Anecdotes about Leo's life growing up in Asheville during the first half of the 20th century. The Jewish Community was very united, and dedicated to observing the Sabbath and dietary laws, and keeping the High Holy Days. Leo enjoyed growing up in the small Jewish community in the mountains where he could have religious freedom, unlike his ancestors in the Old World.

A hand-written copy of an interview of Leo Finkelstein explaining the various places he went and people he met during his service in World War II.

A record of Leo's correspondence with the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the monthly Social Security check he received from the government.

The document of Leo's Honorable Discharge from the US Army in 1945. The reason for separation is stated as: "convenience of the government."

Leo's last will and testament, explaining the distribution of his estate, personal property, and money, most of which he left to his son Leo Finkelstein, Jr, and his wife.

The birth certificates of Leo Finkelstein and Sylvia Eva Bein, and their marriage certificate. Also includes a letter Leo wrote to Carola imploring her to not send her mother to Asheville as the Finkelstein family already had too much financial pressure.

Leo and Sylvia Finkelstein's declaration for a natural death instead of life extending by extraordinary means.

Information about the history of the conservative Jewish congregation Beth Ha-Tephila. 1991 was the Centennial Anniversary of the huge congregation that started with a handful of people in a small mountain town.

Various newspaper clippings about the Asheville Lions Club and its success as a civic club.

Photographs and newspaper clippings from Leo Finkelstein's life and family.

More recent photos of Leo's life and family, including pictures of his grandchildren, house, wife, and dog.

Information on Leo's involvement in the community, especially as a member and exalted ruler of the Elk's Lodge. He was also part of the Jewish organization B'nai B'rith and a dedicated member of the Beth Ha-Tephila congregation.

A scrapbook of letter correspondence between Leo and his friends in Asheville and photos from the war. An article by David Schulman tells about Leo's status as an unofficial historian of Asheville and the incredible impact he had on the community.

A collection of photos from the Asheville area taken in the early twentieth century. Also includes Leo's short story "I am a Dime" which gives a unique and detailed account of Asheville history from the perspective of a dime.

Leo Finkelstein's handwritten diary from when he served in World War II. He gives lively, humorous, and detailed descriptions of his feelings and the places and people he met. His diary includes a lot of poetry as well as prose.

Leo Finkelstein displays his incredible talent as a storyteller and historian through his letters and diaries that he wrote throughout his life. This notebook contains stories about WWII, pawnbroking, and Asheville in the twentieth century.