Title: Walter J. Berkowitz Collection (VMF012), 1965
Administrative/Biographical History
Walter J. Berkowitz (1892-1966) was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of William J. and Emilie (Block) Berkowitz. In 1914, Berkowitz graduated from Harvard University and then returned to Kansas City to join the family business, Berkowitz Envelope Company, founded in 1886. Berkowitz Envelope bought out the Tension Envelope Company of New York and the whole operation's name was changed to Tension Envelope. He was with the firm until his death in 1966. He served as Secretary-Treasurer of the firm from 1920 until February 1966, when he became Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Berkowitz was a prominent civic leader in Kansas City, active in support of the Kansas City Art Institute, the Jewish Community Center, and the United Jewish Social Services. He was also interested in world affairs. Berkowitz died March 2, 1966 at the age of 73.
