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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