Mailing Address:
Special Collections
College of Charleston Library
66 George Street
Charleston, SC 29424

Phone:
(843) 953-8016

Title: L. Leroy Silverstein papers

Collection #: Mss 1005

Dates: circa 1913-1987 (bulk 1971-1979)

Size: Mss 1005

Biographical Note: Born in Poland, Lipman Leroy Silverstein immigrated to the United States, settled in Charleston, and served in the Navy during World War I. He organized the first Jewish War Veteran's post in the Carolinas in 1941 and served as its commander from 1941 to 1946. Silverstein founded LeRoy's Jewelers in 1919 and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion, the Senior Citizens of Charleston Association, and Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue. He married Rose Levine in 1924. After she died in 1956, he married Janice Clein Coplon in 1958.

Scope and Content Note:

Includes correspondence, photographs, certificates, documents, and photocopies.

Materials include identification documents, biographical information, correspondence, estate papers, and a true copy death certificate. Other materials document his association with civic and military organizations including photocopies of plaques and awards received. Collection contains photographs of family members and business associations (1900s-1980s.)

Silverstein's extensive involvement with the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Samuel D. Turtletaub Post Number 237 is documented by membership certificates, speeches, and documents related to the many offices he held. Papers also include photocopied clippings (1960s to 1980s) about the opening of a new Leroy's Jewelers at 304 King Street, engagement announcements, mentions of awards and honors, and Silverstein's obituary. Miscellaneous material includes Silverstein's original poetry, architectural specifications for his home at 143 S. Battery, and a plaque from Palestine. Oversize material includes a drawing (1972) of Brith Sholom and photograph (print) of the William F. Gray Class, Scottish Rite, 1921 (Silverstein pictured).

Inventory:

  1. Personal Papers

    2. Correspondence: cards and letters to Silverstein from his daughters, 1970s-80s. 1/1

    Documents (Silverstein's death certificate, estate discharge papers). 1/2

    Yahrzeit records for parents of Leroy Silverstein and first wife, Rose. 1/3

    Specifications for S. Bay (134 S. Battery) residence prepared by James D. Benson, Architect, Charleston, SC, ca. 1933. 1/4

    Certificates/membership cards, 1940s-1980s; includes Silverstein's Social Security card and South Carolina driver's license, ca. 1970s; certificates of merit for participation in various organizations. 1/5

  2. Photographs of Silverstein family, 1900s-1980s (2 envelopes); images of family members, "Leroy Opticien" store in Paris, France, color snapshots of grandchildren. 1/6
  3. Documents related to Silverstein's participation in the Jewish War Veterans Samuel D. Turteltaub Post 237, Charleston, SC, 1940s-1980s; includes speeches, meeting agendas, membership cards, certificates, organizational histories, etc. 1/7
  4. Photocopied clippings, 1960s-1980s; includes grand opening of new LeRoy's Jewelers, 1970s, daughters' engagements, awards, obituary, etc. 1/8
  5. Miscellaneous

    6. Annotated typescript of Passover article; poem, "The Patient in Room 24" written by Silverstein. 1/9

    Plaque, the Temple Mount and the Citadel of David, Jerusalem, Palestine. 1/10