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May Department Stores Company

 Organization

Biography

The May Company was founded by David May in Leadville, Colorado in 1887 where he and his partners sold Levis and long, red, woolen underwear. His second "chain" store was in Irwin, Colorado. In 1887 he started the store in Denver. In 1905, the business headquarters were moved to St. Lewis and in 1910 the business was incorporated as the May Department Store's Company. In 1956 the company acquired Daniels and Fisher Co. in Denver and became known as May D and F in Denver. In 2005, the May stores were folded into Macy Department Stores.

Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:

Beck Archives Businesses Collection

 Collection
Identifier: B112
Abstract

The Businesses Collection reflects the diverse role Jews played in the economic growth of the American West, particularly within Colorado. It includes a paper on Jewish businesses and articles and documents from and about a variety of businesses, dating from 1890 to 2007.

Dates: Coverage: 1861-2015; Majority of material found in 1920-1985

Beige Straw Hat with Velvet Ribbon and Tulle, between 1920-1940

 Item
Identifier: B107.01.0002.00003
Abstract

A woman's large brimmed, wire-framed straw hat trimmed with black velvet ribbon at the base of the crown and at the edge and center of the brim. Four square cuts of black organdy are steamed into floral shapes and mounted across the front of the hat. The hat is lined with black grosgrain ribbon inside and two attached interior labels read: ''22; M.S.ca.'' and ''The May Co; Denver''.

Dates: between 1920-1940

Black Velvet Hat, circa 1953

 Item
Identifier: B178.01.0003.00001
Abstract A soft brim wire framed black velvet hat. The center back has an additional piece of grosgrain ribbon rolled tightly and a small ornamental golden ball stitched into place on top of the roll of grosgrain. The lining of the hat is black taffeta and it has a black grosgrain ribbon hat band. The main interior label in front has: ''May D & F'' and the inside label in back reads: ''Union Made 129901 in USA 6.'' The second interior label in front reads: ''design by d. charles.'' Originally...
Dates: circa 1953

Blazing the Trail: An Early History of Denver’s Jewish Community, 2009

 Item
Identifier: B230.03.0023.00008
Abstract

Brief description of several early Jewish leaders of commerce, philanthropy, religion, and community as well as several Jewish lawyers, doctors, merchants, and politicians in Colorado.

Dates: 2009

Box 6, 1938-1993

 File — Box B097.04.0006: Series B097.04 [Barcode: U186020759239]
Identifier: B097.04.0006
Abstract

(7) file folders include: photographs of Fashion Bar buildings, events, logo images, employees, and Hannah and Jack Levy. Photos of trips to Hong Kong, Italy and Israel with Golda Meir. Also a photo with May D and F visible.

Dates: 1938-1993

From Peddlers to Merchant Princes: Early Colorado Jewish Entrepreneurs, 2006

 Item
Identifier: B230.03.0023.00005
Abstract Jews played a central role in the development of Colorado through their contributions to economic life and development. Denver's first mercantile store was opened by Jewish citizen Fred Salomon in 1859. Before long, stores run by Jewish merchants and their family members in search of work and wealth flourished on the main streets of most Colorado towns including, Denver, Central City, Leadville, Trinidad, and Fairplay. This film focuses on the lives of a number of early merchants, including...
Dates: 2006

Making a Living, Panel 1, 2001

 Item — Object B297.02.01.00034: Series B297.02 [Barcode: U18602328605]
Identifier: B297.02.01.00034
Abstract

One of 12 exhibit display panels from the exhibit "Blazing the Trail: Denver's Jewish Pioneers." Panel titled "Making a Living" features more historical information and includes David May and Leopold Guldman.

Dates: Other: 2001

May Company Advertisement, 1920

 Item
Identifier: B091.01.0001.0002.00003
Abstract May Company advertisement for a sale on hats. The advertisement has drawings of two men with hats and is advertising the sale of the hats for $3.85. There is ink on the reverse of the card because this is an example of an ''advertising blotter.'' David May immigrated to Colorado from Bavaria and started his first clothing store in Leadville in 1887. Later David May opened branches of his store in Irwin, Central City and Denver, Colorado. David May was an active supporter of National Jewish...
Dates: 1920

The May Company/David May, 1952-1979

 File
Identifier: B112.03.0001.0010
Abstract

File contains a history/biography by M.A. student Byron Bronstein on ''The Gladiator of Low Prices: the Saga of David May in Early Colorado'' from Spring 1979. File also contains a "Special Edition of the Mayfare" entitled "The May Co. Celebrates Sevelty-Five Years of Progress. 1877 - 1952".

The May Company was founded by David May in 1877.

Dates: 1952-1979

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 8
Collection 1
 
Subject
Denver (Colo.) 6
Colorado 5
Clothing and dress 4
Jews 4
Jewish businesspeople 3