Personal Papers

Personal Papers include general, campaign, and topical files. Of particular interest among the Personal, General papers is a handwritten 1990 note from Donald Fowler, former Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, responding to criticism from Lourie. At the same time forceful and apologetic, Fowler wrote, “Your suggestions that I have not done my part by the Democratic Party were surprising to me...” and called upon Lourie to work with Fowler to “contribute to a solution.” Another example of such frustration within the party is evidenced by a letter from a Lourie supporter, 9 May 1990. Regarding the party, the writer noted solemnly that “It seems that you are all we have left."

In 1984, Lourie announced that he would retire from the Senate due to health problems. A host of letters is present from this period from friends and associates including Robert McNair, Travis Medlock, Bruce Littlejohn, and I. DeQuincey Newman, encouraging him to reconsider. Lourie decided to remain in the Senate and won reelection that November.

Campaign Files relate to Lourie’s and other campaigns. The 1976 file contains a complete breakdown of Lourie’s media expenditures during that year’s election cycle. The 1984 file includes a summary of the senator’s accomplishments while in the General Assembly. The 1988 file holds an extensive research paper, “Profile of South Carolina Senate District 21.”

Among the topical files, those relating to Jewish issues and Israel document Lourie’s leadership in Beth Shalom Synagogue of Columbia and the Jewish community in South Carolina. Biographical and Family files and those of St. George provide excellent information on Lourie’s heritage, family, and personal background.

Among the Persons files the most extensive are those relating to T. M. “Babe” Nelson, I. DeQuincey Newman, and Alex Sanders. Lourie served on the steering committee that created the Nelson Scholarship Fund for “needy and deserving students” at the University of South Carolina. Lourie maintained a close relationship with Newman and also served on the I. DeQuincey Newman Portrait Committee. The Sanders files includes a collection of homilies used by Sanders.