1918-1985
Elvira Rodrigues (left) co-owned Dan’s Friendly Services in Newark with her husband (oil). She was of the East Side High School advisory board and Newark Library board of trustees, as well as the Ironbound Senior Citizens Club and St. Jame’s Hospital Auxiliary .She was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1968.
Elvira was also founder of the Portuguese American Scholarship Foundation and a member of the Portuguese-American Congress, the Portuguese Continental Union Lodge 15, Luso Hill American Fraternal Organization and the Portuguese Sports Club.
Elvira received the Mother of the Year Award from Newark Project Pride in 1981 and the Human Rights Award from the Newark Human Rights Commission. She was a member of the Mayor Gibson committee for the 150th anniversary of Newark.
Elvira was born in Brazil and moved to New York and then Newark. By 1940, the family lived at 91 McWhorter Street and in 1960 their daughter Linda was featured in the Newark News with her rock collection.
Bibliography
Knowing Newark – Roots of the Portuguese Can be Found In Three From Old Guard
Star Ledger: extensive coverage including:
“Elvira Rodrigues lives on in the heart of a daughter and the rap of the gavel” Dec 4, 1996 and “Society Helps Portuguese to Live a Dream” May 18, 1982 and “Elvira Rodrigues, 67, Owned Oil Firm”, Dec 8, 1985
Photo from Newark Public Library
“Project Pride Goals Grow” Star Ledger Oct 20, 1981
“Ironbound Leader Named to Library Post” Star Ledger Apr 22, 1985
Shafer, Richard O. “Addonizio Named to Delegate Slate” Star Ledger Apr 20, 1968
Star Ledger: May 9, 1977
“Miss Regateiro Engaged” Newark News Feb 23, 1950
“Gift from Nikita” Newark News Mar 25, 1960