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Louisville Department Stores: a Short History

They were unique. They were of their time. And they were ours. And now, they are all but gone. Like so many other American cities, Louisville once had scores of local clothing stores that were institutions. One grew up and learned to shop were one's mother and aunts shopped, not unlike following family traditions regarding one's choice of church, doctor and attorney. Ladies went downtown to shop to the flagship buildings of Stewart's, Selman's or Kaufman-Straus or a bit later to the Art Deco Byck's. If you went to Stewart's, you wore a hat and gloves and went to lunch on the Orchid Tea Room. If you were a doctor, you shopped at Martin's; a banker at Rodes-Rapier.

Shopping downtown was an all day experience, walking from store to store along 4^th St. complete with lunch at Stewart's or Kaufman's and even a movie afterward. The corner of 4^th and Walnut ( now Muhammad Ali Blvd.) was known as the 4 S's Corner for the Seelbach Hotel, Selman's, the Stark's Bldg. and Stewart's. Of the stores profiled below, only 3 are still in existence - and none have venues downtown. The buildings of many remain, incorporated into new uses, while the clothing and hats continue to come out of estates and turn up in vintage clothing shops.

We hope this compilation perpetuates their memory and helps to identify the years of the styles you may find. This is a work in progress and it will be updated as new information is acquired.

Special thanks to Elizabeth Schaaf of Elizabeth's Timeless Attire and Gena Lightle and Mike Sullivan of As Time Goes By, both of Louisville, Ky.

Holly Jenkins-Evans, www.pastperfectvintage.com

all photos copyright Holly Jenkins-Evans 2007, edited Dec, 2009

Appel's - According to the Encyclopedia of Louisville, Appel's was founded in 1883 as Appel's Menswear. Founded by Louis Appel, addresses were given first at 440 W. Market and then by 1928 at 407 - 411 S. 4th.  A later address was 425 - 27 S. 4th St. Louis Appel died in 1936 and his sons Louis, Joseph, W.G. and Sidney Appel carried on the business. They were listed in Caron's 1928 Directory of Louisville as haberdashers, clothiers, and hatters with women's hosiery, shoes and novelties. They had 4 floors on 4th St. and added women's sportswear in 1929. Appel's closed in 1967.    Left: from a 1950s suit, right: from a 1950s tie

Bacon's - Founded in 1845 by Jeremiah Bacon, Sr.  as J. Bacon's and Sons, Bacon's grew from a small storefront on Market near Preston Street to become a mid-level full line department store. Born in 1811 in Pennsylvania, Jeremiah Bacon came to Kentucky  in the 1830s and his first business venture was Brockaway and Bacon's Auction Store on 4th between Main and Market. The first store was small, a 3 story building that was added to in the mid 1860s and then doubled in size again by 1876. Bacon's sons, Edwin, Jeremiah, Jr. and John were associated in the business from the 1860s.  John Bacon became the manager at the death of Jeremiah, Sr. Their advertising slogan was:  'J. Bacon & Sons Where Quality Cost Less' and they claimed to be  'the oldest established department store in the state of  Kentucky and probably the oldest store in the South'.  Bacon's moved to a new, larger building at 330 - 334 Market, near 4th  in 1901 and stayed there until  1972. The new building had 5 stories on the Market St. side. This building was light and airy with a large circular light well , white wrought  iron and hardwood. The Bacon brothers retired in 1903.  In 1913, Bacon's advertised  "dry goods, carpets, rugs, furniture, millinery, ready-to-wear, boy's clothing, men's fixings, women's and children's footwear, books, house furnishings" in 63 departments. Bacon's was purchased by Mercantile in 1914. In the 1920s, the president and general manager was Andrew H. Morris and the four story 4th Street Annex was added at 213 - 217 S. 4th St. to give Bacon's an entrance there. Bacon's always emphasized good quality for the money.    In 1949 a woven  chambray dress ran $4.99 and sun dresses with jackets were $5.95in the Cotton Shop on the balcony.  In 1946 they had branches at 1280 Bardstown Rd and 2738 Dumensil. In 1951, J. Bacon and Sons built a $1 million free standing department store on Shelbyville Rd. as their first major venture outside of downtown. Bacon's was the first large suburban department store in the area. They found they had to upgrade their merchandise to appeal to the East End suburban shopper. Bacon's eventually had at least 7 stores in the Louisville and Jefferson County area, including ones at Bashford Manor Mall, St. Matthews, The Mall St Matthews, Shively, Jeffersonville, Owensboro, and they re-opened downtown in the 4th St. Galleria. Bacon's was bought out by Dillard's in 1998..  from a 1960s men's suit Logo in use in the 1960s    Logo in use in the 1970s Bacon's Logos from bags and boxes

Baynham's Inc. Shoe Store- Located at 522 S. 4th, between Chestnut and Broadway. Baynham's closed in June, 1962.

