The Saul O Sidore Lecture Series was established in 1979 by Plymouth State and trustees of the Sidore Memorial Foundation. The series brings a variety of speakers to address critical issues and events in the political, social and cultural arenas to Plymouth State and residents of New Hampshire, reflecting Mr. Sidore’s lifelong interests.

Saul O Sidore was born in New York in 1907. After losing his job in the Depression, Sidore and his future wife, May Blum, joined her parents in founding the Juvenile Knitting Mills. The family’s enterprises prospered in New Hampshire, and by 1955 Saul Sidore was president of Brookshire Mills and Pandora Industries of Manchester.

Mr. Sidore’s success was based on the theory that following ethical principles and providing security for employees was the appropriate way to conduct a business. He pioneered a profit-sharing plan, instituted a pension plan, founded a scholarship loan fund to send his employees’ children to college and was the first employer in New Hampshire to hire an industrial psychologist and to institute insured hospitalization benefits for employees. In order to encourage participation from all levels in business decisions, he sponsored a joint committee of his executives and employees to discuss their mutual problems. He also held quarterly meetings with all of his employees to discuss the company and its future.

Mr. Sidore was the owner and sustaining force of the Manchester Free Press (however, by choice he refused any editorial control). He was a member of the New Hampshire Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights, was active in the Jewish community of Manchester and was a driving force in support of the ideals of humanity and brotherhood throughout New Hampshire.

All Sidore lectures are open to the public without charge, but advance reservations are recommended. Lectures are presented in the Smith Recital Hall at the Plymouth State University Silver Center for the Arts on Main Street in Plymouth. A reception follows.

For reservations or to arrange special accommodations, please call 535-ARTS in advance.