Buzz
By Jeff Wilser
They might not be as renowned as the Rockefellers, yet their contributions are undeniable—imagine curling without their influence.
1. THE ROSENWACHS
Power: Hydrating Wall Street, Broadway, and the media
Gaze upward in New York City, and you’ll likely spot a wooden water tower perched atop a building. These structures, reminiscent of rural grain silos, are a defining feature of the city’s skyline and play a vital role in sustaining millions. (Standard plumbing systems can’t deliver water beyond six stories, making these barrels essential for higher floors.) This niche industry is dominated by just three families, with the Rosenwachs leading the pack. They crafted their first barrel in 1894 and have since produced over 10,000. The process remains largely unchanged: each tank serves for 30 to 35 years before being replaced—often by another Rosenwach creation.
2. THE KAYS
Power: Fueling the World’s Curling Obsession
Ailsa Craig, a remote 240-acre island off Scotland once described by Keats as an “ocean-pyramid,” is the sole source of rare green and blue hone granite, essential for crafting Olympic curling stones. The granite’s unique molecular composition strikes a perfect balance: it repels water while offering just enough flexibility to prevent cracking during gameplay. Thanks to a centuries-old agreement, the Kay family holds exclusive rights to mine this extraordinary stone, making them the primary—and nearly exclusive—global supplier of curling stones.
3. THE FRELINGHUYSENS
Move over, Kennedys and Roosevelts—this family is America’s true political powerhouse. Frederick Frelinghuysen began the legacy in 1775 by joining the New Jersey Provincial Congress and later becoming a senator. Every generation since has produced influential politicians, including a secretary of state (under Chester Arthur), a vice-presidential candidate (from the 1844 Clay-Frelinghuysen ticket), and four additional senators. Today, Rodney Frelinghuysen, Frederick’s great-great-great-great-grandson, represents New Jersey’s 11th district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
4. THE KONGOS
Power: Shaping Faith and Belief
Shigemitsu Kongō was tasked with constructing Japan’s inaugural Buddhist temple in 593, despite Buddhism being a minority practice at the time. (Most Japanese adhered to Shintoism.) As Buddhism gained traction, the Kongō family became the nation’s go-to temple architects, designing nearly every significant temple for over 1,400 years. After 40 generations of family stewardship, the business ceased operations in 2006. Yet, the Kongōs’ enduring impact on Japan’s architectural heritage and its 45 million Buddhists remains undeniable.
5. THE BROOKES
Power: Crafting Military Style
John Brooke & Sons (and their descendants) became renowned for their military uniforms, with 15 generations producing wool attire for the British army and navy, the French army, and even the Russian military. British soldiers relied on their wool garments in conflicts ranging from the Napoleonic Wars to World War II. During the Cold War, even Soviet military police donned John Brooke & Sons overcoats—a rare instance of agreement between adversaries on the importance of style.
6. THE HOFFMANNS
Power: Easing Coughs Worldwide
In 1898, Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche developed a highly effective over-the-counter cough syrup. To make it palatable, he infused it with orange flavor, inspired by his preference for cognac. To boost sales, he collaborated with creators of “saint cards,” the era’s equivalent of baseball cards, which featured saints alongside ads for “Roche’s Syrup.” Remarkably, the strategy succeeded, and the family has thrived ever since. The profits from this venture allowed the company to expand, and today, Bloomberg estimates the healthcare giant’s value at $35 billion.
7. THE CHRISTIANSENS
Power: Inspiring Future Engineers
Beyond the staggering statistic of 86 Legos for every person on Earth or the seamless compatibility of vintage and modern bricks, the Lego company—founded by Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1932—plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds. At MIT, the Lifelong Kindergarten initiative collaborates with Lego to teach children robotics, jet assembly, and concepts like torque. Additionally, Lego’s Architecture Studio, featuring 1,200 monochrome pieces and a 272-page guide from top architecture firms, reveals the engineering marvels behind landmarks like Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. (Assembly required, of course.)
8. THE MALTAS
Power: Elevating Church and High School Music with Handbells
Biggie vs. Tupac, Jobs vs. Gates, Hooli vs. Pied Piper—none compare to the Handbell Wars. In 1973, Jake Malta, a top engineer at Schulmerich, left to establish his own handbell company, Malmark, just 10 miles away. After studying bell-making techniques across Europe, he crafted a handbell he claimed was the purest ever made—a true masterpiece. This sparked decades of legal battles, with one case nearly reaching the Supreme Court in 1992. As NPR noted, the rivals eventually made peace, with Schulmerich’s Jonathan Goldstein declaring, “The real challenge is the 300 million people who don’t ring handbells.”
9. THE HALLS
Power: Mastering the Art of Schmaltz
As a struggling teenager, Joyce C. Hall made money by selling postcards. In 1910, he relocated to Kansas City with a shoebox of his merchandise and started selling them from a YMCA. His brothers soon joined him, and the business flourished, especially during the two World Wars as demand for sending cards to soldiers surged. Today, the company produces 10,000 products annually and has become a staple in American celebrations, from birthdays to weddings and funerals. You know it as Hallmark.
10. THE MOGIS
Power: Strengthening Wisconsin’s Economy
Every bottle of Kikkoman soy sauce sold in the U.S. originates not from Japan but from facilities in Wisconsin or California. The Mogi family has been crafting soy sauce since 1630 in Japan. In 1972, under Yuzaburo Mogi’s leadership, Kikkoman established a factory near Walworth, Wisconsin, to take advantage of the region’s abundant soy crops. Today, the facility produces 29 million gallons annually, making it the largest soy sauce factory globally. (A second facility opened in Folsom, California, in 1998.)
Note: This article has been updated to include mention of Kikkoman's California facility.