Ben Snyder Dept. Store - 522 W. Market . In 1928: Ben Snyder was President and B.H. Shapero was Secretary. Ben Snyder was born in Russia in 1887, and immigrated to USA in 1891. After coming of age, he worked elsewhere in the South and returned to Louisville in 1907 when he went into business with his father, Marcus Snyder. He branched out on his own after several years. In 1916 he was located at 906 W. Market. Snyder moved the business to 522 W. Market in 1919 when he filled half the building, by 1920 he had taken over the entire building. 1949 newspaper advertisements mention locations in Lexington and Louisville, offer women’s black kid stroller shoes at $13.95 and claim to be “ the South’s Greatest Cash Department Store”.  Ben Snyder's gift box, courtesy As Time Goes By

Besten and Langan Co. - First found in the City Directory in 1905, as Henry Besten and E.O. Langan, ladies tailors, cloaks and furriers at 538-540 4th St.  Henry Besten was  a native of Germany and naturalized citizen who immigrated to the USA in 1882 at the age of 20.  By 1912, Henry Besten  was the President and the business had moved to  424-426 S. 4th.  In 1920, Emil Besten is listed as Secretary and the business sells ladies garments at 518 - 520 4th. Henry and Emil Besten continued in these roles until at least 1928. The business remained at the 518 - 520  S. 4th St. location and continued to be listed as ladies ready-to-wear throughout the 1930s - 50s.They also had a beauty salon on the third floor and carried Coro jewelry in the 40s.  They advertised extensively in the 1950s. In 1946-47, George Meyer was the Superintendent. By 1953, Leonard Meyer was President. The last City Directory listing is in 1962    520 S. 4th St today - next to the Seelbach Hotel from a late 1940s coat courtesy of Elizabeth's Timeless Attire from a 1955 coat by Berkeley

The Bon Ton - ( also the Bon Ton Cloak and Suit Co.) at 322 S. 4th St (4th and NW corner of Liberty) from 1916 - 1961. The founder and president was Joseph H. Greenstein. Located in the Marion E. Taylor Building, The Bon Ton carried women's sportswear. In the 1930s, they had a Downstairs Bargain Shop. Greenstein died in January of 1935. His widow Sara W. Greenstein ran the business as owner and operator for 26 more years. Note: Green St. was renamed Liberty St. in 1918. a Bon Ton Hat box, ca 1940 - 1950

Byck Bros. & Co. ( Byck's)- A very high end ladies clothing store in Louisville, Ky that was often described as fashion forward and presented trunk shows of current designers. And Byck's was also ahead of the times in being one of the first downtown stores to have integrated dressing rooms. In the segregated South, African-American customers had to purchase without trying clothes on. Byck's got its start when Louis & Werner Byck opened a shoe store at 416 4th St. in 1902 and the business survived a $20.000 loss to fire On Nov.20, 1903. They were located at some point at 338 S. 4th, in 1909 they moved form 220 S. 4th, and by 1910 they were located at 434-38 S. 4th. A 1909 ad refers to locations in Atlanta and Savannah as well. Byck's often advertised as Byck's Shoes in the teens. In 1924 , Byck's moved to 532 - 534 S. 4th , an Art Deco building (still standing 2009) and in 1925 Byck's began selling quality ladies clothing as well as shoes and hosiery. In 1928, Werner S. Byck of Atlanta, Georgia was President and Dann C. Byck, Sr. was VP. Dann C. Byck became president in 1923.  In December of 1946, Byck's expanded to a store at 3738 Lexington Rd. in St. Matthews. When Dan Byck, Sr. died in 1960, his wife Mary Helen Byck took the reins. Through the 1970s and 1980s Byck's expanded to suburban malls: to Oxmoor Mall in 1971 and Bashford Manor in 1974. In 1982 the 4th St. store moved to the Louisville Galleria. They opened a store in Lexington, KY at the Fayette Mall as well. This closed in 1988. In Jan, 1991 Byck's closed the Bashford Manor Mall store and on July 23, 1991 they closed all remaining stores. Mary Helen Byck died one day later. The Art Deco Byck's Building on the right at 534 S. 4th St., now Byck's Lofts from a pair of late 1940s shoes a pre 1946 label used in a custom 1956 hat  early 1950s label   a 1950s Byck's Hat Box from an early 1960s coat Byck's hat box with Louisville landmarks shown, inc. Downtown & St. Matthews stores, Speed Museum, U of L Administration Bldg., Churchill Downs, Belle of Louisville, Rausch Planetarium and Iroquois Bandshell, courtesy As Time Goes By Byck's Hosiery Box courtesy As Time Goes By The St. Matthew's & Downtown stores shown on a ca. 1956 hat box from a 1960s - early 1970s mailing card, courtesy As Time Goes By   post 1971 label from a 1970s coat from a late 1950s jacket, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire  from a 1956 Suit by Bardley Bycks Gift Box, pre 1960s from a 1980s blazer, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire Byck's gift box, late 1980s

