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Bernard Shapiro Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 283

Scope and Contents

Researchers studying the Bernard Shapiro Family papers will gain insight into a prominent Jewish couple in Atlanta and their family business, as well as their activities with their synagogue, Congregation Beth Jacob.

Dates

  • Majority of material found within 1905 - 1995

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 Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright.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

Bernard (Bernie) Shapiro was born on April 1, 1894 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He became a printer and married Matilda (Tillie) Radiss Sussman (born March 14, 1905 in Philadelphia) in 1937. In the 1940s the couple moved to Atlanta where they opened the Triangle Poster Printing Company downtown. Tillie, who had only an eighth-grade education, was the "brains behind the company," according to her friend Zena Lovinger. Bernie and Tillie Shapiro were equal partners in the company, although he was the face. Their business later expanded into the Southern Printing Company, and the couple used their wealth to travel around the world as well as support Jewish causes. Bernie died on September 1, 1967 at age 73.

After her husband's death, Tillie became an active volunteer at anything and everything regarding Congregation Beth Jacob, which she and her husband were founding members of in the 1940s. She also volunteered at the VA Hospital until age 85. Tillie remained active in the community until her mid-90s, and died at the age of 100 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta.

[Source: Henry, D. (2005, April 24). Tillie Shapiro, 100, Ran Family Business. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, p. F8. Retrieved July 28, 2020.]

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection contains materials relating to the lives of Bernie and Tillie Shapiro of Atlanta, Georgia.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in alphabetical order by subject and chronologically within each folder.

Processing Information

Processed by Benjamin Kitchings (January 2014) and Lindsay Resnick (July 2020). Entered into ArchivesSpace by Lindsay Resnick (July 2020).

Title
Bernard Shapiro Family Papers, Mss 283
Status
Completed
Author
Benjamin Kitchings; Lindsay Resnick
Date
January 2014; July 2020
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