Letter from Sarah, in Charleston, to her mother at Hopeton. She discusses the weather, the state of the house and her mother's things, and the health of their family.
A letter from Anna Bella Wilkinson to her father, who is in Charleston for business. She discusses her trips to Town, and passes on an apology from her mother for not packing Dr. Wilkinson's shaving apparatus.
In this letter, Emma apologizes for not keeping in touch with Anna since Emma's marriage, and reports that she has traveled frequently, from Beaufort to Charleston to Savannah and back. She also laments the damage done to Charleston by a fire, particularly the destruction of its two Methodist churches.
A letter from Dr. Willis Wilkinson to his daughter Anna. He discusses her upcoming visit, and talks about a nurse who may be available to work for Mary, if Mary prefers a white nurse.
A letter from Dr. Willis Wilkinson to his daughter, from New York. He writes that he heard of the gale and the cholera outbreak in the Carolinas and for those reasons, he is coming home earlier than planned.
A letter from Anna Bella Wilkinson to her mother, sharing family news from Charleston. Anna reports that Mary has a family of goslings, and that Ellen was recently vaccinated. She also discusses the high cost of renting a house, and says that small houses are renting for $600 per year.
A letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to "Stanner" - Anna Bella Wilkinson, her sister. She tries to clear up some confusion brought about by letters from their mother and Virginia. She says she does not have much news, and talks about Ellen (her daughter).
A letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to "Stanner" - Anna Bella Wilkinson, her sister. She writes from Greenville, reporting that the weather has been very stormy and rainy. She talks about her children, and plans for their stay at Mamma's house in Charleston.
In this letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to her mother, Eleanora Wilkinson, Mary shares news from Charleston. She discusses two deaf-mute children who came to stay with her on their way to an institute in Hartford.
Letter from Virginia Wilkinson Belin to her mother. She talks of taking her daughters, Hess and Ginger (Jinny), to their cousin Johnny's birthday party, where there was iced cream and cake.
A letter from Mary Wilkinson Memminger to her mother. She mentions Stanna's [Anna Wilkinson's] trouble with her foot, and describes her daily afternoon ritual with her children, including sitting on the piazza and having tea. She also describes some health problems her daughter Ellen has been suffering.
Anna Wilkinson writes to her mother concerning her mother's offer to come stay with her during her illness. Anna says that she is welcome to stay with her, but that the room is warm so her mother may be more comfortable staying at her own house. She also mentions a way to use quicksilver to keep away bugs.
Mary Wilkinson Memminger writes to her mother, chastising her for not writing. She also shares news from Charleston, including the news that her daughter Ellen has returned to Montpelier Institute, a school for girls in Georgia run by Bishop Stephen Elliott. She also informs her mother that they have met a distant cousin, a Dr. Borland, a sugar planter who lives in Louisiana.
Summons sent to Samuel Hart Sr. from Nathaniel Levin, secretary and treasurer of KKBE Board of Trustees, requesting Hart's presence at a meeting for the sale of synagogue seats.
Letter from Joseph H. M. Chumaciero, KKBE minister, to the Board of Trustees regarding his decision to accept his election as minister of the congregation.
Handwritten letter from Jane Lazarus Raisin to husband Jacob Salmon Raisin, ellaborating travel instructions, and asking for updates on conversations with other people such as people named Clara, Isaac and Max. Makes mention of a key enclosed in the letter.
Invitation to the Roper Hospital Training School for Nurses graduation ceremony. The invitation includes a program of the events, a list of graduates, and a newspaper clipping noting the graduates.
A letter from Thomas S. Grimke in response to Langdon Cheves in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Grimke references ideas about the rule of law and philosophers that influenced the Reformation.
Letter from Dr. Jacob S. Raisin to Thomas J. Tobias recanting his inability to officiate during the upcoming holidays at the KKBE congregation. Raisin states he was able to have a friend cover for him at his current congregation and will be able to visit Charleston and asks if his probationary period can be extended to a year.