Crutcher & Starks - According to legal documents from a lawsuit against The Starks Company, Crutcher and Starks was founded in 1886 by Dallas C. Crutcher and John P Starks  at the NE corner of 4th And Jefferson.  Starks’s brother, I.F. Starks was occasionally a stockholder. In 1895, Crutcher sold out to the Starks brothers.  In 1905, J.P. Starks was the President and I.F. Starks the Vice President. A 1909 ad lists Brokaw and Winston Full Dress and Tuxedo Suits in a price range from $25 to $50 . In 1911, the  Starks brothers sold out completely to stockholders Granville R. Burton, J.W. McGinn and M.H. Moise.  By 1918, Burton and his sons, Granville L. and Ferrell Burton, had acquired the corporation outright. In 1919, Crutcher and Starks had at least 6 delivery trucks and their marquee sign read :  “The Store of Standardized Values Crutcher & Starks 4th and Jefferson, Granville R. Burton & Sons“. They opened a branch at the Seelbach Hotel by 1923 where they sold men’s clothing, furnishings, hats and caps Granville R. Burton was President in 1928, with Ferrell Burton VP. They continued in business until 1940. The business was not  listed in 1941 in the City Directory. They also had a branch on Main St. in Frankfort, KY. Mary Cummings: Mary Cummings Eudy ( 1874 - 1952) was a clothing designer and maker in Louisville with a national reputation. She used local seamstresses and hand embroiderers working at home to produce dresses with hand sewn detail on imported fabrics.  Her firm was located at 222 W. Magnolia from 1914 on. She closed at the outbreak of World war II and focused on her additional career as a  poet.   from a 1930s formal dress, courtesy of Linn's Collection at Ruby Lane

Davidson's - 1937 shows the first listing as Davidson’s Milliners at 531 S. 4th St. Photos in 1942 and 1947 show Davidson's at the corner of  4th and Guthrie in the Speed Building. This was just north of Stewart's and the Seelbach Hotel. The City Directory continues to show Davidson’ Millinery at 531 S. 4th until  at least 1958.  Davidson's opened a second location at The Mall St. Matthews in 1962. The Speed Building, built 1913 - 1917 at the corner of 4th and Guthrie Green Hat box pre 1962, courtesy of Elizabeth's Timeless Attire  Hat box post 1962, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

DuRand: ( DuRand-Perry, Inc.) -  This business started out as  DuRand-Perry, Inc. in 1917 at 538 S. 4th in the first Prince Well Building, later to be taken by George Moore. Elden E. DuRand, Sr., a former buyer at Kaufman-Straus, was the first President, with Edwin Perry listed as the Secretary and Treasurer. DuRand-Perry sold ladies ready-to-wear. By 1928 they had added the Beauty Shoppe, run by Mrs. Sallie S. Herr. They refined their store description to an ’exclusive dress shop for women’ by 1932. They also carried hats and furs. The store moved to 313 - 315 W. Walnut by 1940 and the name was just DuRand. By 1946, the officers were Elden DuRand Sr. and Elden DuRand Jr. . In 1953 E. DuRand,Jr. is the President. DuRand continued on at the Walnut location until at least 1960.  from a 1940s hat, courtesy As Time Goes By   from a 1950s Fur Coat , courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire  1950s newspaper ad, courtesy As Time Goes By        538 S. 4th St. Left: The Prince Wells Building Front, Right: Side view, the Byck's Building can be seen to the right

Fleischer's - Founded by Joseph Fleischer, this Louisville, KY and Syracuse, NY based ladies clothing store's first listing is in 1936 at 529 S. 4th as Joseph Fleischer’s, Inc., ( later Fleischer’s of Ky). They later moved to 521 S. 4th.  In 1957, Fleischer opened a branch at Dixie Manor and enlarged the Downtown store.  They announced they were starting construction on a branch in The Mall St Matthews on Shelbyville Rd in 1962. They stayed Downtown until at least 1965. Joseph Fleischer died in January 1, 1967 and was succeeded by his son Lionel . The Dixie Manor store closed in August of 1967.  from a 1940s gabardine suit from a late 1940s evening coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Madame C. Grunder - This was a fine ladies dressmaking business, founded by Christine Johnson, later Christine Grunder (1846-1920)  the by the 1860s. There were several locations: first on Green (now Liberty) Street, then by 1902 at  328 4th Ave, then in  1905 at 341 W. Jefferson, and in 1912 in the Tyler Building, By 1920: Madame Grunder was located in the Bernheim Building at 638-640 S. 4th St. in Suite 305.   In 1863, a Grunder dress with  ruffles cost 75 cents. By 1923, the prices ranged from $75 - $300. The business grew to employ a large staff while servicing customers from the social elite as well as mail order customers nationally and overseas. Madame Grunder's  trips to purchase fabrics and trims from New York and European houses were covered by the local papers: " Miss Annie McGill, the 4th St. milliner, left Thursday for New York , whence she will sail today for Europe. She will be accompanied by Mme. C. Grunder, the well known modiste" Ky Irish-American of July 19, 1902.  From 1923 to 1928, the house was owned and run by Olive G. Todd at the Bernheim Building location. By 1930, there is no listing.      From a ladies wedding  suit, dated 1906   640 S 4th St, formerly The Bernheim Building, bulit 1915

