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Solomon-Prystowsky family papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 1013

Collection Overview

The first series includes Sophie P. Solomon financial records, obituary, and eulogy; Aaron Solomon speeches, real estate documents (regarding 1966 sale of 167-71 St. Philip Street), certificates, correspondence (1970-1981), clippings (1940-1990), obituary, and eulogy. Miscellaneous family material contains photocopies of 1995 Solomon-Prystowsky family reunion booklet, program from 1981 dedication of Solomon Hall (Brith Sholom Beth Israel), and two family wills.

The second series includes Solomon family photographs (1880s-1980s, bulk 1930s-50s, candid snapshots), images of Aaron Solomon receiving awards, and photocopied photo album (1934) compiled by A. Solomon while at Charleston High School.

The third series is the Sam Solomon Company papers (1960s), containing mock-up designs for sporting goods, men's gifts and dolls (Tressy and Teenie Weenie Tiny Tears), catalog pages, photographs (1940s-1960s) of 484 King and 338 East Bay locations, and miscellaneous ephemera and clippings (1960s).

In the fourth series, Aaron Solomon's Jewish Community Center affiliation is documented by JCC budget reports and financial statements (1964-1970), Evaluative Committee correspondence (1969-1970), questionnaires, and final report.

The Free Mason-Scottish Rite series contain commemorative booklet (1924) from Charleston Supreme Council meeting, typed excerpts from Masonic ceremonies, and group photographs (1950s).

The small final series of miscellaneous material includes Jewish interest pamphlets and clippings (1960s-80s) and photocopies of bill of sale (1945) for 180-182 Rutledge Avenue.

Accession 2013-45 contains Sam Solomon Company catalogs, newspaper inserts, and an annual report; magazines with features on the Sam Solomon Company; and a family reunion t-shirt.

Dates

  • Creation: approximately 1880s-1995

Language of Material

Materials are 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

Charleston families connected by marriage (1912) of Sophie Prystowsky (1893-1985) to Samuel Solomon (d. 1954). Of five children, Aaron Solomon (1917-1991) carried on family business, Sam Solomon Company, Inc. During the 1960s, A. Solomon opposed South Carolina Blue Laws as a denial of religious liberty and took the fight to the Supreme Court. He was an active member of the Free Masons and Jewish Community Center, where he served as president (ca. 1968) and on the Evaluative Committee (1970).

Extent

2.25 linear feet (3 document boxes, 1 slim document box, 1 object box, 1 oversize paper folder)

Abstract

Papers of the Solomon and Prystowsky families of Charleston, South Carolina, including records related to the family company, Sam Solomon Company.

Collection Arrangement

  1. Family papers, 1912-1995
  2. Photographs, approximately 1880s-1981
  3. Sam Solomon Company Inc., approximately 1940s-1960s
  4. Jewish Community Center affiliation, 1964-1970
  5. Freemason-Scottish Rite papers, approximately 1920s-1960s
  6. Miscellaneous materials, 1984-1985
  7. Accession 2013-45, 1960-1995

Acquisitions Information

Materials donated by Marilyn Solomon Brilliant and Melvin and Gertrude Solomon.

Title
Inventory of the Solomon-Prystowsky Family Papers, 1880-1990
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by: Special Collections staff; finding aid created by: Special Collections staff. Accrual processed by Lauren Bickel, July 2023.
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)