Pa History: Larry of Three Stooges saved Philadelphia, Pa family from burning house This is the story of how Larry

Fine of the Three Stooges helped to save a family from a burning house at 3364 Kensington Avenue on September 3, 1922. Written by Bob McNulty. At 4 am on the morning of Sunday, September 3, 1922, Benjamin Goldstein, age 55, woke up choking on thick black smoke. He, along with his wife and 2 children (Matilda age 22 and Charles age 18) lived above the dress shop of David Middleton at 3364 Kensington Avenue (it's been Seidmans Hardware for as long as I can remember) where David worked as a tailor. He roused his family awake and tried to lead them down the stairs but the flames were shooting up the steps. The rear of the house was already engulfed in flames so they ran to the front window and shouted to their neighbors for help. The firemen were called but the flames were quickly progressing to the front of the house, there was no time to wait. Benjamin climbed out the window onto a small ledge and worked his way toward a first story awning, 2 buildings away. By this time, the Goldstein's next door neighbor, Albert Hunn was on the scene. Along with Hunn was his nephew, Harry Sylk, age 21, and his wife's nephew, Louis (Larry) Feinberg who was one month shy of his 20th birthday. When Benjamin reached the awning he hopped onto it and then encouraged each of his family members as they repeated his movements. Hunn and his nephews followed along below, ready to catch any that fight fall and then helped them down off of the awning. Just as the last Goldstein was safely on the ground, Hunn realized that there was smoke coming from his window. He ran upstairs to find his wife Ida in a semi-conscious condition. He quickly carried her outside into the fresh air (Ida was 8 months pregnant....she gave birth to their daughter, Charlotte 3 weeks later). All 4 Goldsteins and Ida Hunn were taken to Episcopal Hospital for medical treatment. Several firemen were also injured (from broken glass). Three years later, Ida's nephew, Louis Feinberg, also known as Larry Fine, joined up with Moe and Shemp Howard and became one of Ted Healy's Stooges....later the Three Stooges. While researching this story, I found some interesting info about Larry's family that I had never heard before. I will share what I found next.

Larry Fine was born as Louis Feinberg on October 5, 1902. His maternal Grandparents were Levi and Sarah Leiberman. Levi emigrated from Russia to Philadelphia in the mid 1890's. In 1897, he sent money for Sarah and their 4 children: Fannie (1881), Nathan (1882), Samuel (1892) and Ida (1895....mentioned in the story above, Ida Hunn). They had 3 other children but they died in Russia. The Leibermans lived at 802 Federal Street where they sold milk and ice. It would appear that Levi abandoned the family in 1900. He was not living with the family in 1900 or 1910 but Sarah did not list herself as a widow until 1920.

Fannie Leiberman married Joseph Feinberg in 1901. Joseph had just emigrated from Russia 2 years earlier. Joseph and Fannie moved to 606 S 3rd Street where they had 3 sons: Louis (Larry 1902), Morris (1904) and Phillip (1906). Joseph worked as a jeweler and watchmaker. When Louis was young, he was visiting his father's shop and accidentally spilled acid on his arm. Louis was given violin lessons as therapy to strengthen his weakened arm muscles. In 1908 the Feinbergs moved to 246 N 2nd Street and then in 1909, they moved in with Fannie's mother at 802 Federal Street.

In December of 1916, Joseph was arrested for receiving stolen merchandise. Two men had stolen a package of silverware out of a mail truck and sold it to Joseph for $25. Because it was a mail theft, it was a federal crime and Joseph was sentenced to 2 years at the US Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia. Fannie and her mother Sarah moved the family to 3112 Columbia (Cecil B Moore) Avenue. It was around this time that Louis started to develop a violin/comedy act and entered as many local talent shows as he could. He also took a job as an underwear salesman to help with the families bills. Joseph was released from prison in 1919. It was not long after that their son Phillip died at age 13. They then moved to 3125 Columbia Ave. On August 26, 1919, a man and woman knocked on the door and asked for a glass of water. Sarah let them in and when she went to the kitchen to get the water, they rifled through a bureau and stole $10. They then moved to 3132 Columbia Ave where Joseph and Fannie's 4th child and only daughter, Lyla was born in 1920. Joseph began to deal in diamonds. In 1921, they moved to 1927 N Patton Street. Joseph died about 1924. By this time, Louis was pursuing a vaudeville career and was using the stage name Larry Fine. He was asked to join Moe and Shemp Howard as Ted Healy's Stooges in 1925. After they broke from Healy in 1934, they became the Three Stooges.

Researched and written by Bob McNulty December 29, 2013 For more stories go to:https://www.facebook.com/PhiladelphiaStoriesbyBobMcNulty