H.P. Selman & Co. ( Selman's) : a high end, one might say exclusive, ladies and childrens apparel and accessories in Louisville, Ky. with a fur salon. Founded in 1904 at NW corner of Walnut and 4th St. as Gutman's, a local shoe store, it changed ownership in 1915 and was bought and renamed by Homer P. Selman. It was located in the Atherton Building, since demolished for the Meidinger Tower. In 1928, Caron's Louisville Directory listed H.P. Selman's as a women's outfitters with H. G. Lewis as general manager and F. W. Jutz as credit manager. In 1929, control passed to out of town investors. Selman's had a Design Studio for custom made hats from at least the 1930s. They adverstised lower priced merchandise in their "Selman's Subway" department  in the 30 - 50s. In 1941, they advertised that Mackey Chenoweth was their Bridal Counselor in the Bride's Shop on the second floor. By WWII, the name was usually shortened in advertising to Selman's. The shortened Selman's  label is in use by 1947, but these labels coexisted for a period. As a sample of their prices, in 1949, Selman's chambray and bemberg summer dresses were advertised at $14.99, when Bacon's was advertising similar but simpler dresses at $4.99.  In 1953, H.P. Selman's, then owned by Grier Corp., was bought by Thal Bros. Selman's was sold in 1961 for $1 million to Weiss Bros. aka Gus Mayer's (Weiss bought Gus Mayers in 1934). Weiss Bros. didn't change the Selman's name to Gus Mayer's until 1970. Selman's never opened a suburban location. from a 1933-35 Evening Coat from a 1940s Coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire from a late 1938-1942 Design Studio Hat  Selman's  hat box, courtesy As Time Goes By   label from a 1930s hat from a 1950s Fur Jacket, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire   from a 1950s hat, courtesy of As Time Goes By    from an early 1960s wool coat  1941 newspaper ad, courtesy As Time Goes By    1949  newspaper ad, courtesy As Time Goes By

The Hat Box-  A St. Matthews, Ky. Millinery shop active from 1939 - 1983 at 323 Wallace Ave.  The founder was Rose Schneider, and the longtime manager was Pearl Sills. The Hat Box became Whitney's Hat Box in 1983, then Whitney's.   a 1950s box from The Hat Box from a 1960s Hat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire  from a 1940s - 50s hat courtesy As Time Goes By

Hofman-Hagman: Henry Hofman and John G.L. Hagman, merchant tailors at 710 W. Market, from a 1925 listing. There is no listing by 1932. from a 1921 Tuxedo, courtesy As Time Goes By

Hytken's - St. Matthew's, Ky. 1952 - 1998. Hytken's was a exclusive boutique ladies apparel shop with a devoted clientele. Hytken's advertised in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and presented a full season of trunk shows including Bill Blass Couture,Albert Capraro, St. John Knits, Geoffrey Beene, Count Romi, Halston, Hanae Mori, Alper Schwartz, Albert Nipon, Adele Simpson, Albert Nipon, Helga, Michael Novarese, William Pearson, Rodier of Paris, Adele Simpson, St. John, Mary McFadden, Michaele Volbracht and Louis Feraud. from a 1950s Hat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire from a 1950 hat, courtesy As Time Goes By  from a 1960s Coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire   1960 Hytken's ad courtesy of As Time Goes By 1983 Fall Showings, courtesy Shelia Hytken Bialkin

Jefferson Dry Goods - at 237 S. 4th St. ( NE corner of Jefferson) from 1845 to 1960. In 1928 - Meyer Mittenhal was President and F.H. Voelz was the manager. Still seen in advertising in the 1950s.

Jenny Lind: A ladies dress shop named for the popular Swedish singer located on 4th St. from 1915.The founder was Mrs. Edith Norton Menifee.  In the 1928 Caron's Directory, it is shown as The Jenny Lind at   #402 638 S. 4th St., with  Dressmakers Jane L. Lindenbarger and Edith N. Menifee. In the 1946/47 directory, the post-war Jenny Lind had added Jenny Lind Juniors and is listed at 640 S. 4th St. The business was bought from the estate of Edith Menifee in 1958 by Mrs. William Moore and is listed until 1960 at least. This label found in a Jacques Fath for Joseph Halpert ladies suit.   from a ca. 1950 dress suit by Jacques Fath for Joseph Halpert

