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Levi (Robert) Collection
MS.0580
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections & University Archives
Title: Robert Levi Collection
Creator:
Levi, Robert N., 1951-
Identifier/Call Number: MS.0580
Physical Description:
3.0 Linear Feet
Three records cartons
Date (inclusive): 1850-2020
Language of Material:
English
.
Adolph Levi, great-grandfather of Robert Levi was one of five brothers who came to San Diego in the second half of the 19th
century. Brother Simon (Ermance), a merchant and wholesaler (Klauber & Levi Company) was active in both civil and religious
communities. He was one of the founders and president of the Lasker Lodge of B'nai B'rith and the president of Congregation
Beth Israel, as was his brother Adolph (Eleanora). Adolph was a merchant, rancher, livery owner and real estate owner with
businesses and holdings throughout San Diego County. Both brothers were charter members of the Masonic Lodge. Simon served
on many boards of trustees and was involved in civic affairs. Nathan, Rudolph and Isaac were merchants and livery men and
Isaac became a judge in Julian. Their wives were founders and active in some of San Diego's early women's organizations. Some
of the next generations (Levi and Cushman Families) remain prominent in San Diego civic affairs, the business community and
real estate.
This collection contains copies of primary and secondary source documents dating from 1850-2020 with indexed timelines created
by Robert Levi, as well as some materials about later generations of the family. There are digital and hardcopy family photos
and a copy of his grandfather, Edgar Levi's 1908 travel diary.
This collection is open for research.
The copyright interests in these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with
the creators of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of historical archival and manuscript collections
is such that copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. Requests for permission to publish must be
submitted to the Head of Special Collections, San Diego State University, Library and Information Access. When granted, permission
is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include or imply permission
of the copyright holder(s), which must also be obtained in order to publish. Materials from our collections are made available
for use in research, teaching, and private study. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including
but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The Jewish Historical Society of San Diego transferred this collection to Special Collections & University Archives in August
2021.
Identification of item, folder title, box number, Robert Levi Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, San
Diego State University Library.
Robert Norman Levi is a great-grandson of San Diego Jewish pioneers, Adolph and Eleanora Levi. Born in San Diego in 1951 to
Norman and Rosalie Levi, Robert grew up in Point Loma. His professional life has been in publishing and marketing. In 1989
he began researching, preserving and documenting his family's history. In 2004 he wrote a book on the subject, entitled "Adolph
Levi, The Life and Times of a San Diego Pioneer". He donated a copy of the book, digital photos of his family and some miscellaneous
materials to the JHSSD (JHSSD #2004.01). In 2019 he donated fourteen binders of his research materials, consisting of copies
of indexed primary source documents about the five Levi brothers and their descendants.
August 2021
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Subjects and Indexing Terms
Jews--California--San Diego
Congregation Beth Israel (San Diego, Calif.)