throughout the middlewest. And he also became the owner of several motion picture theatres.
A man of great family devotion, Sam brought his mother, three brothers and a sister and their families from Poland to Kansas City, where he started them all in business for themselves. His generosity extended far beyond his immediate family, for he took an inordinate interest in the underprivileged, the sick and the lame, initiating and participating in many worthwhile charity movements.
Small in stature but big in heart, Sam won the admiration of all with whom he came in contact, in social, civic and business life. He was indeed, a man among men, whose fine qualities should serve as heartwarming inspiration from which boys who seek to make their way in the world may take example.
Sponsored by the
Motion Picture Association
Greater Kansas City
