By: Lincoln Publishers

Wilbur Pierce’s mother had an intuitive feeling about his future. When Sara was nine years old and living near Wilbur, his mother noticed her walking past their home and remarked to Wilbur’s father, “She is the girl that [Wilbur] may marry.” Fifteen years later, after a decade of separation, during which Wilbur’s family moved, he met Sara. They married when Wilbur was 27 years old.

As husband and wife, Wilbur and Sara’s journey has been one of innovation, dedication, and a lasting commitment to education and art. Besides sharing their lives, their mutual motivation was to benefit and leave a meaningful impact on their community.

Einstein: A Visionary Store with a Mission

Photo Courtesy: Zayden Dale

In the 1970s, Sara and Wilbur Pierce co-founded Einstein for Your Gifted Child, a unique retail store that catered to curious minds and families with a deep commitment to education and culture.

Einstein was no ordinary store; it became a gathering place for creativity, exploration, and cultural reflection. Unlike conventional toy stores of the time, Einstein’s shelves were filled with carefully curated items, creative books, and educational toys sourced from specialty dealers across the U.S., Europe, and even Russia.

Their retail approach was deeply intentional. They emphasized toys and books that encouraged critical thinking and creativity, instilling a sense of integrity and purpose in every product offered.

Einstein became a celebrated space within its community; it was regarded as “one of the finest toy and gift stores in the United States,” a place that delighted and educated both. It served as a hub where parents could find educational tools aligned with their values, and children could explore interactive crafts that encouraged learning and engagement.

Writing a Legacy: Jews Have Horns and Capturing Stories of Resilience

Wilbur and Sara’s shared dedication to history and Jewish identity found another outlet in their writing. Wilbur and Sara’s journey was characterized by a commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. Wilbur’s career was marked by a series of accomplishments that spanned art, technology, and academia. He served as an officer in military intelligence during the Vietnam War, where he received a commendation for his work.

Sara, with a background in European history, brought her expertise to every endeavor. Her role in founding Einstein and curating historical materials through the Pierce Archive reflected her dedication to education and cultural preservation. Together, their efforts reached beyond their immediate community, influencing countless individuals through their work.

Their book Jews Have Horns: An Anthology of Antisemitism thoughtfully explores prejudice, resilience, and the human spirit. It recounts the stories of individuals who endured and resisted antisemitism, like the story of young Jewish children of the Kindertransport or HMT Dunera.

Sara explained that the idea for their anthology began with a desire to gift their children meaningful stories during their Bat Mitzvahs. Recognizing the importance of sharing stories of courage and achievement, she encouraged Wilbur to write about individuals who demonstrated exceptional strength and bravery.

The anthology is both memoir and history, blending personal anecdotes with carefully researched accounts of people who lived through the war. Wilbur, who had a background in military intelligence and had previously been recognized for his contributions to U.S. military strategy, brought much of his knowledge into this project.

He understood the importance of preserving these memories as a poignant reminder for future generations; it’s a tribute to the resilience of the Jewish people, honoring both those who survived and those who were lost.

Even after Wilbur’s passing in 2023, his and Sara’s legacy endures, inspiring others to explore, learn, and remember. Their work remains a guiding light for those who believe in the transformative power of knowledge and the lasting impact of history.

Today, their memoir, Jews Have Horns, continues to influence and educate new generations, preserving the couple’s vision of a world where education and history are accessible. Their life together is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when purpose and partnership unite. Through their work, Wilbur and Sara Pierce built a lasting legacy and a foundation of values that will continue to resonate for years.