Elias Karmon (October 11, 1910 – October 20, 2008), popularly known as Mr. Bronx, was an American businessman, philanthropist, and community leader in the Bronx during much of the 20th century. He made his living in the garment industry, running a retail clothing store in the South Bronx for 40 years. He later invested in Bronx real estate and became involved with many community organizations in the borough. He was a member of the Jackson Democratic Club and a major force in getting Black and Latino candidates elected to public office.
After getting his degree, Karmon followed his parents into the garment industry, getting a job at a wholesale clothing business.[1] The owner died soon after Karmon started working there whereupon Karmon purchased the business and took on a partner. The partnership quickly proved unsuccessful and the business failed.[2] They then decided to open a retail clothing store in the Bronx but Karmon's partner backed out of the deal and Karmon opened Hollywood Clothes by himself.[1] The store, located on Prospect Avenue and East 163rd Street in the Morrisania section of the Bronx[3] was opened in the late 1930s and remained in operation until the 1970s. Among the store's regular clients were jazz saxophonist Benny Carter and Colin Powell, who at the time was a student at City College and ROTC member.[1]
Community service
In addition to running the store, Karmon served in many positions of community leadership. For four years, from 1978 to 1981, he was the president of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and also served as Treasurer, and as Vice President of the chamber at various times.[1][4] After the chamber faded from power in the 1990s, Karmon worked with other business leaders and Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión Jr. to form a replacement organization[4] known as the New Bronx Chamber of Commerce.[5]
Karmon was active in Democratic politics in the South Bronx. He was a member of the Jackson Democratic Club, which worked to elect black politicians.[2] Karmon and the Jackson Democratic Club were instrumental in electing Walter Gladwin as the first black elected official from the Bronx and the first black member of the New York State Assembly.[1][2] Karmon also supported the campaign of Felipe N. Torres, who was the first Puerto Rican from the Bronx to serve in the Assembly.[1]
Later life
Karmon lived the last years of his life in the Pelham Parkway section of the Bronx, and continued to run his various businesses and real estate ventures in the borough. He was known for throwing himself birthday parties which served as fund raisers for local cultural and social organizations.[1] In May 2000, José E. Serrano and Eliot Engel both entered tributes into the Congressional Record honoring Karmon on the occasion his 90th birthday.[9][10] Serrano called Karmon "an outstanding individual who has devoted his life to his family and to serving the community".[10] Karmon died on October 11, 2008, and is buried at the Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, New Jersey.[5] In 2014, the intersection of Thwaites Place and Barker Avenue was given the honorary designation of "Elias Karmon Way".[11]
^"Bronx Colleges Join Forces"(PDF). Invest in CUNY News. February 2009. Archived(PDF) from the original on September 14, 2024. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
