BM Surasky’s

Type of Business: Men’s & Women’s Clothing

Years of Operation: 1917-1961

Location: 120 Laurens St SW (currently Malia’s)

Family: Surasky (BM & Mandle)

Mandle Surasky (1898-1986) took over running BM Surasky’s in 1934 when his father (BM Surasky) passed away.  Mandle continued to operate this store until 1961 after which he partnered with Manning Owen (a longtime Aiken merchant) in the Owen-Surasky store. That store closed around 1965. Throughout his life, Mandle was an active member of the Aiken Jewish community and active in Aiken civic life. Mandel served on Aiken City Council for 10 years and was elected Mayor of Aiken in 1941, serving two terms. He was active in the Rotary Club, American Legion, was a past master of the Masons & a past President of the Downtown Merchants Association. In addition, he supported numerous charitable causes – including being on the Board of the Red Cross, the Boy Scouts & the Salvation Army. These contributions were recognized when he was named Aiken Man of the Year in 1966.