Call Number:

SCRC 235

Repository:

Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center

Extent:

0.01 linear feet (1 folder)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

[Description and date of item], Meyer Furman Papers, SCRC 235, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Date:

1965-1984 (inclusive)

Creator:

Furman, Meyer

Form:

Correspondence, Financial records, Medical records, Manuscripts, Photographs, and Wills

Abstract:

Meyer Furman, used book dealer, was born in Lancaster, Pa. and grew up in Philadelphia. He left school at age 14 to work with the Postal Telegraph Co. After a series of jobs, Furman opened his own business at 9th and Filbert St. He moved several times because his lease ended and finally ended up in a flea market on Front St. A combination of fire and ill health resulted in the closure of his business. Furman wrote this essay while he was a resident of the Germantown Lutheran Home. He was approximately 92 years old at the time.

The collection of personal and business papers of this Philadelphia bookseller includes a manuscript of his autobiography, correspondence, financial records, health records, his last will and testament, and a photograph of Furman. The autobiographical essay-holograph manuscript of this Philadelphia book dealer describes his childhood, education and the various jobs held until he established his own business as a dealer in rare magazines and sheet music. The essay also mentions the era of silent movies and the introduction of "the talkies".