JewishGen, Inc. is pleased to accept a generous contribution made on behalf of The Zantker Charitable Foundation. This page is presented to our readers as a tribute to Edgar and Elizabeth ZANTKER, whose legacy has now touched the thousands who participate in JewishGen every day!
"Only in America..."
Elizabeth and Edgar ZANTKER in the 1930's
"I am not Jewish but I'm trying to further my husband's wishes," Elizabeth Zantker wrote shortly before her own death in 1991, explaining why she had added a charitable remainder trust to a legacy created by Edgar Zantker. "He was an ardent Zionist. He believed that superior education was the only asset which would enable Israel to last."
Behind these words lies the story of a 55-year marriage labeled "Only in America".
Edgar, a young Jewish immigrant born in Constantinople, landed in the US with $12 in his pocket. Fluent in eight languages, cosmopolitan and urbane, he rapidly climbed the executive ladder of the international film industry, becoming the youngest district manager of Fox films in charge of 17 countries.
In 1931, Elizabeth and Edgar met on a boat trip to Europe, married in Athens, and began seeing the world together. They lived in Mexico and California before settling in Kentucky in 1945 to enter the horse business.
Edgar and Elizabeth were both self-taught with regard to farming and horses and purchased their farm on the Clays Mill Road on what was then the outskirts of Lexington. The rest is history. Edgar became one of the most successful horsemen in the business and established such a reputation that his accomplishments were once noted in the Thoroughbred Record as being in the top 3% of horsemen producing thoroughbreds who were superior runners. Edgar's BLUE SKYER finished third in the 1966 Kentucky Derby.
Their special zest and curiosity stayed in high gear. Regular trips abroad--with visits to Israel--helped meet their thirst for new ideas.
Edgar and Elizabeth fused experiences, values and goals--including their commitment to Jewish causes.
"Edgar's dedication to Israel set the standard for the entire Jewish community in this area," said a prominent Lexington attorney.
It became his wife's dedication, too.
Some Genealogy...
Elizabeth Burdeau came from a well-established St. Louis family. Her grandfather had been a Mississippi river boat captain and she was the grandniece of a Catholic bishop.
Edgar was born in Constantinople, his mother's home, his father having come from Odessa, Russia. Edgar's father's family was in the shipping business and it was following the conclusion of the First World War that Edgar left Turkey and began his travels.
Source: The Zantker Charitable Foundation, Inc., Lexington, Kentucky