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Ephriam Discher papers

Creation: 1950
 Collection
Accession: 2894

Abstract

Ephraim Discher (1915-1998) was a representative at the Seagram's Company, which was at one time the largest producer and distributor of distilled spirits in the world. This collection consists of employee booklets and manuals. Of particular interest are letters from the president of Seagrams related to various company efforts with anti-drinking groups and campaigns for alcohol legislation. Also of interest are fictionalized stories Discher wrote about working at Seagram's for the "The Pipers" newsletter.

Dates

  • Creation: 1950

Creator

Extent

.75 Linear Feet

Biographical Note

Ephraim Discher (1915-1998) was a representative at the Seagram's Company, which was at one time the largest producer and distributor of distilled spirits in the world. 

Discher was born in New York, the son of Annie S. Lewis Discher (1884-?) and Simon Discher (1879-1915). He served in the armed forces during World War II and achieved the rank of Captain.

In 1946, he married Kathryn "Kay" F. Rutsky Discher (1916-1958). After her death, he married Gertrude Fried (1923-2015) in 1959.

Discher moved from New York to Tennessee; at various times he also lived in Arkansas and Mississippi.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of Seagram's employee booklets and manuals. Of particular interest are letters from the president of Seagrams related to various company efforts with anti-drinking groups and campaigns for alcohol legislation. Also of interest are fictionalized stories Discher wrote about working at Seagram's for the "The Pipers" newsletter.

The collection includes letters and documents related to Seagram's efforts to counter legislation and public opinion critical of drinking alcohol. These include letters from company president Philip Beekman regarding the efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other groups that raise awareness about drunk driving. Seagram's countered these efforts with "drinking in moderation" messages. There are also letters about tax increases and the Seagram lobby, called the "Seagram Civic Action Network," which was aimed to garner a more positive public image of alcohol and drinking.

There are several internal brochures, booklets, and policies, including three corporate manuals titled "Moderation Messages from Seagram's," "Policies and Procedures for Worldwide Business Conduct," and "Your Industry Company Products."

The collection also includes a glossy bound book about Seagram's titled "From Little Acorns... The Story of Distillers Corporation - Seagram's Limited" by company founder Samuel Bronfman.

Additionally, there are personal photographs of Seagram's gatherings, magazine article clippings, and a Seagram's ruler.

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on access; this collection is open for research.

Language of Materials

English

Related Names

Subject

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title:
Ephriam Discher papers
Author:
Laurie Sather
Date:
2025
Description rules:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description:
English
Script of description:
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository

Contact:
PO Box 3630
Wilmington Delaware 19807 USA
302-658-2400