Editorials - 03/21/02

At 90 years - and counting - Schulman still works every day

But, luckily for all of us, some things don't change. Sol Schulman, Sylva's oldest merchant, is still vital and committed to the town's future after almost 70 years of doing business in the same Main Street location. Schulman, who celebrated his 90th birthday last week, still comes to work six days a week.

Photographer Livingston Kelley, who with 30-plus years on Main Street is well on his way to becoming an institution, called Schulman an "inspiration," and he's absolutely correct in his assessment.

Through a combination of hard work and sound investments, Schulman became one of Sylva's most successful citizens. And he's always been willing to share his good fortune, both for civic causes and with individuals in need.

Schulman was still a teenager when he visited Sylva for the first time and decided to set up shop here.

"I liked the town and I liked the college," Schulman said. "People here were kind."

When Schulman opened his doors in January 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression, other local merchants lined up to tell him he had no chance of success during such hard times.

Schulman proved them all wrong by working hard every day to find the merchandise his customers needed and treating people honestly and fairly.

"Being nice to people doesn't hurt," Schulman said. That attitude has served him well during his 69 years in business here, for he has faithful customers who have traded with him all through the years. These days he sees the children and grandchildren of former customers, and he always remembers their names.

Sylva owes a debt to Schulman for civic-mindedness as well. Through the years he has been instrumental in the formation of both the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the local Lion's Club. He made a sizeable donation to 1998's Streetscape project, and made the first donation to Catch the Spirit of Appalachia's Festival of Many Colors, which is now a part of Sylva's annual downtown spring celebration, Greening Up the Mountains.

"All days are good, some are just better than others," Schulman says.

After 90 years, he certainly should know.

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