A letter to the Bishop W. A. Guerry from the State Advisory Board of the American Jewish Relief Committee requesting contribution towards the committee's work to aid Jewish sufferers of the war in Europe. Rabbi Dr. Jacob S. Raisin is listed as a member of the Advisory Board.
Vivian Cleary, 64, was born in Dublin, Ireland. He shares stories about life in the Northside of Dublin. Vivian lived in Dublin until he was three years old when his parents moved to Birmingham, England, where he lived until the age of 17. Vivian shares experiences of family holidays in Ireland. Vivian came to Charleston twenty years ago and discusses how different life is in America. He discusses political issues with America during this time along with the process for applying for permanent residency. Vivian is also able to shed light on historical events in Ireland, such as experiences with the IRA, and separation of Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Letter to Edgar M. Lazarus from Henry S. Samuel discussing the political situation in the United States following the Civil War, family, and matters at the Liverpool synagogue.
Receipt noting the purchase of a lot on Wentworth Street in Charleston, SC. by Abraham Tobias. The receipt notes the payment of mortgage and the total price paid for the lot.
Cheryl Daniels was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. Both of Cheryl?s parents were also born in Jersey City and their parents immigrated from Galway and Cork. Cheryl?s grandparents initially immigrated to America for better job opportunities. She discusses their journey to Americanize themselves upon entering the country by changing their names. She discusses the influence of Catholicism on her family and her public school education experience in America. Cheryl has lived in New Jersey, Colorado, and South Carolina.
Sean Doherty discusses his experience growing up as part of an Irish-American family in New York City. His parents emigrated from County Donegal in the 1920s. He discusses growing up in a neighborhood of various first-generation immigrants from different backgrounds. He was an officer in the United States Marine Corps, until he became a salesman for Sylvan Pyrometric Systems, eventually retiring and coming to Charleston.
A postcard of the mural from the main lobby of the Fort Sumter Hotel that depicts the attack on Fort Sumter. The front of the postcard reads, "This mural painting, in the Main Lobby of the Fort Sumter Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina, symbolizes the initial attack by Confederate forces, beginning the War Between the States.--The painting is by Alfred Hutty, internationally noted artist and etcher." The back of the postcard reads, "The first shot of the War Between the States was fired April 12, 1861, from a Confederate battery at Fort Johnson (position of the observer in this painting) and landed on the parade ground of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. In this painting Fort Sumter is center, Fort Moultrie to the distant left and a floating Confederate battery to the right. The flag is the original seven star flag of the Confederacy. Fort Sumter, occupied by Confederates on April 14, 1861, was under constant siege by Federal forces from that date until February 18, 1865--In 1948 Fort Sumter was designated a national monument."
Program for the confirmation services of the Georgetown Hebrew Congregation held at KKBE in Charleston, SC. The program includes a schedule of the service, and a list of the confirmants.
Alex writes about the children and encloses a flyer from R.M. Marshall (Broad St. brokers) encouraging investors to build homes for rent at Sheffield, Alabama
A bill of sale to Sarah Marie Drayton for the purchase of five slaves from the estate of Mrs. Ann D. Perry. James W. Gray, the commisioner of the Court of Equity facilitated the sale. The sale includes the guarantee to the purchaser of "the future issue of the Females"--meaning any future children will be the property of the purchaser. The back of the document includes several worn statements regarding the legality of the sale.
In this six-page, handwritten letter Warren Hubert Moise writes to his nephew, Edwin Warren Moise (b. 1889), about a trip he took to Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia. He also discusses his father, Edwin Warren Moise (b. 1810), whose death in 1868 left the family in financial distress.
A bill of sale to Thomas S. Grimke for the purchase of a slave boy named Agrissa from Sarah Marie Drayton. The back of the document includes a signed statement, possibly from an attorney, verifying the legality of the bill of sale.
