MORRIS SMALL: THE MAN BEHIND THE ENGINEER

by Julia Rosenberg, for Civil Engineering Quarterly, Summer 2017

Sun-bleached boardwalks and the steady thrum of the Atlantic stretching out in the horizon. In the heart of Margate, New Jersey, just a stone's throw from the shore, lies Downbeach Deli - an institution that's been serving classic Jewish fare since before you and I were born. Today, it hosts a figure perhaps as lasting in his own right: Morris "Moe" Small.

If you're a stickler for quality in engineering, Moe's name is no stranger. Having spent a lifetime weatherproofing, disaster-proofing, and generally making the Northeast a safer place, Morris' touch is found in infrastructures you pass daily. But today, our meeting isn't about girders or dams; it's about the man himself.

It's hard to miss him – Moe carries a distinct air about him. There’s a gentle weariness in his eyes, the sort of tiredness that people his age with so much life behind him have, and only them. Those eyes, magnified slightly by the round spectacles perched on his nose, observe the surroundings with a keen and experienced gaze.

Moe’s curly silver-grey hair has a life of its own. It's thick and disheveled, almost rebelliously so, contrasting starkly with his rather orderly and unassuming attire. The most striking part, perhaps, is how the white tufts at his temple seem to frame his face, emphasizing its rounded and slightly drooping features.

He's dressed comfortably, as if this isn’t a formal occasion for him but rather a regular day out. The brown jacket, while modest, has an old-world charm, its slightly worn edges speaking of years of use. Underneath it, the soft green sweater adds a touch of color to his otherwise earthy-toned ensemble. The necklace he wears – a simple cord with a pendant – is intriguing. It rests subtly against the green fabric, and I make a note to ask about it later.

Moe’s posture is slightly hunched, reflecting perhaps a mix of age and the weight of wisdom. Yet, as he moves closer, there's a quiet strength to his steps, each one measured and deliberate. His expressions, while reserved, convey a depth of emotion. From the furrowing of his eyebrows to the gentle downturn of his mouth, Moe seems to be constantly reflecting on or processing something profound.

Julia: Mr. Small, thank you for meeting me here today.

Moe: Call me Moe, darling. And it's my pleasure. I've been coming here since I was a wee boychik, back when Margate was for vacations and not for living in.

Julia: That's a strong endorsement! So, tell me, how have you been adjusting to retirement life here in the shore? It's a far cry from the bustling streets of Queens.

Moe: Ah, Ventnor... it's quiet, y'know? After...

He pauses, a somber look briefly overtaking him

Moe: after Leah passed, I just needed a change, somewhere to think, to breathe. The sound of the waves, it's... peaceful. The air smells better here. In Queens, there nowadays, all you can smell is the smoke from the cars and the trucks and the all of the factories.

Julia: It sounds like a place of healing for you.

Moe: It is, it is. But don't get me wrong, I miss the hustle of Queens, the shouts, the honks, the... je-ne-sais-quois of it all. But there's a time for everything, and right now, it's time for a little peace. A little peace and quiet for these old bones.

Julia: Understandable. Now, I'm keen to know more about your early days and the creation of Horvath-Small Ltd. It's said that the foundations of a company reflect the values of its founders. Can you talk a bit about your journey with John Horvath?

Moe: Ah, Johnny-boy. Now there's a story. But the order we should handle first. You ever had a knish?

Julia: A knish? I can't say I have.

Moe: Well, then, today's your lucky day. Four knishes, please, one of each! And get them with a side of mustard, spicy brown, thank-you-very-much darling.

Julia: So, back to John Horvath. How did Horvath-Small Ltd. come to be?

Moe: John and I, we go way back, even before the firm. We met at an engineering conference in the city. I was presenting my thesis on earthquake-proofing, you know, back before the... the professional connections made with the Japanese, who knew so much more than we did, and he approached me afterward with a zillion questions. I remember thinking, "Who is this wise guy interrupting my lunch?" But, as we talked, I realized he had the same fire, the same dedication to doing things right.

Julia: So, would you say there was an immediate spark?

