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Fashion Bar (Denver, Colo.)

 Organization

Biography

Siblings Hannah, Jack and Edward Levy immigrated to America in the 1920s. Jack Levy came to America in 1923, headed to Denver, and began working at his uncle's business, Hilb and Company. Edward Levy reached Denver in 1925 and also started working for Hilb and Company, eventually becoming the president. After working in New York City for 20 months at menial jobs, Hannah moved to Denver in the fall of 1927. Jack started as a traveling salesman for the Hilb company and Hannah as a shop-girl at Neusteters Department store, before Jack opened a hosiery store, which evolved into the Fashion Bar Corporation. Despite the Great Depression, the enterprise flourished, and within three years, Fashion Bar grew to five clothing stores. William Weil, a distant cousin, became a salesman for the company, and in 1968, he became president of the company. By the 1980s, Fashion Bar employed over 1700 people in over 84 specialty clothing stores. Fashion Bar became the largest privately owned chain in Colorado. Hannah and Jack Levy remained involved in the business until their deaths. The Fashion Bar Company was sold in 1992. Hannah and Jack Levy remained involved in the business until their deaths. The Fashion Bar Company was sold in 1992.

Sources: https://www.immigrantentrepreneurship.org/entry.php?rec=268 (article by Jeanne Abrams (2016). Tales of a Little Trunk by Hannah Shwayder Berry. Obituaries.

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

Box 12, 1900-1993

 File — Box B097.01.0012: Series B097.01 [Barcode: U186022111461]
Identifier: B097.01.0012
Abstract

(1) framed photo of Denver Street James Hotel, future site of first Fashion Bar store (c. 1900); (1) framed photo portrait of Jack Levy (c. 1970).

Dates: 1900-1993

Box 13, 1934-2002

 File
Identifier: B265.02.0013
Abstract

Box contains eleven (11) file folders, five (5) of which are from the personal papers series. The file folders contain the Weil family tree; a copy of William Weil's high school diploma, Japanese Language School reunion booklet, and identification cards; William Weil's memorial service materials; William Weil's 2002 correspondence; and Kathe Jervis' 2002 correspondence.

Dates: 1934-2002

Box 13, c. 1880 - 2002

 File — Box B256.01.0013: Series B265.01 [Barcode: U186023293486]
Identifier: B265.01.0013
Abstract

Box contains eleven (11) file folders, six (6) of which are from the photographs, scrapbooks, and clippings series. File folders contain portrait photos of Weil ancestors; Levy family photos; photos of Bill and Elise Weil; scrapbook pages; newspaper clippings about William Weil; and a VHS of family photos entitled "Weil: Reflections 1944-1990".

Dates: c. 1880 - 2002

Levy Family Portrait, circa 1929

 Item
Identifier: B063.05.0005.00023
Abstract

Bertha and Raphael Levy stand in the center, surrounded by their children. Jack and Hannah stand to Bertha's right, and Edward Levy is to Raphael's left. Kate and Ruth Levy are sitting in the grass. This photograph was taken in Denver, Colorado. Hannah and Jack Levy were the founders of the Fashion Bar retail women's clothing stores throughout Colorado.

Dates: circa 1929

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  • Subject: Jewish families X

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Jewish businesspeople 2
Jewish families 2
Jewish families -- Colorado 2
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Stores, Retail 2