A letter to the President and the Board of Trustees of KKBE from Dr. Moritz (Maurice) Mayer, the minister of KKBE at the time, which was read at a meeting of the Board. The letter relates Mayer's request for the Board to take action in regards to the "Cleveland Conference." Mayer discusses his concern of the congregation's principles as they are related to the Reform.
Minutes from a governmental committee regarding the teaching of Christianity to slaves. Consists of answers to questions asked of prominent slave owners throughout the state. There is a focus on the oral education of slaves as well as a white presence in any black congregation to ensure the slaves did not organize any retaliatory actions. Focuses on the demographics of the Christian slave population. Originally bound in v. 22 of the Thomas Smith Grimke pamphlet collection.
Clipping from unnamed Charleston, SC. newspaper relating an article entitled, "Who is It?" The article features Rabbi Dr. Jacob S. Raisin and his work.
In this two-page typed order, Admiral William Henry Allen orders 24 Charleston establishments listed as "out of bounds" to personnel of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The establishments listed are the Sevilla Beer Parlor, Lotti's Place, Town Tavern, Ship's Inn, Uneeda Lunch Room, Flag Tap Room, Atlantic Lunch Room, Downtown Chili Shop, Izzy's Tavern, Jimmie's Place, Harold's Tavern, Kozy Lunch Room, Mitch's Lunch Room, The V Lunch, American Beer Parlor, Manhattan Restaurant, Kato's Lunch Room, Lee's Grill, The Casino, Hollywood Inn, Spook's Taven, M & R Lunch Room, Mikes Beer Parlor, and Plaza Lunch Room.
A bill of sale to Thomas S. Grimke for the purchase of a slave named August from Francis Giraud, who is described as "sound sober and no runaway." The back of the form includes a signed statement by attorney John Ward regarding the bill of sale.
Letter from Laura L. Wineman, director of the KKBE choir, to President of the Board, Charles H. Moise. Wineman discusses the incorporation of instrumental music with the choir's singing. She relates the music from the "Portuguese Minhag" and a German synagogue.
Program for the Memminger High and Normal School Commencement Ceremony held at the Academy of Music in Charleston, S.C. The program includes a schedule of the event, and a list of graduates.
Postcard of the brick and wrought iron doorway and gateway at the Simmons-Edwards House in Charleston, S.C. Back of postcard reads, "One of the very finest examples of dignity and beauty in doorway, steps, and ironwork is in this period approach."
Program for the Charleston Kalushiner Society's 12th Annual Banquet held at the Jewish Community Center. The program includes a menu, and a schedule of the event, and officers of the Society. The program notes an address to be given by Rabbi Dr. Jacob S. Raisin.
Tony Williams (pronouns: He/Him/His), white director and CEO of Charleston Pride, was born in Charleston, SC, grew up in Goose Creek, and after a childhood of moving to a variety of places on the east coast, he returned to the area in 1999. A College of Charleston graduate, Williams now works in software at Blackbaud. The interview begins with Williams discussing his earliest childhood memories, his relationships with his sister, parents and extended family and how he came out to them after coming to terms with his sexuality as a gay man. He describes the "transition" from identifying as bisexual in high school to fully accepting that he was gay in college, and the importance of LGBTQ gathering places in the greater Charleston area. These gathering places, primarily LGBTQ bars like Patrick's, Dudley's, Pantheon, The Chart, and D?j? Vu, as well as the mentorship of College of Charleston professor Tom_Chorlton helped him to find community in Charleston. Williams discusses his concerns regarding the current popularity and primacy of identity politics and labeling, and he notes a growing "isolation" within society, due possibly to the increasing dependency on apps and technology, and the impact it has had within LGBTQ communities. William then recounts the histories of local groups such as the Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA) and We are Family; and discusses the developments of Charleston Pride. He started as a volunteer with the event when it was in North Charleston, founded by Lynn Dugan and describes its move to downtown Charleston where it has greater visibility. He also speaks to the event's growth from just a single day event, "a parade, a festival, and an after-party", into a weeklong series of events celebrating LGBTQ life and culture. He ends his interview mentioning his involvement in the early planning of the development of a LGBTQ center in Charleston, modeled after similar centers in other cities._
