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Kligman family papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 1123

Collection Overview

This collection consists of materials pertaining primarily to the Kligman family, particularly Louis and Ida Lomansky Kligman, and their son, Melton Kligman. The collection includes photographs of the Kligman family, as well as members of the related Lomansky and Reznick families, memorial books for Louis and Ida Kligman, and awards and certificates given to Melton Kligman by AZA, the United Jewish Appeal, B'nai B'rith, and the Columbia Jewish Federation.

Dates

  • Creation: 1906-1993

Creator

Language of Material

Materials in English

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research.

Copyright Notice

The nature of the College of Charleston's archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. Special Collections claims only physical ownership of most archival materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

Biographical Note

Louis Kligman (1898-1973) was born in Nicoli, Russia. After immigrating to the United States in 1925, he ran "Kligman's Army Store" on Assembly Street in Columbia, South Carolina, and joined the city's Orthodox congregation, Beth Shalom, eventually serving on the board of directors. He married Ida Lomansky (1901-1984) in 1927, and, in 1929, the couple had their only child, Melton Kligman (1929-2013).

As a young man, Melton was an active member of Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA), a Jewish youth organization. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1946 and continued his education at the University of South Carolina, where he went on to receive a law degree. In 1951, he married Helene Firetag, and the couple had four daughters and a son, Lyssa Kligman Harvey, Mindy Kligman Odle, Keidi Kligman Lovit, Kala Kligman Sheckler, and Joseph Kligman. Melton served in the South Carolina Army National Guard. A life-long member of Beth Shalom Synagogue, he was deeply involved in Jewish affairs, serving as president of the Columbia Jewish Community Center, campaign chair of the United Jewish Appeal, and a board member of Beth Shalom. He received many awards for his community work, including the Distinguished Service Award from the United Jewish Appeal, the Mogen David Award from Beth Shalom Synagogue, and B'nai B'rith Man of the Year, among others.

Extent

1.5 linear feet (1 document box, 2 flat boxes, 2 oversize folders)

Abstract

Photographs, photograph albums, memorial books, awards and certificates pertaining primarily to Louis and Ida Lomansky Kligman, of Columbia, South Carolina, and their son, Melton Kligman. Louis owned and operated "Kligman's Army Store" on Assembly Street in Columbia, South Carolina, and Melton returned the city after receiving his law degree to work as a lawyer. Both Louis and Melton were very active in the Jewish community, particularly through Beth Shalom, the city's Orthodox synagogue. Melton also held positions with the Columbia Jewish Community Center and the United Jewish Appeal. The collection also includes a small number of photographs of the related Reznick and Lomansky families.

Collection Arrangement

  1. Photographs, 1906-1975, undated
  2. Memorial books, 1973, 1984
  3. Awards and certificates, 1946, 1962-1993, undated

Acquisitions Information

Materials donated in 2014 by Lyssa Kligman Harvey.

Related Material

Related materials in Special Collections include the South Carolina Association of B'nai B'rith Lodges records (Mss 1037).

Processing Information

Processed by Amy Lazarus, June 2015.

Title
Inventory of the Kligman Family Papers, 1906-1993
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by: Amy Lazarus; machine-readable finding aid created by: Amy Lazarus
Date
2015
Description rules
Dacs
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Special Collections
College of Charleston Libraries
66 George Street
Charleston South Carolina 29424
(843) 953-8016
(843) 953-6319 (Fax)