Dave Astor collection.

Note: -  Coll. 2499  
This collection contains items created by, or related to Dave Astor's personal life, aspects of his religious life and work within the Jewish community, as well as his professional life, with major emphasis on items related to his local Portland, Maine teen music television program, The Dave Astor Show. Material types include multiple magazine and copied newspaper articles; awards and certificates from multiple organizations and institutions; correspondence, mostly from local government officials; a large number of photographs from The Dave Astor Show, as well as family photographs; multipleVHS videos containing home movies, an episode of The Dave Astor Show, news segments and tributes, the presentation of an award, and a dedication ceremony; drawings and letters by Dave Astor while serving in the military; and scrapbooks, ledgers, posters, cards, booklets, manuscripts, committee records, reports, financial reports, and other miscellaneous materials. Dave Astor was born September 1919 to Max Astor and Sarah (Sonya) Novick Astor. He has three sisters, Sylvia (Sissa), Evelyn, and Muriel. He was a member of Congregation Shaaray Tphiloh on Newbury Street and later Temple Beth El on Deering Avenue, both in Portland, Maine. He attended college at the University of Maine where he was a member of the Tau Epsilon Thi fraternity, and he received his Bachelors degree in June 1941, majoring in pre-dental courses. Dave served as a US Marine from 1942-1945 serving in WWII in the Pacific theater at Guadalcanal, Okinawa, and Guam. He was a lieutenant by the time he was 23 years old, commanding 220 men and 6 officers. He eventually reached the rank of captain. Dave Astor married Esta June Venner in 1943, a friend of his sister Sissa. Dave and Esta have two children, Martha and Kenneth. Astor was actively involved with the Jewish Community Center and was also responsible for the creation of the Center Day Camp at Sebago Lake, on which committee he also served. Dave is also an advocate for senior citizens, and was also involved with Zionist Organization of America's Portland chapter. Mr. Astor loved to direct plays and reviews and was actively involved with local theater. Dave Astor is perhaps most well known as host of a local teen television music program called The Dave Astor Show, which he also staged and produced. The program ran from 1956 to1971 beginning on WGAN-13 as For Teenagers Only and moving to WCSH-6 as The Dave Astor Show. Dave Astor has received multiple awards and recognitions for his work with the community and enjoys collecting art. Mr. Astor died December 10, 2011.