Moe: Oh, absolutely. But it wasn't all roses and peaches. We had our share from disagreements. John, he was always the ambitious one, pushing to take on more projects, to expand I was the cautious one from us. If you can't do it right, it's not worth doing, that's always been my motto, that's always been the company motto. Sometimes, that put us at odds. But deep down, we both knew we had the same goal: to build things that last, things that matter.

Julia: Your motto seems to be the backbone of the company's ethos.

Moe: It is. When I was a wee one, I used to read lots of Doyle, you know, the one who wrote Sherlock Holmes, and he spoke to me very much. A man of such professional ability that he could solve anything, but only took the cases he found, you know, the cases that were the smartest. The most interesting.

Julia: I see.

Moe: And that's the promise I took forward, that's what they know us for. We won't take the cheap jobs. We're not who you go to for a quick concrete pour, you know, darling? I took in two apprentices my career over, John, they took in four, and when I left it was just us and the babies and, you know, a couple friends, a couple secretaries. It's never been about having a whole army of schmott guys. Our promise is quality, not speed, not price.

Julia: Speaking of promises, retirement is a significant change, especially after dedicating so much of your life to the firm. How do you feel about entrusting it to John?

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Moe: John...

He pauses, rubbing his chin.

Moe: John's a good man. We've had our mishegoss, our ups and downs, but I trust him. I wouldn't have left the firm to him if I didn't. He knows the value of our name, the weight it carries. And I believe he'll keep our legacy alive.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. It almost feels cruel to bring up, but anyone who's involved in this niche little planet of engineering knows about it - knows the controversy. It's a rare opportunity to get to question one of the architects directly. I steel myself, and prepare to get bounced.

Julia: Moe, there's another topic I'd like to touch upon, if that's alright with you. It's been a significant point of discussion, especially in recent years. The Daedalus Correctional Facility.

Moe: Ah, Daedalus...

It comes out like a foreign word from his mouth.

Julia: The work Horvath-Small Ltd. did on that facility was ground-breaking. Weatherproofing, disaster-proofing a structure of that magnitude, especially one meant to contain... well, individuals with such unique capabilities, it's no small feat. Yet, in the years since, particularly after your retirement, you've expressed regret regarding your involvement. Do you mind sharing a bit about that, or would you like to talk about something else?

Moe's nostrils flare slightly, and his eyes shut. He thinks.

Moe: It's okay, darling, I don't mind talking about it, especially nowadays. When John first approached me about Daedalus, I was reluctant. The idea of constructing a facility to hold these... these individuals, it didn't sit right with me. But John... he can be persuasive. He talked about the future, about securing a financial foundation for our families, especially my children and grandchildren. It was hard to say no.

Julia: But your reservations never truly went away.

Moe: No, they didn't. Look, I know the world can be a dangerous place, especially with some of those peoples out there. But Daedalus... it's not just a prison. It's a symbol, from a lot of things. A symbol of fear, you know, a symbol of nightmares. My people, you know, the Jewish people, we didn't have imprisonment as a punishment. It's meant to be confinement, but not punishment. You know, traditionally, of course, I'm sure you'll print this and get a dozen dozen dozen angry emails from people the world over disagreeing with me. And, you know, I just don't agree with... the idea. Punitive imprisonment, for life.

Julia: Do you think it was a mistake?

Moe: I do. I really do. I know it would've been built regardless of our involvement, but... I wish it wasn't us. I wish I hadn't been a part of it. We were always about building things that matter, things that made a positive difference. Daedalus... it's a stain on that legacy. You know, I have grandchildren, and I worry, I think to myself, oy, what will they think of me when they find out Pop-Pop had his hands in, you know, our United States's dirt.

Julia: That's a heavy burden to carry.

Moe: It is. And I think about it a lot. Every time I see a headline about Daedalus, every time there's a protest or an incident, I'm reminded of it. It's my cross to bear. I just hope, in time, the good we've done can outweigh the mistakes. And if I can't do the good then someone else can do it, and you know, the karma - I know, the karma's not my religion, but, you know, it's an easy comparison - the karmic weight can balance.