K. J. Ivery (pronouns: He/Him/His), the first openly trans officer with the Charleston Police Department, discusses growing up, coming into his sexuality and gender identity, schooling, family relations and a variety of other topics. A Charleston native, Ivery grew up in a religious family where sexual non-conformity was not encouraged, and in a city where one faced further discrimination for being both Black and queer. He experienced difficulties with his parents after identifying as bisexual in middle school. Later identifying as gay, Ivery had a girlfriend in high school. He speaks of using the internet to find information and peers while in school, having attended Charles Towne Academy and later the Academic Magnet High School. He found the latter place very accepting, despite not being permitted to start a Gay-Straight Alliance, which he nevertheless did, using a different name to mask it. Identifying as trans-masculine, he discusses how he didn't come out to his family until he was identified in the Post & Courier as an openly transgender police officer. He began to investigate this part of his identity while attending the University of South Carolina, in Columbia, where he again was very active in its Gay-Straight Alliance. Ivery was impressed with Columbia's Harriet Hancock Center, and he discusses the arbitrariness and social constructs of gender, speaks of the "awesome things about... identifying as queer" and expresses delight in not being trapped in the limitations of being a cis-gender male, while also discussing the stud/femme roles prevalent in some lesbian communities. Having majored in criminology, he returned to Charleston in 2012 and immediately began working with the Charleston Police Department, which he lauds for its openness and high standards, and which adapted easily to his transitioning. On the force, he first worked in West Ashley neighborhoods before moving to the tourist districts downtown, while serving as an LGBT liaison to the community, which he describes as cliquish, and stratified along economic, racial and even geographic lines. He has worked with We Are Family, the Alliance for Full Acceptance (helping to administer the Trans Love Fund), Charleston Area Trans Support (CATS), and the Charleston YOUth Count, as well as founding a trans-masculine support and social group. He describes his relationship with his wife, Sam Diamond, the marriage ceremony they created and which their families attended, and how society looks at and presumes it understands the dynamics of their interracial marriage. He contrasts his spirituality compared to his family's rigid religious beliefs, voicing his respect for them and their views and noting the growing acceptance by his parents and siblings. Before concluding he also addresses gentrification in Charleston, specifically in regard to his grandparents' home on Line Street, his attendance at an early Charleston Pride Parade, his social life, and the advancements and progress of the LGBTQ community.
Program for the Tenth Anniversary Banquet of the Charleston Chapter of Aleph Zadik Aleph. The program includes a list of officers and directors, a schedule of events, and a list of sponsors. The program notes a Benediction by Rabbi Jacob S. Raisin.
Program for the Charleston City Federation of Women's Clubs Annual Mid-Winter Meeting held at the Hibernian Hall in Charleston. The program includes the schedule of the event, a list of the City Federation officers, and notes "Mrs. J. S. Raisin" as the representative for the Council of Jewish Women.
David Cosgrove?s parents both came to America in 1964 and met in Elizabeth, New Jersey. David's parents are from rural areas in County Galway and County Mayo. Davd's father lived in Ireland until he was twenty two years old, when he moved to London with his brother, and David's mother came to America straight from Ireland at the age of nineteen. He has been to Ireland several times, as his parents regularly took him and his four brothers over to their hometowns during his childhood. David takes care to discuss similarities and differences between life and politics in Ireland and Charleston.
Handwritten letter from Jane Lazarus Raisin to husband Jacob Salmon Raisin, where she discusses her infant daughter walking, Jacob's potential travels to Pittsburgh, as well as other travels in winter. Jane also notes instructions given to "Dah."
