Wall of Fame Class of 2023
Irving George Abrams graduated from MMI in
1930. Four years later, he received a Bachelor of
Science in Commerce Degree from NYU.
During the 1950s and 60s, Irving was a prominent
business and civic leader in Hazleton and Freeland.
He along with his brother, Simon ’30, and father
operated three garment companies: Freeland Overall, Freeland
Manufacturing and Freeland Shirt Company. The former Freeland
Manufacturing Company site is now the MMI Tennis Courts.
Outside of work, Irving volunteered his time to his community. He served
as president of the Rotary Club from 1953-1960, a member of MMI’s Board
of Directors from 1950-1960, a member of Hazleton’s JCC (Jewish
Community Center) Board of Directors, and a member of Pinemere Camp’s
Board of Directors. Throughout his life, he was a strong ally to MMI and
Lambert Broad, the principal of the then Mining & Mechanical Institute.
The factories Irving, Simon, and their father started have since closed their
doors, but their legacy lives on. The Abrams Family inherited the land and,
in 2004, donated 31 acres to MMI in honor of Irving’s father, Philip. MMI, in
turn, sold the land and used the proceeds to fund some capital projects
and establish The Abrams Family Endowed Scholarship Fund. Since then,
the original scholarship fund has nearly doubled in value through the
generosity of the family, including support from the next generation.
Irving passed away on January 6, 1970. He was nominated by his children
Ann Abrams Morrison, Jeremiah Abrams ’65 (who passed away after the
nomination), and on behalf of son Ed Abrams ’62 (deceased) grandfather
to Richard Abrams ’88, Cynthia Jarus, Benjamin Abrams ’96, and Jessica
(Abrams) Horsey ’95. Irving has been posthumously inducted into the Wall
of Fame for his professional achievements, dedication to MMI, and love
of education.
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