Nathaniel E. Schneider (1896–1969) was born and educated in New York City. During World War I, he served in France as a Sergeant Major of the 102nd Field Artillery. After the war, he worked variously as a magician, a set designer for the Ziegfeld Follies and other vaudeville acts, and a writer for radio.

He belonged to several Democratic Clubs and held leadership positions in local civic groups, serving as president of the Elmhurst Allied Civic Associations, president of the Forest Hills Homeowners Association, and president of School Board 47. He was also a member of the Forest Hills and Kew Gardens Chamber of Commerce.

Schneider was highly active in Veterans’ affairs. He held leading positions in two American Legion Posts, Maspeth Post No. 783 and Continental Post No. 1424. He edited post publications and was involved in American Legion affairs at the county level.

In 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt invited Nat, his wife Dorothy, and their sons Bruce and Robert to attend the opening of the World’s Fair in recognition of Schneider’s contributions to the local community.