Interview begins with Fox's recollections of emigrating from Warsaw, Poland, to America in 1916. She details the harsh travel conditions and eventual arrival at Ellis Island, where she was reunited with her father (Abraham Mendelson) and sisters. Fox also describes life in Warsaw including her parent's work as peddlers and how Russian oppression of Jews limited religious expression. She speaks of her New York public school experience and determination to learn English. Fox describes how Benjamin J. Kaufman, a family friend from Warsaw (who settled in Charleston, SC), changed the family's life. On a visit to New York, Kaufman noted the Mendelson's poor living conditions and offered Abraham Mendelson the opportunity to run a business in Charleston. The Mendelsons accepted, moved to Charleston (1919) and opened Mendelson and Son (528 King). Fox describes growing up Jewish in Charleston and details her family's kosher household, including many of the dishes her mother prepared. Fox recounts how she met her husband, Otto Fox (they married in 1924) and describes their business, Fox Music House. She recalls her adult life in Charleston, SC, the amalgamation of Brith Sholom and Beth Israel (Otto Fox was President of Beth Israel at time of the merger) and her own kosher household. Miscellaneous topics include Fox's first encounters with African Americans and how the Holocaust affected her family.
