Stuff You Missed in History Class: Altina Schinasi Hosted by Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson | Released May 5, 2025

Introduction to Altina Schinasi

In this captivating episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the intriguing life of Altina Schinasi, a multifaceted pioneer known for her invention of Harlequin glasses and her significant contributions to art and activism. Through detailed exploration, the episode unravels Altina's journey from her affluent upbringing to her impactful legacy.

Early Life and Family Background (02:17 - 07:19)

Altina Schinasi was born on August 4, 1907, in a lavish 12-bedroom marble mansion at 351 Riverside Drive, New York City, to Moussa (later Morris Shenazi) and Laurette Shenazi. Her father, Morris, an immigrant from Turkey, built his wealth by inventing a cigarette rolling machine and manufacturing a line of cigarettes, swiftly amassing millionaire status in the early 20th century.

Holly Fry notes, "Morris Shenazi set aside $300,000 for Jewish and Christian hospitals in the US and $1.3 million to establish and maintain a hospital for the poor in Turkey" (05:42). This philanthropic legacy was a testament to Morris's success and generous spirit.

Education and Artistic Beginnings (07:19 - 13:27)

Despite her privileged upbringing, Altina sought independence and artistic expression. After graduating high school in 1924, she spent time in Paris, where her initial foray into art began. Returning to New York, Altina enrolled at the Art Students League, where she was influenced by German artist Georg Gross and fellow student Howard Warshaw, who significantly shaped her painting technique (13:03).

Personal Life: Marriages and Relationships (13:27 - 22:29)

Altina's personal life was marked by multiple marriages and complex relationships. Shortly after her father's death in 1928, she married Morris B. Sanders, a designer and architect, with whom she had two sons, Dennis and Terry. However, the marriage was fraught with unhappiness, leading to Altina filing for divorce on grounds of extreme cruelty in 1932 (19:11).

Following her divorce, Altina engaged in a tumultuous affair with her attorney, Mack Brandwin, despite his existing marriage to her friend. This relationship underscored Altina's struggle to balance personal desires with societal expectations (22:00).

Her openness in discussing her faults and candid reflections on personal relationships provided listeners with a nuanced view of her character: "It set up in me a very big conflict... my sex drive was just too powerful to override it" (21:22).

Invention of Harlequin Glasses (22:29 - 26:36)

One of Altina's most notable achievements was the invention of Harlequin glasses, which revolutionized eyewear for women. Dissatisfied with the unattractive designs of the time, Altina was inspired by Harlequin masks and began experimenting with paper cuts before developing prototypes. Despite initial rejections, her persistence paid off when Lou Jeans, a Manhattan eyewear shop, became the exclusive distributor (22:29).

Tracy V. Wilson highlights the cultural impact: "With Shenazi's innovation, glasses had become a fashion accessory." The Harlequin glasses swiftly gained popularity among high-profile individuals like Clare Boothe Luce and Peggy Guggenheim, earning Altina the Lord and Taylor Annual American Design Award in 1939 (25:35).

Activism During World War II (26:36 - 27:48)

With the outbreak of World War II, Altina leveraged her success to aid others. She signed over a dozen affidavits to help individuals immigrate to the United States, demonstrating her commitment to humanitarian efforts (26:36). This act of kindness led her to meet Eric Barrett, a doctor she later married, further intertwining her personal and activist endeavors.

Later Life: Art, Activism, and the Red Scare (27:48 - 41:15)

Altina's later years were a blend of artistic exploration and political activism. Moving to California with her husband Eric, she focused on her art, creating a dedicated studio space and briefly operating a sunglasses factory. Despite challenges, including racial tensions among employees, Altina remained committed to her creative pursuits (29:23).

During the Red Scare, Altina and Eric provided refuge to director John Barry, who was subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Their guest house became a sanctuary for those targeted by McCarthyism, reflecting Altina's steadfast support for civil liberties (33:23).

Her artistic endeavors expanded into sculpture, where she pioneered a unique style of sculpted portraits in the form of chairs and benches. These works, inspired by Henri Cartier Bresson's photography, earned her significant recognition in Washington, D.C., and beyond. As Holly Fry recounts, "I don't know who decreed that art should just be something you nail up on a wall." (38:25).

Final Years and Legacy (41:15 - 42:47)

Altina continued to create and influence until her passing in 1999 at the age of 92. Her autobiography, "The Road I Have Traveled," remains a rare and cherished glimpse into her extraordinary life. After her death, her granddaughter Victoria R. Sanders praised her vibrant spirit and relentless pursuit of artistic and humanitarian endeavors: "The thing about my grandmother was she was not like anybody else's grandmother or mother... she was always working on some new project." (42:21).

Notable Quotes

• Altina Schinasi:

  • "I have three strong currents running in my life. One, a strong sex drive and curiosity. It cannot be that this is the only man I will know. Two, a strong creative drive that kept pushing me to inventions, creations, writing objects, etc. Three, a strong attachment to my two children." (18:25)
  • "I really didn't want to be idle and I wanted to do things." (08:32)
  • "I don't know who decreed that art should just be something you nail up on a wall." (38:25)

• Tracy V. Wilson:

  • "If this were an ad for immigrating to the United States, it would have results not typical in very small letters at the bottom of the screen." (07:19)

Conclusion

Altina Schinasi's story is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of creativity amidst personal and societal challenges. From her groundbreaking Harlequin glasses to her unwavering activism, Altina left an indelible mark on both the fashion and art worlds. Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson expertly weave her multifaceted life into an engaging narrative, ensuring that listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable woman's legacy.

Additional Resources

• Documentary: Altina Schinasi: The Road I Have Traveled produced by her granddaughter, Victoria R. Sanders.
• Autobiography: The Road I Have Traveled by Altina Schinasi

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