About Abe's Garden

• Vision & Philosophy
• Founder's Story
• Who is Abe?

 

More about Our Namesake:
Abram “Abe” Carl Shmerling

Abram “Abe” Carl Shmerling was born in Augusta, Georgia, in June of 1927 into a close knit immediate and extended family. The youngest child, and only son of Herman and Mollie Shmerling, he was raised by a nurturing mother, two older sisters, and a father whose commitment to family was his greatest legacy.

Abram’s father was a respected jeweler and merchant, with a name and reputation that could have paved a much easier road for his only son, Abram, had it been Abram’s choice. But Abram’s earliest dreams for himself were to become a doctor. Encouraged by an uncle who had chosen the same profession, and excited by the field of science, Abram devoted himself to doing well in school and was accepted to Vanderbilt University at the age of 17.

Upon completing college and a brief stint in the U.S. Navy, Abram entered Vanderbilt Medical School, met Francis Zeitlin and married her upon graduation in 1952. After a residency at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Abram returned to Nashville in 1954 to practice internal medicine. He spent his life as a devoted husband and loving father to his four children and gave back to a community he had adopted as his own.

From his earliest days, he believed one must pursue his own dreams, building a life and forging a destiny that can only come from free choice. His respect for all people was his greatest hallmark. Surprised, but never disappointed in his decision not to join the family business, Abram’s parents made his future possible with support and encouragement. He lost his father at age 29.

At Woodbine Public Health Clinic, Dr. Shmerling established one of the first integrated medical practices in Nashville in the early 1950s. He committed to this highly unpopular quest by locating in an economically-depressed area of Nashville. He served thousands of people, often spanning four generations in his 45-plus years in practice.

Dr. Shmerling remained in the Woodbine area because, in his words, “they desperately needed medical services in this community.”  Transportation was difficult for the poor, but Dr. Shmerling’s office was close by, on the bus line, and stayed open late. His patients regularly expressed their gratitude for his concern and sacrifice.

His decision to join the practice of Dr. Alvin Keller (30 years his senior) was based in part on their mutual agreement and respect to serve all patients the same way. The reception room at Woodbine Clinic would seat all patients together, unlike public restaurants, buses and public schools, at that time; patients were seen in order of urgency without regard to race. His nursing staff was integrated as well; and numerous employees, who shared these values, remained with him for more than 30 years.

In the 1950s, this treatment of patients was not only uncommon, but revolutionary. White patients would regularly inform Dr. Shmerling that they would not be able to sit near non-whites or be examined in rooms and on tables shared with other races. Dr. Shmerling’s response was always the same - there were numerous physicians who could accommodate their desires, but he was not one of them.

Dr. Shmerling’s greatest joy was his family: his wife, his four children and 10 grandchildren.

The Abe’s Garden Advised Fund

At Dr. Shmerling’s passing, his family decided that a fitting legacy would be the establishment of a fund to assist people suffering from the ravages of Alzheimer’s, particularly those without financial means. The Abe’s Garden Advised Fund was established in 2006 through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. For further information, go to www.cfmt.org, or call (615) 321- 4939.