Kaufman-Straus - Kaufman's was a fine Louisville, Ky department store carrying women’s clothing, furs, linens and menswear founded by Henry Kaufman in 1879 on Jefferson St. between 7th and 8th. In 1883 Benjamin Straus became a partner and the name was changed to Kaufman-Straus Dry Goods. In 1887, Kaufman -Straus moved to 4th St.  By 1891, they were on the east side of 4th  St., south of Liberty in a building designed by Henry Wolters.  Their six story downtown Louisville location at 427 - 437 S. 4th St. was built in 1903 by local Louisville architect Mason Maury on the site of the original public library. They occupied this store until 1971. By  1901 , Kaufman-Straus & Co. had a location in Lexington, Ky. at 12 East Main St.  Kaufman-Straus was bought in 1924 by the City Stores Buying Group. In 1925, they completed an extensive interior renovation. As of 1928, the officers were P. J. Sullivan , John Hill, and John H. Sullivan. In addition to clothing, they also sold dry goods, laces, embroideries, millinery, shoes, draperies, corsets, hosiery, china, cut glass, pictures, books, jewelry, stationary, men's wear and house furnishings. The name was shortened in advertising to Kaufman’s  by 1946, but both names continued to be used into the 1950s. For example, in a 1949 newspaper ad for $2.98 washable linen skirts, both names were used. Occasionally Kaufman’s of Kentuckiana was used in advertising.  In 1960, Kaufman-Straus officially became Kaufman’s of Kentucky. However, this was still often shortened to Kaufman’s in ads and on labels.  The Dixie Manor store opened in 1958. An anchor store in The Mall -St. Matthews called Kaufman’s of Kentucky opened in 1962. In December of 1969, Kaufman’s was sold to Ayres and the name changed yet again. The 4th St. building is now part of 4th St. Live. The heyday for Kaufman’s was the 1950s when it were considered one of the city’s finest stores.  an early label from an unknown garment price tags, courtesy As Time Goes By from a 1940s tie, courtesy As Time Goes By from a 1950s tie from 1950s rhinestone necklace courtesy of As Time Goes By from a 1950s - 60s tie courtesy of As Time Goes By post 1962 hat box, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire from an early 1960s coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire The Kaufman-Straus Facade, adapted to the Louisville Galleria, now part of 4th Street Live

Kleinman's NY Furriers - at 654 S. 4th St since 1918. Caron's 1928 Directory lists George Kleinman as a salesman at NY Furriers and Hyman Kleinman, Manager NY Furriers. They were near the Loews Theatre, now the Palace Theatre. Shown in 1937 photos, Kleinman's is listed in 1951 as on 4th between Chestnut and Broadway. They opened a new store  at Chestnut and 4th in 1962. Kleinman's is now in the Forum Center on Hurstbourne Pkwy. They were and still are retail furriers as well as makers of Kleinman's Living Shoes, a line of custom made orthopedic shoes for men, women and children.   from a 1950s fur coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Levy Bros. - A long lived department store carrying a full line of men's and women's wear including hats, caps, shoes, furnishings, and even a men's and children's barber shop. Henry and Moses Levy started as immigrant German peddlers before the Civil War. The brothers opened their store in 1861 at the NE corner of 3rd St. and Market in a corner room of  a 4 story building. They prospered during the Civil War as suppliers and after that war Levy’s nations’ largest supplier of Confederate for reunions and encampments. In 1889, they purchased the land and started construction in 1892 of the landmark Levy Bros. Bldg., which they completed in 1893. At he turn of the century, their suits were in the $10 price range .Levy's continued to grow and added an annex in 1906. The building still stands and is still features the ca. 1908 electric lights outlining the exterior, leading to a local phrase " Lit up like Levy's". The business also used the phrase " Look for the Bright Spot" in their advertising.  A 1910 letter to a customer indicated they carried a full line of men's golf and tennis wear including shoes. The same letterhead lists men's, ladies and children's shoes, mens and boys clothing and hats. By the late 1920s, the company was run by Fred, Arnold, Stuart H., James H. and Frederick Levy with S.L. Greenebaum. And they had added a branch location in Lexington, Ky  in the 1920s. They started carrying womenswear in 1940s. In 1955 they opened a store in the Shelbyville Rd Plaza. The Levy family closed the Third and Market store on Oct. 10, 1980. The Shelbyville Road Plaza, Bashford Manor Mall and Dixie Manor stores were sold in September 1979. 1984 they closed their Greentree Mall, Jefferson Mall and Southland Terrace branches. Bashford Manor was the last store and closed in 1987.  The last family president was Henry Levy. The downtown building, now on the National Register, still stands, housing a restaurant and loft apts. They carried Hart Schaffner Marx, Palm Beach, Clippercraft, Carson , Botany, Harris Tweeds, Eagle Tweeds, Donegal Tweeds, and Phoenix labels, Dobbs hats and the MacGregor line, Florsheim Shoes, Enro, Arrow and  Manhattan shirts, Bass shoes Fashion Park Clothes, Military Uniforms, and they were a local supplier for Selva Dance shoes, a favorite of Louisville dance academies. Levy Bros. Letterhead from 1910 with Landmark store from a 1900 - 1910 Men's Formal Vest from a 1900 - 1910 Men's Bow Tie from a 1940s Tuxedo from an early  1950s suit from a 1950s  Palm Beach suit, courtesy As Time Goes By from a 1950s men's Suit from a later 1950s tie Levys Bros. Gift Box - courtesy As Time Goes By from a 1970s suit with both downtown & suburban locations   left " Levy Brothers Good Clothes for Men and Boys" and right "Levy Bros.", both  painted on the downtown location

