ELLOREE -- The contributions of Elloree's Jewish residents throughout the years will be recognized by a new, permanent exhibit at the Elloree Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, which will be part of the center's Main Street diorama.

A reception to celebrate the new addition, which will be open to the public, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, July 11.

The Museum Exhibits Committee, headed by chairperson Pat McLaurin, created the new exhibit with consultation by Bobby Blackwell of the South Carolina State Museum. Committee members include Becky Ulmer, Milt Felder, Gene Bailey and Celia Ulmer.

Elloree's rich history included Jewish families and business people, many of whom owned and operated dry goods stores. Isaac Berger, Wolfe and Rebekah (Fannie) Rubenstein, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Levine, Leon Galloway and Joseph J. Miller (for whom Joe Miller Park is named) all owned dry goods stores in the town over the years.

Reception attendees will include family members and descendants of the honored families.

Miller's namesake charitable trust continues to aid organizations throughout the area, recognizing the work of the Elloree Heritage Museum with grants since 1999. The 2007 grant funds received from the Joseph J. Miller Foundation were given specifically for the initial phase of the new exhibit.

"The permanent dry goods store exhibit will serve as a testament to the contribution of these, and other Jewish families, to the town of Elloree," said Adadra Williams, the museum's administrative manager.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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