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  1. Home
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  3. Columbia's Jewish Heritage Sites
  4. 1337 Main Street

1337 Main Street

1136 Washington Street

Former Site of Britton's

The heyday of Columbia's Jewish merchants came in the mid-20th century, with expansion into the suburbs and the development of shopping malls. Arnold Levinson (1927-2014), who learned the clothing business from working in his parents' dry goods store in Barnwell, opened his own store, Britton's, at 1337 Main Street in 1955. With a Tudor Revival façade of faux half-timbering and stucco, the building stood out from its neighbors. Part of Brittons' success, remarked Arnold's wife, Faye, stemmed from Arnold's 'love of fabric.' Thanks to this passion for fashion and his willingness to take risks, Arnold successfully expanded his establishment to include four locations: Dutch Square, Richland Mall, Columbia Mall and Main Street. Today, Arnold's children, Lucky and Stacy, operate Brittons at 2818 Devine Street, 'where first impressions are lasting impressions.'

  • Brittons

    Storefront display, circa 1935. Image courtesy of Stacy Levinson

Directions:

    Previous1332 Main Street

    NextNorthwest Corner of Main and Washington Streets

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    Historic Columbia

    © 2023 Historic Columbia

    Administrative Offices
    1601 Richland Street
    Columbia, SC 29201

    Tours
    All historic house and garden tours start at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills.
    1616 Blanding Street
    Columbia, SC 29201

    Questions? Call (803) 252-7742.

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