Throughout Brentwood’s history, some notable artists, writers, and musicians have lived here.  In addition to those I have previously written about there have been others.  Many lived here when the village was Modern Times.  In his book “A Century of Brentwood, “ Verne Dyson wrote, “Always there have been a few artists around; there are a few now (this was 1950.)  Let me introduce you to two people he’s talking about.  Walter C.Schad was born August 24, 1889, in Brooklyn, New York.  He showed a talent for music at a very early age.  Walter studied at the New York college of Music and the Institute of Musical Art in New York City.  He had a varied and interesting career.  Walter played in the orchestras of many Broadway shows, especially those of the famous Theatre Guild.  He also performed with the Ben Greet Players and the Winthrop Ames Opera Company. Walter worked with the famous composers and performers as John Philip Sousa, Victor Herbert, Fay Bainter, and Marie Dressler.  In addition, Walter was also and editor and arranger at several music companies, as well as a member of NBC’s Musical Research department.  He composed a great deal of music as well including the opera “Plango” and many orchestral pieces.  Walter married May C. Rieder on November 2, 1912, and they had one daughter.  He died on February 16, 1966.

Rebecca Shallit Turtletaub was born in Nome, Alaska, on June 6, 1909.  After receiving a B.A. degree from the University of Washington in 1930, she earned a Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1932.  Rebecca married David Turtletaub on April 21, 1933.  Their daughter Ruth was born in 1934.  The family came to New York the following year, and they moved to Brentwood in 1946.  After being a social worker for many years, Rebecca retired and became a full-time writer.  She specialized in articles and stories about teenage girls.  Her work appeared in many magazines here and abroad, such as “McCalls,” “Seventeen,” and “Mademoiselle.”  Some of her stories were even transcribed into Braille for the blind.  Rebecca also wrote more than 100 short stories and a novel called “Pioneer Drive.”  She died on May 21, 1999.

-N. Zinno, Local History Room Newsletter, February 2008