Hirsch’s Book Store

Alexander A. Hirsch (1874-1927) was born in Charleston to Isaac Willard (1844-1925), the co-founder of Hirsch-Israel Company, and Elizabeth Harris Hirsch (1850-1913). Around 1900, Alexander established his own store, Hirsch’s Shoe Store, at 279-281 King Street.

In 1913, Alexander closed the business and sold his stock of shoes to Jacob’s Shoe Store but continued to operate an office at the same location for a few months before unveiling Hirsch’s Book Store at 279-281 King Street. Selling books, stationery, toys, pictures, and frames, Alexander employed his brothers George (1881-1948) and Melvin (1888-1972) and rebranded the shop as Hirsch’s Stationary Store in 1917.

In 1921, Alexander went into business with another merchant with the same name: Alex Hirsch (1876-1971). The latter was the son of Louis (1855-1923) and Eva Rosch Hirsch (1851-1908). Alex (1876-1971) had worked in Birmingham, Alabama for many years before moving to Charleston with his wife, Lena (1881-1949), and their children. Around 1919, Alex (1876-1971) founded The Hirsch Co. where he sold bags and bagging materials at 162 East Bay Street. In 1921, Alexander (1874-1927) and Alex (1876-1971) created Automat Upholstery System with the older Alexander (1874-1927) serving as the president and secretary and the younger serving as the vice-president and treasurer. Within a year, the partnership dissolved, and Alex (1876-1971) continued operating at 162 East Bay Street while Alexander (1874-1927) created Southern Cotton Batting Company on East Simons Street. In 1927, Alexander (1874-1927) died at age 48, leaving behind a widow, Miriam Newman Hirsch (1878-1971), and four children.