Harry Hassan (ca. 1886-1931)

HASSAN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 2/21/2014 at 23:55:55

From Ames Daily Tribune Times November 15, 1931

FUNERAL TUESDAY FOR HARRY HASSAN

Proprietor of Manhattan Dies in Cafe

Harry Hassan, 45, for 13 years proprietor of the Manhattan cafe, 308 Main street, fell dead in the kitchen at the restaurant about 4:15 p. m. Saturday. His death was believed to have resulted from a heart attack.

Mr. Hassan recently suffered an attack of pneumonia, and was convalescing. He visited a physician Saturday morning to arrange for an X-ray examination. He had been talking with employees at the restaurant and went into the kitchen where he was suddenly stricken. His death resulted within a few moments and before physician could be summoned.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2:30 p. m. from the Duckworth funeral home, with the Rev. Ft. J. M. Campbell, pastor of St. Cecelia's Catholic church, officiating. Burial will be in the Ames cemetery.

Native of Turkey

Mr. Hassan was a native of Turkey, coming to America alone, at the age of 18, and unable to speak a word of English. He was taken ill aboard ship and was removed to a hospital somewhere in New York, where he received kind treatment that he always remembered.

After recovering from the illness he found his way to friends in Springfield, Ohio, and there began his assimilation of ideas of the western world and gained his first knowledge of English. He also learned the restaurant business.

He spent five years in restaurants in Des Moines, then conducted a restaurant in Boone until coming to Ames, buying the lunchroom where the Manhattan is located, May 12, 1919. The second year, he added full dining room service to the establishment.

Spoke Four Languages

Mr. Hassan not only mastered English, but also was able to speak fluently the language of the Turk, the Greek and the Bulgarian.

Surviving Mr. Hassan are his wife and four children, Irene, 14, who is attending school at St. Benedict's at Crookston, Minn.; Buddy, 4; Frederick, 7; and Harry, 11. Mr. and Mrs. Hassan resided at 622 Carroll avenue.

The Manhattan will be closed during the hour of the funeral, Tuesday. The restaurant is being continued until Mrs. Hassan completes her plans for the future.