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Sigmond and Lena Slonim Papers, 1902-1981

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Slonim, Sigmond, 1878-1981
Title
Sigmond and Lena Slonim Papers
Dates
1902-1981 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.5 Linear Feet of Shelf Space, (3 Boxes)
Collection Number
Cage 735 (collection)
Summary
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, Russian, French, German
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Biographical Note

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.

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Content Description

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.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright restrictions may apply.

Preferred Citation

[Item Description]

Sigmond and Lena Slonim Papers, 1902-1981 (Cage 735)

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

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Administrative Information

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).

Separated Materials

This collection was received with the Ruth Slonim Papers, circa 1900-2000 (Cage 733)

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Detailed Description of the Collection

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

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Subject Terms

  • Immigrants -- United States
  • Jews, Russian -- United States -- History

Personal Names

  • Slonim, Lena, 1885-1962 -- Archives
  • Slonim, Sigmond, 1878-1981 -- Archives

Other Creators

  • Personal Names

    • Slonim, Lena, 1885-1962 (creator)
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