Fashion Bar (Denver, Colo.)
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 11 Collections and/or Records:
Bill Weil, between 1960-1970
Formal studio portrait of Bill Weil, manager of Fashion Bar.
Bill Weil, between 1940-1960
Formal studio portrait of Bill Weil, manager of Fashion Bar.
Bill Weil, between 1940-1960
Formal studio portrait of Bill Weil, manager of Fashion Bar.
Bill Weil, between 1970-1990
Formal studio portrait of Bill Weil, manager of Fashion Bar.
Bill Weil, between 1980-2002
Formal studio portrait of Bill Weil, manager of Fashion Bar.
Box 1: Brown Leather Suitcase, between 1938-1993
A brown leather suitcase with two leather straps across the sides that buckle at the top. Two metal snaps are along the side of the top and a metal latch with a lock is featured in the middle. Originally belonged to Hannah Levy.
Box 13, 1934-2002
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.
Box 13, c. 1880 - 2002
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".
Levy Family Portrait, circa 1929
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.
Oral History Interview with Siblings Hannah and Jack Levy, 1983 October 18
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- Archival Object 10
- Collection 1
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- Denver (Colo.) 8
- Colorado 7
- Jewish men 5
- Photographs 5
- Department stores 2
- Jewish families -- Colorado 2
- Jewish merchants 2
- Jews 2
- Stores, Retail 2
- Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.) 1
- Clothing trade 1
- Correspondence 1
- Diplomas 1
- Family histories 1
- Family-owned business enterprises -- Colorado -- Denver 1
- Fashion 1
- Funeral service 1
- Identification cards 1
- Jewish businesspeople 1
- Jewish businesspeople -- Colorado 1
- Jewish businesspeople -- Colorado -- Denver 1
- Jewish families 1
- Jewish women 1
- Memorial service 1
- Merchants 1
- Oral histories 1
- Photograph albums 1
- Portraits 1
- Social life and customs 1
- Suitcases 1
- Video Home System (VHS) 1
- Wedding anniversaries 1
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