From the scrapbook of Bessie Mook Smith 31 March 1951

Maurice M. Bloom Sr., operator of a dry cleaning business in Meadville for 30 years and a Saegerstown civic leader, died suddenly at his home in Saegerstown Saturday at 11 am. He was 56 years old. Earlier Saturday , Mr. Bloom had been at work at his Maurice M. Bloom Dry Cleaning company office at 893 Park Avenue. Becoming ill, he drove back to his home. Death was attributed to a heart attack.
Surviving are his widow, Beatrice, and nine children, two of whom are in the army. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 pm. at the Hunter Funeral Home, Saegerstown.
Only a few months ago, Mr. Bloom was elected presdient of the Saegerstown Joint School Authority-the Saegerstown, Hayfield Township, Blooming Valley organization charged with financing a long-range school building program.
Previously, he had served two consecutive four-year terms on the borough council, until four years ago and he was a former member of the Saegerstown School Board.
Interested in sports as well as borough-improvement projects, Mr.Bloom through his dry cleaning company for several years sponsored an independent basketball team.
He and his father, the late Phillip Bloom, came to Meadville from the Midwest about 30 years ago as partners in the Wright and Bloom tailor shop-dry cleaning establishment on Water Street. The Blooms a few years later bought their partner's interest. More that a decade ago, after the death of his father, Maurice Bloom opened the present dry cleaning store on Park Avenue. A few years ago, he opened a new cleaning plant at 483 South Street.
During the first few years he spent in Crawford county, Mr. Bloom resided in Meadville, but the rest of his time was spent in Saegerstown.
He was born in Kansas City, Mo., where he received his early education and was graduated from a business college. In 1919 he was married to Miss Beatrice A. Roberts of St. Louis, Mo. He was employed by the American Express company in St. Louis before coming here.
During World War I, Mr. Bloom served in the army's medical corps. He was a member fo the Charles N. Stafford Post, American Legion, of Meadville, as well as of the Saegerstown Methodist church and the Meadville Elks Lodge.
Survivors besides Mrs. Bloom are three daughters, Miss Shirley Bloom of San Antonio, Texas, Mrs. Eugene Poux of Frenchtown, and Miss Mae Bloom, at home; six sons, Capt. Maurice M. Bloom Jr., with the army at Fort Benning, Ga., Sgt. Harold Bloom, in the army at Camp Atterbury, Ind. and Robert K., P. William , Gerald E. and James O. Bloom , all of Saegerstown; five grandchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. William Figge and Miss Bessie Bloom, both of St. Louis, Mo.
Both Captain Bloom and Sergeant Bloom were federalized last September with other members of the 28th. Division of national guards. Captain Bloom is training at Fort Benning with a 28th. Division ranger outfit.