Carolina Paper Co.

Sol Fleischman (1874-1936) was born in Americus, Georgia to Eastern European immigrants and raised in the dry goods industry. After working for the Atlanta Paper Co. for more than 20 years, Sol moved to Columbia, South Carolina with his wife, Tillie Berman Fleischman (1878-1960)—the daughter of Hebrew Benevolent Society president, Barnette Berman (1850-1922)—and their son, Bernard (1913-2003). In 1920, Sol established the Carolina Paper Company and brought on directors from Atlanta, Birmingham, and Hartsville to ensure his regional success. As the so-called “paper king,” Sol oversaw the production and shipping of paper, stationary, twine, and corrugated boxes.¹

Initially located just above the Carolina Shoe Company at 1007 Gervais Street, Sol moved to the 10,000 square foot Kirkland Building at 912 Lady Street the following year. Then located in the wholesale business district, Sol created at least twenty positions in manufacturing and traveling sales and brought on his brother Isaac Henry Fleishman (1885-1938) as general manager. With a background in civil engineering and experience working on both the Panama Canal and a railroad line in Alaska, Isaac ensured Carolina Paper Company’s products made their way to North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida while also selling “South Carolina made” goods, such as paper products from Hartsville’s Carolina Fiber Co.

Carolina Paper Co. ultimately continued to operate following both Sol and Isaac’s deaths. In 1957, the business moved to 609 Green Street before it was absorbed by Jacksonville Paper Co. in 1960.

¹ “Carolina Paper Co. is Expanding,” Columbia Record, November 13, 1921, 9.