From Father to Son: 111 Years of MOSCOT

The bond between father and son has kept the MOSCOT legacy alive for 111 years and counting.

Long before MOSCOT became an internationally recognised name in eyewear, its story began on the streets of New York City’s Lower East Side. Family patriarch Hyman Moscot arrived in America from Eastern Europe via Ellis Island in 1899 and began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street.

By 1915, Hyman had built a loyal following and opened the family’s first optical shop at 94 Rivington Street. It marked the beginning of a New York institution and a family legacy that would continue to be passed from father to son for generations.

In 1925, Hyman’s son, Sol Moscot, joined the business at just 15 years old, eventually helping take over the reins from his father. By 1936, MOSCOT had moved to 118 Orchard Street on the corner of Delancey Street, where the shop would remain for the next eight decades.

The next generation followed in 1951, when Sol’s son, Joel Moscot, joined the business. Known for his warmth, dedication and close relationships with customers, Joel carried forward the values that had shaped MOSCOT from the beginning, eventually passing them on to his own sons.

In 1986, Joel’s son, Dr. Harvey Moscot, entered the family business as a practising optometrist, followed by his younger brother Kenny in 1992. Then, in 2013, Harvey’s son, Zack Moscot, joined MOSCOT as a formally trained industrial designer, becoming the fifth generation of the family to take his place within the business.

Across more than a century, each generation has brought something of its own to MOSCOT while preserving the craftsmanship, character and commitment to eyewear that came before it.

From Hyman and Sol to Joel, Harvey and Zack, the MOSCOT story is one of fathers passing down their craft, knowledge and values to the generation that follows. This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the fathers and sons who have helped keep the MOSCOT legacy alive since 1915.