Born into the legacy of the Mandel Brothers Department Store founders, Fred L. Mandel Jr. embarked on a life that would see him traverse various fields. His early life was marked by a dedication to education, culminating in graduation from York High School and Notre Dame University. However, his journey was not without its trials. A trip to China resulted in a polio diagnosis, leading to a period confined in an iron lung, a testament to his resilience and determination.
In 1931, Mandel, alongside his brother Leon Mandel II, sponsored an ornithological expedition led by Ernest G. Holt. This expedition significantly contributed to the Field Museum of Natural History, collecting 803 birds, 96 reptiles, and 37 mammals from the Orinoco Delta. This endeavor reflected Mandel's interest in and support for scientific exploration and discovery.
Mandel's business acumen was evident in his role within his family's department store, eventually ascending to the company's board of directors in 1934. However, his venture into the sports industry marked a significant chapter in his career. In 1940, he purchased the Detroit Lions for $200,000, becoming the NFL's first Jewish owner. His tenure saw the Lions through turbulent times, including a winless season in 1942. Despite the team's struggles, Mandel's ownership was a pioneering moment in NFL history. He sold the team in 1948, closing a chapter that saw the Lions win only 35 games under his ownership.
Mandel's personal life was as eventful as his professional endeavors. In 1935, he married Lois Klafter, and the couple had one son, Stephen. They resided in a French Eclectic house in Highland Park, Illinois, designed by Lois' father, David Saul Klafter. This home, known as the Mr. Fred L. Mandel Jr. House, was later recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. The couple divorced in 1944, and Mandel would later remarry.
In later life, Mandel transitioned away from the department store business, which was sold in 1960. He and his second wife, Edna, moved to Honolulu, where he operated the Hawaii Stamp & Coin Shop, indulging his passion for philately. In 1967, he made headlines by selling a Hawaiian Missionary stamp at auction for $17,000, a notable event in the world of stamp collecting.
🏈