Sigmond and Lena Slonim Papers

Sigmond and Lena Slonim Papers, 1902-1981

Overview of the Collection

Creator: Slonim, Sigmond.
Title: Sigmond and Lena Slonim Papers
Dates: 1902-1981 (inclusive)
19021981
Quantity: 1.5 Linear Feet of Shelf Space, (3 boxes)
Collection Number: Cage 735 (collection)
Summary: Sigmond Slonim was born in Russia in 1878 and died in Duluth, Minnesota in 1981. He came to America in 1901 where he finished his education, culminating in a law degree from St. Paul College of Law in 1913. He practiced law until his retirement in 1957. This collection consists of personal and professional papers of Sigmond and Lena Slonim which were kept by their daughter, Ruth Slonim. Most of the materials are related to Sigmond Slonim.
Repository: Washington State University Libraries' Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC)
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Terrell Library Suite 12
Pullman, WA
99164-5610
Telephone: 509-335-6691
mascref@wsu.edu
Access Restrictions: This collection is open and available for research use.
Languages: English; a few items are in Russian, French, and German.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Sigmond Slonim was born in Russia in 1878 and died in Duluth, Minnesota in 1981. He came to America in 1901 where he finished his education, culminating in a law degree from St. Paul College of Law in 1913. He practiced law until his retirement in 1957. He worked most often for the "underdog," including his efforts on behalf of children's welfare. He was active in the Farmer-Labor Association and even ran for office in that party. He was one of the founding members of the Saturday Lunch Club in Duluth, which met weekly to discuss issues of local, national, and international importance. He was also very involved in civic issues, including urban development and city planning. Slonim was a member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and the Socialist Party of America.

Little biographical information is readily available for Lena Epstein Slonim (1885-1962), Sigmond Slonim's wife. She was also born in Russia, and as a young girl moved with her family to Minnesota. She earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from the University of Chicago in 1906; she also held a teaching certificate.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

This collection consists of personal and professional papers of Sigmond and Lena Slonim which were kept by their daughter, Ruth Slonim, and donated to the Washington State University Libraries along with her own papers after her death.

Most of the materials are related to Sigmond Slonim. The personal correspondence includes incoming cards and letters, mainly from friends and family members. The professional correspondence includes both incoming and outgoing items, mostly related to Sigmond Slonim's law practice and political activism. The collection also includes other materials related to his political interests and activities, his law practice (two conscientious objector case files), and family finances. The "Sigmond Slonim writings" sequence consists primarily of autobiographical sketches and essays. Slonim described his early life and his family's experiences in Lithuania, including observations about political and social conditions for Jews in Russia, his travels through Europe prior to emigrating to the United States, and his life and involvement in progressive political causes after settling in Duluth, MN.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Preferred Citation

[Item Description] Sigmond and Lena Slonim papers, 1902-1981

Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

The materials are arranged in a single series.

Acquisition Information

This collection was received with the papers of Ruth Slonim, daughter of Sigmond and Lena Slonim, donated to the Washington State University Libraries by her estate (MS 2007-10).

Related Materials

Ruth Slonim papers (Cage 733)

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s)		Description
Box	Folder
1	1	Correspondence, personal (incoming), 1947-1975
1	2	Sigmond Slonim correspondence, professional (incoming and outgoing), 1935-1976
1	3	Sigmond Slonim correspondence, miscellaneous (outgoing), 1947-1973
1	4	Lena Epstein Slonim, circa 1900-1957. Notebook (mainly notes from academic courses); University of Chicago transcript; teaching certificate and miscellaneous items.
1	5	Lena Epstein Slonim, legal and financial matters, 1929-1949. Includes items related to Lena Slonim and Epstein family members, particularly her father, Israel Epstein.
1	6	Temple Emmanuel, Duluth, MN, 1921-1955
1	7	Slonim family financial and estate documents, 1949-1970s
1	8	Clippings, 1920s-1970s
1	9	Sigmond Slonim miscellaneous (personal); includes political and social organization membership cards and naturalization certificate; 1907-1981
1	10	Farmer-Labor Association, 1920s-1940s. Includes Sigmond Slonim political campaign materials, news clippings, political platform documents, and miscellaneous items.
1	11	Sigmond Slonim campaign for State Senate, 1950
1	12	Apartment and Home Taxpayers Association and Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority, 1958-1970s
1	13	Saturday Lunch Club (Duluth, MN) meeting minutes, membership lists, constitution, 1923-1973
2	1	Saturday Lunch Club addresses, 1946-1975
2	2	Saturday Lunch Club calendars, clippings, miscellaneous, 1960s-1975
2	3	Duluth Progress Association, 1960s
2	4	Juvenile Delinquency Bill and The Youth Conservation Act (State of Minnesota), 1946-1956
2	5-6	Conscientous objector case, David Bullock, 1943-1956. Includes court documents, correspondence, and supporting documentation.
2	7	Conscientous objector case, William Loeffert, 1948-1951
2	8	Criminal syndicalism, 1917-1931
2	9	Housing Code and Urban Renewal, 1959-1965
2	10	Child welfare, 1947-1955
2	11	Miscellaneous (professional), 1933-1956
3	1-6	Sigmond Slonim writings (primarily autobiographical sketches and essays, along with opinion essays about political and social issues), 1930s-1970s

Archives West Finding Aid

Table of Contents