Selma Jacob papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 1999_015-UA
The Selma Jacob Papers consist largely of the literary material from her later retirement years concentrated in the 1987 to 1996 years. Some of the items may predate 1987, but Jacob frequently did not date her writing, even the newsletters she produced. There is very little biographical material included in these papers. About.3 linear feet of the collection is personal information, legal documents, printed material or memorabilia. The rest is her literary production, both published and unpublished.
2.5 linear feet (2 records center boxes)
Selma Jacob, author, businesswoman, and arts promoter, was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1905 and died there in 1996. She owned Chilton Jewelers with her husband Hyman Jacob for many years, then managed a jewelry concession at 14th and Jefferson streets. She operated the business on her own from the time her husband died in 1980 until she retired in 1984. Jacob had a life-long interest in the arts, but it was only after she retired that she made a name for herself as a writer, motivational speaker, and founder and director of several writing and acting groups. She served as a catalyst and nurturer of other writers and actors. She founded the Cherokee Roundtable in 1990 and wrote "The Cherokee Roundtable Bulletin" the group's monthly newsletter as well as other newsletters for other arts groups. She was a long-time Actors Theatre Associate and volunteer as well as supporter of many small civic theater groups in the area. Jacob also wrote and produced several plays locally. In 1995 her first book, Once You're Over the Hill, You Begin to Pick Up Speed!, appeared. She was working on a second book when she died.
Part of the University of Louisville Archives and Special Collections Repository