Summerton Motel

Leo Greenberg (c.1894-1976) was born in New York City around 1894. His father, Jacob (1849-c.1904), was a Russian immigrant and worked as a traveling salesman. His mother, Emily Greenberg (1854-c.1929), was a German immigrant and worked as a homemaker. After Jacob’s death, Emily was left to provide for Leo and his two siblings, Selena and Harry. By 1910, Leo was working as a receiving clerk in a New York clothing store. By 1920, he had married Russian immigrant Fannie Greenberg (maiden name unknown) (c.1893-1965). Leo and Fannie continued to live in New York state through 1950, raising three children. While in New York, Leo continued to work in the clothing business. In 1951, Leo and Fannie moved to Summerton, South Carolina, where they became the owners and operators of the Summerton Motel on Highway 301, about half a mile south of downtown Summerton. Before Interstate 95 was extended through the area in the early seventies, Summerton Motel attracted travelers from up and down the east coast. Complete with an accompanying restaurant, Summerton Motel was known for its miniature pecan pies. Leo operated the motel until his death in 1978.