Isaac W. Hirsch | Arthur Israel | J. L. David
First built in the 1830s as a store and residence, this notable corner building was an investor-owned rental property from before the Civil War through the 1980s, and the site of several Jewish-owned businesses. By about 1887, Hirsch, Israel & Co. clothiers (Isaac W. Hirsch and Arthur Israel) opened their store here, and a grand renovation ensued. The small minaret-like tower rising from the rounded corner of the building was a King Street landmark for a generation, complemented about a decade later by an even more ornate building commissioned by the Hirsch, Israel Company on the opposite side of Wentworth Street (275 King Street).
When Hirsch, Israel & Co. moved out of 273 King Street in 1897, J. L. David & Bro., another menswear company, relocated here from 279 King Street. J. L. David expanded south into the adjoining building, 271 King Street, then combined with the R. H. Brown Shoe (269 King Street) in 1907, and incorporated as the David Outfitting Company. The expanded business added a women’s clothing department to J. L. David’s traditional men’s and boys’ wear and R. H. Brown’s line of shoes. In 1920, David Outfitting closed its doors, giving up its lease and selling all the stock at auction. 273 King Street was occupied by several businesses before the Lerner Corporation signed a long-term lease in 1929 and opened the Lerner Shop here.
J. L. David had begun his retail career working in his father’s King Street shop, taking it over when his father died. While managing his own business with his brother M. M. David, he became interested in banking and joined the board of directors of the Dime Savings Bank of Charleston. He eventually became president of the bank and guided its 1920 purchase of 275 King Street when Hirsch-Israel & Co. closed. When the Dime Savings Bank merged with the Peoples First National Bank, J. L. David became vice-president and general manager of the organization. He retired in late 1927.
J. L. David and Hirsch, Israel & Co.
273 King Street, seen on the left in this nighttime photograph, housed Hirsch, Israel & Company from about 1887 to 1897. At the time this image was taken, between 1900 and 1915, J. L. David, later known as David Outfitters, occupied the building. Hirsch, Israel & Company moved across Wentworth Street to 275 King (center left). J. S. Pinkussohn Cigar, 274 King Street, can be seen on the right. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Detroit Publishing Company Collection, reproduction number LC-DIG-det-4a25343.
Invoice for Hirsch, Israel & Co., dated 1885, shows their early location at 291 King Street
M. M. David
Photograph taken for his season pass to the South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition, 1901–1902. Courtesy of Charleston County Public Library.