Hoffman, Harry, 1908-1988
Biography
Harry Hoffman was born in Denver in 1908. The son of Russian immigrants Fanny and Morris Hoffman, Harry helped out in his parents' grocery store, sold newspapers, and left school at age 14 to work full time in the family businesses (groceries and clothing). He married Lillian Butler in 1935. Later, Lillan founded the Colorado Committee of Concern for Soviety Jewry. Self-taught and well-read, Hoffman learned all about liquor and wine as he opened a liquor business in 1937. Four years later, Harry Hoffman Liquors was the leading liquor dealer in Denver. By 1965, he had approximately 800,000 customers a year and sold more than one million bottles annually, including over 1,-000 wine selections. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and respect for his customers. He also ignored a picket line in front of his store by Communists protesting Lil's efforts on behalf of Soviet Jewry. He died in 1988.
Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:
Harry and Morris Hoffman Standing Inside Hoffman Liquor Store, circa 1955
Harry Hoffman and his father, Morris, pictured in the 1950s, stand next to a display at Denver's landmark Hoffman Liquor Store. The liquor establishment was founded in 1937.
Harry Hoffman, 1994
Harry Hoffman in Front of His Father's Store, circa 1929
Harry Hoffman stands in front of his father's clothing store surrounded by jackets and boots. More shoes and clothing can be seen in window displays on either side of the door.
Lillian and Henry Hoffman, 1971
8 mm audio reel from Radio Moscow.
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- Denver (Colo.) 3
- Jewish men 3
- Colorado 2
- Jews 2
- Liquor Stores 2
- Biography 1
- Businesspeople 1
- Communism 1
- Family-owned business enterprises 1
- Grocers 1
- Immigrants 1
- Jewish businesspeople 1
- Merchants 1
- Moscow (Russia) 1
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- Russia 1
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