The History of Levy's
1922
Shortly after returning home from WWI Joe Denaburg married Ethel Levy and opened up Levy’s in 1922 with the help of a loan from his mother in law. Levy’s acquired one of the first pawn licenses in the state of Alabama and it has become the longest running continuous pawn license in the state of Alabama.
1925
Joe Denaburg, with the help of Lou Raymond and Joe’s brother Simon, diversifies into fight promoting, bringing boxing to Birmingham, and arranging bi-weekly bouts at Rickwood Field and Legions Field. Joe would go on to become an appointed member of the Alabama boxing and wrestling commission.
1942
During WWII, Cousin Joe contributed to the war effort by emptying the store of all pawned clothing, which he donated to the St Bernard Abbey clothing program for displaced Europeans.
1945
Cousin Joe is elected commander of the Alabama Department of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, just a few years before he would also be named commander of the Jewish War Veterans.
1972
After 50 years in business “Cousin Joe” Denaburg passed at the age of 72. Joe’s wife, Ethel, and his son Charles would continue to manage the store.
1988
After moving from Chicago to Birmingham to play a more active role at Levy’s, Joe and Ethel’s daughter, Rhoda married Marvin Link. A prominent jeweler from New York, who helped train staff and gave Levy’s the opportunity to pursue a more jewelry focused business model.
1989
Although Jared Nadler dabbled in the jewelry industry for most of his life, his mother and step-father helped him fall in love with diamonds and gemstones in 1989. This is when he officially made his commitment to the family business, leaving his department store dreams behind.
1990
After a turn at selling radio advertising, Todd Denaburg comes back to work at Levy’s for a brief 6 month stint before moving out west to be a ski bum. 30 years later, Todd is still waiting on that ski trip.
