The Hanover Family Story
From Louis and Ella’s journey to Baltimore, through Eli and Frances’s marriage and nine children, the Hanover family story is one of hard work, deep faith, and a lasting love for their city.
Roots in Romania, Russia & East Baltimore
Eli Ted Hanover’s parents were Louis and Ella Hanover. Louis Hanover was born in Romania on July 4, 1879. He came to the United States in the late 1800s at the age of 16 and died on November 20, 1961, at the age of 82. Notice of Death: L. Hanover 1961.
Ella was born in Russia and came to the U.S. as an infant in the late 1800s. Eli Ted Hanover was born on April 29, 1921 in East Baltimore near Patterson Park, then a largely Jewish section of town.
Eli was one of seven children: Bessie, Frank, Cecilia, Bernard, Mildred, and Irving. The family grew up during the difficult years of the Great Depression. From a young age, Eli worked hard to help his family, taking on odd jobs like shining shoes. He was known as a handsome and charismatic youth.
Money was tight, and the children even spent a brief time at an orphanage, but through it all their parents loved them deeply and did everything they could to care for them.
Marriage, Children & the Boxing Ring
In February of 1947, Eli married the love of his life, Frances, in Baltimore. They were both Orthodox Jews. Together they had nine children. From oldest to youngest: Larry Lee, Gail Ann, Jaqueline Iris, Deborah Arlene, Linda Renee, Louis Todd, Lee Beth, Brian Jason, and Andrew Michael.
All the children helped out at the family business around the boxing ring. The gym, the events, and the long hours became part of the family’s shared story, adding to the sense of community around Eli and Frances. One of Eli’s sons later became involved in the Holocaust Educational Trust, an organization that teaches young people about the Holocaust and the lessons it still holds for today.
Family Faith & Rabbi Jacob A. Max
Eli Ted was very close friends with Rabbi Jacob A. Max. Frances Hannah was a deeply religious woman, like her father Abraham, who was also friendly with Rabbi Max. Family celebrations—weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and brises—were almost always officiated by Rabbi Max. He was the family’s “go-to” rabbi for spiritual guidance and lifecycle events.
For more on Rabbi Max and his role in Baltimore’s Jewish community, see this article in the Baltimore Sun and the dedicated Religion & Orthodox Roots page on this site.
“Welcome Home”: East Baltimore in 1975
This film shows Baltimore in 1975, the year Eli Ted Hanover died. It captures the streets, rowhouses, and everyday scenes of the city he called home. He was, in every sense, a Baltimore man.