Description
This collection includes correspondence from Goodman-Maltin family and
friends from (1902-1962); letters from Bess Maltin back to Stockton while she
and her husband are on a jewelry buying trip to the East Coast (October 1941);
and, the World War II correspondence of Louis Maltin (1942-1945).
Background
The Goodman family operated Goodman's Jewelry Company, a jewelry store
and watch repair business in Stockton, Calif. (ca. 1896-1962). Initially run by
Louis Goodman, the business began as the branch of a larger firm in San
Francisco, becoming independent after the San Francisco Earthquake and Fire
(1906). After Louis' death, first his son, Joseph, then a daughter, Ann (d.
1942), became manager. Jack Maltin, who also worked in the store, married
another daughter, Bess (d. 1962), and later the Maltins ran the family
business. Bess was the only Goodman daughter to marry. The Maltins had a son,
Louis (b. 1921), who served in the Army Air Force during World War II
(1942-1945). He wrote many letters home to his parents and to his aunt Rose
Goodman (d. 1977), while stationed in New Guinea. Louis Maltin suffered an
accidental injury (1944) that kept him from active duty for the final year of
the War. In May 1945 he returned to the U.S. where his convalescence continued
while he took classes in bookkeeping. Following his discharge (August 1945),
Maltin came to Stockton where he was ultimately employed as County
Clerk-Recorder (1960s).