Oral history interview with Joseph David Read, 1996.

ArchivalResource

Read, Joseph David, 1904-1999,. Oral history interview with Joseph David Read, 1996.

Oral history interview with Joseph David Read, 1996.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/48880845

Interview begins with a discussion of Read's childhood in Moncks Corner and Pinopolis, South Carolina. He mentions his parents' immigration to America (from Latvia) and the circumstances (family and land) that brought them to South Carolina. Read describes how his father, originally Joseph Redt, learned English from a group of Pinopolis women who thought his name was "Read." He eventually had it legally changed to Read. Childhood memories include accounts of the family's general store in Moncks Corner and Read's religious education. The family drove to Charleston to attend services at Brith Sholom, but did not keep a strict Kosher household. Second half of interview pertains to Read's life in Charleston, where his family moved after an outbreak of disease in Moncks Corner. He describes the schools he attended (Craft, Charleston High School, College of Charleston), and recounts his personal conversion from Orthodox to Reform Judaism. Includes detailed account of the family's business at 593 King (opened 1915). Originally named Read and Dumas, (after his brother-in-law, an initial partner,) the business operated as five and dime store. Read and his brother Frank later took over and changed the name to Read Brothers. Business details such as hours of operation, merchandise, and clientele are mentioned. Miscellaneous topics include Read's account of founding Upsilon chapter of Tau Epsilon Phi at College of Charleston, and brief mention of his wife, Florence Panitz, and her family in Aiken, South Carolina.

Sound recording : 1 sound cassette.Video recording : 1 videocassette.Transcript : 25 p. ; 28 cm.

College of Charleston, Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library