Loevenhart & Co. at SE corner of Market and Third across from Levy Bros. from 1898 - 1995 according to the Encyclopedia of Louisville. Loevenhart's sold men's wear and furnishings and was a military outfitter as well. In 1905, Lee Loevenhart was president. As of 1928, they sold men's and boys clothing, furnishings, hats , caps and shoes. Company officers were Jesse M., Percy J., and Edgar C. Loevenhart. Both Edgar and Jesse lived at the Brown Hotel. left to right: from a 1940s tie, a 1950s Dinner Jacket and a 1950s tie, all courtesy As Time Goes By

Long and Evans - Found in a 1918 Camp Zachary Taylor Souvenir Book: " Merchant Tailors, Speed Building, Main, 460, 4th & Guthrie. Military Outfitters. And in 1928: P.A. Evans and O.C. Kendall, merchant tailors at 302 Speed Bldg. off 4th St. label from a 1947 tuxedo

Martin's: Menswear 1929 - 1997. Founded by Charles and Ruth Martin. Originally the Brown Hotel Men's Shop. They moved to the Commonwealth Building at 684 S. 4th St. in 1936. In 1951, they advertised men’s silk ties at $2.50.  Martin's closed their downtown store in 1977 and did business at Oxmoor Mall from 1971 - 1992. From 1992 Martin's operated at the Forum on Hurstbourne Lane, which closed in January of 1997. Martin's Master Tailor was Salvatori "Sam" DiGiovanni, a native of Sicily, who marked his 33rd year with the company in October of 1997.  They carried Arrow Shirts, Nettleton Shoes, and Martin ties.   from a 1940s tie and a 1950s tie, both courtesy of As Time Goes By

McGill - Malise: A millinery and dress business that grew out of Annie McGill’s millinery shop. By 1902 A. McGill  & Co. was a well known millinery business catering to the carriage trade with Annie McGill and Mary Buchel at 325 S. 4th. By 1912, McGill had moved to 606 S. 4th  and stayed there until at least 1925. From 1930-33 the company changed hands to N.T. Yager, Jr. and moved to 672 S. 4th ,but the name remained. In 1934,  Caron’s listed the company as  A. McGill and Co., Mary J. Kaye and Mrs. Lipscomb Williams, milliners, at 300 W. Broadway. The name was changed in 1935 to A. McGill-Malise milliners, with the same owners. In 1940, it is listed as A. McGill-Malise & Co., Inc., Elise L Williams, President, women’s clothing, 300 W. Broadway. By 1946, they had moved to 664 S. 3rd St and there is a 1951 listing. and by 1953, the company is no longer listed.  .   from an early 1950s dress, courtesy of Elzabeth's Timeless Attire

George Moore: Caron’s City Directory lists them from at least 1946. There are no listing in the 1930s.  They were located at 640 S. 4th St from the 1940s. Between 1963 and 1965  they moved to  540 S. 4th St . They also had a suburban branch at 3710 Lexington Rd as of 1963.  This label is from a Zelinka-Matlink suit. . from a 1950s ladies suit.

Moseson and King: 433 Walnut ( now Muhammad Ali Blvd.) A menswear store in operation from 1919 - 1982 and founded by Harry R. Moseson and Arthur A. King. Mr. King sold out after 1928. Louis Moseson joined in 1947, then he sold out to Paul Eitel 1978. They carried  J. Schoeneman's suits, sport jackets and slacks under the Doncaster label as well as Arrow and Enro shirts, Zero King outerwear, Interwoven socks, Beau Brummel neckwear (including hand painted ties by Beau Brummel for $3 in 1951) and Stetson and Disney hats. Moseson and King did a large business in hats, and was one of the first stores in downtown Louisville where black and white customers tried on hats along side each other. from a 1950s tie, courtesy of As Time goes By   Moseson and King Logo, courtesy Louis Moseson

Rebecca's: First Listing in 1946 as Rebecca and Mary Millinery and Dress Shoppe at 339 W. Broadway. In 1953 , Rebecca’s is shown at  673 4th St (The Brown Hotel). It continued there until at least 1963. from a ca. 1958 Ladies dress