Julia: Your honesty and introspection are commendable, Moe. It's rare to see someone take responsibility in such a genuine manner.

He smiles faintly.

Moe: Thank you, Julia. Life's about learning from our missteps, isn't it? And making amends, as best as we can.

Julia: On a lighter note, let's talk about now, the present. Retirement! After such an eventful career, how are you adjusting to this new phase of your life?

Moe: Retirement... who would've thought? I always pictured myself working until the day I couldn't. But here I am, trying to enjoy the quieter moments. Ventnor has been a good place for me. The sea, the sound of the waves, it's calming. Helps me think, reflect, and sometimes just... be. And it's a nice, central location, for the whole mischpucah to come meet, you know, the holidays and all.

Julia: And how do you keep yourself occupied? Any new hobbies or old ones you've revisited?

Moe: Ah, well, I've always been a fan of comic books. Superhero tales, especially. There's a little shop not too far from here that I frequent. The owner and I, we've become quite the friends. We talk about the classics, the new stories, and sometimes he even lets me in on some upcoming releases. They don't print much superhero stories nowadays these days, but, you know, they're still around And then, there's my reading. I've always been fond of, what's it called, speculative science fiction. I've got a stack of books by my bedside that I'm working my way through. Go look into the Red Mars trilogy, by Mr. Robinson. You hear me, readers? Go read!

I can't help but laugh, drawing a small glance from the waiter as the knishes arrive, along with two glasses of water.

Julia: It sounds delightful. A well-deserved break after such a rigorous career.

Moe: It's different, I'll tell you that. Some days are harder than others, especially when you're used to being on the move, always having something to work on. But I'm learning to appreciate the slower pace, the chance to spend time with my family, my grandchildren. They keep me young, you know.

Julia: That's wonderful to hear, Moe. Here's to enjoying the golden years and cherishing the memories, old and new.

Moe: Thank you, Julia. Now, I've been smelling these knishes back in the kitchen for about five minutes now and they're making me go a little crazy. Do you prefer potato or rice?

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Horvath-Small Ltd.: Engineering Excellence with a Personal Touch

Founded in 1983, Horvath-Small Ltd. has long stood as a beacon of excellence in the field of environmental engineering and weatherproofing. Based in the bustling heart of Queens, New York, the firm has been responsible for countless projects that span the tri-state area and beyond, each echoing the company's commitment to precision, durability, and quality.

The brainchild of Morris "Moe" Small and John Horvath, the firm was born out of a shared passion for engineering and a mutual respect for each other's expertise. While Morris brought to the table an innate understanding of weatherproofing, honed over decades in the industry, John complemented this with his keen insights into environmental engineering, particularly in the area of dam repair and upkeep.

Their synergy was undeniable, and the fruits of their labor are evident in the many structures and systems that bear the Horvath-Small signature touch. From towering skyscrapers to humble residential complexes, the firm's work is unmistakable: meticulously planned, flawlessly executed, and designed to stand the test of time and the elements.

A driving philosophy behind Horvath-Small Ltd. is an unwavering commitment to perfection. "If you can't do it right, it's not worth doing," a mantra often echoed by Morris, encapsulates the company's approach to every project, big or small. This ethos has attracted a cadre of engineers who share this vision, ensuring that the firm's legacy of excellence continues, even as the industry evolves.

While Morris' retirement in 2016 marked the end of an era, John Horvath, with the support of a dedicated team, continues to lead the firm with the same dedication and zeal that has been its hallmark for over three decades. The departure of Morris was felt deeply, especially in light of the loss of his beloved wife, Leah. Yet, the legacy he helped build stands as a testament to his vision and dedication.

Horvath-Small Ltd. may not be the largest firm in the industry, and they've never aimed to be. Instead, their focus has always been on delivering unparalleled quality, taking on projects that align with their values and expertise, and building lasting relationships with clients who value the unparalleled craftsmanship they bring to the table.

In a world where shortcuts and quick fixes are often the norm, Horvath-Small Ltd. stands as a refreshing reminder of the value of doing things right the first time. Their work is not just about engineering; it's about creating lasting legacies that will endure for generations to come.