Jewish Historical Society of Delaware – A Treasure Trove Of Memorabilia
By GEORGE SHTOFMAN
(from The Jewish Voice, November 4, 1983)
What do you know about the status of Jews in Delaware during the Colonial days? Who was the first Jewish office holder in the State of Delaware? What prominent member of the Jewish community was responsible for Wilmington’s slogan, “The First City of the First State?”
Do you know when the Moses Montefiore Society was founded and when the first synagogue was formed here? Do you remember when Second Street was the center of Jewish marketing, especially on Saturday nights? Do you recall the old Y.M.H.A. when it was located at Third and King Streets and also the Avoda Club?
Memorabilia of these events are well documented and preserved through the patience and efforts of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware, representing the achievement of a goal of Rabbi David Geffen, then of Temple Beth Shalom, upon its formation nine years ago.
For two years prior to its organization, Rabbi Geffen worked for the formation of Jewish Historical Society, dedicated to research and Jewish history in the State of Delaware dating back some 320 years.
Rabbi Geffen’s dream of a Jewish Historical Society in Delaware was realized late in 1974 when Judge Charles K. Keil of the Family Court became its first president and Rabbi Geffen a vice-president.
Since Judge Keil’s presidency, others who have headed the organization are: William P. Frank, Lillian Robertson, Dr. Ralph Tomases, Helen Goldberg and Jacquelin Rofel, the present presiding officer.
The Jewish Historical Society of Delaware, a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Delaware, occupies space in the quarters of the Historical Society of Delaware at 505 Market Street. There are two tables, shelves and over 100 boxes of manuscripts, books, pictures, documents, clothing, tools, old family records, synagogue and organization papers, letters, etc.
All of this material is very carefully documented and handled by Myrtle E. Kurland, archivist of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware.
An idea of some of the materials which Mrs. Kurland has on hand for the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware are two hand made carpenter planes made by Max Paikin in London and brought to Wilmington in 1910; the famous “Dear Mollye” letters, representing correspondence by Mollye Sklut with Jewish servicemen from this area during World War II; Temple Beth Shalom records dating back to 1922; Jewish Welfare Society records dating back to 1934; a large ledger type book containing a history in Yiddish of Machzikey Hadas, and many, many others of extreme interest.
Those desiring to inspect and view any of the Jewish material at the Historical Society of Delaware between Mondays and Fridays can arrange for a definite time by contacting Myrtle Kurland at her home number.
Over the years since its organization, officials of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware have cooperated in the direction of gathering together any and all material that can be of value as far as the history of the Delaware Jewish community is concerned.
Yetta Chaiken has been interviewing many of the older residents regarding their recollections of the Jewish community and has quite a large number of cassettes revealing interesting and delightful insights as to incidents and experiences of bygone years.
Several members of the community have contributed to the history of Jewish background of the State, in-eluding Emile V. Topkis, a thorough researcher who has turned over all his notes to the Society; the late Harry Bluestone, formerly director of the Jewish Community Center who wrote several important historical booklets about various Jewish organizations; Rabbi Elihu Schagrin, formerly of Wilmington, who authored a three-volume Delaware history published in 1947, and others. Some “Old Timers” may not have even heard of some Jewish groups, such as: Ohabe Shalom Synagogue, Ahavath Schim Synagogue, Hebrew Library Association, Kallah, and William Topkis Benevolent Society.
From a personal point of view, an interesting experience was to see a picture postcard of the Centennial of Delaware Jewry showing three Market Street stores, including that of Sample Clothing Co. at 726 Market Street, which was owned by the writer’s father, the late Morris Shtofman, who opened it in 1914, and the adjoining tobacco store of the late Charles K. Breuer, who was the father of Mrs. Samuel Shames.
Undoubtedly, large numbers of historical material are stored away in the attics of many Jewish homes here. It would really be a mitzvah to collect these items and make them available to the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware.
The purpose and work of the Jewish Historical Society of Delaware can be furthered only through the cooperation of those in the community who can furnish more historical material to this enterprising organization.
Originally published in The Jewish Voice, November 4, 1983, p. 12