Oral history interview with Klyde Robinson, 1997.

ArchivalResource

Robinson, Klyde, 1922-. Oral history interview with Klyde Robinson, 1997.

Oral history interview with Klyde Robinson, 1997.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/48843499

Bulk of the interview covers Judge Robinson's recollections of growing up Jewish in Charleston, SC (1920s-1930s). Contains vivid accounts of childhood days at Courtenay School, Hebrew classes at the Jewish Community Center, relationships with his brothers, and other classmates, class distinctions among Jews (uptown Jews vs. downtown Jews) and his perceptions of how Jews were viewed among the greater Charleston community. Robinson speaks of childhood relationships with African-Americans and discusses Jewish customs his Orthodox family observed as well as kosher delis and butchers they frequented. He touches on issues of anti-Semitism and discrimination between Reform and Orthodox communities in Charleston. Recollections of Robinson's teenage years recount his involvement with Jewish athletic clubs and Aleph Zadik Aleph. He also recounts family history, with emphasis on William Robinson, the first to arrive in America (from Germany in the early 1800s), and settle in Colleton County, SC to farm. Other families mentioned are Karesh and Jacobi. The second part of the interview focuses on Robinson's adult life with emphasis on his political and military careers. He recounts his decision to attend the Citadel (ca. 1941) and subsequent entrance into the U.S. Army, almost thwarted by blindness in one eye. Robinson describes his service at several U.S. military bases and eventual participation in European campaigns during World War II. After the War, he completed schooling at the Citadel and attended Harvard Law. Robinson describes meeting his future wife in Boston and returning to Charleston to practice law. He also discusses his political career, bids for the S.C. House of Representatives (1952, 1960) and circumstances surrounding his appointment as U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina (1968). Friend and peer, Senator Ernest F. Hollings, is mentioned frequently in discussion of his political career. Other topics covered include the amalgamation of Brith Sholom and Beth Israel and a notable discussion of the history and subsequent loss of Hanover Cemetery, where Robinson's ancestors were buried. There is also information about the family business, Robinson's Bicycle Shop.

Sound recording : 3 sound cassettes.Transcript: 67 p. ; 28 cm.

College of Charleston, Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library