Samuel D. Leidesdorf Way (Manhattan)
Present name:First Avenue
Location:The east side of First Ave between East 30th Street and East 34th Street.
Honoree: Samuel D. Leidesdorf (1881-1968) had hoped to be a doctor but had to go to work as an office boy to support his family. He became a bookkeeper, studied accounting, and in 1905 founded what became one of the nation's largest accounting firms. While still in his twenties he began a lifetime of philanthropy in support of medical and educational institutions. He was instrumental in the creation of the NYU Medical Center on its present site on First Avenue, and was Chair of its Board from 1956 until his death in 1968.
LL:1996/98