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By the time Frederick L. Block stepped down from the helm
of the apparel business his grandfather had founded in Wilmington,
N.C., six decades earlier, the Block Shirts firm was grossing
$100 million a year, and Block shirts were carried in some
10,000 retail outlets nationwide, including Saks Fifth Avenue,
Macy's, Gimbels, and Hudson's. Block Shirts or Southland Manufacturing
was as much a part of the dawning of modern Wilmington as
Lumina, the USO building, and streetcars, and many residents
still remember the company's former factory on Greenfield
Street.
Fred Block's story provides a wealth of detail about the
firm and its history. But his memoir also provides an intimate
glimpse into everyday Jewish life in a Southern town, as Block
recalls the customs and characters of his early days.
Block was born in Wilmington in 1927, the son of Nathan Block
and Sadie Stadiem Block. He worked as a traveling salesman
for the family business in the 1940s and eventually served
as CEO of the firm until 1985.
Susan Taylor Block, a native of Wilmington, is a writer and
historian in her hometown. Author and researcher of ten books
on Wilmington-area history, in this volume she collaborates
with her husband in telling his unique story.
The book contains nearly 100 photographs, most never before
published.
The co-authors plans a book launch, discussion and signing Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. at Bristol Books in Wilmington.
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