Ben Weingart

Ben Weingart (1888–1980) was an American real estate investor and developer, influential in the development of various areas of southern California, including Lakewood, California. A self-made man, Weingart became one of the richest men in California, building a fortune of nearly $100 million, and the Weingart Foundation, his philanthropic organization, has provided grants and support to many charitable causes, having granted more than $950 million in support of various Southern California social services, educational and community programs. in Louisville, Kentucky. died from tuberculosis, and his Russian mother passed shortly afterwards, leaving him and his two brothers orphans.

Along with his brothers Harry and Max, he was raised at the Hebrew Orphans Asylum in Atlanta, Georgia until being adopted by a Christian Scientist sharecropper outside of Atlanta, near Tignall. Weingart converted to Christian Science as a child, although he supported many Jewish causes later in his life.

Career Weingart traveled the country with a grifter named Lieber who Weingart described as a "phony doctor." The duo teamed up to sell magnifying lenses as eyeglasses in small towns throughout the west. Weingart moved to Los Angeles in 1906. Still a teenager, he became a delivery driver for the Diamond Laundry Company. His horse and wagon Weingart came to own the Winchester Hotel in Los Angeles, California and a portfolio of more than 200 other hotels. attracted headlines for challenging the court-ordered conservatorship that placed him under the control of three of his business associates. Winston argued that Weingart was capable of handling his own affairs.

Ben Weingart died at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Downtown Los Angeles on December 22, 1980, aged 92.

After his death, Laura Winston fought a protracted legal battle to win recognition as Weingart's companion and to defend her inheritance rights. Winston died February 3, 2010, aged 85.

Legacy Several structures and organizations in Los Angeles bear Weingart's name today, including: Weingart Stadium Weingart Center for the Homeless