Letter from David Henry Mordecai to his father regarding his travels. The letter discusses regret to have to leave Heidelberg, plans to travel around Europe, and receiving cigars sent from home.
Announcement from the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, PA relaying to members that Rabbi Dr. Jacob S. Raisin will be visiting and occupying the pulpit.
James Finnegan discusses his family history and his experiences as an Irish American in Charleston. James? great-great-great-grandfather traveled to South Carolina from County Meath around the late 1840?s. He discusses his deep family history in Charleston, as well as his involvement in the Irish community in Charleston and various events such as the Charleston St. Patrick?s Day parade.
Jack Sewell (pronouns: He/Him) speaks mostly of his life in Charleston, the various businesses in which he was engaged, and gay life, characters, and bars in the city. Born as a twin in Oklahoma, he grew up in Texas, was raised in a conservative Southern Baptist household and joined the Navy, which brought him to Charleston in 1966. While mostly closeted, to stay in the service, Sewell nevertheless visited many gay clubs, despite their being banned by the Shore Patrol, and he mentions the Navy investigating sailors for homosexual activities. In reply to questions, he names and describes many of the bars in town including The Wagon Wheel, The Ocean Bar and Grill, Pat's Lounge, the Stardust Lounge, the Bat Room, and "the Tiltin' Hilton" on Folly Beach, among others, including a gay bar he and his partner tried to open on Market Street, but which failed due to the curfew imposed by martial law during the 1969 Hospital Worker's strike. He also describes homophobia, vice squad raids, pay offs, cruising on the Battery and makes mention of the YMCA and bus station and other bathrooms. Out of the Navy, he first had odd jobs, including working as a debt collector, which led to visiting Dawn Langley Simmons. He and his partner began working as carpenters, building cabinetry for many businesses, bringing them in contact with many Jewish merchants and building owners whom he describes. The couple first opened "head" shops named A Different World, catering to a hippy clientele, in Charleston and Orangeburg and later opened a series of restaurants called The Hungry Lion in a variety of locations in the city, with the main location being near the College of Charleston on George Street. Sewell, who eventually bought out his partner, worked long days, often as the chief cook, as well doing numerous other tasks, eventually commuting from McClellanville, SC to where he retired in 2014. In the course of the interview he mentions? the Davis building, site of the Hungry Lion and the owners, a Jewish family in London, Jules Garvin, Bobby Tucker, Clifton Harris, Jr., whose murder on the Battery in 2006 is still unsolved, Joe Trott and other colorful gay characters. He also explains the coded vocabulary he and his friends used, mentions later bars such as the Garden and Gun Club, Les Jardins, and working at the Arcade Club and the restaurant Spanky's associated with it. He ends speaking of life in McClellanville and the man who means so much to him, Dewey Williams, a partner of 39 years, whom he married at the Lincoln Memorial in 2010.?
Roseanne Keeley Wray?s parents immigrated to America as a couple in 1926. Prior to her parents moving together to the Bronx. Roseanne shares the experience her mother had with coming to Oklahoma as a single woman. Roseanne offers a wealth of knowledge of both life in Ireland as well as the life of an Irish individual living in America. She shares memories of living in the Bronx as a child and housing young, single Irish immigrants in her family home. She shares stories that her parents would share with her siblings during childhood that told them stories of life in Ireland. To this day, Roseanne?s family still owns a family farm in Ireland, which Roseanne plans on leaving to her children and grandchildren.
A letter from Thomas S. Grimke to Philadelphia bookseller Thomas Kite, asking his opinion of Mr. Price, an attorney, but also giving details on military preparations and a fear of violence over the nullification issue in Charleston.
Letters of Mary Smith Grimke, wife of John Faucheraud Grimke, to her daughter, Anna Rutledge Grimke Frost (1795-1882), in Philadelphia, regarding the drowning death of her son, Benjamin (1798-1825) and his child, her grieving daughter-in-law Mary Augusta Barron Grimke (1806-1843).
