AmericaÕs Alligator Family: The David Crystal Story blends together snapshots of a family man and the clothing empire he founded, mixed with extended family chronicles, and highlights of company operations over seven decades. David Crystal Inc. and itsÕ associated companies and labels was a major 20th century clothing manufacturer famously distributing IZOD Lacoste alligator apparel that defined the American polo-wearing era. This book is a tale of resilience and tenacity demonstrated by David, his descendants, and relatives; many of whom experienced success in apparel or other industries including academia, finance, real estate, and insurance.
This extensively researched family genealogy celebrates a Jewish American success story that originated in the east European shtetl of Jedwabne, Poland, which was formerly part of the Russian Empire when David and his siblings emigrated. Family lore suggests that DavidÕs father Izrael Fajba Krysztal operated a successful business that might have paved a smoother entry into America for his eleven identified children; Bernard, Moses, Samuel, Sutcha Seligson, Mary, Leah Goldberg, Abraham J., Isaac, Fannie Graef, David, and Meyer.
Family, friends, company employees, genealogists, Seventh Avenue fashion historians, Quaker Ridge golf enthusiasts, and more will enjoy this read.