Known as Translator of Czech Poetry.
RODERICK A.
GINSBURG.
A business man who devotes ten to sixteen hours daily as secretary of the Leader stores of Chicago, and who has found time to win international recognition as the translator of Czech poetry into English, was recently inducted a member of the board of education of the J. Sterling Morton High school and Junior college. He is Roderick A. Ginsburg, 1247 South Elmwood avenue, Berwyn.
Asked about his ambition in an added field of endeavor, Mr. Ginsburg said that it was to help make Morton the best educational institution in the country. During the campaign he impressed his listeners with the fact that he refused to make promises and asked their support solely on the grounds of his qualifications.
He said he had no platfrom except the desire to help conduct the affairs of the board as he would his own business. His two sons soon will enter the high school.
Encourages Teacher Study.
Mr. Ginsburg said he would lend encouragement to teachers to seek further degrees, and toward making of Morton a modern institution, a true community center, and the seat of a truly democratic educational activity.
“I believe,” said Mr. Ginsburg, “that the board of education should hire the important members of the school staf, but the superintendent of the institution should be given full authority to obtain the persons he believes are best able to bring Morton highest ratings. There should be no interference in routine duties from the board or from well meaning but unqualified individuals and organizations.
“I will not accept any applications for jobs, and I have no interest in doling out jobs.
Prefers Local Persons.
“Of course, local persons should be given all preference for positions within the school system if their qualifications and abilities match those of outsiders.
A short time ago Mr. Ginsburg published his fourth book of poetic translation, “Pirate Melodies,” the work of J. V. Smejkal, a contemporary Czech poet. His previously published translations include Vrchlicky’s “Satanella,” Macha’s “May,” and Havlicek’s “Tyrolean Elegy.” The work not only brought attention from Czechoslovakia, but from Slavonic departments in universities elsewhere, and from many professors in the literary field.
Earns College Degree.
Born in Prague, Mr. Ginsburg came to America at an early age and entered Carter H. Harrison High school, where he completed a four year course in two years. He entered the University of Chicago medical school, but was forced by illness to discontinue his studies. In 1930 he completed the extension course at the University of Chicago and received a bachelor of philosophy degree.
Mr. Ginsburg now is preparing for publication an anthology of 19th century Czech poetry in his English translation.
