Rock Hill in York County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Jewish Merchants of Rock Hill
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A. Friedheim & Bro.
Photographed by Mark Parker, September 25, 2025
1. Jewish Merchants of Rock Hill side of marker
Jewish Merchants of Rock Hill. Jewish merchants played an important part in Rock Hill's early 20th century commercial development. By the 1930s, many Jewish-owned businesses were found on East Main St. as well as Trade and Caldwell Sts. They offered a variety of goods including clothing, shoes, jewelry, and other merchandise and services. Many of the Jewish merchants here were first or second-generation immigrants from Europe.
A. Friedheim & Bro. Among the earliest Jewish merchants in Rock Hill was Arnold Friedheim (1836-1915). Born in Germany, he opened a store downtown in 1866. In 1876, he and his brother Julius founded A. Friedheim & Bro. general store. In 1898-99, they had the current three-story brick building constructed at 113-115 East Main St. It was designed by architect Hugh Edward White in the Romanesque Revival style. Long one of Rock Hill's most prominent businesses, the store operated until 1964.
Erected 2023 by Jewish Historical Society of South Carolina & City of Rock Hill. (Marker Number 46-80.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures
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Location. 34° 55.565′ N, 81° 1.655′ W. Marker is in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in York County. It is on East Main Street east of Dave Lyle Boulevard (South Carolina Route 122), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 113 E Main St, Rock Hill SC 29730, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands and in the Olde English District. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The A. Friedheim & Bro. And Smith-Fewell Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); From Mall To Main (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dalton Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rock Hill's Sit-in Movement (about 300 feet away); Rock Hill's Civil Rights Giant (about 300 feet away); Jail, No Bail! (about 300 feet away); McCrory's Civil Rights Sit-ins / "Friendship Nine" (about 300 feet away); Rock Hill (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rock Hill.
Photographed by Mark Parker, September 25, 2025
2. A. Friedheim & Bro. side of marker
Photographed by Mark Parker, September 25, 2025
3. A. Friedheim & Bro. Marker side looking west on East Main Street
Photographed by Mark Parker, September 25, 2025
4. Jewish Merchants of Rock Hill Marker side looking east on East Main Street
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 27, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
