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Lawrence B. Goldsmith Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 211

Scope and Contents

Researchers studying the Lawrence B. Goldsmith Papers will gain insight into the workings of the Huntsville Jewish Charities. The papers are arranged in chronological order.

Dates

  • Creation: 1939 - 1954

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on accessing material in this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

Lawrence Bernstein Goldsmith, Sr. was born in Huntsville, Alabama in 1883 to Oscar Goldsmith and Bettie Bernstein Goldsmith. He was educated at a prepatory academy in New York City and later attended a business school in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1909 Lawrence joined his father-in-law, Isaac Schiffman, in the investment and cotton business in Huntsville. In 1933 the business was incorporated as I. Schiffman & Co., Inc. Throughout his career Lawrence B. Goldsmith participated in the civic affairs of Huntsville and was instrumental in helping his community move from an agrarian economy to one of space age industry. He was also responsible for organizing a group of businessman to finance the construction of the Russel Erskine Hotel, a Huntsville landmark for many years. From 1939-1954 Lawrence Goldsmith chaired the Huntsville, Alabama United Jewish Appeal campaign which later became known as the Huntsville Jewish Charities. He solicited funds throughout the community to help the Jews of Europe prior to, during, and immediately following World War II. Lawrence B. Goldsmith, Sr. died on February 17, 1972 at age 88.

Extent

0.4 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

A native of Alabama, Lawrence B. Goldsmith was a prominent businessman and civic leader in Huntsville. The collection consists of photocopies of the correspondence and administrative files relating to the Huntsville Jewish Charities (formerly Huntsville, Alabama United Jewish Appeal) campaign of which Lawrence Bernstein Goldsmith Sr. was chairman. It also includes family papers such as correspondence, clippings, and an oral history of Margaret Anne Goldsmith conducted by the Institute of Southern Jewish Life.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in chronological order.

Related Materials

OHC: Margaret Anne Goldsmith Artifact #011-030.01, Ceramic plate used by Cora Barley, the nurse of Margaret Anne Goldsmith of Huntsville, Alabama.

Separated Materials

All photographs removed to visual arts collections and objects removed to artifact collection. Books, “I. Shiffman & Company: Huntsville’s Most Diversified Entrepreneurial Business,” by Paul Hays and, “Historic Huntsville: A city of new Beginnings,” by Elise Stephens,” removed to library.

Title
Lawrence B. Goldsmith Papers, Mss 211
Status
Completed
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum Repository

Contact:
1440 Spring St. NW
Atlanta Georgia 30309 United States
678-222-3700