Yelman, Gordin, and Insel families papers
Collection Overview
Papers consist of assorted materials documenting the Yelman, Gordin, and Insel families from the 1900s to the 1960s. Materials primarily relate to the Yelman family of St. Matthews, South Carolina, and include a Yelman’s Dry Goods store ledger recording accounts with suppliers and customers from 1909 to 1919, materials relating to Sheperd Yelman's service in World War II with the 753rd Tank Battalion, and the Russian passports of Judah and Hannah Yelman. Papers also include assorted individual and group portraits of the Yelman, Gordin, and Insel families and Charles Insel’s Mason pin.
Dates
- Creation: 1900s-1960s
Creator
- Yelman family (Family)
- Gordin (Family) (Family)
- Insel family (Family)
Language of Material
Materials in English, Russian, and German.
Access Restrictions
This collection has been minimally processed, but 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
Judah Yelman (1876-1959), a Russian immigrant, moved to St. Matthews, South Carolina, in 1908, with his wife Hannah Gordin Yelman, and established Yelman's Dry Goods Store on Bridge Street. Sheperd (“Shep”) Yelman (1913-2010), their son, served in the United States Army during World War II as a member of the 753rd Tank Battalion.
Full Extent
0.5 linear feet (1 document box, 1 oversize paper folder)
Abstract
Assorted papers documenting the Yelman, Gordin, and Insel families from the 1900s to the 1960s. Materials primarily relate to the Yelman family of St. Matthews, South Carolina.
Acquisitions Information
Materials donated in 2009 by Sheperd Yelman. Materials donated in 2014 and 2019 by Brenda Yelman Lederman.
Separated Material
Published materials that were originally part of the collection have been removed and cataloged separately.
Processing Information
Minimally processed by Josh Minor, June 2025. At the point of acquisition, this collection contained no original order. For preservation purposes, the collection was rehoused upon receipt by transferring materials into acid-free boxes and placing loose materials into acid-free folders. This finding aid may be updated periodically to account for new acquisitions to the collection and/or revisions in arrangement and description.
Source
- Yelman, Sheperd (Donor, Person)
- Lederman, Brenda Yelman (Donor, Person)
Subject
- Yelman family (Family)
- Gordon family (Family)
- Insel family (Family)
- Title
- Inventory of the Yelman, Gordin, and Insel Families Papers, 1900s-1960s
- Status
- Minimal Record
- Author
- Minimally processed by: Josh Minor ; finding aid created by: Josh Minor
- Date
- 2025
- Description rules
- Dacs
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Repository
Special Collections
College of Charleston Libraries
66 George Street
Charleston South Carolina 29424
(843) 953-8016
(843) 953-6319 (Fax)