Liberty Loan & Luggage Shop
Merchant
1932-1950
Main Street
Columbia, SC
FAMILIES: Lifchez; Heiden
Immigrating from Russia around 1899, Moses (1887-1959) and Isaac Lifchez (1892-1978) were both raised in Columbia’s mercantile industry. After operating N. Lifchez & Sons at 927 Gervais Street until 1932, Moses and Isaac relocated to 1414 Main Street. There, the brothers established the Liberty Loan & Luggage Shop which also sold jewelry, clothing, and small housewares in addition to offering convenient short-term loans and baggage. Around 1944, Moses left the business to pursue work as a pawnbroker and Isaac was joined by his daughters Natalin Heiden (1920-2020) and Evelyn (b. 1927). This diversified business remained a downtown destination until 1950, when Friedman’s Jewelry & Loan succeeded it at this location.
Main Image: Watch repair advertisement. Reprinted from The State, June 28, 1947.
Above Image: Liberty Luggage Shop shown during the Clydesdale International Champion Parade, c.1949. Image courtesy of South Caroliniana Library, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.