Rodes-Rapier: A fine mens clothing store located originally in the Starks Bldg on 4th St in Louisville Ky. Founded in 1914 by John Price Starks, William Rapier and John Starks Rodes as the Starks Company, they had to change the name to Rodes-Rapier due to legal complications and a suit by the existing menswear business Crutcher & Starks, another top men's quality clothing store. In 1928, W. Read Embry was president (since 1914), W.H. Rapier was 1st VP, Joseph B. Rodes 2nd VP, F.F. Starks Secretary and John S. Rodes Treasurer. Rodes occupied 2 floors downtown in the Starks Building, with an extensive choice of  business, sport and dress attire. The name was changed on store advertising to Rodes on the retirement of William Rapier. As late as 1951, the company  used both Rodes and Rodes-Rapier in an ad for Swank cuffllinks and tie bars priced from $7.50 - $10.  Local ownership continued until 1983. Rodes added women's wear by the 1990s. Rodes has continued to provide top quality men's and later women's wear with high levels of service.  Additional Rodes locations included Oxmoor Mall in St. Matthews which closed in 2003 and stores in TN and IN. The main location moved in 2003 from 4th St to Brownsboro Rd. in Louisville. Rodes also owned Schupp and Snyder, another Louisville menswear store. They were known for their bank and insurance clientele. Lines carried: among others: Hickey-Freeman, Hart Schaffner & Marx, Burberrys, After Six. For more information see: www.rodes.com from a 1933 - 35 Tuxedo from an early 1950s tuxedo  from an early 1950s Palm Beach Sport Coat from a 1950s - 60s suit  from a 1950s Dobbs hat from a 1960s Tuxedo from a 1950s tie from a 1960s suit from a 1970s suit  1918 Ad, listing lyrics of Popular Songs for the Troops Rodes former downtown location in the Starks Building, 2008 Rodes interior signage in the Starks Building, 2008

Shenley-Gordon - located at 514 S. 4th Ave. This business started as Shenley’s Inc. in 1919 and became Shenley-Gordon by 1933. This was a milliner’s and ladies hat shop into the 1960s. The long time manager was Jacob Gallin. They carried the New York Creations line as well as Dobbs 5th Ave. In 1956 , the owners are  shown as  Mrs. Ruth L. Gallin and Jacob Gallin. In the 1950s and 1960s, this shop advertised Ruth Gallin Exclusives and featured Mrs. Gallin’s  photo on their hatboxes.  from a late 1940s hat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire   from a 1960s hat box, courtesy As Time Goes By   from a 1960s hat from a 1960s cap, courtesy of As Time Goes By

Simmonds  -  a downtown store from 1934. The business directory lists Alis Simmonds Shop, Inc., ladies ready-to-wear at 542 S. 4th St. In 1945, they were advertising the 4th St. location, then they relocated in 1946 to 2120 Bardstown Rd. at the Douglass Loop. In 1956, Albert I. Straus was president. Still listed at Bardstown Rd in 1965. The label did not change as late as 1967. They closed by the 1980s. from a 1938  - 1942 evening coat, this  script was still in use on stationary in 1967 from a post 1946 hatbox, courtesy of Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Stewart Dry Goods ( Stewart's)  - A Louisville department store  that dominated Louisville retail trade for years. Stewart's became the premier department store in Louisville, and was one of the largest in the south. They  always advertised to appeal to the carriage trade without pushing the middle class away. Stewart's was founded in 1846 at 3rd and Market St.( later the site of Levy Bros. Building) as Durkee & Heath's New York Store, by  Benjamin Durkee and James Heath. Durkee was the NY based buyer while Heath ran the operation in Louisville. The store moved to  4th and Jefferson in 1853, where it stayed with many expansions, becoming the S. Barker Co. in 1862.  In the later 1860s they  advertised rich failles and lesser silkalines for "the economically inclined". In the 1870s, they  did not yet have show windows, but sold yard goods with sidewalk tables. Jesse Middleton, a long time employee,  and Augustus Sharpe bought and renamed the company in 1880, then they sold to  in 1892, when it was renamed Fessenden & Stewart Co.'s The New York  Store  Finally, when Louis Stewart gained sole control in 1893, it was known as Stewart Dry Goods. Louis Stewart stayed for approximately  10 years, moving on to a career in New York retail, but he made sure Stewart's became a charter member of Associated Dry Goods. On April 15, 1907, Stewart's Dry Good opened the famous  flagship store at 501 S. 4th on the SE corner of Walnut St. (now Muhammad Ali Blvd ). This landmark was designed by Alfred Joseph  of the firm of McDonald and Dodd and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The  store was built across from the grand Seelbach Hotel on the site of the old Warren residence, built 1857. Stewart's was already a  high end department store, but  now became a  downtown landmark and commercial palace known for the Orchid Room, the Luncheonette and the Rebel Room dining facilities. The main store had seven stories with marble floors, reception rooms, a hospital, and 64 departments with everything from custom dressmaking (new in 1907) to custom dress fabric (yardage came with a Stewart's label to put in the garment), a needlework instructor, linens imported from Ireland, books, shoes, gloves, furniture, rugs, china, trunks, glassware and men's sweaters made in Italy. Buying trips to NY and Paris for laces and model gowns were made. After 1907, "the New York Store" phrase figured less and less prominently in their advertising. The old store at 4th and Jefferson became Stewart's Golden Rule Store , an economy venue until 1913. In a 1913 ad, Stewart Dry Goods claimed to have the largest Ready-to-Wear women's department in the South along with the largest dining room in Louisville, where lunch cost .35 cents. Their advertisements at that time referred to the "Stewart Dry Goods Company in connection with James McCreery & Company, New York". The building was enlarged in 1946. The logo "Stewart's" in script begins use in 1947. The first branch store was established in 1951 in Lexington, Ky.And a multi-story expansion was added in 1959.   They opened a branch in the Mall St Matthews in 1966 and a store in Oxmoor Mall on August 5, 1971. In 1969 coats were advertised in the $70 - $80 price range. There are labels with 'Stewart's of Kentucky'. Stewart's merged with L.S. Ayres in Nov 1, 1985. At that time there were 7 stores: 4 in Louisville, 2 in Lexington, and 1 in Evansville, Indiana. The Orchid Room and Luncheonette closed in  1986. In June 1987, Ayres was sold to Snyder's, then in Oct. 1987, Hess's bought Snyder's. In April of 1990, Hess's closed the 4th St flagship store abruptly and never reopened. The building was a Hilliard Lyons Brokerage in the 2000s and still stands. For more information, reminiscences and period photos please see: Stewart's: A Louisville Landmark by Kenneth L. Miller, 1991. Lines: included Davidow, Adrian, Adolph Blank, Kingsley, Vanity Fair   early Stewart's Hat Box, possibly Teens from a post 1943 gift box   from a glove box, possibly post 1951,courtesy of As Time Goes By from a 1940s Christmas gift box, courtesy  As Time Goes By  from a 1940s Christmas gift box, courtesy  As Time Goes By   from a 1940s hat box, courtesy  As Time Goes By    a transitional label from a 1946-47 Adrian Suit   from a 1950 hat, courtesy of As Time Goes By from a 1950s men's tie from a 1950s Coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire also seen in white with black text    from a ca 1953 Ladies Suit, and in use into the 1960s   from a 1960s ladies winter coat by Kinglsey   brown and white version from a 1950s men's suit   Three linens labels showing the progression of fonts and names, courtesy of As Time Goes By Stewart's shipping label, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire   1980s Stewart's Christmas Shopping Bag, courtesy As Time Goes By   Stewart's at 4th & Muhammad Ali Blvd., across from the Starks Building & the Seelbach Hotel, 2008 - 2009 Stewart's Furniture Warehouse - Broadway