A short letter from George Reid, Secretary of the Society of the Cincinnati, to John F. Grimke regarding starting a society chapter in South Carolina. Reid notes that a meeting will be held at "William's Coffee House" to discuss the matter further.
Handwritten letter from Jane Lazarus Raisin to husband Jacob Salmon Raisin, where she discusses plans in Isle of Palms, their daughter, the comings and goings of friends, and home rennovations.
A program for the Confirmation Services at KKBE. The program outlines the schedule for the service and also has a program pasted within for Confirmation Service at B'rith Sholim in Orangeburg, SC., from May 19th, 1918 led by Rabbi Jacob S. Raisin, and a newspaper clipping listing the confirments from the congregations.
Receipt issued by Roger Pinckney (via Algernon Wilson) for the purchase of a Pew in the North Aisle of Saint Philips Church. The pew had previously belonged to Francis Bramar.
Postcard of the Sword Gate at Simonton House in Charleston, S.C. Back of postcard reads, "The Simonton house at 32 Legare Street was built in 1776. These noted gates and gateway were placed here between 1815-1820. The sword gates are considered the finest examples of early wrought iron work."
A letter written to John F. Grimke from Alexander Chisolm in Charleston, South Carolina. Chisolm commends Grimke for his "kind interference" in a business manner. Chisolm writes that he will make a payment on a debt presently.
A short note to John F. Grimke from Charleston's Sheriff[?], James Kennedy stating that a "Sugar House" on Broad Street is ready for the arrival of "Negroes" for incarceration.
A short note to John F. Grimke from Charleston's Sheriff[?], James Kennedy inviting the City Constables and the Seargeant with the City Guard to attend an execution.
A short letter written to John F. Grimke from Thomas Roper regreting to inform Grimke that he was unable to satisfy an inquiry regarding the General Election of 1784 due to a missing document.
A letter from Ralph Izard invites Grimke to Scheveling Plantation, advises him to avoid Combahee ferry, and mentions the pox and children in quarantine.
A short letter to Judge John F. Grimke from a "N. Marshal" asking for more information about a particular "daily" [newspaper?] mentioned in a court case.
A letter to John F. Grimke from James Delaire in Charleston, South Carolina. Delaire thanks Grimke for his offer of service if a war breaks out with France in St. Domingo following the Emancipation of revolted slaves. Delaire describes the different socioeconomic classes that exist in St. Domingo and the probability of French intervention following the revolution.
Meeting minutes volume kept by the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Trustees of the New Burying Ground, 1798-1799. Entries in this volume concern discussions regarding the proposal to purchase land at Hampstead, in Charleston, S.C., for the construction of a new burial ground to be used by the KKBE congregation. The volume also includes entries discussing the plans for the layout of the burial plots for the new burying grounds.
Letter from the enrolling office of Charleston, SC, stating Edgar M. Lazarus voluntarily reported to the enrollment office and chose to report to the Palmetto Guard Siege Train. The Letter also states that Lazarus is to report to the Camp of Instruction in Columbia, SC and then on to the company he had selected.
Program for the Annual Mid-Winter Meeting of the Charleston City Federation of Women's Clubs held at the Francis Marion Hotel. The program outlines a schedule of the events, a list of the City Federation officers, and organizations that are members of the Federation. The program notes "Mrs. J. S. Raisin," wife of Rabbi Dr. Jacob S. Raisin, as the second Vice-President of the Federation.
A short letter from J.H. Stevens, Coroner, to John F. Grimke about the death of one of his female slaves, [named Benit?], who had previously escaped and ultimately died "of want."
A bill of sale to Thomas Wilson for the purchase of ten slaves from John Potter, in payment of debts owed. The sale was issued by the Sheriff's Office in Colleton District, Charleston, South Carolina.
Letter to Lieutenant William D. Wilson from the Navy granting a commission of Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and recommending that Wilson report to Washington D.C.
