A Partial Biography of Nathan Margolis

(For source see note at bottom of the page.)

 

1924 - Graduated from the Central High School in Philadelphia.

1926 - Graduated from the Philadelphia Normal School, major in art.

Took courses in color and design in the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art (now the Philadelphia Museum of Art).

Circa 1926 to 1929 - Began studies at the Graphic Sketch Club, painting, drawing, and etching. Studied nights and weekends until 1933.

1928 to 1942 - Taught evenings at the Graphic Sketch Club, drawing and painting.

Studied at the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in art.

Throughout Margolis was a teacher, beginning when he was 18. Working within the Philadelphia elementary school system until 1931.

1931-1935 - Art instructor Sulzberger Junior High School.

1935 - Instructor at Frankford High School until approximately 1937.

1938 - Awarded a Harvard fellowship to study the techniques of Italian painting. Primary interest in Botticelli, El Greco, and fresco paintings.

As the Depression deepened Margolis shifted his art instruction to a variety of Philadelphia schools:

    1937 to 1937 - Northeast High School from 1937 to 1938.

    1938 to 1939 - Overbrook High School.

    1939 to 1940 - Stetson Junior High School.

    1940 to 1941 - mechanical drawing instructor Bartram High School.

1941 to 1943 - Benjamin Franklin High and William Penn High School where he shifted between schools.

Circa 1942 to 1944 - Studied at the Barnes Foundation.

1943 to 1945 - Employed at William Penn High School.

1946 - Received a Master's Degree in Fine Arts from the Stella Elkins Fine Arts of Temple University.

1945 to 1953 - Art instruction at Bartram High School.

During World War II Margolis sought volunteer work but was rejected for physical reasons.

Source: In 1953 Mr. Margolis and his wife Adele where called before the Committee on Un-American Activities. They were questioned about their Communist activities and contacts. On the whole they took the 5th Amendment and refused to flip. 

 

Click here to read the full text of the hearing. 

 

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