The earliest Settlers and the growth of atlanta
It is quite evident that the Jewish community played a huge role in the development and growth of Atlanta through their businesses. When Jewish immigrants first started settling in Atlanta, the first way they began assimilating was through their business and stores. In the earliest settlement, most the Jewish men were focused on retail trade- selling dry goods, with some others selling insurance, building materials and drugs. By 1850, 10% of Atlanta's stores were owned by Jews, and this trend did not cease (Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life). Jewish merchants in Atlanta were able to keep close ties with Northern Jewish businesses despite Reconstruction (New Georgia Encyclopedia). As the businesses thrived, more Jews - both European immigrants and Jews from the North flocked to Atlanta. Between 1865 and 1869, Atlanta went from having 150 to 875 stores, as more Jews hoped to have the same fate as the successful Atlanta Jews. Morris Rich, who moved to Atlanta from Cleveland, Ohio became one of the largest successes in Atlanta when he opened M. Rich Dry Goods in 1867. Eventually, the retail business grew and was renamed Rich's Department Store. The business was run by members of the Rich family until the company was sold in 1976 (Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life).
By 1880, 71% of Jewish men in Atlanta worked in the commercial trade, with 60% of them owning or managing their own business. Most of the Jewish businessmen were involved in retail trade of dry goods or clothing, and some others were involved in manufacturing. The most notable manufacturing company was the Fulton Bag & Cotton Mill, which at one point employed more people than any other firm in Atlanta. The Jewish business influence was not restricted to retail and manufacturing, as the community aimed to spread their influence to all fields. Joseph Jacobs moved to Atlanta in 1884 and opened Jacobs' Pharmacy, which quickly became a success when he gave pennies as change while other competitors rounded their prices to the nearest nickel. Interestingly, many companies tried to convince Jacobs' supplier not to sell to him, even though most of Atlanta was very accepting of the Jewish community. By 1910, Jacobs' pharmacy was open in 10 locations around Atlanta and became the first to sell Coca Cola as a fountain drink (The Coca Cola Company). By the early 20th century it became clear that Atlanta was becoming a huge center for both Jewish immigrants and Jewish Northerners who were eager to assimilate and find success. Of the 214 male members of The Temple in 1917, 80% were businesses owners or managers (Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life).
By 1880, 71% of Jewish men in Atlanta worked in the commercial trade, with 60% of them owning or managing their own business. Most of the Jewish businessmen were involved in retail trade of dry goods or clothing, and some others were involved in manufacturing. The most notable manufacturing company was the Fulton Bag & Cotton Mill, which at one point employed more people than any other firm in Atlanta. The Jewish business influence was not restricted to retail and manufacturing, as the community aimed to spread their influence to all fields. Joseph Jacobs moved to Atlanta in 1884 and opened Jacobs' Pharmacy, which quickly became a success when he gave pennies as change while other competitors rounded their prices to the nearest nickel. Interestingly, many companies tried to convince Jacobs' supplier not to sell to him, even though most of Atlanta was very accepting of the Jewish community. By 1910, Jacobs' pharmacy was open in 10 locations around Atlanta and became the first to sell Coca Cola as a fountain drink (The Coca Cola Company). By the early 20th century it became clear that Atlanta was becoming a huge center for both Jewish immigrants and Jewish Northerners who were eager to assimilate and find success. Of the 214 male members of The Temple in 1917, 80% were businesses owners or managers (Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life).
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