Walsh the Tailor - Patrick F. Walsh is listed in Caron's as a  Merchant Tailor 110 S. 4th St. in 1912. In 1928, A.W. Fryell is shown as president and E.W. Zang as secretary.Walsh the Tailor continues at this location until at least 1958.   label from a custom tailored 1910 Cutaway

Wearbest Clothing Co. - at 302 W. Market from 1932  - 1965. In 1928, the owner was Herman Hindel. from a 1940s Tuxedo, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Younger's: ( Younger Reliable Furriers) founded 1911. In 1928 , at 637 S. 4th between Chestnut and Broadway and still there as of 1951. In the 1928 City Directory, Jacob Younger was the owner and Harry Yudofsky, the furrier. By 1946, they were advertising as Youngers.  from a 1950s fur coat, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Yudofsky Furriers: Located from 1933 -1973 in Heyburn Bldg. Yudofsky's had a location in Oxmoor by the early 1970s. Downtown they moved to the Starks Bldg in the mid 1970s. Founder Joseph Yudofsky was the master furrier. After his death in 1988, ownership passed to his wife Dorothy and now has passed to their daughter Joy. In 2006 Yudofsky's moved the Oxmoor store to Holiday Manor. For more information:  www.yfur.com/History/history.html    from a 1950s Fur Stole, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire from a 1950s Fur coat,courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire a Yudofsky's Hat Box, courtesy Elizabeth's Timeless Attire

Sources: for Hytken's entry: Sheila Hytken Bialkin, for the Schenley -Gordon entry: Carol Vowels, for Moseson and King: Louis Moseson and Carol Moseson Savkovich.  200 Years at the Falls of the Ohio, Business First - 1997 article by Terry Boyd, Courier-Journal and Times newspaper clippings courtesy of the Louisville Free Public Library, www.gusmayer's.com,  Historic Photos of Louisville, The  Encyclopedia of Louisville,  Louisville Since the Twenties, Louisville Then and Now, www.rodes.com, www.yfur.com , many labels courtesy of Elizabeth's Timeless Attire and As Time Goes By both in Louisville, KY,  Caron's Louisville Directory 1902 - 1965, Who's Who in Louisville 1926 by W.T. Owens, Business and Professional Directory of Louisville, Ky. New Albany and Jeffersonville, Ind. 1916,. A Commercial History of the State of Kentucky, 1913, Louisville Fifty Years Ago, 1923, Paducah Sun 11/20/1903, KY Irish-American 8/7/1909, Asa S. Chinn Downtown Lexington , KY Photographic Collection. Bacon's Welcomes a second 100 years,1945 by James Speed, Stewart's: A Louisville Landmark, 1991 by  Kenneth L. Miller, Down the Century with Stewart's 1846-1946, by Isabel McMeekin, Jewish Louisville,   Louisville Guide 2004 by Luker, Domer and Mohney.

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