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Levy, Hannah, 1905-1984

 Person

Biography

Hannah Levy became a nationally known fashion expert, traveling extensively to New York, Europe, and Asia to buy clothes for Fashion Bar, which was started by her brother Jack in 1933. Fashion Bar became the largest privately owned chain in Colorado. Hannah was born in the town of Haigerloch, near Stuttgart in Southern Germany, on May 19, 1918, to Raphael and Bertha Hilb Levy. Hannah's uncle, Isidore Hilb, came to Denver in the early 1900s and founded Hilb and Company, a wholesale clothing supply business. Jack Levy came to Denver in 1923 to work at his uncle's company as a salesman. Hannah Levy reached New York in 1925, working at menial jobs for 20 months to earn enough money for a train ticket to Denver. She worked as a cleaner, a nanny, a manicurist, and a delicatessen worker. Hannah Levy supported many Jewish, civic, and cultural causes, including Temple Emanuel, Rose Hospital, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Denver Symphony, Jewish Community Center, and the University of Denver's Holocaust Awareness Institute.After a 50-year career at Fashion Bar, Hannah Levy died December 1, 1984.

Citation

Not found in LCNAF or VIAF. mmata 2016-10-26

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 15 Collections and/or Records:

A Legacy of Caring : Early Colorado Jewish Women, 2004

 Item
Identifier: B230.03.0023.00003
Abstract

Brief biographies of Jewish women from Colorado who help set up as well as work in charitable orgnazitions in Colorado. Written and directed by Jeanne Abrams for the 2004 RMJHS Dinner.

Dates: 2004

Bill Weil and Hannah Levy, between 1940-1960

 Item
Identifier: B063.05.0052.00068
Abstract

Bill Weil and Hannah Levy pose together on a hill overlooking Florence, Italy. A bridal couple can be seen posing with their photographer in the background.

Dates: between 1940-1960

Box 1: Brown Leather Suitcase, between 1938-1993

 Item — Box B097.03.0001: Series B097.03 [Barcode: U186020735984]
Identifier: B097.03.0001.00001
Abstract

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.

Dates: between 1938-1993

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

Box 8, 1950-1990

 File — Box B097.01.0008: Series B097.01 [Barcode: U186020759255]
Identifier: B097.01.0008
Abstract

(1) file folder of Hannah Levy achievement awards; (1) bound master copy of Hannah's awards (1976-1985); news magazines, news clippings, and articles.

Dates: 1950-1990

Box 9, 1961

 File — Box B097.0009: Series B097.04 [Barcode: U186020759263]
Identifier: B097.04.0009
Abstract

Scrapbook from 1961 European Trip. Includes trip itinerary.

Dates: 1961

Box 11, 1980-1990

 File — Box B097.01.0011: Series B097.01 [Barcode: U186022111445]
Identifier: B097.01.0011
Abstract

(1) framed interview with Hannah Levy; (1) framed governor's proclomation of Jack Levy day; (1) news article honoring Jack Levy at Rose Celebration, mounted on wood.

Dates: 1980-1990

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, 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

Fashion Bar and Levy Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: B097
Abstract 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...
Dates: 1938-1993; Coverage: 1900-1993

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 14
Collection 1
 
Subject
Jews 8
Denver (Colo.) 7
Jewish businesspeople 5
Jewish women 5
Photographs 5