Newspaper Page Text
An Illustrious Southerner
-x
May
Reviewing
the Career
of
an Outstanding
Jew
-X
The beautiful home of Isaac May
in Rome, Georgia
To really appreciate the
fine qualities of the char
acter and personality of
Isaac May, one must
know him personally —
and those fortunate
enough to be included in
his circle of friends real
ize that here is a man
who is more than deserv
ing of the position he has
attained in life. The
Southern Israelite sets
forth for its readers only
the highlights of a career
that has played so promi
nent a part in the de
velopment of his com
munity.
-X
T HE narrative of an immigrant hoy who
learned his lessons well in a period of a life
time—just think of the many lives of suc
cessful Americans to whom such a story can ap
ply. Yet it is said without exaggeration that none
other illustrates better the force of honest work
and square dealing than a well-liked personage in
North Georgia who has settled far from his place
of hirth. This man is Isaac May, of Rome.
A successful career carries somewhat a romantic
atmosphere in the eyes of the average American—
hut in reviewing briefly the life of a fine Southern
gentleman, let us set aside a hit of the romance in
order that we can picture more clearly the true
path of the life of a man who is highly esteemed
in the eyes of his fellowmen—by both Jews and
non-Jews alike.
In 1862 a boy was born in Alsace, France, son
of David and Julie May. Just as in the case of
many other young lads of uncertain financial cir
cumstances, Isaac attended school only until the
age of thirteen. He did, however, manage to at
tend college for one year.
Then at the age of fourteen began probably the
most important period during Isaac May’s life.
It was during the following three years of his life
that Isaac served his apprenticeship in a depart
ment store in Mulhouse, Alsace. The practical
schooling received at this stage of Isaac’s life was
a deciding factor in his career. In his modest way,
Isaac May reminisces of this period of his life in a
frank, simple manner that is so characteristic of
everything he says and does. He attributes what
“little success” he had to the training received
during this difficult period of apprenticeship. And
truthfully, it is so. Throughout the remainder of
his life, Isaac May has applied most faithfully
that which was indelibly inscribed in his very
thoughts and actions by his apprenticeship train
ing—the principles of honest dealing in all phases
of life.
Young Isaac worked hard and observed closely
the business mechanism of a department store, a
store that differs greatly from the department
[6]
store of today. The three years of apprenticeship
passed quickly. And, naturally, to one interested
in the outside world, America served as a goal and
guiding light for this young Frenchman. At that
time, 1879, the United States was still growing
and presented a wonderful opportunity in the eyes
of every European. Isaac’s mind was set on the
trip to the States. And to the States Isaac came
at the age of seventeen. The trip was made in the
only manner he could afford—third-class steerage
(there was no fourth-class at that time).
The first of November, 1879, witnessed the ar
rival of Isaac May in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he
stayed a very short time. Lawrenceburg, Indiana,
is the next scene of young Isaac’s business experi
ence. It is here that he added another year to his
apprenticeship period once again in a department
store.
In 1884 Isaac May came to Atlanta, Georgia,
where he and his brother, Joseph (founder of
May’s Laundry), were engaged in the clothing
business in the James Hank block. The Southland
was in the making during those years and for a
sensible and far-seeing young man it was inevit
able that success would come his way.
It was soon after his arrival in Georgia that
Isaac May married Miss Hannie Kuttner, the
daughter of the founder of one of the largest de
partment stores in North Georgia—operating as
the J. Kuttner Company. Mr. May made his
home in Rome and was actively associated with
the Kuttner Company until 1927. At that time
Mr. May’s interest in the Kuttner organization
was sold to his brothers-in law, Sam and Max
Kuttner in order that he might take charge of one
of the largest and most up-to-date furniture plants
in the South—The Rome Furniture Corporation,
of which Isaac May is now president.
Mr. May’s activities in the business world are
far from being limited to one enterprise. He has
been too wide-awake for that. His many interests
fully demonstrated his remarkable personality.
Aside from his connection with the Rome Furni
ture Corporation, Mr. May is president of the
Rome Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of
clothing and jobbing dry goods, etc. He is ata
president of the May Realty Company, president
of the Central Realty Company, director of the
National City Hank, director of the Anchor Duck
Mills, and director of the Home Loan & Building
Association.
It is to he remembered that his activities were
not always devoted to business interests. The wel
fare of Isaac May’s fellowmen was always at
heart. He takes a most active interest in all civic
and religious matters. As the president of Con
gregation Rodef Sholem, Isaac May takes a lead
ing role in the life of the Jewish community. In
civic matters as well it is to be remembered here
that for a number of years he has served w ell his
city as a member of the City Council of Rome and
also later as member and chairman of the City
Commission of Rome.
Mr. May is widely respected among fraterni
circles. He is a member of the Yaarah Temp!**
and is also an honorary life member of the Order
of Elks.
Concerning the family of Isaac May much can
he chronicled, but we shall limit ourselves only to
outline this illustrious group of Georgians. It wa>
in 1916 that Mr. May suffered the loss of his be
loved wife. He was fortunate, however, to see hi>
two daughters, Blanche and Edna, grow up to
womanhood and marry. They are now Mrs. L
H. Schwed, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Mrs-
J. L. Sulzbacher, of Rome, Georgia. Blanche now
has two daughters, Carolyn, who is attending
Goucher College, and Hilda, who is attending
Shorter College. Edna Sulzbacher has two boys
I. M., named after his grandfather, is a sen or a’
Dartmouth College, and Joel, Jr., is attending
Darlington School for Boys.
A lifetime of clean living—a remarkable (. tree
—now finds Mr. May at the ripe age of 71 <su '
ing in the town where he passed the greater p> rt,on
of his life. H is residence in Rome happens to 1*
one of the most imposing and beautiful structures
in that section of the state. Still carrying cfl bi>
work in the town he loves, Isaac May is defined
for a long and fruitful career.
* THE SOUTHERN ISRAE ITS